Comfy & Chic 4th of July Outfit Part II

Okay, we are back with another Fabulous Fourth Suggestion. Perhaps you don't really want to wear a dress. How about a pair of jeans? Jeans are always comfy and are really easy to wear. You may be hosting the get together, so you will definitely not want anything to constricting, but you still want to be cute. Well, here is the perfect look for you:

White Sunglasses Old Navy $5.00

Bangles $9.00 Icing by Claires

Straw Weekend Bag Newport News $29.00

Sheer Blouse Express $29.50

Women's Convertible Smocked Tube Top Old Navy $15.00 (Get this in yellow)

Slim Boot Jean American Eagle $39.50

Women's Jersey Ankle-Tie Wedges $20.00

Use a natural concealer to hide the problem areas. Then cover with a foundation that disappears into your skin. For your lids, use a tan shadow on the bottom portion of the lid and lightly dust the top lid with a white shadow. Use a pinkish blush on the apples of your cheeks, and mix a natural tan and pink lipstick. Cover your lips with a clear gloss to add shine. Finally lightly dust your face with a loose shimmery powder and now you are ready to go. Have fun, and send us pics of your outfit.

-Styles

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Comfy & Chic 4th of July Outfit Part III (For The Men)

Okay so we got an e-mail asking us why were we only posting tips for women, so this one is for the men. Men want to be fly too, and we are going to help you. You have read us saying time and time and again, that men want their outfits to be functional and fashionable, and so we have chosen outfits that will highlight the same. For the 4th of July there are going to be tons of cookouts, pool parties, and family reunions. Here are some suave and swaggerful choices that you might consider.

Gucci-inspired Clear Aviators $27.50

Geometric-Plaid Fitted Tee $3.99 Old Navy

Rib-Knit Tank $8.50 Old Navy (Wear the tank underneath the tee and layer it so that the bottom of the tank shows slightly around the tail of the shirt)

D & G Black ID Belt $119.00 Neiman Marcus

501® Original Shrink-to-Fit Jeans - Rigid Green $36.90 Dillard’s (Roll the bottom of the pant up to create a cuff)

Converse Jack Purcell LP Lace Up By John Varvatos Vintage $82.90 Nordstroms

D&G Black Cuff ID Bracelet $110.00 Neiman Marcus

Have fun recreating the look. Don't forget to send us pictures.

-Styles

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Another Fashionable Video By Michael Jackson

When it comes to the music video, Scream, all I can say is it is STILL the most expensive video to have been created. I remember waiting all week, watching MTV play Michael Jackson HIStory, waiting on the premiere of this epic video. When it premiered, I was not disappointed and all the more enjoyed the fact that his little sister, Janet was in the video also. To this day, I still watch the video and sit in awe, as if it were the first time that I had seen the video. The song is the TRUTH! The video is BAD! I hope that you ENJOY!

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Comfy & Chic 4th of July Outfit Part I

The 4th of July is coming and you are going to want to look nice, but be comfy at the same time. This week we will be posting different looks that might help you solve the ever present question of "What should I wear?"

So, you have been invited to a nice pool party/cookout, you don't want to wear shorts but you don't want to be too dressy either, here is a nice alternative. Let's say you might want to go swimming too, but what will you wear? Well, a maxi dress will do the trick. It can double as a chic cover up or a nice dress. Here's what you can do:

City-style Sunglasses $16.95 NY&Co.

Burnished Silver Filigree Crescent Earring $5.00 Wet Seal

Smocked Jersey Maxi Dress $29.50 Old Navy

Beaded Keyhole Sandals $9.99 Old Navy

Dimpled Bangle Set $4.80 Forever XXI

Oversized Canvas Tote $29.99 Old Navy

Shiny Saucer Ring $39.50 Banana Republic

Makeup and hair suggestions for this look:

You want to have a nice natural look, but you will want to have some pizazz too. So I suggest that you go with a shimmery silver or gold eyeshadow on the top lid. These colors will help to open up a shallow lid or with careful blending, it can decrease a wide lid. They will also highlight the jewelry you are wearing, nicely. Also use a bold black eyeliner and mascara, mixed with a shimmery white eyeliner on top of black. This will make your eyes really pop. Next, you will want to use a pink lipstick with a light clear gloss to coat the lips. You will look really sexy and kissable. Now, you will probably be attending cookouts so you will want to have that sun-kissed complexion. Get a shimmery gloss and dab on concealer stick. Make sure that the concealers are one shade lighter and one shade darker than your skin color. Rub the concealer all around your face, neck and chest. Finally, take a press powder 1/2 shade lighter than your natural complexion and lightly dust your face, neck and chest to remove any traces of shine.

Simply catch your hair into a simple ponytail with no bang. Make sure that there are no stray hairs and it is extremely smooth.

Now you are ready for your outing. I guarantee you will be complemented!

Send us your pics! Tune in tomorrow for another 4th of July outfit suggestion.

-Styles

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Another Stylish Video By Michael Jackson

"Smooth Criminal" is the seventh single from Michael Jackson's Bad album (1987). The song contains a fast-paced beat intertwined with Jackson's lyrics about a woman named Annie, who has been attacked in her apartment by Mr. Big/Frankie Lideo. It was released as a single on October 24, 1988 and peaked at 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was re-released on April 10, 2006 as a part of the Visionary: The Video Singles box-set. The re-released Visionary single charted at #19 in the UK. In 2003, the song appeared on the Number Ones greatest hits album.

[Source] Video courtesy yahoo.music.com

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The Best Dressed, Worst Dressed, & What The Ham Sandwich Moments @ 2009 BET Awards

There was so much that went wrong with last night, that I will not even take the moment to discuss them. If you follow me on Twitter, you know!!! Mmmf, mmf, mmf! However, the fashion NOOOOOOOOO's were in FULL Affect! So I present to you the galleries from last night's...show, and I use that word loosely.

The Worst Dressed

The Best Dressed

What The Ham Sandwich?

Images courtesy wireimages.com

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Another Fashionable Michael Jackson Video

Remember the Time is a popular recording by American rock, pop and R&B singer Michael Jackson in March of 1992. Released as the second single off Jackson's hit 1991 album, Dangerous, the song was a successful attempt by Jackson to create a New jack swing-flavored R&B jam with the accompanient of co-producer Teddy Riley. The song hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and #1 on Billboard's R&B Singles chart. In 1993 Jackson gave a memorable performance of the song at the Soul Train Awards in a chair. This was because he had severely twisted his ankle as he was going into a spin during dance rehearsals the day before. Remember The Time received the Soul Train Award for Best Male R&B Single.

The song was originally set to be a part of the Dangerous World Tour and was rehearsed before the tour began but was taken out. Many rumors state that it might have been taken out for time purposes due to the already large song list for the tour.

As with some of his past songs, the music video for "Remember the Time" (directed by John Singleton) was an elaborate production and became one of his longest videos at over 9 minutes. Set in ancient Egypt, it featured groundbreaking visual effects and appearances by Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson along with a distinct physically complicated dance routine that became the centre piece of many other videos from the Dangerous album. It is his second on-screen kiss (the first being in "The Way You Make Me Feel") and is one of only a few videos where he is seen embraced in a kiss.

[Source]

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One of The Most Stylish Video's

For the next week, we will be highlighting some of Michael Jackson's most stylish videos. Today's video is 'You Rock My World'. The song was the debut single from Jackson's 2001 Invincible album.

The music video for "You Rock My World" was premiered in Europe, Asia, and South Africa on September 21, 2001. In wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S., the premiere was delayed there until September 26.

Like many of Jackson's music videos, this one takes the form of a short film based on a story written by Michael Jackson and Paul Hunter. It follows a story in which Michael Jackson and Chris Tucker spot an attractive woman (played by actress-choreographer Kishaya Dudley) and follow her into a gangster-infested nightclub (called The Waterfront Hotel, in reference to the famous film starring Marlon Brando, who plays the club's owner in this music video). Obviously, they are not wanted there, because it seems the woman already has a love interest (played by Michael Madsen). However, Jackson is determined to meet this woman.

Jackson serenades her with a song ("You Rock My World"), as well as performing his complicated dance moves. He is then challenged to a fight by one of the regulars at the club (played by Billy Drago). When asked by Drago to "show me what you got," Jackson, backed by a line of dancers, pulls off a dance sequence choreographed by himself, Anthony "Tone" Talauega and Richmond Talauega. After the dance sequence Drago says to Jackson, "Is that all you got? You ain't nothin'!" This provokes Jackson into punching Drago, the violence leading to the breakout of a fire in the building. When he evacuates the building and finaly meets up with the attractive woman, the two share an intimate moment before driving away in Tucker's car. The cast also includes one of Jackson's confidants, Frank Tyson (who appears in only one shot). The video won an NAACP Image Award for Best Music Video in 2001. There are short-film and single-length versions of the video. There is also a longer version of the video featuring more dialogue between Tucker and Jackson, along with various other changes available on the web. It is unclear whether this third version is an official product or a homemade edit using outtakes.

[Source] video courtesy Yahoo Music

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Don't Hate Michael Jackson, Celebrate His Life!

It is sad to hear the insensitive jeers of Nancy Grace, Perez Hilton (Mario Armando Lavandeira) and CNN, and its affiliates, as they choose to make Michael Jackson's life a disgraced spectacle. Everyone has skeletons in their closets and demons that oppress them and that does not give anyone made of flesh with blood running through their veins the right to highlight the negative aspects of such a notable person's life. I am sure that Perez Hilton would not like his defamation cases to be published on his obituary, nor would Nancy Grace prefer to be remembered as being the "B" of prime time or for her DOCUMENTED prosecutorial misconduct. Having said that, Swagger Style chooses to accentuate the positive.

