Is Bigger Always Better?

What is it with those oversized handbags that make everyone love them so much? Is it that they can practically store your whole life inside them? Or is it the bigger the better for making a fashion statement? I think there is a fine line between good large and being too large for a handbag. For one thing, it should not overwhelm the woman wearing it. Granted like other trends, not everyone can pull it off. If the bag looks like it’s bigger than you are (sorry petites!) then I suggest steering clear and going with a bag that’s more appropriate proportionally. However, on the right figure they are somehow instantly slimming, making their owner look delicate in comparison. Secondly, as much as it seems possible to store a never-ending list of things inside the bottomless pit that these bags are, it shouldn’t be so weighed down and heavy that it strains the back or shoulder when wearing it. According to the Daily Mail’s article "How Heavy is Your Handbag", “extra pressure on backs and shoulders could lead to severe long-term skeletal and muscular damage….The ideal weight is said to be no more than 1kg, or 2.2lb.” With the extra contents stuffed into an over sized bag, they can weigh up to 5lbs! For lugging around a vast array of electronic gadgetry in addition to cosmetics, books and other paraphernalia, the big bag enables women to carry one single item. And sure they come in handy to have all that extra storage space strapped to your body, but don’t go overboard.

They are good for traveling though, where all that extra storage space is needed to pack away your belongings for a trip. Young celebrities like Lauren Conrad, Victoria Beckham, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Katie Holmes, and Cameron Diaz sport designer super-sized bags all the time, giving the trend another time around with popularity. Despite their popularity, not everyone is a fan of big bags, however. Some people, like me, feel that some tend to be overpriced. If you ask me, most handbags are not only ludicrously large, but shockingly expensive. It seems the bigger the bag, the bigger the price tag. This season, handbag designers are pushing larger bags in all shapes and sizes, from satchels, messenger and totes to vintage-style doctor bags. Be sensible when buying a bag. No matter how much space you have, try not to be tempted to load it more than you actually need. An over sized designer bag may be large and trendy but that does not mean that it needs to contain everything but the kitchen sink!

Adding Muscle to Skinny Jeans

The most pulled-together and fashion forward males are wearing tighter and tighter pants these days. Such celebrities as Pete Wentz, all of the Jonas Brothers, Zac Efron and Johnny Depp have all been seen sporting skinny jeans for men, bringing the popularity they once had from the 90s back into trend. Guys with more of an edgy or artistic style could pull them off: musicians, photographers and producers, among others. Those certain skinny body types are the ones who can pull off this sharp look, and have been more recently preferred by women for men as attractive compared to baggy and sloppier jeans. The most appealing ones are of dark hues in either black, dark blue, or grey. Those daring ones that I have also seen are unconventional bright colors like red, yellow, green and purple. These jeans actually give the male form a silhouette and are a look of savvy confidence. I have to admit when they first came back, I thought it was quite weird that men were wearing jeans with the same fit that I had in my drawers. But now I find them more polished and chic, in the male sense of it all. Males, take your pick from men's, women's or unisex versions. Yes, some guys these days shop in the women's section to get what they want from their favorite stores. Employees at Hollister, H&M and Abercrombie & Fitch say they've seen more male customers examining the shelves and racks of women's clothes. Because those stores don't sell men's skintight jeans, fearless guys cross over to the feminine side to find the styles for about $50 to more than $100. One designer that the celebrities like for his skinny jeans is Moschino. And the best thing about this designer's jeans is that they are actually affordable to the non-celebrity men who dare to wear skinny jeans.

Underwear Scare

Women everywhere beware! Victoria’s Secret bras have recently been found to be contaminated with formaldehyde, leaving wearers very itchy! Roberta Ritter, a 37 year old woman from Ohio, was the first to be scarred by their infected lingerie and has filed a lawsuit against them. Specifically the Angels Secret Embrace and Very Sexy Extreme Me Push-Up styles seemed to be the guilty culprits for which lab tests were done on them to find what was causing such a fuss. VS blatantly denies that this could be true, however they, like any other company, wouldn’t want to admit that their quality control was not up to par in catching this before their bras hit the stores. Surprisingly, Ritter isn’t the only woman that has come forward with this problem. Dozens of others have found their bras leaving them with more than just the needed support they thought they were buying. Although this outbreak may not have been caused by the Victoria’s Secret Company placing formaldehyde in the bras, somehow along the way of production the contaminant made its way in. No word yet on if there will be a recall of the products in question, so they will still be in the stores for more people to buy. I don’t know about you, but that news doesn’t really make me want to go there and buy myself a bra with detrimental side effects! As for those women who have already been blistered, they are in the process of filing paper for a class-action suit, hoping that VS will reimburse them for their medical bills and suffering. Coming from the world’s most recognized lingerie brand, this is completely shocking to me as well as the thousands of women who immediately go to “Vicky’s Secret” the minute they need or want to fill that underwear void. But I’m sure I won’t be alone in my hesitation for shopping there anytime soon, as sad as that may sound. Not trying to give my favorite underwear store a bad rap, but I’m just as shocked as the rest of you and don’t know when the next time will be that I’ll be brave enough to buy their bras again.

Our Furry Friends Can Be Recycled Now?!

Just when you thought you had seen it all this comes along…Have you ever even thought it would be possible to create eco-friendly fur coats? I didn’t either. But the impossible has just become possible. Japanese designer Chie Imai has come out with her Royal Chie 2008-2009 collection which she and her daughter recently debuted on Oct. 28. to a group of New Yorkers such as Spike Lee and Tonya Lee Lewis, Ivanka Trump and her brother Donald Trump with his wife Vanessa and daughter Kai Madison and model Irina Pantaeva. How does she do it you ask? She combines the highest grade of chinchilla fur from Finland with a recycled fabric made from used polyester by Japanese chemical company Teijin Limited. The recycled fabric comes from used polyester linings of their coats to create a recycled fabric for the sporting company's line. This has been used before in this way but never has it been used for a luxury product like this before. She began designing in 1982 and has used her expertise to create something that was both innovative and something that could be worn by her customers wanting to participate in the "green" movement. She also wanted to highlight the beauty of the fabric, which is both waterproof and breathable. The experimentation she embellished on not only was about the making of the fur coats, but the bold jewel tones of the coats were stepping away from the typical designs. I personally love the unique designs she made and I am all for embracing the environmentally friendly approach she is taking for the fashion industry. However, whenever there is fur involved in making garments I am a little bit disgusted. No matter how much of a positive change this is in instead of killing off new animals to make fur coats, animals’ skins are nevertheless being used. If attaining the fur is done in a humane way, coming from animals that are already dead, that is acceptable in my eyes. But I’m sure, as we all know there are more fur coats being mass produced than there are naturally deceased animals being made and never will I buy a real fur coat for that reason.

First Lady Fashion

As the entire nation watched on this past Tuesday night, Barak Obama became the first African American male to be elected to serve our country. This history making moment was one that our generation will never forget and we as a country now hope to benefit from having this fresh and promising candidate take seat in the White House. All this is so grand and all, but the point I’m trying to get to here is that sure, I was listening to every word he had to say in his victory speech that was broadcasted on national television, but I couldn’t help but notice the clothing that he and his family were wearing. Not only were they as usually sophisticated and sharp looking, but he, his wife Michelle, and his two daughters were all matching. The red and black dress Michelle Obama was wearing (designed by Narciso Rodriguez in his Spring 2009 collection) was picked up in both Barack’s black suit and red tie and the daughters dresses, one in black and the other in red. I loved that! I don’t know if they have a stylist, although I’m sure they will from now on if they don’t already, but I just thought that was so perfect to be coordinated like that and the good-looking family sure pulled it off. It’s been seen throughout the campaign that Michelle has supported the fashion industry with designers like Maria Pinto, Thakoon, Isabel Toledo, and others when wearing their creations to other public speeches and occasions, but I’m sure this one will make its mark because it will be just so memorable. Not only is this the first Presidential family to represent the multicultural diversity of this country, but the Obama family has a sense of style. Of course they got my vote!

Who Knew Vintage Was So Hot?

Juliana Cairone’s store, Rare Vintage, is the latest hot-spot for celebrities to find vintage finds from old time designers. Located in midtown Manhattan on 57th street, this boutique is the prime supplier of museum quality collectibles that are chosen by the owner that are classic but wearable for high-end events and glamorous affairs. Cairone’s love of fashion started at 11 years old, when she contacted Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute to donate her grandmother’s dress from the 1950s. She was turned down for her offer, but that didn’t stop her and her love of reviving the old and makes a fortune off of doing just that and selling these antiques in her store.
Some of her most notorious customers are Angelina Jolie, Kate Beckinsdale, and Jennifer Connelly as well as numerous other socialites who receive extreme luxuries, like champagne served while they shop, and personal attention in Cairone’s store. Pieces from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s are part of her coveted collection. Evening gowns are her specialty and her collection has accumulated ones from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Roberto Capucci, Loris Azzaro, Ossie Clark and many others. There is an assortment of sexy Little Black Dresses from Alaia and Herve Leger as well as daywear from Gucci, Ungaro, Missoni and YSL. Cairone plans to expand to shoes and accessories this fall and should be carrying vintage Manolo Blahniks soon among other designers. . And now it has become a must stop shop for all stylists, actresses and serious collectors and lovers of fashion.

Check out this video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDaMkuSrjRI

Tartan: Not Your Lumberjack Red and Black

Apparently red and black aren’t just for the flannel wearing lumberjack anymore! I don’t mean just the colors of course since everyone can rock those. I’m talking about the tartan pattern that has come about as this winter’s new go-to pattern. (Which seems to be leaving last winter’s houndstooth just dwindling down in its popularity status?) From the preppiest of people to the most hardcore rocker, when paired with the best accessories, tartan can cover broad spectrums of style. It comes in jackets most often, but more and more there have been covering other accessories like belts, hats, headbands, shoes, handbags and clutches.
That’s not to say a whole outfit has to consist of this pattern in order to coordinate…no way. Instead of overkill, one or two items of this bold pattern are enough to set a statement look. It can be paired with black to accentuate the red in it, or red to enhance the black. Other neutral colors like white or grey are perfect for it as well. Rather than the distressed lumberjack look of the past, tartan is now taking on a more polished or edgy look. And the most successful tartan wearers take that into consideration. I’m giving this trend news-worthy attention because I have been seeing it practically everywhere! The most fashion-forward stores are carrying them, echoing from the runways of Ralph Laurent and Luella Bartley. Of course, as to be predicted, once word hits around about the trends people are emptying the shelves in stores and displaying their fashion senses to the streets. What was once originally and down and dirty kind of pattern has been highlighted in a way that no one has ever thought of with newly designed shapes and cuts that are making all of us very happy. I know I approve and have a tartan jacket that I absolutely love.

Retro Chic

Mini-skirts. Dangling earrings. Big hair. Leggings. Suddenly, fashion trends of the 80s (and some of the scariest ones, too) are making repeats. And not just the 80s. Bell-bottoms, halter tops, and long hair have all come back, too – trends we thought were long gone from the 70s.What makes repeating so appealing when it comes to couture? Retro is in, and even punk rock (something else that began in the 80s) is coming back. When it comes to fashion, are we really moving forward – or just repeating the trends of the past?
Though it would seem natural to assume that the best trends would never die out, in fashion this is not the case. Some of the most horrible fashion mistakes have actually made a huge comeback. That the worst fashion trends always re-surface is one of the strange mysteries of style. If shoulder pads on women can come back, the door is open for all sorts of couture horrors. The reason: fashion is always interesting, always something worth discussing, always exciting with its ever-changing nature. If fashion trends stayed the same, women would still be in hoop skirts and men would wear zoot suits every day. We want fashion to change, and the blending of the old with the new is just another facet o fashion – and why you should never get rid of your big earrings, mini skirts, and capri pants. No matter what it is, if you wear it once it will be inn fashion eventually to wear it again. When it comes to style, it’s always in fashion to recycle and re-use the old to create something stunning and new. So don’t be afraid to keep items in the closet perhaps long after they’ve become unfashionable.

You Know You Love It

This day and age, TV shows are one of the most influential media sources little people like you and I watch on a regular basis. The select few that we can keep up with are not only highly addictive and entertaining to watch, but for those in the know, they are the best for admiring the wardrobes of the most fashionable TV characters. One show in particular that is booming with buzz worthy attention is the CW Network’s Gossip Girl. The notoriously affluent Upper East Side high-schoolers on this show are all about appearances and have the fabulous designer clothing to prove it. While Blair Waldorf, with her very preppy style, shops at Bergdorf Goodman’s, Serena Van Der Woodsen, the eclectic bohemian, costs herself a pretty penny at Barney’s and other high end stores. The viewer never sees these girls shopping on the show much, if ever, but the rich selection of their attire blatantly screams “I have money and I splurge on style.” Yes, this is the purposeful depiction of the glamorous life of growing up rich in NYC leave us jealous. Unless we are as well off as they are, we tend to feel Jenny Humphrey’s pain when all the girls of her school can afford these beautiful but outlandish pleasantries and she is just trying to fit in on her more down-to-earth budget. I can admit that those wardrobe stylists have me salivating over everything these girls wear week after week. And it is even hard for me to pick a favorite. These actresses can pull off these not-for-everyday looks with classic elegance that will make you want it all.

You know you love it, XOXO Gossip Girl!

Check out this video for more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO0WIt-fhmI

My Madness is for Fashion

I want to make this blog my own. Giving my unique ideas and opinions, I will be reporting on what is new and what is now. I would hope to write about the latest and greatest designers and fashion trends that occur each and every week. To make this blog special, I will provide my critiques and comments, hoping to make you agree (or even disagree) with what I have to say. I believe what makes a good blog is something that is relatable; one that someone can stumble upon one day and think, “Wow, I feel like that’s something I would say” or “This person is so much like me.” I honestly have never really followed a blog, nor have I really been interested in making one of my own until now. I would like to bring all my thoughts to the net in a way that I have never done before. There may be no consistency between one entry to the next, since random things may come to mind and just force me to write about them. And there may be times that I touch upon something that I have written about before, but for those things I promise not to dwell on them for long because redundancy gets so played out. Essentially, there is no method to my madness. My madness is for fashion, the very fabric of my being, which excites me everyday and makes me want to be a part of this beautifully stylish world. Fashion is personal to reflect wearers’ personalities, interchangeable to mix and match to create a new look all the time, and unpreventable because everyone has to wear it. There is nothing more attractive to me than a perfectly put together garment that makes a statement in a way that nothing else can.