Glitter, Glitter, Everywhere

Everyone loves to be extravagant every once in a while, and then there's my friend Mitchell. His life is built upon fabulosity, luxury and extravagance. So in celebrating his birthday, Carrie and I knew we'd have to go all out. We planned a surprise party, titled "Glitter and Shit" instructing guests to gather up all their glitter and the wackiest items in their wardrobes in honor of Mitchell. We suggested they follow Mitchell's lead when it comes to outrageous outfits.

The turn out of the party was great, everyone was surprised, and lots of people fully embraced the theme. Here are some of the best outfits!

Here Zan, Magnolia and Julia went all out with shimmer, animal print, sequins, tassels, the whole nine-yards.
I stayed simple and shimmery with a sequined top, shiny silver belt and a purple skirt.
Carrie took risks and paired together my BCBG romper and vintage spandex leggings. I personally think the pairing is brilliant, and quite cheeky. The belt is also a nice accent.
Again here is Julia, now with Amartya and Natalie, who paired together all sorts of shiny.

I had to include a full length shot of Magnolia, because her outfit was really outstanding. She wore gold, shiny cowboy boots, America Apparel high waisted spandex and a pink tassel bra from China.
Andrew and Leeann fully embraced the goofy part of the theme, with applied gems, and body glitter everywhere!

Overall the party was a success, and its always fun to have an excuse to dress up!

Fashion Week Favs

Fashion week is always an exciting time, there is a huge influx of collections to look at and admire, and of course this takes up all sorts of time, but this is what we love. While of course looking at pictures is far different than seeing the runway in person, a girl can dream, right? So here are some our favorite looks from the new runway shows from the past week.

Sammy:

Oscar de la renta going for the classy chic look. gorgeous pairing of the necklace with the rest of the outfit to really set off the tones. shear black tights are elegant with this outfit and photograph magnificently (something good to try yourself!)

Mulbery designed an amazingly rocker meets girl next door ruffle with this dress and blazer combo. usually i don't like navy with a dark jean but this is totally a fun look. the royal blue shoes pop and her hair, well, lets just say that's what mine looks like when i brush it!

Louise Gray constructs a to die for outfit right here! i am obsessed with the "onesie look" as everyone has figured out. the zipper in front is sexy and the pattern is playful. the asymmetrical and non-matching shoes are a perfect play off of everything in the outfit. i would LOVE to own this.

Lou dalton goes a little too pirates of the Caribbean on me here. nicely constructed pant- has a good fit to it but forreal is the bow and hat necessary? i feel like this poor model is ready to walk the plank...

Chloe always goes simple but makes a statement. i have been eating up her pricey bags (we're talking some cold hard cash) but this skirt is just precious. not too short, perfect fit and that pattern screams "girl talk". i might have paired it with a funky heal just to make the outfit a little more young and vibrant but the pieces are all there waiting to hit the town (minus the grandma-y sweater).

Madeline

I too loved Oscar de La Renta's collection. I thought the colors and patterns were really brilliant, yet simple, and this made them all the more interesting. This dress in particular I found to be specifically pretty. It is simple, but the treatment on the dress is especially distinct.

I want to commend Marc Jacobs for this collection. I think he really honed into the times, the market and his audience. People buy clothes to wear them. They need statement pieces of course, but if you want to really instate yourself as a permanent designer in the fashion world, then you need people to rely on you for everyday wear, basics and such. This collection celebrated the luxurious, certainly with its sparkles and fur, but took a very sophisticated tone with the color pallet and many of the separates. He made practical look as least drab as possible.

This is from a former Project Runway contestant, Korto Momolu's collection at New York Fashion week. It's always interesting to see how former contestants do after the show, if they stayed true to their aesthetic after the show, how they develop as a designer, etc, etc. I always liked Korto's work on the show, as it was simple, with one little unique and fresh take on a strap or a neckline that would really make it stand out. I loved this sweater from her collection, because it is pretty daring, but looks really good. It is a very interesting interpretation of this style of sweater trend.

What I liked most about Rodarte's collection was the continuity from their last collection to this one. They used many of the same, recognizable techniques of weaving the fabric, but this collection had a much more light and airy quality to it. Instead of being intense, as last collection was, the floral prints and white fabric really romanticized the styling and technique in a great way.

