On The Runway: Thakoon FW09

Once again Thakoon has wowed me. He took a break from florals and introduced rich sating is bright optomistic colors. Orange is hot for fall so stock up this Spring. (Photos by Brad Barket/Getty Images North America)

Spring 2009 Trends

The new silhouette this season starts from the shoulders, the hugely prominent big shoulders provide a revival to the 80's. For SS 09 shoulders are going to be authoritative, tailored and self-confident.
Also big in 09 are tropical colours, wonderful pistachio, lime, papaya, lemon, kingfisher blue, also lots of nudes as well, neutral is everywhere. These particularly suit fair and redheaded people. Prints abound, wonderful parrot prints from Peter Pilotto, big polka dots. Look too for ruffles and bows and softer gothic lace to create a more feminine feel.
The look is unmistakeable and is seen in up-to- date women business suits, also carried over into blouses, little squared dresses, jackets, and even the humble t- shirt has built-in shoulder pads. Jeans are ripped or embroidered.
For a cheap, chic update, slide a pair of detachable shoulder pads into a cardi or coat. Combine the boxy jacket with new peg trousers, cigarette pants or capri pants. Short suits featuring sexy hot pants combined with a jacket, are another tribute to the 80’s.Jumpsuits are figure hugging in slinky jersey, bright colours, and leopard prints.

And if you’re going for it, remember that this look needs 100 per cent commitment. Finally to make this look really work, you should add retro accessories or better still rolled up sleeves for a genuinely 80’s feel! Look for scarf type belts, bug glasses and huge chunky and chandelier earrings.
Dresses have shoulder pads, many have embroidery and embellishments, look for simple shifts in bright tropical colours. Skirts are pencil or tulip shaped to complement large double breasted blazers. -Gabrielle Teare

Au Courant: Going Nude By Marcus Mason

Shopping For Headbands, The New Must Have Accessory

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been a fan of headbands. There’s something timelessly elegant about what such a small hairpiece can do for your look. As an accessory, it completes your outfit. As a separate entity, it can define who you are and what your mood is. Jennifer Behr has an excellent selection of headbands to choose from. If you’ve ever seen an episode of Gossip Girl, you may already know that Blair Waldorf’s headbands come from her designs. However, these headbands come at a hefty price ($$-$$$), but they are indeed gorgeous.

My favorite place to look at headbands is Nordstrom. Nordstrom has some great headbands that are often on sale; not only that, but they’re comfortable and every single one of them have a specific style about them that makes them beautiful to simply stare at.

For the holidays try the new Holiday Jewels Collection from Goody, from rhinestone encrusted to sexy satin, these headbands will make you look fabulous, flirty and hip. Adding a great headband will automatically update that little black dress.

If you’re on a budget, Forever21 also has a decent selection of headbands that you can take a look at. They will typically have a variety of headbands ranging from normal solids to peacock-designed and feathered pieces.

I’ve also bought a couple of headbands from Etsy, an online store where sellers will make things handmade and sell them at their own price. Etsy is a great way to shop if you’re a fan of handmade items, or if you just want to be able to browse through things and buy things to your own liking and budget. Headband prices range, but you have a wider variety to choose from.

If you’re into something simple that you can just use to push your hair back with, I would suggest just taking a look at your normal clothing stores. The Gap has a selection of headbands that are fairly simple including plaids and solid colors that will go with most every outfit. J Crew also has a few girls’ headbands for relatively cheap prices.

I’ve found a number of headbands at all these places and more; the best headband should not only be just fashionable, but comfortable to wear and not too tight. My best advice? Keep your eyes open. You never know what you may find at the places where you least expect.

– Lalida Sriyordsa

On The Catwalk: Thakoon FW08

One of my favorite dresses from the FW08 collections . The fabric is too gorgeous for words.

