NARCISO RODRIGUEZ GOES VIRAL

On February 15, 2010 the Narciso Rodriguez for eBay Collection will officially be on-sale. The designer’s first-ever original capsule collection will be sold exclusively through the Narciso Rodriguez eBay store (www.ebay.com/narcisorodriguezforebay) and redefines how and where savvy shoppers can buy designer fashion at extraordinary value.

The eight-piece limited-edition collection bears the designer’s signature, streamlined look and sophisticated color blocking, created in a red, black and white color palette. The collection will be offered at accessible, fixed price points ranging from $65 - $350, in sizes 0 to 14, and available for purchase exclusively through the Narciso Rodriguez eBay store.

Download the eBay iPhone app now to shop the Narciso Rodriguez for eBay Collection on the go starting February 15.

HE SHOOTS HE SCORES

Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo strips down and flaunts those famous abs of his for the Spring/Summer 2010 campaigns for Emporio Armani Men’s Underwear and Armani Jeans.
The 24-year-old Portuguese stud, who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid and the national Portuguese team, replaced David Beckham who has been the spokesmodel for Emporio Armani Men’s Underwear since January 2008.
Full-sized pictures to come tomorrow. Stay tuned for more Cristiano goodness!
Yesterday, Megan Fox’s underwear ads for Armani were released.

SEXY AS EVA

Calvin Klein

Eva Mendes and model Jamie Dornan get greased up and writhe around in new Calvin Klein ads.

Calvin Klein

Mendes and Dornan model the denim brand's new Whitewashed jeans.

Calvin Klein

The sexy new ads will hit billboards this spring.

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• Times Square billboard rides Obama's coattails without consent

Winter just got a little bit warmer thanks to Eva Mendes.
The sultry actress stars in a new ad campaign for Calvin Klein that is guaranteed to stop traffic – again.
Wearing nothing but the denim brand's new Whitewashed jeans, an oiled-up Mendes and model Jamie Dornan wrestle around in the hot sand in a series of ads that will hit billboards this spring, reports the U.K.'s Marie Claire.
Though this isn't the first time Mendes has shed her clothes for the controversial company, this may certainly be the most jaw-dropping.
In November, the actress and Dornan were featured on a Calvin Klein billboard in the heart of SoHo that drew both displeasure and appreciation from spectators.
A sweaty Mendes was pictured wearing sheer lingerie and tugging at the boxer briefs of a glistening Dornan.
Mendes, 35, previously bared all in steamy television ads for the company's Secret Obsession fragrance that were banned from American airwaves in 2008 because they were deemed too risqué.

FOR MIKE: MILITARY TRENDS 2010

Mens Military Trend on the runway 2009-2010
Runway looks by Gareth Pugh, D&G, Burberry Prorsum, and John Galliano

The military shape always has been a fashion driven trend for the colder months; but for Autumn (Fall)/Winter 2009-2010 designers such as Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano and Burberry have modified and transformed the combat uniform from the past to the now. Gareth Pugh, with eight of the most unusual menswear collections for A/W 09-10 has brought inspiration from the likes of spanish officer overcoats from the Second World War to the metal chain mail suits that were worn under suits of armour.

Follow up:

Both the entertainment industry and world events play a vital role in fashion. While the world is at war in the Middle East, you will notice an emphasis on military details in menswear and then worldy patterns/prints in women's wear. Not only have political events inspired the latest trends in 2010, but with the loss of the greatest entertainer of all time, in Michael Jackson have pushed the bold militant coats. Movies can also be seen as a heavy influence in Pugh's A/W collection with feathers for shoulder decoration as inspiration from The Crow including the Gothic ripped trousers and black boots and the metallic body combat suit, a similar cut to Christian Bale's costume in Equilibrium.
Burberry have opted for the more settled approach to the trend with tailored coats inspiring from french naval officers as well as a seven tone pea coat that is linked again to the Second World War.
End of work John Galliano has expanded the elderly swash-buckling clothing that the pirates and elderly Captains would have worn on the ships of the deepest seas. they included the elderly white wigs and fold-over leather boots to help support the history that they is repeating on the catwalk.
D&G have used the patterned Musketeer jacket detailing that was later used on band uniforms and other military jackets. No doubt the high street will be speedy to follow in their footsteps with this popular design.

