Does Fashion Week need to be revamped?

Your heart beats faster, you dress a little better and you have this excitement that won't go away. Sound familiar?! 

I know for me, that's what happens the week of MBFW... I can't imagine what would happen if I was actually attending one!

ThatsHeart Facebook page

The fashion, the fabrics, the details, the SHOES, the music (I blast the live stream at work), it all creates this excitement for the new season to come. Even though we are just going into the season before, you still have the chance to scope out new trends and figure out how to incorporate your style into the mix... but does that actually decrease our excitement once the pieces are released? 

I've seen many articles indicating Fashion Week is out of control or needs to reshape the way things are set up, but with the introduction of a plus-sized runway show, that tells me we're making some strides! 

The article, Is New York Fashion Week Near the End of the Runway? by Eric Wilson of The New York Times, sheds light on what goes through the heads of people involved in fashion "month."  With an ever expanding group of "the in crowd" needing to be at all shows, from NY to Paris, Fashion Week is getting overloaded with coverage/opinions/& people. Some designers are even pulling out of FW all together. Tamara Mellon is a perfect example. “I, for one, hate to buy a coat and not wear it for four or five months,” Mellon said. “And my customer doesn't care about Fashion Week.”

 With so many shows and people working the events, designers and models are being thrown to the curb faster than ever to get ready for the next show. If Fashion Week is seriously going to change, they first need to sit down and figure out what doesn't work. 

According to Fashionista's post Industry Insiders Agree: ‘Fashion Week Needs To Be Rethought’, the move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center was an epic fail. Angry residents, lack of architectural appeal, the overpopulation of paparazzi, and the increased traffic from street style junkies has created a disconnect from what Fashion Week is all about: Allowing designers to promote collections to editors/buyers/industry professionals a few months before pieces are available to the public.

 

 

Oscar de la Renta has the right idea. He is scaling back his guest list to include only certain industry professionals who need to see the clothes before being released. 

"When you do megashows, it loses the reason of why we’re showing,” he said. “It’s important for [certain industry professionals] to look at the clothes and see them. They shouldn't have to go through 30,000 people, and 10,000 who are trying to take pictures of all of those people who are totally unrelated to the clothes." - Fashionista

More designers need to scale back on who is invited. The people who need to be there, should include: buyers, editors, and industry professionals who can display the pieces and interpret the trends. Live streaming should still continue so bloggers, interns, and society can have a view into the next season but the overexposure of Fashion Week has created a huge lack of excitement for trends when available in store. Without some major changes, I agree with these posts, Fashion Week might disappear sooner than we think. 

Personally, I love being able to watch the MBFW live stream. I like to watch shows and determine what the trends are before reading write-ups. It helps me understand what to look for and to see if collections accurately display the trends the designers are going for. 

I love fashion and always have. I don't want to model or design, I want to understand the big, crazy world of fashion. That's why I love Fashion Week. It shows all aspects of fashion. Here's hoping to see some solid changes so Fashion Week can stay amazing in an ever changing industry.

Mint + Coral

There's been a mint and coral explosion everywhere, from pinterest to polyvore, fashionistas are sporting the color combo in all types of fun ways! 

When Kristina, from PSS, announced the newest bloggers do it better challenge, I knew it was time to go shopping! This spring, I've really stepped out of my style box, buying neons, tribal prints, and even cut out tops but mint and coral were next on my list. 

After shopping for two days, I was having no luck at all, wandering the mall thinking, "I just saw these colors EVERYWHERE! Where did they go?" The last store I checked out was Cotton On, a store I would call a mixture of Urban Outfitters/ Forever 21, and BOOM goes the dynamite! I found both mint + coral pieces that totally fit my summer style plus, the look will be a great little day outfit for my Miami trip, coming up in a week!

If you look closely, my dress is actually ombrè, going from mint into a more turquoise color. When I saw the dress, I had to have it since I LOVE the ombrè trend---Check out my hair below! 

