Infinite Chic

While there may be many glamorous occasions that Hollywood rolls out the red carpet for, the Academy Awards is the one we all wait in anticipation for every year.  Not only to see if our favorite movies gets nominated, but also to see what everybody wears!  This year was no exception to the glamour and stunning garments that sparkled on the red carpet to the Kodak Theater.

Overall I think that the oscar for my  favorite dress of 2009 is a tie between the High School Musical diva Vanessa Hudgens and the always stunning and elegant Natalie Portman.  Vanessa chose a beautiful mermaid frock by Marchesa , a personal favorite of mine.  The floral decor on the bodice was such a nice contrast to the deep black of the rest of the dress.  The vertical sequined striped also broke up the black of the dress creating an elegant and perfect red carpet look.  I am in love with this dress, I am assuming that we can expect many great things from this young actress on the red carpet.

Natalie, Natalie, Natalie.  As per usual, she looked amazing.  She chose very well with her pink Rodarte gown.  It created such a beautiful and sleek silhouette for her tiny figure.  I love the way the gown drapes in a somewhat grecian manner and i love the intertwining bodice with the sparkles in-between the layers.  Overall, this dress is amazing and such a beautiful color.  I also love that there is not an onslaught of jewelry to take away from this gorgeous dress!  The dark nail polish is edgy and fun, I love the look.  Bravo Natalie, you are always a winner!

A few other winners of the evening; Amy Adams and Taraji Henson.  Amy went with a stunning crimson Carolina Herrera dress with beautiful draping in the front.  This color was such a wonderful choice for her complexion and her pale skin.  Many people have said that her necklace threw off the look of the gown, but I think that it is a really fun accessory.  It adds more color to her look, especially because her hair and dress are red.  I love the dark piping on the bodice, I think it is those small details that make this dress really shine.

Taraji looks amazing!  I love this Roberto Cavalli dress with the bandaged look, but more fabric giving it a more elgant feel.  The color is beautiful on her and I love her simple, sassy hairstyle.  This dress is truly a work of art.  It seems to flutter at the edges and the train falls perfectly with an air of grace and true elegace.  The red clutch is a striking contrast which I think adds to her look along with her oversized, glitzy necklace.  While it is not something I think I could pull off, I think that the simplicity of her dress and hair makes the necklace stand out in a good way.  Love the dress, love the look!

Last, but definitely not least, Anne Hathaway was quite a stunner is her Armani Prive dress.  There is so much detailing on this garment!  I love that it is all sparkles and it is the perfect mix of old Hollywood and modern day red carpet looks!  It is so becoming on her and the way it flares are the bottom is such a pretty silhouette.  I think we will probably be seeing a lot more of this silhouette this year, it is definitely a winner! 

All of these fine ladies made the cut for my favorites list, but there were many more stunning stars out there this year.  Can’t wait for next year!  The Academy’s fashion just wiped away my winter blues…I don’t know about you!

I sometimes forget that the clothing and accessories I choose to put on are making a statement to others. Everything you wear is an expression of your creativity, values and fashion. When people look at the way you hold yourself and what you pick out to wear what do you want them to think? Many companies have started promoting green campaigns, fashionable and environmentally conscious. As I’ve mentioned before there are a lot of super cute clothes that are organically made, a little pricier because of their natural upbringing, but very good quality. Lately, a lot of well known clothing companies have jumped on the bandwagon and are expressing their ecologically conscious message through a variety of fun ways. Their message is not only a good one, but the way they are pioneering this revolution is unique and clever.

Juicy Couture happens to be one of my favorite names in the business and I was really excited when they started going in a bit of a different direction (slowly but surely.) Their usual stuff is very girly, pink and over the top, which in some cases is an awesome way to express their style. These earrings and necklace set are really fun while conveying a message. Peace signs have been popping up a lot lately, Juicy is not the only one using this popular sign. But the fact that a higher end name is makes it interesting. I think I would buy and wear this set, its simple and girly but still expresses a good message.

