Fashion Forward

its been awhile...here's where i've been

2010-12-03T02:44:00.000-06:00

my new blog

Effortlessly Chic

2010-04-19T13:52:00.002-05:00

Effortless:

*wavy, tousled hair that looks as if you rolled out of bed, flipped your hair back and went about your day

*layers, like v-neck shirts or tanks, that are flattering but relaxed

*shorts or jeans that hug your curves but don't look as though you are gasping for air from the tightness

*shoes that are chic and laid back and that don't leave you limping after an hour

The theme is effortlessly chic and the look is a natural, laid back look. Don't confuse this look with messy; rather this natural non-chalance embodies a relaxed, fun attitude.

-->fashion forward-->

Leather Jackets

2010-04-18T23:10:00.002-05:00

When asked what one of my favorite clothing items is, my answer has to be my leather jacket. Leather jackets lends a flair of toughness to any woman. The fusion between the femininity of a woman and the hard, 'bad-ass' look of a leather jacket makes for an appearance that is both irresistible and magnetic.

Perhaps it is simply my experience, but my leather jacket embodies an attitude that's not found in my high waisted skirts or summer dresses.

SAG Awards 2010 Best Dressed

2010-01-24T20:46:00.002-06:00

Sitting here watching E! Fashion Police 2010, I couldn't resist blogging about my own take on some of the best and worst dresses to grace the red carpet this year.

I love the bold colored dresses that were shown at the SAG awards; it gives the go-to little black dress a rest as the LBD becomes the little BOLD dress.

Of those actresses to be considered best dressed, my vote goes to Christina Applegate who looked so feminine and whimsical in a Roberto Cavalli dress detailed with Swarovski crystals. The powder blue, Grecian looking dress complimented her silhouette effortlessly.

-->Fashion Forward-->

Siriano's Spring

2010-01-09T00:39:00.002-06:00

I love the use of various hues of blue, the oceanic prints, and the satin fabrics that show a revitalization of femininity for Spring, quite the contrast from the androgynous "boyfriend" look from the previous seasons. I have loved the boyfriend blazer and the incorporation of vests and these looks seem to be transcending the seasons and becoming a classic trend and wardrobe staple. I also enjoy how Siriano, and other designers such as Mizrahi, are keeping metallics and sequins on the runway.

Favorite Trends of 2009

2010-01-03T22:17:00.011-06:00

Here are some of my favorite trends from 2009 that I absolutely plan to carry with me into the new decade.

-->Fashion Forward-->

VESTS

BOYFRIEND BLAZERS

LIQUID BLACK LEGGINGS

SEQUINED TOPS

HIGH WAISTED SKIRTS

STRIPES

Fashion's Newest Sensation

2010-01-02T19:51:00.004-06:00

Amongst the high profile crowd of fashion designers and editors, an unusually fashion forward 13-year-old girl was bound to have made couture show attendees do a double take.

Chicago's Tavi Gevinson took a fairy tale story to a whole new meaning when her blog, Style Rookie, took her from her small town home to the photo shoots of Rodarte, pages of Harper's Bazaar and seats at top fashion shows.

It is hard to pinpoint how the musings of a 13-year-old girl have attracted over 22,000 readers daily and rendered her both a sensational and controversial figure in the fashion world. Perhaps it is a mix of her impressive style, sharp wit and spot-on writing skills, but regardless of the reasoning, Tavi has managed to make fashion editors both smile and scoff.

This vivacious girl has taken blogging to a new level and has transcended the constraints of her age and gained considerable popularity. Her age and inexperience may ruffle the feathers of more established bloggers and fashion writers, but I believe that talent can arise from all places and people, in this case a small midwestern pre-teen girl. As is written in the URL of her "Style Rookie" blog, Tavi is absolutely the new girl in town and appears to be as fearless as her style outfit choices.

-->Fashion Forward-->

To visit Tavi's Blog visit: http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

See Tavi Interviewing for Rodarte

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSZuZ0htBMo

Fashion's Adaptation

2009-12-28T23:55:00.007-06:00

In our economically strained times the realm of fashion is presented with a daunting challenge: how to sway consumers to purchase high end items at such cringing prices as those for Christian Louboutin heels or Vera Wang dresses?

The answer? Well, if Mohammed won't come to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed; and that is exactly what the top fashion designers are doing in order to bring luxury items to the price level consumers won't shy away from.

