Leave it to Jimmy Choo to embark on yet another untouched territory for the high heel....Who would have imagined that the combination of a 5'' platform and the concept of children's light-up sneakers would be such an amazing combination. Well, I guess if we REALLY thought about it....we would have known that this idea was bound to be a huge success.
"Think of it as Studio 54 at your feet. Instead of dancing under the infamous neon moon and spoon, the Jimmy Choo light-up Shoes have some glowing disco lights in their 5'' heels." Muscial artist, Katy Perry has already christened the Red Carpet with these L.A. Gear-inspired pumps at the ASCAP awards last month in L.A. Who even noticed her poor choice of gown when she was rocking these flashing heels? Without a doubt, these platform pumps are a show-stopping piece to any emsemble. No one can deny that these shoes are hot...but keep in mind..."price per wear" is an important factor in today's economy, so unless you are a professional party girl (not to read: escort), or Lady Gaga, you may want to steer clear of the nearly $2,500 price tag (I hope batteries and bulbs are included).
So, I may not be talking about the nation that you were expecting....I am talking about Nation Ltd. tees. Before working at Beanie + Cecil, the mere thought of purchasing a $90 worn out tee was about the dumbest thing that I could possibly think of. Little did I know that within one week of working there I would be hooked. And at the rate I am wearing these tees, if I hadn't bought them worn out, they would have worn out on their own!
Creator Jen Mencher didn't always know that she would become a fashion designer. Her dad worked for NASA and hoped that Jen would follow in his footsteps....well, she didn't... and the main reason??? She would have to wear a spacesuit, of course! She "didn't have a huge interest in couture (she) just didn't want to look like a fool." Her dad would later become her career inspiration, just not in the way that he had planned.
Jen had always loved her dad's worn out tees. They were so incredibly soft, yet with the yellow discolorations and random paint stains, she knew that she should probably not wear them in public. As a result, the perfect vintage white v-neck t-shirt was born...and it was a hit! From that one vintage tee, Nation Ltd. has blossomed into a huge line of incredibly soft cotton pieces. From celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe, to fashion icon Rachel Bilson everyone seems to be rocking these amazing tees....including me. There are tons of styles, snakeskin burnouts, little hoodies, oversized slouchy, fitted classic, fabulous long tanks...and the list continues....
What I originally thought was an absurd price for a t-shirt, is now my normality when it comes to these amazingly versatile tops. I wear them to work with skinnys and flats, as well as out with jeans or harem pants and a hot pair of heels. They also look great under the perfect boyfriend blazer. The fabric's softness is indescribable, and the cuts are perfectly precise for the ultimate flattering look. The price tag reflects the quality, and once you buy one, you will definitely get your money's worth. You won't want to wear anything else....and I pretty much don't.
Don't knock it until you try it. Some people may think that this obsession is downright absurd (like my finace) ....but I stand firm in strong support of my Nation.
Hell yes I listened to Kriss Kross! I think there were even times when I used to try on my overalls backwards, yet it never seemed to look quite right, let alone FEEL quite right. Quite frankily, Kriss Kross has nothing to do with this post except for the mere fact that when I hear the word JUMP, my mind immediately goes to that backassward duo! Well, this spring and summer is all about the jump....or at least the jumpERs! Jumpers and rompers are ALL the rav. While most of you feel looking like a 5 year old or just flat out say, "I can't pull that off," I am here to tell you that you are so far wrong. Rompers and jumpers of today are ultra-flattering. I mean, there are the BAD ones out there that make you look like you just stepped out of a bad episode of Blossom, but when you get a good one, you are making a fashion statement that screams that you know what you are working with!
I already have my list of pieces that I feel are vital to my spring/summer wardrobe and jumpers/rompers are definitely on the list. Loeffler Randall has made my favorite of the season. The "Balloon Jumpsuit" is so freaking cool. It is on my "must-have" list for this warm weather! The fit is amazing, the fabric choice is perfect for dressing up and dressing down, the neckline is ultra-chic, all while maintaining an element of a hip yet precious persona! Seriously it is to DIE FOR!
