Get Dressed

I'm sure that you already know that casual dresses are one of the biggest trends this spring, but you can take the simplicity of a dress one step further by wearing a bright print, like these ones by Nieves Lavi (available at Shopbop). With such bold designs, you don't need lots of accessories or complicated makeup. I particularly like these colorful little numbers:

Here's a few more from ShopBop, by T-Bags, Karanina, and Diane Von Furstenberg (from left to right).


Happy shopping!

Bloggers vs. PR firms

Like many fashion bloggers, I get tons of press releases and emails from PR firms. They definitely want positive coverage on fashion blogs, but they don't always live up to their end of the bargain (i.e. fashion show invites, access to images and information, etc.). The Budget Fashionista has recently gotten tons of flack from Steve and Barry's lawyers for posting images of Sarah Jessica Parker's "Bitten" line for Steve and Barry's. Long story short, she used images of the line that she found in the public domain to accompany her less than stellar review, and now the retailer is pissed off. Here's a link to her posts on the matter.

Leslie from Fashion Tribes said summed it all up perfectly in this post on The Budget Fashionista's coverage of the "Bitten" by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Personally, I'll go on the record saying she should keep the photos up because she didn't do anything wrong - if anything, Steve and Barry's should go after whoever leaked the images. Eliminating negative reviews (and the Budget Fashionista's really wasn't even that awful) won't accomplish anything except for adding to the PR nightmare. Information moves at the speed of light on the internet, and the damage has already been done.

Anyways, if you're interested in the "Bitten" line, go check it out for yourself when it hits a mall near you. I doubt that one iffy review would keep anyone from buying it, especially because everything's under $20.

The Hills = Most Ridiculous "Reality" Show Ever

If you've ever seen an episode of MTV's "The Hills" (don't worry, I won't tell anyone), you'll find this MadTV clip hilarious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivgJbtvrQ28

(just click through for the youtube video).

Here's the lyrics to MadTV's version of the theme song:

"You thought there was absolutely
No way she could go on without Laguna
But she found more stupid people in LA

Lower all your expections and welcome to LC's Life
No one learns,
No one grows,
They just get drunk and fight
And the rest just seems pre-written!"

It's awesome.

And thanks to Fashion Addict Diary for bringing it to my attention.

A Quickie for Chicago Girls

No, not that kind of quickie!

Brilli Salon has created a menu of time efficient beauty services for busy girls who can't spend all day at the spa. You can get everything from a quickie facial to an updo for a big night out and still be out the door in under an hour - and they do a fabulous job.

They are also the only place in Chicago that offers South Seas Spray tanning system, so if you're not quite ready to bare those legs this spring, get rid of your winter pastiness with an amazingly natural faux-tan. Their esthetician Tiffany Markarian is a genius with it.

Brilli also offers a full menu of salon services for fashionistas who need more than just a quickie.

Tales of a Female Nomad

(I promise this is fashion-related.)

I just read one of the best, most inspiring books that I've read in quite a while - Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman.

Taken from Amazon:

"When Rita Golden Gelman traveled to Mexico during a two-month separation from her husband, she hoped to satisfy an old craving for adventure and, in the process, rejuvenate herself and her marriage. Little did she know it was the beginning of a new life, not just as a divorcée, but as a nomad of the world. Since 1986, Gelman has had no permanent address and no possessions except those she can carry. She travels without a plan, guided by instinct, serendipitous opportunities, and a remarkable ability to connect with people. At first her family and friends accused her of running away, but Gelman knew she had embarked on a journey of self-discovery and a way of life that is inspiring and enviable.

We know Gelman is not your typical middle-aged housewife from LA when, on that first trip to Mexico, she randomly picks a Zapotec village and decides to live there for a month, knowing nothing about the culture or the language. When she arrives, the villagers run away from her, terrified. By the time she leaves, there are hugs and tears. From there she travels to Guatemala and Nicaragua, Israel and the Galapagos Islands. But the heart of the book--and her 15-year journey--is Indonesia, where she lives for eight years. It is Bali that forever changes how she looks at the world, facilitated by her friendship with an aging prince. Tu Aji not only invites her to live with his family but decides that the education of Rita will be his final duty in life. Wherever she goes, Gelman has an uncanny ability to slip into other ways of life and become part of a community. And she is a person for whom doors open widely--her seatmate on the plane to Bali scrawls the prince's name on a piece of paper, she talks her way into a sojourn at Camp Leakey in Borneo where orangutans are studied, and an entire village in a remote part of Irian Jaya prays for the clouds to clear so her plane can land--and they do! Gelman's secret is her passion for people. That being the case, the book is short on descriptions of place, but long on the rarer inside view of the peoples and customs of those places. This in itself is treat enough, but Gelman's animated and intimate story comes with a kicker--it's never too late to fulfill those dreams."

