Friday, March 31, 2006

The Fashionable Laptop

I'm sure the vast majority of my readers have their own computer, and I bet many of of you have laptops. Now, if you have a laptop, you usually need to transport it in something. There are plenty of cute laptop cases on the market, from Target to Tumi. However, if you want to carry your laptop in a stylishly oversize bag, you need a padded sleeve to protect it from the elements (and in my case, banging it into everything and dropping it down flights of stairs).

So check this out:

It is neoprene (so therefore water-resistant), it will cushion your laptop, and it is large enough to fit most laptops. Most importantly, it's a really fun print that will make you smile every time you see it. And that is the best feature of all!

Get this laptop sleeve here, along with fabulous sparkly sandals and other accessories that no fashionista should be without.

Thursday, March 30, 2006

SCS and Four Magazine

When I am not seeking out the best of the runways for the blogosphere, I write (under my own name) for some other fabulous sites: Second City Style and Four magazine.

Second City Style is great resource for fashionistas everywhere, but it is particularly valuable to those who live in and around Chicago. Not only does SCS have an excellent website, but they are also putting on 7th on Sale, a shopping event that brings the best of New York design to Chicago. Check out their site or email me for more info on that.

Four Magazine is a fun, modern online magazine with an irreverent slant. It runs the gamut from fashion to technology, with a big dose of pop culture as well.

At the risk of sounding extremely cheesy, if you like the Fashionable Kiffen, you will love Four and SCS!

Also, my fellow fashion bloggers have created an amazing community - it brings together the best of the fashion media, from blogs to magazines. Check out Coutorture too!

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Go for the Gold

After seasons of silver and platinum being the metal of choice, gold has made a serious comeback for fall, with baroque ornamentation and disco bling heavily featured on the runways. Designers as different as Dolce and Gabbana and Viktor and Rolf used ingots of gold in their fall collections. Here are some of my favorites:

This Badgley Mischka outfit is pretty heavy on the bling, but the pieces are much more wearable separately (of course, for those of us that like sparkle, they are great together as well).

Christian Lacroix has created a fantasy dress fit for a princess or a Czarina - which is fitting, considering his inspiration for this collection came from Russian royalty and their lavish clothing.

That same princess would also covet Dolce and Gabbana's gorgeous gowns with a baroque feel.
Taking their stylistic cues from Napoleon and Josephine, the duo's latest work is fit for fashion royalty.

For those days when you don't want to do head to toe glitter, Dries Van Noten has the perfect thing - a sleek black wool coat with touches of gold embroidery. It's an instant classic that would definitely brighten up a gray winter day.

On the other hand, sometimes you just need a big dose of bling, an for that, look no further than Gucci. Seventies disco glam ruled the catwalk, with sparkling minidresses, metallic platforms and clutches, and these showstopping satin pants.

At Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati used gold to evoke the image of the utterly chic, elegant YSL woman. From dresses trimmed with Byzantine motifs to subtle gold bands, this was gold done the French way - glamorous without ever being over-the-top.

Gold was also elegant at Viktor and Rolf. Famous for their theatrics, the Belgian duo showed a surprisingly feminine and wearable collection with plenty of heavy metal. They didn't give up their avant garde ways completely, however, the models walked the runways wearing modified fencing masks.

Gold doesn't have to be blinged out or majorly eighties. It can be ladylike, baroque, rock and roll, or sleek and modern. Look to the fall collections for inspiration when it comes to working gold into your wardrobe.

Monday, March 27, 2006

The Tipping Point

Once again, it is time for the Carnivale, and this week it is hosted by Style Tribe (whose motto I completely agree with: "Fashion is buying, style is being"). The question:

"For this week's Carnivale of Couture, I want to celebrate our role as bloggers. What distinguishes us from fashion press is our lack of limits: we can express as we please, and our unique personalities make us more interesting rather than less professional.

To that end, I want to invite everyone to write about their most significant fashion purchase. Not the most expensive or most exciting,but the one that was somehow pivotal, or meaningful to you personally."

Like many of my fellow fashionistas, I've done my share of shopping. However, there a few memorable pieces like my leopard print coat, my gorgeous deep red leather carry-all, or my leopard print pumps (see the pattern here?) that have stuck with me. One particular item, though, was not just a purchase, but sort of a tipping point. It was my first pair of high heels.

They were not particularly stylish, sexy or fashionable (c'mon, I was in the sixth grade and I had to beg my mother to let me have them). It didn't matter. The chunky heeled loafer made from simple black leather still had the transformative power that was necessary. My posture got better and I developed that self-assured, confident gait that only comes from a great pair of heels. Also, like many other women, I decided that those extra three inches of height were sometimes worth a little pain at the end of the day.

