Swooning Over Shoes

While I'm not Jane from "Sea of Shoes", I do love a good pair of shoes. Honestly, what girl doesn't?  My trip to the city gave me a plethora of shoes to lust over, so why not share the love?

First Order of Business: Miu Miu Jewel- Heel Satin Pump

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Obsessed. Regardless of the trends, I will always be a glitz-fanatic; it is seriously the perfect way to spice up an outfit! The black satin, mixed with the rhinestones  creates a perfect blend of elegance and glamour. Miu Miu kept it classy by making this shoe have a chunky and short heel instead of creating a chic stripper shoe.  Though Miu Miu is charging a pretty penny for these (try $595), I think these are better priced than other shoes because they are so pragmatic. You won't be wobbling and hurting from these!  Can we picture these paired with a knee-long LBD or some skinny jeans and a flowy white blouse? Amazing! 

Second Order of Business: Chanel Mesh Peep Toe Ankle Boot

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Even when Lagerfeld doesn't live up to my expectations, I could never ever hate Chanel.  And this shoe is so right on.  I look at these shoes and think of a much better version of the cage bootie trend. The silhouette is so sophisticated and a nice change from Chanel's quilted shoes. And these are mega-versatile! You could wear these with a conservative shift dress  or even a body-con outfit if you're feeling extra sexy!  So smitten with these!

Third, and Final, Order of Business : Rag&Bone Harrow Boot

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Can we say mega retro/ Rachel Zoe? The mixture of colors and materials, in addition to the interestingly chunky heel, makes this shoe incredible unique.  And that chunky heel will allow any aspiring fashionista to strut with confidence and comfort. I love a good shootie! These would be awesome for spring and fall: a short sundress for spring and skinnies and a tunic for fall. Rag&Bone is quickly becoming one of my favorite designers!

Maybe one day I'll have these shoes for myself! 

PS: Congratulations to all of the CDFA nominees and honorees. Best of luck to all come June 6th! 

xx

It Ain't Over 'till It's Over

The end of Fall/Winter 2011.

Overall I was, dare I say it, disappointed.

Mega disappointed.

They say that the best is saved for last, but fashion week proved that  the saying is frequently false. 

Exhibit A: Chanel.

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I know that a major trend of fashion week was 90's revival, but Chanel took the idea of 90's revival and, in my opinion, made it ugly. Coco Chanel is currently in her one of her fabulous lady suits, rolling in her grave.  Of course Karl added some Chanel elements to this collection, but this is pone of the first times I wasn't wow-ed by his creation. Everything was too dark, too unfitted, and too blah. And not even dark in a chic way, but dirty. Of course there was some really fabulous skirts and capes, some of the looks were just...very primitive.  And the finale look was rather boring! I've always thought that we should all live life by Lagerfeld, but I'm just not impressed by his latest collection.

Exhibit B: Louis Vuitton. 

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I'm so confused because Marc Jacobs created a relatively good collection for his own line. But this genuinely scares me. It isn't fashion, but scary costumes. I think the whole military-doorman inspired collection was a good idea, the execution was off. Way off.  I would love this if it was couture; but this Louis Vuitton collection is ready-to-wear.  It's definitely a creative collection, but a little too creative for ready-to-wear.  And the proportions were definitely out of whack and not flattering in the slightest. And also, Mr. Jacobs, you should not try to suffocate your models: that's not nice at all.

Exhibit C: Valentino.

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I'm not saying Valentino was horrible, because there are some looks that I really do like, but Valentino did NOT "wow" me. Maybe it's because there was some minimalism in this collection,  or maybe because the looks were rather primitive, but Valentino's collection was not as glamourous as it should be.  Also, in my humble opinion, there were way too many nudes for FALL. It's a fresh perspective obviously, but it's way too Indian Summer.

THE END OF FASHION WEEK DID HAVE A REDEMPTION:

Alexander McQueen.

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The McQueen design camp never disappoints; season after season, they always provide abstract, yet wearable, pieces that makes everyone coo and, most importantly, think.  Although a very few of the pieces are ready-to-wear, I love this collection because of the innovative ways to incorporate fur. The silhouettes in this collection are absolute insanity.  And this collection is always keeping up with the black and white trend theory.  I'm really happy with Sarah Burton's work at Alexander McQueen thus far; she has truly maintained Alexander's artistic perspective on fashion. I feel like this collection would get a negative review from the mass media, but for aspiring fashionistas- it's a hit!

xx

The Weekly: Nevermind, I'll Find Someone Like You

First of all, let me just say that my love for Adele isn't adequately portrayed in this blog. I've been listening to her new album ,"21", nonstop since it was released and lately, I've been listening to it even more. I was a huge fan of her previous album, but this is musical gold. I'm not turning the Trendologist into a music/fashion/culture blog, but everyone should love Adele. 