FW08 Trend Report

The winter/fall season is my least favourite season when it comes to climate but my favourite, clothing-wise. It must be because you have so many more options and pieces you can layer on top of each other to create something fabulous. This winter, designers took us into a world of Bohemian lust. Trendy Missioni-esque knits, fringed boots and paisley prints are just a few of the 70’s inspired touches found on the runway, especially at Gucci and Hermes. Jewel tones that are usually saved for warmer months showed face at many designer shows. The staple colour for Winter 2008 is red paired with grey or of course black. So what should you try this winter? Here is my list of Fall Must Haves:

The Statement Coat:
If you think about it, your coat will be the most important layer of your outfit since it is what is noticed right away. Because of its importance, you should probably devote most of your shopping budget for the perfect coat. As much as I love tailored black coats that are so elegant and chic I’m starting to take note of the floral coats which were big on The Michael Kors catwalk that are also popping up everywhere. Vintage stores are really great for finding eye catching pieces, especially coats and mind you, fur coats are always in style and always affordable at vintage and consignment shops. To be ultra trendy incorporate this season’s colours and invest in a red or jewel tone coat.

Shoes Are The New Handbag:
If you haven’t noticed already, handbags are becoming passé and the attention is all on shoes. This season try thigh high black suede boots. You can wear them over a pair of skinny jeans, with a dress or a skirt and still stay warm. They are probably the most versatile shoes. For extra comfort try a low heel style. I also adore lace-up oxfords in colder months paired with opaque black tights.

A Great Look for Winter:
The New York “Uniform” as I like to call it is a mini dress over black opaque tights and black shoes. It’s fool-proof. Many girls don’t wear dresses and it always baffles me. Dresses are great since they are just one piece and you won’t have to worry about matching, colour coordination, etc. What’s also nice about dresses is that they can be dressed up or down. Try a sweater dress, and don’t forget to top it off with a great belt. People also underestimate tights. They are a great substitute for pants especially when they’re made of cashmere or cashmere’s cousin, merino wool. I love Wolford’s line of Merino Wool tights. Pair your tights with black shoes and your legs will look a mile long.

Accessories:
The big accessory trends this winter are BIG BOLD and eye-catching necklaces. Statement necklaces are a great way to spruce up the quintessential black or camel turtleneck. I also love jewelled headbands that can work with your hair up or down.
So there you have it a few things to help you look fantastic this winter. Have fun and exploit your fabulous side. -Millissa for Inside Desi

Spring 2009 Recap

Missed New York fashion week? Don't worry we've got you covered. This upcoming Spring, noteworthy designers and emerging trends separate the trendy from the mundane.

Derek Lam
His Spring 09 collection is reminiscent of a nostalgic Coco Chanel in Venice, Italy (1939) and modern day Venice Beach, California. The marriage of both inspirations resulted in a contemporary take on classical pieces. Look for slouchy jackets, cigarette pants and neutral colors. Lam's resurrection of the "jumper" is worth keeping an eye on.

Proenza Schouler
Can we say fierce? This collection has a dominating feel. It's pretty much a celebration of female confidence. No Frills, just pure sex appeal.

Betsey Johnson
We can't deny that the Betsey Johnson show was over the top. I love her style, but this season just didn't win me over. With the intensity of bright colors and crazy wigs, it was more like a circus parade graced by a bunch of life-sized Raggedy Ann dolls. (Sorry Betsey) The line will be altered for retail, which I'm rather thankful for.

Chris Benz
Benz never fails to deliver. He casts a spell by knowing how to delicately combine minimalism and innovation. Luxurious fabrics on their own make a compelling statement.

TOP 10 Fall 2008 Trends

FALL 2008 TREND REPORT

Tartan, Plaid, & Check prints
Tartan has flooded the Fall 2008 runways, including Peter Som, Thakoon, Nanette Lepore & Carolina Herrara.
Photo: Tartan on the Nanette Lepore runway

Chunky Knitwear (Boleros, Cardigans & Jackets)
Examples: Nicole Miller, Alexander Wang, & Donna Karan
Photo: Chunky handknit, Nicole Miller

Autumn hues are all about green and purple.
Examples: Michael Kors, Derek Lam, DVF
Photo: Michael Kors Runway

Organic prints inspired by nature and the elements
Examples: Badgley Mischka, J. Mendel, Marc by Marc Jacobs
Photo: Badgley Mischka gown

Art Deco
Examples: Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Missoni
Photo: Missoni

The Urban Edge. Metropolitan inspired pieces with a feminine touch.
Examples: Burberry, Rag & Bone
Photo: Burberry

