Alexander McQueen is right on TARGET

McQ makes it's way to a Target near you. Yes, you heard me, McQ, the moderate priced line by innovative fashion designer and legend Alexander McQueen. As for the inspiration behind this specific collection:

“We use icons in British music, and [Liela Moss] stood out. She’s a great-looking girl and has a personal style. It fell into the idea of the New York underground music scene. It was more the atmosphere she portrays.”

A clearer idea of the collection in the designer's words, “The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. There are studded jeans, shorts and denim jackets with asymmetrical closures, short tuxedo jackets and matching shorts, dresses in a blue and white painterly fabric, a one-shoulder dress in a gray-and-black zigzag pattern with a thick black belt, and a T-shirt with the image of Moss. The designer’s favorite pieces in the line include “the pink and black pieces and the little prom dresses.”

The images above are (left) of Leila in in a cotton mesh dress and rayon tank from McQ Alexander McQueen for Target, and the image on the right features a Silk-screen cotton jersey T-shirt over cotton and spandex denim pants by McQ Alexander McQueen for Target.

I applaud McQ for following in the fancy economy-friendly footsteps of Isaac, Cynthia, Rogan, and Converse. With the recession in full effect, this will definitely help the recessionistas that are still trying to maintain trend while still pinching pennies. So far, the line reminds me alot of the days of NYC and CBGB's but with a lil more McQueen-vibe in the cuts and fabric choices. So, I suggest grabbing a unique piece to incorporate into your already stacked wardrobe and make it your own! We give McQueen kudos for economical fashion in 2009!

RECESSIONISTA

With President Obama's speech, echoes of the FDR era rang through and through. High end luxuries are no longer realistic, especially when the families who have never had to budget, have to budget now. But the 1930's although were tough, taught us to be thrifty and create a New Deal and let's not forget how the fashion industry flourished afterwards. That was the decade of Dior's "New Look". In 2009, the Fashionista must become the Recessionista.

Most men and women are bored with their current wardrobe and do not have the budget to hire a personal stylist or can't afford the threads that Kate, Brad, Jen, and George can. So, how do you re-create new style from your old comfy favorites? Just take a step back and we'll have you cleaning your closet and re-vamping that little black dress, a basic blazer, a traditional suit, vest, and we are not leaving the little ones out of this fashion equation. The whole family needs to remain on budget and still be trendsetters.

Every week I will post 5 Solutions to a typical piece that most of us have in our closet already, but maybe we didn't look at it in a new way. Clothes become boring because we have a method to our madness and only wear it with a certain belt, certain shoe, etc. This will go outside of just the women. I will also show the fellas how to incorporate new ideas that will take you from the office to guy's night out! And even though I am not a mommy, myself, little ones are affected by the economy too! I have enough younger nieces & nephews and friend's with children to get my expertise right on target. For the little ones who grow so fast, I will show you how to mix and match pieces to maintain longevity without ever wearing the same piece the same way ever again!

Spruce up your Spring Wardrobe no matter what city you live in. Learn to love FASHION when your pocketbook doesn't!

First "RECESSIONISTA: BASIC BLACK BLAZER", . . .

RED CARPET REWIND: OSCAR'S CHAMPAGNE TOAST!

Sparkling champagne wasn't just flowing in the glasses at the Oscars. It was also raining on the red carpet. Shimmery decadence ran rampid on the red carpet runway and Old Hollywood elegance was in the air. Tinseltown's brightest continued to impress us on the Biggest Night of the Year. The Oscars were the frosting on the award season cake. So, pop open the bubbly and let the fashion critique begin, . . .who took the cake? and who's choices were crumby?

Let's start with a toast to Oscar Fashion. "Here's to the women who made Oscar 2009 a night to remember in fashion. May they always look back and remember the good fashion and may you appreciate your stylists who have encouraged and with a stylish hand have guided your image!"

1. Kate "Brings It Every time" Winslet. She continues to amaze me with her choices. Whether its Narcisco Rodriguez or YSL, one word to describe this insanely talented actress: "breathless". She really channeled her inner Hollywood starlet in her pewter Atelier YSL gown. She defined grace, with a sleek soft curl and clean makeup. Even in 2009, we have an essence of Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Jean Harlow. Absolutely "breathless" and stunning with the cut, silhouette, and combination of textures, no one can steal the "Best" title from her!

2. Anne "Is there Anything this Girl Can't Do" Hathaway. She made us fall in love with her in Princess Diaries and had us wanting to marry her in Bride Wars and Rachel Getting Married. Another talented actress who has a spirit and fashion sense that is influenced by her greatest role models in Julie Andrews, Meryl Streep, Julie Roberts, all of which have also made Best Dressed lists, respectively. Armani Prive needs to offer this girl an international campaign, because all eyes were on her in the glitterly strapless number. A modern day Audrey? I think so.

