The Perfect Holiday Outfit

It’s that time of year again. You’re wondering where the hell 2009 went, you have carefully placed hints all around the house so your friends and boyfriend know exactly what to place under your Christmas tree and you’ve done some serious looking at your online banking trying to figure out how to maximize your holiday shopping. The latter is specially challenging since there’s that killer holiday party outfit that just needs to fit in the budget too. Well, you can stop looking at those numbers now because the following looks will get you noticed at your end of the year fête and won’t break the bank for 2010.

If there is one thing a girl can always count on is a little black dress. Always slimming, chic and appropriate, the Sexy Satin Tube Dress in Pitch Black (Express, $79.50) is the perfect fitting LBD for any occasion. It’s not too short and not too long and the satin has some stretch to it so it doesn’t highlight your every flaw. The pockets also give it a nice edge. Compliment the basic black with flashy accessories. A bib necklace like the Mixed Jewel Bib Necklace (Arden B, $28.00) or the Dereon Pyramid Bib Necklace (Max and Chloe, $38) is the ideal addition. For a more playful touch, go for the Jeweled Feather Hairclip (Urban Outfitters, $24) or the Sequin Box Purse (Urban Outfitters, $38).

For a more informal look, go for Topshop’s STRAPLESS LINDA DRESS BY MOTEL** ($78). The print in the skirt will  brighten your outfit. Pair it with tights, flats and a cardigan for a classic Kate Moss look that’s office appropriate and full of personality. Finish off the look with a complimentary metallic clutch with a long chain like the From Isaac with Love Chain Clutch (Liz Claiborne, $38).

For a meeting with the co-workers outside of the bureau, the Aqua Mesh One-Shoulder Dress (Nordstrom, $48.50) fits the bill. It doesn’t reveal much skin but leaves plenty to the imagination. The Alex Wang-like mesh sleeve is unique and will surely make you stand out in the crowd. The SCATTER BEADED DRESS (Topshop, $90) is another good option. Its body-hugging fit, however, is not for those prone to get carried away with holiday treats (like yours truly).

On December 31st, nothing says ‘Happy New Year!’ like bright sequins à la Balmain. The Speechless Dress, Sleeveless Sequined (Macy’s, $59.99) is a good alternate to the  Short Sequin Dress with Cap Sleeves by Scala, both gorgeous and reminiscent of LC’s Alice + Olivia Sequin Dress with keyhole back. For a little less glitz, go for the Sequin Dress (Charlotte Russe, $38.90) and pair it with jeweled accessories like the Jeweled Flower Headband (Forever 21, $11.80) or the Beaded Bow Suede Pump (GoJane.com, $23.70).

An Evening with Tim Gunn

The University of South Florida was more fashionable last night. Not only was the school hosting one of the biggest names when it comes to taste and style, there were few sweat suits in sight as most of the 1,000 people who crowded the ballroom put their best outfit forward, hoping to impress the one and only Tim Gunn.
The Project Runway mentor spoke for two hours about American fashion, his career at Parsons School of Design and the Design Piracy Prohibition Act, which he’s been a strong proponent of in D.C. A Q&A session followed for over an hour covering all things fashion, style and runway related. Here are of some of the highlights of the night.

Unlike most of the fashion industry Tim Gunn has a grip on reality
“We should all shop with budget in mind,” he said. “We’re thinking of what will fit in with what we already have, what will get the most life in our wardrobe.” And don’t even bother showing him your beloved Birkin bag because he will not be impressed. “If I never see another $6,000 handbag, I will be happy,” he said about one positive effect of the current economy. “You know, how about a $2,500 handbag and you give the balance to charity?”

Project Runway will be back for season 7
With all the original judges and in New York City starting January 14th. “There were a lot of mixed reviews about season 6. There won’t be for season 7, believe me,” he guaranteed. Also scattered here and there were a few teases about the upcoming season. Heidi will be pregnant (and fabulous, of course) throughout, “Models of the Runway” will also be back and Michael Kors and Nina Garcia get into some kind of shoulder treatment conundrum.

