Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Key Fall' 09 Pieces

FALL IS HERE. Check out fabulous Fall trends you need on your style radar - the key pieces you can't live without.
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Cozy knits, biker jackets, 80s get ready for fall with these fashion must-haves.

Cardigans

A timeless piece that will always be chic and classic sauntered on down - Cardigan. Cardigans have been around for ages, and they will no doubt be around for several more. This classy and one of the most versatile garments is this Fall's key trend. Credit it to Coco Chanel (launch of movie Coco Before Chanel) or First Lady Michelle Obama (its more of First Lady's contribution as she sports one at almost every occassion), cardigan's have become a rage.
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Michelle Obama wearing cardigan

Fall and Autumn/Winter 2009 runways were flooded with this staple in every colour and style. From the trendiest to the most sophiticated label, everyone had their version of the Cardigan - Etro, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel, Etro, Dolce and Gabbana, Blumarine, Moschino.
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This seson's cardigans are not just in basic blacks and greys, they are hued in all shades bright, brightened with embellishments and given detailings like sharp shoulders, ruffles, gatherings, military style.


Dolce and Gabbana and Limi Leu Fall 2009 Collection
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Etro (left) and Twenty8Twelve (right) Fall 2009 Collection
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How to wear it?

Its versatality allows you to slip it over/under everything - wear it over a dress, under a jacket, with a tee. Wear it effortlessly as much with casuals as with formals (like Michelle Obama, Julia Roberts and Jessica Alba). Just play around with it as much as you can.
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A partially buttoned cardigan combined with equally soft pieces can look effortlessly casual. Leave it open like Julia Roberts or accessorise it with a cinch belt (like Etro), any way you wear it, this stylish sweater will go well with every ensemble and style.

Wear it long or wear it short. It's a great way to add a layer to a shift dress to keep you warm, and it goes well with tights, denim, boots, flats and even heels.

They are my wardrobe staple and can't just ever have them enough.


Biker Jackets
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Stella McCartney and Staerk


Vena Cava and Ohne Titel
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Runways were packed with biker jackets - the season's quintessential jacket. This is the season's top must have, and also the designers favourite. Seen on the runways of Stella McCartney, Gucci, Balmain, Jean Paul Gaultier, Blumarine, Chloe, Alexander Wang, Phi and many more.

This trend has had its comeback so many times already, they were huge hit last year, but this season's biker jacket is slightly edgier.

This key piece is easy to update any look. A white t-shirt, black skinny jeans and that rugged biker jacket would do the trick!

How to wear it?

Keep it short or replace your regular winter coat with tough chic style. The runways featured them with everything from leggings to gowns.

This season's new twist to your jacket is giving them armholes that are cut high. So you may want to simply toss it over that drapey cocktail dress like a stole.

Accentuate your femininity by playing with traditionally masculine styles. Put on a biker jacket over a feminine, flirty dress and team it with knee-high boots for a rock chic style.

The easiest and smartest way to wear them is over a shirt and a tank. The black military jacket gives your denim a lot of attitude, but for the 9 to 5 wear it with white trousers to give it a feminine feel.
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1. Warehouse Stitch Detal Denim Biker Jacket for £60, click here to buy
2. Firetrap Biker Jacket Dress for £75,
click here to buy
3. Oscar De La Renta Bouclé motocycle jacket for $1,990, click here to buy
(also available on net-a-porter UK site)

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Related Posts:
Trend Watch - Summer Booties
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Friday, August 28, 2009

Shoe Spotting: olsen Haus

Why do vegan shoes have to be shapeless, boring and Birkenstock-ish? No more. olsen Haus, a chic and cruelty-free brand, launched leather-free shoes that speaks of style and luxury.

olsen Haus is an American brand started by Elizabeth Olsen who has worked with the likes of Calvin Klein, Bulga, Nine West, Jodi Arnold, MINT and many others. Elizabeth Olsen herself is a vegan of two years, vegetarian since nineteen years and an animal-rights advocate for over twenty.
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Like Stella McCartney, Ms Olsen also believes in creating chic vegan-friendly line. Her cruelty-free, vegan friendly shoes are hip and modern and come in sassy colours and style. Each shoe is tailored with luxury and style. Her designs are completely delectable and a blessing for all the animal friendly fashionistas.
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Cameron Diaz wearing olsen Haus shoes in May 2009 Vogue issue, Source
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olsen Haus shoes have become popular with many celebrities like Emily Deschanel, Alicia Silverstone, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Amy Sedaris and Cameron Diaz and have been featured in various magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire, O - Oprah Winfrey's Magazine and Star. Cameron voted olsen Haus shoes as one of her favourite accessories. In the picture (above), Diaz is wearing one of their shoes in an issue of Vogue magazine.
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olsen Haus incorporates bright colors and materials such as cork, linen and ultra-suede to their designs, that are made of non-animal materials, in sample rooms and factories that adheres to ethical practices. Her shoes are priced at an average of $140-$250, not cheap, but definitely worth the luxury every pair emanates.

