The Trendologist-Approved Gift Guide: The Jet Setter

Besides awards season, the holiday are my absolute favorite time of the year. I love donating to the Salvation Army bins, listening to Michael Buble's Christmas album, decorating my house, and giving fabulous gifts to my favorite family members and friends. There's a certain joy that overwhelms you when you pick out the perfect present for your loved ones. Not experiencing that gifting ecstasy is worse that your average holiday slump. Prevent your presents from being returned with my series of trendy gift guides! Whether you're buying for the family's token tomboy or the biggest beauty nerd, I promise that these guides will feature something your recipients will adore. And who knows, maybe you'll find a few things to put on your wish list!

Deny it all you want, but we all have those loved ones who have a pretty impressive passport. Cultured and adventurous, the jet setter has been everywhere from Iceland to Hong Kong. Jealous? Absolutely. Embrace their exploratory spirit this year by giving them some travel-approved gifts!

Mary Green Silk Satin Sleep Mask ($28): What could be worse than being blinded by the strong sun rays while trying to get some rest on a six hour flight? Nothing. Without a quick nap, any traveler will be crabby for the trip of a lifetime. So not chic. Make sure your loved ones get some shut eye with this adorable eye mask. From the swank silk-satin blend to the cheeky sayings, this pick is a treat for jet setters and onlookers alike. (Photo)

Smythson Cooper Collection Passport Case ($210): After a couple European holidays or Asian adventures, the jet setter's passport will be a little beaten up. Since onlookers are so impressed with the number of exotic immigrant stamps, shouldn't they also be wowed by the passport's exterior? Without a doubt, Smythson is the best brand for ultra-luxe accessories. A goatskin exterior, soft leather interior, and a variety of colors? What more could a 21st century nomad
ask for?  (Photo)

Longchamp Boxford Travel Bag ($355): As obvious as it may be, a sartorially superior weekender bag is every country-hopper's must-have accessory. It should be lightweight, versatile, and durable. Translation? It should be Longchamp's Boxford bag. Between the traditional silhouette and equestrian-chic leather details, this bag is
absolutely ideal. (Photo)

City Hair Slides ($19): Since logomania is all the rage, what could be a better stocking stuffer than these adorable barrettes? Whether your travel savant wants to sport these in an ethereal bun or score a street style look with these clips, I have a sneaky suspicion this pick will be a coveted accessory. (Photo)

Fashion Insiders' Guide to Paris and New York ($25): Everyone knows to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty when they travel to the Big Apple, but your "been there, done that" travel friends are craving some new sights, restaurants, and stores. With a stylish twist on the typical travel guide, these books are sure to be a hit underneath every Christmas tree. (Photo)

Jonathan Adler "Mine" Luggage Tag ($38): Doesn't everyone have a large, black wheelie suitcase nowadays? And how awkward is it to pick up a complete stranger's bag? Very awkward, in case you weren't aware. Practical and chic, this fun Jonathan Adler pick is the perfect way to distinguish one chic suitcase from the rest. So the next time your jet setter friend's bag is accidentally swept off the conveyor belt, they can point to the tag and say, "This is mine." (Photo)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Sleeping Bunny Slippers ($198): Whether you're at the Four Seasons or the Holiday Inn, you can't help but wonder how thoroughly your hotel room was cleaned. Nothing against the wait staff-- kudos for leaving chocolates on our pillows! If your favorite travelers are slight germ-a-phobes, this present is perfect for them. Clean and chic feet? Yes please!   (Photo)

Personalized Leather iPad Mini Case ($116): Nobody, and I mean nobody, likes to lug their laptops around while traveling the world. It's so bulky and puts a major damper on your otherwise flawless security check-in. Since your favorite jet setters have probably known this for some time, it's all about bringing a tablet along for the adventure. Not only does this case protect your loved one's precious iPad, it is very fashion-forward. Unless you're living under a rock, you know that a monogrammed accessory is the perfect way to look professional and polished. (Photo)

