Fashion Week Fall 2010!!

So New York Fashion Week is officially over!! I covered close to 20 shows and events for INO and it was such crazy fun. I saw friends, saw amazing fashion and met some really interesting people, in the process of it all. It snowed on the first day of FW so that pretty much ruined my chances of any thigh high boot action, although I did weigh the option of wearing them and repeatedly slipping on ice.

A more detailed account of my favorite shows and looks is coming but for now, here are some pics from the events. Enjoy!

 

Vasilios Kostetsos
 

Christian Cota
 

Trias

                                                                      Mulberry

 

Gary Harvey

Scarves with no end in sight.

Its been freezing here in New York. Luckily, since coming here some odd nine years ago, I've mastered the art of layering up. One of my favorite parts of the winter get-up is the scarf. Its warm and comfy and really perfect for propping up one's head on a long train ride. Two seasons ago, the scarf went skinny and long. As cute as this was, it wasn't very practical and actually a bit dangerous when closing doors. Besides, no self respecting scarf can double as a summer accessory. Last season, the scarf went bulkier but longer. You could loop one end into the other and wear it loose or tighter around the neck. This season, the scarf is even bulkier and gathered around the neck. Its evolved into the Infinity Ring. Simply put, its a scarf with no end or beginning. Imagine a scarf with the both ends sewn together. Besides solving the problem of the dragging scarf end, this version is a cleaner look than your traditional scarf.  Done in a light fabric, you still have the option of wearing it loose or snug. Its warm either way.

Click the read more link to see some great options.

SHOES!!!

I'm getting ready to move to an apartment closer to school so that means a whole lot less space in my new home (if you're not from NY, anything closer to Manhattan = less space). I cleaned out one of my two shoe closets and was pleasantly surprised to learn that there were only 28 pairs of shoes. If all else were right with the world and the other closet holds exactly the same number, that means that I own over 50 pairs of shoes....okay. If you follow me on Facebook, you're probably realizing what I'm now realizing, which is that I did the math wrong and estimated less than 50. I was so proud of myself for owning less than 50 pairs of shoes! Now, I feel indulgent and a bit like the woman who lived in the child who had so many shoes she didn't know what to do. What am I doing with 50 pairs when I wear the same black knee-high riding boots everyday? Well, I split it by season. Over the winter, I have black and brown high-heeled knee-high boots, black thigh-high flat boots, brown, black and silver low-heeled calf-high boots, black ankle-high flat boots, brown slouchy flat boots, two pairs of snow boots, tan and beige wedged, knee-high boots.....and I was super sure that I absolutely needed every single one when I bought it. I also have fond memories of purchasing each one, including casual banter with the sales people/ cashier in the various countries.

How am I going to fit two closets worth of shoes into one closet that must be shared with clothes? I already carefully sat with each pair and discussed with myself the pros and cons of keeping each one. None of them, unfortunately, ended up in the bag of stuff for charity. I said, "Self, will you ever wear those silver boots? What really goes with silver? How, might I ask, are you hoping to make that respectable?" Self had no reply but I can't give them away if I never wore them. That would be wasting money! This, here, is the logic that has landed me in this situation.

So, as I sit, in the midst of my over 50 pairs of shoes, I consider the starving kids in various countries (any will do for this guilt trip) who would love just one of these....to sell to buy food, of course...and I feel awful. Or....I can make a determined and conscious effort to wear my shoes more so that they weren't bought in vain, thus making the world a prettier place. I think I can live with this plan, better. Sigh...my conscience is clear.

Happy New Year!!!!

Its the start of a new year and I have sooo much to look forward to. School starts in a few weeks and I'm excited to start my third semester at FIT. Fashion Week is also a few weeks away and I can't wait to cover the shows for INO. I still can't believe that I get to see all the new trends and styles for the upcoming season beforehand!

I spent the holidays in Florida with my family and the change was a bit drastic for me, for many reasons. One of my favorite things about chilling in the suburbs, though, is that I get to peruse department store fashion that we don't have in New York. I begged my cousin to take me to Walmart, TJ Maxx, you name it. Now, I'm on a major budget, like I've never been on before. I literally need to scale back my shopping 500%. So I figured, I'd get something only if its a ridiculous bargain. I went to Walmart and was excited to see Norma Kamali's line. I caught her runway show in New York during Fashion Week last season and loved her use of jersey. Also, everything in her Walmart line is under $40. I saw some of the jersey dresses from the show but, clearly, surburbanites picked all the good stuff up already. Check out this dress that I snagged for $20. You can never have too many LBDs (Little Black Dress) in your closet because of its versatility. At $20, even if this dress lasts me 2 wears, it'll be worth it. Its perfect with heels during the summer but I'll be pairing them with kee high boots and a long jacket for days that demand a more formal look. Its certainly a great addition to my closet.

Tapered Trousers...take or leave it?

