Step Up Your Game: Fall Preview Thursday, June 28, 2007

As a teen, fall was my favorite time of year; with it came another school year, which meant I would get the opportunity to unveil my brand new fall wardrobe. My clothes were cute; different from what the other girls were wearing. I must say, the first few weeks were pretty exciting. But each year I had to step my game up and come up with something hotter, more stylish than the year before. It wasn’t a diffcult task as long as I began searching my preferred fashion magazines; Mademoiselle, Bazaar, and Elle, well in advance. 

Though it’s been nineteen years since I’ve been out of high school, I’m still thrilled by what fall brings in terms of fashion, especially this fall. Designers have made it so easy for you to step your game up this season with the bold, sophisticated, and uncommon ensembles they’ve designed.  

Balenciaga

Balenciaga leaves me feeling a little nostalgic, reminiscing about my fashionable high school days with this unique line. You can check out the entire line here at Elle.com.

M. Missoni

Striped Boucle Coat & Pointelle Dress 

Milly

Giraffe-Print Wool Coat

Metallic Mini Dress

Once a term reserved for lovers of modern jazz, mod later identified the hot fashion trend of the 1960’s. Milly revisits the mod era with her fall collection.

Balenciaga Takes Fashion To A New Level Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Last night, during her performance, Beyonce wore a $100,000 gold pair of Balenciaga leggings. (Can someone please tell me where I can get that wig?) 

   

I admire women like Beyonce who possess the ability, bravery, and confidence to push the fashion envelope by starting something new or taking a trend to a place where it becomes their own. 

Most of all, I love the designers who design clothes that allow women to be feminine yet unique and express their individual personality. Balenciaga is one of those designers.

Once called “the master of us all” by Christian Dior, Cristobal Balenciaga opened his first showroom in 1937. His odd, feminine designs inspired designers such as Ungaro and Givenchy. Balenciaga died in March of 1972. Though the House of Balenciaga is now apart of the Gucci Group, his spirit is still apparent in every design.

[Beyonce source]
[Balenciaga source]

Matters Of The Heart & The Art Snob Monday, June 25, 2007

 

I love the artwork of internationally known, Debbie Marie Arambula. Mainly, because of the beautiful way love is conveyed. Debbie is an artist with no formal training who began painting twelve years ago. She is known for her buoyant heart paintings.

While it is my strongest desire to possess one of her works of art, I can’t afford to do so. If my husband and I didn’t have children I would pay the hefty $3000 price tag carried by the painting Labyrinth of Love pictured above. But for now, the only alternative is to purchase a giclee. But here is the crazy thing…

I am a geniune art admirer and what you would call an art snob. Like a fake handbag, I simply refuse to buy a giclee (pronounced zhee-clay), a digital reproduction of an original work of art. Digital reproduction allows an artist to increase their collector base by offering a less expensive alternative to the original, making their work widely available to a larger group of people. It is also translates into quick money for the artist. First, let me clarify before I continue. I am not referring to cheap poster prints that give giclees a bad reputation, but rather reprints on high quality paper or canvas that are sometimes embellished by the artist; nevertheless, I don’t want to own one.

Let me warn you, the price of a giclee is nothing to be sneezed at. A limited edition reproduction of Labyrinth of Love cost around $1600 and looks just as good; however, there is nothing like owning an original. There is no comparison really. Besides, I am unwilling to purchase a reprint equally as expensive. I’d rather go without. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll come across a giclee I can’t leave without. But for now, I only want original artwork.

For those of you who are not snobs like me and want to enhance your living space or purchase art purely for aesthetic reasons then you should purchase limited addition giclees that have been numbered and signed by the artist, which increases the value. The more reproductions available on the market decreases the value of the work.  

Sleeping Beauty Returns Friday, June 22, 2007

 

Wrap Teddy

Part two of my original post, Sleeping Beauty takes me right back to Kiki De Montparnasse, one of my favorite lines of lingerie, epitomizes feminine elegance and sophistication.

About Kiki:
Kiki De Montparnasse is a luxury fashion and lifestyle brand that celebrates intimacy and inspires the romantic imagination. Our lingerie and fashion collections appeal to a range of tastes, settings, and moods, from daring to darling. Beautiful and provocative, they can be worn inside the boudoir or flaunted in public, bringing a sense of excitement to both special occasions and the everyday. Our erotic wares encompass visionary design, modern materials and undeniable functionality, proving that glamour can permeate every aspect of life, even the most intimate.

Capelet

Kiki de Montparnasse will ensconce you in luxury, woo your every sense, and remind you that few things are as profound as love and beauty. Once you have experienced it for yourself, you will know the transformative power of erotic license. Such freedom is intoxicating…and addictive. Because love is all there is (and love is enough).

Amen.

Jersey Wrap top, Crochet Bed Jacket & Shorts, Jersey Bodysuit 

FAB Chic Baby Deals Thursday, June 21, 2007

The peach colored satin pillowcase signals to 9 month old Mademoiselle that it’s time to go to sleep, and watching her crawl quickly to the marked spot on the bed is absolutely adorable. This seemingly small event caused me to search for the cute travel blanket and pillow set I saw on Saks’ website some time ago. While flipping through the pages, I discovered the following cute items on sale:

Dolce & Gabbana Onesie

Juicy Pacifier Set

Lilly Pulitzer Swimsuit

Lipstick Backpack

Juicy Couture Floral Print Sandal

Cavalli Comes To H&M Thursday, June 21, 2007

Roberto Cavalli Chiffon Zebra Top

“Unbelievable,” I said to myself as read on the Nothin’ But Fashion blog that Roberto Cavalli was teaming up with H&M to design a men’s and women’s collection beginning November 8th. So, I quickly logged on to my old email account where I discovered an email that had been sent to me earlier, confirming this glorious event soon to take place. I’m still trying to catch my breath. This is great news for only some style mavens because the line will only be available in 200 stores. Be sure to mark your calendars.