My wonderful boyfriend made these sunglasses for me, for my upcoming trip to Miami. He revealed them to me as we were getting ready to go shoot the photos and I thought they would be a perfect coral accessory to add to the mix! THANKS BABE ♥♥♥

Sequins, Sparkle & Shine

Around the Holidays, I always say you need to have the 3 S's in your life: sequins, sparkle and shine. The holidays are filled with all three, whether it's your Christmas tree filled with lights and ornaments, or that beautifully wrapped present, the three S's are everywhere and you always need to add a little, or a lot, to your wardrobe for those holiday get togethers! 

I had emailed Kristina a while back about maybe doing a BDIB with sequins. The fashionista that she is, she said she loved my idea but she was working on it for an upcoming BDIB! Great minds think a like ;) 

So Voila! Here you have, Bloggers do SEQUINS better!

Details, details, details:

Shoes: Aldo

Jeans: Kohls

Sequin Tank: Express

Cardigan: F21

And here are a few fun photos of me and my boo! He is my wonderful photographer, who bought me this FABULOUS new camera.  Thanks baby! xo

                             

Christmas wish list: Eco-friendly dyed denim

Dyed denim is a hot commodity this winter as stores fill their denim rooms with everything from electric blues to pink hues. 

While dyed denim is all the rage, dye processes can be harmful to the earth. As Christmas inches closer, I've put together a list of some great eco-friendly jean companies that are working hard to eliminate our carbon footprint left behind while keeping you looking eco-chic!

M2F 

photos from M2F website

M2F denim comes in a wide range of styles and colors. This fall they have even introduced vests and jackets into the mix. Using Made2Fade yarn technology, that is certified free of harmful substances, these jeans are individually colored in a dye bath.  The vintage-inspired jeans run about $130 and can be purchased from retailers everywhere.

James Jeans

photos from the James Jean website

James Jeans uses organic cotton and a unique dry aging process to create the perfect “worn” look. The mainstream denim runs anywhere from about $120-220 and can be found at places like Barney’s, Shopbop, and the James Jeans website.

Reuse Jeans:

photo from Reuse Jeans website

Reuse jeans uses 80% recycled denim to create new looks and washes.  

Agave Denim:

photos from Agave Jeans website

 The company has an in depth description of their jean process here. 

Monkee Genes:

photo from the Monkee Genes' website

The Monkee Genes’ motto: no slave or child labor, blood, sweat, or tears.

So as you do your last minute Christmas shopping or just want a HOT new pair of denim keep these eco-friendly labels in mind so you can still be stylish while making the earth, and your closet a little greener.

Review of Sally Hansen's Salon Effects: Kitty Kitty

As I have confessed, I have a slight obsession with all things leopard. I've kept it hush hush for the most part, but this fall the trend has exploded and so has my collection of pieces! About two weeks ago I even participated in the newest bloggers do it better assignment, Animal Instincts, (my favorite one yet), showing my wild side in all things leopard print. 

I have been debating on buying the stick on nail strips but I couldn't resist any longer. I recently purchased the fun nail polish strips and in 10 minutes the look was complete. 

Sorry for the backwardness, I took it with Photo booth :)

The pack comes with 16 strips in two sealed cases, so I figured ok, one for each finger including the thumb would leave me with 6 left over BUT, I tried to carefully file off the excess so I could use the other side for my other hand (if you have longer finger nails it might not work, but I keep them pretty short so it was perfect!). I alternated, right finger, left finger, and so on.

**I am right handed so I knew it would be easy to do my left hand, that's
why I suggest starting with your dominant hand, in case you need help
putting the pieces on.

**Sometimes it's not the same fit so you will have to use another strip,
 but I only had that problem once. 

I have only had them on for a day but they have held up well and look awesome! I'm loving this manicured look. 

The patterns and colors they have are SO fun and they even have a halloween collection now. The best part, they're immediately dry! 

So if you're looking for a great alternative to dress up your nails, these polish strips are great. For 10$ a pack, I've got two manicures in 1! And while some people might not be able to use the strip for two nails, you still have a super cute look!

For more information on how to apply watch the tutorial below. 

Enjoy! xx

**Update to come on how they hold up :)

Arm candy: BDIB

I wasn't going to participate in this bloggers do it better but after seeing all the great posts, I was inspired. 

This BDIB, Arm Party, was really hard for me. I have my two normal cuffs that I love to wear, one silver and one antique gold, and that's about it. I wear necklaces and earrings to accessorize as well so I don't have a lot of bracelets. 

It's funny that this was the BDIB because I have been looking for a nice watch to wear because I like the look but I just haven't found that perfect watch yet. This post has definitely inspired me to keep looking until I find the right one :) 

Here is my arm candy. Enjoy!! xo

Watch - Fossil

Pearls - Willow Boutique

Charm Bracelet - one of my best friends

Necklace - Express

I love the BDIB concept because it makes you step out of the box sometimes. I liked my arm candy so much that I even wore it to work. So thanks to Kristina for creating BDIB! It's a great community to be a part of ♥

Fashion Feature: Hook&Stylit

Today's fashion feature is on a dear friend whom I met in college. Maggie always looked so chic while in class, wearing maxis, bermuda shorts, whatever it was she looked cute and classy. Now, she has her own personal style blog, Hook & Stylit: the style of my life. 

Meet Maggie.

This full time fashionista always looks great. Whether it's going to work or going to the beach, Maggie knows how to dress herself and others.  She has a quote on her blog from Drew Berrymore that I think a lot of girls can relate to: "My whole life I wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin, it's like the most liberating thing in the world." Maggie's down to earth personality matches her style perfectly, showing she IS comfortable in her own skin. 

Here are a few sneak peaks of outfits from Hook & Stylit. 

"I LOVE wearing black and brown (and now cream) together! This outfit definitely fits my personality, my lifestyle and the office environment that I work in everyday!"- Maggie

"My absolute favorite thing in the world to wear is a MAXI dress! I'm obsessed! I wear maxis basically anytime I am not in work clothes. I'm convinced that they are the greatest alternative to pajamas that has ever been invented!"-Maggie

I 100% agree, gotta love those maxis! They're so comfortable yet oh so stylish. 

I've always loved Maggie's style, and these photos are prime examples of just how stylish she is! Remember to check out Hook & Stylit for more fabulous fashion posts from this fashionista! Enjoy xx 

Remember,  fashion is fun. It is uniquely you. ♥

Fashion Feature: Miami Vice

I took a little hiatus over the weekend, but now I am back to featuring my fabulous fashionable friends. 

This next feature is probably the one to make me most proud. Two years ago Miranda and I rekindled our friendship and it has been nothing short of amazing ever since. She had just moved back after graduating college and was a little lost, not knowing too many people or having much to do. We began hanging out a lot and I taught her the tricks of the trade on how to dress. Being a Fashion Expert at the time for Express, I had learned a lot on how to style people. I knew who she was so I was quickly able to bring her personality out more and show her how to dress her body. 

Over the last couple of years she has become my little protégé and I am so proud to say she has become a style star. Her style has evolved so much, and she presents herself so well through it. So without further adieu....

Meet Miranda.

Going to school in Miami, Miranda found her style, she just needed to let it shine. Leaning toward the whole Miami vibe, she loves colors, blazers and heels. Sophisticated, chic is the way I would describe her style.

❝My inspiration for this outfit was to be Miami Chic. Something I could wear day or night while wandering around SoBe. Miami is all about bright and fresh colors, so the dress I thought was perfect with the striking pink and the ruffles for a feminine touch. I am all about sporting blazers, it's probably my signature wardrobe item. I love that by wearing it, I can dress anything up or down. The white blazer felt very clean and fresh to pair with my fedora. I wanted to be true to the Latin Caribbean culture Miami exudes and I think I was able to find that happy balance with this outfit.❞

LOVIN' this look! I am so proud of you and your style. Hope you all enjoy. 

