Fashion And Hairstyle

DESIGNERS SKETCH FOR KATE MIDDLETON

Kate Middleton's wedding with Prince William is literally the talk of the world right now and has been for some time. So it was no surprise when designers started sketching a wedding dress for her. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye:

Badgley Mischka designers, Mark Badgley and James Mischka

J Crew

Nicole Miller

Valentino

Chanel's head designer, Karl Lagerfeld

Jason Wu

Peter Copping for Nina Ricci

all image sources: www.wwd.com

I would have to say my favorite is the Badgley Mischka piece! It really is beautiful and I can totally imagine her wearing it, accessorized fittingly and accordingly of course.

For more sketches, click here to browse around and then tell us what you think would be the best for Britain's future-to-be queen!

H&M ONLINE SHOPPING!?

Image source: http://www.hm.com

H&M is definitely a well-liked retailer and a great place to go to for fun, trendy, decently priced items. They've been expanding like crazy over the past decade or so, but the closest store location to Davis is in the Roseville Galleria.

That drive to Roseville is such a hassle, but soon this won't be a problem for H&M fans here at UCD. On January 27th the Swedish retailer tweeted: "Good morning is an understatement! H&M has decided to have online shopping in the US at the turn of the year 2011/2012! Stay tuned for more."

So it's official! by this time next year we'll all be able to shop H&M online :)

ABOUT A SHOE

If you love J. Crew, shoes, or Italy then you will swoon over J. Crew's behind-the-scenes video It is a serious craftsmanship that goes into every pair of their shoes. The brand's President, Creative Director, Jenna Lyons and head women's designer, Marissa Webb traveled to Italy capturing true workmanship, passion, and time in the development of their handcrafted shoes.

When the finished product is revealed their reaction is full of amazement and a true sense of accomplishment. J. Crew's shoes are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also are made by people who truly care about producing a genuine and handcrafted product.

J. Crew's "Made in Italy" series will also include the videos "About a Thread Count" and "About a Print" debuting in late February.

image source: www.stylelist.com

JUST DANCE IN PRADA

We're getting near to the middle of the quarter which means that everyone is knee deep in midterms, papers, and projects. Just remember not to stress out too much, keep calm and take frequent breaks to relax. If you need a little pick-me-up, check out this fun new video from Prada. Typically, we see fashion videos of ethereal models prancing around in a meadow or some dark brooding Black Swan-esque short film. However, Prada takes it up a notch for their Spring/Summer '11 video campaign and features a variety of models dancing to Ratatat in a mixture of bright colors, huge Cheshire cat-like scarves, and fun silhouettes. It may be midterm season but don't kill yourself, just dance!

A CONVERSATION WITH JEFF STAPLE

Designers rarely get the spotlight because they put their clothes in the forefront. But once in a while, it's good to know your designers, know their thoughts, see their interactions, and understand their concepts.

Jeff Staple is a street wear designer residing in New York. He is the founder/creative director of Staple Design and creative director of Reed Space. Kid you not, he is only 29 years old and is probably on of the most influential designers in the game. His words and intelligence surfaces during his sit down interviews. Be amazed. Watch every part, it's worth it.

Here's a sneak preview:

Preview: A Conversation with Jeff Staple from SHHO on Vimeo.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Are you in the midst of midterms mayhem? Stress is getting to you? You just want to quit? You can do some online retail therapy and purchase Keep Calm and Carry On shirts. This will instantly calm you down. Don't wait until this becomes a trend, get it before it is.

image source: http://www.keepcalmandcarryon.com/

SPRING TRENDS

With Paris Fashion Week taking place right now, it's no doubt that fashion is in the air... at least it is for us here in the Textiles and Clothing Department. And with the sunny weather, it's hard to think about midterms when my mind is on spring trends, warm weather clothes, and a way for my skin to come out of hibernation and into the sunshine! Here I've rounded up some of my favorite weather-friendly fashion trends, as seen on the street and on the runway.

Mid-calf pleated skirts: Play around with textures, colors, and length.

Sheer, wispy layers: Take a cue from the sheer mix master herself, Fashiontoast's Rumi Neely, and keep things light- neutral colors and simple patterns.

Denim and leather: I love the juxtaposition of casual and edgy; it's an unexpected combination.

Mint green: this color was seen on nails all throughout summer and fall last year, and now the color is back, this time showing up on simple knits, as seen in Alexander Wang's Spring 2011 line, and some recent blogger outfit posts shown below.

Neutral colors: Simple neutral tones are back! Beige, gray, and white minimalist separates show up in Helmet Lang's Spring 2011 line.

