DENIM DIET: GO LITE

Denim has the blues. But lucky for us, jean depression doesn't last long! It's reached the darkest time and now it's time to "lighten" up. Light wash denim jeans, skirts, and even cropped jackets are making their over-due return to the fashion world. Jeans have been every color in the rainbow over the last decade. It has even seen some creative destruction.

Yes, it does sound a lil circa 1990, the days of Supermodels, Spandex, and the Spice Girls. And the translation to 2009 in fashion has many parallels--- Supermodel icons, such as, Kate, Tyra, and Heidi are still making headlines. Spandex is now the leggings that are paired with everything from jean shorts to dresses. The Spice Girls are still prevalent in the Fashion Icon that is Victoria Beckham. She influenced fashion in the 90's and continues to inspire today!

Celebrities are loving the trend, from Ashley Tisdale to J.Lo, every body type can rock these faded beauties. From super skinny to wide leg, this trend has "bleached" out to suit every fashionista's favorite jeans. The key is to incorporate it into your individual style. Whether you are a fan of a simple tank and scarf or a vintage rock tee and blazer, own this look!

Denim has seen quite the makeover since the 1600's when it was first introduced. But since then, we've seen the cycle perpetuate into modern twists on our favorite must-have item. But revisiting the denim days of the past brings some old familiar friends. Our favorite denim designers of the past are also returning for another shot at the lime "light". Calvin is wanting a comeback like Britney and it's definitely well deserved. Who can't remember the hot Calvin Klein jean ads of the past?

The Boyfriend jean is one of the most popular jeans for the ladies, the over-sized leg and sometimes it's even rolled. Casual, classic, and chic and it's definitely withheld the test of time. Great for a tight fitted top or silky cami to add a flair of texture. This denim trend doesn't just favor the ladies, the men have a light at the end of their closet too-- faded jeans with a lil destruction. And another key to the men's closet that is fading is the skinny jean! Thank God! Definitely wasn't a favorite trend of mine. Men are suppose to wear jeans that flatter the male form, not their girlfriend's jeans.

If you have the denim blues over saying goodbye to your dark jeans, don't fret. They will always be a staple in any man, woman, or child's closet, but if you can find the right lighter hue that makes you happy, go for it!

RECESSIONISTA: WOMEN- BASIC BLACK BLAZER

Every recessionista needs to learn about "trans-fashion". Trans-fashion is the ability to take one standard piece that is typically found in every woman's closet and transition it into more than one outfit. Let's start with the ladies, . . .Suit, Suit, riot? Hardly. The basic black blazer can be transformed easier than you think. The fitted blazer is an important piece of the "Boyfriend" trend, where women are influenced by men's fashion. This little jacket doesn't have to always be paired with a black slack, unless you are a stubborn New Yorker going to an important interview. But for the "laid back, hip" west coasters take note. Dust off the basic black blazer and try these 5 different outfit options.

Below are 5 outfit options, all of them when paired under a fitted blazer come to together beautifully, so go ahead and experiment! These looks can flatter any age range. Fashion is meant to be fun, so if you are brave enough, I challenge you to try all 5 options, your friends will wonder where you had the funds to get 5 new outfits, but it will be our lil secret that you just needed a stylist's help and your own confidence to rock a whole new you!




1. THE SEX KITTEN. Take a note from actress Amanda Bynes, pair a blazer over a sexy dress to make any outfit a lil more polished and adds just the right amount of sophistication. Don't be afraid to try an animal print or a silky chiffon sundress. Blazers definitely help to transition from winter to spring. Think date night or red carpet, because you will definitely have heads turning. If you have gorgeous gams like Ms. Bynes, try going high fashion, by rockin' ankle booties with this look. Young Hollywood has embraced this trend with open arms and it has suited them quite well. Celebs who love this look: Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Aniston, and Heather Locklear

2. GEO-METRY GODDESS. Try a bold print or geometric pattern over black opaque tights. The contrast is pure genius. Keep the accessories in a pewter shade, keys being: large shades, textured belt, and flat suede boots. The dark colored tights give the illusion of length and a knee-high boot draws the eyes down to the floor. The cardigan keeps the femininity and by adding the blazer, creates the perfect symmetry of structure! Celebs who love this look: Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, and Jessica Alba

3. ROCK 'N ROLLER. Inside every good girl is an inner bad girl, this outfit lets you expose that Joan Jett, Pat Benetar that is dying to be unleashed! The best part of this look--- its sooo simple and chic that you have these items in your closet!! Black cami/tank, lighter denim (even a faded grey works) To vamp up this vixen-look, add patent leather kitten heels if you are to shopping on Robertson, but if you have a date at the House of Blues later, opt for a sensational studded stiletto. The blazer need not be boring ladies, try a leather blazer that is fitted to your sexy shape! Add some pizazz with a fun handbag.

Celebs who love this look: Duffy, Rachel Bilson, and Miley Cyrus

4. UPTOWN GIRL. What happens when you take your favorite blue tunic and your favorite dark skinny jeans and pair it with a blazer? You get the new uptown girl. East or west-- this can work for you! Turn up the color in the tunic- try primary colors-- red, yellow, and blue! Spice up the look by incorporating a key trend in

'09- FRINGE. The fringe should always be subtle and in an accessory, so why not a fringed handbag? To bring an urban flavor, add a beanie cap for those chilly spring days shopping in SoHo or running errands in the Village. Keep the boot basic to tie the look together. Celebs who love this look: Kate Beckinsale, Leona Lewis, Audrina Patridge

5. DELIGHTFUL DARLING. Sweet meets chic. Basic t-shirt,

comfy cardigan, your favorite jean, plus a tailored blazer equals delightful darling. Its great for day to day, from office to play date. Even mommy's need a re-charge in their wardrobe and this playful ensemble is a perfect combination. Remember, accessories can make or break an outfit. Sometimes you can base a whole outfit on just the floral headband or colored sweater. It's about being creative, this outfit can even be Boho with the right scarf and statement jewelry--- big colorful beads or a few strainds of thin gold chains. Celebs that love this look: Katherine Heigl, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift

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?