365 DAYS OF STYLE: DAY 7

DAY 7: PRIM & PROPER. All fashion trends are cyclical, and in recent years have gradually modernised the looks of the 20th Century and planted them firmly in the 21st. And so too it is with men's hair trends in 2010: it's out with the new, and in with the old. Or at least an old hair style with a new twist.

2010 sees men's hair styles fall into two distinct categories: school boy and rocker. But while the rocker look is certainly a 20th Century creation, the resulting hair style finds its roots (if you'll pardon the pun) distinctly in 19th Century Britain. And so it is in 2010; while the odd 2010 runway collection featured something akin to a grunge revival, the majority of us will live out 2010 with a refined, classically inspired hair cut.

365 DAYS OF STYLE: DAY 7

DAY 7: HELLO YELLOW. Not sure what hue is going to be in demand this Spring/Summer? Say hello, to yellow. This primary color is going to be HUGE. You will see it in solids, patterns, and prints. A little ray of sunshine goes along way, so dabble in this color with caution!

FASHION REWIND: The 36th Annual People's Choice Awards

The 36th Annual People's Choice Awards officially kicked off award season in Hollywood tonight. The Nokia Theater was shining bright with stars. Some of them showed up ready to strut their stuff and others were left in their stardust. The People's Choice Awards is an awards show recognizing the people and the work of popular culture. The show has been held annually since 1975 and is voted on by the general public. The People's Choice Awards air on CBS and Queen Latifah was an amazing host.

Her majesty reigned supreme with over a dozen gown changes all that flattered her voluptuous figure. Mary J. Blige performed her new hit "Who I Am". The sexy R&B crooner looked fabulous with her black fitted dress with shoulder pads. It was nice to see a diva rise after tabloid scrutiny a month ago, you can't cheat fabulousity!


So, the winners of the night like Ellen DeGeneres, The Proposal, The Big Bang Theory, were all deserving of their awards, but now it's time to talk FASHION winners, because after all, the only image burned into our memories is the GOOD, BAD, and the UGLY.

1. CARRIE COUTURE. Country sweetheart, Carrie Underwood glowed in her couture dress. Not only did she win Best Country singer of the night, but this bride-to-be is getting ready for her TV closeup. According to People.com country superstar Carrie Underwood will appear in an upcoming episode as Tiffany, a love interest for Ted (Josh Radnor). We love Carrie's stylist who keeps her constantly fresh, chic, and sophisticated.

2. SHE IS NEVER BAD IN FASHION, ALL BY HERSELF. Taraji P. Henson left us breathless in a one-shoulder rouched floor length gown. She was ravishing on the red carpet with her impeccable sense of fashion. From last year's award season, Henson strives to find her footing as one of Hollywood's hottest fashion icons. Dying to see what Golden Globes and Oscars have in store for us!

3. MODERN MAMACITA. Columbian goddess, Sofia Vergara's beauty is flawless. She represented for the curvy girls in a 'caliente' strapless ensemble. And elevated not only heart rates but took the outfit to a whole new level with bold beaded statement necklace. I love women who can pull it together and make it look effortless. Muy bonita!

4. NIECY 'NAILED IT. Style Network's curvy-licious cutie worked the red carpet in her perfect asymmetrical pink gown. This Clean House star cleans up quite well.

5. YOU'VE GOT MALE. I typically give #5 to just one person, but I couldn't help but give the men a little love, because they actually impressed me rocking some of 2010's hottest trends. Christian Slater and Omar Epps were devilishly dapper in their monochromatic suit, shirt, and tie- look. HOT! HOT! HOT! High school hotties, Greg Finley and Darren Kagasoff showed off their handsome grey threads, while Hugh Jackman and Taylor Lautner kept it clean, classic, and ooooohh so sexy in a white dress shirt and crisp suit. Delish!