Loeffler Randall Balloon Jumpsuit $495-, Available at Beanie + Cecil of Wilmington
I am not normally a fan of Juicy Couture, but this romper was so damn hot that it immediately caught my eye. With this one you better hope you have Cher Horowitz stems (and a super toned back). But if you do, wearing this little number will make jaws drop!
In honor of the Spring Season, let's play with a little color. This inexpensive, easy little romper is perfect for looking chic while fighting off that brutal summer heat! Do like the model and throw your hair on top of your head, then add a little delicate necklace, a great pair of wedges, and you are ready for dinner, a party, a night out....further emphasizing the versatility of a great jumper!
So regardless of which price-point you are shopping for, a great jumper is essential to stay on-trend this spring. So find the right one for your body shape and you have knocked one staple piece off of your list!
Oscar night is a night for the stars....some will win and some will lose...both during the award ceremony and on the Red Carpet. The Oscars brings out the best and the worst dressed, and last Sunday was no exception. Every year I snuggle up on my couch with a notebook and paper to write down my notes on "Who Wore What," usually just what pops into my head immediately...one word to spark my memory when I sit back down and rehash the night of glamor. I rarely tend to agree with E!'s Fashion Police...especially Mr. Jay whose own attire was one for the worst dress awards...Tom Ford...you are genius but this smoking jacket was a drastic mistake. Last night there were quit a few people that were in desperate need of a fashion fix....so straight from my notes, here are my comments on the fashion flaws that walked the red carpet.
Mo'nique: Aside from the fact that you don't shave your legs, you had a great look going til you stuck that damn flower in the side of your head. Really what were you thinking? This isn't a luau, it is the Oscars!
Mariah Carey: 90's Prom dress gone bad...but at least you covered more of your boobs this time...I just can't get over you lack of poor taste.
Zoe Saldana: I wanted to like it, I really did...and I am an ombre-loving gal...but this is just a hot mess. Too much going on. It looks like an 80s Barbie dress. The way if flowed when you walked on the stage was exquisite and if it weren't for that deep purple on the end, you would have been a top pick!
Tina Fey: Black again...wow....what a surprise....way to shake things up....and as far as your hair goes...you looked like a 1980's mom heading to an event at the Country Club.
Sigourney Weaver: You just gave yourself an extra 40 pounds. The dress just wasn't right for your body....great color...bad shape. Faith Hill: Did you borrow this from Elvira's closet?
Miley Cyrus: Can't focus on anything but your hunched over shoulders. I just want to grab them and pull them back.
Charlize Theron: Cinnabon Boobs=Madonna circa 1990...and that is about all I can say.
Luckily....everyone wasn't poorly attired walking the Red Carpet...there were some major fashion moments on the Red Carpet...so let's talk about the best dressed gals of the night...
Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten... Stunning. Definitely fit your personality and up with the current trends of patterned fabric. The blue color was stunning with her complexion and the fit was flawless! Perfect amount of accessorizing so as to not compete with the dress. One of my favorites always, but last night you hit it out of the park!
Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive Gorgeous, very classic gown that was stunning on her. With the straight bodice, this gown was able to achieve a classic look with a fashion-forward twist. The hair perfectly complimented the gown. She looked like a modern-day princess.
Sandra Bullock in Marchesa. You seriously were dressed to win in this shimmering, gold-beaded gown. The way in which the skirt puddled at your feet was fairytale-like and the addition of the red lips kept you popping and not getting lost in the neutral gown. Supposedly her stepdaughter helped her decide and she definitely made the right choice.
Cameron Diaz (in Oscar de la Renta) and Demi Moore (in Atelier Versace), You both looked stunning..hats off to Rachel Zoe for once again styling you to perfection. Perfect!
Rachel McAdams you looked amazing in Elie Saab Haute Couture. This dress is approachable and easily understood. The watercolored silk organza made a statement of beauty. Effortlessly chic. If I could turn your dress white, this would be my wedding gown. You were AMAZING! Love love love!
SJP...seriously? It almost isn't fair how much more ahead of the trends you are. This Chanel Couture gown was so fashion-forward that it evoked a sense of "was it good or bad?" This is a dress that will undoubtedly land you on the best AND the worst dressed lists...but sometimes that is a good thing...rocking the boat and going out on a limb to try new things is the way in which fashion is created. Many people will question this dress, but I have a hunch that this is just the beginning of something new and different...You are and will always be "Carrie Bradshaw." Thank you for taking a step towards forging yet another new path for us commoners on the fashion trail....beautiful.