The Taste of Decadence.Think embroideries, satin, and bold colors. Luxury is a fall classic.
Examples: Vera Wang, Oscar De La Renta, Hermes
Photo: Vera Wang

Jewel tones. Bedazzled looks. Stand out in these fabulous colors.
Examples: Alice + Olivia, Anna Sui
Photo: Alice + Olivia

Minimalism. Simplicity at it’s best. Sometimes less is more.
Examples: Issac Mizarahi, Charlotte Ronson, Narciso Rodriguez
Photo: Charlotte Ronson

Sexy Tights
As seen on the runways of Betsey Johnson and Vivienne Westwood Red Label
Photo: Check out Vivienne Westwood’s star-filled tights

Right Way, Wrong Way: How To Wear The Color Orange

Contributed by Trend De La Creme
I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the color orange. On one hand, it has a warm sunny quality. On the other hand, it’s like a time machine—unexpectedly hurdling you back into 1973 if you’re not careful. With trends like “Nice Stems,” “Hippie Revival,” and “Style Tribes” making a strong statement in 2008, the color orange will become a force to be reckoned with. The trick will be finding ways to “make nice” with orange without looking like a fashion faux pas.

Wrong Way: Actual Oranges: Sure, it’s nice to brighten up your look, but there’s no reason to wear anything that actually looks like an orange (unless you’ve got a citrus fetish—but that’s for another blog.)
Brassy Orange Dye Job: Unless you were born with naturally orange locks, do not attempt orange hair. To do it right, you’ll need hundreds of dollars and an A-list stylist (and even then, it will probably still look like a botched job.) Trust me on this one. I have personal experience for which I may never recover.
Head-To-Toe Orange: Only once in my life did I see head-to-toe orange that I liked (and it was on an Oopma Loompa in the original Willy Wonka movie.) Enough said.

Right Way:

A Kaleidoscope of Color: Believe me when I say that orange mixed with other colors always works. Even strange color combinations like orange and blue, orange and purple, and even orange and red work. (Just steer clear of red mixed with yellowish oranges, unless you’re trying to look Ronald McDonald.)
Orange as a Layer: Orange will actually pop more if you pair it with dark colors (like gray) or light colors (like ivory or beige.) In my opinion, orange up top works better than orange pants or an orange skirt. But who cares what I think.
Orange as an Accessory: Even if the only other orange item is a pair of earrings or a bracelet, this color can (and will) add a lot of personality to an otherwise drab outfit.
So, now that you’ve been schooled in the do’s and don’ts of orange, you should feel up to a stroll down the orange carpet. (If you don’t, my apologies for being such a crappy teacher.) For those of you who do, here are a handful of suggestions to get you started (just don’t wear them all at once):
(from left to right)
V-Neck Orange ‘Eva’ Tunic at fashionjunkee.com
Pink Asian Flower Acrylic Earrings from kailochic.com
Candy XL Clutch from retrodelic.com
Jamie Joseph Square Orange Chaledony Ring at shoparteffect.com
Nicole ‘Drew’ Orange Wedges at zappos.com
Mark Davis ‘Bertha’ Orange Marbled Bakelite Bangle at brownsfashion.com -Jill S VANESSA

Model images – for your reference (retrieved from yahoo news images)

Nail Color Tips and Trends for Spring and Summer

Natural long nails painted with Nubar in "Pink Elegance"

The "rules" of fashion are not what they were 20 years ago, and neither are the rules for nail polish. At the present time, as long as a manicure is well-groomed and not tattered and worn, just about all colors are appropriate year round. Some colors are more seasonal than others. I myself don't use a calendar to decide on a nail color, I go with what my craving is at that particular moment. For example, dark browns tend to be put on the shelf once signs of Spring start showing. Dark browns are especially nice in the summer on well-tanned tips and toes. Focus on your skin tone to choose the most suitable color for you.

The collections that have come out for Spring have been mixed. Some companies are going all pale (Essie and Orly) while other companies are full of neons, holographic, and drab colors (China Glaze). OPI's collections usually are a mix of light and dark colors be it their Spring/Summer collections or Fall/Winter collections. Supplemental collections are more popular than ever. It seems like every month something new is coming out! China Glaze just released three collections and are already planning three more for summer. The same goes for OPI. A French manicure is always appropriate and timeless. I am not a fan of pales so I go with medium colors. Medium colors are also good for camouflaging nails that become stained. Whimsical (different color on each nail etc.) manicures are appropriate in the right setting, as well. The dark navy blue trend is still going strong with the darker purples being pulled into the craze.