Here's what the shoes looked like; they were very sensible, even for heels. (Note: I can't find the exact shoes, but these are pretty close). But to my sixth-grader self, they were the most stylish shoes in the world, and that's all that mattered.

Thursday, March 23, 2006

The New York Times is 2 clicks behind

Well, today the Times discussed beauty bloggers in this article. It's a nice piece, but it is about 6 months too late - now what was that about traditional media lagging behind?

Monday, March 20, 2006

Anna Piaggi is my hero

This week's Carnivale of Couture is hosted by the Shoelover, a girl after my own heart. Her question:

If you could exchange your life with that of any one particular fashion "celebrity" (Shoelover will use that term loosely), whose life would it be and why?

The Fashionable Kiffen had a difficult time choosing just one famous fashionista, but after much deliberation (who would have the best wardrobe? who has the most fabulous circle of fashionable friends?), Anna Piaggi (currently, an editor-at-large of Italian Vogue) won out. For those of you who are not familar with her, this article from the Observer is an excellent introduction.

"In fashion circles, Anna Piaggi is an institution. You don't ask her age, but according to the Italian Dizionario della Moda, 2004, she was born in 1931. She is ageless, timeless and full of energy. During showtime, she can always be relied upon to be more outlandishly dressed than the models on the catwalk. She is her own sideshow, always with her hat, her walking cane (usually too short to actually lean on), her blue rinse and a surprised look on her face. For designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, whose clothes she seems to mix with everything, she is a breath of fresh air in a sea of scowling, black-clad fashion editors. They remember her as 'a character' when they were students, and are happy they now contribute to the Piaggi look. 'We love Anna!' they say. 'She is a true style icon, a woman who has a personal and recognisable style. She is creative, eccentric and unpredictable, with a great knowledge of the history of fashion."

She has an amazing apartment in Milan, travels around the world to all the most stylish destinations, and she is a fashion icon who is famous for her eccentricities, and she never wears the same thing twice. Her doppine pagine - she gets to cover whatever inspires her - in Italian Vogue is the heart and soul of the magazine, and a must-read for those in the industry. Plus, she has a wardrobe full of Pucci, Missoni, Poiret, Galliano, and Schiaperelli - I'd switch places for the clothes alone!

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Top Ten Accessories - F/W 2006

Today, the Fashionable Kiffen is going to do what Vogue, W, Harpers, and just about every other fashion magazine do - pick the top accessories from the fall shows. So without further ado, here are my picks:

Bottega Veneta: This distressed woven leather bag has incredible hardware - look at the detail! It looks like it could have been carried by a Medici or a Borgia, and it would work just as well with jeans and a crisp white shirt today. Bottega Veneta has come a long way in a few seasons - I have really enjoyed their last few collections.


Alexander McQueen: His entire collection was gorgeous, and these feathered beauties were the perfect finishing touch to his romantic dresses. They are definitely not practical, but don't you just adore them?

Anna Sui: These knee boots are covered with intricate embroidery in a modern geometric print - a great way to make a bohemian style a little more grown-up, and the purple and gold certainly stand out.

Roberto Cavalli: As I've said (many) times previously, I'm a sucker for anything leopard print, and this Cavalli clutch is no exception. With its elegant shape and classic hardware, this would be an incredibly versatile evening staple.

Rochas: The fashionista Holy Grail has been found! This black patent pump from the Rochas catwalk is the perfect basic shoe. It's sleek, feminine heel and almond-shaped toe are immune to trends, and it works well with pants and skirts of all lengths.

Narciso Rodriguez: Graphic black and white make this bag stand out, and the size and shape make it a perfect everyday bag. It's functional without being boring - a great combination.

Michael Kors: Little knit caps showed up on quite a few runways, but Michael did it the best. Some kind of hat is a winter necessity in most places, and these are more flattering than most.

Chanel: Belts (cinched at the waist) are more important than ever, and this girly Chanel number is a perfect way to soften a hard-edged ensemble, and you can never go wrong with classic black and white.

Gucci: We all know that the perfect pair of sunglasses is a wardrobe essential, so look to Gucci this season for yours. Big, dark, and oh-so-seventies-glam, you'll be reaching for them daily.

Dolce and Gabbana: Last but not least, the Italian duo's classic boot is covered with lavish embellishment - it definitely brings a new meaning to basic brown. Fit for Napoleon, these will definitely liven up a dreary winter day.

Now, I have always been of the school of thought that all fashion is good; we all like different things, and that is what makes fashion interesting. But every once in a while I see something so bad that I just can't understand - what could the designer have possible been thinking?

Dishonorable Mention: This Louis Vuitton bag (by Marc Jacobs) just has me wondering one thing: who will ever wear this? It looks a cheap stuffed animal!

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Carnivale of Couture - The Hot List for Spring

This week's Carnivale is being hosted by the ever-so-stylish handbag expert, the Bag Snob, and her question is:

What is your one must have fashion item for this Spring/Summer?

