Will the real Coveted please stand up....

By Jody Marich 

Right now I am on the other side of the world in Istanbul, Turkey so I haven't been keeping up to date on my twitter and social media sites as much but when I saw this tweet: "Wow, someone took TheCoveted.com and made a fashion blog out of it http://ow.ly/3Ib0N <--and it's not @thecoveted" from Jennine Jacob of The Coveted, I was shocked.

I immediately went to the original Coveted website looking for any sign of copyright because there would be no problem, but when I didn't see any mention of copyright I knew it was going to open a can of worms. She did however have a trademark......................................... ☟

Jennine Jacob started her fashion blog, The Coveted in 2007. She soon after created the fabulous Independent Fashion Bloggers website where fashion bloggers have an online community to go to. 

Jennine Jacob is the rightful owner of the name, The Coveted. She has about four years proof that she created the site and promoted the name. Over the past days I have seen numerous tweets and posts on my facebook newsfeed about the ongoing fight. The thought that the rival Coveted would threaten to sue Mrs. Jacob for talking about the issue is baffling. She has freedom of speech. SHE is the one who created "The Coveted." It is Jennine Jacob's brand.

The people of the imposter Coveted were very sneaky. They copyrighted the name and according to the real Coveted, "Not only did they know of my blog, they subscribed me to their mailing list without my permission."I personally can't believe a company that has been getting so much notice would be so deceitful and conniving. They should have done their research, or maybe they did and didn't care. 

Ways she can fight back:

❤ piracy - the act of plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own.

❤ trademark - a word, phrase, symbol or design, or a combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others-  Mrs. Jacob has a big enough following, including me, that will back her up. She has built her site up and people were confused when the new site was launched - that should be enough indication that The Coveted is rightfully Jennine Jacob's trademark. 

Maybe the rival Coveted did all of this to get attention for the unveiling of their site. The creators don't seem to care about who's toes they step on. 

The impostor Coveted. 

Help support The ORIGINAL Coveted by signing this petition. 

I hope that it works out for Jennine, I have only talked to her briefly through emails about writing a piece for IFB, which I did, but she was a very kind person. She doesn't deserve to have her brand ripped from under her by people who don't care. The Coveted is rightfully Jennine Jacob's and she should not be threatened or bullied because she is an entrepreneur. 

Best wishes to The Coveted, the original. X

Prada to go public...

By Jody Marich 

One of my daily reads is the Telegraph's fashion section. Today I came across something I found really interesting that could effect the fashion world and maybe my bank account if I am lucky enough to buy any stock....

Prada is planning to go public for the first time in their 98 year existence. The fashion empire is planning to "float" on the Hong Kong stock exchange. It is the fourth attempt from the company, and hopefully a successful one. 

According to the Telegraph, Prada is in debt of around £880 million. Mrs. Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli, the company chief executive, are looking to sell part of their 95% stake to help pay off the enormous debt and increase expansion. Prada's overall estimated worth is around £5.2 billion. This move will be the biggest European Fashion brand to hit the Hong Kong market in over a decade and Prada will be the first Italian desgin company to be listed in the Hong Kong market. 

The global expansion of Prada has led to a significant increase in sales and profit. “Strengthened by these results and confident in the future development of the group, we can now face the coming challenges with serenity and seize the best opportunities offered by the international capital markets” Bertlli said in a statement.

photo from Telegraph.co.uk

The initial public offering would help in the international expansion of the brand. With nine stores planned to open in the next 12 months, this new embark on the stock market could greatly reduce debts while increasing money for expansion. 

The new generation of street style....

By Jody Marich 

Street style sites used to be so popular and granted, some still are, but the new age way to show"street style" are personal style blogs like, Cupcakes and Cashmere and Magpie Girl, and of course sites like Chictopia, described as "People's Fashion Destination" and LOOKBOOK,  collective fashion consciousness. These online websites are known around the world, as sites to post outfits or like LOOKBOOK says, "THE INTERNET'S LARGEST SOURCE OF FASHION INSPIRATION FROM REAL PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD."

Having been featured over 20 different times, Chictopia has become one of the fashion network hotspots. The trend setters can demonstrate their funky fashions, give tips, show inspiration and even be featured on other sites like Teen Vogue, for their unique style choices. 

Websites like The Sartorialist, Streetpeeper and Facehunter,  still post on a pretty regular basis, with The Sartorialist being most well-known, but if you Goolge, "street style websites" most haven't updated in awhile.

