Project Runway: See past designers sites

I want the new designers to come out with a site...but, we probably have to wait for the season to end:) Till then we have the past contestants...
Kara Janx
www.karajanx.com/

Daniel Vosovic

http://www.danielvosovic.net/daniel.html

Chloe Dao

http://www.lot8online.com/index2.htm

*Check out the article in the August issue of ELLE on newsstands now.

Unexpected

I never thought I would like anything by Kimora...it all seemed a bit too young and sweatshirt-ish...but, alas...I have found a few things I think I almost LOVE:)

I didn't know that Kimora is venturing into beauty...I really want to try her new lipgloss in Mimosa Fabulosity Plumper...it looks like a beautiful color. I wonder if she uses these products...

Next, in clothing I was just flipping through the August issue of ELLE (and might I add Kiera Knightly is on so many covers) and I saw an ad with a shirt dress by Baby Phat that is really cute...see below.

*This is from the Fall 2006 advertising.

Also, Kimora has come out with a new book called Fabulosity for your reading pleasure.

*You can purchase at www.amazon.com or www.bn.com

Fashion Book

Are you a shop-a-holic...of course you are...then, check out this book...I think I have to get this today:)

This book helps you organize all of those must need purchases:) Shop away!

Point of Interest

British Clothing Ossie Clark makes a comeback

A British designer makes a comeback this summer with amazing long dresses with funky design from the 60's and 70's. These looks are being recreated today so it is nice to see some of the originators taking their place back in the fashion game with their original pieces tweaked a bit.



Below is a vintage Ossie Clark piece I found on ebay...

Curly Research

I am a curly girl and I have done so much research since I have grown out my relaxer and gone natural...here are some of my previous blogs about curly hair fixes...
Wild about Curly
I went for my consultation yesterday at Devachan Salon in SoHo with Carlos and he was AMAZING! I expected him to tell me that I need this service and that and by the time I left I would be spending $300...but, he didn't...he taught me so much in 30 minutes time and I want to share this information with those of you who can't make it to meet with him.
Key Tips:
-No Shampoo or no "poo" as he said...that just dries out curly hair and defeats what you are trying to achieve...which is luscious lasting long curls...
-If you need to comb through your hair it is best to just use your fingers...but, if you need to comb, use a dog comb...it sounds odd, but he says it works;)
-Satin Bonnet and a Satin Pillow for sleeping...this prevents breakage at night...
-At least once or twice a week deep condition your hair by putting a lot of conditioner on your hair...putting it into a bun and putting a shower cap over it for the night...you can cover your head with a bandana as well.
-If you have to use over the counter conditioner he recommended Tresame..I used it last night and my hair looks great:) nice and soft! I have heard from soo many hair stylists as well not to use Pantene! It is really bad for your skin as well as your hair!
-And the best recommendation ever! He two methods to make my crown (top of my head) look fuller and not so flat and dragged down by the rest of my hair...1. Use these clips (I need a pic to show you what they are) to add volume while drying the hair...pick pieces of hair from the crown and just snap them and they will dry with a little volume...if after your hair is dry you still want some umph or want to change the look a bit just do a zig zag in different sections on the scalp with a bobby pin~it works...he did it last night when my hair looked hideous and people kept saying they loved my hair:)
There was a book at the salon...I haven't read it yet...but, I am going to check it out at the library, it is called, Curly Girl. Check it out!

More Curls
http://www.devachansalon.com
Did I say www.ouidad.com last time...if not there you go...
I am going for a consultation for both of these and I will let you know how it goes. And then when I do the BIG step to get my first naturally curly cut/trim I will take you all through the whole experience.
A before and after kind of thing:)

Naturally Curly hair
For everyone with naturally curly hair I think you are going to LOVE this...I always ask people with curly hair what they use and I have found the following information to be helpful:
www.naturallycurly.com
www.curvesalon.com
www.ouidad.com
And the March issue of ELLE has a really good article about naturally curly hair.
ENJOY your curls!!!!!!!!!!

