"The secret of theatrical success is this: you must set a decoy at the door so that part of your audience can amuse themselves there while the rest are inside. Shakespeare, Molière, and the profound Chaplin know this well."
--Jean Cocteau, preface to Les mariés de la Tour Eiffel
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Book Giveaway
Hi, today is a really beautiful day.
I want to let you all know about a giveaway I'm having on my other blog at
Women-prenuer Galore, where I,m giving away 4 copies of New York Best Seller
''That's why you're fat (stay slim forever)'' book. by Jackie Warner.
I've reviews this book which I found to be really good, mainly because not only will she teach you how to mix your foods together for a better balance for hormones and better weight loss. But she also takes the
time in this book to explain to you the why and the how of how your body works and how it works best with certain food mixes and why it doesn't work as well with other food mixes.
After you finish reading this book, you will understand what I mean, she also gives you a lot of different exercises in the book from beginner to more advanced, so you don,t feel to overwhelmed.
I
I,m certain you'll also enjoy this book and with the possibility of winning of 4 books,
this ain't pretty bad either.
So won,t you come alsong and read up on the review and enter the giveaway.
Who knows you might one of the lucky winners?.
Book Giveaway
Hi, today is a really beautiful day.
I want to let you all know about a giveaway I'm having on my other blog at Women-prenuer Galore, where I,m giving away 4 copies of New York Best...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
I want to let you all know about a giveaway I'm having on my other blog at Women-prenuer Galore, where I,m giving away 4 copies of New York Best...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Sex and the City 2: The Looks for Less
The fab foursome is on the way back, when Sex and the City Part Two hits theatres on May 27th. According to Fandango, ticket sales for this one are out pacing sales for the first movie. In my opinion, this should be no surprise. First, we love these four characters and the story of their friendship. Second, watching them on the bigscreen in their millions of dollars (per website Shine) of designer duds is perfect escapist fare in the midst of the Great Recession. Just as movie goers in the Depression lined up to see Garbo, Harlow and Lombard in their fabulous studio gowns and costumes, today's movie goers want to escape into the couture fantasy of Carrie, Miranda , Samantha and Charlotte. As you can see from the picture above, each character has their own individual fashion style. Here's how I would categorize their styles:
Carrie-- A mix of couture, Vintage Vogue and Boho Chic. Her style is a complete fantasy. You won't see the average woman dressing like Carrie Bradshaw.
Miranda- A look that fits today's working mother, suits and separates for women, and casual at home. She also wears some great dresses that can go from the office to an evening out. I would shop for Miranda at Loehmann's. They've got great lawyer suits for less, and stylish dresses.
Samantha- A look that is body baring, and full of bling with lots of embellishments at the shoulders and on the neckline. The character goes where many fashionistas dare not tread with thigh high skirts, and cleavage baring tops. Discreet is not a word in the Samantha Jones style vocabularly. Big earrings and studded belts are some of her favorite accessories. Sky high heels and designer bags are also hallmarks of her style.
Charlotte- A mix of Park Avenue chic and preppy style. Charlotte has evolved from a Talbots/Lily Pulitzer look to more of a Marc Jabcobs/ Saks Fifth Avenue style. Of all the character's styles, her look is my personal favorite. She reminds me of a modern day Audrey Hepburn. I envision her wearing a lot of Milly and Tiffany jewelry.
So, if you like these styles, or just love the fantasy of them, where can you go to get the looks for less? Well, a number of places. Carrie's look is all about mixing and matching. Vintage stores and consignment stores are a good place to look fro Carrie Bradshaw style. For Miranda and Charlotte, look for their looks on sales at department stores, Loehmann's and eBay. As for Samantha, she is in a category all by herself. Her sexy style maybe best found at boutiques stores like Fred Segal or Bergdorf's, and of course eBay. If you're in New York, check out Bergdorf's windows this week to see Sex and the City style. Click here to see the windows on the Bergdorf 5th/58th blog.
If you're looking for their looks for less, check out People Stylewatch this week. They have some good tips on indvidual outfits. If you're looking for specific outfits take a look at Kohl's for some of the pieces that match the movie's wardrobe. Check out the comparisons below. The top line of images is from the movie with Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie, the rest are images of items from Kohl's.
