Styles From Last Nights NAACP Awards Red Carpet

Marchesa SS 08

I love this...inspired by India;) I can't wait to go and be inspired...I love fashion shows where the model is on display rather than the runway. Ot always makes for a really interesting show.

Lorick Spring '08 Collection debut at LWALA

Another model turned designer...I love how models are going beyond the "walk" and doing so many things in the fashion industry today. Snaps to all of the models and I am excited about this line! A 50's chic!

The Fashion Expert: Tia Cibani

After reading about Tia Cibani, the Creative Director of Ports 1961 in ELLE magazine, I had to interview her...and luckily enough, she agreed.  She has an amazing background and story to tell about her career.  She has achieved so much as a young woman in the industry and is still attaining so much.  I admire her courageous style and cultural background.  You can learn so much from her travels just by seeing a new collection each season.  

What made you decide to do a travel kit for Ports 1961?

My own travels inspired me to create the Jet Set Kit.  It’s basically the ultimate traveling kit – a bunch of things I wanted to have on my travels  (a cashmere eye mask, a comfy neck pillow) it’s great for the extensive traveler.

What are your favorite places to visit?

The coast of Brittany, Paris, and Shanghai.

How does it feel to have so much exposure as a young woman in the industry for a brand?

It makes me feel proud.  I think this is a lot of young women’s dream, to create their own collection.

What are your favorite places to shop online?

I love Shopbop.com and Net-a- porter.com. There’s nothing you can’t find on these two sites!

With the new blog explosion, which are your favorite fashion blog?

Tony Alcindor, our PR Director, writes an amazing fashion blog on the Huffington Post!  Check it out.

Who would you say the Ports 1961 customer is?  

I believe our customer is a woman who is eclectic and wants that extra detail to separate herself from everyone else. She’s adventurous, experimental and confidant.  

What was the moment that made you decide that you wanted to me in the fashion industry?
 
I’ve known I wanted to be a designer since childhood.  Watching my mother get dressed was what really inspired me to become a designer.

Divine Dresses by Isaac Mizrahi at Target

I am in LOVE with the new, spring collection from Isaac Mizrahi who never lets you down.  Beautiful silhouettes and amazing colors! How can you say no?  You will most likely catch me wearing all of these at sometime during this summer:) 

American Idol Connection: Joanne Borgella

I have found out that a dear friend of mine has a friend, Joanne Borgella on American Idol that I am hoping we can all support!  She has made it to the TOP 24 and will start competing on Monday, next week!  She must actually be a model...he is a model agent and I just googled her and she has a site already...so check it out!  I think this season will be AMAZING on American Idol...it is always interesting to see how they dress before there is help:)

The Jewels

There is honestly never a good reason to spend a lot of money on faux jewelry (ok, unless it is costume jewelry from Chanel...but, that is different:), Forever has every style under the sun for less than $10...usually less than $5, but I don't want to say that and be wrong because there are a couple more than $5:)  Well, today I was browsing at the mall and saw these bracelets that I had to share with everyone that is only $3.80!  Yes ladies, $3.80 and too cute for words...it looks like leather, but really it is not...but, they are still fab. Have I share these before...I can't remember;) And yes, you get all of them for $3.80...it's not each:)

ANTM Exposed

I know we have probably already all seen the original episodes or the many reruns on MTV now...but, to have a little fun and see the drama unfold again, check out the Exposed episode running through all of the best scenes from past seasons as well as commentary from some of the old contestants...this is getting us all prepared for New York, season 10 that I cannot wait for! 

The New Way to Wear a Cross

Many people have worn crosses on a necklace for religious reasons...but, it seems that I keep seeing people, celebs and not, wearing rosaries...is this a new trend that I should partake in or is it blasphemous?   To be honest...I actually always like it when I see someone rocking it...but, I am not sure if it is appropriate.  Thoughts... 

Time To Shine Spring 2008 Fashion Show

Get excited about Spring!

Sadly, Unimpressed: Lipstick Jungle

I am hoping to have second thoughts this week about Lipstick Jungle after the premiere it just didn't move me, the story line, the styling/fashion, nothing.  I am really hoping it steps up.  They are even trying new things including the magazine from the show on the website for Lipstick Jungle. I thought it would be a contender with Cashmere Mafia or bring back memories of Sex and the City, but it does neither.  I am hopeful for this week, but I really doubt it will  move me.