With the fashion winners, . . . there are the fash-tastrophes. And who tops my list of the 5 People who need to Fire their Stylists. Here goes, . . .the wow, why, whoa, whoops, and what was she thinking?

WOW. "I DON'T", like "The Proposal" starlet, Sandra Bullock's choice. It looks like bed drapes and sloppy, we were hoping that she'd get it together. I mean, don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Sandy, and this is not the last we will see of her this year. But I am hoping that when she accepts her Best Actress at the Academy Awards, that I can also tag her Best Dressed.

WHY. "The Secret Life of" Style, is what it should be called, because it's obviously a secret how to get dressed also. Megan Park and her co-star, Francia Raisa need to go back to home-ec, those dresses look like a kindergartner made them in "arts and craft" time. With teen-tween princesses like Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, and Demi Lovato, these little girls need to take some serious notes. Even the Glee girls showed up in style.

WHOA. No Love, for HBO's "Big Love" star, Ginnifer Goodwin this time around. Although black and white, the colors are on trend, this dress was all wrong. He's Just Not That Into You, well we know why!

WHOOPS. NCIS has a new meaning tonight- NO CLEAVAGE IN SHIRT. Actress, Daniela Ruah, although gorgeous, needs to put the girls into the corset to make it work. And I am all for a great suit, but a see-thru corset that doesn't fit is not HOT! Try again!

WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? Para-NO MORE. Front woman, Hayley Williams, cute and quirky red hair and punked out look work, but did I miss something? Did she forget that it's not Halloween? Because Little Bo Peep called and wants her dress back. Bow-distaster!







Until next time, . . .Critics Choice, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes are on the horizon, . . .will 2010 red carpet be a MEMORABLE one or one not worth remembering? Stay tuned, . . .

365 DAYS OF STYLE: DAY 4

DAY 4: TRAIL BLAZERS. Menswear is still around ladies and with good cause. What is sexier than a fun blazer over a simple cami, a cocktail dress, or laced corset? The blazer is every girl's best friend because it gives you an instant-hourglass figure. If you don't have one, you need to INVEST!

365 DAYS OF STYLE: DAY 3

DAY 3: BIG BABY. Not sure what to think about 2010's new accessory trends? Try this one on for size, STATEMENT jewelry. I love this bib necklace, it can be worn with a basic t-shirt and jeans or worn with a LBD for date night. Make a statement without saying a word!

365 DAYS OF STYLE: DAY 2

DAY 2: CHAIN GANG. Chain! Chain! Chain! Don't be a fool and start this new year with a CHAIN-GE in your handbag. The unique and vintage feel of a chain handbag is classic and elegant. All the stars have begun to show their love of the timeless chains, you should too!

365 DAYS OF STYLE: DAY 1

DAY 1: SAIL AWAY. Ever since we saw Audrey Tatou portray the lovely stripes in Coco Before Chanel, nautical stripes are sailing back into style. Not a fan of horizontal stripes, fear no more, pair a navy and white striped tee with a denim jacket and white slacks. AHOY HOTTIE!

PARTY ATTIRE MUST-HAVES

Keep these 10 fashion items on hand and you'll be ready for any special occasion, from winter formals to holiday parties. All it takes are a few dressy basics to mix and match your way to glamorous party success!


1. THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS (LBD). It just doesn't get any better than a perfect little black dress for party wear. The newest (and most flattering) length falls modestly right below the knee. Satin, velvet, jersey and crepe are some of the best fabrications for this style.

2. BEADED BLOUSE. Head-to-toe beading is too much, but a sparkly top is festive enough to stand on its own. An embellished cardigan looks especially fresh right now. Pair with black trousers or a straight skirt, pull back your hair and slick on red lips for a classic party look.

3. GREAT TROUSER. A wider-leg pant is the perfect special occasion partner for sexy tops and jackets. Choose basic colors -- black and winter white are faves -- and festive fabrics (velvet, satin, crepe).

4. DRESSY WRAP. A beautiful shawl does more than just look good: it can cover bare shoulders, too. Embroidered styles go great with basic strapless dresses; velvets and fringed pieces add richness to separates. Stick with a shawl in approximately the same fabric "weight" as your outfit (you wouldn't want to pair a heavy velvet piece with a gossamer gown).