This jewelry set is an example that higher price points aren’t the only companies that use this message. These can be found at Forever 21 and in a couple price points down the ladder. I think these are very fun, I have never really seen the recycling sign used for jewelry before. Definitely on other accessories, but these are different than I’ve seen everywhere else. They come in silver and gold, depending on your preference and are a fun accessory for a very affordable price. If someone had pitched the idea of making these earring i would’ve definitely been skeptical, but now that I see them I think they are really cute and might actually buy them!

Jewelry is not the only area where these awesome messages can be sent, in this case more font and words are used to send a more blunt and handcrafted message. Juicy strikes again with this fun shirt adding some spice to your average “go green” slogan. Props to them for making this idea work with the rest of their collection! The tote is from American Eagle and sends a more intricate message than your graphic recycle sign by itself would. It is made of natural burlap which also enforces the natural message.

In addition to the stores and designers we already know, it’s fun to check out the breakout designers in the field of organic clothing production. This company is called Zooey and Love and Eight, all of their clothing is made from natural, organic materials including bamboo! Their shirts are fun and cute, and the messages they send make a impact. As if that isn’t enough, two dollars from every sale goes to benefit the organization Healthy Child Healthy World. Talk about doing their good deed for the day. I love their slogan “Think Green B Cool”, it not only sends a positive message about conserving our resources, but it also relates it to the world of fashion we are immersed in.

This past year has been a green one for Barneys New York. I already blogged on their awesome green holiday campaign and they have now taken it to a new level for spring 2008. Over the week of April 17-23, they made an offer shoppers couldn’t refuse. By bringing in your old, used t-shirts, you would get 20% off of their latest showcased organic line Loomstate. The t-shirts are to be taken and fashioned into an exclusive Loomstate Holiday Line to premier this coming Christmas. Sound pretty awesome right? Not only are they promoting organic goods but they are actually recycling our oldies into fun new clothes! I’m really impressed by the effort they’ve put into this new “Big Green Apple” idea, they seem to go above and beyond other companies idea of being eco-friendly. I’m also excited because they will be the example to all of us that looking chic doesn’t mean we can’t be environmentally friendly. Go green, be cool and think organic!

In the words of Tyra, who wants to be fierce? Fierce has many different meanings, in her case its talking about being someone that stands out. In my case it’s about making your outfit stand out. Over the past couple years animal prints have been coming back in. I’m not talking about going overboard, I’m talking about how a little animal instinct can spice up your outfit in a good way. Accessories are the best way to add flair; bright colors, bold patterns and interesting prints. It is always fun to experiment with new shoes, purses and jewelry and to take a walk on the wild side. You can never have too many accessories, so it is OK to get something a little bit outside of your comfort zone.

Because shoes are my favorite we’ll start there. I would have to say that i love leopard print shoes, they are chic and adorable. I was a little hesitant about them when they first started showing up a couple years ago but definitely warmed up to them in the end. I think they look best with solid colors, especially black and blue, but they can be paired with almost any color as long as the patterns aren’t too invasive. Betsey Johnson on the left, I LOVE THESE SHOES. I can’t get enough of them. Pair them with a cute summer dress and you’re set to go. On the right is Charles by Charles David. I think these are cute for summer too because of the cork wedge. They are fun and more daring than your usual summer sandal.

Next we have bags, my second favorite thing to buy a million of. An important thing to remember is that leopards are not the only wild animal with a bold and beautiful print that inspires fashion designers everywhere. While leopard is the most popular print off of the safari, I love the idea of expanding to other great sources for prints. For example, on the right is Dooney and Bourke from the Giraffe collection. I think it is so creative and cute. They did a really good job with the colors and the print design. On the left is a chic cheetah prink bag made by LAMB by Gwen Stefani. She uses a more stylized version of the print which makes it a little different than the rest out there.

Betsey Johnson strikes again with her awesome, unique accessory repertoire. She is really good at making her pieces bold and striking, but not overpowering. She uses really intense and concentrated prints that would usually make small accessories look sloppy and too busy, but with her creative style she always manages to make them look fabulous. Both of these pairs of earrings are Betsey and I think they both are really well done. The zebra print on the left is another example of avoiding the typical leopard and choosing to be different.

