Get your own!

A sense of style comes with the notion of understanding your physical self and what fits you best and how you execute that item of clothing. Style is also a reflection of your own personality. I think that in order to have a particular style, one has to literally and figuratively own what they are wearing. Something that is unique and eccentric, that not many people can pull off . With that in mind, people, males and females, have to be familiar with their body types. For example, a curvy woman won’t look so good in a very tight shirt and dazy duke denim shorts and a tall skinny guy, won’t look great in a simple baggy t-shirt and a washed out pair of jeans. That is not a sense of style, it’s a careless and lazy way to carry yourself which is not commendable at all. People need to look put together, I am not saying that they need to look awesome every day of their lives (although they should) in a fashionable kind of way, but rather think about how you present yourself to the public before you walk out of your house or apartment. Image has become a brand, no matter where you might be. I know that I just went off track for a little bit, but a sense of style, body image, and presentation are strongly intertwined. Its important to think about those things if you want to make an outfit work. I personally try not to conform to owning identical articles of clothing as someone else. When certain trends are in for example, spring scarves or gladiator sandals, I try to stay within that trendy framework but buy something that’s a bit more modified than something that everyone has. And again, something might look better on other girls that me and I come to understand that.

I think that prime examples of people with a sense of fashion are definitely Justin Timberlake. He always looks unconventional and he knows what fits his body. Ok I know he has personal stylists and what not, but it takes two work. I also think Puff Daddy, or Diddy, or Sean Puffy Combs, whatever his name is these days (honestly who cares), he is a self made walking fashionable guru. He really transformed his image from ordinary street wear to the red carpet chic. Scarlet Johanson is another super star who is not stick skinny and knows how to pull off cetain outfits that fit her and her personality. She is a buxom beauty who is not afraid to admit that she has boobs and a butt, and is not afraid to show it off in a bright colored masterpiece. I admire her for that. And again, because of her bodily structure, she knows what works and what doesn’t. As for the rest of us, I’d recommend really thinking twice about how we present ourselves to the public. People see and people watch, but its fun when you know you are the one getting the compliments and not being passed over unnoticed.

And the Oscar goes to...

And the Oscar goes to…So many attendees ! I was intrigued by the fashion that was all over the red carpet at the 81^st annual Academy Awards. This is one of the most prestigious events for actors, actresses, directors, etc. to be nominated, present, or even attend! Hey I wouldn’t mind going. In any event, this also happens to be one of the most important occasions to celebrate the art of the fashion. Name dropping of designers have become HUGE over the years. As a matter of fact, designers and celebrities signed contracts so that celebrities could push the brand name and image unto the public and the merchandising market. For example, Chanel and Nicole Kidman had an agreement that Nicole would be wearing Chanel clothing and accessories to where the press was present. In turn, she would earn commission from the profits Chanel would gain from their sales. Therefore, I wonder which celebrities were also helping out their designer friends. Beyonce, debuted her dress from her personal collection “House of Dereon.” Her clothing line has recently launched a new line of dresses. Although, I do not know how much this display helped her, because her unique dress, was not a winner on this red carpet…sorry B. However, many were winners, especially those who radiated with a splash of color. Natalie Portman’s petite frame became bigger than life when she showed off her fucsia colored Rodrate designed strapless dress. It was a breath of fresh springy air. Alicia Keys, also glowed in a purple number. Teen sensation, Miley Cyrus on the other hand, looked like a 6 tiered cream cake in her Zuhair Murad gown. I think it had potential, but the execution…well failed, to say the least. A lot of ballgowns and “poofy” dresses made their way to the red carpet, i.e Sarah Jessica Parker in her prom inspired belted ballgown. She truly looked stunning. Penelope Cruz, as well. Dressed in an off white colored wedding dress. I am kidding, it just looks like one. But VERY pretty for a very good night for the winner of the best supporting actress in “ Vikki Cristina Barcelona.” You go girl. Speaking of winners…Kate Winslet look stunning, stunning, stunning. She wore a steel grey dress by Atelier Yves Saint Laurent by Stefano Pilati. It was asymmetrical and definitely made some heads turn on the red carpet. She never falls short of perfection when it comes to the red carpet. So overall, I think this event was filled with a lot of true beauties that decorated the night in the best way possible.