5. PERFECT CLUTCH. Complete your outfit with a sophisticated clutch bag. Look for clean lines with subtle details (like gold or silver hardware) to get the most mileage. Some styles have short strap to go over your shoulder or a loop to hang around your wrist, but holding a dainty bag in your hand is still the chicest way to go.

6. AMAZING HEEL. These high-heels will go with everything from pants to little black dresses. Added bonus: unlike sandals, where you have to worry about your hose seams showing on the toes, mules have covered toes so sheer hosiery looks great!

7. VELVET JACKET. The dressy jacket is a staple because it classes up everything from simple white blouses to plain black trousers. Burn-out and embroidery are two finishes that add interest; look for traditionally rich velvet colors like black and burgundy.

8. BEAUTIFUL BLING. If you can swing it (and there are plenty of good buys out there), real diamonds are the only way to go. Hoops, drops and studs are all popular styles. Just pair your earrings to your updo (the more pulled back/up your hair, the longer the earring).

9. A LITTLE SHIMMER. Dust sparkly powders in pink or flesh tones wherever you want more attention: bare shoulders, cleavage, etc.

10. SEXY CAMISOLE. Looks great bare or under a jacket. Pair with a dressy skirt for special occasions or toughen it up with faded jeans for daytime.

SEX AND THE CITY 2 MOVIE POSTER REVEALED

We're giving you the chance to have an exclusive first look at the new poster for 'Sex and the City 2' here.
Returning in their starring roles are Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon.
Speaking about filming the movie, Parker said: "It's a great privilege to be spending time again with this beloved cast and crew and to be filming in New York City.We look forward to the next few months of this adventure."

There's still six months to go before Sex And The City fans will find out what happens to Carrie & Co.
But as the film's stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall continue to film the eagerly anticipated sequel, the movie's producers have released a teaser poster to whet the fans' appetite.

While Parker, 44, evidently looks good for her age, studio bosses have made the actress look even younger in the digitally-enhanced image.
In a photograph taken of the star in September, they have smoothed out the skin on her face and body and accentuated her bust for the ethereal-looking poster.

In the shot, Parker looks super chic in a stunning white Halston Heritage dress, $525 gold Mykita & Bernard Willhelm's Franz Limited-Edition Aviator sunglasses and Solange Azagury-Partridge necklace.
And of course, Parker's transformation into Carrie Bradshaw wouldn't be complete without a pair of fabulous shoes and bag - this time a £1,975 pair of Christian Louboutin Pigalle gold sequinned heels and a gold Chanel clutch.
However, the poster is lacking Parker's co-stars Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis.
Accentuating the gold, Parker's high heels, clutch and sunglasses have been 'blinged' up, while her multi-coloured necklace has been literally turned into gold in the poster.
Following the huge success of the first movie last year, filming began on the follow-up in New York in September.
As you would expect from SATC, the film's four leading ladies are back in fabulous designer outfits, which will no doubt spur many a trend in 2010.
Parker, who became the mother of surrogate twins Tabitha and Marion in June, admitted the timing of making the sequel could have been better.

The actress, who also has a seven-year-old son James with husband Matthew Broderick, said: 'Nothing can really describe what it's like to have two new little girls.
'It's been very different than when James arrived, since our family expanded in an untraditional way. We didn't plan on having two, but were doubly blessed, and it's been just wonderful.

One would prefer to be held 24 hours a day, and the other is already suffering from type A issues. 
'It's been amazing but complicated because of my current work schedule, which I have enormous regrets about.'
While little details have been confirmed about the plotline, Parker and Nixon were spotted filming in Morocco in October.