Nail and Cuticle Care Tips:

Good health and cuticle care are essential to long and strong nail growth. My favorite cuticle drenching oil is Nubar Cucumber Cuticle Oil. To remove cuticles, Blue Cross Cuticle Remover is an amazing product you can try that gets rid of unwanted skin, gently. If you are in a hurry and need to get rid of cuticles at lightening speed, try Poshe AHA Cuticle Care Revitalizer.

Nail Polish Application Tips:

Start off with a nail hardener such as China Glaze Calcium Gel Fortifier or Salley Hansen Triple Strong Advanced Nail Fortifier. You can also use a ridge filler to fill in ridges and strengthen nails even more. After these two products, its time for your base coat. My favorite base coat product is Color Club Milky White Base Coat.

Next comes the lacquer: I am a habitual three-coater. Most people just do two but with my job requiring 8-10 hours a day on the computer I find three coats reduces chippage. With the first coat, I also make a horizontal swipe of the nail brush across the tip of my nail which reduces shrinkage when the polish dries. I don't concern myself too much if any gets on the top side of the nail as I have two more coats to smooth it out.

Finally, the top coat: The best of the best in my opinion is Seche Vite. It is available at retail but a bit pricey. Online retailers sell it considerably cheaper. Again because of all the typing I have to do, I use two layers. Seche Vite provides a really nice wet look and when dry is slick to the touch.

For those times when I need a polish change but don't have the time to do one, I use a sparkly top coat as a refresher which extends my manicure another day or two. My favorite for this is Sally Hansen Diamond Strength in the shade of Diamonds #5.

Here are a few examples of what that looks like:

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Diamonds #3 over CND Hot Pop Blue

Chanel Peptie over Nars After Dark

Online retailers that don't require a license:
http://www.transdesign.com/

http://www.head2toebeauty.com/

http://www.8ty8beauty.com/

Travel tips: I recently experimented with my manicure when I went to Las Vegas. Knowing I would not be able to redo my manicure, I picked a medium red with shimmer which is a timeless color and strangely versatile. I added an extra layer of base coat between the 1st and 2nd layers of lacquer and an extra layer of top coat. This makes the polish on the nail a little thicker but I had no problems with chippage and my nails looked just as good when I got home as when I left. I was unable to do a polish change for five days. The downside is the thicker the polish, the longer it takes to get off.

Nail Lacquer colors that I recommend for Spring and Summer:

1. CND "Studio 54"

2. Color Club "Blue Light"

3. Finger Paints "Make a Scene"

4. CND "Hot Pop Orange"

5. China Glaze "Linger"

All images used with permission and curtesy of Carla Gaughan on Flickr.

- Carla Gaughan

Fabulous Fendi and Fur

When you look around a shopping mall or flip through a sexy Vogue magazine, Fendi will always pass your fascinated eyes. "1918 - Adele Fendi establishes a fur business in Rome, which in time will acquire world wide recognition for its innovative treatment of pelts and their imaginative fashioning. In 1978 the already famous Fendi fur company, now run by Adele's five daughters, presents its first collection of prét-à-porter designed by Karl Lagerfeld." source

Here are a couple beautiful ensembles Fendi is known for:

A Million Bucks-

Fendi Trendi-

Chic and Sleek-

Out to Work -

The Cocktail Lover-


Club Hoppin' -

In the Nude -

Society Queen -

Dinner at Dolce -

"Whatever one's personal beliefs regarding the wearing of animal furs, the partnership of Karl Lagerfeld and Fendi undoubtedly broke barriers in the field of fur design. In Italy, fur sales have continued to constitute a major part of the company's business—where the Fendi sisters claim to have changed the age-old tradition of fur as being a status symbol to being a covetable high-fashion garment." source

Fendi facinates as they go wild with color and design elements to make a unique product for the most discerning tastes. Fendi is sharp and smart, just how I like it.

-Jeani Steal

Footwear Fantasy

These are the most outlandish and stylish shoes that are innovative, as well as trend setting.