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson Family, he made his début to the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 (J5) in 1969. Though he was the youngest member of the group, he became the lead singer of the quintet and lead his brothers to great heights in the music industry. In 1971, Jackson began a solo career, while still being a member of the worlds FIRST Boy Band group.

In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV are widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form and is also MTV’s crowned reason for having helped bring an all music channel to the fame that it has today.

Jackson’s distinctive musical sound and vocalality influenced many hip-hop, pop, and contemorary R&B artists. Not only was Jackson a musical genius and icon, but he also was a famed philanthropist; having donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundation, charity singles and support of 39 charities.

The singer had experienced major health concerns since the early 1990s. Jackson married twice and fathered three children. One of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records, including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"; 13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career — more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era and the sale of 750 million records worldwide. Jackson's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades. Jackson died on June 25, 2009, aged 50. The specific cause of death is yet to be determined. Before his death, Jackson had announced a 50 date sell-out This is It comeback tour, in London, England.

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Fashion Cents: Beach Trippin - Style Survival Kit

Hello Budgeteers!

Your wonderful Fashionista is back with more tips on how to look fly while sticking to a budget. It’s getting hot and schools out for the summer and you know what that means: It’s time to hit the BEACH! I decided to put together a little travel guide for all of you who are gearing up for fun in the sun. Who says you have to spend a lot of money when planning your beach vacation? There are plenty of places that carry affordable beach fashion you just have to know where to start. So my guide is not full proof but it will get you going in the right direction.

Before I get ready for any beach trip I like to look at my budget and create a list of fashionable items that I need to be stylish on the sands or sidewalks of the beach. Anyone can look great at the beach for under $500. You may disagree with me now but keep reading to find out more….I like to call this list my fashion “survival” kit. They have survival kits for disasters, emergency preparedness, earthquakes, first aid, hurricanes and fires but I have one for Fashion. Nobody knows when a Fashion disaster might strike, but being prepared beforehand can help you survive any mishap. Putting your list together for the first time is not an easy task because most people tend to over think it. I’m here to tell you it’s simple and if you follow my outline you can survive any beach trip. So here we go; you will need a tote bag, shorts, sandals, flip flops, oversized shades, earrings, sarong or cover-up, tanks tops, blouse, bathing suit, drawstring pants, capris, sundress or maxi dress and cute canvas bag. Don’t get overwhelmed by the amount of things I have listed here because depending on how long your stay you may need to modify. I’m planning on a 4 day vacation and want to have several looks for day and night activities. Some items can be worn in more than one capacity if you need to lighten up your suitcase.

Some people spend most of their time on the beach but my friends and I have planned outings like shopping, dining and going out. I just never know where the day may take me so hence the need for a survival kit. I will want to take my look from day to nigh so let me do an inventory of my closet for before hitting the stores. I put all my survival items from the closet in a pile and then head to the stores for replacements or fillers. Since beach fashion is primarily casual you don’t have to worry about spending lots of money for your items. Old Navy is my favorite store for putting together my beach look. I can find just about everything I need for a reasonable price. You may agree to disagree but Old Navy gets 5 stars for finds under $25 dollars. But you can also find great items at Target, American Apparel, H&M, Forever 21, and any department store in your area. Sorry I got a little off track with my Old Navy rant.

I wouldn’t advise spending a lot of money on a tote unless you plan to use this bag again later in the year. A stylish tote bag can be found at any discount retailer for under $20 dollars. Depending on the size I can pack sunscreen, towel, water bottle, Ipod, cell phone, book or magazines, and some munchies for your relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun. As I’m strolling along the beach with my stylish tote bag looking all pretty I want to make sure I’ve coordinated my look which includes a cover up, bathing suit, sandals and oversized shades. I love stores like Ross, Target and Stein Mart (regionally) for finding cute cover-ups. Sometimes you can find them for a discount or clearance if you wait until June to purchase it. Cover-ups can serve two purposes because it can transition into a day dress if needed. I see some girls wearing sun-dresses as cover-ups so they can leave the beaches and head to a restaurant for lunch and then back to the sand.

Tank tops and shorts are cute for daytime activities like shopping, dining out or sight-seeing. I can switch from flip flops to sandals if I want to elevate the look while hanging out with my friends. I could pair a tank top with the capris that I brought for a more casual look while sight-seeing but it really depends on my mood. You should prepare for anything because the restaurant or bar may have a dress code so always pack an extra outfit. Beach wear is usually pretty light so you can always squeeze an extra outfit in your suitcase. I also packed a blouse for going out at night and I can pair that with my drawstring pants, shorts or capris as well. I’m going for a very Mediterranean look so I’m staying away from jeans on this trip. I want to have a lot of color in my wardrobe and flowy garments that are made of light weight fabrics. So break out the linen and silk…Diva is FIERCE! I also included a few sundresses and/or maxis for afternoon lunches or early dinners. Nothing says “summer loving” like a cute maxi and sandals. Last but not least are my accessories, I plan to bring different accessories that I can wear with all my looks. The best thing you can do at the beach is downplay your accessories and focus on the bright patterns of your clothes. Less is best for the beach.

I feel pretty confident that I’ll have a wonderful time at the beach this summer. I planned for any fashion disaster that might happen by utilizing my “survival kit”. I hope these tips will help you have a full proof summer vacation. Like I said, you can deviate from this list if you must depending on your own plans but if you stick to the basics you can’t go wrong.

Thanks again for tuning into the Budget Fashionista.

photo courtesy NotCot.com

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The Fashion Show: Ep 8 "Ode to La Mode" Recap

Last week on The Fashion Show, Lidia was sent home after experiencing the James-Paul curse. Reco and Daniella hate one another. Still. Haven and Anna had the winning design.

This week on The Fashion Show, Reco talks about tolerating Daniella while Haven brags about her win. The Harpar's Bazaar mini challenge will test the designer's knowledge of seven legendary designers. Anna knows that Coco Chanel invented the little black dress. Merlin knows "Fashion fades, style is eternal" was said by Yves Saint Laurent. Haven is the first to be eliminated. Reco is the next person eliminated. Laura Brown is awkwardly standing around with her person. She's being so weird today. Daniella and James-Paul leave just Merlin and Anna in the competition. Anna wins the competition, which makes sense because she's a teacher. Laura awkwardly leaves as Kelly Rowland awkwardly announces her win officially.

Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland announce that this week's challenge is to create an homage to one of the seven famous fashion greats. Isaac tells them not to insult the fashion icons by doing cheap knock offs. Anna picks Coco Chanel. Haven gets Yves Saint Laurent. Versace goes to Johnny R. Madam Gres goes to Merlin. He does not know who she is. Emilio Pucci goes to James-Paul. Reco gets Halston. Of course she picked that designer for Reco because he doesn't know anything about Halston. He then makes some comment about how Anna took care of her friends and tried to salt a pimp's game.

The designers have a $230 budget. Haven, Anna and Johnny R. seem to be working with one another and giving a lot of extra help. Merlin then tells James-Paul and Reco that the girls are conspiring to get them eliminated. That seems stupid. James-Paul then tries to help Merlin out by telling him a bit about Madam Gres. No one informs Reco about Halston. Haven tells Daniella that Dior doesn't do pants. Anna tells her to go with her instincts. Reco's model asks if his inspiration was "medieval" and he gets offended.

Kelly Rowland and Isaac Mizrahi come in to check up on the designers. They make fun of Johnny R. for trying to be eco-friendly. Isaac points out that the corset is a bad decision but he decides to ignore the suggestion. Haven has a freak out. Kelly Rowland asks if she's second-guessing herself and it sounds like the first unscripted Kelly line of the season. Isaac doesn't like Anna's interpretation of Chanel. Merlin and Reco think Anna's jacket looks old. You would not find that on TRESemmes Style Seeker.

30 minutes to fashion show and everyone seems to be freaking out. The models are already in the TRESemme salon waiting for them as Daniella reconsiders her whole look. Too late Daniella. Reco thinks Anna's plan will backfire in her face. The judges wait for the fashion show and there's some stock footage of them laughing. As if they get along. Haven has a crisis with her zipper so she decides to untuck the shirt. Merlin thinks Anna should win. Isaac points out that Reco's dress isn't very Halston. Then he points out that Johnny R.'s design might be too Versace. The audience seemed to like all the designers, so no help there.

Peter Som is this week's guest judge. The top two looks are Daniella's and Anna's designs. Oh wait, and Johnny R.'s design. Kelly Rowland gives herself props when talking about Johnny R.'s Versace design. 84% of the audience thought Anna's design was well made. The judges point out that Anna's jacket wasn't very Chanel. Peter Som tells Daniella that she made the right decision by using pants. Isaac Mizrahi tells Daniella that she's lazy for not liking color. Finally, they announce that Johnny R. won.

Haven and Reco's designs were the bottom two. 90% of the audience said they wouldn't by Reco's dress. Peter Som calls the dress a village wench dress. Reco starts crying when they ask him what he'd do differently. Fern Mallis has to explain that Halston was the perfect minimalist. Reco then explains that he's been trying for seven years and he wants to be there a lot. Kelly Rowland says that Haven's look was boring. They tear Haven apart for totally messing up Yves Saint Laurent by picking brown wool. Isaac Mizrahi tells them that he's disappointed in the both of them. Reco cries on Haven's shoulder as the judges leave.

Kelly Rowland speaks up and says she wishes they both could stay but we know they can't. Is it worse to know and do poorly or to not know at all. But wait, we need to have a TRESemme commercial first. The suspense! Haven is sent home. Reco cries while saying goodbye to her. She leaves so classy-like. She kisses everyone goodbye. Isaac doesn't say his standard line and instead tells her good luck. Haven just says she feels so lucky to have the opportunity to have Isaac Mizrahi give her feedback on her designs.