It looks like Cattrall's man-eating character Samantha Jones may finally settle down after the actress was spotted wearing a wedding dress on location in New York.
Teen star Miley Cyrus, who has a brief cameo alongside Cattrall in the film, confirmed Jason Lewis was returning as Samantha's ex-boyfriend Smith Jerrod.
In the sequence, Samantha is dismayed to see Miley wearing the same dress as her when she attended a premiere of Smith's movie.
As well as potentially settling down, there is speculation Samantha - who turned 50 in the last movie - may be going through 'the change'.
Paparazzi taking photographs of the cast filming in New York earlier this year zoomed in on her script, which apparently sees Samantha asking her assistant to pick up more hormone pills.
Among the rumoured plotlines for the sequel is Carrie's marriage to Mr Big (Chris Noth) will run into trouble, including the mogul suffering into financial problems as a result of the current economic crisis.

It has been rumoured the couple may have or adopt a baby together after several stars, including Katie Price and Victoria Beckham reportedly auditioned for he role of an English nanny.
Also back for the sequel is Miranda's husband Steve Brady (David Eigenberg), Charlotte's husband Harry Goldenblatt (Evan Handler) and the girls' gay friends Anthony Marantino (Mario Cantone) and Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson).
Among the stars making cameo appearances in this year's movie include Penelope Cruz, Liza Minnelli and British-Iranian comedian Omid Djalili.
The first Sex And The City movie saw Carrie and Mr Big finally tie the knot in City Hall after the commitment-phobe jilted her at the altar of a lavish over-the-top ceremony at the New York Public Library.
Last year's film was well received with both critics and audiences and grossed $412million in worldwide box office.

Film released in the US May 2010

WILL DESIGNERS KISS THE RUNWAY GOODBYE?

Soon you may not have to be an A-list celeb, department-store buyer or magazine editor to get a front-row seat at a fashion show. As the luxury and fashion industries continue to struggle with sagging retail sales and consumers' diminishing interest in $2,000 It bags, designers are looking for alternative ways to show their wares. And more and more of them are turning to the Internet for a bigger audience and to shrink their overhead.
"The cost of a fashion show has become prohibitive," says David Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren's marketing chief. "And because of the economy, fewer members of the press and buyers are making the trip to New York to see the show." The result is that many designer-initiated brands — including the less-expensive lines, like Donna Karan's DKNY, that are presented during New York Fashion Week — are rethinking the traditional fashion show. This fall the British designer Alexander McQueen made a splash by live-streaming his Paris show on his website. The season before, Louis Vuitton live-streamed its show on Facebook. And Lauren is the mastermind behind a new initiative to present his company's brands in virtual fashion shows as opposed to have-to-be-there runway extravaganzas.

On Dec. 11, Rugby, Ralph Lauren's collegiate brand, will show its holiday collection in an online fashion show that Lauren calls a mix between Harry Potter and Rock Band. Instead of walking down a real runway, the models will be walking on a treadmill in an office with a green screen behind them. Once the clip is produced, a virtual backdrop will be superimposed so that it will look as though the models are walking through New York City or a college campus, or jumping off flying books. The idea, says Lauren, is to bring a cinematic feeling to the brand's advertising images. And instead of the company's spending $1.5 million on an audience of approximately 700 members of the fashion press and department-store buyers, the virtual show will cost less than $50,000 to produce and is expected to attract more than 40 million page views.
One advantage to replacing the traditional biannual runway show — which features clothing that won't be available in stores for another six months — is that designers can close the six-month gap between the show and the products' availability. Ideally, consumers who watch a show online would then be able to click on a product they see and buy it immediately. "Now we can serve the industry and our customer simultaneously," says Lauren, "which is critical to the survival of this industry."
Historically, high-end fashion brands have not fared well when they've relied solely on virtual fashion shows. In 1998, Helmut Lang made a statement when he replaced one season's runway showing with a video recording of a show that went up on his website and was distributed to editors on discs. But the reaction was lukewarm, and the following season Lang returned to the runway. More recently, brands like Viktor & Rolf and Yves Saint Laurent have experimented with online shows.
Next spring Polo Ralph Lauren is planning virtual shows for its less-expensive Lauren line as well as its children's line. But the company isn't ready to present its most prestigious line, the Ralph Lauren collection, online. "It's certainly up for debate," says Lauren. "It's making us think differently about how we show our product and how we can show the Ralph Lauren collection."