Bien Sûr Sweater ($80): To be perfectly honest, traveling isn't as warm and fuzzy as you'd hope. Freezing on the plane? Chilly while sightseeing? This sweater will do the trick. The cotton-wool blend is super cozy, and let's not forget that kitschy logo is perfect for the ultimate traveler.  (Photo)

Nikon Coolpix 630 Waterproof 10.1 Megapixel Digital Camera ($100): Let's face the harsh truth: we can't always travel with our friends to the Maldives or Ghana. Le sigh. "Take tons of pictures," we always say. By getting them this pick, they'll have no excuse for the lack of National Geographic worthy photos. But don't underestimate this point-and-shoot model: it's waterproof so it can be brought to any fabulous destination.  (Photo)

What are you planning to get your jet setter friends? Sound off below! 

xx

Red Carpet Review: The 2013 American Music Awards

The few months that separate the Emmys and the Golden Globes are torture. While style savants can always tune into E!'s Fashion Police or gossip with their equally trendy friends about Jennifer Lawrence's red carpet choices, there's a major void when you can't overdose in glamourous evening gowns, tailored suits, and ridiculously awful ensembles. Let us take a moment to thank the American Music Awards for giving us a quick (and completely necessary) fix. Though many of the outfits were questionable, you must admit that these looks give you something to talk about. Check out which starlets hit a sartorial high note and which ones fell a little flat.

The Worst

Aubrey O'Day: I will only say this once: COVER UP FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

Heidi Klum in Marchesa: It's a general rule that supermodels can pull off anything, whether it's couture or a burlap sack. As of last night, it seems as if this rule has an exception: when Klum wears ultra ethereal Marchesa dress. Georgia Chapman makes some of the most incredible gowns known to mankind; however, this one  looks like it went through a horrid paper shredder incident. Since there isn't much covering the Project Runway host, the black patch of fabric feels uncomfortable (and unflattering). If the dress wasn't cringe-worthy enough, I can't say that I'm loving the bangs either. Sure, the fringe on her head matches the bottom of the dress, but too much fringe is rarely a good thing.

Jordin Sparks in Jovani: Though I am a major supporter of highlighting your best asset, Sparks's ensemble is featuring too much. The high-slit is a great way to show off her legs, but the embellished bodice makes the singer look top-heavy. And that slick topknot and halter neckline do not help the situation. Between the cocktail ring, blinged out heels, and stack of bracelets, Sparks is a victim of over-accessorizing with intent. Instead, she should've nixed the accessories and give her hair some more volume.

Kelly Osbourne in Rami Al Ali: As someone who's supposed to be a fashion authority, this look is a major miss. Though the craftsmanship is fantastic, nobody (and I mean nobody) needs to wear that much tulle to the American Music Awards. Though the flared skirt is darling, Osbourne is too short for this frock. Oh, and another thing: lay off the lavender hair! It's so 2012.

Phoebe Price: There are no words to adequately describe how terrible this is. The hat, the earrings, the waistband, the tulle (oh, the tulle), the hemline-- the everything. Please just make it stop!

Mayra Verónica: Though cutouts are usually a great way to add a dash of sex appeal to any outfir, this attendee needs to learn when enough is enough. While sheer lace overlay has the power to be super sultry, this lighter color palette looks too maternal , and the revealing neckline and slit of skin clash with the color scheme. The result? Granny gone wild. And nobody wants to look like "Granny gone wild on the red carpet." 

The Best

Emma Roberts in Lanvin: She may not always get it right, but Roberts is not one to shy away from an innovative fashion statement. Fortunately, this look is perfect. Everything about the getup compliments her features. The loose silhouette on her tiny frame is slimming without causing any eating disorder rumors, while the gunmetal gown and fuchsia accessories beautifully contrast her blonde hair. The relaxed waves, especially with the dangling earrings, keeps this sophisticated look fun and youthful.

Miley Cryus in Versus Versace: The provocative singer is known for sporting scandalous outfits in her music videos and performances; however, Cyrus's white suit is surprisingly tame. Rest assured style savants, a power suit is not only for the boardroom. With a shortened hemline, punky safety pins, and no top underneath her blazer, the "Wrecking Ball" singer give this working woman look an edgy twist. For a finishing touch, Cyrus channels her inner lady with poised black pumps.