3. Dark "Angel"ina Jolie. Thank you. Thank you, the World's Most Beautiful Woman is back on the fashion charts and for good reason too. Sinfully sensational in Elie Saab, Angelina's dark angelic presence was a force to be reckoned with. She kept it simple, by sweeping her hair away from her exquisite face. Her bold emerald green earrings were the best accent to her overall vibe. And best accessory?? Umm, . . .Brad Pitt, and sorry ladies, you can't buy that or borrow that from even the best showrooms in town! But on a fashion couple note-how hot were they on the carpet?

4. Natalie "Perfect in Pink" Portman. All hail the queen? Orchid never looked this good. Ms. Portman pulled it together again in Rodante and the silhouette was to die-for. It was nice to see a splash of color on the carpet amidst the sea of white, cream, and champagne that flourished throughout. Swarkovski crystals embellished the gown in just the right dose. For not being nominated, this starlet was twinkling the brightest.

5. Penelope "Couture" Cruz' in vintage Balmain and looked like a real princess as she danced down the carpet. Glenda the good witch could never pull this one off, can we say Best Supporting Actress?? Her blush-colored gown was supported with a structured bodice and incredible detailing across the bust and the textured fullness in the skirt was exquisite.

To be continued, . . .

A Hot Piece of Ash, . . .

Sitting in her comfy sweats getting her makeup and hair done, a beautiful and bubbly Ashlan Gorse couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. I think that is what catches your attention first, her sweet smile is captivating along with her goddess-like height and appearance. She isn't your typical LA blonde, this southern belle is a a rare find in Hollywood and her beaming personality radiates that through and through. She quickly greeted me with a hug like we'd been friends for years and immediately I thought, 'this is going to be a great shoot' because typically the models aren't excited when they see the "stylist" who is going to put them in sexy lingerie or skimpy swimsuits. Ashlan and I briefly exchanged messages beforehand about the vision I was thinking for her. I had only seen her briefly on E! News and right away thought "Bond-girl, bombshell, and a new play on vintage pin-up". She loved my idea and my portfolio and thus began the amazing fashion story that is now on fhmonline.com!

Ashlan's eyes lit up when she walked into my perfectly organized wardrobe suite at the beautiful Mondrian Hotel in West Hollywood. The E! News camera crew in toe, we started going through what we felt was the hottest outfits for her shoot. Ashlan found some of her favorites and I showed her what I was thinking for Look 1 which was going to be her kneeling on this beautiful chaise bed. (Look for it tonight on E! News - check your local listings)

You would never be able to tell that we shot this beautifully sexy fashion editorial on the most "rain-iest" day in Los Angeles, because the atmosphere at the shoot was sunny, fun, and full of laughs. It was great energy that maintained throughout the long day of shooting. FHM proves yet again, that you can be FASHIONABLE and still be sexy at the same time. I love working with FHM because they allow me to really bring a fashion flair to these photo shoots, which I know the celebrities and their publicists love.

This southern belle from North Carolina exudes Hollywood glamour and has a unique style all her own. I think what makes any girl sexy is her ability to transform from "Girl Next Door" to "Red Carpet Goddess" and Ashlan makes that transition effortless. Her zest for life lights up the room and her dramatic "come hither" look can make anyone melt.

Ashlan loves "vintage" lingerie and some of her favorite pieces were the Ashley Paige suits that had a pin-up feel, PussyCat Dolls, Shh, . . .by Robin Antin for BEBE, and the Coco De Mer high waisted pieces. I was excited that we got to do alot of looks that day, because to be honest I could've stayed there all day it was like dressing up your best friend.

How to Get Ashlan's Look:

HAIR: Loose curls and swept away from the face. Start with small sections of the hair with a medium barrel curling iron and then a lil spray. Sweep your fingers through it carefully to give that sexy "Farrah-like" movement without looking feathery over-done. Spray a lil shine spray and you too can have that fabulously tossled bedroom hair like Ashlan.

MAKEUP: Glowy and warm tones are easy to achieve with a great bronzer and to play up the smoldering "bombshell" look, do a silvery smokey eye and line the eyes with liquid liner for more drama. Mascara is key to finishing the eyes. Don't go overboard with the lips, nude or a gloss is better when trying to steal this beauty look. Glamour without trying too hard is the secret!

FASHION: Check out FHMOnline.com for all the credits and then SHOP! SHOP! SHOP! I promise, whether you are buying it for your girlfriend or buying it to surprise your significant other, Valentine's Day can happen more than once a year!

And watch this bombshell on E! News and check her out LIVE on the Red Carpet come Oscar Sunday!

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?