See more of my Footwear Fantasy list at ThisNext.

Classic Beauty - Seventies Style

Michael Thompson: Edge of Night

From wedges and high-waisted jeans, to opaque tights and fringed leather bags, many fashion designers are revisiting the stylishly yet folksy looks of the 1970’s. And the model’s makeup and hair is no different! The decade of hippies, disco, Annie Hall and rock and roll have been an inspiration of many. The makeup artist for Dsquared named Ali McGraw of the 70’s movie “Love Story” an inspiration, giving models red lips and a simple center part with long, flowing locks. This hairstyle was seen at numerous shows including Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Zac Posen and DKNY. The fresh-faced dewy look reflects the mood of the era. Models at both Stella McCartney and Diane von Furstenberg strutted down the runway with minimal face makeup. As for hair, braids fared well, too. Single sided, messy braids and fishtail braids were a popular style with Vera Wang’s lavender label, accompanied by a knitted cap for daytime looks, and on it’s own with evening dresses. But before you declare Marcia Brady (or Cindy if you’re keen on braids!) as your “new” style icon, beware! Spandex disco onesies, itchy synthetic fibers, and leisure suits are just a few things from the 1970’s that need not be revived. So if you’re wary, try to the trend with hair and makeup. It’s never been hotter to sport a 70’s inspired look! Groovy!

-Jillian Bietz

Spring IN With Rosettes

There’s something so precious and lovely about rosettes that their mere presence screams “garden party!” And while they have longtime been considered adorable summer decorum for the Babies-R-Us crowd, designers have taken the ruffled little rounds to new heights. On the runways for their Spring 2008 ready-to-wear and resort collections, Giambattista Valli and 3.1 Phillip Lim (who defined the trend last year with the ever so popular-and often sold out- tee shirt dress) featured wearable pieces with rosettes, but with a more exaggerated couture look. John Galliano accentuated voluminous dresses with rosettes. But these little flowers aren’t reserved for only dresses. Marc by Marc Jacobs sells leather flats and spiky heels with the 3-D roses, and Betsey Johnson featured an ornamented, pink chiffon headband. Although rosettes are seemingly Spring-like, the trend will certainly blossom far into the fall! Rosettes are sweet, girly and totally chic in metallic colors, patent leather, and over sized proportions.

-Jillian Bietz

Bag, Borrow, or Steal - Handbag and Accessory Rentals

It has been a complete joy ride borrowing from Bag Borrow or Steal, the company that offers fun designer handbag rentals, as well as fabulous fashion forward accessories to show off to all of your friends, without the guilt of spending your entire paycheck. The accessories are shipped extremely fast, and the packaging is impeccable. The bags are safely contained with extra protection from shifting in the shipping process. Upon opening the package, the bags smell so fresh and are spotless. Just because someone may have borrowed your bag before you, doesn't mean it looks like it. These bags are completely stunning. The awesome thing about this service is that there is no "due date" for the bags, so you can keep them as long as you wish. However there is a small insurance fee (they charged me five dollars), but that is more than worth it to carry handbags worth this much. From up to the minute trends as well as vintage finds, Bag Borrow or Steal can fulfill your every luxurious desire. Check out their latest Spring trends as well as the Sex in the City inspired designs.

Charm and Luck Shopper Tote

Pros: Large capacity, big, and bright! A definite eye catcher. Those are crystal studs lining the stitching, not metal studs. Great shoulder to armpit length in the shoulder straps. This bag can be carried two ways. One is along your forearm and it will hang as shown in the images, or it can be sort of folded gently in a way on your shoulder, making it look more boxy. The crystal studs show up either way you carry it. Unique!

Cons: Floppy and can get heavy if you fill it with too many goodies! Straps tend to fall off shoulder while carrying it. Does not stand straight up when you put it on a counter due to the nature of the soft leather.

Kate Spade "Bilbao" Quintessa

Pros: Glossy "diva" bag that definitely gets compliments! Roomy enough for large books or magazines. Perfect to carry in your hand. Durable and sturdy and just plain and simple gorgeous! The color is so deep and rich, which is coveted by most handbag lovers and collectors.

Cons: Handle is short and doesn't fit around shoulder comfortably. Gets dirty fast, and can get scratched easily.