Next week, the designers go to "the hood."

Recap courtesy BuddyTv.com Photo courtesy BravoTV.com

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Swagger Style Friends Remember Michael Jackson

GhettoFabu - There are now words that can describe the genius of this ICON. I am very saddened by the passing of Michael Jackson. RIP Michael Jackson. Many prayers to his family and fans. Continue reading

Sound-Savvy - It's not about whether I ever met Michael Jackson face to face, shook his hand or broke bread with him - I knew him. Through his musical journey, his life was an open book, the pages of which I clung to and hold in high regard. While it’s true that I may not have known the intimate portrait that the Jackson family shares, I knew the MJ that I needed to know – an inspiration, an activist, a hero. From a young age, I remember swooning over the epic robot in Moonwalker or rocking my 3D glasses during the Captain E.O. ride at Epcot Center in Disney World. I even remember the first time I actually understood the video concept of “Thriller”, yet the eerie concluding laughter still made me wanna sleep with a light on. Continue reading

WatchYourSetup - …eventho many may not have agreed with MJ’s life off the stage, you cannot deny that he was one of few that truly fulfilled his purpose. R.I.P. “The Gloved One” Continue Reading

FirstClassSociety - 958-2009... The icon that we've all loved, hated, loved to hate and hated to love, Michael Jackson has passed on. 50 years of age sounds so young, but you can't be mad at the eventful life that he lived while on God's green earth. Rest in peace MJ...I know your moonwalking on the clouds with my grandparents. Tell Mary and George I said hey. Continue reading

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Essence Provides An Obituary of Michael Jackson

When it comes to global music domination, the King of Pop Michael Jackson had the world in his glittery glove. Jackson, 50, passed after suffering a massive heart attack at his Holmby Hills, California, home on Thursday, leaving behind an unmatched legacy and legions of fans.

Born on August 29, 1958, the Gary Indiana native served as the frontman for his family band, The Jackson 5, at the tender age of 11. His angelic vocals would soon become known as one of Motown's best. As the tween blessed the group's chart toppers such as "I Want You Back," "The Love You Save," "I'll Be There, and "ABC" with his heavenly vocals he made him and his brothers the first pop group in history to have four No. 1 consecutive hits.

J5 loyalists were soon able to tune in to see their favorite boy band every Saturday immortalized in the cartoon world on "The Jackson 5" cartoon series. Eventually the "Who's Loving You" singer would take a break from the group to pursue a solo career in 1971 and enjoyed some success with his debut single "Got to Be There," "Rockin Robin," and "Ben," the title song for the children's thriller about a pet mouse. Although the world received a glimpse of his star power without his brothers, MJ reunited with his brothers in 1975 after leaving Motown and signing to Epic as The Jacksons in 1976. However, the following year he would make his foray into film with the big-screen adaptation of "The Wiz" featuring the former Supreme Being, Diana Ross, and meet for the first time Quincy Jones, who scored the film.

The second time around Jackson released the platinum-selling, Quincy Jones-produced "Off the Wall," birthing party starters such as "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You." Despite his solo success, Jackson remained loyal to his brothers. Ever the quintessential juggernaut, Jackson set the blueprint for live performances with illusionist dance moves such as the Moon Walk and his signature pop-locking as well as his eclectic style of fire-engine red motorcycle jackets, boots, and military-style clothing that have inspired many of today's artists such as Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo and more.

His cross-generational appeal transcended music's racial barriers beginning with MTV, making him the first Black artist to appear on the network. In keeping the tradition of setting historical firsts, Jackson's 1982 blockbuster, "Thriller," was not only the best-selling album of all time, but it spawned the first mini-movie style video for the title track replete with special effects of body-rocking zombies and a possessed MJ.

Three years later, Jackson cowrote and sang on the charitable single for USA for Africa, "We Are The World," which included some of music's elite including Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, and Tina Turner.

Although the musical visionary did not escape criticism about this eccentric lifestyle and child molestation allegations, he remained popular among his devotees around the world. Winning a total of 19 Grammy Awards and hundreds of other honors, indeed, he will reign forever as the King of Pop.

[SOURCE]

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Michael Jackson Definitely Had "Swagger Style"

Michael Jackson was TRULY a trendsetter. "From “Off the Wall” to “Bad,” Michael Jackson’s style quotient has been though the roof like the “Scream” video since he stepped on the scene. Even when his big brothers were on stage with the child prodigy, it was M.J.’s appeal that forced the world to recognize the man who would be King."

While military fashion is utilitarian and pristine, who would have thought of taking it and making it civilian wear, or even a sought after fashion trend? "Epaulets? And sequins? No one but M.J. could have fearlessly pulled off such an unlikely combo. Jackson gave traditional military gear a flashy spin like only the King of Pop could. His extra-bold shoulder pads reminded us that the musical icon was in a league of his own."

Then the zippers. "Wearing a bright, red motorcycle jacket just wasn’t eye-catching enough for the King of Pop, our boy Mike. Mr. Jackson put the extra-zippered version on everyone’s must-have list in the 1980s making it iconic piece of American fashion."

Long before Rappers thought of wearing sunglasses in the night club, Michael Jackson was wearing them. While "Jackson may have been using his dark aviator shades to block the flashing paparazzi lights, ...they surely couldn’t stop us from recognizing his undeniable style."

Did you have a jheri? Be honest! I was blessed to have to wear a jheri; however, I did achieve the look. My brother and I would get our hair cut into Michael's signature coif , washed and styled so that we too could be mini-Michaels.

We definitely cannot forget about Michael's hatitude. Before Jackson crowned himself the 'King of Pop', Fedoras were reserved for the quintessential gentleman. But like many other barriers that Michael Jackson attacked, he commandeered the accesory and made it fashion staple and to this very day many artists, fashionistos and quintessential gentleman, pay tribute to the 'Smooth Criminal'.

I remember being in 3rd grade and asking my mother to get me a single white glove to wear with my Red Leather Zippered Michael Jackson Jacket. I am not ashamed. Beyonce paid homage to this look in her recent video, Single Ladies. While her glove was not white, it was placed on the same hand and shiny nonetheless.

Michael Jackson's signature water wading pant matched with glittery white socks was decades a head of it's time. While in the 80's the look was quintessential his, in the New Millenium the high water pant matched with a penny loafer has become the Geek-esque look that many fashion houses, like D&G, Emporio Armani, and even Tommy Hilfiger have sought to recreate.

Contrary to popular belief, the basic white tee is not signature to Rappers and Thugs. The simple white tee was a 1960's look that the 'slicks' wore; however, African Americans took notice of it when Michael debuted his video 'Ghost'. In the video, Michael matched an open plain white button down, with a plain white tee, simple black highwater slacks, his signature white socks and black penny loafers.

Quotes and photo's courtesy Essence.com

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Celebs Remember The King of Pop

There's no question that Michael Jackson musical legacy has left the world with a timeless anthology and today's artist's with the true embodiment of entertainment, artistry and performance.His friends and admirers speak out about his influence.

"This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strived to be. He will always be the King of Pop! Life is not about how many breaths you take, but how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt or heard his art we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael."--Beyonce

"This loss has deeply saddened me! It is with a heavy heart I composed this statement. May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire JACKSON family particularly Michael's mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much. I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for Him and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer, who in so many ways, transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten."--Usher

"Michael Jackson is the reason why I do music and why I am an entertainer. I am devastated by this great loss, and I will continue to be humbled and inspired by his legacy. My prayers are with his family. Michael will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. He's the greatest... the best ever. No one will ever be better."--Chris Brown

"I met Michael Jackson at the age of eight -- when his father and my new friend, Joe Jackson, first began to bring the Jackson 5 to Chicago, from their home in Gary, Indiana, for concert appearances.

As the word of the Jackson 5's devastating abilities as concert artists had already begun to spread like an out-of-control forest fire--to the, laser-like, attention of all Chicago area, R&B Music Stars!

The prevailing thought process, among local, R&B stars, with respect to this very young group of entertainers known as the Jackson 5, had become: "If Michael Jackson & his brothers were booked on an, upcoming, Chicagoland show -- leave it alone!Don't book it -- Don't go on that show and get, completely blown away by young Michael and the Jackson 5!

Michael Jackson's, personal, crescendo of amazing power, as an entertainer -- was clear and unmistakable; and has never slowed to this very day!His passing will be grieved far beyond that of any other singer,composer, producer, dancer and choreographer, in the history of
the world.

Indeed, in my very firmest, personal, belief there will never, ever be another Michael Jackson.--Don Cornelius, Founder of Soul Train

"Michael Jackson will always be remembered as one of the greatest performers in the history of popular music. As a child of the 80's, I feel as though his music and his videos have been an inseparable part of my life and that of an entire generation. And the powerful thing about great music is that it will always live on. He was and always will be an icon. My heart goes out to his family, friends and countless fans for their tragic loss."--John Legend

"The energy of Michael Jackson will live forever thru the thing that he put all of his life energy into, his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying! Long live Michael Jackson."--NeYo"Michael Jackson was my Music God. He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music, you can live forever! I love Michael Jackson. God Bless him."--Wyclef Jean

"Michael Jackson was an icon. One of my musical icons. As 1/3 of Destiny's Child we had the privilege of performing at MSG concert September 10, 2001. It was magical, I have vivid memories of seeing him clapping his hands and singing along. Not a day will pass that I won't think of him and his legacy. RIP Michael Jackson!"--Michelle Williams

"As the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), we owe a great deal of our existence to the genius of Michael Jackson who will forever be remembered as the greatest entertainer and the most dynamic force in the recording industry that the world has ever seen. This is a tragic loss that will be felt around the globe. I extend my most heartfelt sympathy to the Jackson family and his fans worldwide. He will greatly be missed"--Bob Johnson

"A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."--Reverend Al Sharpton

"The entire Apollo family is saddened to learn of Michael Jackson’s untimely passing. Michael first performed at the Apollo in 1969 with his brothers when he was only nine years old, winning Amateur Night, and catapulting their career as the Jackson 5. We will always remember Michael in our hearts as a true Apollo legend, known for his professionalism and grace. Our sympathy goes out to his entire family. He will be deeply missed."-- Jonelle Procope, President & CEO of the famed Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc.