Pictured: Carrie's style picks from Kohl's
Following are some of the Kohl's pieces that are doppleganger's for Carrie's movie wardrobe. Fittingly, the pieces from the ELLE collection are good picks for Carrie's look!
My Michelle Studded Dress - 48.00
ELLE Dot Ruffled Dress - $60.00, on sale for $35.99.
SO Plaid Camp Shirt - $26.00
ELLE Colorblock Mixed-Media Dress - 60.00
ELLE Aviator Sunglasses - 26.00
ELLE Novotel Shopper - $69.00
SO Hurricane Skinny Jeans - $29.99
ELLE Mariel Peep-Toe Dress Heels - $59.99
14k Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl Floral Pendant - $99.99
SONOMA life + style Wooden Beaded Flex Bracelet - $14.00
ELLE Solid Cardigan - $44.00
For Charlotte's look from Kohl's check these pieces. The top line of images is from the movie with Kristin Davis as Charlotte, the rest are images of items from Kohl's.
Pictured: Charlotte's style picks from Kohl's
Charlotte's Kohl's Style Picks:
Candie's Asymmetrical Top - $38.00, on sale for $12.60!
Simply Vera Vera Wang Dress - $59.99, on sale for $34.00
AB Studio Solid Sheath Dress - $48.00, on sale for $24.99
Apt. 9 Braided Metallic Belt - $24.00
Dana Buchman Dawson Hobo - $80.00, on sale for $40.00
ELLE Melia Satchel - $69.00
Chaps Denim Capris - $50.00
Mootsies Tootsies Loopy Wedge Sandals - $44.99
Apt. 9 Tailee Peep-Toe Dress Heels - $49.99
For the fabulous, Samantha Jones, check these style picks. The top line of images is from the movie with Kim Catrell as Samantha, the rest are images of items from Kohl's.
Pictured: Samantha's style picks from Kohl's
Samantha's Kohl's Style Picks:
Speechless Pleated Studded Strapless Dress - $68.00, on sale for $40.00
IZ Byer California Triangle Halter Dress - $68.00
IZ Byer California Halter Satin Dress - $68.00, now $44.20
AB Studio Striped Maxi Dress - $64.00
Candie's Coco Peep-Toe High Heels - $54.99
Simply Vera Vera Wang Signature Wedge Flip-Flops - $22.00
Simply Vera Vera Wang Thyme Wedges - $69.99
Simply Vera Vera Wang Rimmed Square Sunglasses - $34.00
Simply Vera Vera Wang Chelsea Crocodile Hobo - $69.00
Candie's Rosette Stretch Belt - $24.00
Apt. 9 Gold-Tone Hammered Drop Earrings - $16.00
For Miranda's look from Kohl's check these pieces. The top line of images is from the movie with Cynthia Nixon as Miranda Hobbes, the rest are images of items from Kohl's.
Pictured: Miranda's style picks from Kohl's
Miranda's Kohl's Style Picks:
AB Studio Solid Sheath Dress - $48.00, on sale for $24.99
Apt. 9 Shift Dress on sale for $29.99
Lauren Conrad top
Apt. Silver-Tone Beaded Bib Necklace - $32.00
1928 Brass-Tone Teardrop Earrings - $14.99
ELLE™ Mariel Peep-Toe Dress Heels - $59.99
Joe Benbasset Pin-Striped Pants - $40.00
Simply Vera Vera Wang Gold-Tone Lariat Necklace - $32.00
Apt. 9 Gold-Tone Filigree Cuff Bracelet - $20.00
Apt. 9® Silver-Tone Tapered Hoop Earrings - $14.00
Also, check out Macy's for some looks for less. The new Sex and the City movie features a lot of Morrocan inspired tunics and embellished tops. Macy's has plenty of those for spring and summer at reasonable prices. They are also running a Sex and the City Girl's Weekend Shopping trip. Of course I entered! Click here for the details.
Pictured: Macy's Ultimate Getaway Sweepstakes offers a girls trip to Morroco!
Do you have any Sex and the City style tips or favorites? Leave a comment and share. Also, did you already buy tickets for the premiere ? :)
Alejandro & Mom, Vintage Photos
I love the idea of the contest, of sharing and being able to see other people's vintage photos. We tend so much to see fashion as something idealized and this really connects it with people's lives, it's great.
