Archive for the ‘Fashion’ Category
Chanel Resort 2013
As usual, Karl Lagerfeld did not fail in showing his Chanel resort 2013 collection. Set in Versailles, models went down the runway in uniform short bobs with different colors, with bright red cheeks with interlocking Chanel Cs sticker on their faces. As Kaiser Karl would summarize this collection, it is Versailles in a Socialist France. It is clearly a mash of hip hop edge with inspiration M.I.A or Azealia Banks with a hint of eighteenth century Marie Antoinette.
Denim and Chanel? Since when? Now, apparently.
Platform sneakers will be big in 2013.
Dresses, skirts with sneakers.
Frills and girly colors.
Floral.
It’s a pretty inspiring collection isnt it? It is amazing how Karl Lagerfeld and his Chanel team brings us to a whole new world everytime they have fashion shows. From an aquarium, a crystal world, in an airplane and in India. Such a genius!
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Pendleton Fall/Winter 2012 “The Portland” Collection
Who does not know about the Pendleton aesthetic? Just recently, Pendleton has released its fall 2012 lookbook with a collection titled “The Portland Collection”. This collection includes knit, sweaters, suits, and wool. It makes use of the pattern made very popular only by Pendleton. In addition to a substantial apparel section, the range also features trademark blankets, scarves and accessories.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Best Dressed at the Met Gala 2012
Everyone from Beyonce, Rihanna, Dakota Fanning and Ivanka Trump to the Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake and Tim Tebow were present in one of fashion’s important annual events. This is to celebrate the opening of the Met exhibit of Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli called Prada and Schiaparelli: Impossible Conversations.
This event is in partnership of Vogue so of course, all the designers want to dress up a celebrity. A lot of the celebs wore Prada but I also saw a couple of Givenchys and Zac Posens. Here are the ones who made my best dressed list!
Anna Wintour is number 1 on my list of course! She is wearing a custom Prada dress with lobster detail just like Schiaparelli’s lobster dress. This might be the first time Anna wore a non Chanel dress to the gala.
Camilla Belle in a twenties inspired Ralph Lauren dress. I love that she took the twenties to heart. From her hair to her make up.
Carrey Mulligan in a beautiful and sparkly Prada dress. Shine and sparkle was a trend on the red carpet last night and this dress have out done all of it.
Lily Collins in Valentino. Very soft and feminine look and it is perfect for her demure personality. She looks very sweet and the hint of floral in this dress is refreshing!
Constance Jablonski in a color blocked Haider Ackermann dress. I love Haider Ackermann so much and I am so happy that someone wore his dress on the red carpet.
Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan Atelier. It is her first time to attend the Met Gala and I must say, she did not disappoint! Trains were also one of the trends for that evening and Nina’s train was the best one because of its intricate detail!
Gisele Bundchen in Givenchy. It helped a lot that she came with Tom Brady who looked very dapper and pretty.
Karolina Kurkova looked very shiny and gorgeous from head to toe in a Rachel Zoe ensemble.
Arizona Muse in Erdem. Floral and lace combo always work. Of course only if you are one of the most in demand models today!
Amber Heard in Zac Posen. Old rose is such a beautiful color on her, right? This is one of my favorite dresses from Zac Posen’s fall 2012 collection, and I am glad to see it on the red carpet!
Now, I am undecided about these last two dresses. Not really sure if I like them that much to put them on my list. But kudos to Anja Rubik who daringly wore a hip-bone high slit dress by Anthony Vaccarello and to Beyonce who wore a see through Givenchy dress with embellishments and a purple feather train.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Everything You Need to Know About The Met Ball 2012
Just in case you dont know what the Met Ball (or Costume Institute Gala) is, it is an annual ball that celebrates the opening of the Metropolitan Museum’s fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute. It is like the fashion industry’s Oscar’s party because all of fashion’s who’s who are present and all designers really prepare for this. They have their own muses who are either models, musicians or actresses. You’ll be able to watch the red carpet livestream from 6:30 to 8:30pm EST on Vogue.com, Metmuseum.org, and Amazon.com. Isn’t it exciting?
Here’s a quick list on what you need to know about the muses of your favorite designers and who’s wearing what:
- Olivier Rousteing of Balmain is taking and dressing up Joan Smalls.
- Anthony Vaccarello is brining Anja Rubik.
- Erdem Moralioglu is taking Arizona Muse
- Rachel Zoe is with Karolina Kurkova
- Michael Kors is with up and coming model, Kate Upton. He will also be dressing Jessica Alba, Hillary Swank and Liu Wen.
- Coco Rocha will be wearing a vintage a pink Givenchy dress.
- Heidi Klum will be wearing a lacy Escada dress.