I tend to think of Diane von Furstenberg's work in a very specific way: she makes beautiful patterned dresses for a sophisticated 20 or 30 year old. She seemed to stray beyond this in this collection, in a wonderful way. This dress is just an example of the way DVF took it to another level in a way. This dress uses pattern in a new way, while still fitting into a certain silhouette and style for the designer's intended audience.

Hope you enjoyed our thoughts and take a look for yourself!

happy valentines day!

hope love was in the air yesterday and everyone had a nice valentines day. in the spirit of love... here's a little list of what i've been loving lately...

1. Stuff White People Like. check it out @ http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/... absolutley hilarious and totally true. one of my personal favorites is what he has to say about bob marley...

2. the winter olympics. let's face it, the guys are ADORABLE, the snowsuits are highly desirable and the sports are so cool (no pun intended) . i'm currently watching "snowboard-cross". so badass.

3. "Smile" by uncle Kracker... listen to this song and tell me it doesn't make your day. I've been starting every AM listening to it and it brings the sunshine out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaIpdMZN3E0

4. lense-less glasses. i know this may seem like an oxymoron (it is in fact) but sat night i wore a valentines day outfit out and popped out the lenses on crappy red and black sunglasses and they made my outfit (and i got COUNTLESS compliments on them!)

5. Ashton Kutcher. I'm in LOVE. after seeing "valentines day" the movie, it was true love. between the dashing dimple, the sculpted jaw and that twinkle in his eye... what's not to love?!


6. my leopard faux mittens. do glove/ mittens have a name? i can't get enough of these hand saving articles... they go with everything (or i make them go with anything) and because they're convertible, you can text, eat ice cream and do whatever else you may need to do while wearing mittens!

7. YOU! i love you, keep commenting and keep us in the loop! "love is endless" (as a friend recently told me!)

A tribute to Alexander McQueen

For those of you who don't know, yesterday, feb 11, 2010, famous designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his home, a suspected suicide. it's tragic loss for both his family and the fashion world. his designs and legacy will live on as we remember the head designer at Givenchy, a winner of the British Designer of the year, the creative designer for Gucci, and many more things. even though McQueen wasn't schedualed to show at London fashion week (just days away), the week will certainly be at a loss without his vibrant spirit present.

here's a look back at some of maddie and my favorite McQueen looks. McQueen will live on in our hearts, deisgns and closets for years to come...

sammy: for those of you who have ever seen my closet, you know its FILLED to the brim with shoes. McQueen always designed shoes that were straight up spectacular. He knew what would make a shoe light up and make everyone in the room look on. I'm going to remember McQueen through his fabulous and inventive designs- he went above and beyond before it was even cool to do so. I might argue that Lady Gaga stole some ideas from the late McQueen, but that's just my hypothesis... These four pairs of shoes bring tears to my eyes (actually, if you saw me, I'm leaky). Absolutely fabulous designs, patterns, simplicity and creativity.

As always, if you know anyone that is contemplating suicide or dealing with depression don't be afraid to get help... you could be their hero.

Madeline: I was shocked to find out this morning about McQueen's death. This has been such a big year for him. He will always be remembered for his incredible innovation and ability to go beyond the bounds of convention. Here are a few designs from throughout his entire career that speak to the boundaries he pushed and the limits he surpassed.

Surely not someone to forget. Fashion mourns its grave loss today.

Check out LookBook

As always, you know how I love meandering the interweb. Another gem website that I wish to bestow upon you: lookbook.nu. Lookbook is a site that allows people from around the world to share their outfits and style with one another. I find it fascinating to go on, there are so many new outfits added everyday, but all kinds of people, from all over the world. Talk about globalizing the fashion world.

I think more than any other type of formal blog or fashion magazine,

this site is accessible, because it is really open for anyone to post. Most of the photographs used have a very editorial feel to them, yet, the fashion is not as avant garde or as high fashion as looks in a fashion spread might be.

I find the website a great place to find ideas for outfits, pick up on trends, or just general fashion inspiration. I think that there really is a place for everyone on the site.

Here are a couple of looks that inspired me lately, to pull toget

her items I already own in a unique and fashion-forward way.

I really liked the way this girl uses layers here, and the way she combines trends. The blazer, the jean shirt, and the stripes, all magically go together perfectly, and the sillhioutte is right on trend as well. I have all of these things in my closet (with the help of friends!) and plan to try and make this look work for me!

This look is really simple, yet looks really chic. It could be recreated in a number of different ways, and this versatility is what makes it so desirable.