Many people are taking charge of their fashion, creating blogs about their personal style, like What I Wore. Jessica Quirk, creator, posts pictures almost daily displaying her style, along with tips and other style related write ups. Since becoming so popular, the blogger style star has been featured multiple times while Tumblr--her blogging platform-- is sending her along with about 20 other fashion bloggers to NYFW in February to write about their experiences. Quirk also has a book coming out later this year. Just goes to show you, if you love your style, take the leap and post your own looks. Be proud and confident about your look.

Fashion has always been a trending thing, but since the internet boom, more and more people can see into a different world of fashion, literally. Select a country and you can easily see the style from any of the websites I mentioned.

Before arriving in Berlin, DE, I was curious about the fashion so I researched some of these sites and found what type of style people are sporting. 

Here is an example from LOOKBOOK.:

This gives you plenty of choices from countries to brands. It's very easy to step into another country and see what fashion looks like. 

Here are a few more personal style sites that are great sources for fashion inspiration:

❤On the racks

❤Sidewalk Chic
❤Le Blog de Betty

❤Fashiontoast

❤Flashes of Style

Here is a list of the 99 most influential fashion blogs and beauty blogs, including The Coveted, What I Wore, The Sartorialist,  Independent Fashion Bloggers and many others that cater to showing what is trending, on themsleves or others. What's nice about IFB, is they cater to all kinds of fashion blogs, not just ones about personal/street style. While many members post pictures, they usually include more information that helps the reader, like where to buy or  how to wear a certain piece. 

Street style has always been fascinating, but when you can post your own photos displaying your individual style, I think it draws more readers in because you can build a rapport with your readers and explain how you got your look, unlike many street style websites.

What's your opinion? Do you think personal style websites have become the new street style era or do you think street style websites are the best way to see different styles around the world?

Remember, fashion is fun. It is uniquely you ♥

MBFW Berlin

By Jody Marich
I arrived in Berlin on Saturday morning and up until now we have tried to get my press pass, but because I am classified as an intern I was not able to get a pass into the shows. My friend and host Sylvio, was able to because he is a director and producer, but he does not want to go. 

It's not going to get me down, I still had the chance to go inside and check out all the fun things that were about to happen. While I didn't take pictures inside, (I was trying to be professional), I do have some pictures of the outside venue where most of the shows will take place. 

Setting up for Fashion Week, Berlin, DE. 

A photo that will hang inside the venue.

My favorite photo: "Please excuse our appearance
 as we prepare for MBFW Berlin."

Sponsors of fashion week and more preparation. 

It's not a big venue, but it is long, for all those runways. 

Windows into the the show. 

Inside again. 

These next few pictures are from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week's photos on Facebook. 

These are the girls I spoke with yesterday and today. I was right there, right before the picture was taken!

The collections.

Love it. 

Almost ready. 

This is a list of the designers who will show their collections:

A.F. VANDEVORST ALLUDE

ANJA GOCKEL 

AUGUSTIN TEBOUL

BALTIC FASHION CATWALK

BLACKY DRESS

BLLACK NOIR

C'EST TOUT

CAMILLA NORRBACK

DAWID TOMASZEWSKI

DIANA ORVING

DIMITRI

ESCADA SPORT

EVA & BERNARD

FRIDA WEYER

G-SHOCK

GREEN SHOWROOM

GUESS JEANS

HUGO

IDA SJÖSTEDT

IRENE LUFT

KAVIAR GAUCHE

KILIAN KERNER

LALA BERLIN

LAURÈL

LENA HOSCHEK

LEVER COUTURE

MARCEL OSTERTAG

MAICCO

MICHAEL SONTAG

MICHALSKY

MONGRELS IN COMMON

ODEEH

PATRICK MOHR

PERRET SCHAAD

PUMA

RENA LANGE

ROMANIAN DESIGNERS

SCHACKY & JONES

SCHUMACHER

STEPHAN PELGER

UNRATH & STRANO

VLADIMIR KARALEEV

Hopefully I will get to see some of the action from the outside. Next year I know exactly what I need to bring and do. It's a learning experiece and I am glad that I had the chance to be inside and see the sights. 

Check out Berlin Fashion week starting tomorrow. 

You're Golden.

By Jody Marich 

Only being in Berlin for two days, I am still getting used to the time difference so I missed the Golden Globes. After waking up at 6:30 a.m., I looked at some red carpet fashions and noticed a big green trend. More forest and emerald green than anything. The darker tones are more romantic, giving off an elegant vibe, perfect for the red carpet. 

