Last Thursday our favorite Atlanta Housewives on Bravo bid us all adieu as they ended another season.  Along with all the catfighting and major ‘tude Sheree also debuted her highly anticipated (?) line “She By Sheree” fashion collection.  The real question is, who did the better fashion line this season – Sheree or Lisa?  My rants were evident in a past posting when I clearly admitted my dismay after viewing the cheap, unstylish looks presented at Lias’s unprofessional show.  So, I was a little curious as to how Sheree’s final show would come together…. And, I was pleasantly surprised.  The collection was a cohesive grouping of lush platinum silks and fabulously chunky accessories.  My personal favorite was the nickel jumpsuit with pretty pleating and an easy flow to the leg.  A piece such as that would be appropriate throughout the year and could be dressed up or down with a swap of accessories.  Where can I buy one?!

What else was great about the show?  The styling.  Thanks to buddy Dwight – hair and make-up was not only pretty and edgy it was also the perfect compliment to the pretty clothes that featured the very current structured shoulder.  What’s more is that Sheree’s show was a true “Fashion Show”  my girl didn’t clutter the stage with inappropriate furniture but instead kept it professional and chic with a long runway and her logo subtly lit up in the back.

Tsk!  Tsk!  What a bad blogger I am!  I will not provide excuses… Even though I have some good ones… and will instead cut to the chase and chat about my favorite subject – CLOTHES! 

If  following the fashion trends isn’t your “thing” you may not realize that fur is a big-time must have this season.  Never fear though, you don’t have to worry about spending $1000’s on the real McCoy – faux pieces are wonderful alternatives and when choosen with a discriminating eye look quite good and add just the right oomph to your fall skinnies or black legging staples.

There are BAD faux fur pieces out there though – in fact, stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe designed her own line for QVC which in one word can be described as “awful”.  Rachel is known for her love of fur – if you watch her show, you’ll see her swinging around the studio of fashion great J. Mendel in some fab-o coat or jacket that she just “dies” over.  However her line does not reflect the fine craftmanship nor the stylish structure of any new or vintage fuzzie she dons on the show.

So where can you find a more natural looking fur vest that won’t leave you in the poor house?!  Hop on over to Summit Mall or the nearest Express to you!  This brown zip up is super cute and will be cozy too and costs a mere $98.00.  Wear your’s with a black cashmere turtleneck, leggings, and to-the-knee equestrian boots or try with a boho paisley dress and thick brown tights.  Need some extra warmth  and a stylish new layer to your favorite coat?  Don the vest

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3034061?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=outerwear:women:vest&cm_ite=damselle_faux_lynx_fur_vest:264289&cm_ven=Linkshare&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-RdE8tXH5Hfa_EFAnfrTmFQ

What is the deal with EVERYONE thinking that they are capable of designing a fashionable, stylish, and en pointe clothing line!?  It started with the “singers” of the world – Jessica Simpson, JLo, The Duff Girls, etc… Then, the celebutantes stepped up to the plate with Paris designing (ugly) shoes, Nicky Hilton doing a full line (hideous), Nicole Ritchie with (cool) jewelry, and Lindsay Lohen with her line of leggings.  So, now who’s left?  Why the reality TV stars of course who think that their ranting, backstabbing, and drama filled lives make them acceptable fashion designers.  Who am I speaking of?  My favorite gals on the Real Housewives of Atlanta of course.  For those of you who haven’t tuned in this season, the lovely Lisa has added designer to her resume and just organized her first show a couple of weeks ago.  My opinion?  The collection was BEYOND awful.  The color selection was all off, the excessive ruffs, ruching, and fabric were all unattractive, not to mention, unflattering, the hems weren’t finished, and bottom line?  Everything looked completely cheap and dated.  While I realize Lisa is trying to keep her line reasonably priced, the present price point she is offering is entirely too high for the low quality products she has on the market.  While I like Lisa on the show, I must admit her sense of style is a bit off.  I can’t honestly say that I am ever envious of her ensembles BUT, I would mind borrowing one of her oversized designer handbags.

One other side note… It doesn’t take a fashion show first row’er to know that a runway should be void of furniture or other in-the-way decor.  Lisa exemplified her unsophisticated eye yet again when she cluttered the “stage” with couches, chairs, and tables.  The point of a fashion show people is to SHOW THE FASHIONS, not get a sneak peek of the latest in home furnishings. 

Hopefully Sheree will get her butt in gear this season and show us what she’s made of.  I will be tuning in!