I know I’ve been throwing the “L” word around a lot lately, but I feel like it is the only way to express how I feel about all of the great trends we have out there right now. An example of this: bangles. They have bee around for decades and are still in full swing. I really enjoy all of the variations and colors you can get, chunky, sterling, neon etc. Animal print is no exception to the rule. These bangles are really fun and a great way to subtly accessorize an outfit and take a small step onto the wild side without jumping right in. The bangles on the left are Sequin and I think that the colors are really pretty and mesh very well together. The bracelets on the left are Dolce and Gabbana, and are a little more flashy than your normal bangles. Whichever way you choose to go, it will accent your style in the perfect way.

You might need some of those sunglasses to read this next blog! NEWS FLASH: neon is no longer only for blacklight parties and construction workers, anyone can sport this trendy look. Some people may say that the ’80s are out, but if they are referring to neon they are very very wrong. Although these bright colors mirror the ’80s trends, now and improved ways of wearing these colors to best accent your look have showed up alongside the vintage stylings.
The number one reason that makes it acceptable to wear neon clothing and accessories is that even our top dogs in fashion are doing it! Neon has definitely been seen on the runways in the last year, connected with big names like Moschino, Prada, La Perla and Dolce & Gabbana. Check it out-

See–there has got to be something to it if these designers are picking neons up and making them fabulous! Not to say that they are the first ones sporting the trend because I know for a fact there are a bunch of “I-wore-it-before-it-was-popular’s” out there, not to mention the generations preceding our time that worked the 80s fashions.

I’ll dive right into this neon craze with blue. I love blue, since I could choose things for myself blue has been my all time favorite color. This season I’ve been so delighted to find so many BRIGHT and BOLD shades in my color choices. I love both of these outfits, the left on is Moschino and the right it Burberry Prorsum. The left picture is more of a true neon blue because of it’s lighter and brighter tone. I had to include the one on the right because I think it is a perfect example of how neons have affected the colors we wear today. Although it is a solid, classic royal blue, it is also different than the traditional shade because it is more shocking and bold than previous similar shades.

Alrighty, now that we’ve seen what fashion’s brilliant minds did with neons, what can you do in your life? First of all, neons can be found in all different price points. Whether you’re shopping at Saks or at your local party store (a GREAT place to find funky neon jewelry.) For example, the bag on the left is Marc Jacobs and can be purchased at Nordstorm. I love the acid green color of this bag, I actually like the entire style. I think it is very unique and it will definitely turn heads. On the right are flip flops sold at American Eagle. If you’re looking for a little something to brighten your look, but not ready to shock them, go with these cute summer sandals. If yellow is not your color, both the bag and shoes come in a variety of different neon colors, there has got to be one in there that suits you.

I mentioned before that my favorite color since I was very little is blue, but as I’ve grown older I’ve definitely come to appreciate pink more. In fact, I would say that I’ve gone through pink phases the last couple years and been completely obsessed with the color. I love colorful accessories, which is why I’m crazy in love with this neon pink accessory craze that has hit us in the last few years. On the left we have plastic neon sunglasses from Urban Outfitters, notorious for using neons in their lines for YEARS. The glasses look straight out of the 80s, they are not only fun, but vintage, minus the wear, too. On the right American Eagle strikes again with this classic, simple, colorful belt. This is one of those items that you can wear year round but in the summer it hits it’s peak. I love this style of belt, it provides just a little color and has the ability to complete an outfit in less than 5 seconds.

If you’re not ready to take the step into wearing large amounts of neon colors in your outfit, try a little sneak preview on your toes or fingers. I think neon nail polish is my first choice in summer shades. I love the little bit of bright color it adds so subtly (yes I just used neon and subtle in the same sentence.) It really is subtle because its not a giant chunk of color, its little delicate patches. In fact, the last time I went in for a pedi I got this electrifying pink put on and have gotten more compliments than I ever have on my feet! Not to mention, every time I look down at my feet I’m even more surprised at how bright it REALLY is. Flip flop season is here, time to embrace it and make those feet bright and fun to look at!