From singers to designers

So celebrities who wear unique and outstanding clothing is one thing, but celebrities who design cool and chic clothing is totally another thing. In the last couple of years, celebrities have been managing to create side businesses for themselves. As if a career in music, movies and tv shows is not enough, they decide to sell, create, and market various products. Everything ranging from shoes, bags, perfumes, etc. And now its even clothing. Hillary Duff will be co-designing a line with Donna Karen of DKNY, Victoria Beckham came out with her new line of clothes that are touched with a sophisticated edge. Beyonce and her mother teamed up to make clothin magic with their self titled line “ House of Dereon” Nonetheless, the biggest name that has been circulating fashion week has been, Justin Timberlake. He debuted his new line titled “William Rast.” Apparently, he began this line a few years ago with a childhood friend and business partner, Trace Ayala. The name William Rast comes from the combination of Timberlake’s and Ayala’s grandfather’s names. They drew their inspiration for a newer and fresher look since the election of president Barak Obama. Timberlake said that because it’s a new start to our American culture, he wanted to express that through his clothing line of William Rast. I think its quite admirable that celebrities are not only triple threats these days, some are even quadruple threats by being designers, business men and women, ambassadors and what have you. Just some food for thought.

fashion coming to Ithaca!

Yesterday in our “Cornell Daily Sun,” in the Red Letter Daze section I came across a small fashion section, titled “spring trends in Ithaca.” Although, the author did not cover any actual fashion trends you see on ho plaza or the arts quad , but she rather made an overview of what is going to be in season for the upcoming 2009 spring term and her recommendations of how to successfully execute those outfits. But what I find a bit peculiar is that the writer makes claims that fashion and weather go together and with Ithaca’s fluctuating weather, it is very hard to look good and be appropriately groomed for the oh so changing weather. She does not really make any recommendations of how you can look good, effortlessly, and still be comfortable/warm in clothing option of your choice for the day. I know I had tried that before but then failed miserably when I walked out of my apartment in my a la “Carry Bradshaw” outfit (Carry Bradshaw is the fashion guru of the popular TV show “Sex and the City”) and then I was quickly confronted with the frigid Ithaca weather and the fact that heels and hills don’t go well together. This was back in the day, it didn’t actually happen yesterday. In any event, I am a big proponent for comfort and trendiness. And those two things are very hard to pull off. The author in the article mentions, cardigans and “boyfriend” blazers, but they are not very fitting for the Ithaca weather. One thing is if you go out at night on a date or to a local bar, but for the every day look, its not very helpful. In the cold winter days I recommend, knee high leather boots of either beige, brown, or black. Long cardigans of all colors and prints. Plaid button down shirts are making a comeback. They are warm and so easy to wear with a pair of light washed jeans. For guys, a nice pair of jeans, cool sweaters (i.e lacoste, penguin brand) will do that job. Jackets, coats are also big! And scarfs hats and gloves. Just because they might be accessories, doesn’t mean that no one sees them. Having bright colored adorable and trendy wool, cotton, or what have you hats and scarfs are the thing! They are comfortable, stylish and so easy to wear. So next time you’ll be in ho plaza, think about what you want to wear and maybe you’ll be making some heads turn while you pass by Olin.

Fashion Funfetti!

FASHION WEEK! A celebrated occasion in the larger global fashion industry that brings Milan and Paris to the streets of NYC. Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, Betsy Johnson, and Marc Jacobs were few of the many designers that featured their one of a kind fall collections on the runways. I started to follow fashion week a couple of years ago and at first I was awe struck by the creative designs that were presented on the catwalks and since then, I was eager to buy a whole new wardrobe for myself based on what I saw. But I didn’t, because if I had gone out and bought myself an entirely new BCBG Max Azria inspired wardrobe…I’d be broke. I would have a nice sense of fashion but… I’d be broke. As I got older, I began to pay attention to the actual designers, as well as the clothes. What provoked me to listen to the designers was their story and how they came about to establish such an art. Fashion, I believe, essentially is another form of art portrayed through clothing. People always hear designers are inspired or motivated by something in the environment that brought them to develop their creative masterpieces or collections. And so what are there “thing” or “factors” that contributed to their development as designers which led them to progress in sharing their artistic views on one of the most important weeks in fashion.

