April 26, 2010

Walk Walk Fashion Baby

As much as I respect the people that design the fabulous clothing and accessories I admire so much, I also respect those who show us how amazing their designs are…that’s right—the models! After studying each collection carefully season after season, I have grown attached to a few models that really know how to work the clothes and they are quite versatile with their modeling. This post is dedicated to my favorite fashion models.

Karlie Koss

Karlie was born in Chicago (woo hoo!) in 1992 (yes, she is only 17) and moved to St. Louis in 1995. She has a pretty reputable modeling resume for only being 17 years old. She has walked in New York, Paris, London and Milan Fashion Weeks gracing the runways of Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Gucci and Versace (just to name a few). She has also appeared on numerous magazine covers including the October 2009 and January 2010 issues of Italian Vogue. But when she’s not walking the runway or at a photo shoot, she likes to bake cookies, go on bike rides and dance (she prefers ballet).

She definitely accomplished a hell of a lot more than I did at 17 so bravo to you Karlie!

Abbey Lee Kershaw

Abbey Lee was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1987 and she currently resides in New York City. Does anyone ugly come out of Australia? If so, please inform me…because it seems like every gorgeous model is from Australia these days. Last month it was announced that Abbey Lee will be the face of Chanel’s A/W 2010-2011 RTW campaign. If you close the Chanel Spring 2010 show and open Chanel Fall 2010…you might as well be the face of their campaign, right? In her free time, Abbey Lee likes to play sports and work out. I wish those were my hobbies too. Mine consists of eating good food and watching Bravo. Maybe that’s why my body does not look like Abbey Lee’s…

Jessica Stam

Jessica Stam, AKA Stam, was born in Kincardine, Ontario in 1986. Fun Fact: she was discovered at a Tim Horton’s in her hometown by an agent at the International Model Management agency in Ontario. Stam walked in a total of 64 shows during Spring 2006 New York, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. Marc Jacobs even designed a bag called The Marc Jacobs Stam inspired by her. She currently stands at number 5 on the Top 50 Models list on models.com. Although she seems way too busy do anything except for modeling, she does enjoy doing karaoke and going to concerts.

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So, what do you think of these girls? Who are your favorite fashion models? Always love your feedback!

April 22, 2010

Eco-Friendly Fashions

In honor Earth Day, I am dedicating this post to my favorite eco-friendly fashion finds (can you say that 3 times fast?) Remember, every small thing you do can make a difference…and if it involves shopping, how can you say no? 🙂

Alex and Ani

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Alex and Ani is all about sustainable and fashionable jewelry. Their philosophy is to create jewelry from recycled and sustainable material all made in the United States. Alex and Ani designs include bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings and even hair pieces. The coolest thing about Alex and Ani is that they have a “Bangle Bar” on their website where you can create your own wristful of bangles. Awesome stuff! For more information, check out www.alexandani.com

Matt and Nat

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Matt and Nat not only produces amazing eco/vegan purses and wallets for women, they also have a great selection of backpacks, briefcases, laptop carriers and more for your man. Who says a man can’t carry their things in style? They definitely should! Matt and Nat’s most recent collection has an edgier, vintage feel with their handbags and wallets complete with studs and zippers. So glam-rock chic. For more on Matt and Nat, see www.mattandnat.com.

Edun

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Edun was probably the first eco-friendly clothing line I heard about. Remember the Africa t-shirt that came out a while ago? I thought it was a great idea and I bought one as soon as they were available for purchase. Edun has expanded their line to tops, jeans, sweaters, jackets and more…for men too! Their shirts are extremely comfortable and it’s always good to know you’re supporting a good cause. See www.edunonline.com for more information.

Tarte Cosmetics

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Some find it difficult to be eco-friendly when it comes to beauty products and cosmetics; they fear the “natural” version will not produce the same benfits as the products they’re used to. I totally understand this. However, Tarte cosmetics produces makeup without parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances, they package their products in recyclable materials AND…they actually work. Definitely worth checking out! My favorites from Tarte are the Lifted Natural Eye Primer and the Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara. Check out www.tartecosmetics.com for their full product line.

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**Note: Both Alex and Ani and Matt and Nat are on Gilt until 4/24 at midnight. Most of the items are more than 50% off! Feel free to leave me a comment or e-mail me if you are not yet a member and would like to become one. Gilt has amazing deals everyday!