Jimmy Choo, whose shoes usually range anywhere from $300 to over $800, created a line of heels for H&M that are sold a price that can allow even teens to wear this much coveted designer. The Jimmy Choos flew off the H&M racks, and the launch of Rodarte's economical friendly line to Target followed the same trend. Understandably, the quality of these "high designer-low priced" items are nowhere near on par with their high cost counterparts, but for the brand hungry crowd who don't wish to break the bank, this is a good alternative.

-->Fashion Forward-->

"...and then there was FASHION"

2009-12-13T00:43:00.003-06:00

In the recent dreary weather that has been fluctuating between snow and rain, there was no better mental escape than last night's runway show, "...and then there was FASHION."

I had the opportunity to be part of the team that brought this visionary fashion event to life and, to say the least, it was a great experience. The show took fashion to a new level where personality was integrated with the models on the runway, and choreography upgraded the mere strut to a performance art piece.

The show featured the latest trends from various stores and boutiques in the area, and emphasized the styles that are being seen everywhere this season. Clothes on the runway took basic looks to unforgettable by throwing on a hint of glamorous sequins, a splash of rocker studs, or the attitude of leather.

The excitement surrounding the runway show was palpable, and to not only watch the show but have seen it grow from a mere idea was a great experience. Watch the clip from the show below.

-->Fashion Forward-->

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T14:45:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving Fashionistas and Fashionistos!

May you all have a fabulous holiday filled with love, appreciation and, of course, style ;)

-->Fashion Forward-->

Have a Happy Halloween Fashionistas!

2009-10-27T23:02:00.005-05:00

Standing in front of my mirror in my bathroom, I looked at my make up with a new appreciation today. Suddenly, my options extended beyond the "day appropriate" choices of my liquid eye liner, lashblast mascara, and neutral color palette and now included those color hues, glittery shadows, and dramatic lashes that would look odd in a work setting but fabulous on a runway, or in my case-a halloween party.

My face was the canvas and my make up was the paint while I experimented with dramatic cat eyes, metallic shadows, ruby lips and dark shadows that would add a flair to my costume choice this year of little red riding hood. My friend, who wears minimal make up, soon got inspired by make up trials, and began to play with her make up. Together we both broke our usual make up routines and dared to try colors and styles that we had written off in the past. The result? Sultry eyes, broken inhibitions, and a new understanding of what make up looks best on us for all days.

The moral of this story? Enjoy your Halloween, fashionistas, and remember that this holiday is one to turn away from the ordinary and try a hand at the extrodinary. Try show stopping eyes to match that smoldering costume and perhaps you will find an inspiration in this once a year look that you can use in your day to day life.

-->Fashion Forward-->

A Review of The September Issue

2009-10-16T20:13:00.004-05:00

In the world of fashion, it is said that Vogue serves as the bible and Anna Wintour as it's god. I have seen my fair share of behind-the-scene fashion documentaries and reality shows and have not been as impressed as I was by RJ Cutler's documentary, The September Issue.

The September Issue takes viewers into the highest tier of the fashion world, Vogue, and allows us to connect with such elusive people as Andre Leon Talley, Vogue's Creative Director, Grace Coddington, and of course, Anna Wintour. The documentary provides an ideal balance of work life and personal ties, allowing the audience to feel the tensions, annoyances, and joys of each person.

As the staff of Vogue scrambles to put together (and perfect) their upcoming september issue, viewers are taken along to fashion shoots in Rome, couture shoots in Paris, meetings with Mario Testino in London, and photo shoots with Patrick Demarchelier.

I found this documentary to be beautiful and personal, a tribute to the multi-billion dollar industry of fashion and beauty that is so often scoffed at and considered frivilous. Cutler highlights the thought put behind each of Vogue's pages, and introduces us to the people who see the world and its captivating aesthetics, and bring this to the whimsical photoshoots in Vogue's september Issue.

I recommend this film to all viewers, not only the fashion oriented. This film obviously incorporates trends, but above all celebrates the life and work of those who assemble one of the most successful publications of our time, Vogue.

-Fashion Forward-

Camille Belle in Marie Claire's October Issue

2009-09-23T13:51:00.003-05:00

The latest issue of Marie Claire featured a fashion spread that was love at first sight. The spread featured the lovely Camille Belle styled by none other than Marie Claire's Nina Garcia, with the intention of showing the timeless Christian Dior Bar Jacket, which has transcended the generations and become iconic within the fashion realm.
The fashion spread stood out to me because the classic feminine looks were portrayed in the style of a World War Two post-era, when Dior aimed to re-establish glamour and femininity in a time of hardships and "drabness".
The pictures, photographed by Matt Jones, capture an effortless elegance that emanates from Camille on each page of the spread and brings the clothing to life.
Personally, I have always missed the simplicity of girly gloves, flirtatious hats, and feminine sillouhettes that were so prominent in past decades.