For example, Betsy Johnson, a fun loving kind of eccentric American designer was inspired to create her colorful collection after she was impacted by snacks. Yup! Snacks was the theme of Ms. Johnson’s collection, hmmm you might be asking what the…. Well anyway, according to Betsy, she wanted to focus on a “girls want to have fun” type of look, and snacks gave her that little bit of inspiration to create a look that was filled with knitted dresses, tops filled with fringes, sequins, bright eyed petty coats. I think this is a cute and unique idea and essentially is very simple. Something so small, can be spun off into something grand that people would be happy to wear because of that good feeling it would give them. Maybe it’s a little bit of a silly concept in being like “this shirt was designed after a bag of Doritos,” but I think it goes beyond that. And Betsy Johnson was certainly bold enough to take this approach and provide the snacks for the show.

Confessions of a shopaholic

In honor of the movie premiere “confessions of a shopaholic,” starring Borat’s leading lady in real life, Isla Fisher, I’d like to reveal some of my personal shopping experience. I actually dislike going shopping….I do…as a matter of fact I even tend to hate it at times. I hate the whole picking out clothes, then trying them on, buying them, trying them back on at home and realizing that I do not look nearly as good as the lighting and the mirror made me look in the dressing room. O and I also sometimes get this “shopper block” where I just completely freeze on what I want to get, because I am so overwhelmed with the clothing items in the store. Can I say frustrating much? And also, I understand that shopping has transcended to the realm of online shopping, I do not like it either. Speaking from past experiences, online shopping for me has been a disaster…DISASTER! I do not have the body of a mannequin in your average department or boutique store, therefore I just don’t go shopping. I am partially kidding about that, because really I do go shopping, I dislike the process. But, I think that I was bred in this manner because ever since I was a little girl, until my late adolescence my mom had actually been my personal shopper. She works part-time and she loves shopping for me. I am like a little doll for her to dress up and she has a great eye for what is trendy and what is not so much. My mom would always make sure to bring at least 8 shopping bags home for me to pick and choose from. And if I didn’t like something, her or myself would return it. I almost owe it to my mom for developing my “fashionable identity,” so to speak. Eventually, I began going shopping on my own, but still I always feel that I need my mom to tell me how an article of clothing looks on me. I trust her judgement, and I am very lucky to have her as my best and worst critique.

I know I had mentioned online shopping before, and for some people it’s the best thing since sliced bread. I mean I can definitely understand that and I am almost envious that I can’t experience the same pleasure of online shopping as others. I wonder though, what are people’s preferences for shopping. Is it “OMG (oh my g-d) LETS GO SHOPPING!” or, “ mom can you buy me something nice” or is it just sitting in front of your computer and filling up that imaginary shopping cart with clothes of your choice? Maybe, there are those who do not even care. But, all in all, clothing is important and making sure everyone has something to put on their bodies is quite vital for everyday living.

Takin' it to the Streets!

Last week, a fellow classmate mentioned the term “streetwear.” Not knowing much about street wear, I wanted to delve into this fashion category some more and check out its origin and how this style of clothing made a splash unto the general fashion scene.

Streetwear is used to describe high quality clothing that draws influence from its surroundings and today the street is also likely to place great influence on fashion. These inspirations tend to be straight from the “street” taking in everything that surrounds them on a daily basis. Examples include, graffiti and such graffiti would often express social and political issues at hand.

The origins of various styles, cuts, themes, and trends were first recognized at the end of the 1970’s and early 1980’s. This was a vibrant time for the emergence of punk and what later on became hip-hop. Such diverse musical styles inspired “independent” ethnic attitudes that were captured by punk and hip hop music fans. Streetwear primarily began in California with the surfing and skating scene and was originally known as skatewear and surfwear. Brands of clothing began to come out to fulfill the demands of young crowds. Soon after, Japan was the next market niche that picked up this trend and appealed to the larger youth audience. Japanese designers drew on influences from anime, toys, gadgets, as well as their own style of Japanese street art.