Source: Time magazine

TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE STYLE

Do you always end up with the wrong sizes, styles and colors? Tend to always buy the same designs, colors and shapes? Not sure what to give your favorite fashionista? How about a day of shopping with a personal shopper? No matter what your budget, Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Toni Ferrara can accomodate your favorite designer pocketbook too. Starting at $375 for a closet clean-out or $400 (for 4 hours of her expertise shopping, clothing not included), or for your loved ones who want to live like a celebrity, try the "DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITY". This VIP shopping package begins with a complete assessment of your fashion needs & style goals, then you'll be whisked away in a luxury town car to a day of shopping designed exclusively for you, with your own personal shopper, Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Toni Ferrara. You will be treated like a Hollywood starlet and receive complimentary champagne, private dressing rooms, professional retail service, and all the attention you deserve. At the end of the day, be prepared to feel fabulous & look like a star!

• All inclusive day of Celebrity VIP Treatment
  
• Closet Consultation
  
• Individual Shopping List
  
• Personalized Itinerary of shops, boutiques, and stores
  
• Complimentary Champagne
  
• Private dressing rooms
  
• Professional retail service
  
• Lots of personal attention
• Total Hours 8 hrs (shop til ya drop, literally)
  
• $902.10

Why buy a gift certificate for a personal shopper? Toni Ferrara will guide you through a shopping trip to make it fun, fast and fruitful. Your stylist will ensure that every article you buy represents money well spent. Working to your budget, they'll show you how to buy quality items, mix designer with high street and classic with fashion. Toni Ferrara & Company are not affiliated to any specific brand, which means that they will offer independent advice and can protect you from pushy sales assistants whose eye tends to be more on their commission! See how your new purchases work together and come away with the confidence to shop until your drop! 

Want more info? Visit the website- www.toniferrara.com 

Have a very Stylish Holiday! 

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.

THE DRESS CODE DECODED

Banish pre-party jitters about attire with our quick reference to dress codes for social events.

Black Tie

A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Men wear tuxedos, women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
Formal usually means the same as Black Tie, but in some trendier cities like New York or Los Angeles, it could mean a black shirt, no tie with a tux. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
More about formal dresses: Formal Dresses Under $100 A White Tie or Ultra-formal invitation requires men wear full dress, with white tie, vest, shirt. Women wear long gowns.
More about dressing up: Get Party Perfect in 5 Days

Black Tie Optional

A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.

Creative Black Tie

Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. He can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. She wears long or short dresses or evening separates. Sometimes, themed parties call for dress codes like Texas Black Tie or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).

Semi-Formal

Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her. Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for him, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail Attire means short, elegant dresses for her and dark suits for him.
More about cocktail dresses: Best Little Black Dresses
10 Perfect Cocktail Dresses

Informal

Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually calls for the same dress as Semi-Formal -- dark suits for him, short dresses for her -- especially when associated with a wedding or special event.

Festive Attire

Festive Attire is usually seen around the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle or holiday bent (i.e. a beaded sweater with black pants, a red silk blouse with a black skirt).

Casual

Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For him, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for her a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are not appropriate for Dressy Casual. Casual generally means anything goes.

MEAT-FREE FASHION

Stella McCartney has teamed up with Morrissey to create a leather-free range of footwear.

The fashion designer and the singer - who are both vegetarians - are in the early stages of their collection but hope to launch the line next year.

Stella - daughter of Beatles legend Paul McCartney - said: "I'm working with Morrissey on a line of leather-free shoes which I'm really excited about. We are still in the early stages, but the shoes could be launched next year."

It was recently revealed Stella was in talks with Leona Lewis to launch an animal friendly fashion range.

The 'Happy' singer recently met with Stella - who shares similar views to Leona on the use of animal products in fashion - to discuss the possibility of her releasing her own branded products.

A friend claimed Leona had said: "I'm on a mission. I'd love to promote a line of non-leather bags and shoes that are affordable. I think more needs to be available and not so expensive.

"There's so much I want to do. I've always wanted to have my own fashion line, and that's something I want to focus on next year."

Vegetarian Leona, 24, doesn't wear suede, leather or other animal products and is public supporter of PETA, while Stella has been a long-time vegetarian.