Trend Report: Puff Sleeves

For a variety of images of the new puff sleeve craze on the runway check out I am Fashion's blog page at http://iamfashion.blogspot.com/. This trend is going to be easy to find at all different price points. I know H&M and Forever 21 already have these pieces and Saks Fifth Avenue is also supporting the look. So, go and look for the understated and the eccentric versions of the puff sleeve.

Brilliant Bag

This handbag is not worn by every celeb and every other girl on the street. This is a hot, fairly new designer that is paving her way into the fashion world and her name is Vivia Ferragamo and her company is naturally called, Vivia. You can check out the Fall 2006 line online now that will be including RTW. Visit www.vivia.co.uk to see the Summer 2006 line as well as the first ever online sample sale the site is offering right now with prices that are too good to be true. She is sold is select stores worldwide. But, why not just take advantage of the options online.

Spice up your look with affordable pieces by Yochi Design

I interned at Redbook about four years ago and I still have these amazing Yochi Design earrings that I got for free that I still receive compliments on. Just out of curiosity, I thought I would check and see what was new by the designer and found a lot of amazing pieces and all at a great price. I love butterflies for some reason and I am really into gold right now.

I am going to list the different sites that you can find pieces by this great designer. Enjoy!

www.shopbop.com
www.bloomingdales.com
www.girlshop.com
www.maxandchloe.com (*This is a great accessories site, I have never seen this before.)

P.S. I also love Kenneth Jay Lane who is at www.maxandchloe.com.

Editor's Picks

I just found out that I am getting my second issue of Net-a-Porter's Notes Fall/Winter edition. I am soo excited about receiving this so I had to share. Net-a-Porter Notes is a fashion planner that works as a great seasonal resource for different trends that were on the runway. Plus, it includes a six month calendar. It is small enough to carry with you daily or leave at home in your fashion closet to help you choose an ensemble for an event or for everyday. For the cost of about $50 you receive two issues in a year.

Beyonce Style Program to Come

Beyonce has an abundance of talent and now she will be capitalizing on her fashion line House of Dereon by launching a television show on the Style Network. The program will focus on Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles preparing for the House of Dereon fashion show this fall as well as tracking their day to day looks while working on music and fashion projects. I think that this will be interesting. MTV did a program like this with Jennifer Lopez when she had done her first Bryan Park show for Sweetface.

Designer Collections provided by Discount Stores

It seems as though everyone is jumping on the band wagon. Everyday I am reading about a new designer that will create a collection for a discount store. There are so many to come in the fall that I am just going to list them. Keep a look out for these bargains! They may one day be collectors items, when everyone stops doing this:)

• Store: Payless ShoeSource Designer: LauraPoretzky *this will be the first ever designer collection for Payless ShoeSource.
• Store: Target, GO International Designer: As we know, with each season, a new designer is being launched. So far there has been Luella Bartley and Tara Jarmon. Next in line are Paul & Joe in the Fall and during the Winter we will see Behnaz Sarafpour. There is so much excitement. I can't wait! I will be in line waiting for the doors to open. I am making sure to have at least one piece from each collection.
• Store: Nine West Designer: Vivienne Westwood, Thakoon, and Sophia Kokosalaki will be pairing up to create clothing and accessories lines for Nine West.
• Store: H&M Designer: H&M has also been showcasing designs by high end designers for a number of seasons now. In November H&M will launch a line by Viktor & Rolf.
• Store: Wal-Mart Designer: For the first time Wal-Mart will be teaming up with Mark Eisen to create a designer line..this should launch in August.

Now there is no reason for anyone to say that they can't afford a designer piece. Check out any of these stores for great new lines.

Summer Trend

Out with the old and in with the new...while the peasant look is supposedly out (I still see it on the streets)...the Mexican style dress and shirts are so in...places like H&M and ebay have great styles for you to choose from and wear with wedges or cute flats. This is a great weekend look. I also saw a Mexican inspired piece by Nanette Lepore at Saks Fifth Avenue today.

P.S. Saks is having a HUGE sale today! All sale merchandise is an extra 50% already reduced prices!