I praise Marie Claire for this beautiful spread that is a treat to the eyes and -in one word- classic.

--> fashion forward-->

The Recession Inspires a New Approach to Make Up

2009-09-11T18:31:00.006-05:00

Recession. The words itself may have seemed to make the fashion world quiver in their Louboutins; on the contrary though, the old adage of "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going" has never been more true as fashion rises to the occasion in a time of economic hardship.

In Vogue's September 2009 issue an article written by the talented Sarah Mower explores how make up is fashion's new frontier during this recession. In the past, such as in the tough times between 1929 and 1933, red lipstick was the "last ditch luxury" for women of the day, but today's trying times are pushing the envelope of self expression and allowing it to extend beyond our clothing choices and to our faces and hair. As noted in Mower's article, the eighties have been showing in the latest fashions, but now is beginning to show in the make up choices that top designers have been using for their latest runway shows.

So fashionistas, the point of this is that forget the rule of only having bold lips or bold eyes! Lose inhibitions and pretenses and explore your color palette and make up choices: bold eyes, bright colors, whatever is your fancy is now the latest trend, as Francois Nars puts it, "when everything is pretty down, its a moment to have fun with make up."

Project Runway Recap: Avant-Garde Challenge

2009-09-04T20:22:00.004-05:00

If you are as addicted to Twitter as I am then you will have seen the Project Runway tweet frenzies over last night's swimwear/avant-garde elimination challenge. I was excited that this week's challenge was avant-garde and allowed the designers to flex their creative muscles and wow the judges (and of course the viewers) with their creations. Most of the competitors worked with their chosen teammates well and revealed an outfit that shined on the runway; but unfortunately there were some (ahem..Mitchell we're looking at you) that failed to impress. Mitchell was sent home last night for opting to leave the sewing needle untouched and simply let his fellow team leader, Ra'mon, do all the work. Mitchell's lack of effort sent him packing, but Ra'mon walked away as winner of last night's challenge and with immunity from elimination in next week's show. Of all the models to strut down the runway, it was Shirin's team that showed the outfit that I most enjoyed: the floor length beautiful, blue satin dress. Irina's team was one of the teams to make it in the top three with their avant-garde creation that was a brown dress with a large shoulder bow that nearly eclipsed the model; however, the dress had an intricately woven bodice that displayed excellent craftsmanship. Logan and Christopher's creation took a step outside of the box and gave a bizarre look that resembled a gothic, futuristic ballgown that had a sleeveless zippered top that melted into an abundance of black and yellow taffeta.

Overall the looks were fabulous and kudos to the designers for taking risks in their designs!

-->Fashion Forward-->

What we mean by Fashion Forward

2009-09-02T18:17:00.005-05:00

It has come to my attention that we use the term "fashion forward" frequently on this blog and that there may be some confusion about what exactly constitutes being fashion forward. So fashionistas, here is our definition:

to be fashion forward is both a mentality and a style. When one is fashion forward they are experimental in their apparel choices, combining trends and looks that result in an eye catching ensemble that we love. Being fashion forward does not only apply to one's courageous fashion sense but also to their love of everything fashion related. The desire for people to know what are the latest trends and to stay updated on fashion news earns the title of fashion forward too!

-->Fashion Forward-->

high fashion picture by Karl Lagerfeld

Styles from the Streets

2009-09-01T19:35:00.007-05:00

These two off-the-street people managed to make me glance twice and even whip out my blackberry for a snapshot of their outfits, here's why:

This man's outfit caught my attention today by how he was able to incorporate various styles and throw them together effortlessly to make a relatively fashion forward outfit. He wore a navy blue prep blazer decorated with random pins of his choosing with a crisp white shirt emphasized by a striped tie. On the bottom he wore linen shorts with a forest green hue that matched that of his "New York cab driver" hat, while his shoes (which unfortunately do not show in this picture) were worn in black cowboy boots. The overall appearance was preppy, laid back, and managed to combine many trends I have been seeing.

The woman pictured to the right reminded me of Gossip Girl's Serena, whose style is so easily thrown together and friendly that you cannot help but like her instantaneously. This woman wore a white shirt with a beautiful, beaded vest, a red patent leather handbag, a bright yellow skirt, flats, and a strawberry bandana that tied together the red bag and black vest.

My cellphone shots do not serve these outfits justice, but suffice to say the colors, accessories, and random pieces used by these two were worth noting.

-->fashion forward-->

Marie Claire shows Opera Inspired Accessories

2009-08-31T16:37:00.007-05:00

These accessories which Marie Claire magazine calls "Opera-Inspired," are taking the drama and romance off the stage and onto the streets by incorporating velvelt brocade, dramatic shapes, embellished designs, and royal colors into bags, shoes, and other day to day accessories. When I look at such artistic fashions, I always wonder how I can take these styles and use them in everyday life without seeming too out of place. These items may seem a tad bit dramatic for those of us who do not attend red carpet events or weekly fashion shows, but remember that accessories serve to accentuate an outfit and therefore can be used by anyone at anytime..so long as it is in the right way. The gold clutch, for example, would look stunning along side a little black dress by adding a splash of color to an otherwise simple emsemble.

-->fashion forward-->

photos from marieclaire.com

Isaac Mizrahi show his Fall fashions

2009-08-29T19:07:00.008-05:00

Issac Mizrahi showcased an interesting fall fashion line: models strutted down the runway draped in various patterns and clothings with unique shapes (look at the sleeves on the picture above!). At first glance these outfits can be so peculiar that it almost looks as though it may be rated a "fashion backwards" rather than a fashion forward. From the gargantuan sleeves to the handbag hats these ensembles are quite the attention grabbers and not ones to be over looked. With a second glance and extra consideration I applaud Mizrahi on his extreme shapes, bright colors, and eccentric accessories showcased for fall. Afterall, it is these type of fashions that take you aback and push the envelope of style that earn the title of fashion forward.

-->fashion forward-->

pictures compliments of Elle.com

Raining Men from Glamorama

2009-08-28T18:00:00.005-05:00

The male models of Glamorama strut (wet) down the runway to The Weather Girl's "It's Raining Men."

Ladies, enjoy!

-->fashion forward-->

Macy's Glamorama Fashion Show Review

2009-08-27T03:42:00.010-05:00

Chicago saw a night of lights, glamour, and high fashion as top designers, including Roberto Cavalli, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Marc Jacobs, gathered in the Windy City to show their latest trends at Macy’s annual Glamorama.

Crowds of people were mingling inside and outside the Chicago Theater dressed in fashion forward outfits that reflected a lot of what has been said to be in this fall. I had put much thought into my outfit for this fashionable occasion with the intention to reflect the latest trend of mixing feminine pieces with edgy additions, such as metallic cuffs and leather jackets; an intention that seems to have been mirrored on the runway.

Glamorama began with a video dedicated to the benefitted charity Ronald McDonald house and followed by R&B artist, Ne-Yo, who performed his hit song, “Closer.” Ne-Yo’s performance was exceptional; his dance moves were similar to those of the late king of pop: Michael Jackson, and his style was classy, a perfect transition into the first of the runway shows, Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacobs’ fall fashions showed a retro 80’s inspiration with bright colors, large shoulder padded jackets, dark tights, and big hair. Jean Paul Gaultier’s models took on a much darker, gothic look that greatly contrasted with the previous bright colored clothing of Marc Jacobs. Gaultier’s fall line featured black and red colors displayed by models holding roses and walking in a slow procession to Marilyn Manson’s remake of Eurythmic’s “Sweet Dreams are made of these.”

Of the top featured designers to display their take on what is “in” this fall, my hat goes off to Robert Cavalli’s "Just Cavalli" line. Cavalli’s clothes seemed to emulate all the trends I have been seeing as of late: 80’s, bright colors, biker chic, and the feminine-edgy mix.

For the final runway show, even Cavalli could not complete. A curtain of water appeared on stage with male models, sculpted to perfection, modeling swimwear and underwear; after standing in the rain curtain each soaked model made his way down the runway to the Weather Girls’s “Its Raining Men.”

Glamorama showcased various talented designers, both up and coming as well as established, allowing for Chicago to finally throw its hat in the ring to compete with New York and Los Angeles for having a strong fashion scene. The trends seen on the Glamorama runways this year will undoubtedly find its way from the catwalk and onto the streets.

--> fashion forward-->