Zendaya in Donna Karan: Not to sound dramatic, but I'm so obsessed with this look it's a little bit insane. The 17 year-old starlet gives tribal chic a modern twist with fun jewels and platform strappy sandals. Unlike Jordin Spark's over-accessorized fiasco, the asymmetrical shoulders and simple design demand some extra bangles. On the beauty front, the fashionista's long hair and voluminous lashes complete the look without drawing too much attention away from the ensemble. Brava!

Kylie Jenner in Maiyet and Giambattista Valli: Is it just me, or are the Kardashians seriously keeping up with the hottest trends?  From Kim's amazing post-pregnancy looks (thanks, Kanye) to this outfit, I am in complete awe. A far cry from the minidresses that the famous family  usually wear, the youngest Jenner channeled her inner rock-n-roll diva and created a look that is so simple, yet so fierce. The 16 year-old smartly accessorized with pointed boots and a quilted Chanel bag, both of which truly make the ensemble.  Oh, and let's not forget that the new bangs are absolutely amazing! Unlike Klum's American Music Awards mishap, Jenner balanced her new fringe with a sleek silhouette.

Photos courtesy of Because I'm Fabulous, New York Daily News, and Huffington Post

xx

App to Love: Stylewhile (Now With Accessories)

Whether I'm scouring the racks at one of my favorite stores or in the comfort of my own home, I love shopping. I adore that satisfaction you get when you finally find that perfect dress or a stellar pair of shoes. All those hours (days, weeks, months, or years-- we've all been there) spent searching were worth it! While online shopping is  perfect for a lazy Sunday (and a serious addiction), the phenomenon has one flaw: you can't try on anything. That mustard asymmetrical ponte skirt may scream "buy me" on the website, but there's a strong chance it won't look good with your skin tone. And even though that chunky sweater looks spectacular, it may be a little too short. Sure, you can always send things back; however, a little piece of your heart breaks off with every return (not to mention it's a complete hassle). Instead of facing sartorial hardship, just download Stylewhile. Seriously, it'll make your life a lot easier.

"Our dream is to build an app that helps women find and buy the right items so that there would be a lot less of those 'I have nothing to wear' moments or ‘this looks differently in person than it did online,'" Stylewhile Founder and CEO Jutta Haaramo stated in a recent press release. 

Unless you're living under a rock, you know that Stylewhile is the premier virtual fitting room app. Launched earlier this year in partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, Stylewhile allows you to "try on" and style tons of chic pieces. With a slew of different skin tones and sizes, customizing your fit model is one of the easiest ways to see what that amazing playsuit will look like on you without actually trying it on. Once you're done styling a fabulous look, with brand such as Oscar de la Renta, Carven, and Tibi, the iPad app allows you to buy the look or share it with your social media followers. I know what you're thinking: could Stylewhile get any better? Believe it or not, it just did.




Now, your favorite new app is now featuring accessories. With a simple swipe, you can add your favorite Marc Jacobs bag or Kate Spade gems to your stylish ensemble. And if you love them, just hit "Buy Style." Perfection.

Even if you're not in the market for some fabulous pieces (if you are one of these people, please reconsider), Stylewhile is also perfect for those Rachel Zoe groupies who are dying to refine their styling skills. Don't believe me? Just check out my recent winter-approved Stylewhile creation.

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim. Shoes: Chloé. Necklace: Kate Spade. Sweater: Carven. Skirt: Tibi. 

Don't forget to send me your amazing Stylewhile looks!

xx

DIY (Design It Yourself): ShopRagHouse

Shopping can be such a pain. Don't get me wrong: sifting through racks, editing down my favorites to what I must have, and blissfully carrying a slew of shopping bags is my idea of "Heaven on Earth." However, it's always a drag when you can't find what you're specifically looking for. Scoop neck when you were looking for a bateau neck? No thank you. A dress can be perfect, but if it has a dolman sleeve instead of a cap sleeve, forget it. To make the fashion world a more democratic place, and to actually find those threads you've been dreaming of, meet ShopRagHouse.