With these stylish and cruelty-free shoes, you can step in guilt-free splendour at all times without forsaking luxury and style.

olsen Haus soon plans to expand into handbags, so stay tuned.

For more information on olsen Haus line, click here


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CRUELTY FREE FASHION
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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Shilpa Shetty Launches 'Shilpa's Gourmet Creations'

With the new acquired business acumen, Shilpa ventures into another new area, with the launch of her new product called 'Shilpa's Gourmet Creations' at The Tiffinbites Restaurant in London.

Shilpa Shetty wearing Donna Karan at a photocall of her product launch in London

Shilpa Shetty along with her enterpreneur boyfriend Raj Kundra took a 33% business stake in a British firm called V8 Gourmet. Checkout her pictures at the photocall in London.


Shilpa Shetty at the launch of her new product 'Shilpa's Gourmet Creations'



Shilpa Shetty with Boyfriend Raj Kundra (left)




Shilpa Shetty wearing a gold Rolex
Shilpa is wearing Donna Karan's silk dupioni wrap jacket with a matching skirt, in blue, from their Spring 2009 Modern Icons Collection. She is flaunting her favourite gold Rolex studded with diamonds. So flamboyant, so very Shilpa Shetty.

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Smart Dressing: Fashion Fixes

1. Get rid of Back Bulges
How often do we see that our snug top or tee reflects back bulges, flesh that pops out above and below the back of the bra, that looks hideous? No more.

Unbelievabra is targeted to control problem areas and will get you rid of your back bulges leaving your back looking smooth and shapely a Eva Longoria Parker, below. This bra-and-camisole-in-one provides support for sizes A-E. You can also get Marks and Spencer's Magic Firm Control available from DD-G.

Unbelievabra, from Shapeez, priced at $85. Click to buy shapeez.com
Marks and Spencer's Magic Firm Control, for £39.50, click here to buy

2. Put an end to Falling Bra Straps
Falling bra straps can be really annoying and embarassing. Bra strap holder or bra clips are your saviour to fix the falling bra straps. Bra strap holder are attached at the back and pull the two back straps together, creating a racerback style, preventing bra straps from falling or peeking. Always use it or keep it handy. Double-sided tape or duct tape can fix that problem in an emergency.

Magic Clip, from Baraza, prized at $5.5, click here to buy

3. Shorten Pant Length to change from Heels to Flats
What do you do to shorten your pants to wear with flats for the day, but elongate it to change into heels for the evening? Here's the solution.

Roll your pants up to their desired length and put Zakkerz fabric strips with magnets around the cuff. The come in various colour options ad go unnoticeable. This way you can wear them with the flats without dragging them on the streets and can also wear long with heels.

zakSet Fabric Strips, from Zakkerz, is priced between $27-30 per set; buy it from zakkerz.com
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4. Prevent Heels from Slipping
How often the heels that perfectly fit at the store, start slipping out when you actually start wearing them? Thankfully, there's an easy fix that’ll help you wear your fabulous shoes back without slipping-off and have you perfectly poised.
Hug My Heels gel pad sticks to the inside heel of your shoes and snuggly holds them in place, unlike the shoe soles that cause problems in heeled shoes.
Hug My Heels, by Airplus for Her, are a great rescue at $5. You can buy them from walgreens.com


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Saturday, August 8, 2009

Trend Watch - Summer Booties

When the temperature soars, even the most style conscious ladies prefer their flip flops and sandals, but not this season. Summer 2009 has the all new and stylish 'Summer Booties'.

Booties in various forms are popular this Summer/Spring - from sandal booties, peed-toe booties to studded and zipped ones. Their vesatility allows them to be worn from casual to dressy events. And their ubiquity is apparent with the celebs wearing them just about everywhere whether it is the red carpet or on the streets.

Come Fall, these become Fall booties and so they are not going out of style. And the ankle booties are even going to be in style during this winter, looking at their popularity on the runways.

So grab your pair today!!!
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Rihanna in black ankle booties (left) and Cassie in Christian Louboutin Booties (right)
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Blake Lively in Marc Jacobs grey booties and Kim Kardashian in flat sandal booties
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Celebrity Bootie Spotting

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Christian Louboutin Robot 120 Boots: Doing the
rounds

These Golden Christian Louboutin Robot 120 Ankle Boots have become quite popular with celebrities. Seen on Megan Fox, Lady Gaga, Nicole Richie and Cassie. These gold patent booties with Louboutin's famous red sole are 4.5 inch high and are definitely a bold choice.

They surely suit Lady Gaga's jazzy taste. You like?
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Blake Lively is loving the Booties


Booties have becme an obsession with Blake Lively. From Chloe to Marc Jacobs to Christian Louboutins, she has a pair to flaunt.