The Perfect Cocktail Ensemble This Spring

Spring is coming and everyone is talking trends...but, how does that translate to occasions like cocktail parties?  Well, here are a couple of options that ladies can use this spring for those special soiree's.  On the Fashion Police they kept talking about how people didn't have to go so gown-ish for the  awards...they preferred the cocktail dress for a range of ages from late teens to mid twenties and I totally agree.  Have fun with the look and go a little shorter.  For black tie affair cocktail parties where it might be a little more conservative I would go with a tier ruffle dress (going a little beyond the LBD with unique details) with the one shoulder strap which is a new take on the asymmetric neckline.  So it's still fun and yet charming.  I would add a broach to where the sleeve hits the front of the bodice to make it more unique.

I was reading the India edition of VOGUE and found that a reader wanted to know how to wear the bubble style dresses.  The fashion director,  Anaita Shroff Adajania, stated that, "not only does this style hemline help hide your second helping of food for the evening", but the style is fabulous paired with "pumps making it more of a dressed up look, or flats making it more casual."  In the end you gain two looks with this bubble dress.  Since this dress has beading on the neckline, you really don't need a necklace.  I would pair the dress with a fabulous cuff and some snazzy diamond earrings.  

To complete any look, you need a pair of fabulous shoes.  This spring it is all about details in the shoes...they are what tell the story.  So, look for a focus in the way the straps go over your feet (try all shoes on) and the way the color blends with the ensemble.  These particular shoes have a kind of cracked effect which is unique and the strap looks as though it will go over the outside of the foot which will look sexy.  

No matter what you do for cocktails, I would go with a dress and a fabulous pair of strappy sandals.  Cheers! 

Vibrant Accessories From J Crew This Spring

Bold & Beautiful!  I love the amazing accessories from J. Crew right now.  

It's All In A Name: The Dress

I am not sure what this dress is called...but, I LOVE this style dress in a knit jersey.  So, comfy, but chic for this spring. 

Unfinished Edges

Have you ever wondered why designers like Rachel Pally or T-Bags have unfinished edges?  Well, not only are these more casual looks, but it gives you the option of cutting the style to a shorter length...something to keep in mind when shopping.

Is High Waist still here? Check out all of the options on Nordstrom

I LOVE high waist styles for skirts and trousers/jeans...it seems like people never respond well to the style when I talk about it...but, I keep seeing the style pop up everywhere.  Tell me you don't love these styles from Nordstrom?

The It Bag: Rachel Nasvik

Since everyone loved my Rachel Nasvik handbag that I had on here last month...The first style is the one everyone loved of mine, the second is my new fave...figured I would share her Spring 2008 collection with everyone from Ravin Style. 

Decades of Style: Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks has a whole focus following 20's to 90's trends for women.  I LOVE the idea and the pieces are AMAZING!  Here are a couple of the pieces that caught my eye. I am all over the 50's and the 70's of course;) 
50's

Doesn't this just look like Sophia Lauren?  I think this look is soo sexy!

I love the drama in the skirt, not so much the top though...too much going on.

Doesn't this almost look like Katie Holmes??  Well, I love the dress...simple and chic.

I love these bateau neck tops...I think that they are so chic, and yet can be casual enough to replace a sweatshirt. 

I have a skirt and a jacket like this...I am doing this look soon:)

70's

Funny, Saks is finally carrying Tucker by Gaby Basora-Barney's has for a couple of years now.

I so love Missoni pieces...timeless! 

I would LOVE to one day find an Etro piece at the thrift store or Buffalo while I am rummaging through the racks...or Matthew Williamson, my heart would DROP! 

I love mixing prints like this...a striped blouse and a great military inspired jacket and a fabulous dynamic print skirt by Etro.

Gap Spring Style w/ Patrick Robinson

Run through all of the Spring trends offered at the Gap with Patrick Robinson in three different videos.  It's all about the blue's and pops of yellow.  Springs must-have accessory are light scarves.  Plus, get tips for how top put the Spring trends together. And wow, not only is Target carrying Coverse, now the Gap is...kind of odd that they are everywhere now...but, I guess that just means we have more color options:)