Fashion Blog

Fri, 09 May 2008 02:36:04 GMT

Guest post time!!

Ladies and gentlemen, boy oh boy do I have a treat for you! Ms. Kai Bandele is Editor-In-Chief of Step-In-Style Magazine , the Premiere "Virtual" Magazine for All Things Style and she has graciously done a guest article for you all. Please enjoy this amazing voyage into Vince Camuto Shoes!

Step-In-Style Magazine

Vince Camuto Shoes
By Kai Bandele

You may not recognize the name, but you definitely know the style! Vince Camuto has been setting trends in women's shoes since he co-founded Nine West Group in 1991. The footwear veteran went on to start his own company, The Camuto Group, which designs some of the most beautifully crafted women's shoes you'll ever feast your eyes on. (Sidenote: If you like Jessica Simpson Shoes or BCBG Shoes, he also holds master licenses for both). Unlike most "luxury" brand shoes, however, these are both comfortable and reasonably priced. Here are some of my favorite Vince Camuto shoe picks:



Ghost Flats in Silver
Three smoking hot spring trends - metallic, cutout and peep-toe come together seamlessly in this delightful spring flat! $109.00 shoes.com



Hester Pump in Multi
Snakeskin upper in playful color blocks laced with elegant black frame make this a perfect fall-to-spring transition pump. $135.00 nordstrom.com



Maris in Golden Apricot
The classic nude platform gets upgraded with a sassy hole punched heel! Perfect with a long, flowing maxi-dress, or your favorite-fitting jeans. $111.00 shoes.com



Camuto Angel in Bright Red
Ring the alarm - these bright red patent leather pumps are sure to set any room on fire. Only the bold need apply. $111 endless.com



Taylor Sandle in Gold
Going for All-Out-Glam, this T-strap sandal with metallic leather uppers and sleek designer heel will get the job done. Period. $134.00 zappos.com

Don't forget to go check out Ms. Kai Bandele is Editor-In-Chief of Step-In-Style Magazine, the Premiere "Virtual" Magazine for All Things Style . Posted by: Ryan      Read more     Source

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 22:16:52 GMT

Pretty Ponies: Playing with Pastels

In an attempt to temporarily escape the stress and reponsibilities of adult life, I am turning to a most beloved childhood toy. Not for some kind of twisted juvenile comfort, but for style inspiration, of course. Yes, I intend to drift through the monotony of grown-up life this spring in a colour palette derived entirely from My Little Pony.

Posted by: Katy Smail      Read more     Source

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:39:42 GMT

New definition of beauty

Part of Dove real beuty workshop for girls. The transformation. Posted by: Betty      Read more     Source

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:26:30 GMT

New Fashion Territory: Art Purses

You probably haven’t heard of Kathleen Dustin. I hadn’t even heard of her until a few days ago, when a friend of mine who knows that I’m always looking for interesting takes on fashion passed along her website to me.

Posted by: Lindsay North      Read more     Source

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:27:24 GMT

ASCII curtains let you get geeky with home decor

Take a look at the curtain above. You are probably thinking - on a perfectly sunny day, perhaps the tree behind cast its shadow over the curtain, giving it the beautiful breezy look, right? Wrong. Take a look at the picture below.

The image in the curtain is actually made out of plain old ASCII characters! Designed by a dutch artist genius Nieke Sybrandy, they are unfortunately not yet available for sale.

Via Engadget. Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 22:45:37 GMT

Ballerina Fashionista!

Contrary to what the magazines would have you believe, there is a way to float through Spring’s romance-spun reverie withough having to overload your garden with never-ending floral prints. A new production of ballerina chic is a vision of femininity restrained, of a restricted softness that can render its wearer an honoury member of the Ballet Russes.

Posted by: Katy Smail      Read more     Source

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:42:08 GMT

Check Bucket Bag

Today, I spotted the Burberry Patchwork Check Bucket Bag. I consider this handbag to be a bit too exaggerating. Burberry attempted to give the signature checkered pattern a nice twist, but personally, I''m not really feeling it. I can''t imagine myself carrying this one bag around town. No offense Burberry, but this patchwork bag looks like a total knockoff! Why the irregular pattern? Isn''t an uneven pattern a major red flag when distinguishing an authentic Burberry bag over a fake bag? In my preferences, I certainly wouldn''t buy an authentic Burberry bag containing such an obvious uneven lining.