BACK TO BASICS (MEN)

Listen up guys, this is dressing 101. We are going to cover the basics like what every man should have in his closet. You don't want to be caught off guard when certain situations arise be it a wedding, a first date or just a ballgame.

Men's wardrobe essentials are basics that every man should have in his closet. The advice provided gives every guy the essentials he needs for a practical and functional wardrobe that will carry him though many different occasions.

Where to Start?
According to the fashion world, when it comes to building a functional wardrobe, the first thing a guy must do is assess his lifestyle. Does he need to wear a suit every day? If so, then he will need several suits. Is he in a more casual setting at work? If so, then perhaps he needs more khakis or jeans than trousers or suits. No matter what his particular situation though, there are things every man should have in his wardrobe.

Men's Wardrobe Essentials

1. A suit (navy or gray)
- Even if you only need a suit a couple of times a year, you're glad to have it on hand when those occasions arise. Navy or gray suits are classic and neutral and can be dressed up or down. You can even wear the blazer with khakis or jeans. This is an item worth spending some money on.
2. Black shoes and belt
- These can be worn with khakis, jeans and your suit. This is an essential combo. Before buying brown, get black. I think you will find you get more mileage out of them, especially when attending more formal or evening functions.
3. White dress shirt (good for day and night occasions)
- White dress shirts look good on just about everybody. They look sharp and are versatile but should not to be worn as a casual shirt.
4. Solid tie - Solid ties are easy and versatile. If solid isn't your thing, try a classic diagonal stripe. Having several tie patterns on hand will ensure you are prepared for interviews, weddings and evening events.
5. Blue blazer - A blue blazer is good for all year round and easily coordinates with khakis and other items. If that bores you, try a tweed sport coat but also keep in mind that tweed is really only useful in fall and winter. Either way a blazer or tweed sport coat holds a look together.
6. Khakis and jeans
- No explanation necessary here. Jeans are a staple of the American wardrobe. Khakis are the same.
7. Overcoat
- An overcoat doesn't necessarily mean a long coat. It also means 3/4-length or car coat length. This item really finishes an outfit and can be worn with everything including jeans. And everyone needs a coat in winter, right? Well, maybe not if you live in places like Phoenix or San Diego.
8. Briefcase
- A briefcase does not necessarily mean a hard case. It can be soft, or messenger bag style. In a man is has to carry files and other documents, this is an essential.
9. Athletic wear
- Even for non-athletic types, athletic wear is great for those lazy Sundays and dashes to the convenience store at wee hours of the morning.
10. Casual shirt - A casual shirt such as a polo or button down is a must have to wear with jeans or other casual pants.
11. Deconstructed suit - A deconstructed suit is great because it has a relaxed look but is pulled together. Also, the pants and blazer can be worn separately)

A word of advice: start simple and expand according to lifestyle. Classics don't mean boring.

Bargains Shopping Tips
There is only one thing to say - buy on sale! After Christmas or season’s end sales are best. But don't buy something just because it is on sale or is a great deal. It should be something you would want to wear anyway and coordinates with your wardrobe. Also, if you find something on sale that may not have a perfect fit, don't be shy about taking it to a tailor. Buy comfortable clothes that make you feel confident and fit your style.

GET TO KNOW: JEROME C. ROUSSEAU

A hot new designer to watch!

Jerome C. Rosseau,  31 year old French Canadian shoe designer is currently the hottest thing in designer shoes.
With nightlife, modern art and European design as inspirations, Jerome’s creations have a distinct and unique style that can be described as seductive, edgy and very now. With a meticulous eye for detail and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, Jerome’s stand-out shoes are a hit with some of the Hollywood’s most stylish. Katie Holmes, Charlize Theron and Drew Barrymore are fans.

Having studied in London’s Cordwainer’s college, where fellow shoe maven Jimmy Choo hails, Jerome is learned in the art of footwear design. He has honed his design sensibilities and skills working alongside big names like Matthew Williamson, Isabella Fiore, John Richmond and John Rocha over the last 10 years.