To say Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers to ever live is an understatement. From his start as a child star who moved everyone to the true cultural icon he later became his talent immeasurable. I had the chance to interview him on a couple of occasions and while it was clear that their was a childlike nature about this man his genius was just as clear.--Ed Gordon, award-winning journalist

While his life was at times difficult and complicated he was none the less a musical master. In Michael Jackson the world was given a incredible entertainer whose gift will be missed.

"I grew up with Michael Jackson as my idol. It was a Family Affair. We would all sit around the television whenever a new Michael Jackson video would premiere. I know the feeling I had when I saw him do the moonwalk. I can only imagine the feeling they are getting in heaven seeing him walk thru those gates."--Mr. Bentley

[Source]

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Michael Jackson Made Supermodels Household Names

Many are disputing Rev. Al Sharpton crediting Michael Jackson as being a "trailblazer" and a "historic figure" that made the "culture accept a person of color way before Tiger Woods, way before Oprah Winfrey, way before Barack Obama." Argubally so, Michael Jackson, following in the steps of his mentor, James Brown, not only became the first 'BLACK' artist to be played on MTV, but he also helped to make 'BLACK' models household named supermodels.

Michael Jackson chose to cast high-dollar Supermodels to be in some of his most notable videos; not Candy Girls, but actual Milan, Paris, and New York runway stalking Supermodels. I remember my child infatuations with the women that played opposite Michael Jackson in many of his videos. I first fell in love with Tyra Banks, when I saw her beautiful smile amongst many of the faces in the Black or White video. My love for supermodels was increased with the debut of Naomi Campbell after watching the In The Closet video, and I was sold on my love for women and their fashion after watching one of the greatest models in the world, Iman playing the leading lady in the video movie, Remember The Time. Not only were these videos awesome, fashionable and stylish, but they arguably helped to make these Black Supermodels household names.

Photo courtesy Wikipedia. Videos courtesy YouTube.com

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D&G Goes Texas At Milan's Spring/Summer 2010 Menswear Fashion Reviews

Dolce & Gabbana (D&G) Spring/Summer 2010 Collection is a tribute to what is perceived to be the classic beauty of Italian, more importantly Sicilian, men's fashion. From the proportions of the lapels to the careful and selective fabric choices, I was amazed with the details.

Someone would consider embroidery or appliqué feminine fabrica adornments; however, the designers presented a collection of jackets, scarves, trousers and velvet slippers with these design accents that redefined our grandmother's craft into haute couture.

As a stylist I steer my clients away from trends or fashion fads. A well constructed wardrobe is composed of simplistic timeless treasures. I have said it many times before, menswear is transeasonal, utilitarian and timeless; so skinny jeans and psychedelic flannel are not a musthaves for a well-dressed man.

The collection was composed of various ripped jeans, matched with graphic tanks, or embroidered blazers, various types of swimwear matched with stylish button down coverups and ended with European military cut suits. Some items may have appeared to be avant garde, but the execution made it signature Dolce & Gabanna pieces.

D&G SS10 Menswear collection is definitely, SWAGGERISTIC!

See the full collection:



Photo courtesy wireimage.com. Video courtesy youtube.com

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The Fashion Show Recap Ep 7 - On The Job

The show starts with flashbacks of previous fights during the season. The trip down memory lane is stopped, when Kelly Rowland calls Merlin’s mobile phone to tell him that is time for their Harper’s Bazaar mini-challenge. To the contestant’s dismay, upon their arrival it is announced that they’re going to be paired up for the mini-challenge. Each designer had to reach into a bag and grab a spool of thread. The two people that had the same color thread would form the pair. As each designer carefully reached into the bag, some were glad and some were devastated of the results. Who do you think were the devastated pairs? Well, let’s see. The pairs were: Merlin and Johnny, Lidia and James-Paul, Anna and Haven, and of course, Reco and Daniella. If you guess that the devastated pair was Daniella and our boy Reco, then you guessed absolutely right! Good job Masters and Mistresses of Style! But if you guessed Johnny and Merlin, you still good a constellation prize, because Johnny was concerned about having to work with Merlin, considering they have battled before already.

In this mini challenge, the designers were challenged with having to help a Harper’s Bazaar employees look appropriate for work after being out all night partying. Why someone would want to go to work without showering and changing clothes, I don’t get it. But I don’t live in New York either, perhaps that is NYC things…hope not! Any who, the designer’s were only given 30 minutes to complete their looks.

Ugly Betty Stary, Becky Newton (Amanda) was Harper’s Bazaar’s guest judge for the mini-challenge. As the judges reviewed the creations, they marveled over Johnny and Merlin’s creation. Laura Brown, of Harper’s Bazaar, was not feeling Haven and Anna’s creation because it appeared that they did not do enough to change the original outfit. The judges were mildly impressed with what Lidia and James-Paul created, because they were lucky with the clothing they found for their model. Daniella utter dislike for Reco immediately became apparent when she discounted his draping the model with a scarf to make a dress. All I can say is, has Reco been in the bottom two yet? NO! Do the judges always seem to favor his work? YES! So Daniella, what’s really going on with you? Though she grunted, Reco’s creation was affirmed by the judges. Johnny and Merlin ended up winning the mini-challenge.

Then Kelly announced that, for the elimination challenge the designers were going to have to work for one of the biggest names in the fashion industry, it was clear who she was referring to. Isaac was no where around, so DUH! They should have known that it was going to be Isaac Mizrahi. I get it, for the show they have to keep it upbeat and mysterious. This week the designers had to design a complete look for Isaac’s upcoming collection and they had to work with the partners they selected for the mini-challenge. Because, Johnny and Merlin won the mini-challenge they were given five minutes with Isaac to view pieces from the collection, and to brainstorm and trade ideas with him.

The other’s had to use Isaac’s Mood Board to decipher his inspiration. Daniella and Reco are hands down the two best designers on the show, and anyone that is mildly creative know that fusing two creative minds together to reach a common goal is a difficult task at best. In this case, add to it a hint of diva (Reco) and a hint of bossiness (Daniella) you will end up with ugly material choices, an ugly pattern and silhouette and an overall fashion debacle. But the challenge was to work as a team. So, Reco and Merlin, realizing that knowing your opponents weaknesses is the best offense, decide to let their partners be the lead designers.

Fashion Show Time! First up is Daniella and Reco’s Floral Granny Pant, matched with a oversized jacket and beautifully constructed blouse. Next up is, Lidia and James-Paul mermaid in toxic water creation. Followed by Haven and Anna’s jacket matched with Haven’s signature short. The final and most aesthetically pleasing look was Johnny and Merlin’s creation. Though you could hear the colors coming down the runway, the construction was fabulous…of course, Merlin did the pattern making and sewing.

At the judging ceremony, Isaac praises everyone’s work. The top designs were Johnny and Merlin’s ensemble and Haven and Anna’s creation. Elimination Guest Judge was supermodel, actress, author and the face of Liz Claiborne New York, Isaac’s muse, Veronica Webb. She was thoroughly impressed with Johnny and Merlin’s creation and stated that she’d be proud to wear their design on the runway. However, Haven and Anna were deemed the winners. Question, Veronica Webb is extremely articulate and understands fashion really well, why isn’t she Isaac’s co-host?

Now it’s time for the bottom two designs. Lidia and James-Paul are told that an audience member called their outfit a cheap, mermaid costume. I agree. It looked like a mermaid had being playing in mud and then found some fake gold coins and wrapped herself in them. Veronica Webb pointed out that the dress was not flattering on the model at all. Now it is Daniella and Reco’s turns. An audience member agreed with me and called the floral pant “granny PJs” and ¾ of the audience said they would not buy the outfit. Daniella immediately blamed Reco for not supporting her, and he stopped her real quick! While the judges deliberated, Daniella tried to apologize to Reco and he pretty much gave her to the hand to talk to, because his ears were not listening.

In the end, Lidia was sent home for her ill fitting design, leaving Daniella hanging by a thread.

Next week should be equally interesting, as the designers will have to create designs that will pay homage to some of the biggest names in fashion.

The Fashion Show airs Thursday nights at 10pm ET on Bravo TV.

photo of Lidia courtesy BravoTV.com

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Did Michelle Obama Still The Show At The CFDA Awards?

The CFDA Awards were held last night at the April Tully Hall, in New York. Designer's and fashion enthusiasts were in full effect. Although, the awards highlight the nation's top designer, this year the awards also recognized the nation's top fashionista, First Lady Michelle Obama.

The 45-year-old received the honour gong last night over top industry favourites at The Council of Fashion Designers of America's annual awards. Noting her 'meteoric rise as a fashion icon,' CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg said Obama had 'a unique look that balances the duality of her lives' in her roles as adviser to her husband, President Barack Obama, and mother to their two daughters. [Source] Congratulations, First Lady Obama! Although, she was absent from the awards ceremony her glamour was ever present.

