Posts from — August 2010

If you didn’t see the Emmy Awards on Sunday night, never fear. Every fashion blog and website in the world had their two cents on the winners and what everyone wore, and I’m no different. Who watches these shows for the awards, anyway?

Overall, the ensembles were very safe and simple, but there were a few designers who had a big, wonderful presence on the Emmy’s red carpet. When it comes to fit and glam, Donna Karan knocked it out of the park. Elisabeth Moss and Susan Sarandon looked radiant in Donna Karan gowns, while Tina Fey and Lea Michele dazzled the red carpet in Oscar de la Renta. (If only Lea would get rid of those awful bangs and have better posture while taking photos, then she’d be a perfect 10. Anyone else agree?)

It was also a big night for Carolina Herrera and Giorgio Armani, all of whom had some of the best-dressed stars of the evening.

Big trends were navy blue, neutrals, one-shoulder dresses, and strapless gowns. I love that Tina Fey switched it up with a capped sleeve gown and Susan Sarandon chose a gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Scroll down to see my votes for best dressed and be sure to tell me what you think of my choices!

All images from Style.com unless otherwise noted.

Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta

Betty White

Jane Lynch in Ali Rahimi

Matthew Morrison in Prada (photo from esquire.com)

Elisabeth Moss in Donna Karan

Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

Jon Hamm in Giorgio Armani, with Jennifer Westfeldt

Claire Danes in Giorgio Armani Privé, with Hugh Dancy

Nina Dobrev in Zuhair Murad

Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

George Clooney in Giorgio Armani

Susan Sarandon in Donna Karan and Eva Amurri in Thierry Mugler

Padma Lakshmi in Carolina Herrera with jewels from her own collection

Eva Longoria Parker in Robert Rodriguez

Jayma Mays in Burberry Prorsum

You might be wondering what that cute little decoration on the left side of my blog is.

Photo from Coach

Well, I am excited to say that I am part of Coach‘s Poppy Project, which is a tweet and share game to create a great network of fashion and beauty blogs!

The game is so fun. Every time you tweet #CoachPoppy or #FreshSqueezed (my personal hashtag) on Twitter or every time someone “likes” Coach on Facebook, the poppy pattern grows. By tweeting the hashtags above, you can also win a prize from Coach. Another way to win is to keep checking in the decoration for pictures of Coach Poppy bags! How fun is this?

And the best part? The site with the largest pattern by the end of the Poppy Project will win a $2,500 shopping spree from Coach! Coach has been one of my favorite handbag and accessories designer since I was 15, so I could definitely put that money to good use.

Get tweeting and help my little poppy trail grow. Thanks, everyone!

Disclaimer: This post is not, in any way, affiliated with Smashbox or Arbonne, whose products are mentioned in this post. It’s just something I wanted to do and write on my own. In case the FCC comes after me or something.

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while, but what sparked the fire to get it done now was a beauty Q&A from the September issue of Glamour.

So, what’s the deal with makeup primer?

This has to be my favorite beauty indulgence. I only recently started using makeup primer as part of my daily routine, since about May actually. However, I cannot go without it now. I hate it when that happens.

I think it’s a solid investment in your beauty regime for the following reasons because everything in the A of the Q&A above is true! I notice that my foundation goes on and blends better and smoother than it did before I used primer. It evens out my skin so much so that on the weekends, I’ll just throw it on and skip foundation completely, then continue with blush or bronzer and go on my merry way. I’ve NEVER done that before.

Since it is an added expense, I would suggest starting out with a trail or travel size just to see if you like it. I use the regular photo finish primer from Smashbox and love it! I also know a lot of friends who use Arbonne‘s makeup primer and love it as well. Either way, you can’t go wrong here.

Photo from enjoy-your-style.com

What’s your favorite beauty indulgence?

To me, it feels like there will NEVER be a break in this dead heat that Summer 2010 brought with it.  Yet as the summer’s end draws near and the September issues of various fashion magazines hit the stands, it’s time to start thinking about your fall wardrobe- even if you can’t fathom wearing this stuff right now.

Nevertheless, my girlfriends and I were talking about trends and style for the upcoming season. Taking heed from New York Magazine‘s The Cut and their favorite fall fashion trends, here are some of my favorite styles for fall:

Each piece falls into a category that can be found in the most recent issue of New York Magazine, aka the Fall Fashion Issue

Busy Bodies

Photo from dkny.com

This beautiful long sleeve t-shirt dress with wool Jersey bodice from DKNY is amazing, and perfectly fits into the category of “busy bodies.” Since the dress is the spotlight in this ensemble, pair it with simple accessories and black tights (my favorite in the cooler seasons) with ankle booties.

Boxy Bag

Photo from michaelkors.com

To me, nothing screams fall more than a beautiful tote. This Hamilton tote from Michael Kors, which my sister owns in gold, is definitely “boxy” (as NYMag recommends), and who can resist that gorgeous violet color? Not to mention the silver hardware details combined with the perfect leather. Perfection.

Camel…It’s The Season’s New Neutral

Photo from nordstrom.com

Camel is the hottest color coming for fall. Get your fix with these knee high Miz Mooz boots from Nordstrom. These boots can take you from day to night, and everywhere in between.

Super Chunky Knits

Photo from bcbg.com

This look combines the camel color from above with the new chunky sweater trend. The sweater from BCBGMAXAZRIA is great for the office with a pair of [black] skinny pants and a pair of ballet flats.

Blazers

Photo from anthropologie.com

It’s no secret that I LOVE blazers. To me, there is no better way to tie an outfit together and look stylish or professional. This adorable tweed-ish blazer from Anthropologie by Cartonnier will do just that.

I could go on and on with these trends, but I’ll cap it here and open it up for discussion.

Ladies, what are your favorite trends for fall?

This announcement was made on Oscar de la Renta’s PR Twitter account yesterday.

As if I don’t love Oscar de la Renta enough.

(From left) Red Python; Pearlized Rose Python; Pearlized Taupe. Photo from oscardelarenta.com

Now, the brilliant designer has launched a second line of iPad “clutches,” because the first line (which debuted during Resort 2011) sold out immediately. The new line are more beautiful than ever.

Embossed Crocodile. Photo from oscardelarenta.com

My favorite thing about these clutches is how professional and clean they look. The colors are lively and gorgeous, and not just for women. That embossed crocodile can easily be carried by a man if he wanted a sleeker, well-made case for his iPad. I also love how Mr. de la Renta turned a simple technological accessory for the hottest tech gadget into a fashion statement. Can’t say I’m surprised, though.

I think Mr. de la Renta needs to make iPhone “wristlets” and MacBook Pro “purses” because I know both my iPhone and MacBook Pro would look beautiful outfitted an OdlR creation.

Please and thank you.

Prices range: red python, $390; pearlized rose python, $390; pearlized taupe, $390; embossed crocodile, $290.

What’s your favorite technological accessory?

Fellas, as if dates aren’t tricky enough, right? But you have to pick out an OUTFIT, too? Oy.

I can’t tell you what you should do on your date because that depends on the girl. To make things a bit easier on the style end of things, though, I compiled some fashion inspiration for your ensemble. The inspiration for my inspiration? My friends in the Baltimore, MD alternative rock band, Fools & Horses.

(From left) Kent Warren, Matt Hutchison, Tim Hutchison, Steve Herrera. Photo by Matthew Hanlon

I’m sure most of you have never heard of these guys, but I’ve know them for a long time- since I was an itty, bitty freshman at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. These four boys are some of the sweetest fellas I’ve ever met, and they are amazing rock musicians. To introduce you to their music, I suggest that you check out this music video for a song called Selfish. It’s hilarious and awesome.

(From Left) Kent Warren, Matt Hutchison. Photo by Kathleen Hill

Me and Steve. Photo from my senior year.

Anyway, I found myself thinking about my favorite men’s style- especially for a date- and the photos above came to mind. These photos sum up everything I thought of, and now I’m laying it out for you fellas right here and where you can get it. The best part? Everything can be mixed and matched, depending on your personal style.

You’re welcome.

It all starts with a great pair of jeans.

