Saturday, October 24, 2009

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 8 in a series of 10

#8 Leather-- leather has been deemed by fashion critics, a
key piece for fall. Designers got real crazy this year featuring leather with everything from evening gowns to leggings. Most will continue to put it over a tank top or t-shirt, and pair it with jeans or a mini skirt for the ideal outfit.

These top two looks on the right are both "splurges" and the price will be the clear reason why, and both are available at Bloomingdale's. First is the washed leather double breasted jacket by Joie. The jacket features bronze buttons with dramatic seven button cuffs; the style ties back to the "military look". Dry clean only, $638, www.bloomingdales.com keyword leather jacket.







The next "splurge" is "Desiree", the strapless leather panel dress by Theory. Elastic band in bust and side zipper, dry clean only, $395. www.bloomingdales.com keyword leather clothing.















These next two looks are faux leather looks by Express, both are very tailored and very affordable. On the right is the faux leather blazer, it's the animal friendly alternative to real leather, and has the same look and feel, $98

The faux leather pencil skirt is lined, side zip, and is spot clean, and for only $69.50 it's perfect for just about any social gathering.

These last two looks are "deals" and both are available at Style-Rush. The faux leather military jacket in a shade of caramel is $35.00 http://style-rush.net/fall-winter-2009/outerwear/










Faux leather bomber jacket in light charcoal, $38.00 http://style-rush.net/fall-winter-2009/outerwear/




Tuesday, October 20, 2009

American Idol Update

According to www.mtv.com, some new information is available about the new albums for last season's top 4 on American Idol.

Adam Lambert's new album will be called For Your Entertainment and will be released on November 23rd. His song, "Time for Miracles" will be a part of the upcoming movie "2012". The following songs are said to be part of his new album, "Suburban Decay", "Winners", and "Music Again" all produced by Rob Cavallo who has produced for Green Day. "What Do You Want From Me" was written by Pink and Max Martin and left on the cutting room floor of her Funhouse album. "Loaded Smile" written by Adam and Linda Perry (Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful") and "Strut" a collaboration between Adam and judge Kara DioGuardi will also appear on the album. Adam just recently revealed that he recorded a song that was written by Lady Gaga, whether or not it will appear on his album, we will have to wait and see.

Allison Iraheta's Just Like You will drop December 1st and "Friday I'll Be Over You" will be her first single and was penned by Max Martin; it has already leaked to radio-stations and online and as a result will be released officially sooner rather than later. Also included on the album, "Beat Me Up" produced by Kevin Rudolf, and a collabo between David Hodges and Allison called "You Don't Know Me".

Kris Allen's album is set with a November 17th drop date, and Danny Gokey will come out with a country influenced album in 2010.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 7 in a series of 10


#7 Plaids-- Many fashion critics are calling this season one that is "mad about plaid". Plaids and tartans are showing up on everything from dresses to coats to shirts. Coach has even designed a series of plaid handbags (tip: go to http://www.coach.com/ and type "tartans" in the keyword space). The best thing about this season's plaids is that they aren't just flannels; they are colorful, fun, and most of all, feminine.

On the left is the "punk princess" strapless dress by Roxy and available at Nordstrom. Metallic fibers are worked into the dress to give it a sparkly look with angled pockets to finish; $54.50. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3070009/0~2378467~2378483~2377032~6008190?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6008190&P=1
This look, the Buffalo Plaid Roll Sleeve Shirt, is available at Macy's for $35.00 and is by American Rag. This machine washable shirt hits at the hip and is available in three colors black/purple (seen here), black/white, and black/turquoise. It is paired here with faux leather leggings but also goes great with jeans or a fitted skirt.


This little "splurge" is by So Low; the Ruffled Plaid Dress is available at Bloomingdale's for $96.00. The cotton/ spandex dress is machine washable; wear it as seen here for a feminine look or toughen it up with boots.
www.bloomingdales.com keyword: plaid dress
On the left and available at Express, this Stretch Crinkle Shirt is good for work or after work and is only $49.50. It's machine washable and comes in three color ways, purple (seen here), black, or red.

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 6 in a series of 10

#6 Jewel Tones-- What better way to brighten up the short fall and winter days than with jewel tones? They're back this season burgundy and wine, electric purple and eggplant, sapphire blue and teal, and emerald green; they're a sure way to color things up.