It was interesting to see what America's top designer's chose to wear to the awards:

images courtesy wireimage.com

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Michelle Obama Wins A CFDA Award?

While we are home watching television, American Designers are attending the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards, hosted by Actress and Comedian, Tracy Ullman. While fashion industry employees gather in New York to cheer for one another's accomplishments and successes, the announcement that First Lady Michelle Obama being presented the Board of Director's Special Tribute will truly take the spotlight. America's most notable high-dollar designers are gathered in one room, not looking at one another's fashion but anxiously awaiting Michelle Obama's possible appearance so that the eyes can gaze at what economical or undiscovered designer's creation The First Lady will be wearing.

The CFDA hosts the annual CFDA Fashion Awards to honor the outstanding contributions made to American Fashion by individuals from every aspect of the fashion world. Awards are given for design excellence in womenswear, menswear and accessories, as well as fashion journalism, creative vision and lifetime achievement.

This years awards are underwritten by Swarovski. A designer winning a CFDA Fashion Award is an esteem honor, because it is a nomination given by one's peers. Congratulations to all nominees!

Nominees include:

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Marc Jacobs

Narciso Rodriquez
Laura and Kate Mulleavy, Rodarte

Menswear Designer of the Year

Michael Bastian

Scott Steinberg
Italo Zucchelli
Calvin Klein

Accessories Designer of the Year

Vera Wang

Marc Jacobs
Jack McCollough
Lazaro Hernandez

Swarvoski Award for Womenswear, an Emerging Talent Award

Alexander Wang
Jason Wu (Designer of First Lady Michelle Obama's inaugural gown)
Thakoon Panichgul

Swarovski Award for Menswear

Patrick Ervell
Robert Geller
Tim Hamilton

Swarovski Award for Accessories

Albertus Q. Swanepoel
Alejandro Ingelmo
Justin Giunta, Subversive Jewelry

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Fashion Cents

This weeks look is taken from Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 Ready-to-wear Collection. While this is a fun clever look, the hat is kind of cheesy, so we will not advise on it.

Esimated value is $15,000

Cardigan-Old Navy-$24.50

Blouse-Forever XXI-$19.80

Short-Forever XXI-$16.90

Flat-Old Navy-$15.00

Budget Fashionista's Total Price: 76.20

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Lady Gaga, Our New Swaggernistadora

"Fashion is everything ... I want the imagery to be so strong that fans will want to eat and taste and lick every part of us." -Lady Gaga to MTV

Our new Swaggernistadora, Lady Gaga, is not only a pop-darling but she is a stylista in her own right. Her fashion-inspired music tops the charts and is in constant rotation on all pop radio stations. While it may appear that her style is a play on Madonna, Christina Aguilera or Cindy Lauper, Swagger Style feels that her style is much more refined and simplisticly complex. Okay that is a paradox, we know, but in that we are saying that though the fashion is not really original or uniquely hers it is cutting edge and fashionable nonetheless.

Hollywood stars, such as Necole Ritchie, Paris Hilton and even Rhianna have seemingly sought to look at GaGa's style collective "Haus of GaGa" for wardrobe inspiration. Though Haus of Gaga is formed to simply develpop Lady Gaga's personal style, they simply take inspirations from the past, and put Gaga's geometrical spin on it. And when she dawns the remixed creations, Gaga totally rock's it out with flare, poise and total swagger!

After viewing her latest video, Paparazzi, we had to name her Swaggernistadora of The Week because the video is JAM PACKED with dramatic, interesting, style-provoking creations.

Check the video out:

Lady Gaga, we are gaga over your fashion!

-Styles

photo courtesy ladygaga.com video courtesy of Launch.Yahoo.com

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Get Savvy on Lady Gaga

Mack of Sound-savvy.com joins us this week, as we award Lady Gaga the coveted Swaggernistadora Award. Be sure to follow Mack on twitter, he is a great blogger and keeps you up to date on all music. Twitter ID: SoundSavvy. Now, let's 'Get Savvy on Lady Gaga'.

Since the August 2008 release of her debut album The Fame, Lady Gaga has steadily risen to become the newest sensation in pop music, especially Top 40 radio. In an era of declining music sales, her debut album has remarkably reached platinum status, and she has some of the highest charting and selling singles of any new artist in the past 5 years. Most notably, her biggest single to date has spent the last 12 weeks (at least) in the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore in chart-talk, she’s the first artist since Christina Aguilera to have her first 2 singles consecutively (Just Dance and Poker Face) peak at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the first artist since Madonna in 2006 to top all three Billboard US Dance Charts in the same week. Her third single, LoveGame has already breached the top 10, so she’s not showing signs of stopping, at least not yet. As for her style, Lady Gaga is all pop, but she throws in elements of R&B, hip-hop and electropop for massive crossover appeal. She’s a standout shiner on her numerous collabs, teaming up with some of the hottest newcomers and some old favorites, including Wale (Chillin’), Akon (Just Dance), and the New Kids on the Block (Big Girl Now). Personally I’m digging Lady Gaga’s energy, she might not bring the freshest and most innovative sound to the industry as this style has made many a pop diva throughout the years but her energy and her cohesiveness on a track with other artists is among the best I’ve heard in recent years. The Fame is uber-poppy and upbeat, but I think Lady Gaga’s strength lies in her ability to adapt to any genre. For that, I sit in wonder at what we’ll hear next…

Mack

photo courtesy of ladygaga.com

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misFIT Confessions - He's Back!

Straight From The Pages Of My Journal So, I haven’t written in my journal in a couple of days. Fashion really had me tripping the last time I was writing. He had worked my last nerves. I was thinking about dropping him and moving on. I was tired of all the talking behind my back. He was cheating on me with another and I needed to get away from all of this. I need a vacation before I cracked and did something I would regret. Everyone around me was feeling it; they knew I was really messed up about this. They know he was my first and only love….how could I leave him now? So I decided I need to get away from him for a while and clear my head. I ran away and I mean far away, I went as far as I could to get him out of my head. I went to what I call my safe haven. I went to NYC.

The drive to NYC will give me time to think. I need to decide what I want and where is this relationship going. The way he touches my body and the way I feel when I’m with him is irreplaceable. I think about him all the time even when we are apart. There are days where I can’t will myself out of bed because he is on my mind. What will I do? I know being with him is bad. It has brought me nothing but pain and empty pockets. Maybe pain is extreme because it was more like pleasure when we were together. Sorry, I got lost in the memories for a moment. I’m here to clear my head and make big decisions not fantasize…Ugghhhh! I just can’t help myself. I can’t get him out of my head. He has taken over my mind like a tumor and it keeps growing. I need to get him out of my head and this trip should do the trick.

My first day in the big city was wonderful. I was so excited to be there that I didn’t think about him. I was walking around and seeing the sites of New York. My girlfriends did their best to keep me distracted and also very busy. Let’s just say I had so much to do that he didn’t cross my mind or so I thought. In actual, he was still with me, in my soul. While I walked down Canal St looking at the vendor stands I felt a tap on my shoulder, so I turned around but no one was there. I continued with my friends looking at the jewelry, bags, clothes and fragrances on the street. You name it they had it on Canal St. My friends and I were amazed at all the stuff but again I felt this presence around me. It was warm, tingly, scary but wonderful. It’s that familiar feeling that I get only when I’m with him; it’s an intense pleasure. Here I was on the street having a fashiongasm. I was so overwhelmed with emotion and passion that I felt flushed. He was back! He had tracked me down, penetrating my solitude and reminding me of why I fell in love with him. The essence of him was all around me. I could see it in the faces of my friends and strangers that surrounded me. They had all felt the power that Fashion gives off. They knew the kind of love I had felt and it was still with me. How can I love someone so much?

I continued walking the street hoping to escape back to my hotel. I knew if I got back to my room this feeling would subside. I can go back to not thinking about him possibly hating him. Who was I kidding, my heart wouldn’t let me do that but I was going to try because I wanted him with me at that moment. As I continued walking I started to notice people passing by. Some of them had the same look as I did when I first met Fashion. They had an aura about them that let me know they share the same love for him. How can we all love someone so much?

Let's discuss your love of fashion, follow me on twitter at DaReelMisFit.

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The Fashion Show Recap Ep6 "Mean Girls"

This episode was probably one of the most interesting, thus far. Our boy Reco was in total "B" mode this week. But before we get to the juice, let's lay the framework.

This episode was all about cliques. No matter how we try to say that we don't do cliques, the reality of the matter is that we are always in a clique . Those who say they don't do cliques are a clique. You get the picture.

Anyway, this weeks Harper's Bazaar Mini-challenge was to design a graphic tee for a high school student that was running for Student Government President. Mr. Chappelle (Reco) said that he could instantly identify with the student, because he was senior class president...interesting to say the least. Moving right along, each designer had to choose a book bag from a wall; the book bag contained clues to identify the high school clique that the designers had to create a tee that would speak to. The theme of cliques included the most stereotypical ones you could imagine: Drama(Reco), Tree Huggers(Daniella), B-Girls(Angel), Jocks(Johnny...I know, right!), Gothic(Anna), Skater(Haven...again, I know right?), Preps(James-Paul), Nerds(Lidia), and The Mean Girls(Merlin). Daniella was deemed the winner for her imaginative use of fabric glue and leaves, thus giving her immunity for this week. Can't you imagine how the eyes rolled at that one?

Following Daniella's announcement, Isaac announced that this week's elimination challenge entailed the designer's remaining with their assigned stereotypical clique and designing an outfit that a 20-something former clique member would wear. For the third time, I know right? Usually we mature with our dress, but hey what do I know, I am just a blogger and a stylist! The caveat this week was that the designer's only had eleven hours to create their pieces.