Similar to other fashion startups like Bow & Drape, ShopRagHouse gives you the power to design your own clothes. In order for your sartorial dreams to turn into a reality, a couple things need to happen. Fellow ShopRagHouse members vote for their favorite designs, and if yours wins, the company makes the winning designs available for crowd-funding. With enough pledges, fashionistas will be able to buy and sport that adorable cocktail dress you designed. Major, right?

Whether you are looking to jumpstart your career as a fashion designer or just have a really great idea for a forward-thinking jacket, ShopRagHouse is the perfect resource to help get your designs on the market. Since we all love supporting a fashion startup, why not donate to the brand's KickStarter campaign?  With the help of charitable style savants, ShopRagHouse hopes to expand their capsule collection, which currently consists of three dresses: the Diana, Elsa, and "Winning Dress". Rumor has it that there's a discounted, bespoke dress and a batch of cookies in it for you!

So what are you waiting for? Submit a design, donate to the KickStarter, or join ShopRagHouse today! 

xx

Introducing The Tuck: Solving Fashion's Biggest Epidemic, One Belt At a Time

Nothing (and I mean nothing) is worse than a sloppy outfit. A bad hair day can be remedied with a stylish beanie, and an accidental spill can be fixed with club soda or a "Tide to Go" sitck. But looking like you rolled out of bed and threw on the most accessible threads is never chic. I repeat, never chic. Even if you did put some thought behind your ensemble, there are tiny wardrobe malfunctions that will instantly make your outfit subpar. Poor fit, a missing button, and that excess belt flap (you know exactly what I'm talking about).  Let's be honest: neither a good tailor nor a spare button can fix that awkward belt flop--it ruins an otherwise streamlined ensemble. Thanks to The Tuck, this sartorial dilemma is no longer a problem.

After being exposed to the glamorous world of New York City's fashion industry, founder Remy Kassimir noticed her stylish outfits had one tiny problem: the dreaded flop. With no solution that looked chic, didn't damage her belts, and wasn't a waste of time and money, Kassimir schemed up The Tuck.

Featuring a bevy of different sizes and colors (brown, black, gold, and silver), The Tuck's mission is to put an end to the horrific flop. Made of real leather, fashionistas who "give a tuck" can purchase one (or more) of The Tuck's three sets: the Standard Set (six variations of the reversible black/brown Tuck), the Metallic Set (six variations of the reversible silver/gold Tuck), and the Complete Starter Set (12 variations of both color schemes).

Recently, Kassimir launched a KickStarter to expand the emerging company. So what can we expect from The Tuck's goal of $30,000? International production as well as fun Tuck patterns: sports themed, animal prints, and rhinestones, for example. More variety to a genius idea? Yes please! 

Do you give a tuck? Sound off below or donate to the cause.

xx

Fall 2013 Trend: Subtle Leopard

As every fashion groupie knows, sporting something leopard is the ultimate way to create a show-stopping ensemble. Style icons such as Kate Moss and Mrs. Robinson are notorious for rocking this trend, while modern trendsetters like Alexa Chung and Adele Excharopoulos incorporate dashes of leopard into their everyday outfits. This fall, the sartorial tables have turned. While you can still wear this fierce print to make a statement, wearing leopard as a versatile neutral is so on trend. Whether you pair this print with another pattern or embrace the power of layering, this alternative way to unleash your animalistic instincts is one of the hottest trends.

Thakoon

Emanuel Ungaro

Diane Von Furstenberg 

DKNY

Burberry Prorsum 

Before you embrace this trend with open arms, it's imperative to kick any sartorial jitters to the curb. Though this trend looks at leopard through a subtle lens, you must be completely confident to wear this print as a neutral. Kapeesh? The key to rocking this trend is investing in threads with muted color palettes. Any piece that's too vibrant will overpower the rest of your look. As easy as throwing on a pair of leopard heels or tossing all your necessities into a printed clutch may be, this fad is all about polished, office-appropriate silhouettes. Spice up your average nine-to-five ensemble with a structured pencil skirt, silky blouse, or an understated tee. If you're looking for an after-hours alternative, take a note from DKNY's fall collection and opt for a cozy sweater dress. And now, the million dollar question: how does a budding fashionista (or fashionisto) turn this vibrant pattern into a low-octane ingredient to any stellar outfit? Layer, ladies and gent! Sporting a solid blazer or coat will tone down the overall look. Also, don't be afraid to add some edgy patterns and textures. Whether you incorporate some tough leather, soft knits, or a zany rubber fabric, this crazy pattern will definitely take a backseat. I know what you're thinking: leopard never looked so chic!