Every year, The Gap does not fail to impress with an array of colorful sweaters, the top two are a couple of my favorites. On the right, the ruffle front henley sweater (in new vineyard). At $44.50, the machine wash sweater is 80% cotton, 15% viscose rayon, and 5% cashmere; it is also available in 7 other colors.
http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8998&vid=1&pid=691476





The Gap's Luxe V Neck Sweater on the right is their basic sweater this season. Available in 7 colors, it is supersoft and can be paired with jeans, a tweed/ plaid skirt, only for $39.50.
On the right is the Flapper Dress, being offered at http://style-rush.net, it is only $28! This dress is perfect for a night out in the city.
Finally, there is the One Button Collar Knit Tunic for $27, also from StyleRush. For a basic look pair it with jeans, black pants, or leggings. If you are feeling more daring wear it with some tights as a dress. The tunic will look great with boots or heels.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 5 in a series of 10



#5 Black and White-- a continuing trend from spring, the ever popular black and white has found its way into the fall. The simplicity of black and white this season will be brought to life by patterns and textures that will keep the classic looking fresh.
The top two looks (shown on the left are affordable looks). First we have the black button down shirt with a tiered ruffle trim available on my new fave fashion website http://style-rush.net/. Purchase it now for only $25 at http://style-rush.net/fall-winter-2009/tops-tunics/.







This other affordable buy also comes from Style-Rush, and is the white sheer fan top available for $26 and you can use the link above to purchase it.


















The bottom two looks are splurges for this season. The look on the left is by Free People and is the black one shoulder zipper minidress. It is surprisingly machine washable and is available for $128 at Bloomingdale's; pair it with some great shoes and accessories for a chic look.
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=440357&CategoryID=12939&PageID=12938*1*24*-1*-1*1



This last spluge look is available exclusively at Bloomingdale's and is by Aqua. The hooded leather jacket is an essential for fall and has a full zip front with ribbed cuffs and hems for $238. The Aqua boyfriend tee can also be worn with jeans or a mini skirt or leggings as seen here and is $48. Finally to finish off the look are the animal print leggings for $48. Wear them with a pair of boots and you're hot for fall.

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=444551

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 4 in a series of 10

#4 Chunky Jewelry: Here are some jewelry trends that will be "in"
now through through winter 2010-- big and bold jewelry with
lots of color; coral, yellow, and turquoise will be hot!
--necklaces that are dramatic or have unique shapes to them
--cuff bracelets and rings especially the ones with large stones
--natural stones to give a natural look
--anything black or black diamond
--the multi strand necklace
--big hoop earrings in gold, silver, or colors

On the right, turquoise earrings and a ring (2 for $10) available for a limited time only at http://style-rush.net/ (I will post more on this site in the future; it's a gem!). http://style-rush.net/steals-deals/accessories/





On the right, the multi strand beaded stones necklace ($7.80) available at Forever 21 along with tons of other affordable jewelry to accessorize any outfit.

buy the necklace: http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=acc%5Fjewelry&product%5Fid=1068925742&Page=12#









shop Forever 21 jewelry: http://www.forever21.com/category.aspcatalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_jewelry&Page=1

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 3 in a series of 10


#3 Chunky Sweaters: The chunky sweater is back and better than ever. Besides being able to wear them pretty much anywhere because they come dressy or casual; you can wear them not only for style but warmth.

On the left, the elbow sleeve cowl neck sweater, available at Ann Taylor Loft for $49.50



http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=21557&N=1200006&categoryId=200&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_200&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Majestic%20Plum%20Melange&defaultSizeType=Regular




On the left, the merino wool colorblock cardigan, available at Banana Republic for $98.00

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=51428&vid=1&pid=690936




Friday, October 9, 2009

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 2 in a series of 10

#2 Military Look: Partially inspired by Michael Jackson and his death, the military look can be worn any way you see fit to create a sexy tomboy look. It includes lots of buttons, and almost always appears very tailored and fitted.

The Military Button Pencil Skirt on the right is from Charlotte Russe, and at only $22.99, it's a steal!

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3772652




Express is saying that "Military Details" is a style that they love this season and they are offering the cap sleeved belted shirt dress is a variety of designs and colors. It's machine washable and only $69.50







http://www.express.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=19868&parentCategoryId=2&categoryId=444&subCategoryId=531


Express also offers their Knit Double Breasted Military Jacket which was featured in the September '09 issue of InStyle Magazine. The jacket is machine washable and is $79.50.







http://www.express.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=22046&parentCategoryId=2&categoryId=444&subCategoryId=531

Style Files: Is Fall 2009 Back to the 80's? Part 1 in a series of 10

For the past month or so I have been observing fashion trends for fall 2009, and I have come to the conclusion that this season has taken us back to the 80's.

#1 Animal Prints: Worn best when split with a solid color, particularly black or a bright color. Wear it in dress form, a skirt, a shirt, or leggings, and you're sure to be a hit.
Go to Forever 21's website for an outfit featuring animal print leggings-- http://www.forever21.com/looks/looks_product.asp?id=20090924-09
The dress on the left is from Nordstrom, "As You Wish" available in the junior's dept. for $64.


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

American Idol Update

Carrie Underwood premiered the video for her new single "Cowboy Casanova" from her upcoming and third solo album, "Play On"--- http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/us/news/carrie-part-cmts-big-music-weekend-check-out-video-premiere-her-new-single-cowboy-casanova

The CMA's will air on November 11the live on ABC with cohosts Miss Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley who will both also perform at the event along with Taylor Swift (who is up for entertainer of the year), Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney.