Sunday, November 29, 2009

WHO WHAT WEAR?

"Who What Wear: Celebrity and Runway Style for Real Life"


 

Target audience: Fans of fashion, beauty and celebrity gossip magazines; anyone who has a hard time working runway fashion into her own life.
Authors' credentials: Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr are co-creators of the popular celebrity fashion Web site WhoWhatWear.com. Power is the former West Coast editor of Elle and Ellegirl; Kerr was an Elle associate editor and has written for Teen Vogue and Nylon.
The gist: Runway trends move fast, and the key to looking fashionable is knowing how to interpret the looks for your own wardrobe without draining your bank account or getting caught by the fashion police. Power and Kerr feel strongly that the ability to assemble fashionable outfits is essential to success in life. Celebrities, who often have personal stylists, are used as examples; readers are encouraged to find their "celebrity doppelganger" as the first step in creating their own ensembles.
Memorable lines: "Style File Situation: The Case of Too-Tight Fright" (tightly wrapped bandage dresses and their solution, Spanx); "The Case of Tunic Trouble" (to wear as a dress or belted with leggings?); "The Time-Out Corner" (trends to shelve until they resurface later).
Could live without: The extensive commentary and photos featured in the "What to Wear Where" chapter - learning that you are supposed to create distinct looks for a gallery opening versus a concert, and for traveling on a plane versus a lazy Sunday afternoon, can give many readers a serious case of fashion insecurity.
Bottom line: One of the better guides on the market for developing your personal style while keeping current with fashion trends. Power and Kerr give very specific advice and illustrated examples on how to embrace fashion and avoid "trend oversaturation."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/29/LV9Q1APRAM.DTL#ixzz0YGdsCs4O

Source: SanFrancisco Chronicle

Saturday, November 28, 2009

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT ANGEL?


Victorias-secret-models
Victoria’s Secret must have wished all the contestants for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show could have been California girls, since the two finalists in the lingerie retailer’s modeling contest are from the Golden State.
As you might have read in Adam Tschorn’s earlier post, Victoria’s Secret decided to spice up its spicy Fashion Show with a modeling competition featuring 10 gals scouted in casting sessions in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Miami. The competition has been whittled through online voting on VS All Access and CBS.com down to two finalists: Simi Valley’s Kylie Bisutti and Carmel’s Jamie Lee Darley, who lives in Brentwood.

The winner will magically (thanks to editing) strut on the catwalk with supermodels Heidi Klum, Adriana Lima, Doutzen Kroes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Behati Prinsloo and Marisa Miller.
Victoria’s Secret wants you to vote online either for Kylie Bisutti and Jamie Lee Darley up to 2 1/2 hours before the show airs Tuesday at 10 p.m.
“Ironically Kylie and I, we were the closest girls in the house,” says Darley, reminiscing about the time she and Bisutti roomed at the Victoria Secret's Angel boot camp. Now that the two girls are competitors? “We obviously haven’t stayed as close."
Kylie Bisutti is an active 19-year-old who’s into scuba diving, basketball and hip-hop dancing. She's been modeling since the age of 16.
"It's been my absolute dream to be a Victoria's Secret model," says Bisutti. "I was born to walk that runway, I have the longest legs."
Darley says the Victoria Secret's modeling competition has been a mental boost: “I had modeled and dealt with rejection because I’m curvy and busty," says the 23-year old who doubles as a waitress and model. "There had been places that had asked me to lose 20 pounds, but I don’t think that’s healthy.”

STYLIST MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR MEN S/S 2010

Thankfully men's fashion styles don't change as often as women's, but there are details one must still pay attention to. I will point you in the right direction when putting your look together as well as highlight fashion shows and profile designers so you always feel you're in the know. Every spring season I have my "top picks" for certain items such as jackets, shirts, shorts, and much more. I'm sure there is something in at least one of my lists that you can't live without.

1.THE JEAN-IUS.

A jean like the Diesel 'Zathan 71S' which has a dark wash and slight abrasions at the knees and pocket is a wardrobe necessity. Not only do you want a jean that shows off your assets, but one in a dark wash is a very current look. For a complete list of jeans, see my Top 8 Premium Denim Jeans for Men or for the budget minded, my top picks in Less Expensive Jeans for Men.


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2. GET GRAPHIC
I love graphic tees and am glad to see they are as big as ever in the spring collections. Besides, I have stacks of them, which equates to quite an investment. And like most guys, I'm very picky about what kind of graphic is on my tee. See my Top 8 Men's Summer T-Shirts.








3. BUTTONED UP. 
A button-up that is perhaps more fitted and/or has a nice pattern is a stylish alternative to the plain dress shirt. They are perfect worn with jeans alone or under a blazer. Take a look at my Top 6 Men's Summer Shirts or my Top 6 Modern and Stylish Men's Sport Shirts. 













4. POLO CLUB.
I love polo shirts. They are easy to wear and can be classic yet modern at the same time. They can be worn to the office under a sport jacket or with shorts on the weekend. Top 6 Men's Polos.













5. GET SNEAKY.
The retro sneaker is bigger than ever. I personally love the Asics Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 which was introduced in 1966. These were the first shoes with the famous tiger stripes and worn at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968. If you don't like these, there are many Cool Retro Styles in Men's Sneakers.







6. FREQUENT FLYERS.

Aviator sunglasses are having quite the comeback. At first I wasn't sure about them but when designers like Ray Ban re-imagined the standard aviator, I had a change of heart. Whether a pair like this or some other, they are definitely a must have. See my Top Picks in Men's Sunglasses.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7. GET BELTED.
Brown woven belts are essential for Spring/Summer 2010. Try to incorporate the trendy look with a fun belt buckle. Another chic pulled together belt is white. I know, don't gasp too soon, it can look divine paired with a nice grey slack or a dark denim. 
   

Thursday, November 26, 2009

MEET THE MADDENS


Nicole Richie first got her start on reality television. It may be tough to remember those days of her paling around with Paris Hilton on The Simple Life, acting and looking like a completely different person!

And now we hear Nicole is returning to her roots, and taking her hubby with her! According to Star magazine, she and Joel Madden are in talks to star in a new reality show series. A source tells the mag the concept behind the show is an at-home talk show where Nicole’s famous friends pop in to be interviewed by the couple.

“Nicole turns down a lot of roles because she doesn’t want to leave her children, Harlow and Sparrow,” the friend explains. “This would be an option because she could work from home.”

This actually sounds like a cool idea! Nicole and Joel have sort of turned into homebodies since having kids, but they’re such great parents! Plus, there’s nothing like this on television yet, so we’re all for this show idea!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

FROM BALLROOM BABE to BROADWAY DIVA


Dancing With the Stars pros don't sleep when dancing's done!

by Kristine Gasbarre 

Kym Johnson is the 33-year-old Australian stunner who seemlessly has found her home on American television for the past three years as a pro ballroom dancer (and two-time runner-up) on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. This week Kym celebrated her win with her celebrity partner, timeless entertainer Donny Osmond.
At press time we were waiting to learn Kym's Dancing With the Stars fate with Osmond on Tuesday night's results show, but during our chat she made one thing clear: when the season's finished and the stage is stripped, the excitement in her career never stops. In this exclusive interview Kym opened up on her intimate hopes for her future and how she'll spend the next few months -- she'll kick off the holiday season with her Broadway debut on November 27 in the dance show Burn the Floor.
When we talked to Kym, she was surrounded by backstage pre-broadcast intensity -- but still she gave a calm and endearing interview that demonstrated perfectly why America has taken in this Aussie beauty as one of our own.
LimeLife: Kym, you're making your Broadway debut in Burn the Floor later this month. Just recently you were quoted saying, "As a little girl growing up in Australia, my dream was to perform on Broadway." So what's it like to be living your dream as a pro dancer in two of the biggest dance shows in the world [Burn the Floor and Dancing With the Stars]?
Kym Johnson: I've been dancing since I was three, it's just something I've always loved to do - I always wanted to do it, you know? I've just always been interested in entertainment and I feel very fortunate that I'm still working in the industry. And then to top it off I get to go to Broadway! It's a good career, it's awesome.
LimeLife: And so you'll be in New York over the holidays?
Kym Johnson: Yeah, it's going to be so much fun. I get to spend Christmas in New York, which I'm so excited about...a white Christmas. I'm used to sunny, hot Christmas days in Australia and we have a barbecue and stuff. So [New York] will be wonderful.
LimeLife: We want to come and see you in Burn the Floor!
Kym Johnson: There you go!
LimeLife: Kym, when you look into the next few years, what do you envision for your life?
Kym Johnson: This Broadway thing is one tick off my list. Obviously I'd love to settle down a little bit more and possibly have kids in the near future. I would also love to do something in Vegas as well, I spend a lot of time there now. I can't dance forever, and I've done a bit of TV presenting and some hosting work, so that would be nice to get into. A dance school is definite - definitely want a dance school of my own. There are so many things I want to try. It's exciting.
LimeLife: And what would you say is the most important thing you've learned in your early thirties so far?
Kym Johnson: I remember when I was turning 30 and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I can't believe it.' But it's actually a really great age. I just feel really comfortable with myself, and my career's actually better than it's ever been in my thirties. The hard things I've been working for are happening for me right now. There's so much to look forward to - settling down and having kids, and things with my career. I really feel like I'm ready for that now.
.

LimeLife: How does your family deal with you living so far away, especially over the holidays?
Kym Johnson: That's really tough. My mum actually is here at the moment. She's been here for four weeks, so hopefully we get through tonight and she's going to stay as long as we can go on the show. Because I want her to see that, she's so proud. Mum comes over quite a lot. When I get a break in between seasons I go home, so I normally go home three times a year because I've got my nephews and my niece, who I just adore. I miss them a lot. And all my girlfriends, I've got a lot of them back at home. They keep visiting me, which is a good excuse for them to come to the States. Then my mum and dad are going to come back for Christmas - they'll spend Christmas Eve in Australia, and then they'll fly to America on Christmas Day and they'll actually gain a day [to arrive] on Christmas Day. I do miss my family a lot.
Did you miss the first part of our exclusive interview with Kym Johnson? Catch up on what she revealed about her Dancing With the Stars experience here. Also, check out this video of Kym and Donny Osmond's gorgeous Viennese waltz that aired live the night before we spoke with her.

This interview is exclusively for LimeLife.com.

FASHION REWIND: AMA STYLE 2009

Los Angeles, CA Combination of sequins, shiny fabric, and vamp- OH MY! The American Music Awards had some big fashion chart toppers and some definite one-hit wonders. Who was the Best Dressed? Which male celeb strutted their style? Who needs to fire their stylist? Which female celeb should've taken another glimpse in the mirror?

Here are the 5 STYLISH SONGBIRDS:


1.BOOM. BOOM. POW. The always-sexy Fergie shines in Armani Prive black sparkly dress. Showing off her killer body, this dress hugged every single sensational curve. She definitely went more than halfway for this chic-look.














2. ORIGAMI-MAMI. RiRi made her triumphant debut to the AMA's since her horrific night Grammy weekend and she was STUNNING in Marchesa right off the runway. The intricate details and contrasting black and white colors are right on trend for 2010. Kudos to her style team!













3. RIGHT ON KEYS. Alicia Keys looked fresh, clean, and posh in a colorful Armani Prive cocktail dress on the red carpet. Alicia always knows how to pull off a sexy look with a New York state of mind--- did you see those killer heels??














4. ALWAYS THE YEAR OF THE GENTLEMAN. NeYo knows how to dress. He always pulls the look together with such style and swagger. Grey suit is a must have this season MEN! Dapper to the extreme, he knows how to work the contrasting colors in his accessories too.













5. FASHION IDOL. Known for his typical over the top wardrobe choices, but at the AMA's American Idol alum, Adam Lambert kept it clean, polished, and perfect in a slim-fit suit with white dress shirt and black skinny tie. Classic and timeless, with Lambert's makeup and hair it has a rock'n'roll flair!











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


WOW. AERO-NO NO. Joe Perry may be able to hit some high notes on his guitar, but this Aerosmith bandmate looks like he got fashion advice from tenants of LA's SkidRow district. We love Joe's dress shirt, scarf and skinny jeans that we are use to, but the mixed textures look sloppy!













WHY. WON'T BE BETTER IN TIME. The usually lovely Leona Lewis hit a wrong fashion note at Sunday's AMA's, The black pointed bra-top cocktail dress was OMG-ami all wrong! The girl with the golden voice, has a great figure, would've loved to see her in a simple silhouette to show off her golden figure.













WHOA. SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE (must have been written about her STYLIST leaving her,) American Idol sweetheart, Kelly Clarkson usually looks phenomenal on the carpet with a cute and sweet ensemble. This time, it looks like Kelly was decorating a lil too early for Christmas. Sequins are in, but sparse Christmas colors on a black dress that isn't flattering is SOOO OUT!












WHOOPS. FASHION FALL OUT. Fall Out Boy's Pete Wenz continues to wear the same clothes over and over again. Someone call a stylist quick, haven't we seen this all black ensemble before? Is that a black straight jacket? Maybe his love life is in mourning, but his wardrobe should have a lil more pizazz, we've seen you dress better, Pete!













WHAT WAS SHE THINKING? WHENEVER. WHEREVER. WHATEVER. Latin hottie Shakira has made two fashion violations this year and we are so sad. First at the MTV VMA's when her and Pink decided to go as Twins for Halloween a lil early (wearing the same dress at an event- FASHION NO NO!) and then wearing this YELLOW minidress to the AMA's. Not sure if she tried to go so extreme that she could guarantee no one else would show up wearing it (because it's just not that fabulous, sorry!).

Saturday, November 21, 2009

HOW TO TIE A SCARF 10 WAYS






Eternally fashionable, scarves are the most versatile accessory for women.  The available variety of fabrics, shapes and sizes make the scarf ideal for all seasons and occasions.  Our hand painted silk scarves offer the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and charm to your attire – formal or informal.

The question of how to wear or tie a scarf you just purchased often has a relatively simple answer.  Tying scarves is not as hard as it looks, and various attractive scarf tying techniques are rather easy to learn.

As a service to our customers, we have designed this step-by-step scarf tying instruction guide, providing the most common and popular styles of how to tie or wear a scarf.  Please familiarize yourself with the basic folding techniques and knots introduced in the beginning of the guide as subsequent tying instructions may refer to the basic scarf folds and knots.

1. THE ASCOT








A wonderful form of wrap giving a professional look to any dress that you’re wearing in a matter of minutes.

Step 1
Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 3.
Step 2
Let it dangle around your neck from the front so that the scarf hangs on your back.
Step 3
Take both the ends and crossing each other bring the forward equally on each side.
Step 4
Now take both the sides and tie then in a small bow just as shown in the illustration.

2. BANDANA WRAP









This is a relaxed way to sport a scarf. Gives the illusion of a trendy bandana on your shoulders!

Step 1
Fold a scarf into the shape of a triangle.
Step 2
Take the broader end (A) and start rolling it towards the narrower end (B).
Step 3
Roll A half way through the scarf.
Step 4
Take the scarf and hang it over your shoulders just like the way it is shown.
Step 5
Tie a simple knot to complete the look.

3. BOW TIE

The bow tie knot offers a scarf tying style that goes well with a suit. Take the opportunity to accent your business attire with a flattering look.





Step 1
A square scarf with a bias-band fold, or a folded oblong scarf, may be used for this knot.
Step 2
Place the scarf around your neck, situating it so that end "A" is about two inches longer than end "B".
Step 3
Cross "A" over "B". Bring "A" up and under the loop. Now double "B" over itself to form the front base loop of the bow tie.
Step 4
Loop "A" over the center of the loop you just formed.
Step 5
Holding everything in place, double "A" back on itself and poke it through the loop behind the bow tie.
Step 6
Adjust the bow tie by tugging at the ends of it and straightening the center knot.
  
4. BUCKAROO KNOT

A popular knot with cowboys and cowgirls, the buckaroo knot holds its own style in scarf tying. [Buckaroo is the American version of the Spanish word vaquero. In the early days of settling California, when it was still owned by Mexico, the Spanish landowners used vaquero to describe their herdsmen and horsemen. In Spanish, vaca means cow.] Today, buckaroos are men and women who ride horses on the range and work with cattle.


















Step 1
Begin with a folded oblong or a bias-band folded square scarf. Drape the scarf around your neck, then grasp opposite ends of the scarf, one in each hand.
Step 2
Wrap the scarf once around one or two fingers of your left hand, from over front to back and back over the fingers with the end hanging down and loose.
Step 3
The right scarf end wraps around the front of the left from front to back being sure to go under the loose left end.
Step 4
The right scarf end then comes forward around from the back, and loops over the loose left end, and through the loop made by the fingers of your left hand, from right to left.
Step 5
Tighten the square and there it is: the 4-square buckaroo knot.

5. BUTTERFLY TIE
A beautiful way of tying a scarf, accenting the elegant you. Can be sported with any outfit in your wardrobe.


















Step 1
Fold the scarf using the basic fold 3.
Step 2
Let it hang around your neck with roughly one third of the scarf on one side (A) and two-thirds on the other (B) and cross these as illustrated.
Step 3
Bring A upwards to make it pass through the cross so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4
After tossing A underneath B, let it pass through a second loop again.
Step 5
Now when you pull one end firmly, you’ll get your butterfly wrap ready!

6. THE WEAVE
A lovely scarf tying style; ready in a manner of seconds. Suitable to be worn with any outfit; the minimum effort required to get this style ready is the cause of its immense popularity.

  
















Step 1
Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 3.
Step 2
Let it dangle around your neck with one side (B) a bit shorter than the other (A).
Step 3
Take A and after crossing it over B let it pass from under B so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4
Bring A towards the neck again
Step 5
After letting A go around the neck, bring it down again and let it pass through the loop that was made before (in step 3).
Step 6
Your casual wrap is ready!

7. CASUAL HOOK AND EYE
As the name indicates, this style is casual yet sleek. Works well on casual as well as work attire.

















Step 1
Fold an oblong scarf in half lengthwise.
Step 2
Place around the neck and pull the two ends through the center fold.
Step 3
Voila, you are ready for Rumba

8. THE HOLLYWOOD


Step 1
Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 2






Step 2
Place the scarf around your neck; situating it so that one end is about two inches longer (A) than the other end (B).






Step 3
Cross A over B and let it pass through B so that a sort of hoop is formed.






Step 4
Let A pass through it again and bring it down facing forward






Step 5
Adjust your scarf by straightening the front part (A).






Step 6
Your Hollywood knot is ready!


9. FRENCH TWIST
This elegant knot can be worn with almost any top, and is ideal for filling in the neck of a suit, jacket, or coat. If paired with a collared shirt, then place the knot towards the middle instead of to the side. Please be mindful that the idea is to keep the twist loose.


Step 1
Fold a square scarf into a bias-band fold.
Step 2
Twist scarf jauntily to one side of neck so that the knot is off-center.
Step 3
Center the scarf in front of your neck. Wrap around, crossing ends behind neck and pull forward.
Step 4
Tie a single knot centered underneath chin.
Step 5
Finish by tying a double knot and let ends hang loosely.

10. UNDERCOAT
A beautiful way to accent any coat that you are wearing; brings that energetic feeling to an otherwise boring attire.