By the mid 90’s streetwear had established itself in the world market. It created a great appeal among the youth population due to its unique and individualized style. The innovative designs of hoodies, sneakers, t-shirts, jeans were a hit. “Streetwear is a market segment that is rapidly becoming larger,” Claire Dupuis states. She is the manager of fashion apparel marketing for Cotton Incorporated.

Now, streetwear draws a huge array of consumers and popular brand names such as Triple Five Soul, Rocawear and Enyce that have helped define the category and put the clothing on the backs of consumers and, well, right on the streets. These particular brands were inspired form the hip hop and rap music genere, while MbyM, Volcom and Hurley were inspired more form the punk and alternative rock category.

So now that I have educated my audience, as well as myself, on this particular style of fashion, I think it is interesting to see how streetwear evolved throughout the decades and how it is still a very prominent option of clothing among youth and even adults. It is quite fascinating to see how something as simple as “the street” can inspire a huge sector of fashion to develop. Streetwear, in my mind, will continue to develop, grow and constantly have an impact on our everyday lives.

A loud fashion statement

The 51^st Grammy Awards were on last night, and besides the scandalous celebrities making headlines all over the entertainment news ( i.e. dropping out last minute performers Chris Brown and Rihannah due to legal woes), the red carpet shined by some stars that wowed the crowed with their display of elegant dresses, and ravishing suits and tuxes. And then there were others who you just horrified the red carpet, leaving many unanswered questions among spectators of the Grammys along with fashion critiques. I’ve been reviewing the better half of fashion choices among the Hollywood elite in my previous entries. However, now I would like to look at the converse side and review the more questionable outfits that many saw on the red carpet.

I want to start off by distinguishing the notion of a fashion statement. What is it? Why do people do it? One definition is that a person wears clothing that draw attention to him or her. Another definition that a fashion statement is an item of clothing or set of clothes that express something about the attitude, point of view, or lifestyle of the wearer. It would probably encompass making a statement without saying much. I believe that making a fashion statement is more than just putting on a bright sweater with a pair of leggings and accessorizing it with a pretty headband, during the fall season. The definition becomes simplified when the term is used in this context. Making a statement is something as simple as sending messages by wearing logo shirts for example, with something as short as a sentence or a simple word that would raise eyebrows and have others thinking twice about that person’s clothing option of the day. But why do people do it? Fashion is unconventional and there are no boundaries as to how extravagant or outlandish an article of clothing or accessory might be. Case and point, Deadmau5. Perhaps he outdid himself with this outfit, but he sure knows how to make a statement with his creepy “mickey mouse on crack” mask and a t-shirt stating “no pictures.” Ok we get the point, no pictures, but the mask…why? would you say this is a fashion statement or just horrific display of weirdness....that’s up to you readers to interpret.

a black tie affair

So enough analyzing the female fashion of today, now I want to look at some of the male clothing options. And I want to present this ensemble brought to you by, Brody Jenner, Bruce Jenner’s son. For those of you who don’t know, Bruce Jenner is an Olympic superstar. He has a very impressive track record of championships, one of which he received a gold medal in the 1976 Olympics. And his children certainly make headlines in the tabloids. But, I am not interested in that…I am more curious to look at his handsome son…Brody. I think he looks great for a guy who is “all dressed up for the occasion”. He is very tall in real life, therefore this look works for him. The long skinny tie, is appropriate for his height and physique. I think he looks very sharp, as should all males when they put on a suit and tie. I think this look is so effortless, and normally something that is as simple as a black and white suit, can very much be spun out to an eye catching piece. Guys, this is a GREAT look, girls LOVE this look. So if you are tall like Brody and need some good fashion ideas, just look at him. And if you think you don’t care about your appearance…lies all lies. I do not believe that. If you want to attract the ladies, besides your great looks and fabulous personalities, you should also know how to dress well. As simple as a suit may be, it still says a lot about a guy.

Look like a million bucks!