He’ll play favorites if you really beg for it
When asked which Project Runway designer he thought could really make it in the business he responded: “They all have potential but I will tell you, Mr. Christian Siriano, he’s a genious.” As for one designer he thinks stands above all others, “because of her legendary work, design and leadership, it has to be Diane von Furstenberg.”

Having him as a professor is as amazing as you thought
Talking about his years at Parson’s School of Design he mentioned how he used to bring Grace Mirabella (you know, the former editor of a little magazine called Vogue) to talk to his freshmen and give students a tour of the Met to look at fashion history.

Those haute couture shows, yea, you can say they’re ridiculous out loud now
“Those creations…? (Let’s use the lower case ‘c’) from Paris Fashion Week, they’re ridiculous!” he exclaimed when talking about how fashion should be functional.

Lindsay Lohan’s bosses must be on crack and the Olsen twins are cooky
A while back, when asked about Lindsay Lohan’s recent employment at Ungaro, Tim Gunn responded: “It’s got to be a publicity stunt! Or a crack-smoking board of directors?”
As it turns out he had no idea that comment would make it to the press although he stands behind it. And in fact, “I don’t believe Lindsay Lohan or Lauren Conrad would ever make it past freshman year at my program,” he said when asked what advice he would give them if they were his students. “With most celebrities, they’re not designing but I’m happy with anything that employs young designers.” But the rule doesn’t apply to the Olsen twins: “I think their work is interesting. I mean, they’re cooky but their work is interesting.”

Crocs and broad shoulders look bad so can we please move on now?
“Who would have ever anticipated the existence and phenomenal ascendance of Crocs? I mean, really?” He recalled on his appearance at Regis & Kelly when the TV host actually made him try on a pair of Crocs. “I got the comfort part but when I look down, I see hooves!”
And as for a trend that needs to just go away: “Big broad shoulders. That whole 80’s thing makes most women look bad and boxy.”

You can’t shop with Tim Gunn but you can have the next best thing
In his book “A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style”, a sort of self help book to the style needy, he’ll teach you how to shop the right way. But just like that episode of “Friends” where Phoebe teaches Joey how to play the guitar, there’s much to be learned before it. So in other words, you can’t touch the guitar and you can’t go shopping until you figure out who you are, are proud of who you are and know where fashion fits into that situation.

If you look bad, that’s all on you
“Like it or not, the clothes we wear send a message about the way we are,” he said. “Everyone needs to accept responsibility for what they wear.” So don’t get frustrated every time you see someone looking like a mess. “I have learned to turn that sense off.”

You can get Tim’s book “A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style” here.

Spotlight Feature

The lights go up and the audience erupts in applause as the fashion show starts. Flashes go off and pictures are taken as every model struts down the stage, one unique look at a time, posing at the very edge and smiling at their friends. Backstage, the atmosphere is hectic. Models take their place running in from the girl’s restroom- an impromptu dressing room for the night. Not exactly New York Fashion Week glamour but it will do. After 20 looks, finally the designer takes the stage for her final bow. Jessica Jones is impeccably dressed, wearing the season’s latest trends like an industry insider should: a strapless black lace mini dress with an empire waist unexpectedly paired with black ballet flats. A black feather headband completes the look pulling her tousled blond hair back. She waves at her friends, family and teachers in the audience. The South High Fashion Club’s show was a success. Not bad for a seventeen year old on a school night.

“It would be a dream come true if I could do this for a living,” said Jessica. “I have wanted to be a fashion designer all my life.” She smiles as she speaks, with the excitement and bubbly personality reminiscent of Betsey Johnson. She would seem like an average Minnesotan girl if it wasn’t for her unique sense of style which she describes as “fun, super unique, 1940’s vintage/1950’s housewife meets Ann Taylor meets Marie Antoinette.” There’s not much of that at the mall, but that’s not a problem since she makes her own outfits.

“She’s always been artistic,” recalled Jessica’s father, Wayne Jones. “When she was younger she would cut out t-shirts and her hair to do the style…I’m not sure what style it was but she loved it. Now it’s kind of her passion. She’ll come out and model the stuff in various states of doneness…and she’ll have friends over to get measured and fitted.”

It all started when her grandmother taught her how to sew, first Barbie outfits and then her own. And while not much time has passed since Jessica’s “younger” days, she has come a long way from cutoffs.