It’s ok to wear colors not found in your natural habitat, (maybe in the rainforest on some random tree frogs you might find neons.) It is OK to be a little shocking with your color choice, after all it is only your clothing and accessories. It makes a statement, which is kind of the main point of finding your own personal style. So get out there and find something that can only be described as shocking, electrifying or crazy.

…and it happens to be VERY in. Especially if it looks anything like Old Hollywood Glamour. This genre of fashion, hairstyles, great shoes and ladylike attitudes has spanned over so many generations it’s too hard to count. Old Hollywood is something that will NEVER go out. Channeling Old Hollywood is not something new, but it can definitely be seen in today’s popular culture. Magazines with themed photo shoots, period films from the era and fashion ALL over the red carpet.

Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, the silver screened sirens of the Old Hollywood era, made an impact SO huge that people today rely on their put together looks for their own fashion advice. Audrey Hepburn, left, brought the black into the picture. With her little black dress, and cropped black pants, she showed us that black is for ALL occasions, casual and formal. Grace Kelly always has the poise and elegant manner of the perfect lady and she definitely dressed the part.

Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, on the left, brought on a fashion mania when she stepped onto the scene in the 60’s. With her cute pillbox hat and signature pink suit, she showed us that it IS possible to be a lady and look professional and FABULOUS at the same time. Last but not least, Marilyn Monroe, sex bomb of Old Hollywood. Not only was she beautiful, but striking and sexy as well. She brought out the “fierce”, (to quote Tyra Banks,) in women’s fashion with daring clothing and her unforgettable platinum blonde hair that would be mimicked for generations to come.

Vanity Fair seems to have picked up on this Old Hollywood fashion craze. In the March 2008 issue they showcased what they called the “The 10 Fresh Faces of 2008.” Included in this bunch of Chanel clad ladies was Amy Adams, Ellen Page, America Ferrera and Zoe Saldana, as well as many others. The issue is titled “The Hollywood Issue” and all of the women on the cover are dressed in Chanel, the collection inspired by our leading ladies from Old Hollywood. On the right we have the lovely Katherine Heigl featured in the January 2008 issue and inside there is an AMAZING spread of Old Hollywood inspired fashion, nobody does it better than Heigl.

But these ladies definitely come close…giving Heigl a run for her money are (from left to right) Reese Witherspoon, Amy Adams and Keira Knightly. All three of these dresses are perfect examples of Old Hollywood in popular culture today. I alsboultely love how Knightly’s dress makes her look so elegant and creates curves for her! Adams’ dress is my favorite and I think it’s because of how the bodice is done in contrast to the skirt. Witherspoon’s dress is beautiful as well, and looks the most classic out of the three.

As you can see, leading ladies all over the place are channeling this trend. Scarlett Johansson, who is great at pulling off her platinum locks, shows off her Old Hollywood glamour in the latest Louis Vuitton campaign. On the right, Vanity Fair strikes again with a photo shoot capturing Hayden Panettiere’s playful side as a cute pinup girl, all of the shots from that spread are adorable. In my opinion, Old Hollywood is the way to go, it’s classy, elegant and ladylike and most likely will never go out of style!

I took last week off from school and work to jet over to the East Coast (apologies for not writing in the last week, I was too preoccupied being relaxed.) It was a refreshing taste of relaxation before returning to the busy world of everyday life. Airports are one of my favorite places to be, not only because it has to be one of the safest places on the planet but also to check out the styling bags everybody travels with. This trip was exceptionally colorful in the types of bags people were carrying, maybe it’s because they do it differently on the other side of the country. No matter what it is, I’ve decided that my luggage needs a makeover.

When it comes to duffels, Betsey and Coach do it best. These cute pieces really make packing for a trip fun. The Coach is the classic print and the brown and tan match everything, but if you’re looking for something frivolous and fun the Betsey Johnson rolling duffel in lipstick red really makes you stand out among the hustle and bustle of travel life.