Photo from Levis.com

Then throw in a button-up.

Photo from DKNY.com

And maybe a (loosely tied) tie.

Photo from kohls.com

Or a t-shirt to go underneath.

Photo from express.com

What about a blazer to go with?

Photo from urbanoutfitters.com

If you’re not into blazers, try a jacket instead.

Photo from macys.com

Ladies, how did I do with these ideas? What are your favorite date night looks for fellas?

Boys, what do you think of my choices?  Did I miss out on any particular style or look?

To refresh, last week I found out that I won a contest from Lancôme where I won two passes to their prescreening of Eat, Pray, Love for makeup artists and models before the movie was released last Friday, August 13.  So, I called up Angela and we got all dolled up for a night out in the city.

The event, held on August 12, was so much fun!  Everyone who attended was so nice.  Kerry, a member of Lancôme’s PR team and the author of the company’s blog, and her coworkers were wonderful and welcoming at the cocktail hour.  The pre pre-screening hors d’oeuvres were delicious.  As if that wasn’t enough, everyone who came also received an AMAZING gift bag filled with incredible Lancôme products.  The evening was nothing short of fabulous!

I thought the movie is incredible.  When a book is translated into a movie, sometimes things get left out and the movie doesn’t live up to the book.  I think that the movie did a great job of summing up Elizabeth Gillbert’s memoir, specifically with the on-point casting.  Go see it right now.

After I found out I won this contest, I asked all of my wonderful friends and readers to help me pick out an outfit, and outfit choice #1 had the most votes.  Thank you EVERYONE who helped me choose!  I’m so undecided- I couldn’t have picked without you all.  There was a photographer there so I felt a little weird taking pictures, but I had to get pictures of my outfit so you all can see how I looked.  To see more events from the event, you can go here to the photographer’s website.

Thank you again, Kerry, for the amazing opportunity!  And my friends, thank you again for helping me pick out my ensemble!

I know, I know.  When you hear the phrase “clean out your closet,” you feel like this:

Photo from flickr.com

…or like this

Photo from brand-yourself.com

But believe me when I say, I actually enjoyed cleaning out my closet this past weekend.  For one thing, I had to, or else I couldn’t fit all the nice new clothes I bought in it.  I also hadn’t done it in a while, and I make it a point to clean out my closet at least once a year, if not twice.  Here’s why.

1. It just makes sense: You should go through your things and clean up a bit.  You do it with your email, right?  Refrigerator?  Files?  See what I mean.  Getting rid of the old stuff and to make room for the new is just a natural thing.  Like I said, I do it at least once a year.  My rule is that if I haven’t worn it within the year, I toss it
2. It relaxes you: I know this sounds crazy, but I’ve found that cleaning your closet (and cleaning in general) help take your mind off of things if you’re having a rough or stressful time.  You’re so busy concentrating on sorting out your clothes that you temporarily forget about everything else going on.  It’s like meditation!
3. Money in da bank OR helping those less fortunate: Need something to do with those old clothes?  Depending on the condition, you can sell the clothes at a consignment shop and make some money back or you can donate them to a local charity.  Either way, someone will get more use out of it!

Why do you clean out your closet?

A little backstory here.

Lancome had a contest on their blog where if you left a comment about what you like about Eat, Pray, Love, what you think of Julia Roberts in the movie, etc., you and a friend could win a pair of tickets to their special pre-screening of the movie on August 12 in New York City.  So I did.  I thought, “What the heck?”

Well, I WON.

I KNOW!! (a la Monica from Friends. Favorite show ever).

Now this is where I need your help.  I have no idea what to wear! So check out the different outfit options I have below, and let me know which one you like better in the comments (you can identify by number).  You can mix and match shoes to dresses, also!  Thanks!!

BCBGMAXAZRIA halter dress with Nine West heels

Kenneth Cole dress with Enzo Angiolini wedges

Envi: dress with Mossimo for Target heels

Thanks again, everyone!  I really appreciate your help with this!

(And another thanks to Lancome for the awesome contest and for picking me!!)