When it comes the the "it jacket" this spring, you must either rock a boyfriend blazer (strong shoulder preferred) or go with the ultra hip motorcycle jacket. Motorcycle jackets are perfect for throwing on with nearly anything in your closet. Over a great oversized tee and skinny jeans, or top off a circa 1990's floral babydoll dress and you are ready to go. These cropped silhouettes work with such a large variety of pieces that are in for spring, that it is vital that you find your perfect version of the trend. And with nearly ever line incorporating this style into their looks, finding "the perfect jacket" will be such an easy task. Here are a few of my newest favs....
Nom De Plume YaYa Moto Jacket $58-, available at Urban Outfitters
Available in a variety of colors, this jacket is ultra chic and appears to be rather comfy as well! Styled with a variety of looks on Urban's website, this jacket is clearly incredibly versatile. Being made mostly of cotton, this pieces is perfect for the warm days ahead. Pair this with a pair of distressed jeans and an easy tee, or as seen above with a tight little mini.
Robert Rodriguez Leather Motorcycle Jacket $893-, available at ShopBop
If you have the bones to do it...then get this jacket. This jacket is dead on with the current trends of moto look and is complete with strong, defined shoulders. While pricey, it is evident after Fashion Week that you will remain in with the trends again next fall because this look is carrying over. Wrinkled leather is HOT! It gives you a little attitude without looking like you are trying to hard. This jacket is an ultimate hit!
Loeffler Randall Motorcycle Jacket $495-, available at Beanie+Cecil of Wilmington
For those of you that are not familiar with Loeffler Randall, it is kinda A-mazing. And the Spring 2010 Collection is no exception. With graphic prints and spaghetti string detailing, the pieces possess an easy, yet powerful statement. This silk motorcycle jacket is a perfect example. If you want the leather moto look, without the heavy weight, this is it. With two different zipping options, the perfectly placed hardware makes this jacket unique to it's opponents.
Washed Denim Motorcycle Jacket $69.50-, available at Gap
Making its debut appearance on Golden Zipper...Gap! Yep, ladies that's right, Gap has come out with this hot little lightweight denim Motorcycle jacket that is perfect for sporting the look, without the heavy weight of leather....which is a great alternative for those of you that just don't care for the "leather look." This jacket goes with everything from a basic tee to a LBD and a great pair of platform pumps...and the best part is...it's price! Completely affordable!
Whether your budget allows $900 or $50, you are bound to be able to find the perfect motorcycle jacket for the spring! Get them while they are still around cause these pieces are bound to speed off the shelves.
This morning, as my fiancé sat on the couch enjoying his cereal, I burst into song...."It's the most wonderful time of the year!" I belted out. Confused, he asked, "Singing Christmas songs are we?" To which I responded, "No silly....the most wonderful time of the year....FASHION WEEK!" Seriously, for those of us that REALLY love fashion...this is one of the most amazing times of the year....the other being Spring Fashion Week in September of course! This is the time that we learn the rules for which we will live by for the upcoming season. The time where we learn to weed out the pieces that have officially made it to the "fashion don't" status, and the time where we learn what random pieces we should pull back out of storage...the pieces that have made their way full circle and back into the forefront of the fashion scene. And lastly, a time in which we are celebrating what we consider to be our role models...fashion designers that create the art by which we choose to mold our life around.
In 2003 I worked fashion week. I was an intern for Marc Jacobs in the preceding summer and was invited to return and work the fashion show. I expected it to be hard work, but was far from prepared for the amount of time and energy that goes into creating a fantastic show. The week that I was back in NYC, helping to prepare for what would only last about ten minutes was one of the hardest, yet most amazing times of my life. You can't possibly imagine what goes into creating a show like Marc's. On this particular year, Marc had chosen Beyonce to be the background music for what was bound to be another masterpiece. "Crazy In Love" played over and over for days but somehow the monotony it wasn't irritating...quite the opposite really...it was inspiration....like a great workout mix that just "kept you going." I performed various tasks....including everything from going on massive Starbucks runs and helping prepare the late-night snacks, to trimming the hem on a Grecian gown to be worn by none other than Gisele herself. I remember when the shoes for the show arrived and I helped furiously unpack the dozens upon dozens of amazing heels, lining the hall with them displayed for Marc and the stylists to chose from....so many in my size (9)....it was like putting candy in front of a baby....yet never letting it have a taste! Everything was utterly fantastic. The last two days were literally 20-21 hour work days....work, run to my hotel, nap for an hour or so, shower and get back to work. I was in my element. Running off of pure adrenaline...and massive amounts of caffeine. But still, I couldn't get enough.