This a picture of my mother Willy van Rooy and me in Paris, I'm guessing the year must be 1970 or 71 at the most (I was born in 68). Apart from being an iconic model in the 60's and 70's who worked with the best photographers and designers, my mother was, and still is, a person with an amazing and very individual fashion sense (which later in life led her to become a successful fashion and shoe designer). I never remember her following fashion or buying clothes off-the-rack.
What I love about this picture is that it really shows her style, the mix of old-Hollywood glamour (the 30's vintage coat, the red lips, the short snake-skin jacket), with absolute freedom (the embroidered dress, the hand-made spanish boots, the Ibiza basket, the scarf and the flowing hair). And... don't I look like the cutest little hippie?
All the best,
Alejandro
Alejandro & Mom, Vintage Photos
I love the idea of the contest, of sharing and being able to see other people's vintage photos. We tend so much to see fashion as something idealized and this really connects it with people's lives, it's great.
This a picture of my mother Willy van Rooy and me in Paris, I'm guessing the year must be 1970 or 71 at the most (I was born in 68). Apart from being an iconic model in the 60's and 70's who worked with the best photographers and designers, my mother was, and still is, a person with an amazing and very individual fashion sense (which later in life led her to become a successful fashion and shoe designer). I never remember her following fashion or buying clothes off-the-rack.
What I love about this picture is that it really shows her style, the mix of old-Hollywood glamour (the 30's vintage coat, the red lips, the short snake-skin jacket), with absolute freedom (the embroidered dress, the hand-made spanish boots, the Ibiza basket, the scarf and the flowing hair). And... don't I look like the cutest little hippie?
All the best,
Alejandro
Friday, May 21, 2010
Big21 1st Anniversary Special : Dara's Style
Disclaimer : It's a brand new month and a brand new year for Big21 Fashion Evolution. Look forward to major changes on this blog. We still provide fashion/style tips of our favorite artistes, Big Bang and 2NE1, but we're also giving out more to our avid readers. Here's a hint; start styling like the girls and the boys and perhaps, you'll find yourselves on this blog.
Prepare yourself for another special of Big21 Fashion Evolution Anniversary special. This time it's for all of you fans of quirky and outgoing 2NE1 4D member, Sandara Park or best known as Dara. Her fun and happy-go-lucky personality mixed with her unconventional and funky outfits garnered her many fans worldwide.
I, for one am dazzled on Dara's stunning image and kid-like charisma on their Samsung Corby photoshoot. This adventurous look with a denim jumpsuit, high socks, and a graphic tee made Dara look younger. They sent a playful clash of colors on Dara’s attire and the side panels on her attire made her outfit fun. From kidlike to complete fierceness. The huge ruffle on her hand line unusually understated that owed a great debt and showed a sophisticated yet fierce side of Dara. Muted luxury reigns supreme on 2NE1’s photoshoot for their newest 11st CF. Lie Sang Bong provided this superbly structured, delicately detailed piece of vest for Dara. Putting more details by adding a shoulder cut dress and patterned stockings.
In fashion, Dara definitely rules when it comes to haute couture. They picked a neon '80s streak of color on her outfit. She did it with no exception at Jeremy Scott’s party with her HellCATPUNKS Yellow Leopard Jacket, Vivienne Westwood's Dress Shirt, Jeremy Scott's Green Telephone Leggings, Jeremy Scott x Adidas Black Wing Shoes and her detailed accessories. Fierceness is what took over on their photoshoot for Ceci Magazine. Wearing unusual pieces from Mango, a gray blazer and harem-like pants. This is very unconventional, blazers and harem pants? It will never suit me. From her fierce hairstyle to her crazy hip hop-ish look, she is a real goddess. I bet you won’t see anything like that in magazines! The last was taken from 2NE1's performance on the recent Samsung Anycall Event. She's wearing a Star Jacket from Jeremy Scott x Adidas, Luxury Vandal shirt by Hellz Bellz, Louis Vuitton Belt, Ripped Jeans (CL originally wore it on various photoshoots and performances) and Jeremy Scott x Adidas White Wing Shoes. She also wore her signature necklace (which she have in black, white and gold).
Animal prints and wildlife reference is the theme on this photoshoot. This Gucci dress and her ribbon hairstyle made the diminutive Sandara Park seem more taller and more regal. I think this is unconventional because other people might not prefer it with leggings, they prefer showing off their legs. Studded jeans, leather jackets, and dark colors keep set off 2NE1’s fierce style for the advertisement of Bean Pole Jeans. The readers captivate this style because they never fail to bring out the boldness of the image they show. The particular edgy pair of her leggings was a fun highlight to her clothes. Wearing a front cut black top and a LEVI Strappy Tribal Sandal by TOPSHOP. This casual outfit is very sophisticated and suits Dara’s slim body.
Dara is definitely ahead of the pack on their performance of “I Don’t Care”. Her futuristic fashion statement says it all. From the hairstyle to the clothing, not everyone can pull-off a black and white patterned clothing like Dara. That color matches perfectly with her white skin tone that made it very catchy and edgy. The varied blue tones and ripped top unfurled their performance on MBC Music Core like a Korean Fairytale. Wearing shorts from House of Holland and shoes from SPX. 2NE1 is known for their crazy yet creative fashion sense so it did not surprise me on her outfit at the MAMA Awards. Dara is wearing Alexander Wang's Buckle Boots, red leopard print zip-up pants and a black biker vest. She really looked fierce performing “Kiss”.
Black is indeed elegant and nobody does it better than Dara. A luminous Sandara Park took our breaths away in this simple, stunner box dress by Hannah Marshal adding her spiked necklace from Burberry Prorsum. 2NE1 posed for a magazine called "W Magazine". They were all looking fierce and unconventional, with cropped and side laced top. They went native with painted arms and afro-like hair wigs. 2NE1 went for a unique old-fashioned style which they haven’t previously shown before, on their photoshoot for Crossdressing. Love it or hate it, it's impossible to deny the impact that Dara made with this Stella McCartney Wide Leg Jeans and Cotton shirt pairing it with a Burberry belt.
Big Bang for Shouting Korea
Disclaimer : It's a brand new month and a brand new year for Big21 Fashion Evolution. Look forward to major changes on this blog. We still provide fashion/style tips of our favorite artistes, Big Bang and 2NE1, but we're also giving out more to our avid readers. Here's a hint; start styling like the girls and the boys and perhaps, you'll find yourselves on this blog.
You need to pay a close attention on this one! If you look closely to the shirt of our boys, you would notice the domo-like prints on their shirts. It's from nike sportswear. I found them in different colors but they are exact. I'm also curious! where is TOP?
On Daesung
Black Version on GD
White Version on Seungri and Red Version for Taeyang
Picture Credits to: Big Bang Updates
Monkeys
Hello my dear readers,I've got something funny to say but true.
Did you know that monkeys had 12hairs at any one time?Well they do.
For now this is it, but I will be back quite...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Did you know that monkeys had 12hairs at any one time?Well they do.
For now this is it, but I will be back quite...
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Midnight & I
Today has been such amazing weather here! Mainly spent the day lying in the sun with good music on.. My face is a little burnt right now.. !
This cardigan is one i picked up at a carboot sale and it was only 10p!! The shorts are cut offs made from old top shop jeans, and the top is one from the kate moss at topshop collection.
Looking forward to a weekend filled with sunshine, music and good company!
x
An Interview with Los Angeles Designer Lauren Elaine
Pictured: A full length Lauren Elaine gown, the updated Little Red Riding Hood look, complete with wolf. (Photo, Press Photo- All Rights Reserved. Copyright Stefhan Gordon. LAFashionWeek.com, photo provided with permission by Lauren Elaine.)
I'm feeling very proud of our Los Angeles community of designers, bloggers and social media experts after attending the Los Angeles Chapter of Fashion Group International's “What’s Next in Social Media?” meeting last night. Sometimes people forget how much great fashion and fashion collaboration is coming from the city of Angels. That's why I wanted to spotlight an LA Designer on the blog today, Lauren Elaine. I interviewed Lauren Elaine following her recent LA Fashion Week show at the Key Club. I loved all the vintage touches from her collection and the very feminine looks.
Pictured: Lauren Elaine 's gold cocktail dress
(Photo, Press Photo- All Rights Reserved. Copyright Stefhan Gordon. LAFashionWeek.com, photo provided with permission by Lauren Elaine.)
Here's is my interview with the designer.
What is your design perspective?