I’m one of those girls who counts down the minutes from the end of the Super Bowl until the next NFL season starts.  So naturally, I was more than thrilled when Victoria’s Secret announced that it’s PINK collection was going to partner with the NFL for a new line of football-inspired merchandise in [select] stores and online, starting August 10 [today!].  Best. News. EVER.

Victoria’s Secret PINK is a line from Victoria’s Secret debuted in 2004.  The PINK collection consists of dormwear [t-shirts, tanks, sweats, panties, bras] for young women.

I think the whole NFL collection is adorable.  It is clearly designed for young women who might want to wear more feminine-looking sports apparel but still want to support their favorite team.

Speaking of favorite teams, here are a few of my favorite pieces inspired by my favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles.  I can’t wait to wear a new t-shirt to a game this season!

Does your favorite team have a collection here?  What pieces are your favorite?

If August means one thing, it means that summer is slowly coming to an end.  It also means that new fall clothes are coming in, which makes my heart happy.  H&M has a sneak peak of their fall collection online, and while you can’t shop on H&M online in the USA (yet…), you can daydream of what you will wear when the weather gets a bit cooler.  I know I sure do.

Here are my favorite fall pieces for both ladies and the fellas.

All photos from hm.com

Dress, $34.95

Shoes, $39.95

Shirt (yes, for girls!), $24.95

And now, something for my male readers.

Scarf (yes, for boys!), $7.95

Sweater, $24.95

Pants, $24.95

Check out what else H&M has to offer for the fall so far by seeing what they have in stores now.  I am a bit obsessed with those booties pictures above and I think that they would go with everything.  I especially love the color.  So beautiful for autumn.

That rugby sweater for men should be an essential in any fella’s closet for the cooler months.  I think rugbys are great for men, especially ones that are heavier for the fall and winter.  They’re a very effortless way to look nice and put together!

What are your must-haves for fall?

I feel like I have to say, before this post, that this is not a personal issue. It’s more ranting than anything, especially in defense of fabulous ladies who are curvier than I am.

*Steps onto soap box*

Ok, what is the big fuss about “plus” sizes?

Photo from glamour.com

Over the past week, the whole fashion industry has been a buzz about various topics regarding “plus” sizes (sizes 14 or above).  What first got me thinking about this topic was an article I read from Glamour Magazine about Saks Fifth Avenue carrying plus-size clothing from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and other high end fashion houses.  Saks will be the first department store in the city to stock up to a women’s size 20.

There was a comment on this article that really blew me away:

I really hate to say it, and I don’t want people to attack me, but I really don’t think that plus sizes need to be added to any store. If people want to wear clothes, they should eat healthy and take care of themselves. And I’m talking about health, not vanity. It’s sad that clothing stores need to provide anything over size 12.

Um, what? Is this person serious?

That comment demonstrates a little ignorance about the world in which we live at the present moment.  The New York Times reports that the average size of an American woman is now a size 14.  Yet the “plus” size segment of the fashion industry only accounts for 18 percent of women’s clothing revenue.

There’s something wrong there if you ask me.  Some people are happy with how they look, no matter what size they are.  Some people can’t shake weight, no matter how hard they try.  Why shouldn’t everyone have the chance to look stylish and fabulous, regardless of their waist size?  Look at how beautiful Lizzie Miller, the model in the picture above, looks.  She is smiling and clearly happy, and yet she is a “plus” size.  Who cares?  I’m shocked that some people are still so ignorant in this day and age.

I think that a problem with the fashion industry is an unwillingness to adapt with the times.  The world changes, that’s a fact.  Many fashion houses still don’t offer embrace technology for all it’s worth, which I guess is to create a sense of exclusivity.  Yet, I’ve seen more and more brands embrace Twitter- Michael Kors and Zac Posen both just joined within the last month- and Marc Jacobs will launch an e-commerce site this September.

But I digress.  In spite of that comment about the Saks article, I think that there are positive steps being taken in the fashion industry to change with the times.  I just think that the change is taking a little longer than it should, but slow change is better than none at all, right?

Now give those beautiful [plus size] women some clothes and something great to model in.

*Steps off of soap box*