When the day finally arrived, the team was running a little behind....but if you know anything about Fashion Week...this is to be expected. Finally, it was time to leave Spring Street and head to the show. The interns found our spot, got seated, and eagerly waited to see the final product. Gisele opened the show with a fabulous menswear-inspired pant and a sleeveless sweater. Of course she rocked it....as did every model throughout the 52 looks. It was fantastic, invigorating, exciting, mesmerizing...words cannot accurately describe the plethora of emotions that flowed through my body. Although I had played such a small role in the overall product, I was filled with immense pride....particularly when Gisele strutted the final look down the runway, which I had worked for hours trimming the tiny scalloped hem detail the lined the Grecian gown (see below). I snapped pics as quick as I could...ending up with my favorite picture that I ever took (see above). I couldn't have been any happier than I was at that moment.
We continued to the after-party where we mingled with celebs and drank fine champagne for hours. Gisele partied on the dance floor, while I chatted with Hilary Swank who was manning the booth where we could purchase various MJ items such as t-shirts, proceeds to benefit the HarveyMilkHigh School. At the time she was still with Chad Lowe and as I left the after-party I happen to be right behind the famous couple, which ultimately ended up with me being engulfed in the paparazzi storm, flashing bulbs all around. The night ended fantastically. We partied in celebration of our hard work and our dedication to an amazing designer that had created one of my favorite collections to date. Perhaps I am biased, but this collection was and still is, simply stunning.
It was like a drug. I wanted more. I didn't want to go back to my classes at UNC. I had gotten a taste and I wanted more....and I still do. Every time Fashion Week approaches, I miss my city and long to return....I want to again be submerged in the craziness that surrounds this amazing time of year. But just for now, I will be amongst "the commoners" and review the new Fall Collections from the privacy of my own computer....still feeling bursts of excitement and overwhelming emotion.
So yes, to me...this is "The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year." So get prepared....cause Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is almost here!
Rachel Zoe is spotlighting this….and so are we…how could we not? The Wayuú Tayá Foundation has teamed up with board member and jeweler Judith Kupperman to special design an “H” piece of jewelry that is not only a worthwhile cause…but a pretty cool addition to your accessory collection.
I rarely will quote directly from a site...but their description is too perfect:
“The Help Haiti Hope symbol has been specially designed by Wayuú Tayá board member and jeweler Judith Kupperman and features the letter "H" in a gold finish with a green silk band or a silver finish with a brown band that can be worn around the neck or wrist. It can be either worn as a bracelet or a necklace. They are available for $10 through this website.
Aside from production, shipping and handling costs (approximately 20 percent), all proceeds raised will go directly to help the most vulnerable victims of this terrible disaster: the children. Along with veteran relief workers, The Wayuú Tayá Foundation will channel the money from the sales of "H" necklaces and bracelets to the building and long term operation of an orphanage and school in Haiti. Similar to their own hugely successful “Tepichi Talashi” schools in Venezuela, Tepichi Talashi literally means “Happy Child” in the indigenous Wayuú language. With your help and our efforts, hundreds of Haiti’s new orphans will have a place of safety and love - and the chance of a healthier childhood and brighter future.”
Available in Gold or Silver…and only $10...think of that as two cups of coffee at Starbucks...pocket change to us...and means the world to the earthquake victims...Every little bit helps…so do your part and order one of these pieces today! I just ordered mine!
Loeffler Randall Balloon Jumpsuit $495-, Available at 
Juicy Couture Luxe Fleece Draped-Back Romper $138-,
Lucca Couture Silky Zip-Front Jumper $58-, 