Moving on. I am home for spring break! It has been, for the most part, lovely: eating good food, seeing incredible friends, and going on shopping sprees with my mom. I have a confession to make however:

I am addicted to TJ.Maxx.

What a silly thing to be obsessed with, one may think. Oh you have no idea. At my local TJ. Maxx, they have opened fashion heaven on earth, aka "Runway." Whenever I come home from college, my mom and I hit up Runway AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. In fact, we may be going again right now! I think when you see my INCREDIBLE PURCHASES, you'll understand.

From left to right: Cynthia Rowley scarf, Cynthia Steffe sparkly tank, Ellen Tracey poncho, Michael Kors  dress, and Julie Brown glittered tank.








Who knew TJ. Maxx was this awesome?

If you have a TJ Maxx close to you, go and check out if they have the Runway collection. Unfortunately, only a few have them but it's definitely worth the excursion to find out.


Now, onto the weekly!

• Mila Kunis at Cosmopolitan's Fun and Fearless Awards (Boca Negra): Mila Kunis is officially the epitome of casual chic. I am obsessed with this white suit. If anyone else were to do it, I would think it looked like a tacky Vegas ensemble. But, obviously, it doesn't on Mila. I like how she paired the luxe suit with a simple white tank, one that you could pick up almost anywhere. It dresses this look down and makes it fun. The black clutch adds a nice pop and I love how her hair always has those beachy waves- SO JEALOUS! 
• Jennifer Aniston at a fragrance launch (Valentino): This might sound really weird, but just roll with it: Jennifer Aniston is like a fine wine. I swear she looks better and better in every picture I see of her. Brad who?  This Valentino look is obviously no exception to my sketchy and cliche metaphor.  The length of it is very age appropriate; however, the asymmetrical makes this dress young and chic. I'm not a huge fan of the color, I think it makes her look too young, but it was a nice change from black.  But thankfully, she did not accessorize because I personally think that would make her look like she's trying to relive her youth. But all in all, fabulous!

xx

Celeb Profile: Kourtney Kardashian

I've been watching a lot of Kourtney and Kim Take New York  lately- I even downloaded an episode for my journey back home! And I have a bone to pick with the media, I suppose: why does everyone look at Kim Kardashian as a major fashionista when Kourtney is the most stylish of the whole clan.  Khloe is my favorite Kardashian-don't worry I hope this post will be more intellectual- but Kourtney has a fabulous eye for fashion. Here are some prime examples:

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Even when she's doing daily activities,  Kourtney looks chic and fashion forward: here, she's wearing Balenciaga flats and that gorgeous Adrianne Landau vest! The large proportions are both flattering and effortless with her small frame. 

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Any of the Kardashians could pull off this vintage jumpsuit, but it was Kourtney's eye for fabulousity that makes this an amazing look. I love this all black look! She kept it simple and let the amazing details of this jumpsuit be the main focus.

I think what I love most about her style is how Kourtney doesn't always have to dress in body-con dresses; however, she doesn't wear shapeless designs either. She also looks like an everyday American woman as shown below:

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How Katherine Hepburn is this look?   This Elizabeth and James blouse matched with the Bleulab jeans looks so effortlessly chic and modern on her. When Kourtney goes out, it doesn't have to be a haute couture show...more like a ready-to-wear show.

And, let's be honest, would you see any of her sisters wearing something so androgynous?

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I'm so in love with this look, even though it whispers minimalism. Matching the Jill Stuart pants with the Kain sweatshirt is really unexpected. It's so...anti-Kardashian. And I kind of love it! 

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While I don't love- or really like at all- her combination of Wolford tights and Prada pumps, I do really appreciate her ability to experiment! 

The Kardashians are the modern day Kennedys (minus the political prestige and timelessness but add a sex tape and a plethora of endorsements...okay they're really nothing like Kennedys at all so that was a terrible comparison): we are all fascinated by them and secretly wish we could be as glamourous as them. Kourtney is the only one who makes aspiring fashionistas like myself intrigued and envious. She follows trends, but she also makes her own. It's not the same old same old like it is with another Kardashian (...Kim). Kourtney actually takes risks and has fun with fashion. And that's what it's really about, ladies and gents.

xx

Why I Want to Be Blake.