As someone who loves to travel and learn about exotic places and foreign cultures, this book was incredibly interesting. This is not your typical travel book - as Rita learns about and adapts to the local customs she takes the reader right along with her; it's short on glossy scenery descriptions and long on everyday life. Now for the fashion-related part: in each place, once she adopts the local dress (sarongs in Bali, huipil in Guatemala) and learns to cook the local meals at the urging of her hosts, it's a show of acceptance and cross-cultural bonding. Really, how many times have you sized up a stranger based on their outfit? And aren't you more likely to make friends or even talk to people with similar styles? It's really not all that different.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to travel or just wants a chance to escape into another world or two for a few hours. Now we will return to to your regular fashion programming.

Buy It On Amazon

Non-Fashion-Related Grammar Bitchism

People, it is "wary" not "weary". If I read one sentence that goes something like "I would be weary of buying designer jeans on ebay" I am going to become that person who corrects others' grammar and spelling on the internet. No one wants to be that person.

Spring Trends

I complied a list of spring trends for an assignment (details on this coming shortly), and I thought that it might be interesting/useful to some of you:

• Metallics, especially silver, in all shapes and forms. Pick up some shiny shoes or a bag if you haven't already.
• Casual dresses are still big, particularly wrap dresses, kimono shapes, and shirt-dresses.
• Trapeze lines and empire waists
• Delicate, sheer ruffled blouses
• Cropped and a-line jackets
• Patent leather
• Colorful flats
• Lucite accessories (you know how I feel about this one)
• Eyelet lace, especially in white
• Huge cocktail rings
• Shorts, every style from ultra-short (wear with extreme caution) to bermudas. Wear them with the next two.
• Espadrilles and cork sandals
• Chunky wooden wedges and platforms
• Bubble hems are still around for skirts, dresses, and tops
• Lightweight chunky knits and crochet with a "home-made" feel
• Slouchy wide leg pants (this will continue into fall - thank god for relief from skinny pants)
• Draped, fluttery or voluminous sleeves
• Grecian style draping in general - especially for evening
• Minidresses and miniskirts (get thee to the gym to work on those legs!)
• Geometric and mod prints, especially in black and white
• Jewelry with a hand-made, one of kind look
• Colors: white, pale silvery gray, cobalt blue, yellow, and nude/blush tones

If I missed any, leave it in the comments!

Clear Heels

There have been a LOT of outrageous platforms on the runways and in stores these past couple seasons, but when it comes to this spring's trend of lucite heels, it might be a good idea to take some advice from an very unlikely source.

Whenever I see a pair of clear heels, I think of Chris Rock's bit (in Never Scared) about clear heels being the official uniform of strippers. Even a little bit of lucite is very difficult to pull off, and it seems have shown up at every label from Nine West to Gucci.

Brian Atwood: Well, his website's background music is "Let Me Entertain You", so I think the stripper (or at least burlesque dancer) connection may be intentional. These may be the best clear heels of the bunch. (available at Saks Fifth Avenue if you must.)

Nine West: These chunky lovelies combine the two trashiest materials for shoes - white patent leather and lucite. Fabulous.

Stuart Weitzman: More clear wedges, although these are a little more flattering to the foot. The metallic silver is another big trend for spring - but please don't combine it with lucite. If necessary, you can get them at Neiman Marcus (but why?).

Prada: Not even Miuccia could make lucite work (although this shoe would be gorgeous if the heel was patent - the shape is right on the mark). Also at Neiman Marcus.

Donna Karan: Another designer that couldn't make the clear heels work. These are possibly even less flattering than the Nine West numbers due to the ankle strap.

Consider this a fair warning if you plan to rock the clear heels this spring - it takes some serious styling skills to rock the lucite.

The Requisite Oscar Fashion Review

Well, it's about time that I comment on the Oscar fashion:

The Good:

First of all, Best Actress winner Helen Mirren looked amazing in a glittering champagne dress - if I look half as good when I'm her age, I'll be happy. Reese Witherspoon looked radiant in a strapless violet number by Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci, and her hair and makeup complimented the dress wonderfully - being single clearly agrees with her. Cate Blanchett was stunning in her asymmetrical gunmetal Armani Prive gown.