Cavalli Cotton Tunic 

The Funk Masters: For The Urban Chic and Edgy Fashionista Wednesday, June 20, 2007

 

This post is dedicated to everyone who likes to have a little fun with their wardrobe by adding some funk to it. The urban chic and edgy fashionista is the master of funk and knows how to put together an outfit without looking raunchy. They also know how to push fashion to the edge without going over board. I’m sure some of them won’t mind living in Luxirie, a street wear clothing line for women from all ages, ethinicities, and walks of life designed by LRG launched in 2006.

Luxirie, a Labour of Love, [is] a sexy yet classy contemporary line for the Urban and Hip-Hop divas looking to get into the new ‘urban boutique’ style that’s already become a big trend with males. 

Looking For A FAB Mom Of The Month Wednesday, June 20, 2007

A few days ago, I wrote a post entitled Looking for a hot mama, a mother of style; however, after giving the idea much thought I’ve decided to not only change the title, but also the specifics of what type of woman I’m looking to feature each month. Why? I’m so glad you asked. Well, I had the pleasure of meeting Shawn Spence, an incredible mother of five and creator of Dah Gurl, last Tuesday. After meeting her, I was so inspired by her ability to manage all she does while co-parenting five kids. Amazing! Though Shawn admits to being somewhat fashionably challenged, she is still a FAB mom because of her accomplishments.  

And so, I want to not only inspire mothers to uncover or rediscover their inner style maven by introducing this new category, called FAB mom of the month, but also encourage women to pursue their dreams no matter what they might be and know there is hope no matter how bleak the current situation might be. Each month I will feature one new mom and tell you about her hopes and dreams of the future for her children, fashion and beauty advice for busy moms on the go (if applicable), her passion, what she does and how she maintains balance, overcomes obstacles, and what motivates her to keep going in times of uncertainty and chaos.

If any of this sounds like you or you are a mom who has returned to school, works from home, maintains an impeccable style or know of someone who is please email me at fashionistaandbaby@gmail.com. 

Again!! Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Once again I’ve been tagged by Kia, P, and indirectly, Samida. It always takes me forever to participate, but here goes. 

The rules are, post 7 random things about you and then tag 7 other bloggers to do the same. After which, you are to leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged, etcetera, etcetera.

1. Remember the Love Boat? I used to live a few houses up the street from Ted Lang who played Issac the bartender.
2. I keep receipts as if my life depended on it. I just threw away a bunch from 2003, today.
3. I eat a bowl of Kashi’s Oat Flakes and Wild Blueberry Cluster cereal  with soy milk every single morning for breakfast.  
4. I went to Oahu, Hawaii when I was 10 years old. What’s big deal about that? It was a fifth grade field trip for gifted students.
5. When I was sixteen, my friends taught me how to kiss using the back of my hand and a soda bottle at school in the girl’s bathroom.
6. I was on Cal’s ski team my sophomore year there. It was fun while it lasted, but I had to abrutly leave. It wasn’t the fact that we had to make ski trails in Tahoe to earn lift tickets that made me quit, but rather picking up dirty diapers, saliva soaked peanut shells, and tobacco spit filled cups after a football game that caused me say sayonara.
7. I met Magic Johnson during the summer of 1989 at the Palladium in Hollywood. How? I’m so glad you asked. Because of the long list of celebrities attending this grand event the admittance fee was $25. Well, my two triffling male college buddies didn’t have any money, and I only had $50 in my wallet. So, I allowed them to talk me into using my female charm in an effort to convince Magic to let us get into the club free as his guests. I ran behind him like an idiot calling him Mr. Johnson. When he turned around to see who was yelling his name, the following words fell from my lips, “I just wanted to say it was really nice meeting you.” He took my hand in his and said, “The pleasure is all mine.” I ran back to my friends like an hysterical banshee, screaming “I couldn’t do it…I just couldn’t do it.”

I’m tagging anyone who wants to participate.

Fashion 108: For Women With A Heavy Bust line Monday, June 18, 2007

Jill Scott’s latest song Hate on Me from her upcoming album The Real Thing is definitely a song of impowerment that will most likely become the new summer athem for many, including me. If you haven’t heard the song yet, click on the title and tell me what you think.

Today, I’m using Jill Scott to introduce a new segment on my blog, Fashion 108, a what to wear guide, inspired by my recent interview with Shawn of Dah Gurl. In this segment, you’ll find helpful tips and tricks to help you put your best foot forward.

I’m not really big on trends. I strongly believe in personal style. It’s all about what works well for your particular body type and the confidence you exude while you strut your stuff. A lot of people have a tendency to jump on the lastest in fashion band wagon without taking into consideration how the style fits their body. For example, not everyone can wear a jersey dress, the current trend, especially women with heavy breast because it makes them appear bigger than they actually are. Once you fully understand and embrace your body type, wear a good bra, and invest in control undergarments (if needed) I think you can look great no matter what size you wear.  

Though the pattern may be a little busy for Jill, I love this dress on her because it demonstrates what to and what not to wear if you’re heavy on top. The plunging neckline and cinched waist of Jill Scott’s dress is a great way to avoid looking heavier. Revealing too much cleavage will cause an individual to look tacky. Also, consider tops with broad necklines and stay clear of turtle necks and tight fitting shirts. You should also avoid wearing bold patterns like the one Jill is wearing, especially on top because it accentuates the bust line, causing it to appear larger.    

{Picture source}