A pale blue flowery print skirt paired with a light yellow strapless top and cinched at the waist with a medium brown belt could be easily seen in the East Village; a pink dress belted at the waist that poufs out at the hips and falls just above the knees is typical Hepburn in “Roman Holiday”; while a beige high-waisted pencil skirt and pastel colored boat neck shirt with a ¾ sleeves look like something out of the set of “Madmen”. The looks are then finished off with vintage accessories like dark tights, a t-strap patent white pair of heels or a velvet bow pin to the right side of the head à la Blair Waldorf.

“She takes the styles of the early 60’s, sometimes the 40’s and puts a post modern twist to them. She’s ironically glamorizing women like the Stepford Wives,” explained Susan Wolfe, the adviser for the South High Fashion Club, which Jessica founded in Minneapolis. “There’s always a band or accentuation of the styles on the waistline. She still needs to understand more technique but she’s already taking classes. I have no doubt she will be successful.”

To reach that success, however, may not be so easy in the cut-throat fashion business where only a handful of designers become household names. Among the selected few to reach stardom and the only one under 21 to present at Fashion Week is Russian protégé Kira Plastinina. At 16, the designer had opened 57 stores around the world and dressed celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. Plastinina had one unfair advantage, however, that most starting designers don’t have: a multi-billionaire father who could make her a brand.

So in order to reach that success, Jessica is doing what a regular teenage girl can do. She took classes at the Art Institute of Chicago during the summer and uses her bedroom as her studio: mannequin to the right of her bed and sewing machine to its left with different fabrics just about everywhere in between. She sells her clothes to her classmates instead of A-list celebrities, holds fashion shows at the high school and uses Facebook as her PR agent.

“All the girls who buy custom clothing are just really elated that they have a one of a kind dress,” she explained. “If I could open a boutique some day and do custom garments it would be perfect.”

Not an empire, but a start. It may not be as exclusive as New York or as alluring as Paris but in South Minneapolis a new talent is now in.

Inspiration Board-September

September was a great month in fashion. New collections gave us something to look forward to after winter, new advertisements for Fall collections were a breath of fresh air in the pages of our favorite magazines and the dropping temperatures started opening the doors for brand new styling options.

V Magazine definitely takes the prize for most inspiring content in its September issue. Its Live from New York Editorial showed off the biggest trends for Fall in black and white and using Times Square as central stage. The angled shots are innovative and make the models look as tall as the skyscrapers. The magazine’s choice of pictures for their Fashion Week Coverage was also off the charts. Going for a more artistic approach, the mag succeeded in showing off not only the business and promotional side of the events but also what it is at its core: a showcase of unique clothing made by artists.

Taking the clothes from the runways onto store windows, H&M’s ad campaign for its Fall collection was absolutely the most memorable. Sasha Pivovarova is nothing but adorable in sequin leggings and white shirt. Her Macaulay Culkin-esque pose is specially cute with a clear contrast of her child-like face and strong dark eye makeup, making anyone obsessed with getting that black bow headband immediately.

Also on the “I want to look like that now” category is the wardrobe for Diane Kruger’s character in “Inglorious Basterds”. She looks absolutely fabulous in the 1940′s men-inspired items, which the bright red lips add instant glam and femininity to. The shoes were to die for and the best part is that all those trends can be channeled for Fall 09.

Rachel Bilson’s was the best paparazzi-witnessed outfit of the month but that is mostly because I have developed a pretty unhealthy obsession with finding a great pair of linen pants since I watched “Vicky Christina Barcelona”. The search has been unsuccessful so far but seeing Bilson’s really gives me hope the ones I’m looking for are somewhere out there.

In the mean time, Zara’s look book for Fall (courtesy of Nitro:licious) gave the best styling idea for wearing a faux-fur vest. I had thought about pairing it with a loose white tee à la Rachel Zoe but a thick cowl neck sweater, cutoffs and tights sounds like an amazing look as well.

Looking forward to what October might bring!