Forgotten Dreamgirl Anika Noni Rose (there were three of them in the movie) gave us a reason to notice her in a backless metallic gown - personally, I love this silhouette. It's just incredibly elegant. Naomi Watts glowed in lemon yellow chiffon and her 40s movie star hair is just perfect, and Emily Blunt must have picked up some fashion sense on the set of Devil Wears Prada, because her strapless royal blue dress rocked.

Celine Dion's draped vintage Galanos gown was the perfect shade of green for her complexion, and her loose waves softened her features (something that is definitely needed). I loved the rich navy blue and the fringey skirt on Portia de Rossi's gown. Eva Green's Givenchy couture dress may be a controversial pick for a "good" look, but I think the etheral but gothic vibe suits her, in a haute couture vampire kind of way.

The Bad:

I wanted to like Gwyneth's Zac Posen gown, but I can't get past her scraggly hair. Cut about six inches off and get back to me. Same goes for you, Kidman - the stick straight hair thrown over one shoulder doesn't make you look like Veronica Lake, it makes you look like your curling iron broke. I did love Nicole's red Balenciaga, however, even with the massive neck-bow. Anne Hathaway's hair and makeup were gorgeous, but unlike Nicole, her massive bow didn't work.

Isla Fischer's strapless number would have gorgeous if the neckline was just an inch higher - there was a little too much cleavage, but the color was stunning with her skin and hair. Kate Winslet, take note: mint green is not your color. Stick with the jewel tones and brights and you won't look so washed out. Rachel Weisz is another beautiful woman wearing an unflattering color, but the cut of the dress was great.

The Ugly:

Beyonce appeared much, much wider than she actually is in her mint green Armani Prive, which resembled nothing so much as a nightgown. She looked much better in her sexy red number she wore during her performance. Jessica Biel looked matronly in hot pink Oscar de Renta - since her main claim to fame is having an enviable figure, she should have shown it off a little more. A softer hairstyle would have helped as well. Cameron Diaz's white Valentino dress was ill-fitting and looked uncomfortable - perhaps she needs to put down the joint and hire a stylist.

Kelly Preston looked like Mob wife in leopard (I usually love leopard, but not for formal events). Penelope Cruz looked like a giant pink cupcake (her hair and makeup were gorgeous, though, I'll give her that) and I really have no words for Kirsten Dunst. Feathers and sheerness and sequins and a peter pan collar - c'mon, Kirsten, not even Karl Lagerfield can make that combination work.

All pictures from Style.com.

The World's Most Perfect Shoe

I have found it.

Thank you, Monsieur Louboutin. You are a genius.

Available at Neiman Marcus.

Milan Fashion Week

Check out Second City Style's coverage of Milan fashion week - some of the reviews are by yours truly!

Also, my favorite dress from the Versace show:

Donatella's really gotten her act together.

Shoe Lust in Milan

I'm seriously loving some of the shoes in Milan (and the two shows I'm looking forward to the most, Pucci and Versace, haven't even happened yet!).

Here's some favorites (courtesy of style.com):

The mary jane is definitely still going to be around for fall, so don't be afraid to invest in your favorite styles. The rust-colored crocodile and the black tasseled versions are both by Roberto Cavalli, and the gray scrollwork number is from Alberta Feretti (this one would be a perfect bit of texture with all the gray clothes that were shown for fall).

The little black ankle boots are Gucci (this shape is huge for next fall), as well as the cordovan knee boots (how amazing are those?). The lemon and lavendar satin and wood pumps are Marni, which is not normally a label I like, but there's something playful and appealing about these shoes. I think they would be excellent with gray, navy, or chocolate brown.

All three of these fabulous pieces of footwear are Burberry Prorsum. The patent lace-up ankle boot is my favorite version of the style thus far, and the studded sandals are a bit over the top but I think they could work with a simple little dress and black tights. The thigh high patent boots are probably something best left to the runways and editorials, but I couldn't resist including them.

The Bottega Veneta strappy sandals are similar to the Burberry ones, but without all the metal - however, they're not exactly subdued. These toughened up versions of the gladiator sandal are no doubt inspired by Carine Roitfeld and all her skyscraping Helmut Lang and Alaia shoes. The chunky pumps are by Jil Sander, and they would be great with wide leg pants come fall (that thick heel would be difficult to pull off with a skirt unless you've got legs just like a runway model). Finally, I had to include these zippered patent Burberry gloves - they're just too badass to overlook.