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So, what do you think of these eco-friendly fashions? Have you tried any of these brands? What are your favorite eco-friendly brands (fashion-related or not)? I always appreciate your comments!

April 20, 2010

Make a Statement…With Your Feet

THE STATEMENT SHOE

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I absolutely love to make a fashion statement. Whether it’s a vibrant dress or a chunky vintage necklace, I try to incorporate at least one statement piece in every outfit I wear. What makes the ultimate statement you may ask? A killer pair of shoes of course. Shoes have always been an obsession of mine (beginning with my 2-year career at a shoe boutique in high school) and I want to share my favorite statement shoes with you. AND I found amazing shoes for any budget. Whether you’re willing to splurge on a $1,500 pair of Choos or you’re looking for a great pair under $200…I got you covered!

Statement Shoes (Luxe):

Top Row (left to right): Jimmy Choo Zappa Suede Sandals ($2,495 at net-a-porter.com), Proenza Schouler Runway Sandals ($1,645 at colette.fr), Proenza Schouler Stitched Leather Sandals ($805 at net-a-porter.com)

**Note: The Jimmy Choos LIGHT UP. Rad. I know.

Bottom Row (left to right): Alexander Wang Frejal Double-Layer Boots ($675 at net-a-porter.com), Valentino Floral Organza Sandals ($1,250 at net-a-porter.com), Givenchy Ruched Leather Wedge Sandals ($1,300 at net-a-porter.com)

Statement Shoes (Less):

Top Row (left to right): Ash Fame Leather Open Toe Booties ($245 at intermixonline.com), Boutique 9 Val ($199 at ninewest.com), Betsey Johnson Lavant Sandal ($190 at heels.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Sam Edelman Katrice Sandals ($140 at lorisshoes.com), Dolce Vita Lana ($290 at zappos.com), Sam Edelman Kinley Wedge Sandal ($170 at nordstrom.com)

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Are you a fan of statement shoes? Did you like my picks? If so, which are your favorites? Do you have a favorite statement shoe? Please share if you do. Always love to hear from you!

April 20, 2010

This Week on Rue La La

This week on Rue La La jump-start your spring wardrobe and brighten up your closet with vibrant and flirty pieces from Cynthia Rowley and Lela Rose. After you’ve locked in your wares, prepare your skin for the harsh rays of the sun with protective products from MD Skincare. Rue La La has all of the essentials you need to spring fashionably forward.

Let’s take a look at what this week’s Boutiques have to offer:

Cynthia Rowley (virtual doors open at 11 am on Tuesday, April 20th): Cynthia Rowley’s signature flirty colored dresses and tops for the uber-feminine touch to any wardrobe. The Boutique will feature Cynthia’s clothing, purses sunglasses and hosiery!

**I love Cynthia Rowley…don’t miss out on this boutique!

Lela Rose (virtual doors open at 11 am on Friday April 23rd): Lela Rose brings you high-spirited fashion that will reinvent your wardrobe with stylish dresses including polka dots, feathers and embroidery.

MD Skincare (virtual doors open at 11 am on Tuesday, April 20th): Dr. Dennis Gross is the brains behind the breakthrough technologically and advanced facial treatments from MD Skincare. The line is comprised of carefully formulated products that blend the best ingredients of nature with the proven results science, making dermatologist quality products to your fingertips for half the cost. MD Skincare has been featured in Vogue, Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. The Hydra-Pure category of skincare was voted Product of the Year by Women’s Wear Daily Beauty Biz.

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To access Rue La La’s members-only Boutiques immediately, please click here.

RueLaLa on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Rue_La_La
RueLaLa on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RueLaLa

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This post is from guest blogger, David James. Follow him on Twitter @jamesda1

April 19, 2010

Chicago Designer to Showcase at Barneys New York

I always love to hear about (then write about) Chicago designers. I love Chicago and I love fashion…and this post embraces my two favorite things. Margaret J. Harris’s jewelry line, Journey Jewelry Collection, will be launched this Wednesday (April 21) from 5-7pm at Barneys on Oak Street. Margaret is one of the few Chicago designers to ever be sold at Barneys so this is very exciting news! Margaret J. Harris is an internationally recognized interior designer and she has now expanded her portfolio to include jewelry inspired by her own experiences and life-long travels.

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Check out some of Margaret’s pieces from her Journey Jewelry Collection: