Friday, February 12, 2010
Beauty Pick Of The Day!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
New York Fashion Week: Best in show from day 1!
Day one of New York Fashion Week has come to a close! The snow proved to be a non-obstacle, and everything ran pretty smoothly. It was a tough opening, with the death of renowned fashion designer, Alexander McQueen, on everyone’s minds and in everyone’s hearts. "It's horrible news. It's so sad to be in such a state of despair. Such a great talent, such poetry -- it's horrific," New York fashion doyenne Diane von Furstenberg, head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, told AFP. However, the show must go on, and with McQueen’s family in everyone’s prayers, the tents opened and the models hit the runways. Among all of the amazing collections shown, a few of my very favorite were Acne, BCBC Max Azria, Richard Chai Love, and Ports 1961. All brilliant, I can’t wait for these designs to hit stores in July! Here is my round-up of NYFW Day 1:
Acne
Designer, Jonny Johnson, was inspired by the Star Wars figurines that he young sons collect and play with. He told style.com, “We have to watch it and play it all the time. It’s sort of embarrassing, but that’s where my inspiration comes from – always close to home.” The models had spray-painted foreheads, glitter-glue eyelids, and dirt-sleek hair that made them look like urban-dwelling aliens. The Stockholm-based designer played with his normally Nordic designs, and upgraded them to transform to the streets, with a gothic-like look. Graffiti-print dresses, zipper harem pants, cartoonish fur topped boots, and a fabulous aviator shearling jacket are among my favorites of the collection. My favorite look, definitely look 16, simply because I want to wear that right now!
BCBG Max Azria
Husband-and-wife teams of Max and Lubov Azria decided to keep it practical for the upcoming Fall 2010 season, and I quite like the change from Spring 2010 which had more of an abstract, party-girl feel. With regards to the recession, Mrs. Azria told style.com, “It’s made us realists…It’s not about our fantasy. It’s about the customer.” Sensible and sellable, this pair gave us clean, crisp lines and knits that looked chic and comfortable. The thin t-shirt material is meant for people to be able to wear them right at the end of summer, love it! I loved the color-block patterns and the way the fabrics were layered, wrapped, draped and tucked to create a fantastic silhouette. My favorite look- the show opener! The silk piece layered over the super-thin tee, pulled together with a belt is a perfect fall outfit that I will wear come September!
Richard Chai Love
One of my favorite designers, Richard Chai, has done it again! He’s delivered a contemporary line that is lower-priced, but looks every bit as expensive as his primary line. Chai explained to style.com before the show, “I want to nurture the [Love] business. The women’s collection is already established.” The look for fall ’10 was very 90’s, with grunge-like tees paired with long skirts and fabulously sweet origami crane-printed silk button-down blouses. I loved his sporty looks the most, which reminded me a lot of Alexander Wang’s designs, but still unique. I loved look 11, it’s so cool and I love sweats! I’d want to wear it just as so, red lipstick and all! Well done Richard, you've definitely created clothes that women will Love.
And, don’t forget to watch Ports 1961 live streaming!!! The collection featured lots of greys and neutrals. I loved the suede boots and leather accenting. Also, flats and evening wear was a daring look, if you’re brave enough to try it! Oh, and I’m obsessed with the models’ free, curly hair- amazing! Watch it all here:
http://h.zeitbyte.com/o1/zb3.1/ports-1961/webcast_021110/webcast_021110/ports_1961_webast.html
(and follow the label on Twitter at: @Ports1691USA )
For more on these collections, head to: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2010RTW/
New York Fashion Week STREAMING LIVE!
I’m absolutely loving this new trend that many of my favorite fashion designers are embracing. It has occurred during fashion weeks of past, but for this year’s fall 2010 presentations, live streaming of the runway shows is ever more present. Can’t make it to fashion week…or not invited? No cares! Just throw on your best outfit (or pj’s) and plop down in front of your computer and experience the catwalk- be part of it! Head to these sites and watch the collections in real time, as the editors, buyers, and stylists are doing the same!
PORTS 1961
Thursday, February 11 at 3PM
http://www.Vogue.com/
ALEXANDER WANG
February 13, 22:00 GMT / 17:00 EST
http://live.showstudio.com. Be sure to tune in early.