I will mention that I agree to handbags containing removable accessories. It''s like a two-for-one! The Patchwork Check Bucket contains a removable cosmetic case, an adjustable shoulder strap, patent leather trim, and measures 13.5" x 10.5" x 6.5". For $550, discover Burberry''s latest, here: Posted by: Jennifer      Read more     Source

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:57:18 GMT

The Jacquelyn Bag

Anyway, for those of you that are not familiar with Junior Drake, here is a little background info quoted from the Junior Drake website:

Quote:
A woman of legendary proportions is the inspiration for Junior Drake. Patsy Brown was born into a family of dancers and film actors. As a young aspiring actress, she took the name of Junior Drake as her stage name. Patsy (Junior Drake) has a unique personal style and inspired thousands through her community work, business enterprises, and exquisite vision. She personified femininity and defined the term avant-grade.

The Brown family sought to immortalize not only her unique sense of style, but her humanitarian legacy. She mentored many women throughout her life, helping them to unlock feminine qualities that bolstered self-esteem and fostered confidence.
To read more, please visit www.juniordrake.com

The Jacquelyn Bag is constructed of soft, supple leather. It features braided double straps, a detachable shoulder strap, exterior pockets, and silver hardware. It’s a medium-sized tote measuring measuring 15″W x 12″H x 5″D. The retail price for this bag is $460.

Available at: Posted by: Jennifer      Read more     Source

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:44:34 GMT

Project Runway Season 4 Finale

Alas! the winner of Project Runway was crowned last night. The collections that the final three designers showcased at Bryant Park were the strongest out of all of the seasons of the show thus far.

Jillian, Rami and Christian all put together amazing presentations that showed off their incredible talent and their genuine passion and dedication. It was extremely moving to see the raw emotions surrounding the last challenge (Christian being unusually nervous and insecure was absolutely priceless).

Posted by: Angie Omata      Read more     Source

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:55:52 GMT

Miu Miu Woven Leather Hobo Bag

One of the latest new additions is the Miu Miu woven fringe hobo. The hobo is dressed in a woven pattern body and features double trails of fringe down each side. Not as dramatic as Miu Miu''s distant relatives version* - Prada''s Nappa Weave Flap Hobo. Still I have never been a fan of tassel fringe. I would get the urge to pull out the scissors and start snipping away. Or at least avoid this bag all together. What do you guys think? A hit or miss?

The woven leather Miu Miu can be spotted in the of net-a-porter, along with a few other new designer bags worth checking out.

Discover the Miu Miu Woven Leather Hobo Purse
$1,595

* the side note: The label Miu Miu is the cheaper younger-generation targeted label by Miuccia Prada - granddaughter of Mario Prada. Posted by: Jennifer      Read more     Source

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:29:03 GMT

Insprired by nature

A big trend showing up on the runways is all things nature inspired. Alexander McQueen did an entire headdress made out of butterflies but you don't have to go that far. Think gauzy fabrics to replicate the delicateness of a butterfly's wing. Think adding a rose broach or a piece with a few feathers on it. Try a t-shirt made from organic cotton or even jus something as simple are an earth tone palette. This trend is very much open to your interpretation.

Try a simple butterfly pendant necklace. Stone Butterfly Necklace, $28 at Arden B. How about just a feather print on a dress? Yes! That will work. Eva Franco, feather silk jersey 'Fioana' sheath dress, $320 (on sale) at Bluefly.com A tunic in an animal print is a great take on this trend. MICHAEL Michael Kors Printed Tunic, $120 (on sale) at Nordstrom Posted by: Ryan      Read more     Source

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:36:48 GMT

The scientific basis for red being the color of love

The Beauty Brains, as part of their series of posts leading up to Valentine''s Day, discuss the possibility of a scientific reason behind the color red as the symbol of love. According to an article in NewScientist, our ability to see colors may have evolved to help us spot emotional cues, such as blushing in the context of mating. Prior research had suggested that humans developed the acute ability to see colors in order to identify ripe fruit and edible leaves, but a new study now points to our need/desire to access a potential mate''s emotions as the driving force behind this trait.

Blushing is caused by an increase in oxygen content to the blood, with the color difference most dramatic in the 540 to 560 nanometer range, "the same part of the light spectrum at which the cone cells of primates'' eyes are the most sensitive."