(Getty Images)

This picture of Mila Kunis, is the perfect example of going green. She kept it elegant with the sheen and draping of the fabric but still had a sexy, playful side with the one shoulder detail. Being nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Kunis went all out and had the dress custom made in only 4 days. The emerald beauty was made by the always fabulous Vera Wang. 

Check out some other celebrities green with envy. 

(Collage made by me/ photos- Getty Images/TMZ)

Another ongoing trend I have a secret obsession for is nude tones. Some actresses pulled it off seamlessly as they worked it on the red carpet. 

Nude tones can be so elegant and sophisticated if you wear them right. The soft hues, gives off a very romantic feeling. 

These starlets had the right idea. While Dianna Argon and Carrie Underwood kept it simple and classic, with little accessories, Julie Bowen and Milla Jovocich, spiced things up a with one shoulder detail and draped fabrics. 

(Collage made by me/ photos- Getty Images/MTV)

Some others that tried nude, weren't as lucky in their choices. 

(Collage made by me/ photos- Getty Images/MTV)

While Scarlett Johansson's dress sparkled, the tone was all wrong for her. It blended in with her skin tone too much, even with the sparkle. And the plunging neckline along with the flutter sleeve created an oversized look for the tiny actress. Michelle Williams channeled her inner hippie, wearing a daisy detailed dress by Valentino. Williams always has a down to earth style, but the dress didn't look elegant enough for the Golden Globes. Leighton Meester's Louis Vuitton dress was not right for her. She tried to combine too many trends into one dress, and being a small girl, it did nothing for her. Meester should have chosen a dress more her age, and maybe had her hair up. 

Heather Morris did a pretty good job, except I thought the dress was a little simple for her. I will say though, it does give her a great figure and her makeup was gorgeous. 

(TMZ)

(bellasugar.com)

One more actress I have to write about is Sandra Bullock. Love love love her bangs. She wore them so well. I think it is a great transition for her look. It gives her more style sense. Her played up eyes and fierce bangs made a great look for Bullock. 

(bellasugar.com)

If these trends have any say in what's to come for fashion, nude tones will be staying around, while more green hues pop up. 

Congrats to all the winners for the 2011 Golden Globes. 

F**k cocaine, let's get high on FASHION!

I arrived in Germany yesterday and I am staying in the outskirts of Berlin, in Potsdam. Such a cute town. After a day of jet lag, Gina and I went into Berlin to see some of the sights. To begin, it is a HUGE city. Absolutely dripping with history, culture and of course, fashion. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week starts next Wednesday, the 19th. As we were walking through the streets, we found the venue where MBFW will be taking place. While I did not get a press pass to the shows, Sylvio is still working on it for me as well as Bread and Butter. So fingers crossed, but if not, I will still be able to see a lot and be in the city while it's taking place. Here are some of the fashion highlights of today.

GINA

New age hippie...

By Jody Marich 

A lot of collections for spring 11' seem to have a 1970's vibe. Working in retail, I noticed a lot of long, flowy tops and dresses with retro/ flower prints. 

I always had a hidden love for fashion of the '70s. When we began receiving spring shipment in at Express, I was in heaven. 

This is a dress, (above), that I had to have. Since it still is a little cool out, I pair it with black tights, camel boots and my favorite belt, which I bought at the same time as the dress. I loved it because it's a vintage look but with a care free vibe.

This is my version of the outfit, for the colder months. 

Sheer and satin fabrics are making a big comeback along with florals. Every year there is a degree of florals in spring fashions, but this year the florals are bold and sporadic, leaving the fashionista more options. 

Floral by littlemissjojo featuring cotton t-shirts

Another great addition to spring collections has been the cinched waist. This allows a belt to be easily added to break up the pattern, giving the outfit another dimension of style. AND once again, allowing you to have more options on how to wear the look. 

it's a cinch by littlemissjojo featuring print dresses

Flare jeans are another BIG trend for spring. I am seeing everything from white to distressed flares. Dress pants have jumped on the bandwagon too. 

Here are a few more sites to check out the '70s influence in spring 2011 fashion.

Trendhunter

Fabsugar

NBC NewYork

Fashionsing

❝A new generation would be lucky to experience some of the high points of the '70s....We thought we had invented freedom and our clothes reflected that. Somehow, young people today look at it and embrace it. It's an era of optimism, creativity, freedom. Most important, it feels totally relevant.❞

--Diane von Furstenberg