Many of you were privy to my rants about the Bravo, Project Runway knock-off show, “The Fashion Show”.  In the beginning, I tuned in and was less than impressed.  The designers were super amateur, the designs were ugly and uninspired, and the host’s wise cracks were distracting to the viewer and not helpful for the hard-at-work designer.  So, I was awaiting a finale show with less-than-desirable collections from the four final contestants, and boy do I need to eat my words.  I was completely elated to see fabulous collections that were not only fashionable and stylish but also cutting edge and fresh.  No one “Played it safe” and everyone created pieces that could potentially become major retail hits. 

What did I LOVE about Anna’s collection?  Just about everything really.  Who could resist the ultra-fem floral frock that rocked the runway first?!  Not only was the shape Divine, but the girly oversized bow detail on the back lined with red crystals made the look wonderful coming and going!  I would also not be shy to saunter into a festive black-tie event in her vented almost accordion pleated balloon full-length gown OR be a guest at a cocktail fete in the jaw dropping gold metallic 3/4 coat layered over the 1940’s-ish navy sheath with beading details.  While I do agree with the judges that her collection was NOT cohesive, I was so enamored by the looks she showcased, I didn’t care!

Daniella, the youngest designer of the group was quite industrious to create not only a complete collection, but also fabulous jewelry to complete the looks AND the catchy electronic music!  WOW!  I love Daniella’s masculine/fem combos and her re-invention of armour – which was both tough and pretty at the same time.  Was Daniella’s collection pretty?  No.  Was Daniella’s collection fashion forward, and absolutely cutting edge.  Without a doubt yes.

John Paul is the avante garde designer of the group who created a darkly hued collection that featured hoods, and a nod to indigenous dress.  Straps and buckles replace girly bows and ribbons for this designer, but he definitely has a unique voice and aesthetic for the industry and it’s quite refreshing to see a collection where the designer truly thought outside the box!

My vote is for Anna – but tell me what you think!?  Who’s the next BIG fashion designer born by Bravo TV?!

The Phillip Lim 3.1 spring summer 2009 collection certainly didn’t disappoint.  One of the stand-out and signature features of the collection was Lim’s use of the zipper as an artsy embellishment.  Zippers were formed into cascading waterfalls against classic silhouettes and the shoes that stomped the runway mimicked the pretty and girly vibe from start to finish.  Mimic the Lim look for less with a few of the key items shown below…

The metallic t-straps shown left are a fabulous Lim look alike and would not only be fabulous with a Lim-like frock but also as an eye catching punctuation with everyday denim, professional pencil skirt, or fun easy-going jumpsuit.  Log onto www.asos.com to purchase.

The purple ruffled T-straps featured right are not only a fun hue, but the added height provided by the platform will provide uberlong legs and a sleek overall effect.  Try a pair of colorful kicks with an all-white ensemble or all-black.  Buy these on www.topshop.com for $190.00.

 To replicate the zippy frock, log back on to asos.com where this  pretty black number that gets a boost of style with the mesh top and ruffled peplum skirt.  Pair this dress with  the gold ruffled pumps above and finish your 80’s-inspired look with some gold shoulder dusting earrings.

Sorry for the delay in this particular posting, but I just couldn’t bear to ignore it all together since providing pics of some of the most fashionable people at the prestigiously attended Met Gala in New York is downright important.  In many ways the Met Gala brings out more fabulous fashion finery than the Grammys, Emmy’s, SAG’s, etc… Fashion elite attend this yearly event as do models, actors, and just the creme de la creme of high society so it goes without saying that no expense was spared when choosing one’s grand attire for the soiree. 

We all want to look like catwalk stalkers, but unfortunately most of us don’t have the dough to get the exact look.  While it’s fun to window shop at the high end designer stores, I revel more in finding less expensive versions that mimic the exact getup I saw on the runway.  So, now is your chance to look like a million bucks (even though you didn’t spend nearly that much!) SHOP ON!

Boy do I love Balmain and boy do I want to rock out some of the quintessential looks that make up the Sprin9 2009 collection.  What’s cool about this look?  Slashed skin-tight stretchy white denim, loose, but not too loose silk cami, broad shouldered boyfriend jacket, and get-out-of-my-way sexy studded shoes. 

Begin your hunt for denim on a budget by hitting up Wet Seal where you’ll find the second skin white ruched denim featured below for a mere $29.50.  Nope, they don’t have the hole-y knee, but with a pair of scissors I trust that you fashionistas out there won’t have a problem with a little DIY.   Jacket?  Head to Express where you’ll find a fabulous black blazer for $79.50…  Don’t fret about your shelling out lots of moolah for your white cami.  You’ll get the same effect with a $10.00 men’s Hanes undershirt, save the left-overs for your sweet shoes.  I love these from Piperlime that will have you doling out $75.00.