Remember, fashion is fun. It is uniquely you. ♥

Fashion Feature: Wrap me up

***I have so many wonderful friends who are into fashion, so I thought, "Why not feature them!" I am excited to introduce some of the fabulous fashionistas I call friends.***

Meet Preeti, she's the one with the afro!

This adorable, yet groovy, fashionista is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Preeti and I have known each other for almost twenty years. We have seen each other go through fashion highs and lows, but I can safely say she has the cutest style. Her style matches her laid back, outgoing personality.

Preeti's outfit choice is so cute. She chose one focal point, the scarf, and toned down the rest of her outfit so the scarf could scream fabulous.  

Preeti's take on her outfit:

❝Okay so my outfit is very "me" (according to my boyfriend). I am wearing Jeggings from Old Navy (the most comfortable things invented) and a piece that is a staple in my wardrobe. I am also wearing a basic black t-shirt because this outfit is all about my scarf. I love the tapestry look of it, and didn't want to distract with anything else that I am wearing. I love scarves and how you can add them to a basic outfit (jeans and a black t-shirt) and it can turn it into something unique.❞

LOVIN' your look Preetz! You are always so effortlessly stylish. 

Remember, fashion is fun. It is uniquely you ♥

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup: Fierce, Fresh and all Fashion

BY JODY MARICH

LINKS Á LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP

FIERCE, FRESH, & ALL FASHION

Edited by Ashe Mischief

New York Fashion Week is descending upon us….

We had an amazing assortment of fashion & the business of blogging related submissions this week, but I wanted to get back to what LALM is about. The best of fashion!  From the controversy of Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga to breakthrough videos from brands and the industry, this week I wanted to get back to the heart and diversity of fashion blogging.  I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I do!

FEBRUARY 10, 2010

• 365 Fashion Rehab: Try before you buy! Beauty samples delivered to your front door and worth every penny.
• Bubbling with Elegance & Grace: Is First Lady Michelle Obama too old and too large to wear a gorgeous Alexander McQueen red gown?
• Debutante Clothing: Sandra of Debutante Clothing interviews vintage expert Doris Raymond of The Way We Wore regarding her sale, vintage trends and vintage lingerie.
• Diversions: Quantum entangled outfit blogging: Tips for outfit bloggers at once behind and in front of the camera.
• Dramatis Personae: Custom build clothes — and a 20% off discount!
• Dressful: Vogue India promotes an extremely narrow standard of female beauty – only light skin is beautiful!
• Fashion Pearls of Wisdom: Looking at celebrity branding from Danni Minogue to Jane Birkin
• For Those About to Shop: In Praise of Older Women
• FumikoKawa: Fashion Trend in Japan (February 2011)
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Business of Blogging: How Three Successful Bloggers Monetize their Blogs
• Joanne Faith: Know Your Fabrics! A Guide to Wool, Cotton, Polyester, Viscose and Silk.
• My Fashion Lust List: 19th Century Fashion Exhibition Report!
• Notes from a Stylist: Fab accessories website www.runningwithheels.com launches new iPad issue.. a teccie fashionistas dream
• Obsessive Coolness: You’re a fashionista but you live in Alabama – should you dress down to suit a small-town vibe?
• Overseeing Fashion: What to wear to the theatre.
• Soychild: What makes Lady Gaga so appealing and tips to learn from her!
• Stylish3: The 10 Commandments of Online Shopping
• Superstylin*: A Common Thread featuring contemporary label Threadware: The fashion industry itself is small and we are all bound by a common thread.
• Tchaikovsky Darling: The Digital Mini Fashion Film Festival: A round up of the latest short films, campaign videos, and creative video-projects of the fashion industry.
• Tickle Me Chic: Istanbul Fashion Week runway shows by designers Günseli Türkay and Mehtap Elaidi: Review and photos
• Your Saving Style: Your Saving Guide to Wearing One Color

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 ♥

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.