Again, these are all things I own and separately wear all the time. I really would like to try short and tights together for a winter look, and seeing how this girl formulated her outfit really gives me the confidence that I could make it work.

This look I'm actually really excited about, because I have all there things and never thought of putting them together. I will definitely try this soon.

Hope you enjoy and check lookbook out!

Loving those Grammys

The Grammy's are always fun to watch and red about. The outfits are outrageous, a little more daring than the Academy awards red carpet, and the musical talent to go a long with the fashion is never a disapointment!

Maddie: My Personal favorite. Lady Gaga, as always, did a wonderful job pulling in three unique outfits. This, below, was my favorite of the night. For her performance ensemble she went for a leotard, something more movable, which makes perfect sense. The leotard seems like such classic Lady Gaga essential it was refreshing to see her this piece especially with the long blond hair, another classically iconic Gaga look. Her make up, dramatic as always, was perfect for the stage. And if her duet with Elton Jon didn't touch you, I don't think you're hearing correctly.

Sammy: Ok, everyone knows that Lady Gaga and I don't always vibe. While I know she is incredibly talented, her outfit choices really rub me the wrong way. She's too out there and I know I am going to sound like a mom, but what kind of example is she setting when she wears things like this? Feel free to add your two cents in the comment section, I'm eager to hear what you have to say! (Her legs too look Sasha fierce though)

Maddie: You know I'm a shameless Miley fan, so you'll be surprised to hear me say, I hate this look for her. Short and Tight, I guess thats a very "young" thing to do, and she does have a relationship with the designer Max Azria, but there is no excuse to look like this on a red carpet. She looks like a girl going to a bar on a weekend. Not red carpet acceptable. Also, her hair looks atrocious. Too long, too trashy. Get that cut and colored, please.

Sammy: I'm going to back Maddie on this one. I think her hair looks too drab for the Grammy's and although I think the dress is stunning, Miley, common, you're like 17 years old- WEAR SOMETHING FUN! Last weekend in Canada I saw people more dressed up then her, step it up Miley, find something Red Carpet ready.

Maddie: Taylor Swift is smoothly settling into the seat of America's Sweetheart. This dress does not disappoint. She looks wholesome, clean and classy, while also making a statement with the dramatic neckline, shimmer and color of the dress. A job well done.

Sammy: Taylor Swift is the girl next door that everyone wants to be. She looks adorable all the time, has a voice (with lyrics) to die for and is just so charming! This brilliant sapphire blue sets off her eyes and as always, she dresses her age and her part. Fun accessories and good call with the barely there manicure, a pleasant surprise.


Maddie: I shouldn't even have to mention this one. Out of all the dramatic and high fashion statements Britney could make, this is the one she chose. Clearly she's insane. The look is unflattering for her thighs, hips and waist, and her hair is not styled at all. At least she looks like she showered. That's all I'm giving her.

Sammy: I actually just read that Brit is on the verge of another break down, thank you US Weekly! Big disappointment because she was really getting her life and body back together and making some nice costume/ outfit selections on tour. Her body guard should have thrown a snuggie over her, this "dress" looks like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. And as much as I hate to say, she has "thunder thighs" and the least she could do was cover 'um! Lastly... yikes, those shoes... GOTTA GO.


Looking forward to more dramatic dresses and celebs with the Academy Awards around the corner!

Canadian Attire

so i just got back from canada, eh. and wanted to share some of the outfits my friends and i wore out to parties, clubs, bars and on the slopes! ... MANJA!

Dresses from... Forever21, American Apparel, Nordstrom and misc.

First night out, making a statement. Purple dress from 344, white dress misc and black skirt an American Apparel essential.

Boys have it so easy. But as always, they look dapper in whatever they 'drobe themselves in...I'm reppin' a Nordstroms skirt with a simple GAP V neck.

Last night outfits: black silk turtle neck (BANGIN'), American Apparel, Forevs and on the end, a Urban tank.

We've seen my outfit and Janelle's tank before but the shorts= SO FUN and an awesome Forever purchase. (please note, silk is so fun to dance wearing).

This was night two, the coldest of the nights. I'm wearing a Banana Republic silk tank and J.Crew skinnies and Janelle's rockin a flapper dress from 344.

Janelle's in a purple 344 number and I'm also wearing one of their garments (club night).

Out and about in Canada, dressed for the fridgid cold yet still looking adorable and like we're having fun- mission accomplished!!

stay warm, stay chill and stay safe in my pocket!