As Isaac and sidekick Kelly made their rounds, they were less than pleased themselves...not that Kelly's opinion matter's anyway! But the fun begins when Isaac approached Johnny calling him Fred Flintstone on the not so low. Well, he did have on a huge orange muumuu of sorts. But he was not offended, he batted his eyes, rolled his neck and went on to explain his design. They continued their rounds and when they got to Merlin they did not seem to get the visual aesthetic of his design, bringing Merlin to tears...again because he did not know what a mean girl was; as they don't live in the -his words not ours- 'jungle' that he lived in. Merlin went on to say that he only watched the first 15 minutes of the movie, Mean Girls.

Fashion Show Time! As the runway show commenced, my displeasure with this week's elimination challenge was confirmed. Back stage James-Paul helped his friend Angel complete her garment. Ahhh, how shweet. ***playing patty cake, 'you and me will never part'*** Model after model nothing but boring, uninspired, emotionless crap stalked the runway. When Haven's model entered the runway, I livened up a bit. Though her finished piece had nothing to do with Skater kids, Haven's creation did make for a nice cohesive outfit ; one that I could see many of my size appropriate clients wearing. Reco, we are sorry boy, but your gossamer matched with a plaid shrug was **yawn**yawn** boring! You are not designing for strippers any longer, man! Got's to be more careful!!!

Landing the Top Two positions were, Merlin and Haven. As the other designers exited the stage, Reco rolled his eyes, sucked his teeth and said 'Haven's up there?' It was apparent that he did not believe that she deserved to place in that position. Kelly informed Haven that an audience member said that she would 'totally wear this' and another audience member stated that her creation was a 'killer outfit'. But they were 'sold on' Merlin's design, because 83% of the audience said that they would buy his design. Congrat's Merlin, now NO MORE TEARS! Sheesh!

All of the remaining designers, excluding Daniella were asked to return to the stage. Like a volcano preparing to erupt, anger began to boil up inside of Reco. You could see his disdain in the scowl of his eyebrows. After some jibber jabber about their designs, it was announced that Johnny and Angel were in the bottom two.

Angel apologized for not knowing what a 'B-Girl' is because she is from Indiana and there are none there. But the judges were not buying it. Isaac said that India gets MTV so he knows that Indiana does too, and Kelly said that she was insulted by Angel's design. Wow Kelly, aren't you a FORMER Pop singer? Though I understand that it is virtually impossible to not know what hip-hop style looks like, Kelly you saying that you were insulted was a bit much. YOU AREN'T a FORMER hip-hop artist. I digress....WE DIGRESS! Then it was Johnny's turn. Okay, what Jock would you see wearing a skinny short with fringes up the rear seam matched with a goofy jacket? Perhaps he wanted to play dress-up with his Jocks, but trust they would not wear that debacle of a creation. I am all about having artistic freedom, but crap is crap, and Johnny's design was pure-t crap!

As the judges deliberated, Johnny stated that he did not care if he was eliminated or not because he has an investor waiting on him when he returns home. That was the icing on the cake. Reco began to go off and walked away to cool off. While Reco was away, Johnny whispered to Haven that Reco did not think she deserved to be in the top two and seeing Reco returning he hushed the conversation. Haven took it upon herself to confront Reco and Reco fired back with a sarcastic 'congratulations' that she did not accept. Then, Daniella started in. Reco did not fret, he could take on one, and was down to take on two. So he stated that everyone was talking about everyone behind each other's back and that he is real enough to say what he needs to say to anyone's face. He finished by turning to Johnny and telling him to go home, since he did not want to be there. Reco is insulted by the seeming lack of respect by the other designers for 'his' craft that he works so hard for. He is tired of them saying that say that they don't want to be there, but continue liefing by each week. Get'em Reco! All Johnny could do in response to Reco's rant, was to pout his mouth, bat his eyes and roll his neck.

The judges returned, ending the rant. Isaac announced that he simply could not buy Angel not knowing what a 'B-Girl' was and that as a designer one has to be aware of the culture that he or she lives in. Youth inspire fashion everyday, and so a designer needs to be aware of what is consumable. While I agree, somewhat with Isaac's critique, every designer does not design for every genre. I would never go to Baby Phat to purchase a wedding gown for one of my client's; just like I would never go to Heatherette to purchase a business suit for one of my male clients. Designer's design for different 'cliques' and not being able to design hip-hop gear is not a bad thing. We have enough rappers turn designers to take care of that.

Well, Johnny lasted another week. I am like Reco, JOHNNY, GO HOME!!!!!!!! We can't wait until next week, though. Reco and Daniella will be in a group together. Can you say drama? Two controlling diva's working together? Mmf, mmf, mmf! Perhaps we will get an unseen surprise, Merlin will find another pant to wear; we are so tired of seeing his red and black stretch pant and boot.

Until next week, keep it stylish!

-The Style Master

photo of Merlin courtesy of Bravo

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What’s in the Bag?

Its funny how topics just pop in your head. I was talking to one of my girlfriends about purses. She is trying to find a way to clean out her closet and as she was cleaning she uncovered a collection of over 30 bags. I was astonished at that large number of bags and told her that there is no need to have that many bags in a recession, LOL! I told her the quickest way to make some extra cash is to get rid of most of her bags and only keep the essential ones. Now may you ask; what is an essential purse? Well that is always up to the bag owner’s preference (such as designer bag, how much I paid for it, how often I carry it, etc). I was leaning more towards deciding how practical or functional the bag is to your wardrobe. Sometimes we can get carried away in colors, shapes, sizes, costs and all that jazz when it comes to buying and keeping purses. There’s something to be said for a designer bag, they are usually made with better materials and of better quality than an inexpensive one. It creates a social stigma for some people and can elevate your look. But I’m here to tell you that you can find quality bags for less if you so desire. But my girlfriend needs my help in figuring out what bags to keep and what bags to sell swap or toss. In my opinion there are 5 bags that every woman should have in her boudoir and she will never be without a bag for any occasion. Those bags are the Tote, Clutch, Satchel, Shoulder and Messenger.

My girlfriend was perplexed when I shared my list with her. She was literally like ‘huh’? I’ve never heard of these but honestly she had some of them in her collection. All she needed was a little help from the Budget Fashionista. The Tote bag is a very popular bag amongst women. It can be any size but usually they are very large with an open framed top. It can have a long shoulder strap or short handle depending on the maker of the bag. A nice tote bag can double as an overnight bag at times plus you can squeeze lots of goodies in it while going to the movies. Don’t laugh because we have all done it.

As we continued going through the mountain of purses, I found the cutest bag in her closet dysfunction! I was sure to put it in the keeper pile. It was a Clutch bag and one of my person favorite bags. It is one that every woman should have. Generally it’s small or medium and has no handle. It’s great for formal affairs as well as a night on the town. It’s great for nights out with the girls because you can squeeze your phone, camera, key, money, ID and a tube of lipstick in it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a clutch, just find one that you can wear with multiple looks. A black or brown one will cover you for most outings but I would also have a dressier one for a formal engagement. I found the greatest clutch bag in my mom’s closest. She had a brown Etienne Aigner clutch from the 80s…its awesome because the leather is worn and it has a great vintage feel to it.

As I continued to dig through her mess of bags I had my eye out for the infamous and yet rare Satchel. It was like hunting a lion in the jungle. Satchel bags are rarely seen on the arms of the younger woman but they are truly a keeper. It’s one of the most classic bags to have because it never goes out of style and can be used to dress up any casual look. It’s a practical bag made for more everyday use because it comes in a variety of colors and sizes. The bag can have a wide, flat bottom, zippered or clasped top, two handles or straps. The satchel style was inspired by a piece of luggage and can be various sizes such as the doctor’s bag. I have a great brown satchel from Banana Republic’s fall 2007 collection. It’s great for casual outings and light travel, in fact I’ve used it several times when I didn’t want to carry a large bag but needed enough room for my purse items.

After sorting through all of my girlfriends’ bags, I realized she had a lot of bags but not all the essential ones. She was missing the ever so wonderful Shoulder and Messenger Bags. I had to explain to her what those two bags were and how key there were to maximizing your look. We are in a recession and who can afford to waste bags or have empty bags just sitting around in the closet collecting dust? I know this Fashionista has minimized her bags quite a bit and only have ones that I truly need.

The Shoulder bag From LoveToKnis essential for every woman's handbag wardrobe. No matter what your style is, there is sure to be plenty that fit the bill. Even for women who prefer handheld bags, there is almost always a time when an on-shoulder bag will come in handy. Whether it's for a long shopping trip, hauling kids back and forth to appointments and practices, or just climbing the stairs to your apartment after work, a bag that's worn on the shoulder frees up your hands to carry and handle other items more easily. How many times have you been stuck trying to get groceries out of the car but can’t because your bag keeps getting in the way. I know I’ve been in that situation a few times and fussed because I had to make a separate trip back to the car just for my purse. LOL! I think the reason we have gone away from the shoulder bag is because we all remember our grandmothers or mothers carrying those “tired” looking shoulder bags to church or work. Times have changed and shoulder bags are back with fierceness! Check out designers like Coach and Chanel for great shoulder bags that look great with every outfit. If those designers are not in your price range lots of retailers like Dillard’s, Belk, Banana Republic, and Kohl’s have a variety of looks, too. Let’s not forget about Target, Wal-mart, Marshalls, or Ross because you can find great designer looks for way less.