The collections from the fashion power house Chloe always get me going and this Spring was no different.  The buttery colors and baggy shapes exemplify style to the max.  I was pumped to have found a very cute onesie that almost perfectly imitates the high end piece!  Woo Wee! Psst… for $34.50

Want the pretty bow shoes too?  Give these a try… What a terrific way to tie it all together!  I found these cuties at endless.com for $60.00. 

Just think about all the things in your closet that you could wear these with…

Gucci, cucci, coo… Love the menswear inspired looks from Gucci Spring 2009 RTW?  It’s simple to replicate these slouchy cropped pants, floral pop, and casual appeal.

The most important part of getting this look JUST right are the pleated trousers.  I found a similar and way more affordable pair at a cool site called Pixiemarket.com – these au currant trousers come in at a cool $132.00!  What a difference from Gucci price tags!  Another great find?  A straw fedora, I was floored when I stalked out this versatile one at Target for a mere $3.25 – WHAT?!?  I am thinking it would look just as sweet poolside too…

The pretty floral top peeking from beneath adds a fem touch in the midst of all the masculine madness.  I like this one for a slick $24.50. 

You may even want to don that sparkly cropped jacket featured above to replace the basic black blazer from your Balmain look for night time!

It sure was sweet to take a look at some of the collections featured at Milan Fashion Week.  There was lots of dazzling bling and pretty fabrics and colors.  Out of the long list of designers who presented in Milan I was particularly taken by both the Blumarine and Dolce Gabbana collections that were ultra luxe, not to mention lots of fun!

Beginning with Blumarine – the pop art Andy Warhol backdrop with lots of bright pinks, orange, and yellows sure was eye-catching and the sassy leopard print mini dresses, coats, and shoes were entertaining.  What I love most about this particular designer is her use of vibrant hues, perked up neutrals, feminine trims, and extra-special details.  In the instance featured to the right, an everyday camel colored jacket helps to downplay the razzle dazzle of the thigh-skimming dress and the neutral animal print glads tie everything up just right.  

Want more bling?  Take a look at the sweet shoes paired with this dynamic midnight and black  hued plunging neckline feathery frock.  If there is anything that we can learn about the fabulous styling of this look it is: Be not afraid of mixing black and blue.  So many times I hear women and men alike gasp in horror when they even THINK about pairing black with blue or even brown with black… There are no RULES.  Try mixing and matching things that “go against the grain” and you may come up with a new favorite ensemble.  Need an idea?  Try a beautiful navy blue sheath paired with a shiny black patent Mary Jane Platform – super sophisticated!

Perhaps the exaggerated above the knee hemlines are the fashion industry’sway of saving money on fabrics – or maybe they just love the sexy look?!  I love this winter white skin-tight little one featured right.  We saw a couple of these pretty sculpted looks on the red carpet at the various awards shows recently!  Again, take a look at those gorgeous shoes – which I would stalk her for – which are just funky enough to un-pretty her sweet cocktail number just a tinge.

So onto Dolce… I love the 1940’s nod with the structured shoulder and fur… Not to mention the sleeked back, deep sided parted hair and red lips.  The color palette was again a bit noir but still fabulous to look at but as D&G is known for, they always have to inject some sort of effulgent or metallic color.  Out of the whole collection this was the sole golden piece.  I love the abbreviated hemline, thick tights, pouffed shoulders and awesome fringy/ruffled neckline. 

I did say that good ole Dolce likes to do the bright hue… Take a look at this electric magenta dress with loads of pleating, exaggerated shoulders, cinched waist and perfect pencil skirt.  I could die for this piece that would suck in all the bad parts and leave a gorgeous silhouette on just about anyone.  With a dress like this style with caution.  Hair and make-up shouldn’t be too dramatic. A simple chignon would do the trick and a dab of deep dark rouge on the pout! 

And finally, this was another Italiano who loved the black and blue combo.  I just had to show off this pretty woven circle skirt dress and out to there fuzzy accoutrement.  This is THE way to style up a look.  As you see here this pretty frock is made even more amazing with a full-on foxy shrug on the shoulders, nipped in waist, thicker than thick tights, demure black leather gloves to the wrist, and of course, let’s not forget the shoes… Showstopping suede towering platforms that show-off gem buttons. 