My question: Is red the color of love in most parts of the world? Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 01:02:24 GMT

Comfy laptop bag and carry-all

You''re a laptop lugger - your computer is nearly an extra appendage, so you place a price on functionality, fashion, and comfort. Nanda Home''s redesigned Persida LapSac fits laptops of differing sizes (12.78"x9.1"x1.08").

The LapSac comes in creamy white canvas with a pink lace pattern so its fashionable, and at the same time it''s bigger, better, and more useful with it''s four pockets than typical snug-fitting sleeves and boxy, bulky bags.

My favorite part of the design is the ability of the bag to conform to the shape of my body, so even if I spend more than an hour waiting in line (egads TSA!), I find that I don''t get the pain in my neck, back, and side. Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:53:13 GMT

Century 21, the store, not real estate

Ahhhh, Century 21, a staple of NYC fashion. Where the slogan is, "Prices so good, you'll fight for them!" and they aren't lying!! I have a love/hate relationship with this store, but it is one you should definitely visit when you come to NYC. It is a unique experience which can turn into somewhat of a treasure hunt if you play your cards right. Today I found Diane von Fürstenberg wrap dresses for $100- $135 dollars!! I suggest you set aside a few hours for this place, digging is necessary, but you won't be disappointed!! Posted by: Ryan      Read more     Source

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:09:42 GMT

East meets West for 2008 Pirelli Calendar

We spent half the morning on Pirelli’s website checking out images from their 2008 calendar and we still cant get enough. We love the fact that they took a demure approach this year, in contrast to past calendars which have been more overtly sexual. The calendar was shot in Shanghai by Patrick Demarchelier who did a brilliant job. The use of colour is absolutely amazing!

Aside from being the 35th edition, according to Pirelli this calendar is a big deal as its the “first ever realized in Asia”. Titled “Pearls of the Orient” it features models and actresses, Maggie Cheung, Agyness Deyn, Lily Donaldson, Du Juan, Doutzen Kroes, Catherine McNeil, Mo Wandan, Sasha Pivovarova, Coco Rocha, Caroline Trentini and Gemma Ward. Posted by: Michele Obi      Read more     Source

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:06:48 GMT

Kenneth Jay Lane Pendants

Kenneth Jay Lane offers the most adorable jewelry at reasonable prices. Get a lucky charm in your favorite shade and fruit this season and perk up your t-shirt and jeans. Was $115 but currently on sale At Net a porter from $42-$63, at these bargain prices you can pick up all the yummy colors!
Kenneth Jay Lane Pear pendant
Kenneth Jay Lane Pear pendant necklace


Kenneth Jay Lane Pear pendant
Kenneth Jay Lane Apple pendant Posted by: Ms. Jewel Snob      Read more     Source

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 04:59:36 GMT

Expiration dates.

Everything has an expiration date, including clothes. Just because you can still fit into it, doesn't mean you should keep it around. Have you seen the commercial on TLC where the woman is like, "I can't believe this still fits" and she is wearing an awful yellow blazer with huge shoulder pads? Yeah, you shouldn't keep anything around for too long, unless it has sentimental value, they by all means keep it, but don't wear it outside. Cut it up and sow it into a pillow if you must. Every 6 months you should re-evaluate your closet and toss everything you haven't worn.

Some guidelines:

• It if it stretched out by any means, throw it out. Turtleneck with a neck a little too big? Toss it. Sleeves pulled down a little longer? Toss it. Lost a few pounds but your sweater hasn't? Toss it. Don't keep it around if it is stretched at all, it looks messy.
• Same thing goes with sweaters and pilling. The most common place for pilling is on the sleeves and since your arms are a pretty prominent part of your body, you don't want to be showing that off. You can try a sweater shaver, yes, they have those and they work! If it can't be solved with a sweater shaver, please toss it. Pilling is not pretty.
• After you wash jeans a number of times they tend to shrink a bit. One of the most common fashion faux-pas are pants that are way too short. Generally jeans should fall about a half inch from the ground, with or without heels. Anything where you can see the top of your shoes it a HUGE no-no. Nothing is worse than showing a little sock. Really, keep the socks covered with your pants. If you can't find any that fit, buy the next size up and have them tailored.
• Repeat this with me, "SAY NO TO SHOULDER PADS!!" Never, never, never, never do shoulder pads, ever, under any circumstances what so ever. NO SHOULDER PADS!!
• If you wore it in high school, you shouldn't be now. I am guilty of this. I have a pair of jeans that I wore in 8th grade, that I still wear sometimes. Let me defend myself. They are all broken in and so comfortable, but they are all ripped and torn. I only wear them inside and quick trips to the grocery store. I am such a hypocrite.
• I wear my shoes to death, like I get obsessed with a pair of shoes and I basically wear them until they die, but I know when it is time to toss them. If you must keep them, have they resoled or get the heel replaced, it is really an inexpensive way to keep your favorite shoes around. To increase the longevity of a pair of leather shoes, keep them polished and moisturized with leather cleaner. If you nick in a black shoe, try a sharpie marker to cover it up.