Feel like Royalty in your Couture

Every lady likes to feel special, as if they are royalty and now so many lines are welcoming that feeling. Lines like Juicy Couture have added a designer collection called Couture Couture. These pieces have a vintage elegance to them. Lulu Guinness has also added a Vanity and Couture line that are reminiscent of women's accessories in the 40's and 50's; exuding pure elegance. And to top it off, lines like Chanel have just had their couture fashion show and everyone is talking...Couture is not a trend...it is a classic that will stay with us forever. Live on Couture!

Deja Vu Style

With the launch of Beyonce's new video last night everyone has been talking about the song and her new video. I want to talk about the styling of this video. I think the styling was brilliant. I am working on tracking down the stylist so I can ask those questions that I know oh so many of you want to know:) Let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to know and I will make sure to ask.
Tonight on MTV they are supposed to have a making the video segment on Deja Vu. I have not been able to find out what time yet, but keep a look out.
I was browsing for pictures from the video that I can't seem to find yet...but, I came across images of Beyonce while she was @ TRL yesterday and I love the look. See below.

*I attached these 3 photos below because Beyonce is utilizing some really amazing trends here. 1. the large rings are really BIG right now. 2. the beautiful yellow gold earrings look perfect with this look. 3. there is a long necklace that goes down near her waist that isn't really visible but has this beautiful accent that pulls the ensemble together.

Project Runway 3: The winner

I loved this dress! I need to find it somewhere...I hope they sell all of the winner's pieces. We shall see! I wasn't able to watch the whole episode because I was at work...but, once I see the whole episode I will make some remarks on all of the designers.

Clothing Swap

Here are different ways to get free new clothes with clothes you no longer wear.

1. Trade clothing at a consignment store like: Buffalo Exchange or Beacon's Closet. They put a price on your garments and then you can use the credit you gain to shop for new clothes.

2. Have clothes swapping parties at your house and have friends and friends of friends over to bargain on what they would like to trade. There are great ideas in, The Fashionista Files on how to plan a clothes swapping party. And online find some hints for swapping parties at: www.myvillage.com/pages/fashion-hints-tips-clothes-swap.htm.

3. Participate in an organized swap with strangers like Wendy Tremayne hosts all over the United States as well as outside of the States. For more information go to www.gaiatreehouse.com/events.htm. Or to go to a swap organized in your area by people with the same interests check out http://clothesswap.meetup.com/.

Other websites:

www.swapstyle.com

www.clothingswap.org

Happy Swapping!

Beauty is ONLY Skin Deep...

or

Pocket deep with these cheap and chic beauty lines

These are some great beauty lines to purchase basics like mascara, eyeliner, or lip gloss for almost a dollar.

Wet n' Wild

There is the classic makeup line that everyone is familiar with at their local drugstore and Wet n Wild is recently offering skincare. To look for tips and tricks check out www.wnwbeauty.com/.

e.l.f.

This used to only be offered online and now is sold at Target. Everything by e.l.f. is a DOLLAR! Exactly ladies, only a dollar. Have fun exploring the site and all of the fun goodies at www.eyeslipsface.com/elfshop/default.asp.

Plus, it's not like this is not already cheap enough, I just found a coupon that I want to share with everyone! 5% off any order Discount Coupon Code: elf5 Exp. 8/1/06. All orders are $5 for shipping and handling.

meet mark.

Make your mark with the younger Avon line that has a range of products from beauty to accessories. You can purchase items through a rep or on your online today at http://pr.meetmark.com/PRSuite/buy/shop.jsp.

Victoria's Secret PINK line is having a PJ Part

Event Details below

Date: Wed. July 19th

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Hudson River Park-Pier 46

Attire: Wear any pink merchandise and leave with tons of goodies

More Details: www.vspink.com

Free movie tickets from AE

Starting July 11 American Eagle is having a promotion where if you try on a pair of jeans you get a free movie ticket for AMC Theatres. Go to www.ae.com to find out which locations are participating.