FASHION REWIND: 15th Annual Screen Actor's Guild Awards®

(Los Angeles, CA) The 15th Annual Screen Actor's Guild Awards® recognizes the "best of the best" of Hollywood's elite on the big screen and on the "not-so-little" television screen. What is suppose to be a preview of the Oscars next month might excite audiences by the nominations & winners, but the fashion was a total miss. Golden Globes would be walking away with Best Fashion on the Carpet, thus far, out of all of the award shows this year.

Just days after inaugural celebrations, red, white, and blue played an intricate part of the red carpet runway for SAG. Who dazzled? Who should have took another look in the mirror? We already knew that white would sashay on the carpet, but what we didn't know was who would make it work and who would wish white stood for "white out", as in please forget that my stylist chose this dress for me!

So, let's get to it, . . .the 5 Best Dressed Celebs on the SAG Red Carpet are, . . .(drum roll, please)

1. Kate "Best Dressed & Best Supporting Actress" Winslet, was absolutely stunning in Narciso Rodriguez's electric blue gown that hugged her sensational curves and made her a winner on and off the red carpet. She was iced appropriately, with decadent diamonds on her ears and wrist. Since the first award show, Kate hasn't skipped a beat with her fashion choices. Definitely look for this fashionista on the Oscar carpet to wow us again!

2. Anne "Haute" Hathaway, was "white" hot in Azzaro. She never does any wrong in my book. The jeweled neckline and waist detailing makes her a divine Grecian goddess. Her radiant energy multiplied in magnitudes as she floated down the red carpet runway. I believe that even the Devil herself would be proud of Anne's fashion accomplishments.


3. Claire "My So-called Fashionista Life" Danes, shocked most of Hollywood with her sleek ravishing red Nina Ricci number that showed off her amazing shape. The neckline was clean and silhouette was elegantly draped to perfection. This Tinseltown darling has come along way since her unfashionable flannel days and we applaud her new sophisticated Hollywood style.

4. "Ammmaazzing" Amy Adams, can really wear almost anything, but was sultry in this vivacious violet Jean Baptiste Cavalli sinfully strapless gown. Just the right amount of detailing on the front while still accentuating her tiny waist. Keeping it polished and simple with just the right amount of bling! Simplicity is oh-so chic!

5. Taraji "P. for Posh" Henson, was angelic in a white Herve Leroux fitted gown that criss-crossed and captivated her svelte body. Taraji has made her "beauty" mark on the carpet this award season and we can't wait to see what's to come. Plunging bare-neckline and the bold statement bracelets were the precise compliment to this sensational silhouette.

Most Improved: Marisa "Thank you for reading the reviews from the Golden Globes" Tomei, graciously improved on her red carpet routine, by dressing in a buttercream colored gown with one-shoulder soft ruffle detail definitely made up for the fashion faux pas from a few weeks ago. She went from pirate-secretary to Hollywood starlet.

Ok, and now for the FASH-tastrophes, . . .the Wow! Why! Whoa! Whoops! And What was she thinking?

WOW. America "the Not-So Beautiful" Ferrera, at least in this Vera Wang ensemble. I am a huge fan of the actress who is only one letter off from my last name and I am an even bigger fan of Vera. As I learned this weekend, "You do not alter Vera to fit yourself, you alter yourself to fit Vera." The fullness of the drape at the hips only created width and wasn't very flattering. Fit wasn't the only thing that was wrong for this gown; can someone please tell me why there is one strip of tulle tacked onto the "putty" colored strapless gown which washed out her skin color completely.

WHY. Angelina "I simply don't care" Jolie, was very obvious that she simply doesn't care to impress us anymore on the red carpet. Max Azria is a dream designer, but this dress is so Mother Theresa-safe instead of the "drop-dead gorgeous" we are accustomed to. Yes, Ms. Jolie-Pitt we get it, you are a humanitarian, a mother, and People magazine's "Most Beautiful Woman in the World", but we do miss you in the "Best Dressed" world. Even mommy's can be fashionable, please review Reese Witherspoon, Kate Beckinsale, and Nicole Kidman.

3 "Very Disappointing Desperate Housewives", Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria-Parker, and Nicolette Sheridan truly disappointed us this year.

WHOA. Teri, Teri, Ter-rible, we know that you want to get married again, but wearing your wedding dress to the red carpet isn't going to get you to the alter any sooner. Sorry, Monique Lhiullier has so many exquisite gowns, but this dress pretty much swallowed you up and didn't do you justice.

WHOOPS. Ms. Longoria-Parker, you should know better, you did so well in Reem Acra at the Golden Globes, did you bump your head? Peach, really? I adore Jenny Packham's designs, but you did realize this was the SAG awards and not your Quinceanera!

WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? Nicolette, although January is for "Aquarians", the "Age of Aquarius" one bell-sleeve disaster was not groovy baby, I am sorry. We know that you are a sexy single girl, but please do not let David Spade pick out your award gown ever again! And if you really want to be on Dancing With the Stars, I hear they are still casting! You are a gorgeous woman, we'll give you a "redemption card" if you can recover from this fashion nightmare.