Fall ’09 Must Have Shoes

No outfit is ever complete without the perfect pair of shoes. The wrong ones can ruin a flawless look and the right ones can bring any style to brand new heights. With that thought in mind, as the season changes so do shoes (except for the really good ones which are always timeless or the one you spent five paychecks on. Those you make timeless by keeping them in your closet until they become vintage).

For Fall ’09 shoe trends were all across the board. Hermés was just one of the many designers that showcased the over the knee or thigh high boots. They used to be known as hooker boots, now they’re major. Get used to it. For a daring look, go for the JS by Jessica Fembot Over the Knee Boot ($99.95) from DSW. Dark tights and a demure mini dress (no cleavage, please) will keep it fashionable and not slutty. For a safer choice, go for a flat style like Sugar Women’s Xanadoo Canvas Boot ($27.47) or Chinese Laundry’s ‘Trust Me’ Over the Knee Boot ($99.95) paired with leggings and a loose top.

The other option in the boots department is the biker bootie. William Rast’s runway had them paired with jeans and later that week Jessica Biel wore them with pretty much everything else (another major benefit of dating Justin Timberlake). The Wanted Women’s Throttle Boot ($49.99) is a similar style with a much smaller price tag. The Women’s Mossimo Supply Co. Katherine Leather Engineer Boots hit mid-calf and are a little tougher while Payless’ American Eagle Paige Bootie ($37.99) offers a touch of femininity by having a heel.

Another way to balance the tough and sweet are studded details. The Patent Trim Stud Pump or Alloy’s Studded Booties ($46.90) are showstoppers while flats like the AE Suede Studded Flat ($19.95) or the Naughty Monkey Exhibit A ($49.99) are more wearable on a day-to-day basis.

Other textured details like ruffles and bows were also abundant as the models tip-toed their way down the runways. Charlotte Russe’s Suede Ruffled Bootie ($32.99) is a good pick as well as the Bethany Heel ($32.90) which channel’s Louis Vuitton’s example of eye-catching color, turning the shoe into a statement piece. DSW’s SM Stella Pointed Toe Ruffle Flat ($44.95) can have the same effect in the work place.

Finally, vintage shoes are always the best. They’re unique and they’re usually cheap at consignment stores. If you don’t have the time to sift through racks or has an “other people’s germs” problem (hey, it’s ok, we all have our issues) then go for a 1940′s inspired but 21st century made pair like the Novela Wonder Grey and Blue Color Block Mary Jane Heel ($29) or the Intertwined Strappy Sandals ($26.99).

Bonus: A sky high pair of pumps is always a must and the London Stilettoes are simply to die for.

Fall 09′s Must-Have Items

It is fashion week season which means that across the world fashionistas are gathering in their very well styled outfits and fabulous shoes around runways to look at what Spring 2010 will bring. While that is definitely newsworthy, there’s something about the falling leaves outside and the dropping temperatures that makes us want to focus on a more eminent season: Fall 09. So let’s take a second to remember just what those runways showed about six months ago and what you’ll have to make room for in your already jam-packed closet in the coming months.

**Leggings
I stand corrected as those leather leggings I thought would disappear after a week have come back and with a vengeance, tighter, flashier and shinier than ever. If you dare to join in the trend, the Shiny Leggings ($46) from American Apparel are a good choice along withUrban Outfitter’s BDG Super Stretch Ankle Grazer ($39) -aka jeggings- and Victoria’s Secret’s Velvet Foldover Legging ($39.50) which has the fabric of choice for this season.

**Velvet
It will keep you warm and comfortable and, as Marc Jacobs showed, it will also make you look fabulous. Vintage and consignment stores will usually have a lot of velvet items for sale but if you rather shop from a catalog, the Corsage Pin Velvet Jacket ($44) from Spiegel is an easy find.

**Neon
The word might make you think of roller skates or cosmic bowling but, believe it or not, you’ll be wearing the hue this season. Micheal Kors’ collection styled the trend flawlessly contrasting it with neutrals, specially black. You can do the same by pairing FreePeople.com’s Neon Racerback Tank ($38) with opaque black tights and a skirt or black skinnies. If you’re bold enough, try the Pucker Up Dress in Magenta ($25) from Lulus.com and if you rather blend in than stand out, go for just a touch of brightness with the Large Silver and Neon-Yellow Round Stone Ring ($20) from Torrid.