"My basic goal as a designer has always been to create uniquely feminine, regal clothing that enhances a women's beauty and draws attention without being distasteful or revealing too much. Too me, there is nothing more alluring than a little air of mystery- and I always try to design pieces that catch the eye by enhancing the woman wearing them- not exposing her. "
What are your price points for your Black Label line?
The Black Label price range is very diverse- with more casual pieces ranging from $150 to $300 (US), and couture formal wear ranging from $400 to $600 (US) and up. The Lauren Elaine label is entirely handmade in the USA, and employs vintage and couture sewing techniques to ensure exceptional quality and garment life.
Where can we buy your clothes?
The Lauren Elaine Black Label is carried at select high-end boutiques across the country, as well as online stores. Launched in Oct. 2009, the label first debuted in Southern California and is carried at such local stores at La Maison de Fashion, Muse, Let's Go, Jane Doe, etc.
To get Lauren Elaine for less, look for the sales at La Masion de Fashion or online at Shopflick.com. Check for Lauren Elaine by searching on eBay too, to find the look for less.
Pictured: The Rachel Tunic by Lauren Elaine is on sale at website Shopflick. (photo courtesy of Shopflick)
To learn more about Lauren Elaine, and see her entire LA Fashion Week collection, check out her Facebook page, by clicking here.
Men of Moscow
I had to save these shots from last trip to Moscow until they appeared in my GQ page.The thing that impressed me about men's style in Moscow is that it's really unlike that of any European city.
This young Moscow generation is really pushing againist the city's image of blinged-out Versace-ism and is looking to make a new statement for themselves. The haircuts are different in Moscow too, I mean, when was the last time you saw a guy wearing an updated Beatles shag that actually looked pretty cool?
I think this push against bling has most affected the young designers in Moscow. It seems that fleece has replaced cashmere as the primary fabric of choice. I saw it worn colorblocked (as above) and mixed with leather (below). With fleece as a core fashion fabric, young designers can afford to take more chances with design, color, and assortment. 
It was great to see the high-end fashion boutiques in Moscow hanging collections of small, local designers next to the big international brands. It was also funny/cringy to see Amercian West done as a fashion statement in a super cool shop like Kuznetsky Most 20.
I'm betting the Moscow retail scene will become one of the best and most daring over the next ten years. Rents are still low, the people are hungry for fashion and there is a deep history of great artistic expression in the Russian people.
Now if they can just get a few more cool hotels and restuarants.
Men of Moscow
I had to save these shots from last trip to Moscow until they appeared in my GQ page.The thing that impressed me about men's style in Moscow is that it's really unlike that of any European city.
This young Moscow generation is really pushing againist the city's image of blinged-out Versace-ism and is looking to make a new statement for themselves. The haircuts are different in Moscow too, I mean, when was the last time you saw a guy wearing an updated Beatles shag that actually looked pretty cool?
I think this push against bling has most affected the young designers in Moscow. It seems that fleece has replaced cashmere as the primary fabric of choice. I saw it worn colorblocked (as above) and mixed with leather (below). With fleece as a core fashion fabric, young designers can afford to take more chances with design, color, and assortment. It was great to see the high-end fashion boutiques in Moscow hanging collections of small, local designers next to the big international brands. It was also funny/cringy to see Amercian West done as a fashion statement in a super cool shop like Kuznetsky Most 20.
I'm betting the Moscow retail scene will become one of the best and most daring over the next ten years. Rents are still low, the people are hungry for fashion and there is a deep history of great artistic expression in the Russian people.
Now if they can just get a few more cool hotels and restuarants.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Recap: Happy Mother's Day
After returning home from a business trip to London, Victoria Beckham was just in time for Mother's Day. To celebrate the stylish mother of three, David took his wife and sons to lunch at Bounchon Bistro in Beverly Hills in their Rolls Royce convertible.
Happy belated Mother's Day to all of the moms out there!
source: DailyMail
Recap: The Return of the Pob?
Finally, finally, finally.... a change of hairstyle! On her way back to LA, Victoria was sporting a hairdo that seems like she may be returning to her Pob hairstyle. I know her hair is in an awkward stage right now, but I am so grateful for the lack of a messy bun here... I just couldn't see it again. The one style I would love to see her out in is that wonderful curly 'do we all loved so much.
Anyway, here she is at Heathrow dressed in all black yet again...
source: www.zigazig-ha.com & zimbio