The Messenger bag like the shoulder bag has a large body with a flap over design on top. It models off a long shoulder strap. Messenger bags are very practical and functional. They're wide enough to carry many items, such as: Laptops, School books, File folders, and Notebooks. Most times, they also have additional front pockets for objects such as: Calculators, Pens, Cell phones, MP3 players, and Wallets. Messenger bags help organize these things so you aren't digging around in the bottomless pit of an oversized bag (ladies, we've all done it) searching for your ringing cell phone or car keys. Even if the messenger bag is not your thing it does come in handy for walking the streets in places like New York. I have seen more designers like Louis Vuitton creating messengers that will accent any look for the woman on the go.

I hope my bag lesson is helpful to my girlfriend. I think she will be able to remove all the bags she doesn’t need and keep the ones that are essential to her ever-growing wardrobe. In this recession, we should be focusing on quality over quantity. It’s nice to have a different bag to carry every day of the week but I want to carry the right bag.

Thanks again for checking in with me again, remember be Fashionable but sensible.

Have a great week!

-Budget Fashionista

Photos (from top to bottom) Gucci Tote $299.00 Ricki & Co.; Prada Clutches $485.00 intrends.com; Coach Daphne Satchel $480.00 Coach.com; $1,595.00 Neiman Marcus; Gucci Messenger Bag $630.00 Dellamoda.com

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Gianni Versace SpA Fashion House Names A New CEO

Versace announced on Friday that its CEO, Giancarlo Di Risio, was stepping down due to differences about the company's future. The decision was widely expected due to the brand's tremendous attempt to survive the current economic downturn. The board approved a new three-year plan last month that hinted at the fact that Di Risio would soon be leaving.

Di Risio has been CEO of Gianni Versace SpA since 2004. After the company's first quarter revenues plummeted, rumors began circulating that Creative Director and sister of the company's founder, Donatella Versace, and Former CEO, Giancarlo Di Risio, were battling over the direction of the company.

Yesterday in a statement to the associated press, Versace announced that the family-owned company has named Gian Giacomo Ferraris as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Monday. The currently bankrupt protected company hopes that the skills Ferraris has honed as CEO of the Jil Sanders Group and former Managing Director of the RTW Division of the Gucci Group will prove successful for the failing company.

Photo of Gian Giacomo Ferraris courtesy of Jil Sanders.

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Stella McCartney To Design For Gap

Stella McCartney, daughter of Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, has announced that she will be designing a children's line for GapKids. Stella is an accomplished English Designer, having worked as Chief Designer for Chloe. She later left Chloe and entered a joint-venture with Gucci, creating her own eponymous line. As of recently, the designer has launched an organic skincare line called CARE.

The new line is expected to launch in November of this year, and be carried in selected GapKids and babyGap stores in the United States and Canada, the UK, France, Ireland and Japan. McCartney said: “For years now I’ve wanted to create a collection for kids, it’s something I’ve often been asked about. I believe that this one-off collaboration will be a great way for customers to be able to participate in the Stella McCartney brand. I believe that kids clothing should be more accessibly priced, which is particularly important at the moment given the current climate. It’s really exciting for us to do a boys and girls collection for the first time." She is mother to three children under the age of four.

Stella has been designing since age 12 and age 15 she interned for Christian Lacroix. Having studied at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design Stella developed a collection for her 1995 graduation that was modelled by supermodels Naomi Campbell, Yasmin Le Bon and Kate Moss for free because they are her close personal friends. As a graduation present her father created a song that the models walked to it was ccalled "Stella May Day."

Stella McCartney is pictured above with her father, Sir Paul McCartney. Photo courtesy of splashnewsonline.com

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No More Timberland Boots and Shorts!!!!

My wife and I were in the mall shopping. Wherever I go, I people-watch and more importantly look at their fashion. This time I was noticing shoes...men's shoes. I saw a few pairs of thongs/flip-flops, a few pairs of slide sandals, various types of sneakers, and then I saw the worse thing ever, a group of individuals wearing timberlands and shorts. I shutter at the memory.

First of all, unless you are a an exotic dancer, UPS, DHL, or FedEX employee or your job requires you to wear boots, men should not wear boots with shorts. Secondly, unless you are golfing or exercising you should not wear socks with shorts. It is a faux pax, no further explanation needed.

But that is not the purpose of this blog post. We are going to unveil the it shoes for summer. Men are utilitarian dressers. We do not buy clothes, for the most part, just to buy them; they have to have a purpose, be functional, comfortable, stylish and trans-seasonal. We don't like having to pack winter clothes up and take summer one's out. Unfortunately, that is not easily done. There are some things you simply can't wear in summer and some things you simply can't wear in winter.

We cannot even cut corner's when it comes to shoes. It is not right to have a summer shirt, pant and winter feet. That is what you have when you match boots with shorts and polo's or tees...summer tops and winter feet. Not a good look.

So here are our top shoes for the summer:

Everyone needs a pair for Havaianas. They are easy to wear and simple black pair can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe. They retail for $18.00 and can be purchased at http://www.havaianas.com/

A nice Salvatore Ferragamo has designed the perfect shoe; a cinnamon and cream two-tone leather boat shoe. It retails for $440 and can be purchased at Nordstroms or salvatoreferragamo.com

Sometimes you can fall in love with a shoe because of comfort and want to wear it with more than one outfit. Well Dolce & Gabbana has designed the perfect shoe. It is a two-toned black and brown wing-tip oxford. It retails for $545.00 at Nordstroms.

Lastly, and definitely not least, a nice pair of basic Van's Classics. We suggest a basic white Classic Slip-on; it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion. Wear these with your shorts rather, instead of your Timberlands and you will look much more fashion forward and season appropriate. They retail for $42.00 and can be purchased at http://www.shop.vans.com/.

We could suggest many more, because like women, men can have a pair of shoes for every mood that he is; however, these are some basic additions that you can add or find similar ones that will spice up your wardrobe and can be matched with many different pieces of your wardrobe.

Until next time, make a statement, by mastering your style.

-Styles

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How To Be Well Dressed

Each time I consult with a new client, I have to take 30 minutes of the pre-liminary discussion to dispel the myths about trends, and that is the basis of this post. Before we get started, don't assume that I am going to contradict myself by saying that one should not seek to be trendy or anything of that sort. This post is about being well-dressed.

** Trends are temporary. So you should never feel your closet with what's hot at the time. Just like a car, you have to take trends for a test run. Season your closet with trendy items, but don't build a trend based closet.

** Last week we discussed the importance of accessories. On television you may see people *blinged* out, but you should not practice the same. Accessories are highlights to your outfit, ergo less is best. Just because you have it, or because it is new, does not mean that you have to wear it or wear it with that outfit.

** Colorfulness in your wardrobe is essential to being well-dressed; however, view color as an accessory. You do not want to have on a desert coral shirt matched with a cobalt colored pant and lilac shoes. That would simply be a ridiculous faux pax. Opt to choose a basic color black, white, navy, gray or khaki to balance out your bright color choices.

** Flip-flops are for the beach or the atheletic shower and thongs are for the mall, summer evening affair...BUT NEVER FOR THE OFFICE.

** Like color, patterns are an accessories. Do not mix patterns. Paisley and pin stripes are tacky when matched together. Just don't do it.

** Men's fashion is classic; there is not too many ways to redo a suit. But there are countless ways to wear it differently and 'trendy'. Learn the ways.

** Because fashions found in retail stores are termed 'ready-to-wear', it does not mean that the items that you purchase, in your size, are actually ready to wear. Have EVERYTHING tailored to your particular body type, even your denim jeans.

** Ensure that everything you wear is pressed properly! Nothing is worse than seeing wrinkled clothing that is supposed to be pressed.

** Purchase and use a lint brush before you exit the house in the mornings.

** Always ensure that your sneakers are clean, your leather is shined, and no threads are hanging.

** Because it is sold in your size, does not mean that it should be worn by you. Know your body type, your problem areas, your assets and your power colors.



And last, but DEFINITELY not least, BE CONFIDANT, and OWN YOUR LOOK! The most important thing about fashion is being confidant. If you know you look good, others will too.


photo courtesy of berryblue96

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The Fashion Show Recap: 'Shape Shifters' Ep 5

Our boy Reco, again did an excellent job, but he did not win. It was Daniella's chance to be Queen of the Runway and with that title, came great power this week. But we will discuss that later.

At the beginning of the show, Reco lamented about his friend Andrew being sent home. According to Reco, Andrew was eye candy and now he/they have nothing else pleasing to look at. Reco suggested that Lidia should have been sent home, because she is an uninspiring designer. Of course, Reco is secure in all of his fabulousness and he feels that he can talk like that, cause he can back it up. Yes, he's got a big ego!

Moving right along to this week's Harper's Bazaar mini-challenge, which happened to be a sketching challenge. The designers had to stare at one of Isaac's designs, but sketch the dress that Kelly was wearing. Weird, I know! In fashion details are everything. As a ideal designer, you must pay close attention to detail, and this is what this mini-challenge was all about.

Most of the designers scrambled to remember Kelly's dress; some remembered portions of her attire. Of course, Daniella complained about the challenge, yet even in her complaining she won the mini-challenge. For winning this week's mini-challenge, Kelly get's to pick one of the other designer's to be in the bottom three at elimination. Interesting...well we know that she is not a fan of Reco, because of his Big Ego will she be placing him in the bottom? Keep reading and see...

The designer's were really upset when they found out that this week's elimination challenge would have them designing clothes for real women. The competition is all about creating a line that will be sold nationally in retail chains, and retail says that a size 0 is not an average size, right? Real women have breasts, curves and problem areas, and these things were problems for each of the designers.

Each designer was challenged to camouflage the New York Model Management employees' problem areas and to accentuate their assets. When the employees were assigned to their designers, James-Paul bewailed over him not doing normal, as he compared himself to Jesus Christ. Okay, that is a bit much, James-Paul. No 'real' woman would ever purchase your orgamy patterned dresses in real life. If you did not want to design ready-to-wear fashion, perhaps you should have thought twice before signing up for the show. I DIGRESS!