Madonna for H&M

First of all, you can view the collection here: M By Madonna, thanks to the fabulous nitro:licious.

H&M is known for their collaborations, and although they’ve stuck to fashion designers in the past, they recently let everyone’s favorite pseudo-British aging pop star create a collection. It’s actually significantly better than I expected, with plenty of basic pieces that could be worn in tons of different ways.

Daytime dresses are the staple of the collection, with several different shapes and styles. The overall silhouette is long and lean, and the necklines, as well as the at-the-knee-hemlines, are low. Ruched dresses with deeply V-ed necklines and shirtdresses stand out as potential great buys, because they could work for so many situations. For instance, you could wear them to the office (maybe with a cami underneath the more low-cut styles), over jeans or leggings, or dressed up with patterned tights and plenty of jewelry for night.

I think that the black, white, beige, and pale pink color palette is a good call for this collection, mainly because it’s easier to make less expensive pieces seem luxurious in neutral colors (seriously, go to H&M, Forever 21, or another cheap chic store – everything looks better in black). The accessories are done in the same color palette, with the addition of a seriously shiny silver clutch. There are actually a good number of handbags, mostly of the slouchy, boxy sort. The shapes are cute, but I’m withholding judgment until I know if they’re leather or not. Other accessories include some strappy sandals in silver or black, and chunky heeled patent pumps. There is also some kind of knotted turban that would probably only work as part of a costume, but I’m sure that I’ll see some fabulous fashionista chick rocking it.

Belts are also a major component – the tightly defined waistline is the focus of most of the looks. Almost everything was either cinched with a belt or otherwise detailed at the waist, so do your crunches, girls. The wide, multi-buckled corset belt – what a surprise from Madge – is paired with crisp blouses and pencil skirts for a sexy secretary look, but those belts could be styled in a variety of ways (layered over a fitted turtleneck dress, for example).

The overall vibe of the collection is tailored, sleek, and of course, sexy. It’s got a bit of a tough-chic feel to it – it’s definitely more city girl than country mouse. In generally, my favorites were the crisp white trench (there is something so decadent about white coats), the slinky black dresses, and the tailored shirtdress with the leg-of-mutton sleeves; actually, I’d looking forward to seeing all the dresses. I’m also interested in the black and white patent pumps – if they’re actually comfortable, they would be great with slim pants for spring.

Grammy Fashion 2007

Another Grammy Awards Show has come and gone, and although I congratulate the winners, I really only watch for the fashion. This year had few major missteps, with some of the key looks being column dresses and goddess gowns in a variety of metallics. In fact, sparkle in general was a major theme of the evening.

The Good: Mary J. Blige looked stunning in all her outfits, especially the champagne colored Grecian dress she wore on the red carpet – it was the perfect color for her. Jennifer Hudson looked sexy but still elegant in her cherry red Roberto Cavalli halter dress (she's been hitting it out of the park at all the awards shows so far this season, actually), and Corrine Bailey Rae was adorable in her beaded black strapless number. One surprise was Vanessa Minillo in a liquid metal mini dress paired with sleek, simple hair - I wasn't really expecting much from her. Carrie Underwood also worked the silver look well in her long, glittering column.

The Bad: Shakira looked pretty, but her red dress could have come from the juniors at Macy’s – it looked like more like a prom dress than a red carpet dress. Another one in the "safe but pretty category" was Leann Rimes. There was nothing wrong with her plunging black dress, but it wasn't exactly memorable. Christina Aguilera’s look was fabulous except for the seriously bad extensions – there really shouldn’t be such a clear demarcation between one’s real hair and the fake pieces. The Dixie Chicks looked great on the red carpet and in the audience, but Natalie Maines's (the lead singer) big puffy white dress during their performance looked like a wedding gown gone horribly wrong.

The Ugly: Queen Latifah really shouldn’t do strapless – any other neckline (or even just putting on a necklace) would have done wonders, because she can look much better. Fergie looked like a gothic cheerleader in her pewter Badgley Mischka minidress. Beyonce was beautiful from the neck up, but her dress looked like she wrapped a satin sheet around her body and secured it with a few sparkly pins - the low-rent version of the boudoir look.

The Men: Justin looked good in his gray suit (a nice change from the black that men usually wear to awards shows), and Terrence Howard is one sharp dressed man. However, John Mayer looked the same as he always does - in need of a shower and shave.