The High Fashion Sneaker

"IN" WITH
THE OLD

Fashion's new wrinkle?

Clothes that look
lived-in.

Antique-feel fabrics.
a faded palette.

and your coolest.

couldn't-care-less Converse

I TOLD YOU SO....

Exerpt courtesy of fashion editor Zanna Roberts

Marie Claire, February 2009, p. 112

One of the Boys

Hear ye! Hear ye! Make way for the slouchy, denim Boyfriend Jean! Don't ditch the skinny jean just yet, but DO add a hint of versatility to your closet with this Spring 09 trend. You might grow to love it.... The celebs have! Take notes, fashionistas!

From left to right: Jessica Alba and Megan Fox spotted wearing Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jean, courtesy of Denimology.co.uk; Katie Holmes in PRPS Baggy Jeans, courtesy of DenimBlog.com

The Boyfriend Jean is designed to make it look as though you're wearing your boyfriend's (or husband's) jeans, but of course you already knew that.... That would explain why they have a more baggy, relaxed fit.

The Relaxed Boyfriend Jean in deconstructed sandblast, Victoria's Secret, $69.50.

Check out the rest of Victoria's Secret Boyfriend Jean Collection here: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/collection/?cgname=OSCLOFITBFD&cgnbr=OSCLOFITBFD&rfnbr=6056

My favorite Boyfriend Jean is in a light wash denim with lived-in look of destruction...and let's not forget about the cuffs! Cuffing the Boyfriend Jean gives it a more tapered look. But lucky for you, most Boyfriend Jeans are designed that way!

Rachel Bilson spotted in a rolled and cuffed Boyfriend Jean by Current/Elliott
Photo Courtesy of DenimBlog.com

Give your Boyfriend Jean a more feminine look with ballet flats, sandals, or heels. Throw on a cami or a tank and a cardigan, and you're all set! Think Bohemian (floral prints, feathers). Wanna be "Red Carpet Ready?" How about pumps and a blazer? Or go full throttle and really be "one of the boys" with your favorite gym shoes and a tee.

Don't take the origin of the Boyfriend Jean too literally. You don't have to have a boyfriend or even a husband to borrow his jeans, SILLY! Denim manufacturers that have brands for women customize the Boyfriend Jean to specifically fit and flatter a woman's body. Don't see anything you like? --shop in menswear or go the vintage route!

Learn more about this trend:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-stylist3-2008aug03,0,1962864.story

Shop the Boyfriend Jean:
http://www.nextag.com/boyfriend-jeans/products-html

Center Stage

Tutu skirts aren't just for the Prima Ballerinas anymore! (or little girls, for that matter) From the studio to the streets, the tutu is making a huge debut. And it's a good thing too! Besides, A-line skirts can be so boring--why not go full circle?

A-LINE SILHOUETTE VS. TUTU SILHOUETTE

Crinoline Makes a Comeback
...and we have Queen Victoria to thank! In most recent years, the tutu skirt has been an observable fashion trend on the goth scene (and let's not forget lolita street wear fashion in Japan). But it's finally becoming mainstream. Lightweight and flirty, the tutu skirt can be worn in a number of different ways. Rihanna shows us a few....

Your tutu skirt can be worn with a vest or a button-up blouse like Rihanna. You can even go the simple route and pair your tutu skirt with a basic tank or tee. Corsets are great too!

Layered Tulle Petticoat Skirt, Gothic Plus, gothicplus.com

If you want to add a bit of flounce to any free-flowing skirt or dress, just add a length-appropriate petticoat or crinoline underneath to get the tutu effect. Some petticoats can even be worn alone as skirts. Just make sure that your petticoat has enough layers of tulle so that it isn't see-through. In the case that it doesn't, you can always wear bloomers, tights (want to be daring? go for fishnets) or leggings--be creative!

SHOP:

Balenciaga Tutu Skirt

• http://www.stylefinder.com/items/?id=121532

Betsey Johnson Crinoline Skirt

• http://www.betseyjohnson.com/store/productdetails2.aspx?productid=6508&np=2500
  
  
  

One Love

Jumpsuits, rompers, playsuits, jumpers...what do these things have in common? They're all synonymous for "onesies!"

PROS:

• Easy to pull your look together
  No more endless searching for something to wear...the onesie is a one stop shop!

Courtesy of Free People, February 2009 Catalog
From left: Convertible Harem Pant, $78; In Stitches Romper, $98

• VERSATILE
The onesie can be worn in place of the 'little black dress,' a sundress, a swimsuit cover-up, or even a suit.


LBD Approved

Sequin Bow Front Jumpsuit, $29.80 and Tuxedo Satin Jumpsuit, $24.80
Courtesy of Forever21, www.forever21.com

TIP: Glam up your onesie with tights, killer heels, and bling to achieve the look of 'cha-ching.' You will be 'to-die-for' in this million dollar look!