Blake Lively in Chloe Suede Booties (left)
and Marc by Marc Jacobs Peep Toe Ankle Bootie (right), click here to buy
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Blake Lively in Christian Louboutin Armadillo Pleated Ankle Booties
available in sale for $520, click here to buy
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How to wear them?
Booties are tough to wear, as they visually shorten your legs. So its best suited for women with long, lean legs. If you really want to wear booties, pair them with a short skirt or shorts to elongate your legs as much as possible.

For the summer, sandal bootie would work best as they are perfect to show off your toes while still wearing the boot style. As the name suggests, a sandal bootie is a hybrid between an ankle boot and a sandal. This style allows your toes to breathe in the soaring temperature and is also a great transition piece for the fall.
On the lright is Givenchy's Lace open toe Sandal Bootie, available at 50% discount, click here to buy.
Pair slightly tough, open-toe booties with a floral or mini dress to get a modern yet feminine look. Black Booties gives a tough look while neutrals and metallics would lend a lighter touch. Greys have become quite popular.

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RED ALERT
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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Coco Before Chanel - get Chanel Chic

With the release of the movie Coco Beore Chanel, Coco Chanel's iconic style is back on the fashion radar. Coco Chanel’s fashion-style is a symbol of traditional elegance. Her designs are classics and emanate minimilistic chic - timeless and tasteful is what her style is.
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She was the one who gave birth to the most stylist and versatile 'Little Black Dress' and she is supposed to be the inventor of fashion jewellery. She liked to mix imitation jewels with real jewels and often combined massive amounts with sportswear. She never overloaded her clothes with useless details.

To get her covetable style think LBD, quilted bags, classic jacket, cardigan, pearls.

Look 1 - Little Black Dress


- Black Pleat Dress for £120 from Austin Reed
- Chanel Crystal Rose Necklace for $284
- Quilted Cream Clutch for £18 from Miss Selfridge

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Look 2 - Cardigan

You can exude Chanel's style by wearing a cardigan with contrasting trims or a smart tweed cardi. You can wear it with a string of pearls and a pair of heels for a sophisticated look, or pair with jeans to smarten up a causal look.


1. Contrast cardigan for £29 from Mango
2. Tweed Jacket for £49 from Promod
3. Highgate Cardigan for £65 by Elizabeth Lau from koodos
4. Black and White Cardigan for £29.5 from Marks and Spencer
5. Navy and Cream Cardigan for £35 from Miss Selfridge


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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Michelle Obama's Yellow Fever

With her unique style, Michele Obama has created quite a stir in the fashion world. Ms Obama is not afraid of experimenting and her love for colours is evident. Unlike other First Ladies, who stay in the safe zone of blacks, blues, whites and nudes, Ms Obama loves to play with colours and the sunny yellow seems to be one of her favourite choices.
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First Lady at the National Design Awards
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Michelle Obama wears a yellow Michael Kors suit at the luncheon she hosted for the National Design Awards, which she accessorised with gold bangles..



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Michelle Obama Arriving in Rome for G8 Summit

Michelle Obama arrives in Rome, Italy with President Barack Obama wearing this yellow Jason Wu sheath with a bright green flower brooch. Like her dress, and the nude pumps she is wearing.
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Michelle Obama at the Palazzo del Governo of L’Aquila, Italy
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While visiting the Palazzo del Governo in L'Aquila, Italy, Michelle wore a sunny yellow J. Crew skirt, a floral print cardigan from Liz Claiborne. She completed the look with her signature accessory, a brooch, from Moschino.

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Michelle Obama at McNair Fitness Center in Washington
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Michelle Obama wears a yellow cardigan over her dress during the United We Serve volunteer event in June at the Fort McNair fitness center in Washington, DC.
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Michelle Obama arriving in London

Michelle Obama wore a Jason Wu dress while arriving at London's Stansted International Airport that she accesorised with a black belt and black shoes. Love the colour of her dress, its fresh and soothing.
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Celeb Peek - Freida Pinto

Its been a while that we spotted Freida making an appearance, and when she did, she did it with style, keeping her style status upbeat.

She was spotted with beau Dev Patel at Film4 Summer Screen of 'Slumdog Millionaire' at London's Somerset House in a chic Stella McCartney (Resort 2010) LBD and Jimmy Choo gold stappy sandal. In the accessories department, she wore a chunky gold cuff and carried a lovely colourful beaded clutch. Though she could have done better in hair department, her hair didn't do justice to overall look.

The girl sure knows well how to keep up with the trend and carry it well too. Following the release of the movie Coco Avant Chanel, Coco Chanel's chic style has hit the fashion radar and Freida re-emphasised it with the LBD she wore. To keep up with the modern twist of LBD she chose one with mesh, which added an edge to her dress.
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Freida Pinto at Somerset House in London
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Like her shoes?
She is wearing Jimmy Choo 'Freya' Metallic Gold Sandals.
Click here to buy for £479
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