With a $200 budget, each designer tried to create what the inarticulate models desired to have accentuate and 'fixed'. Daniella and her client seemed to have some personality conflicts, causing Daniella to lean to her own understanding. Daniella fakes a breakdown and says aloud that the Grand Diva, Merlin, is her top pick for the 'Bottom 3'.

Ignoring Daniella's rants, Reco, Keigh and Angel quietly work on their designs. Then it is time for Isaac and Kelly to make their rounds. Kelly remains silent as Isaac questions the designers about their creations. Angel apparently had construction problems, because her hem line was jacked up!

Time for The Fashion Show. Keith designs an unattractive red dress, Johnny R creates a dress that resembled one of RuPaul's off day attires. Daniella created yet another black dress, and commented that her dress made her client look 10 pounds liter. Next up was Haven, and his dress was rather tasteful, and well designed, but my pleasure moment ended immediately, when Merlin's model came on the runway. Her problem area was her belly, and costume wearing, diva-minded Merlin accentuated, just that. Angel ended up redesigning her debacle, and actually looked 'okay'; although it clearly was unfinished. But our boy Reco created yet another stunning dress, that even made the model appreciate it.

Our boy Reco and Daniella (**DIGUSTED** ugh) were the top designers; however, it was Daniella's chance to win. Two-thirds of the audience said that they would actually purchase her creation. Despite Daniella's admittance that Merlin was her top pick for the bottom 3, she chose Angel instead. We don't like Daniella! We REALLY don't like Daniella.

Any who, Merlin and Keith joined Angel for possible elimination. It really is about time that Merlin ended up in the bottom. I mean, he is amusing to watch, but his designs are not intriguing or stylish for that matter. Seventy-eight percent of the audience said that Merlin's design was horrible, they hated it...and so did I! Keith's design is said to be unoriginal. Although Kelly and Isaac called Merlin's design sloppy and dreary, Isaac stated that he was indeed a talented designer. I don't see it, but hey, what do I know? I am just a designer and a blogger.

Rebecca Weinberg, former costume designer for Sex and The City, was this week's guest judge. After deliberating, Keith was bidded 'buy, buy darling' leaving Angel and tearful Merlin 'hanging by a thread'.

Can't wait until next week, Reco and some of the other designers are going to get into a verbal insult contest. That should REALLY be interesting. Of course Daniella's winning design can be purchased at http://www.bravotv.com/. But remember, we don't like her!

Until next week, keep it stylish!

-Styles

The Fashion Show aires Thrursday evening at 10pm on Bravo network.

photo courtesy of BravoTv

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Is Prison Wear The New Black

So, I am working on a custom look for a client that is in his 30's, has a slim physique and is kind of on the short side. Obviously I began to look at vertical stripes, so that I could create the illusion of height. The caveat is that my client likes to be progressive and cutting edge. So, if it is not trendy, he does not want it.

As I sat down with my catalogs, perused stores, and searched websites I began to notice a new trend for men that hit the runways for Spring/Summer 2008, but is just now hitting the racks of stores this season...horizontal stripes.

Seersucker and bias set stripes have been a staple in men's fashion for quite sometime; however, horizontal stripes have not really been too popular for men. First of all horizontal stripes can make you look girthier than you are, and secondly horizontal stripes can be rather bold and eye catching.

While stripes are reminiscent of 50's and 60's Americana Fashion, the look has returned with larger stripes. Designers such as Cavalli, Yves Saint Laurent, and Canterbury of New Zealand have taken strides by reintroducing the trend into millennial fashion.

The way to achieve this look, and not end up looking like 'Where's Waldo' or wider than you are, is to do it subtly. Match a bold striped short with a plain colorful tee, wear a plain outfit and jazz it up with striped boat shoes. Opt to add a bold colored striped mail bag or tote to your outfit, or simply use a boldly striped scarf. It will add dimension and interest to your attire.

Of course women can rock this look as well, after all men's and women's fashion are almost identical today.

Until next time, keep it stylish!

-The Style Master

photo courtesy of mens.style.com

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Recession Proofing Your Wardrobe

Clothes are an investment, and preservation is key. No one wants to spend several dollars on clothing items, for them to fall apart quickly and you end up losing money on your investment.

We all know that washing clothes in a washing machine is damaging to the fibers and vibrancy of the colors of your clothing items, and while dry cleaning would be ideal, that can be rather expensive.

So how do you preserve your items and not spend too much money either? Well, I am glad that you asked. Our customer's have been asking as well. Here are some practices that we follow and also suggest to our client's:

+ Always save the extra buttons that come with your newly purchased items. If you lose a button, you do not want to have to replace all of the buttons, because you lost one.

+ Reinforce your hems and buttons. When you purchase a new item, take the time to either reinforce the hem and buttons yourself or have it done. This will make your clothes look much nicer and neater.

+ Wash ALL of your clothes in cold water. This will be less damaging to your fibers and will also prevent your dark clothes from fading.

+ Read ALL of your clothing items' labels. The manufacturers give you clear instructions on how to preserve your pieces, and many of us ignore them.

+ Take the time to separate your clothes into loads by color first, fabric second, and then by laundry instructions. You do not want your dark items to fade onto your lighter colored items, and you do not want your lighter colored items to leave lint fibers on your dark colored items.

+ Washing your clothes on the gentle cycle with a gentle detergent such as Woolite or Liquid Tide, with Bleach. Both detergents work well on synthetic fibers and cottons and the chemicals do not deteriorate the fabric fibers too quickly.

+ Turn ALL of your clothes inside out prior to washing. This will prevent colors from fading.

+ It is okay to wear items that do not get stained more than once; unless you sweat like a bear. Oh, and this DOES NOT apply to your underwear; of course you can only wear them once.

+ Always, Always, ALWAYS wear undershirts, slips or bodyshapers. This added layer of protection will prevent perspiration from settling in your clothes and make it easier to wear your clothes more than once.

+ Should you wear something and it gets stained, immediately spot clean it with either water and a hand soap or seltzer water if it is available. Do not allow the stain to settle and dry into the fabric.

+ Don't be afraid of handwashing your clothes. It has been scientifically proven that hand washed items tend to be cleaner than those that are washed in a machine.

+ Zip up and button up your pants, jeans, and jackets. Zippers are rough and while in the wash or dryer the rumbling and tumbling will damage your other clothing items.

+ If it was expensive or is prone to shrink, air dry it. Reserve the dryer for linens, undergarments, socks, etc.

+ If the label says 'Dry Clean Only', believe it! Do not say, 'oh, I can wash this' the manufacturers do not get a commission from the dry cleaners for SUGGESTING that the items be dry cleaned. It is not a suggestion, it is a mandate; follow it.

Hope this helps you out. Until next time, keep it stylish!

photo courtesy of S3Images

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Ah, nah. Heck nah. They done up and done it! Shoulder Pads Are Back?

I was out and about this weekend, and I began to notice the new trend that was first talked about in Vogue's April Issue...the reemergence of Shoulder pads. I remember when I was little, the era of Designing Women, The Cosby Show, Dallas and Falcon Crest, when the Sugarbaker Sisters, Claire Huxtable, and the Gioberti Channing women would don their should pad filled jackets, blouses and parade around their homes.

Well the 'T-Definition' in jackets, blouses and dresses are back. It was an emerging Spring Trend, and judging from the fall review it will be a hit in the fall as well. But guess what, it is not just for women; Justin Timberlake has been spotted wearing padded t-shirts. I know, it sounds crazy, but it was actually a good look.

Now, I am all about fashion being c ycular; however, I don't know what to think about the return to 80's fashion. I mean, really. We already have returned to bright red lipstick being the it look, blue eye shadow being considered fashion forward, and now we have shoulder pads back. I mean, what's next? TEASED HAIR??? I wonder how that would play out in a society that is focused on 'Going Green', when the only way to achieve teased hair is with loads of hairspray and a teasing comb. Things that make you say hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Just because it is a trend, does not mean that you need to run out and purchase shoulder pads for your tees, dresses and jackets. The look has been somewhat modified. We can learn a lot about HOW TO and HOW NOT TO wear shoulder pads, by looking at Rhianna and Victoria Beckham. First of all, to achieve the FASHIONABLE look, one needs to be on the leaner side, and you cannot have an ample bustline. Having an ample bustline and adding shoulder pads to it, will make your neck disappear and you will look extremely top heavy.

So, here are our tips:

The DO'S

-Tuck your 80's inspired shoulder pads into a nice pencil skirt or skinny pant. Doing this will minimize the look, and make your figure look well proportioned and add to the overall 'T' affect, that the look is based on.

-Since Band Jackets or the Michael Jackson 'Thriller' video inspired jackets have returned and become a craze, base your jacket choices on this principle. Wear jackets that stop at the waist and taper from the shoulder down. The pads are purposed for this look, and it's an easy way to look chic.

-Raise the hem line of your dresses above the knees, and match it them with a stunning pair of patent pumps. At all cost, refrain from wearing long dresses with shoulder pads.

The DON'TS

-Don't wear shoulder pads so large that it looks like you are shrugging your shoulders all day long.

-Do not wear shoulder pads that look like eggs stuffed into your upper sleeve, Victoria Beckham we love your fashion but HATE that jacket!

-Do not think because shoulder pads are back, you should go into your attic and pull out your acid washed jeans, banana combs and start chewing Double Bubble again.

Shoulder pads have not made it too far off of the runways and red carpets yet. But this fall, I would not be surprised to see Forever 21 introducing the look.
images courtesy wireimages.com and google.com/images

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