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION MEN'S
February 14, AIRS 2PM EST
http://www.facebook.com/calvinklein
MARC JACOBS
February 15 at more or less 8 p.m (check site)
http://www.marcjacobs.com/#/en-us/home
RODARTE
AIRS 16 FEB 2010, 17.00 GMT / 12.00 EST
http://live.showstudio.com. Be sure to tune in early.
CALVIN KLEIN COLLECTION Womenswear
3:00pm EST on Thursday, February 18th
http://www.facebook.com/calvinklein
Head to http://www.focusonstyle.com/Blog/new-york-fashion-week-live-stream-digital-schedule to check for newly added live streaming fashion shows as the sites are confirmed.
Alexander McQueen Takes His Own Life...oh my gosh
Alexander McQueen Spring 2010 RTW
Known for his dramatic and unconventional runway shows, McQueen's shock tactics wowed the fashion industry. His exquisite designs, sharp tailoring, and incredible artistic vision caused fashion-lovers all over the world to fall in love with this amazing talent. He was set to debut his newest collection in Paris later this month...we'll see if his company will take on the designer's own words, "life must go on!" and carry on the show...
Lady Gaga in Alexander McQueen for her music video
Celebrities all over were huge fans of the fantastical nature of McQueen, such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and Madonna. Some of Gaga's most out-of-this-world designs were by McQueen, because that's just what he was, an out of this world designer.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
There's No Fist Pumping At Fashion Week
Fashion and style are the last two words that jumps to mind when it comes to the over tanned, juiced up, scandalous cast of MTV’s Jersey Shore. I think these reality TV stars may actually be the anti-fashion…So, it was much to my disgust to hear this morning, via the New York Post, that your favorite guidos and guidettes may actually be attending New York Fashion Week! I mean, can you even picture these D-listers sitting among fashion’s greatest, exchanging notes with Anna Wintour and talking trends with Rachel Zoe? No, it’s absurd, and I am so scared to find out whether or not this is pure rumor or if it’s for real. Right now I am calling it just a bad joke, my favorite part being that one of their managers claims that a few designers actually reached out to them. Non-members of the fashion elite have become more and more present at Bryant Park recently, and many of the industry’s most important people are complaining that it is getting out of hand. If the Jersey Shore peeps actually end up with the seats at Fashion Week that they’ve been allegedly requesting, I will have a nice big laugh. While I do sort of enjoy these crazy and wild kids on my TV set, I’d rather not see them on, around, or anywhere near the runways. And plus, how would anyone be able to see over Snooki's hair pouf? No fist pumps for this news flash…it could be fashion suicide. We’ll see if they appear at the park…let’s hope they don’t!
Grammy's Most Gorgeous and Grotesque
So, here are my slim pickins for the 2010 Grammy Awards Best in Fashion:
Lady Gaga had me going Gaga over this Armani Prive space get-up. While she landed on the Fashion Don't list of many, I will forever stand behind her fashion forward, futuristic outfits..no matter how out of this world they may be!
I'm not head over heels for Keri Hilson's gown, made by Dolce & Gabbana, but I do think she looked absolutely stunning from head to toe. Her make-up was radiant, her hair looked glam. Loved the look overall.
While I didn't care for Beyonce's first outfit, I loved this gold, glittery, chain embellished super-mini that she accepted her award in. Sasha very fierce!
This is a dress that I was very torn by...one of those looks that you either love because it's so brilliant, or you hate because it belongs in the trash, not on the red carpet. Luckily, Rihanna tilted me in the favorable direction, and I loved this Elie Saab gown on her!
Carrie Underwood was one of many who sported the cut-out trend, and just barely pulled it off. I thought she looked like a total beauty, and the dress was very elegant. It did look like she was testing out bridal gowns...but nonetheless, it was a Do for me.
Ok, this'll be easier. This Year's Grammys Worst Dressed Goes To:
Britney Spears...what can I say...you are a mess my darling. Please don't tell us that you're headed downhill again, because from the looks of it, and your fishnet stockings, that just might be the case. The pop princess should be mad at her beau, who's also her manager, for allowing her to leave the house in this disaster. Although the dress is by...gasp!..Dolce & Gabbana...a designer name alone can't make a look work. Sorry Brit, you're a big Don't..
Ke$ha calls her look "Garbage Chic"...which is like an oxymoron, but wutever...All I know is that if she was trying to class it up a bit with this flapper-inspired dress, she killed all hope by pairing it with those hideous heels, her normally grungy locks, and morning-after make-up. Fashion failure..TikTok, someone blow this outfit up please.
I've read a bunch of good review on Ciara's outfit at the Grammys, and I just don't get it! I thought she was almost as bad as Britney. I mean, her face looked great, but from the neck down I wanted to cry for her. There is so much going on I can't even tell what the heck is really happening with her dress...is it a dress, or pants...a body suit? Whatever, this Givenchy design looks a hot tranny mess on her. Hate it. :P
Nicole Kidman looked a little out of place at the Grammys in this black, ruffle bib-neck Prada gown. Her hubbie, however, looked chic in his shimmery suit, sans tie. Honestly, together they looked like two totally different generations...c'mon Nic, let loose a little, you're dating a country rock star!
Grammy day was a fairytale for Taylor Swift, winning the biggest honor of the night, Album Of The Year. However, her fashion choice was anything but fantastic...it sucked. The blue, glittery Kaufman Franco gown was way too much and way too old for her! I'm happy she broke away from her usual Grecian look, but this dress was the wrong way to go. But you get a pass Tay, because you're so adorable (just don't do it again!).
Preppy Sports
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Gaga-licious
Friday, January 29, 2010
Alexander McQueen Look-For-Less!!!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Row Row Row
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Can Gucci Couture?
Monday, January 25, 2010
Rawmazing!
Cinnamon Ginger Truffles
- 2 C Almonds, Ground Fine
- 1 T Cinnamon
- 1 t. Ginger
- 1/2 t. Nutmeg
- 1/4 t. Cloves
- 1/2 C Agave
- 1/2 C Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 C Golden Raisins
Optional:
- Dried Coconut
- Cacao Powder
Place almonds in food processor and process until finely ground. Add spices and combine. Add cranberries and raisins. Process for 5 seconds. Add agave and process until well blended. Roll into balls. This is sticky so wetting your hands will help. If desired, roll in dried coconut or cacao powder for more alternatives.
Follow Susan on Twitter! @Rawmazing
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Schedule-Fall 2010
Kate Hudson Got It White
At the Globes, Kate looked glamorous in a white hot strapless silk crepe Marchesa gown. Such an elegant pick, she chose white, so classic and glamorous, especially with the white peplum train. The dress fit her beautifully with it's very structured shape, which showcased her petite, fit frame just as it should be. I loved the feathered detail at the bust, the intricate folding at the waist, and the way the skirt bunched at the back...perfection! It reminded me of Swan Lake, in the best way! (ps-media claimed Kate looked "curvy" and "heavier" at the globes...and I for one think that is completely insane and they need to reevaluate their definition of heavy...seriously ridiculous..she looks amaze!).
Friday, January 22, 2010
Beauty Buzz: YSL Radiant Touch Concealer
I've discovered a beauty gem, something that I've been searching for since the first day I realized I seriously needed to cover-up my blemishes (age 13???...). The quest for the perfect concealer is like looking for the perfect mate. You're always looking for something that gives you just enough, without smothering you completely. I've always hated face make-up, but unfortunately, like most people, I cannot afford to go au-natural all the time. So, after years of testing out and throwing away concealer after concealer until my wallet was robbed of probably hundred of dollars, I've found it! Over New Year's, my beauty-savvy friend, who always has the best top-of-the-line products, whipped out a shiny little gold stick and brushed on a flawlessly smooth liquid, which then blended seemlessly onto her face until her complexion glowed radiantly. I had to have it, what was this miracle potion?! She told me, and now I must share with you all: Yves Saint Laurent, "YSL Touche Eclat" (Radiant Touch) concealer brush pen.
2. It retails at only $40.00 !!!!
Nails Fit For A Tea Party
Mini 4 Pack Set $20