- Joseph Altuzarra is taking Lana Del Ray.
- and lastly, ALL THE VOGUE EDITORS WILL BE WEARING PINK, as inspiration to the ongoing exhibit of Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada.
You excited already? I am!!
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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MUST HAVE! Hand Drawn Sweatshirts by Shantell Martin
Shantell Martin is a long term friend and collaborator of Love 4 Culture and she just recently launched a collection of hand drawn sweatshirts and it is so AWESOME. I am declaring it as a must have for this season!
Shantell is a very talented girl who has participated in a lot of digital drawing and creativity exhibitions and have collaborated and consulted with Dell, NikeID, Coca Cola, Adidas (Japan), Tokyo Art Beat (Japan), CK Shock and Green Hippo, to name a few.
“From London to Tokyo to New York and back again, internationally acclaimed visual artist Shantell Martin is expanding conventional definitions of drawing and animation to transform visual experience in the design, fashion and music industries. Her dazzling light projections have been featured in iconic spots such as New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the megaclubs of Tokyo and Russia, and on the enormous screens at Shibuya and Harajuku crossings in Tokyo. Martin has quickly infiltrated popular culture stateside — she’s been cast as herself on quintessential New York show Gossip Girl, interviewed on CNN, appeared on an NBC morning show, and deemed a muse of super-hip design blog, PSFK. In October 2011, she was interviewed in French Glamour as New York’s “coolest it girl.””
This is her first collection of wearable art, with 15 sweaters with hand illustrated and one of a kind drawings that are just very unique.
“All 15 sweatshirts represent one continuous quirky storyline of whimsy and imagination, with characters, creatures and messages playfully arranged in signature Shantell Martin style.”
For more info about Shantell Martin, visit her site at http://www.shantellmartin.com
Click on the gallery to see the awesome sweatshirts!
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Duchess Kate’s First Year Under the Royal Fashion Spotlight
In case you live under a rock, today marks the first year anniversary of the beloved Royal couple, William and Kate. It has been a year since millions of people tuned in to their Royal wedding and saw the gorgeous wedding gown created by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. That was probably the most gorgeous dress that year (well that and Pippa’s! but that’s a different story). Since then, Duchess Kate has been wearing designer clothes non stop and I cannot help looking back at these and see how she did on her first year as an official Royalty.
Admit it or not, your heart stopped for a second the moment Kate Middleton stepped out of the car and we all first saw her wedding gown. It was a beautiful moment. White, lace, intricate details, Sarah Burton. Just wow.
L-R The day after their wedding, she still had her wedding glow in a blue Zara dress and LK Bennett wedge shoes. Then the Royal couple met with the Obamas and Duchess Kate wore the coveted beige Reiss dress with black pumps. The couple hosted a charity event and Kate wore a beautiful silver off shoulder silk Jenny Packham dress.
L-R: Kate in a sailor dress from Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton. In another Reiss dress with red accents during a visit in Canada. Dressing down in skinny jeans and a brown button down shirt.
L-R: A simple black velvet dress worn by the Duchess from Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton.
A beautiful floor length Jenny Packham dress and an intricate lace detail on her Alice Temperley dress.
Which ones are your favorites?
L-R: Kate in a navy Alexander McQueen coat, Issa ensemble and LK Bennett skirt suit.
Posted in Fashion, Gorgeous women by Maria Izell
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Why are Accessories Suddenly so Expensive?
You know, there was a time when accessories like bags and shoes did not cost an arm and a leg. These days, an “IT” bag can cost like a down payment to an apartment or a car or maybe a ticket to go on a vacation. It usually does not go less than four figures. These shoes and bags have been steadily increasing prices every year and it makes us all wonder, when did these accessories get so expensive?
Remember when Carrie Bradshaw went shopping for Manolo Blahniks and the average amount she pays for those are $400? Yes, that time, it was such a shocking price for shoes. Now, when you look back, those werent so bad, yes?
In the 90s, if you wanted to get the biggest “IT” bag like the Hermès Kelly or Birkin or a Chanel 2.55, you need to be a billionaire and be in an exclusive wait list for a couple of years and then pay up to $10,000 for your bag. After awhile, there was a boom in designer accessories so there were more “IT” bags that was introduced to the crowd that were a little bit more affordable than a Birkin or a Chanel bag.
Many accessories are being manufactured have started to come in smaller runs which makes the factory costs higher and increases value. This does not happen to Christian Louboutin though because when it comes to pricing, Euro is the controlling factor. 500 euros is equal to $750 and it looks pretty high but it’s really not.