Clueless

Fashion Fun

Have you ever dreamt that you could have the computer ensemble search like Cher in Clueless? Well, now you can on Marie Claire's website. Have fun!

http://marieclaire.mvm.com/

White & Gold

I just liked how this looked together, so I thought I would share this with everyone. Once again, Rachel's work at its best:)

Recommended Fashion Site

Don't you hate when you can't find a look that you saw a celeb wearing on television or in a magazine while they were out on the streets...well, look no further! There is a site, besides www.gawker.com that highlights all of these images that you just need to have. Check out www.couturecandy.com/celebs/1/index.html and find all the answers to your shopping searches; and there are even links for some of the pieces for where you can purchase these items...making it even more easy...

One of the pieces I found on the site Beyonce was wearing by Lotta Stensson and is actually on sale now. For your own glitz and glam check it out! http://www.lottanyc.com/

Recommended Reading

I just have to recommend that everyone pick up a copy of British Glamour (costs about $5 a pop). It is one of my favorite women's lifestyle/fashion books. It has a great mix of career, health, life and fashion stories and advice to keep you interested for at least a week. The size of the magazine is perfect too. It is rather thick for a magazine and it is in a compact size that fits perfect into your purse. (So, it can be taken anywhere.)

I am finally checking out the website today and thought I would share it with everyone as well, so check out the site as well as a daily update on what is going on:) http://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/

Enjoy!

Fashion Inspiration from the Stars

These are the style stars that I look to for fashion inspiration.

Fashion News

Liv Tyler has been added to the fashion family of Rachel Zoe...I guess that is proving us wrong on who shops with Rachel...it is not just the petite blondes...but, includes other beauties like Liv Tyler. The fashion mavens were shopping at the classic Roger Vivier store shopping for shoes and handbags.

Style Star Spotting

I spotted Ashley Olsen at Barney's on Saturday in midtown...I was not able to take a picture...I asked...what can I say...and she said that she couldn't...but, she was basically wearing the outfit below...but, shorts instead of pants and no scarf...with her hair down and wavy with her signature brown/bronze liner.

Image provide by Getty Images

Quick Solutions

Do you need images to help you decide what to wear for basically any occasion? Summer is fast paced and there is so much to do...so, check out what www.elle.com offers as a Summer Style Solution for anything you can think of, various occasions, high and low price points and great designers:)

http://www.elle.com/features/8839/summer-style-solutions.html

4 Trends to take you into Fall

These are a few of the must-haves for the fall that I love and that I feel you can count on seeing in the glossies as well as on the street.

1. My first love that hasn't really jumped off yet...but, we should start to see this fall is high waisted trousers and skirts...there is a sophistication to a woman with a high waist skirt or trouser that just looks chic.

Photo provided by www.elle.com, YSL Rive Gauche, Spring 2006

2. Accessories are still in, but make sure not to do all of them at once. Long chains with owl, heart-shaped, strawberry and many more large charms are really fun. You can find these necklaces at Forever 21 or Intermix-it all depends on what you are working with. You can use just one long chain or add some shorter chains, pearls or long chunky to accent. But, if you wear a necklace do not wear a belt or earrings. You want to have the focus on one piece at a time.

3. If you are thin, they are still in...skinny jeans and leggings. But, just make sure you have the body for these treats. And even if you don't mix these pants with dresses to hide the extra curve and go on with this trend.

4. Empire waist shirts and dresses are still in for the fall. Just add opaque tights or leggings to the dress and layer with a turtleneck or sweater to stay warm.

Editor's Picks

Sublime items that every fashionista has to have

For jetsetter's like myself...it is always great to stay organized and the MoMA store has great items to do just that. Go to www.momastore.org and see for yourself...one of my fave pieces is a passport holder.

The Marie Antoinette Soundtrack to the Sophia Coppola movie due out in October 2006. I will enjoy the book as a summer read and I look forward to seeing the film and listening to the soundtrack.

During the summer season every girl needs to blot...I think that the Tarte Blot Book is adorable! I just found it on www.teenvogue.com and I decided that I have to have it today:) You can purchase this online at www.sephora.com for $32.

I am in love with the bubble dress right now and my fiance picked it out all by his self for moi-I was truly amazed. This is by Cythia Steffe and on sale at www.saks.com.

I am in love with this style cut right now! This is something I would wear as a wedding gown~in white:) I have seen similar looks from Giles Deacon and Isaac Mizrahi...but, this is a Rochas original...

