Summer Essentials

My cousin whom I absolutely adore asked me what I thought were some summer essentials. Well here they are:


In no particular order: a breezy, versatile dress; cute white shorts; jumpsuits; vests (especially cute sequined ones); high-waisted anything; a funky platform; a colorful skirt; a body con skirt; a fedora; and bold necklaces! Let me know what you think are some great summer buys!

Anna Wintour on 60 Minutes

Jump for Joy!

Still going strong, a one-piece romper can be worn to lunch with the ladies or red carpet events. Simple in nature, it allows you to play up on accessories! Check out some of our leading ladies rockin' this trend!

Cheap and chic?

As a student on a budget, nothing enthuses me more than the collaboration of high-end designers with mass retailers. Payless has collaborated with the likes of Patricia Field, Alice + Olivia, Abaete, and Lela Rose and Christian Siriano of Project Runway launches his Payless line this fall. Kohl's is going on two years carrying Simply Vera by Vera Wang and Lauren Conrad has announced her partnership with this mass retailer after her eponymous line went kaput. Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, and Matthew Williamson have joined forces with H&M and Charlotte Ronson and Allen B. Schwartz teamed up with JC Penny.

While some have been a hit and others more of a miss, this new trend gives us the wallet-friendly ability to embrace our inner fashionistas with fierce vengeance (and without breaking the bank)! With previous designers such as Isaac Mizrahi, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, and Alexander McQueen, Target is the cream of the designer-collaborating crop! And with much success thus far, I suspect (and strongly hope!) the list of designers to follow suit will only get longer and better! They have already announced that Anna Sui will grace their shelves with her boho-meets-rocker designs on September 13, 2009, which is rumored to be inspired by one of the prime time’s most fashion-forward shows -- Gossip Girl! Stay tuned for pictures soon!

xoxo

Have we Met?

Supermodel was the theme of Monday night's Costume Institute Gala at New York's Metropolitan Musuem of Art guests, hosted by Kate Moss and designer Marc Jacobs. Oozing with who's who of magazine cover girls—from Chanel Iman to Gisele —and Hollywood A-listers boldy wearing today's hottest designers! Themed 'The Model as Muse,' this lavish affair celebrated the relationship between designer and muse in the last 60 years! Check out some of my favorite red carpet photos!

Marc jacobs & Kate Moss

Diane Kruger in Chanel

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel in Versace

Mary-Kate Olsen in Christian Lacroix

Gisele Bundchen in Versace

Kate Bosworth in Stella McCartney

Aygness Deyn and Ashley Olsen took the cake. Aygness wore this beautiful silver empire gown by Burberry Prorsum and Ashley rocked this Christian Lacroix sleek white frock with a plunging back and a refreshingly new hair cut!

Make a statement!

Shoes aren't the only thing getting points for drama this season. A bold necklace is the perfect touch to any outfit. Kenneth Jay Lane has a beautiful collection of timeless neckwear and this Super Candy studded satin piece is perfect for day time.

Obsession du jour!

It's official. I'm gaga for Gucci. Frida Giannini is rocking my world with her S/S 09 shoe collection. And at 5'3, I am so grateful platforms are in! My personal fave is the Palmas Platform! Let me know what you think!

All in the Mix!

Whoever told you fashion has rules was lying! I think fashion is the best form of self-expression and the freedom to play with the multi-faceted trends is my favorite pastime. When executed correctly a mixed-print ensemble can be prigmatic and chic!

Pollini, Prada, Dolce & Gabanna, Dries Van Noten

For those that aren't comfortable mixing patterns, here are some guidelines to keep from giving visual indigestion to those of a minimalist bent.

Stay in the same color family. For example, Brown and orange plaid can work with a brown and orange floral design.

Jason Wu

Just Cavalli

Vary the pattern sizes. Mix a piece that is bold and loud with something that has a delicate, more subdued print.

Missoni

Accessorize. Patterns don’t have to be limited to tops and bottoms. You can mix more subtly with a scarf, shoes, hat or belt that plays on the patterns you’ve chosen.

Marc Jacobs

Dolce & Gabanna

Mono y Mono

Nothing says cool and sophisticated like monochromatic dressing. The combination of similar tones and hues can be quite subtle and sophisticatedly understated. Playing up on patterns and textures takes this look from simple to simply fabulous. Check out how the some of the designers portrayed this look!

Derek Lam, Ralph Lauren, Adam, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Blumarine, Peter Som, Chris Benz, Jill Stuart


Check out how some of our most serious fashion-philes rocked this look!

Ginnifer Goodwin, Penelope Cruz, Katie Holmes, Jessica Stroup, Jennifer Lopez, Isla Fisher, Charlize Theron, Helena Christensen

Pretty is as pretty does

In case you have been living under a rock, allow me to introduce ever-so-stylish Diane Kruger. The former model-turned-actress' ultra-quick ascent can be attributed to a number of factors—such as her extreme beauty and undeniable talent—or maybe it's her excellent personal style. This German beauty never seizes to impress me with her easy-does-it style and effortless glamour. Here are some of my favorite Kruger-fashion moments!

Creme of the Crop

Crop tops are making a comeback for this spring and summer, and thanks to high-waisted bottoms you don't have to spend countless hours at the gym to wear one. Many designers showcased this trend for Spring/Summer 2009

YSL, Proenza Schouler, Betsey Johnson, Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, Chanel,

Chloe, and Cushnie et Ochs.


There are many ways to work this look. You can try loose top like this Breton Stripe Crop Top with high-waisted denim, a body conscious top and a loose bottom such as this Linen Short! Chloe Sevigny, Diane Kruger, Pixie Geldof, Daisy Lowe, and Lindsay Lohan are a few celebrities rockin' this trend! To get Diane Kruger's look try this ticking stripe top with this cute black linen pant. Let me know what you think!

Summerize Your Style

Summer is fast approaching and we all know what that means. Bathing suits! Whether you plan on laying out by your pool, taking a trip with your girlfriends, or planning a romantic getaway with your honey, here are my top picks for summer-ready wear and afforadable alternatives!

One of my favorite trends for swimwear has been the belted one-piece. It is a perfect way to accentuate your waist while staying chic. Katie Holmes pulled this look off effortlessly pairing an Eres halter one-piece with an Yves Saint Laurent belt.












Oscar de la Renta’s Color-Block faux-bandage swimsuit creates curves with asymmetrical lines and conceals bulges with flattering cuts. An affordable alternative is this curve-creating maillot by Shape Fx. The strategically-placed contrast binding redefines the waist and hips. While not an actual belt, the binding at the waist gives the illusion of a belt while cinching the waist!

Michael Kors’ polka dot Harborshide Sheath one-piece is hugely wearable and delightfully understated. Try JCrew’s Retro Polka-dot-tie front bandeau paired with your favorite white belt!




Michael Kors pulled two of this season’s best trends pairing a high-waisted two-piece with a waist belt for a look that is as pool party-ready as it is chic. Jantzen "Yacht" 2-Piece Polka-Dot Bikini is a great take on this look complete with faux-sequin accents add subtle shimmer to the black and white scheme of this two-piece bikini featuring an adjustable halter strap and matching bottom with removable patent faux-leather belt.

I am currently drooling over this Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Retro Bustier one-piece reminiscent of a pin-up! A gold buckle adds the perfect touch to the monochromatic belt!