I've finally resurrected from the fog that is finals time at FIT. With my last final garment hanging in a garment bag, waiting to be taken to class tomorrow, I can breathe, eat and maybe even take a shower. This semester, as part of one of my final projects, I had to make a variation of the classic pant. After having tapered trousers shoved down my throat all season, I figured I might as well try it. Tapered trousers are huge this season because they're comfy, flattering and can be worn by most body types. Women love them because they cover the hip and thigh area and mask any unwanted bulge. Or, it can magically add pounds (Yah!) to that area. Worn cropped with sky-high platforms, these are the perfect all-day pants. I've listened to my male friends, who all agree that these are stick-your-finger-down-your-throat ugly. That may be because, like all trousers, these are best in nudes, black and deep tones. They work best with long belted cardigans in like colors. They don't highlight any area in particular. Sorry, guys. Tapered trousers add a air of casual sophistication to the outfit.

How would I wear mine? With a cropped top and heels. The top would hit about 2 inches above the visible waistband of the trousers. The hemline of the trousers would probably fall right where the shoe starts. If you want your legs to appear slimmer, leave about an inch or so of ankle showing. Remember, the ankle is one of the slimmest parts of the body.
Click the read more link to see one of my favorite tapered trousers and the top and shoes I'd choose for it.

I'm Ba-ack!!! BELOW the eye Eyeliner....hmmm....

Its been an INSANE few weeks for me but I'm back and ready to dish on what grabs my attention in fashion. Ms. Rihanna has been all over the place, confessing, crying, promoting like only she can, and I continue to be held ransom by her incredible sense of style. Her new makeup is so awesome. A few weeks ago, I noticed a line of bright pink eyeliner under her eyes. It made her eyes look fresh and so funky. I gave it a test run soon after and fell in love. This look is so easy and takes the guesswork out of eye shadow. You just need to be able to draw a straight line with eyeliner. Pick your favorite bright color....mine is always blue-green......and browse your local drugstore's makeup aisle for a cheap version. Try Milani or Iman. Its best to get the liquid eyeliner but if you can't maneuver it, stick to the pencil. Trace the line of your lower eyelid with the color, leaving the top lid bare. Another reason I love this is because you can rock it with any type of lip. Try a bright pink for a night out. Don't, however, match the eyeliner with your lips or your outfit. This style is meant to stand out on its own. The shot of bright color adds a pop to your makeup and makes your eyes look alive. I thought for sure the color would bleed and I'd look like a hot mess by night's end but that didn't happen. Because you hardly ever touch that area, the color stays put until you take it off. Its a great way to add color to your makeup routine and have a little fun with it. After all, isn't that what makeup is for?

THIS BAG COULD BE YOURS!!!!!!!!!!

BLAKE LIVELY STYLING CONTEST Win this $1,000 Be & D bag! Win our Woodstock Hobo in purple ikat (pictured here)! Closet Couture is having a "Style Blake Lively" contest where you can make outfits for Blake Lively using our bags, shoes and accessories. To enter just visit Closet Couture, make outfits for Blake Lively and save them! The contest ends December 1. © 2009 Betta Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Me and Miley

So yesterday, something happened to me that I'm kinda hesitant about sharing. I went to Walmart a few days ago and I bought something that I had no business buying. I bought a Miley Cyrus for Walmart long sleeve striped tee. It was $6 and I figured I'd hate it and forget it was MC. My conscience would be clear and she'd never notice. Well, I wore it yesterday with jeans and black knee-high boots. And I loved it. The V-neck is on the back and the front which draws attention to the shoulders. In winter months, when sexy is hard to find, Miley Cyrus is offering it to us in a $6 tee. I loved the fit of it and the length of the sleeves were perfect. It clung in all the right places and felt uber comfortable. So what do I do, now that I want 6 more? At $6, I can actually afford to stock up my winter wardrobe. So I am now a huge fan of MC tees. Come, every tween girl, let us embrace our embarrassing obsessions together.

Belly Baring in Winter

So, if you haven't realized yet, I stalk Forever 21. I see F21 stores and  I wave hi like we're friends but it is an unhealthy relationship. A few months ago, I visited one in California with my cousin who works for them (I didn't force her to. Honest.) and discovered their new line, Twist. Its funkier, crazier pieces that are usually statement looks. Some of the clothes are misses. They just don't cut it. But some are so so great that I must have 5 of it, like, yesterday. One such piece is this cropped top.

Click the Read More tab to, well, read more.

Bright Lips for Fall

I've been noticing this trend of extremely bright lips and I'm not sure how I feel about it. When in doubt, I try the look at a low-key time so I slapped on some bright pink lipstick for church one morning. I wore it with a black pencil skirt and a color-blocked bustier. Okay, that doesn't sound too church appropriate but I wasn't struck with lightning so all was well. So I tried the lip and I liked it, at that moment. It was loud. It grabbed attention away from everything else so I kept my eyes and cheeks bare. The pink also contrasted with the yellow undertones of my skin, giving the look an edgy feel. This is definitely not a look to try if you want to blend in with the crowd. Everyone's eyes kept going directly to my lips. If you're trying this trend, be sure to get a lipstick or gloss that is long-lasting because nothing looks more clownish than uneven lipstick. Get ready to reapply after every meal, as well, since you don't want the color to fade. I'm not too sure I can handle such a high maintenance lip color, myself, so know your limitations. Mine stayed on until I ate. That was the end of it, right there. I haven't worn it since that time because I get tired just thinking about reapplying and always having to be aware of my lips but it's a nice look to try if you want something different. Be sure to invest time in picking the shade that best contrasts with your skintone.