The 15th annual SAG awards come to an end, what's to come in February for the Oscars? Only the Fashion Gods & Goddesses know (the celeb stylists & designers, that is). I pray that the celebs take the construction criticism by the Fashion Police to heart and make a quick recovery. I wish you "Best Dresssed" from my closet to yours!

WELCOME BACK, COUTURE

FINALLY!! Couture has made it's triumphant return to Hollywood, and the Golden Globes are just the beginning of award season and all it's fashionable glory. Some may think, when did it not ever show up on the magical red carpet? Well, with last year's writer's strike freezing Hollywood's brightest and putting a dull damper on all the festivities, this year we welcome couture with open arms!

From strapless to asymmetrical, simple and bare necklines were all the rage on the carpet. From Amy to Drew, these ladies knew how to dress to impress. Amy in Oscar Dela Renta and Drew in Galliano respectively. From muted neutrals to bright colors, every palette played an intricate part of this fashion parade.

The night's Best Dressed Newcomer would definitely go to Californication's Madeline Zima in an tantalizing tangerine

BCBG Max Azria goddess gown. The silhouette was a perfect compliment to her supermodel height. We are looking forward to seeing more of Madeline's fashion choices on the carpets to come!

And while some of Tinseltown decided to show you the sexiness of the clavicle, others felt the need to accentuate their neckline with a gorgeous statement necklace-- va va voom! Two of my favorite jeweled necklines were Beyonce and Ms. Eva Mendes.

Divine and decadent in cream, Sandra was dazzling in Dior and Salma was bodacious in Bottega Veneta, while Kate Beckinsale kept it clean, classic, and couture in J. Mendel.

Looking perfect in purple- Hayden, Olivia, and Rumor Willis all rocked this royal color in various shades from violet and plum to lavender--- absolutely stunning.




Other starlets had us seeing red. Eva Longoria-Parker left us breathless in her perfectly fitted Reem Acra and Kyra Sedgwick was ravishing in a red ruched gown by Oscar Dela Renta.




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. Heidi Klum- Cyndi Lauper called and wants her dress back! Just because you are a supermodel doesn't make you exempt from a fashion critique. There is no excuse for this eighties-nightmare! And being a supermodel if anything should almost guarantee a fashion success because of all your designer friends--- can someone say Christian Syriano? Yea, Heidi, sorry- "totally tickety-tac"!

Why. Maggie Gyellenhaal- Shakes my head, gorgeous & talented, not to mention tall and goddess-like, but the asymmetrical blue leopard number is all wrong. And, I gasp and shed a tear because after all it's Lanvin, but I think this ensemble is best suited for runway-- only! This truly saddens me because I am a fan of Maggie, but why? or why?

Whoa. Rene Zellweger- We usually applaud Rene's ode to Old Hollywood glamour-like appearance at the award shows. She typically keeps the hair soft and the gown timeless, but this Carolina Herrera was definitely a fashion-risk that DIDN'T pay off. The sheer trend is in, but the cut-out shoulders and full skirt aged this gorgeous actress too soon too fast! Bring back our beloved retro Rene!

Whoops. Jenna Fischer- Ok, Ms. Funny girl, did your stylist forget to get your gown? One shouldn't wear the same BoHo-printed halter dress that you wear to Whole Foods to grocery shop to the Golden Globes!! We know you are hysterical, but this fash-tastrophe is far from funny! Here's a simple rule of thumb for red carpet attire- BoHo is a No! No!

What was she thinking? J.Lo- I will be the first to give props for glittering gold, but didn't we see this silhouette a few years ago at the Grammys in green and it was called a Versace? You get stars for the midas color, but you get a yawn for originality. Take a note from Salma and show off those dangerous curves mamacita, because we know you can do it!

Beverly Hills was definitely raining handsome men. Although the red carpet looked like a sea of clones in basic black and white tuxes, there were only a few MAGNIFICIENT MEN that definitely did not disappoint. From Ryan Seacrest looking perfectly put together in Prada and Ricky Gervais in Calvin Klein, the men looked H-O-T! And there was one name that echoed over and over again for the guys, can we say ARMANI? Both Tom and Leo are fans!

The Golden Globes were just the appetizer of award season, . . .so watch out! We still have SAG, Oscars, Grammy's and Daytime Emmys in the next weeks to months. So while Hollywood whisks away to Sundance and gets ready for the next fashion "red" runway, one thing is for sure, be ready for a whole lot more COUTURE!

If you haven't already started re-capping this year's fashion from one of Hollywood's Hottest Nights-- it's easy to catch Fashion Police on E! or TV Guide. But just remember this one note "Oscar, J., Jimmy, John, and Christian are the only men a woman can depend on!"