Image Sources: LateAfternoon, SongofStyle, FashionToast, Lookbook, Vanessa Jackman, Trini, Fiction Living

FASHION BONDAGE

There are tons of different styled tights going on these days --patterned, lurex, textured, illusionary --you name it! So it isn't surprising to say that these new bad boys are out on the market now.

Introducing Wolford's very own, laced up, Hero bandage tights!

Image source: www.net-a-porter.com

These new tights give the illusion of sexy bandaged legs, and let me just say, I love it! I think it's edgy, bold, and new. These could definitely be dressed up or down, as long as you piece it right!

I would definitely buy it if only it weren't priced at $65 a pair. It's a bit pricey for a pair of tights so I'm desperately hoping other brands will take a hold of these and preferably start manufacturing their own adaptations, hopefully on the more affordable side for those who don't have a cash tree in their backyard.

Until then, Wolford's Hero unique bandage tights are available at Net-A-Porter's website here for $65!

FROM THE EARTH

Inspiration is a tough thing to define or give credit to. As creative people and thinkers, we gather inspiration from all facets of our lives. One of the biggest forms of inspiration used in fashion is mother nature. Designers have been making connections utilizing the unique and naturally gorgeous textures, colors, patterns, and structural elements that earth offers. So be observant of the natural beauty that surrounds you; because you never know where your next bit of inspiration will be hiding.

Alexander McQueen Spring / Summer 2011

Organic shapes, manipulated fabrics, textures reminiscent of a weathered landscape

Necklaces in variations of stones, pebbles and layered metal and dress,
inspired by the colors of a dusty landscape.

Beautiful blue/turquoise color inspired by natural hot springs.

image sources: thevamoose.blogspot.com

HOW TO CUT A FRINGE

I've always had side bangs for a good couple of years now. Since it grew out and needed something a little different than before, I decided to cut straight bangs myself. I gave it lots of thought and became hesitant for a while, probably because I did not want it to end up in a disaster. Cutting it too short or making one mistake may ruin the look I want to achieve. As I picked up my scissors, I got so nervous that my hands were shaking! But nevertheless, it ended up better than I thought.

DIY tips and guidelines on how to cut a fringe:

Gather images of all the types of fringe styles you want to achieve
Make sure you have the proper materials like a rat tail comb and hair scissors
Grab only a small portion of the hair in the crown area
Damp that section of your hair and comb it well
Don't grab too much hair, start with a small amount
When cutting, always leave the two sides slightly longer than the center hairs
Dust all the trimmed hair from face and blow dry to style!

Here are my inspirational fringes and a youtube video that helped me tremendously:

image source: http://lovekardashian.tumblr.com/ & http://poponthepop.com

Outcome:

VOGUE KOREA JANUARY 2011

This month's Vogue Korea features Lee Hyun Yi, wrapped in warm clothing and rockin' a modern sleek hairstyle in "The Windy City", photographed by Hong Jang Hyun.

all images source: www.glamcheck.com

THE COVETED CLOSETS

I nearly squealed when I found about this new site called The Coveted. The blog gives us a glimpse into some of the most coveted closets of fashion giants. They've featured magazine editors and contributors for their first few posts and I couldn't be more excited! As an avid magazine reader and aspiring creative director, looking at these photos gives me a sneak peak of what my future wardrobe could hold. Thanks to The Coveted, we can now live vicariously through the glamourous closets of our favorite stylish trendsetters.

Joanna Hillman - Senior Fashion Market Editor of Harper's Bazzar

Mary Kate Steinmiller - Fashion Market Editor of Teen Vogue

Keith Polluck - Editorial Director of Elle.com

image source: thecoveted.com

RIDING PRETTY: HOW TO BE BICYCLE CHIC

As many of my fellow UCD fashionistas have learned (probably the hard way), riding a bike while wearing a cute outfit can sometimes be challenging. Operating a bike while wearing a short dress, heeled boots, or carrying a shoulder bag can serve as a hazard to both yourself and those riding nearby. Seeing as Davis is one of the largest biking communities in the country, here are some practical pointers to help you stay safe while looking cute.

1. Invest in a basket (that can either be attached to the front handle bars of your bike or to a rear rack fixed to the back wheel) to store your backpack or book bag thus leaving your shoulder(s) weight-free. This chic rider has both on her bike.

2. Wear biking shorts under dresses and skirts to prevent any unwanted exposure. Trust me when I say this is a necessity, especially on windy days during warmer months.

3. When wearing heels, it might come in handy to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case your heel breaks off.