Style Watching

You can be inspired just by walking around

It was funny because most of these girls wore items from stores that are attainable...the girl at the top with the stripe skirt is designed by Ralph Lauren and originally cost $300, but was purchased at T.J. Maxx for only $40! I thought the skirt was soo cute! The second ensemble is more of a designer look I believe...but, I just liked the blue hue and the coupling of colors...the sweater matched the necklace and the Spy Bag matched the shoes that I think are by Michael Kors...The third dress...you can't really tell, but it has the cutest puff sleeve detailing...and it is from Zara! I would have thought Ella Moss or Rachel Pally...The fourth look has a layer/ruffled detailing and is from Club Monaco...the final look wraps up what this blog is about...girls creating a look with a budget...the dress on the right is vintage I think and the flats looked cute...but like knock-off Chanels...but, it is still really cute;)

Just remember you can still look cute on a dime...you just need to look in the right spots and be creative:)

Around the World Fashion

TopShop

TopShop, a fabulous British fashion chain like H&M is going to having a new collection called, PUNKY DEBUTANTE that features looks for Fall and Winter to come:) There is still an 80's feel to these looks, but I love a couple of the retro inspired pieces. The high waisted corset jeans are very me...but, may not be for everyone:) Since we all don't have the luxury of stepping foot into these stores check out the new line online at: www.topshop.co.uk.

Fashion Frenzy

Patricia Field

(Image is a 'Hot Item' selected by Patricia Field on www.patriciafield.com)

Patricia Field is making her mark once again after her oh so well known run on Sex and the City...she has had a new store opening on 302 Bowery (which I need to go check out still:) , and is styling for two new fashion focused films as well as styling the television sitcom, Hope and Faith.
One film already out is The Devil Wears Prada, which is supposed to be a reflection of people in the fashion/magazine industry. This film has received much attention and is being critiqued as not representing the true fashion world...but, it is fiction and I believe that Patricia knows how to reflect a story line-look at all of her work. "Fashion is an insider thing, but this is a parody," Field explains. I have not seen the film yet...but, I should be able to go tomorrow and give my thoughts on the film soon after:)
The fashion buzz on Patricia now is a new film that she will be styling, The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing, starring Michelle Gellar. This character will be representing young women in the city living on a budget. I can't wait to see what Patricia cooks up on the screen this time...since The Devil Wears Prada is supposed to be more of a fashion fantasy...so we shall see...The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing based on Melissa Banks novel is due out in theatres in 2007.

Shop Till You Drop

You Can Never Get Enough

Intermix (www.intermixonline.com) Boutique offers an array of original pieces from a variety of well-known and not so well-known designers. Some designer pieces to check out are:

Rachel Pally

Nicole Young

Exclusive pieces like Felix High-waisted Pants (which are on sale right now:)

C&C California

Grey Ant

Kenneth Jay Lane

Paul & Joe

Nieves Lavi

Sonia Rykiel

and so many more...you just have to go look for yourself:)

It is such an exciting store and you can access everything online!

Check it out!

News You Can Use

Project Runway

Project Runway is back for the third season on July 12th! I know we all look forward to see what is going to happen this season...there is always something great to expect from Fashion:)

Wednesdays @ 10/9c on BRAVO premiering July 12th

Sample Sale Update

Lauren Moffatt

There will be a Sample Sale on July 11-13 from 10am to 7pm

@ 214 W. 29th St., Suite 1503

Bring cash for purchases under $400

My New Obsession

New Designer

I am officially in love and I have to share this new find with everyone! A new designer has hit the scene and her name is: Gaby Basora from Seattle, Washington...believe it or not! She has hit the fashion world with a signature elegant blouse silhouette for a shirt and dress in various fabrics with her new line called Tucker by Gaby Basora. Currently these pieces can be purchased at Barney's CoOp in SoHo. tuckerbygabybasora.com

Sidenote:

Sweetface is going to have a dress very, very similar to the Tucker by Gaby Basora dress this season for $795...I always enjoy a true original...but, for those who want the J. Lo look she will have it too.

Sweetface is sold at stores like Atrium and Intermix in New York.