Suggested Items:

Fun in the Sun

TIP: Give your onesie the look of a sundress with a pair of gladiator or chunky, platform sandals. For a more classic look, go for espadrilles. How about a floppy hat? Add a little bit more pizazz to your onesie by layering it with a printed tank. On those chilly Spring days, just throw on a cardigan.

Suggested Items:

Splish Splash Sophistication

TIP: Layer a onesie over your favorite swimsuit to take you straight from the catwalk--I mean BOARDWALK--to the beach. You can even wear your cover-up during a night on the town, and no one would know the difference.... Accessorize your onesie with a metallic clutch and bold bangles.

Corporate Chic

Strapless Trouser Jumpsuit and Herringbone Jumpsuit w/Belt, http://www.forever21.com/

TIP: Don't feel like wearing a business suit today? Layer these onesies with a white, collared button-down shirt and/or a blazer. Don't forget the stockings! Finish your look off with a sleek briefcase.

Suggested Items:

• Inexpensive
  Most of our favorite bargain-brand clothing stores that we all know and love carry the beloved onesie. You name it, it's probably got it!

CONS:

• You don't have one yet!!

Got A Sweet Tooth...

Run down to your corner store!!

Courtesy of the Food Trust and Good magazine

BODEGA is an independent outfitter based out of Boston, MA that specializes in unique and exclusive streetwear for men, including sneakers, caps, clothing, accessories, and outerwear. But there's a catch!! Of course I could just tell you what it is, but that's no fun....

Check out BODEGA
http://www.bdgastore.com/bodega/newsite/home.html
6 Clearway Street
Boston, MA
(617) 421-1550

Don't get what the big deal is? To learn more about BODEGA (and spoil the surprise), click here:

http://www.freshnessmag.com/v4/2006/06/13/freshness-feature-bodega-boston-ma/

Courtesy of Clinton Hill Blog

TREND ALERT: Stars & Stripes

This just in! It is now acceptable to wear different prints and patterns...TOGETHER! This new trend was unveiled during Spring Fashion Week 2009, thanks to a number of designers who put various patterns together in unexpected ways. One model was seen wearing a striped top with a dotted skirt. Let's see how long it takes the laggards to catch on. But for the BOLD and beautiful, you can do it! --just take your time and do it right! Make sure when mixing your prints and patterns of choice, they complement (in every sense of the word) and coordinate. Otherwise, the fashion police will be on your tail, and they're not always forgiving!

Michael Kors

Check out Spring 2009 Fashion Week's Other 15 Most Wearable Trends right here...it gets better!

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2008/09/spring-2009-fashion-weeks-most-wearable-trends?slide=1

Welcome to the Suite Life...Presidential, That Is

So, as many would agree, the Obamas are a colossal big deal...and we love to love them (I know I do) !! Needless to say, America's 1st Family is a representation of all things favorable: poise, humility, moral integrity, brilliance, and let's not forget--first-rate fabulosity!!

January 20, 2009...a day that will go down in history...

"A New Birth of Freedom"
...commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln

Washington, DC
National Mall--Lincoln Memorial
estimated 1.8 million attendees (I was one of them)
West Front, U.S. Capitol

12:06 p.m.

BARACK OBAMA BECOMES THE 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! --not to mention, the first African-American...

And the Obamas were surely dressed for the occasion!

The Obamas descending the stairs of the U.S. Capitol.

It is no surprise that Michelle Obama has become the modern-day Jackie O...

who is remembered for her great sense of style and elegance. For her daytime outfit, our First Lady Michelle Obama is photographed here wearing a jewel-collared, pale yellow-gold sweater and sheath dress ensemble with a matching lace coat by Isabel Toledo.


Onlookers watched in awe, wondering how the First Lady managed to stay warm during the inauguration ceremony, which took place on one of the coldest days of the year, I'm sure. But what many of us did not know is that there was actually a hidden layer of pashmina (fleece) lining her ensemble. How's that for cleverness! Isabel Toledo gets major points for that one! The veteran Cuban-born designer says that she chose the "lemon-grass" color of the outfit, because it represents optimism. This was no accident. Barack Obama also based the message of his campaign on the fundamentals of hope and optimism. The First Lady put the finishing touches on her ensemble with a green pair of leather gloves from J.Crew. Michelle Obama is also wearing dark green Jimmy Choo kitten-heel pumps.

Sasha (7) and Malia (10)

Their outfits were provided by crewcuts, the children's division of J.Crew, and both of their coats were tied with velvet ribbon--just like Mommy!

...and later that evening...

Our First Lady wore a white, one-shouldered style, floor-sweeping gown designed by 26-year old designer Jason Wu to the inaugural balls.

Say what you will about her choices of fashion, but in my eyes, the Obamas can do no wrong!

Congratulations again to our Mr. President, Barack Obama! And best of luck to his administration! We're behind you 100%

A CHANGE HAS FINALLY COME!!!!