4. Fenders, fenders fenders!!! Make sure you have one for both your front wheel and your back wheel to ensure your outfits stay mud and dirt free. A couple of other bike accessories to consider: an enclosed chain gaurd to keep your jeans from getting caught and ripping and a skirt gaurd attached to the back wheel which might be necessary if you wear a lot of skirts. Model Agyness Deyn has all three bicycle fixtures on her vintage cruiser.

Image Sources: Vogue, The Sartorialist, Hanneli, Posh24, Ride Strong

And finally, don't be afraid to sport a helmet! While many students on campus choose not to wear one, remember that your safety comes first. Wear it loud and wear it proud!

RENT THE RUNWAY: LOVE. WEAR. RETURN.

Ever seen a designer gown or accessory that you're just dying to buy that was just way too expensive? Or ever seen dress on a celebrity that you know you will look great in, but couldn't afford? Well dream no more, now you can rent it!

Rent The Runway is a website where fashionistas such as yourself have the opportunity to try high fashion designer dresses and accessories by just renting! Founded by two Harvard Business graduates, after noticing that high designer dresses were just too costly and unaffordable for the average Jane, they sought to establish a company for "women who know and love high fashion, who want to look glamorous for all their nights out."

Rent The Runway has top high fashion designers such as Herve Leger, Badgley Mischka, Proenza, Alberta Ferretti, and more. All the rental prices are 90% off the regular retail price, with most dresses ranging from $25-$300 --that's a great deal! RTR gives you one free dress of a different size as well when you rent, just in case the dress size you picked doesn't fit. There's even professional stylist who can assist you on your fitting if you are unsure. For an additional $25, you can also get a second rental for a different dress as well! They also provide you with a free goodies bag that includes double sided tape, deodorant stain removal, and bra strap adjusters so your new dress will fit with ease and comfort! Although there is a mandatory $5 insurance fee along with the rental price, that covers everything, from an accidental mishap like a button falling off or a wine spill on the dress, RTR will cover it!

Rent The Runway is an absolute must for those special occasions where you need to look absolutely fabulous, but can't afford the ridiculous price tag. RTR is affordable, fun, and most importantly, reliable! Just sign up for free as a member here and in the name of Rent The Runway, "love, wear, return!"

image source: http://whatshaute.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/rent-the-runway.jpg

THE NEW FACE OF LV MEN: GODFREY GAO

Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Godfrey Gao was unveiled as the new face of Louis Vuitton. Gao is the first Asian model to grace the french luxury line, targeting Asian men.

Sales from Asian males have risen in this elite brand, and the French line is recognizing this. More Asian men are purchasing more of this brand, and they are loving it! I'm ready to rock a Louis bag when I make bank. LV supplies masculine bags, and precious goods where any male feels comfortable sporting their luxurious product.

Godfrey Gao is not the first showcased model in a high fashion brand. Other Asian models have broken the barrier and is growing exponentially in the fashion world. Just watch out!

Just Sayin'.

image source: http://blogs.wsj.com/scene

TRAJECTORY: HUF

Keith Hufnagel gave birth to HUF, a premier skateboarding line in 2002. Trajectory is a 3 part documentary, focusing on the growth and determination of the HUF team. It's an inspiration seeing local designer prosper. Big ups.

Watch part 2 and 3. For more information visit their site: http://www.hufsf.com

"The worst thing that can happen is that you could fail, and that's really not such a big deal"

DOLLA DOLLA BILL YA

Christmas shopping broke your wallet? Birthday presents draining your savings? Can't buy groceries because you shop too much? I don't know about you, but my answer is: Yes, yes, and yes. However, when there is a problem, there is always a solution. Lately, I've been getting into the wonder world of internet shopping. Not your typical shopping at store's websites, but a community shopping arena where consumers can shop designer threads for cheap discount price. This is legit. There is JackThreads, Plndr, Gilt, ShopLikeKings, etc. You can shop your heart out, but the best thing about these sites is referring friends. If you refer a friend and they buy something, you make $$$. What's better than making $$$ when your friend shops? Just Sayin'

STYLE ICON: OLIVIA PALERMO

There's no question that Olivia Palermo, of The City fame, has impeccable style. The 24 year old socialite and fashionista has an eye for tastefully mixing different textures, patterns, and colors, to create looks that are aesthetically pleasing, elegant, and youthful. Whether she is pairing a shredded chiffon skirt with a crocodile leather clutch, or sporting a monochromatic look of army green, each outfit makes a statement, and each outfit is just right. Take a look at some of her best sartorial moments below, and find out how to get her look.