L Agence long sleeve shirt / Equipment long sleeve shirt / Uniqlo t shirt, $21 / Marc Jacobs skirt / Giambattista Valli below knee pencil skirt / Dolce Gabbana slit skirt, $875 / Diane Von Furstenberg clothing / Therapy leopard midi skirt, $28 / Burberry slip on shoes / J.Crew j crew shoes / Steve Madden steve-madden shoes / Flat shoes

How much are you loving this trend? Sound off below!

xx

Introducing Zady: A New Way to Get to Know Fashion

"Where did you get that?" 

If you're a true trendsetter, you're probably asked this question about your clothes as much as your favorite celebrity is asked for his or her autograph. But it never gets old. So you'll tell the fanatic where you scored those cool threads--Topshop, Bloomingdales, Madewell, Net a Porter, or maybe you'll reenact my favorite commercial and shout from the proverbial mountain top that your cute dress is from Sears. Perhaps your style groupie will ask if that purse is affordable or whether or not those shoes are comfortable, but that's the extent of the conversation. Thank goodness. Because besides the information that the washing label offers, the "Made in [Insert Country Here]", and the particular stitch if you're really sewing aficionado, what else do you know about your pieces? Next to nothing? Agreed.

Enter Zady, a new shopping platform that allows you to get more acquainted with your clothes and accessories.

Whether you watch CNN every morning or prefer to curl up with a copy of WWD, it's no secret that there has been a lot of controversy over foreign factory regulations. It's completely natural to feel a little guilty every time you receive breaking news about a heart-wrenching factory fire.

"People are suffering, and I'm casually wearing what they slave over like it's no big deal," you think to yourself. "Why can't those mice from Cinderella make my garments?"

Founded Maxine Bédat and Soraya Darab, Zady provides pieces from ethically-minded designers as well as complete honesty about where these goodies came from.

"Zady brings transparency to the way beautiful things are made,"Bédat said in a recent press release. "We are proud to offer consumers an option to purchase stylish clothing that is truly well-crafted and created to last, without the added worry about the conditions in which pieces were produced."

I had the pleasure of meeting the two founders this summer, and their passion is undeniable. They want us to know exactly how a skirt was stitched. They want us to know where everything originated, from the buttons to the fabric. And they definitely want us to share these stories with others.

With each piece handpicked by Bédat and Darab, shoppers will receive some of the most stylish, original, and honest pieces on the market. The two founders evaluate each piece on sustainability, including whether the product is locally-sourced, handmade, uses high- quality raw materials, is environmentally-conscious, or made in the U.S.A. To finish this fool-proof procedure, vendors are required to sign a contract verifying the location of the company, the manufacturing city, and the source of the raw materials. And thanks to Zady's "Origins" map, shopping around the world for well-crafted pieces has never been so easy.

I know what you're thinking, there's no way that shopping around the world can be affordable. With a  bevy of amazing brands, such as Steven Allan, Small Traders, and Scosha, to name a few, Zady has a very wide price range. You can spend $14 on two notebooks or drop $652 on a winter coat. So what's Trendologist- approved? I'm obsessed with Smock's  Gold "Thank You" Notes, Steven Allan's Boyfriend PJ Top, and Marisa Haskell's V Cuff. Regardless of what you purchase, five percent of the proceeds from every sale goes to The Bootstrap Project, which is committed to promoting and retaining centuries-old crafts and customs as well as bringing sustainable economic development to communities around the world.

So what are you waiting for?  The week isn't nearly over, and I think you desperately need some retail therapy.

Thanks to Zady, you'll have a very interesting answer to "Where did you get that?" 

xx