Having a recognizable handbag or shoe immediately sends a message about what kind of person the carrier is: discriminating, fashion-forward, prestigious. Those kinds of statements can’t be bought for chump change, and brands are realizing that pe
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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The Perfect Pair of Men’s Jeans
Jeans is the most important item in your wardrobe. It is very versatile because wear jeans around the house, in the workplace, on a date, or on casual outings. Despite this usefulness, however, finding that perfect pair of men’s jeans is never easy.
How to pick the right pair
Think about this: Where will you be wearing them?
The number one rule is to pick one that is very comfortable. No matter how expensive or trendy it is, if you do not feel comfortable in it, then it will not work. If you know where you will be wearing the jeans, it will be easier for you to pick the right pair. Example, if you are allowed to wear denim to work, then pick classic and subtle pairs of jeans that can be worn with dress shoes, sneakers or boots.
Go for Timeless
Original blue jeans: Evolving from rough-and-tumble work wear, these are now one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own.
Slightly faded blue jeans: More casual wear than anything else, these can nevertheless look good with a nice sports coat and shirt.
Dark denim: You really can’t go wrong with a pair of straight-leg dark denim. Wear it to the office with a white oxford and navy blazer or throw on a leather jacket for a street-ready look on the weekends.
Flashier colors, funky washes and excessive distressing are always off-limits in terms of timelessness.
Stick with Classic Fits
A good choice is a straight leg or boot cut. When paired with the classic washes mentioned earlier, you’ll be set. Classic jean fits will give you the most bang for your denim buck because you’ll be able to get a lot of versatility out of them. Meanwhile, steer clear of tapered leg openings or a wide bell-bottomed look.
The Right Fit
First, make sure the legs, crotch and waist areas are not too tight. You must also see if they look good from behind. Remember, if you’re not sure, try other styles.
Also, because jeans are likely to shrink, it’s not a good idea to get just the right inseam. Buying them longer than necessary gives you the opportunity to fold them over or make any desired alterations.
source: askmen.com
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Fashion Mysteries Solved!
Even the best fashionistas can’t always be updated with fashion news and what not. There are some questions that I have been questioning ever since I got very into fashion. Like, what does Prorsum in Burberry Prorsum really mean? What does Anna Dello Russo really do? Well, I found this cool article that I’d like to share with you. It answers everything!
Q: Are celebs paid to wear designers on the red carpet?
A: When it comes to red carpet events or publicity appearances, designers may arrange contracts with celebrities to wear their high-end label for a very generous sum in exchange — for instance, there is one Hollywood rumor that Gwynnie was offered $500K to sport Louis Vuitton jewels for her 2011 Oscar moment.
Q: What does Anna Dello Russo really do?
She is everywhere. Street style photographers cant not take her photos everytime she walks around the streets during fashion week. She is just not a fashion week goer, she is actually the Editor at Large for Vogue Nippon where she works with stylists and photographers and she is a blogger at annadellorusso.com a NowManifest site that represents other fashion bloggers too.
Q: What does Prorsum in Burberry Prorsum really mean?
It’s as simple as “forward”. It is a latin word which means that.
Q: Is pony hair really made of ponies?
A: No. Pony-hair leather isn’t made from ponies or horses, but it is made of the hides of cows and calves whose hair hasn’t been shaved off.
Q: Why are there only 2 major seasons in fashion?
A: The process to design, produce, and present a collection has typically taken about six months, therefore the fall/spring breakdown not only makes sense weather-wise, but also allows for the appropriate time for designers to complete their work. However, as the the fashion industry has been able to gain speed in the design -and-distribution process, new collections have been able to emerge (and be sold!) more frequently. Hello, pre-fall and resort.
Q: Why are the soles of Christian Louboutin shoes red?
A: The red sole was seen as early as the days of Louis the XIV, but Christian Louboutin really made it his signature in 1992 when he was inspired by an assistant who was painting her nails in a red Chanel polish. He decided to test the same color on lacquer on the bottom of one of his early designs.
Q: What does “sample size” really mean?
A: When designers first create their collections, they make one (or a couple) of each style for their runway shows, to be loaned out for photo shoots, and other promotional reasons. Thus, these samples are usually constructed to be a standard size to fit models. For clothing, the sample size is a 2. Sample shoe sizes are a 37 for showroom display and a 40 for model use.
Q: How much does it cost to put up a fashion show?
A: Whether you’re showing at Milk Studios, Lincoln Center, a Chanel airplane, or a LV train, the cost to present a new collection is seriously steep. One industry insider tells us that price tags for runway shows can range between $80,000 and $200,000, depending on variables like stylists, makeup artists, and celebrity appearances. However, it helps to have the right connections — many designers are able to do it all for free depending on various sponsorships from brands and venues.
Q: Do designers really pay celebrities to sit front row?
