Archives

Fashion Déjà Vu: “The Mesh Biker Jacket”

Jan29

If you liked the mesh biker jacket that made a splash on the fashion scene last year, well it’s back. And there’s one for every size and budget. Many bloggers, such as Marie Denee,  were speaking on it when Ashley Stewart premiered their version during FFFWeek in June 2011, then City Chic released a version, now I have found another one at Dots this past weekend. Above I wore the Ashley Stewart version for “Fashion’s Night Out” back in September. Take a look at your choices below:

(Above) Ashley Stewart Striped Mesh Biker Jacket  $59.50, Sizes 2X-6X

(Right: I styled model, TJ, in the Ashley Stewart version for my fashion show back in September 2011 that I hosted for the store)

(Above) City Chic’s Vinyl Spiced Jacket  $109

(Above and Right) Dots Biker Jacket  $38.80 (Straight Sizes Only)

The Spring 2012 Paris Haute Couture Fashion Shows

Jan26

This week were the Spring 2012 Haute Couture Shows in Paris. Top designers from Donatella Versace, Givenchy, Chanel and Armani Prive showed their collections. This was actually Versace’s first couture show since 2004. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2012 Haute-Couture Show was inspired by the style of the late Amy Winehouse. Haute Couture are designs that you would most likely see on A-list celebs at red carpet events or on stage during concert performances. The designs are 9 times outta 10 not everyday wearable. Designer Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel staged his show to look like the inside of an airplane while designer Elie Saab had his show based off of a fairy-tale. Take a look for yourself:. 

Givenchy

Shoes by Versace

Jean Paul Gaultier

giambattista valli Giambattista Valli Spring 2012 Couture | Paris Haute Couture

Giambattista Valli

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Here are a few video links below from the shows:

Versace

Chanel

Elie Saab

Giambattista Valli

Spring 2012 Must Have Trends: “Flaming Heels, Colored Denim, Polka Dots, 70′s Flare to Stiletto Nails”

Jan18

In the fashion world you must always stay at least 6-months ahead of the next season. So with that said, I’m sharing with my readers some of the top must-haves for the upcoming Spring 2012 season. Look forward to seeing color-blocking make another return, including colored denim jeans, making a major splash on the fashion scene. 70′s styles and metallics seem to be very popular as well. Here’s my Spring 2012 vision board for beauty products, slender and plus-size clothing, shoes, bags and more…….

One surprise trend is the “princess” skirt. This showed up on runways such as that of Jason Wu. I remember seeing this trend a few years ago when Sarah Jessica Parker wore hers on the “Sex and the City 2″ movie. 

Last Spring Prada had some of the most wanted trends being that of the stripe dress, monkey prints and chunky heels. This Spring the Prada shoes are a statement again. Checkout these “fireball” sandals inspired by hot wheels cars with flames:

More trends below:

To blend in with the “deep sea” trend from above, I’m lovin this Kate Spade ‘Barclay Street’ Ship Clutch, $358 from shop.nordstrom.com

And these Jimmy Choo Sandals (below) are the bizness

As you see below, polka dots will be “spotted” everywhere this Spring. 

For the curvy gals, here’s a great little polka-dot trench coat from Ashley Stewart, $59.50, sizes XL-4X

Belted Polka Dot Trench Coat

Or this cute polka-dot belt from White House Black Market, $38

The colored denim jeans trend is on the top of my spring list. These can be dressed both up with a blazer or down with a tee. 


For plus-sized colored denim try these aqua jeggings from Ashley Stewart, Sizes 12-26, $36.50

Basic Stretch Jegging

I’ve been eye-balling this new nail trend called “stiletto nails” since last year but just couldn’t really get with it until now. Rihanna is just one of many celebs wearing stiletto nails – acrylic nails that are filed to a point to look like stiletto heels, and then are generally painted in an attention-getting color. I plan to try these out very soon!

To polish those stiletto nails, opt for new spring shades such as Dior Scented Polish  ($23), “YSL Candy Face”  ($30) or the new Nicki Minaj for OPI  collection

This dress called the “The Miranda” was just released today and I already have it at the top of my personal Spring wish list. It’s from designer Monif C. and is available now for pre-order. I can so see me rocking this with my stiletto nails,  $228, Sizes 14/16-22/24

"Miranda" Draped Jersey Gown - PurpleOrange Shell Necklace Turquoise Shell NecklaceIron Fist - Zebracorn Platform Heel (Wide Width) SKU: 567808

Since the Monif C. dress is such a vibrant hue, it can easily be used within the color-blocking trend with these “Sheri” by Jessica Simpson pumps, Sizes 5-11, $98 or either one of these Shell Necklaces from www.curvaceousboutique.com, $34.99 each. But if you wanna bring out your animal instincts, then pair up the dress with these Iron Fist Zebracorn Heels from Torrid, $39

(Remember, everything doesn’t always have to be matchy-matchy to pull a complete look together).

The Look For Less: “2012 Golden Globes Edition”

Jan17

So everybody and their mother has posted a fashion blog about the Golden Globe Awards that took place this past Sunday night. I originally said to myself that I wasn’t gonna do a blog with my commentary on the event, but I just happened to come across some “looks for less” of a few of the red carpet gowns and I just had to share them since I love a good bargain. Plus, if any ladies are looking for similar styles for the upcoming prom season, here are a few Golden Globe looks for a fraction of the price.