Now, it was definitely difficult to narrow my list down to just one thing (This Kiffen tends to have many fashion cravings), so I picked one category - bags!

I am a not a handbag girl like many fashionistas - shoes are my fashion vice of choice - but this particular line of handbags is so fabulous they had me drooling. The leather is buttery soft, the styles are modern and sleek, and the colors are rich and luscious. These amazing bags are by Hobo International, and here are some of my favorites:

The Elena Hobo bag: A classic shape done in a bold color is always in style. This spring, try a lime green bag to add a little punch to your neutrals.

The Natasha Tote: Done in a luxurious vintage leather, this tote combines a bohemian look (with the studs and embellishment) with a contemporary shape. And it holds a ton!

The Odyssey Bag: This is the perfect slouchy carry-all, and its versatile coral color adds a nice pop of color to any outfit. Bonus: the parachute leather is the softest you will ever find.

The Paulette bag: A sweet little bag that can easily transition from day to night. The sky blue is perfect for spring and summer, as well.

Make sure you check out the Carnivale members to see what the rest of the blogosphere wants for spring, and check out the rest of Hobo's line - this very discerning fashionista definitely approves!

Thursday, March 09, 2006

The New Gothic

Gothic fashion doesn't have the best reputation. Long the province of angsty suburban high schoolers and internet subcultures, most people associate gothic fashion with ripped fishnets, badly dyed hair, and vampire makeup. However, as the fall runways have shown, Gothic can be beautiful and modern - these clothes are a far cry from Hot Topic.

Olivier Theyskens and Nicolas Ghesquiere are the leaders of this new look - a darkly romantic style that uses historical motifs in a completely new way. At Rochas, Olivier has created a new vision of Victorian that is feminine, modern, and not all fussy or prim, and at Balenciaga, Nicolas has updated archival Balenciaga, adding both Baroque touches and a rock'n'roll edge, resulting in a seamless blend of eras that has fashionistas around the world coveting his clothes.

But how do you wear these styles without looking you're wearing a costume (or like a rebellious teenager)? It's all in the mix. Wear your ruffled blouses with jeans and a leather jacket, or floaty, feminine dresses with chunky platforms. Or just keep it to the accessories - try a skull or heavy cross necklace with a sleek suit. Makeup is also one of the easiest ways to go neo-Goth: just wear a little more dark eyeliner or lipstick than usual (and remember to keep the lips neutral). Inky nail polish is another fun way to try this look; OPI's "Lincoln Park after Dark" is a purple so dark it appears black.

You don't have to wait for fall to go for the Goth, either. A little darkness can be the perfect antidote to spring's sweetness. Throw a heavy, ornate leather belt over your breezy summer dresses, or wear a pair of studded platforms with your summer shorts. Just remember not to interpret this trend to literally - head to toe Gothic can be more frightening than fabulous.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Middle America, I'm sure, was very pleased.

This short sentence regarding this year’s Oscar fashion summed up the red carpet better than anything else. The dresses that were generally beloved by the press (and one can assume, the masses), were generally rather boring and safe. For instance, Nicole Kidman’s Balenciaga had a simple strapless silhouette with some tone on tone embroidery – pretty enough, but boring and beige. And yet she was lauded for her choice.

Simple is not always the epitome of chic, people. Sometimes, less is boring and risks should be rewarded.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy could do minimalism and make it work. So could Audrey Hepburn. However, the rest of us need a little more color and sparkle to look our best. Even if you are as gorgeous as Nicole Kidman, your dress, skin, and hair should not all be the same color. But as glamorous and important as the Academy Awards are, they still aim to appeal to the billions of viewers around the world. And that means, essentially, catering to the middle.

Anything deemed too “out there” is left on the racks and it is usually the most classic looks from major designers that make it on the red carpet – we’re talking long satin column dresses and basic black or white, with estate jewels from Harry Winston and Fred Leighton. Every year, nearly all in attendance channel old Hollywood glamour, and as a member of the fashion-viewing public, I am tired of it. And I don’t think I’m alone.

We want to see couture, we want to see the wild, the crazy, the fantasy ballgowns that every woman has dreamed of wearing since she was a little girl. We’re tired of Vera Wang and Armani, we want Galliano and McQueen and slashed-to-there glitz. We want color and ruffles and sequins – bring back Cher! If you can’t go over the top at the Oscars, when can you?

Monday, March 06, 2006

It's Oscar Night!

In honor of the latest Carnivale of Couture (with the theme of film and fashion, and hosted by the fabulous Counterfeit Chic), here is my rundown of the 2006 Academy Awards, that night when Hollywood and fashion join forces to create a spectacle that is watched by millions.

