LILY ALLEN PRESSES PAUSE ON HER MUSIC CAREER

Lily Allen quits music for fashion

Singer and fashion show front row fixture Lily Allen is planning to take a time-out from music for "at least one or two years" in order to pursue a fashion career.
Allen, who has previously starred in Chanel ads and performed at the label’s most recent fashion show, has been promoting cutting-edge designers as well as established luxury brands in the past and was expected by many to "concretise" her passion for fashion in some way or the other.
Now it turns out that way will be in the form of a boutique she plans to open with her sister. To be called Lucy in Disguise, the shop will enable shoppers not only to buy clothes but also to hire or rent them, a concept already existent on some online shopping destinations and upscale vintage shops.
"It’s about getting really nice clothes but letting people rent them for affordable prices," she said, "so they can go out and feel like a million dollars and it won’t cost them a million dollars."
The idea is part of a growing "democratisation" trend in fashion, which has an increasing number of designers taking steps towards widening their reach among the masses.
Allen also plans to launch a record label and test her acting skills during her break.

51st GRAMMY AWARDS: Let's Hear It For the Boys!

Amidst all the chaotic news of Grammy weekend, there were several fashion crimes committed on the red carpet on February 8th, 2009 in Los Angeles, CA. On music's hottest night the MEN were out-shining the ladies. The musical fellas got it right and women were singing a whole new tune. Who hit a high note with their style choices? And who was way off-key?

Favorite Fellas for Grammy Fashion:

NE-YO. This is definitely the "Year of the Gentleman", because NeYo's fashion forward threads were a lethal combination of textures and precise silhouette. Love a man who can dress well, and ladies, NeYo knows how to rock a hot ensemble on any red carpet!

JAY-Z. No surprise on this one, the Jigga-man brought his A-game to the red carpet runway. He looks like a sophisticated DA and ready for trial, oh wait, he definitely will be dealing with alot of the legal issues that took place over Grammy weekend. Rockin' the shades and a clean crisp suit, which is very "Clyde", but why was his "Bonnie" not on point?

T.I. Tan suit and vest, with a funky pair of denim sums up T.I. and he continues to impress us with his style choices. I would say his style is definitely not "Dead and Gone", he knows how to bring "Sexy Back". And his fiancee gives a whole new meaning to "Bling, Bling".

ROBIN THICKE. This R&B crooner's voice isn't the only thing that is sexy and svelt, so is his fashion. Mr. Thicke definitely kept it monochromatic but did it oh-so well. His best accessory goes to his gorgeous wife, Paula in a black and peach vintage dress with cap sleeves. This couple is pure class. "How does it feel" to be a sex god in the music world?

KINGS OF LEON. Wow. These boys clean up really well and definitely get "style" points for their collaborative effort on the carpet. Each member maintaining a sense of individuality, but still remaining true to their rock image. Skinny ties seem to suit this group well. I adore the variations of textures in the lapels and the choice of leather instead of a blazer. Good job guys!

And now for the FASH-TASTROPHES, . . .Who was Off-Key at the 2009 Grammys? What were they thinking? And what husband and wife both made my "Fash-tastrophe" list. The Wow.


Wow. MIA. We know that this is one Mommy who is "Missing It All" together. I applaud fashion risks, but really? What kinda of statement is this? Baby bump or not, this is definitely a piece that should never have an encore.

Why. Paula Abdul. Hey Paula! Why would you rock a bright yellow and then add gold belts all over it? It doesn't really say "goddess", it says "hot mess". I am kinda surprised, because this "Forever Your Girl" usually does better than this, maybe she fired her stylist?!? Here's a tip that anyone can relate too, unless you are hiphop, if the words rhyme they do not go to together, hence BOLD and GOLD!

Whoa. J-Hud, this was a total dud. Napkins are meant to be on your lap, not stuffed into your decolletage. This Dream Girl didn't hit the right note in this dress. The diagonal-pleated waist looks like an electric tape belt. Although, points for her body which is looking quite fabulous. The only part of the dress that is a save is the pencil skirt that hugs her curves. We will let it go this time, since this beauty is dealing from a tremedous loss.

Whoops. Gwen, my darling Gwen, you are such a fashion icon, but maybe you were out of something to wear or Madonna was trying to play "stylist"? That is the only possible reason that you would've ever chosen this fash-tastrophe! Gwen's impeccable taste typically includes Lanvin to Galliano to Chanel, this glittery outfit is a total miss on the fashion radar. And leggings? We know the Grammy's are not the Oscars but they also aren't a Hannah Montana video casting.

What were THEY thinking? Coldplay's fashion was bizarre?? To say the least, maybe whoever styled Gwen wanted to style the boys of ColdPlay too and maybe that person should be exiled to Tacky Island? These guys are #1 on the charts, but off the charts when it comes to style. These boys are not known for style, but Chris, we love the vintage rock tees, distressed blazers and scarfs that you rock all over NYC. But the "ColorBlinded" Sergeant Peppers get-up is just not a good look! What were YOU thinking??

The Grammy's are always known for the insane fashion choices that are made. Image Consultants are used at every reputable label. They are the people who help to develop the artist's over all image by listening to the music and marrying the two together to create a marketable package that the media will love. Music artists use fashion as an expression, but ask yourself, what kind of expression are you trying to make? a noted and respected one? or one that makes us want to hire you a good stylist?