So Blake Lively's Chanel print-ad was released.

But that's not why I want to be Blake Lively.

THIS IS:

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If you don't know what's going on in this picture, Blake Lively is on a shopping trip with THE Christian Louboutin.

It's official, she is the luckiest girl on the planet. I don't really have anything else to say about this matter, just that I'm extremely jealous. Since I frequent talk about my love/hate relationship with Blake Lively, I thought this would be appropriate. And in terms of the Chanel ad, I like it: the asymmetrical composition is interesting and let's be honest, she looks fabulous.

ALSO, I'm watching television with my friend and he really wants a pair of super fierce animal shoes  these:

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I think they are pretty cool! Let's pair these with black jeans, a white tee, and a grey scarf? It's the perfect accessory for menswear!  And who doesn't love cool shoes? Nobody. My friend would also like to tell everyone that he is a size 9, if anyone is feeling generous.

xx

The Weekly: That You Found a Girl and You're Married Now

This weekend has been a wedding filled weekend. Because spring break is SO close, some of my lovely ladies and I have taken the weekend to do some homework. Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for our homework, we continued to be distracted by Say Yes to the Dress  and My Best Friend's Wedding. Consequently, I began thinking about something that will be life defining: my wedding dress. I have no desire to get married right now, but in terms of the wedding dress, why start early? This post isn't going to turn into "these are the wedding dresses I like", but I've devised a few do's and don'ts of the wedding ensemble.

But I will say that this dress is gorgeous:

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1. DO NOT add color to your wedding dress: Unless you plan on polygamy or a divorce, this is your only wedding. Keep it classic and keep it white (or some shade of off-white).
2. DO allow your bridesmaids to look fabulous: I'm a really big fan of keeping your bridal party in the same color, but different dresses. If someone has to put up with your bridezilla ways, it's the least you can do! It's also like you have a fashion strutting down the aisle, which is my dream wedding.
3. DO NOT wear a short dress (unless it's your second wedding): Let's be honest, do you frequently wearing fabulous evening gowns? No! So why would you let the opportunity pass? That's just silly!
4. DO splurge (if you are financially able): Not only is this a once in a lifetime dress, but you want to make sure that it is made well. How embarrassing would a wardrobe malfunction be as you're throwing the bouquet?
5. DO make sure the bodice is form fitting: Whether you're opting for the princess skirt or a mermaid silhouette, you want to show off your bridal bod! Your dress should be ill-fitting and, depending on where the skirt begins, a fitted bodice will be flattering on all! 
6. DO NOT settle for something that's just okay or ugly: This is your big day and you should love it more than your husband...kidding! 

Okay so enough of the sub-par introduction and now onto the Weeklies! 

• Tom Ford at the Vanity Fair After Party (I would assume Tom Ford): Fabulous. Can any man dress better than Tom Ford? I really don't think so.  I love the mixture of velvet and a regular tuxedo. The dark blue velvet is blue enough to look fashion forward, but dark enough to look classy. The proportion of the bow-tie is also spot on. It was clownish but not too small, which I loved. And the boutineer on the lapel is so adorable. Ugh, I just love him! He's so cute.
• Rosario Dawson at the same After Party (Diane von Furstenberg):  Love the dress' blue, I bought a dress from Topshop that's a similar blue! I think this dress is the perfect thing to wear to an Oscars After Party. The sparkles and length of the dress scream "classy", but the sexy slit and the relaxed silhouette screams "casual chic." I think her casual look was really cool and I'm glad she didn't stack on the jewels. I like how the hair was clean and slick, which was a perfect counter to the dress' silhouette. Also, I really loved the purple-grey shoes with the dress: it served as a neutral, which  made the main focus the dress. As it should be.
• Nicole Richie at the Elton John After Party (Halston Heritage): So sleek and sexy, which I am obsessed with.  The slits in her dress was mixed perfectly with the- dare I compliment minimalism- minimal silhouette and the long sleeves. The dramatic lip was also really striking and chic with pure white. The hoop earrings also made this edgy dress look retro, which is so Nicole Richie. I just love her and her dress.
• Blake Lively being trendy (Chanel): She has a way of always making it on my Weeklies.  Only Blake could make this all white ensemble look non-bridal. Overall, it's a really ethereal look: the messy hair, the ruffles on the dress. What I loved most about this look was the pop of color (aka the emerald earrings). I really believe that she could wear a garbage bag and be mistaken for wearing couture. 

xx

Her Skin Type Maybelline

So I've been a terrible blogger lately and have simply not had the time to discuss INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEKS. In my opinion, IFW (look at me and my acronyms) is where it gets interesting; as an American, some of the looks I question but that's what makes fashion fascinating. It's dynamic and culture specific. While Vivienne Westwood's collection kind of made me anxious  and Mugler almost brought me to tears of sadness, I wonder if I would love it if I was from somewhere else.