All clothing is available from www.unique-vintage.com

(left) Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham, (right) Mignon Keyhole Dress   $258  Sizes 0-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci, (right) Faviana Mesh Gown  $398   Sizes 0-12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Paula Patton in Monique Lhuillier, (right) Yellow Ruched Taffeta Gown  $330  Sizes 0-18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(left) Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture, (right) Black Mermaid Gown   $196  Sizes 4-18

Jason Wu for Target Debuts February 5th

Jan10

Many fashionistas became familar with designer Jason Wu after he became a household name for designing FLOTUS, Michelle Obama’s, Inagural gown. Now he has followed along the footsteps of many other designers and creating an affordable line for retailer Target. Next month, he debuts his 53-piece “gamine chic” collection for the retailer. According to the style.com website Jason says he has managed to translate the same sophistication of his namesake runway collection into his Target line by “not replicating more expensive materials.” Instead of using faux leather for the handbags, for example, he used raffia or canvas. “The focus isn’t just getting Jason Wu at a lower price point,” he says. “It was about creating an entirely new collection that I think my regular customers will enjoy, too.” Jason Wu for Target, $19 to $60, launches in stores February 5.

(Above)

Textured, pleated-front peplum top – gold: $32.99
Pleated skirt in black: $29.99
Lace clutch in black: $29.99

(Center)

Trench coat in black: $54.99
Flared dress in black with nude patent belt: $59.99

pics via “A Bulls Eye View” and “Target Style”

Ann Taylor Is Coming to Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, VA

Oct27

The new ANN TAYLOR concept store is having an opening event at Short Pump Town Center on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 1-5 PM. This marks the brand’s first new concept store in Virginia. Ann Taylor is well known for clothes that look and make a woman feel elegant and classy. Every item has a tailored appeal to it as if it was designed just for you by the designers themselves. 

 

This event will also be a shopping event for clients and the public and will include a live DJ, refreshments, sweets, raffles and a gift with any purchase over $100. Five percent of sales from the event will be donated to the Junior League of Richmond.

 

Mark your calendars now to attend!!!

www.anntaylor.com

The Look For Less: “Stella McCartney’s Polka-Dot ‘Lucia’ Dress”

Oct6

I have been obsessing over this Stella McCartney “Lucia” sheer sleeved polka-dot dress ($2,155) ever since I first blogged on it as a must have for Fall 2011. Many celebs have already been seen wearing it on red carpet events. It comes in different styles too. Over the past few weeks I’ve been seeing quite a few similar patterned dresses on various websites. So if you like this style too take a look at a few more of the inexpensive choices:

ASOS One Sleeve Dress with Spot Mesh   $69.84  http://us.asos.com

Spot Mesh Prom Dress   $135.00   www.simplybe.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donatella Versace Launching Collabo With H&M on November 17th

Oct4

I remember back in the days of “good ole” hip-hop, all you heard Biggie Smalls and Lil’ Kim rapping about were “Versace this, and Versace that”. I can’t lie,  I jumped on the bandwagon. I was always into fashion but hip-hop brought out my knowledge and love for “designer” items. One of my faves back then was Gianni Versace. I remember in my “not so frugal” days dropping hundreds on a pair of shades by him. I was so distraught when he was murdered that you would have thought I knew him personally.

Well the Versace house has remained on top ever since then thanks to Gianni’s sister, Donatella. Even more sentimental now that Donnatella has decided to launch a more affordable collection thru top retail chain, H&M in honor of her brother Gianni. Versace follows in the footsteps of Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli and Lanvin in collaborating with H&M. According to H&M creative advisor Margareta Van Den Bosch, the collection, which is comprised of 40 pieces for women and 20 for men as well as accessories, will look back at iconic pieces from the brand dating back to the ’80s. Versace for H&M launches on November 17 in the UK and on November 19 in the U.S

The form-fitting minidress (£79.99/$149) and leggings (£24.99/$30) 

http://www.hm.com/us/

The Sofia Vergara for K-Mart Collection

Sep30

Every Sunday I look forward to reading the newspaper and online for all the sale ads and promotions for the upcoming week, oh and also for what’s happening in the world too, lol. So this past Sunday I saw the announcement of  actress Sofia Vergara’s new clothing line for K-Mart. Sofia currently plays on “Modern Family” but her most memorable character to me was that of the sassy friend to Angela Basset in Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Brown’s” movie. Anyway upon checking into the collection further I see that she has quite a few cute pieces, including shoes & accessories, and the line goes up to a size XL (size 18). Sofia even enlisted curvy-cutie model Christina Mendez on some of her promotional interviews this past week.

Below are some promotional images from the collection, which feature modern & comfortable separates, fitted dresses for going out, bomber jackets, mini skirts, & trendy accessories that can be mixed & matched with other pieces in your wardrobe.  Sizes on all items range from small to extra large.  The prices are very affordable, ranging from $9.99 – $49.99, perfect for the average Kmart shopper & savvy Style Darling.

 

www.kmart.com

The Missoni for Target Collection

Sep1

Italian designer Missoni is set to debut a new discounted collection for superstore Target. Missoni is an Italian fashion house based in Varese. It is famous for its unique knitwear, made from a variety of fabrics in colourful zig-zag patterns. The company was founded by Ottavio (“Tai”) and Rosita Missoni in 1953. Missoni is set to release a 400-piece collection for Target including adult & kids clothing, shoes, handbags, luggage and homewares. It hits stores and online September 13 and will be there until October 22, or until supplies last.

www.target.com