Suitcases galore! For the more classical style suitcase with a little flair check out these pieces. Not to mention they’ll match the duffels above that you’re considering purchasing. Why shouldn’t travel be as fun as the vacation that awaits at the end of the plane ride? I am a firm believer in the fact that one cannot have TOO MANY cute things!

I couldn’t talk about fashionable luggage and NOT talk about the master: Louis Vuitton. The bag on the left is the classic keep-all from Vuitton and I definitely saw at least three travelers carrying them in the airport this weekend. The Betsey Johnson bag on the right is part of her new line and is a very fun accessory to the humdrum plane ride. Both bags are more of a carry-on, because you cannot just have fabulous checked luggage, your carry-on must be equally fabulous AND extra points if your entire matching set is fabulous. HAPPY TRAVELS!

If there’s one thing everyone remembers about their trips to Seattle it’s a combination between the Starbucks on every corner and the torrential downpour that happens almost every day. So obviously one needs to equip themselves with appropriate clothing to suit the weather! Luckily for every one of us, designers seem to have anticipated even the stormiest weather in their lines

These boots will definitely keep the rain out, while still making a statement. I love that they’re simple but striking. A lot of the Burberry collection is that way with their signature looks that never go out of style.

I would have to say these are my favorite, actually Coach everything is my favorite. I love the springy colors, especially the hot pink, and the plaid. I think they nailed the idea of rain boots, because these remind me of sunshine which is exactly what I want to be thinking about on a rainy day in Seattle!

These boots are Sperry Topsider, so you can basically guarantee they are the most comfortable thing you will ever wear. Not to mention that plaid is always a winner, it always gives you a variety of colors to match with it and makes your dreary rain day outfit fun and colorful. Why should you have to look depressed on a rainy day? Just add a little color..and a little spring in your step.

There is something to be said about staying classy, and if there is one thing I want people to remember about my personal style it is exactly that. In fact, as I get older, I find that i start holding up my fashion sense against the “classic” ideals because I want to start gravitating in that direction. It’s nice to see that designers that have been around for a while are still alive and kicking, and the new collections that they just launched are no exception to their original rules about staying fabulous.

These PRADA pumps provide a new twist to the classic black shoe. With their cute peep toe and elegant black bow they give choices when usually, you’re faced with an ordinary black pump. Not to mention how cute they would be with that little black dress OR some dark washed denim!

These Gucci boots are to DIE for. I love the gold accents and the peep toe, it really spices up the normal heeled ankle boot trend. Not to mention the extremely high stiletto heel. Honestly, I’ve always overlooked Gucci shoes because they’ve always screamed “too old for me” with their classic, sleek style. But now with their new edgy but classy updates I’m dying to own a pair and equally dying to purchase a scandalous black dress to wear them with.

Two-tone is yet another one of my favorite ways to spruce up a pair of shoes. These Gucci patent pumps are adorable and while still having the sleek classic pump silhouette the white patent adds a bit of flair to create a totally new feeling and look. I guess Gucci is my new favorite when it comes to classy shoes! I feel like at this stage in my life I can start to graduate from BP to designer (but I’m not going to lie, BP shoes will probably always be a part of my closet, I’m HORRIBLE at getting rid of things!)

No matter what, stay classy, it’s the best thing you could possibly do for yourself.

Same as every year, this one started off with a bang. For the last five years I’ve welcomed the new year the same way as all the other fashionistas on Orcas Island do; by heading to the famous Tres Fabu New Year’s Day Sale. It’s by far one of my favorite places in the world because it’s a world of chic hidden behind the facade of a white picket fence.

The sale is 50% off of everything. You know it’s going to be a good year when you start off with couture. All of the clothes and accessories are high profile and hand picked by the owner from all over the world. I definitely picked up a pair of vintage inspired, very Audrey, black wool gloves. It makes for a good new years day…that’s for sure. So if you’re ever in the area, you absolutely must check it out.

Seeing is believing?
http://www.tresfabu.com/