**Faux Fur
Real fur is cruel and inhumane but faux-fur makes for a cute boho accent to an outfit. The Faux-Fur Rachel Vest ($60) from fredflare.com will look gorgeous with a paisley or flowery blouse but also great with a loose white tee à la Rachel Zoe.

**Mini Dress
They’ve been all over the red carpet, store windows and pretty much every girl out past 9 p.m. Pick a bold print like the one in Dillard’s Rampage Knit Dress ($32.83) for a killer outfit with dark tights and a leather jacket. For a look more like Louis Vuitton’s, go for pumps instead.

**Ruffles
Forever 21′s Ruffled Layered Floral Top ($19.80) is perfect for pear-shaped bodies. Dare only to wear Express’ Tiered Ruffle Dress ($37.12) if you need more volume added anywhere in your body. Kohl’s Apt.9 Ruffled Scarf ($30), however, will fit any body type.

**Plaid
Charlotte Russe’s Plaid shirt ($18.99) and the Lightweight Madras Plaid Jacket ($39) from Newport News make for a grunge chic outfit when paired with the perfect pair of pumps. For a more preppy choice, go for an accessory like American Eagle’s AE Plaid Bag ($39.50).

Best end of season deals

Summer is unfortunately coming to an end. This means getting that bag you used for going to the beach and filling it back up with books for a new semester, setting your alarm clock back to the early hours or, if you’re a member of the work force, getting a tinge of satisfaction knowing that other people won’t be having fun while you’re on the job anymore.

For those in need of finding a glass-half-full way of looking at this seasonal change, however, there is an upside to focus on and it doubles as an optimistic look at the bad economy. First of, Crocs are going under. Yes, there is a God and apparently she is also a fashionista who thinks plastic shoes should not be worn outside of a garden. Second of, stores are, to put it mildly, desperate and back to school sales have turned into price cuts that make the next couple of weeks look like Black Friday.

Here are some of the amazing deals out there:

Pleat-front wide-leg pant from Banana Republic: Used to be $110, Now $49.99

A pleated pair of pants is a must for every wardrobe and Banana Republic’s clothes are more expensive because their products are indeed of a better quality. The classic fit of this pair makes for both an ideal late summer outfit with sandals and a chic ensemble for Fall when paired with a cardigan and scarf.

KENTARO Sandals from Nine West: Used to be $89, Now $41.99

It’s been a long three months of drooling over this pair whenever you passed it in the window at the mall. Now at half price these high-heeled gladiators are absolutely worth their tag. Pair them with shorts until labor day and jeans in early Fall.

Torn Tunic from Bluefly.com: Used to be $85, Now $29.95

Remember the first time you watched Project Runway and heard of Bluefly.com? How you rushed to the computer enthusiastic about the things you’d find and quickly shut it off after realizing you could only afford those clothes if you had Heidi’s job? Now that’s changed and this gorgeous Egyptian-inspired tunic can be yours for a Forever 21 price. Pair it with leggings and flats or tights and heels for a more daring night look.

Yellow Stripe Resin Beveled Bangle from Kenneth Jay Lane: Used to be $47, Now $19.49

A girl can never have enough accessories and an ethnic bangle like this one can either be a perfect summer extra or a pop of color on your winter wardrobe.

As U Wish Colorblock Layered Dress from Nordstrom: Used to be $38, Now $18.90

Next time you go to the mall Nordstrom doesn’t have to be only the store you pass through to get to the parking lot. For under $20, this dress is fun and versatile. Add flats and a jean jacket for a casual look or heels and accessories for a girls’ night out outfit.

Neon Leopard Print Mini Skirt from Topshop: Used to be $80, Now $30

Topshop came to the U.S. about four months ago. You went, you saw and concluded you couldn’t afford anything. Now this mini skirt will be both your first piece from the brand and your first Fall 09 trend purchase being an excellent neon pick.

High Waisted Shorts from Charlotte Ronson: Used to be $147.00, Now $44.10

The perfect pair of shorts for both summer and fall, this Charlotte Ronson piece is almost as cheap as her line for J.C. Penney now.