Posted by: Ryan      Read more     Source

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:54:54 GMT

Ebay and the Magic Blazer

I just purchased a Luella for Target blazer for 99 cents on Ebay! It arrived yesterday, and I am thrilled with how versatile it is. As demonstrated above I can wear it:

♥ The way I feel it was meant to be worn, over a t-shirt with skinny jeans.

♥ With a sort of menswear-inspired look.

♥ With a sort of schoolgirl-inspired look, a la Gossip Girl.

♥ With a sort of Balenciaga-inspired look.

I''ll admit I didn''t have a lot of time to take these pictures, hence the less-than-perfect outfits and slight fuzziness, but I''m still awfully pleased with the blazer. And at 99 cents, I''m feeling very proud of my bargain-hunting skills. Posted by: Kori      Read more     Source

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:51:14 GMT

Eric Bompard - So Cashmere, So French!

For the past couple of weeks, we’ve been suggesting gift ideas for loved ones, but as we all know it doesn’t hurt to treat yourself once in a while. So to end our Holiday Gift Guide we’re recommending a gift for you! Being that its freezing cold at the moment we propose indulging in any item from the French cashmere brand, Eric Bompard.

Last week we received a pair of gloves and a gorgeous hat in a lovely shade of blue from the brand and can say without any hesitation that its the best gift we’ve received so far. Its certainly made braving the cold a lot easier! And if you feel guilty about treating yourself at a time when you should be thinking about others, then don’t worry, the 20% off promotion should help ease your conscious. Hurry…the offer ends Dec 24th. Who said luxury can’t be affordable? Posted by: Michele Obi      Read more     Source

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 13:51:52 GMT

Empire waist for everyone!

"Empire waist"

Definition: A type of dress or top where the waist line is raised above the natural waistline, sometimes as high as right below the bust. Best on slender-on-top or petite figures, the empire dress creates the illusion of length and camouflages a bottom-heavy figure or thick waist.

One cut that is very flattering on nearly everybody is an empire waist. The way it emphasizes the top half of your body and flows out from there really allows it to hide almost everything. Eat too much at dinner? Empire waist dress. Top of the jeans has an ugly button? Empire waist top. Want a great silhouette? Empire waist. You can't go wrong with the empire waist, but you can pronounce it wrong. Here in the US most people butcher it by calling it "empire", but it is really pronounced like "om-peer".

Pretty, pretty. Norma Kamali Black Jersey Pleated Empire Gown, $156 at Bluefly The button detailing and the sleeves are perfect additions to this shirt. Sweet Life Empire Waist Top, $74 at Nordstrom Whether you get this in the blue or the camel this is a stunning sweater. Cashmere empire-waist cardigan, $178 at Banana Republic Posted by: Ryan      Read more     Source

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:23:18 GMT

A New Kind of Manicure?

What do you think of this model''s nails from the January issue of Glamour?



I''m rather inclined to like it. I think this kind of manicure would only work with a very clean, polished look, as seen in the editorial, because otherwise it would look messy/overly busy. Still, I''m not sure I''m going to be trying it out anytime soon; my nail polish skills leave something to be desired.

Would you rock the look? Posted by: Kori      Read more     Source

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 02:14:25 GMT

The Butler Hybrid

There’s no doubt that big slouchy leather totes make a gorgeous addition to any outfit, but practical they most certainly are not. Trying to find your wallet, a quarter or your travel card in its cavernous interior can be annoyingly elusive.

Even more frustrating is the lack of stylish bags on the market that recognize that sometimes a girl has just got to organize. Fortunately for us, Jen Groover has created a bag that is as fab on the outside as it is functional on the inside: the Butler Hybrid. Posted by: Lindsay North      Read more     Source