So without more procrastination, here's some of my favorites from IFW!

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Well Antonio Berardi had basically everything and anything you could want in a collection: fur, extreme jackets, lace, pants, dresses, shimmer. Needless to say, I loved it.  While the show wasn't entirely cohesive, the progression from white to colored to blacks was effortless and logical, which made the show feel more cohesive. I loved how this collection and outfits that would actually look good on people who are not size 00: the chunky coat would be flattering on almost anyone. Some of his sexiest dresses, on the other hand, would look so feminine on a Kim Kardashian figure. And, for the record, I am head over heels obsessed with the textured tuxedo. And this toughie blazerish dress ensemble. It was just awesome

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I'm going to be really short about Dior. John Galliano has made a fool out of himself and I believe that the damage is irreversible. That being said, Dior had a heavy dosage of ruffles, and I kind of enjoyed it. This collection, in my mind, was very Florence Welch mixed with a very other randoms. The colors were appropriately "fall/winter" and there were a lot of separates that will make for an extremely chic season. Like there's this orange fur coat that I kind of need. Oh and I loved how many hats there were!  But most importantly, the ending was hoping and inspiring- just what Dior needs right now. 

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For now on, I am referring to this Lanvin collection as "Tim Burton's Tea Party". Why? This collection started off as, for lack of a better word, "normal": everything was rather plain and simple: simplistic silhouettes and not many accessories. But then, everything changes and, in my opinion, for the better because minimalism is annoying. Silhouettes became more interesting whilst the proportions were out-of-whack. Although some simple pieces still walked the runway, like this canary dress, Tim Burton's Tea Party was invaded with feminine pieces that had a darker and more artistic flare, hence the nickname.  Even though I refuse to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas because it's really scary (my mother can attest to that), Tim Burton is so artistic, individualistic, and eery. Which is what I thought of this collection. But unlike The Nightmare Before Christmas, I thoroughly enjoyed this collection: it was chic, thought-provoking, and art. Just what fashion should be.

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Essential question: Can Prada ever do wrong? This collection screamed 1960s retro and let's be honest, who doesn't wish they lived in the swinging sixties? The people who actually lived then. To describe this collection in one word, besides "retro", this collection was "fun". Good 'ol fun!  The repetition of the drop waist belt  added some funk to what would be a rather typical jacket or outfit. The fur was so care free and I'm really upset I don't own at least one of these! AND THE SEQUINS?!  Amazing. I was so pleased when I saw all of the sequins! I think in order to wear this collection, you need confidence. I think this is one of those collections where people who don't love ridiculous avant gardish fashion will cringe, while the others with coo.  I  AM OBSESSED WITH THIS COLLECTION. That is all.

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I think what I really love about Balmain is how they are rather consistent with their silhouettes and looks altogether. While I know that being too consistent is a bad thing, Balmain is like comfort food: if you want long sleeved minis that have a hint of edge, you go to Balmain. That's just how it works. This collection; however, I really enjoyed. Of course, there were the trendy long sleeved minis that I love oh so much, but I really loved all of the tuxedo  sets and jackets that strutted down the catwalk. I love the metallic striped pattern that they displayed: it reminded me of Chanel with a twist. Whenever I think of Balmain, I always think of fabulous and really sharp: fabulous because all of the sparkle and sharp because of the rigid silhouette. Never change, Balmain.

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Nina Ricci's collection is the girliest collection, I think, of this season. Needless to say, I absolutely fell in love with it! The blacks, pinks, and blues of the collection reminded me of a 1950's Barbie, which I thought was fabulous. For fall, designers usually stick with blacks and darker colors so the change in color was incredible.  Like so many collections, I love Nina Ricci's use of lace and sparkles! And I loved this one look with a jester collared and trousers. Speaking of trousers... can I get these velvet trousers? Also, the final was FABULOUS! I wish I could wear it. I feel like a non-pregnant Natalie Portman would look stunning in this collection!

xx