This time of year, when we are still coveting our layers look to D&G for inspiration.  Pile on the fur, don’t forget the gloves, and paint on a pretty mouth – you’ll be ahead of the gang!

I always get a little nostalgic when London Fashion Week rolls around… It takes me back to the days when I lived in the jolly UK and passed by the glorious white tents and watched as the glamour-pusses made their way past the gatekeepers into the lively shows.  London isn’t always getting oodles of accolades from the fashion press, with Paris, Milan, and New York reeling in the highest of accolades… But, one can’t discount the creativity of the designers who show in London.  Rarely “playing it safe” these designers are noted for comingup with strange silhouettes (at times) and collections with a punk-ishfeel – but who better than the English to re-invent that signature style, since of course they started the whole punk era themselves.

So what about the London collections then?  Color was less than prevalent with black and other somber colors ruling the catwalk.  Julien Macdonald, a British fashion name stay, stuck mostly with dark ink tones and deep and subtle metal but injected a smidge of color with some emerald and cobalt pieces.  Shoulders were structured, dresses were shrunken up, slits were borderline indecent, and tops/tunics were ripped up and deconstructed.  A nice added touch was a glimmering shattered mirror effect on the gown shown here!  Definitely a severe collection and not for the mild mannered… This is the true taste of Julien Macdonald.

Paul Smith is another big name when it comes to British fashion.  When it comes to this “King of stripes” collection I was not at all disappointed in the sheer supple-ness of the fabrics shown and the quintessential autumnal colors like rust and olive with pops of pink and turquoise that sweeten up the military-inspired deal (gee wonder where he got inspired??).  Who wouldn’t want to bundle up in one of these fabulous funnel-neck collared coats?  Or better yet, wrap up your legs in these phenomenal cable-knit tights that come in a full gamut of colors and look simply perfect with tie up ankle boots. What can we learn about styling from Mr. Smith? 

1. Don’t be afraid to throw together “like” colors.  You see here the subtle bronze pattern in the coat is made more noticeable by donning a pair of tights in a similar hue. 

2. Cinch the waist.  A fabric such as the one shown above could border on masculine, however a slim belt at the waist forms an immediate fem silhouette.

3. Pump up dark hues by interjecting a bright color.  Those clunky booties are WAY more interesting with pink shoelaces (not to mention immediately more current).  Don’t be afraid of color.

4. I know you’re all waiting for this one… Yes, you can mix patterns especially those in the same color family.  In this instance, Mr. Smith caught my eye by throwing on a sassy leopard print muffler.  Love it!

Ah!  How I love the shape of this look pictured to the right.  Again, the masculine undertones of the color have been juxtaposed against the most girly shape – the circle skirt, and a buttoned up cardi with fun beads at the shoulders dare I say a cheeky way of re-interpreting the sturdy golden, draped braids that make up the British military uniform?  The whole of this look is punctuated again with those pesky socks – this time worn with closed-toes.  On this model I think it works, however if I put this whole outfit on and gave the old anklets a whirl, my short legs would only look stumpier and no one would appreciate my stellar skirt and darling sweater because of my silly socks.  Remember my fashionable fans, not always do  the runway looks work for everybody.  You’ll only hit the height of style if you learn what shapes work on you… You can still try out all the new trends but you MUST formulate it to your bod or it simply WILL NOT work. Cheers!

Every season designers must come up with a new or revised way to style it up.  I am sure that you all remember the bare leg craze a few years ago that dictated that the only acceptable way to don your favorite open-toes was suffering through it with naked gams… Luckily though this past season thick, opaque tights in various colors were the de rigour way to don your favorite chunky sandals - and I don’t know about you, but I certainly breathed a sigh of relief when I could wear a cute mini number without freezing my keister off in the fall/winter.  The other leg craze of the moment is of course the legging or footless tight – these must-haves are still going strong and will carry through spring… But, there is a new trend emerging for spring in the leg/foot department that I am still on the fence about, so I thought I might get some of my dear readers’ opinions on the matter…

Perhaps you have been nosing through some fashion glossies lately and have noted yourself that there are an awful lot of ankle socks being featured with chunky open-toe platforms worn with mini dresses, skirts, and jackets.  The designer who worked this new look a lot on the catwalk was Burberry Porsum featured to the left.  You’ll note the socks are a darker neutral with the shoe and jacket a tad more matchy-match.

So what do you think?  Are these socklets better suited for the runway and the avante garde fashion layouts for mags like Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, ETC… Or are you willing to pull ‘em on for a different look? HMMMM????