Slumdog Millionaire’s leading lady, Freida Pinto was spotted stealing the show at the Director’s Guild Awards with this gorgeous Zac Posen dress. Zac Posen actually happens to be one of my favorite designers. He mixes eloquence with a little bit of glitzy glam and Ms. Pinto sure knows how to pull it off. The color of the dress totally compliments her darker features, and they truly bring to light her unique ethnic look. I think this look can certainly be emulated by many women who want to stand out among a crowd that mainly sticks to the black little dresses. This metallic look would certainly get you noticed. I think that dresses that are short (above the knee) are also making a huge combat this spring season. Its all about showing some leg and feeling good about yourself. So ladies get into those pilates classes to get in shape and good health. Get ready for a season to have fun, flirt and shine!

Posh Society

The lovely Becks! how can I miss them, especially Victoria "posh" Beckham and her two boys, shopping over the weekend. She is obviously a showstopper, where ever she is , BUT this little black dress number with a white satchel, I think is a little too much to go shopping. I understand that posh is a trendsetter and all, but seriously to go shopping in a black halter dress and a short black cardigan with pumps is a little too over the top if you ask me. And also! If we want to evaluate her fashion choice right here, she looks like someone who is going to a funeral, like seriously. It’s a bit of a gloomy outfit to be walking around glowing Hollywood with her two beautiful boys. And, what do you think about her sons matching outfits? I know that a lot of average parents do that when their kids are the same age. Personally, I don’t like it, I don’t think its cute or flattering. I think its for the purposes of confusing society and letting others think that they are twins when they’re really are not. Nonetheless, the boys are adorable. Ok maybe a little bit too overdressed for shopping like mommy, but they are adorable. Maybe they are coming back from some kind of event, perhaps that’s why they are a little dressed up for the occasion. O by the way, where is the dashing David at?

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY! ok no I am not going to be critiquing what the Arizona Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers were wearing (dah!) but I am going to bring to your attention, ladies and gentleman the stunning Jennifer Hudson. Her look for the singing of the Star Spangled Banner was right on target. She looked cool, calm and collected with a touch of fierceness. She is showing off her curves by not being afraid to embrace the skinny black jeans look once again. She is adorned with a beautifully cut black blazer with gold “Napoleon-like” buttons. Her accessories are gold (large hoop earrings and some bangles), to compliment the gold theme of the buttons on the jacket. The designers are still unknown but she sure pulled off a great look that can be emulated by any women of any size.

the skinny jeans

Ok so last time it was all about the red carpet glam and then not so. This time around, I was checking out the average "street look" in hollywood, and I came across Vanessa Hudgens's look-which I loved. Totally wished I could pull something like that off but, I probably will never be able to even remotly pull off something this chic and effortless.

As everyone can seen, skinny jeans are VERY in right now, especially for women. They are simply everywhere, even some men like the look. And Vannessa, is totally rocking this skinny black jean look with a white flowy under shirt that is adorned by this adorable black blazer. Not to mention she tops off the look with some high heeled Givenchy birdcage heels. What do you think ladies? yay or nay?

OOO the Globes!

So the Golden Globes were in full fashion gear as celebrities spilled unto the carpet in their best attire or horrific wardrobe disasters (see...Jennifer Lopez's blinding mermaid dress on-I had to get an eye doctor appointment after seeing that).
I was really intrigued to see a lot of strapless numbers, which really emphasizes on the lady's frontal features which adds some allure to their presentation. Anna Hathaway, gorg! really I was clapping my hands to this Armani Privé gown, which was draped in Swarowski crystals for its corset feature. Nice nice work. HMMM, Cameron Diaz on the other hand, disappointed me. What is that? seriously from first glance I really thought she wrapped herself in some pink blanket and called it a day, like common seriously. She looks like a goddess sometimes, but this time she just looked like a bubble gum wrapper.
Ok now unto some of the gentlemen, Jonas brothers, adorable. Never fail to impress and put your best selves forward. The dynamic mix of suits consisting of different fabrics and the "black, white and red look" looked so cute. You covered all the grounds for male fashion options when it comes to black tie events, maybe minus the tuxedo look but you know what I mean.