Tonight was one of the most important nights in film and fashion - what the stars wear to the Oscars is almost as important as who wins! As always, there were some some standouts and some "what was she thinking?" moments, and lots of safe, boring dresses.

The fashionable Kiffen's favorites included Salma Hayek in turquoise Versace, Keira Knightley in asymmetical Vera Wang, and Charlize Theron in dramatic Dior.


What's interesting about Oscar fashion is that the dresses worn tend to create just as many trends as the fashion shows. Knockoff artists like ABS have affordable versions of the popular dresses on the racks mere days after the broadcast, so wearing a fabulous dress is not only great for the star, it is free publicity for whoever designed it. Also important to know is that the stars generally do not choose their own dresses - their stylists do it.

Hollywood stylists are some of the most influential people in fashion today - their power to define trends and elevate items to "it" status is underrated. After all, it is stylists like Rachel Zoe who dress stars like Nicole Richie and Lindsay Lohan - and love them or hate them, they definitely have influence. (Just for the record, although I am around the same age, I have no desire to emulate them). The majority of celebrities do not dress themselves, and it is about time we see the stylists getting some red carpet credit.

Another important fashion moment at the Oscars is the award for Best Costumes. There were several notable films nominated, including Pride and Prejudice and Walk the Line, but my personal favorite, Memoirs of a Geisha, took the prize. The costumes in this movie were amazing, from the gorgeously intricate kimonos worn by the geisha to the immaculately cut suits on the men, the whole movie was pure visual perfection.
All in all, the biggest night in film and one of the biggest nights in fashion held no real surprises on the fashion front. Playing it safe is boring - when are we going to see an actress wear Pucci?

Saturday, March 04, 2006

McQueen's Highland Fling

There are designers, and there are artists. Alexander McQueen, already squarely in the artist camp, solidified his position today with a spectacular Scottish inspired collection that had both Victorian and Rococo undertones, yet was unmistakably modern. From the feathered shoes to the feathered headresses, McQueen's interest in falconry was clear - but it was far from gimmicky (even though it is highly unlikely we will ever see those hats on the street).

During a season of somber, neo-gothic or minimal looks, McQueen's pale, muted palette was a breath of fresh air, and the superb craftmanship and detail looked more like couture than ready to wear. With this collection, McQueen took his Hitchcock heroines of seasons past and sent them through a fashion time machine, picking up the best bits and pieces along the way.


The hair and makeup was kept relatively simple - those without headresses had ballerina buns or simple ornaments, and all the makeup was fairly natural. With clothes like these, obvious makeup would simply be too much. The dishabille styling of the show highlighted the clothes to their best advantage - nothing looks as modern as a glamorous worn as casually as jeans.

The finale of the show was McQueen's tour de force, however. He used an old smoke and mirrors trick called "Pepper's Ghost"; it was used in circuses a century ago in order to trick audiences into believing there was a ghost in the room. In McQueen's show, the apparition was Kate Moss in one of the designer's ruffled tulle gowns, and she closed the show in spirit from a glass pyramid. It was performance art and fashion at their finest.

Oscar History

A heads-up to all my fashionable readers - the super-fantastic Manolo will be live-blogging at the Academy Awards this Sunday! The blogosphere is really taking the entertainment and media world by storm. Be sure to tune in to Pajamas Media to read all about the Manolo's take on the awards, the celebrity fashion, and of course - who's shoes are indeed super-fantastic!

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Sophie Kokosalaki - Up and Coming

Sophie is one of the most watched young designers of the moment, and her name is being mentioned for the vacant head designer position at Chloe, or for possible revival of Vionnet. Regardless of where or what she may do, her recent collection was stunning, in both the technique (she is known for her draping abilities) and the finished looks - a bit of the eighties with a British glam-rock feel.

Her coats had a very casual, just-thrown-on vibe while still being quite tailored, and the capes managed to look sleek and classic instead of costumey (always a difficult thing to pull off with capes). I particularly liked a gorgeous white number with a black belt.

Most of the looks were done in black, white, and soft browns, which is still refreshing after last year's boho color overload. Other standouts included a cuddly white sweaterdress and a tailored yet slouchy pantsuit. In fact, the crisp but relaxed look is what Sophie does best.

For evening, she went for the gold with a series of burnished short dresses and blouses paired with pencil skirts. The looks were grounded with black tights and heavy boots, and the bubble hem made an appearance at yet other fall show - this is definitely a trend that will stick around for a while. I think we may see these dresses on the red carpet as well, on some of the quirkier starlets.

With this collection, her largest yet, Sophie has established herself as one to watch, whether she heads to a major label or not. Personally, I would love to see her at Vionnet - her abilities would mesh with Vionnet's elegance and style (Madame Vionnet herself invented the bias cut and was famous for her softly draped gowns). It could prove to be a perfect fit.