A: While we’re sure there are celebrities who actually care about the newest batch of collections from the world’s most-respected designers, it’s true that their presence doesn’t come without a price tag.
Just this past Fashion Week, designer Nicole Fahri blew the lid off of the theory that designers were getting something (read: a celebrity endorsement) for nothing. The Daily Mail even reported that stars like Rihanna or Beyoncé can charge a whopping £60,000 (approximately $95,000) for their front-row seats.
Q: Where does Anna Wintour get her haircut?
A: Anna Wintour has been wearing her hair in a bob since she was 14 years old, and she keeps her signature coiff looking pristine by getting hair professionally done (including cuts) every morning by hairdresser Charlie Chan.
Source:Refinery29
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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The Don’ts of Wearing Sneakers
Hey guys. I know not all of you are very much into fashion and do not even know the difference between loafers and boat shoes. Hey, I dont blame you. You’re the macho kind of guy who does not care about fashion, I know. I’m sure your staple shoes are the sneakers, am I right? You wear it with everything, even with suits, for crying out loud! Sneakers are the kind of shoes that a clueless frat boy would wear to a job interview. This is one mistake you just cannot afford to make if you want to succeed in life.
Im just here to remind you that there are a lot of don’ts when wearing sneakers. I will only take 5 minutes of your time so bare with me. Okay?
First, you need to stick to classic sneakers that is worth every penny. Make sure it is made of materials that will last you a long time. These sneakers are the type that can be worn with anything. These are the basic shoes, low cut, lace up without the colorful designs etc. It is just like the timelessness of a Converse pair that everyone loves so much.
Second, remember that wearing sneakers with no socks will make your feet stink so PLEASE invest on low cut invisible socks. It’s pretty cheap. Remember that socks and sneakers are a match made in heaven so never separate them from each other! Visible ankle socks — or even worse, tube socks — can turn an otherwise mature, cohesive look into something befitting a kindergartner.
Last, you need at least 2 pairs of sneakers. One for gym and one for fashion. Clear? Learn how to separate your running shoes from your casual sneakers. Do not wear your rubber shoes on a date or worse, a job interview. Please!
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Breaking In those High Heeled Shoes
Some shoes are not made to be comfortable. They are made to make outfits look pretty and for women with shoe fetishes to crave for. I am a victim of buying shoes that are not comfortable but bought it anyway because it looked so pretty. There is just something about breaking open that shoe box and the fresh scent of leather comes out and you just cannot wait to wear your new shoes on a night out. Breaking in shoes are VERY important so you better always always remember to do this. Here are some ways on how you can break it in:
1. Do it gradually. Wear them at home, walk around in it so your feet will get used to it and to stretch it out. You can also wear them at the office while you are just on your desk. It will help with stretching too.
2. With a piece of sandpaper, roughen out the soles of the shoes so it wont be very slippery when you wear them.
3. If the shoes are pinching in on some areas when you wear them, place some moleskins around the area where it hurts. Then soak your feet (with the moleskin still on) so that the moleskin will expand. Then wear the shoes again and it will surely stretch the tight areas.
4. Spray on deodorant or hairspray on your feet to make it stick to the shoes right away. This will prevent blisters from forming.
5. Loosen the shoes up by bending and stretching them a couple of times before wearing. Then use a hair dryer for 2-3 minutes and repeat the bending and stretching.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
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Handy Fashion Fixes You Need To Have
You cannot always bring your whole closet with you when you travel or go to work. So you wont be able to always have a fresh change of clothes just in case you spill something on your shirt or a button pops out. Women always need to be ready for possible fashion emergencies wherever they are so they wont have to walk around with stains or missing buttons!!! Here are the items you need to always have in your bag or your office drawer:
1. Extra socks and comfy flat shoes
You will never know when you need one! If you are a working woman, you would be wearing heels the whole day and for sure, your feet would hurt in the middle of the day. Have a beautiful pair of flats (loafers or ballerina shoes) to change to when you just cant walk around anymore.
2. Stain Removers
Club soda, stain remover stick or a scarf. You need all these. Spilled coffee on your crisp white shirt? Try club soda. Not working? Thats why you have a scarf. Strategically place it to cover up the stain!
3. Emergency Styling
Any number of embarrassing things can happen at the office, including a jacket full of animal hair, a ripped stocking, or a popped button. Keep some basic equipment in your desk to fix it ASAP!
4. Extra make up kit
You might have post work plans and you might need to touch up on your make up so make sure you have an extra lippy, press powder, mints, and facial tissues! Oh and it would be nice too if you have extra heels so you can change your look easily before going out for drinks.
5. Extra Cardigan
Weather can be very unpredictable so always have a stash of pashminas or cardigans with you just in case it gets really cold.
Posted in Fashion by Maria Izell
