A Fashionable Tribute to Elizabeth Taylor- RIP

From the NY Times:  Elizabeth Taylor, Lifelong Star, Dies at 79

The actress Elizabeth Taylor died Wednesday in Los Angeles at age 79, the Associated Press reported. Ms. Taylor started in movies at age 9, and it was a quick leap from "National Velvet" to "A Place in the Sun" and from there to "Cleopatra" as she transformed into a film queen. In a career of more than 70 years and more than 50 films, she won two Academy Awards as best actress.

My tribute to another jewelry aficionado-

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search

The Marriage of Chic and Geek- Connected Clothing for the Fashion Saavy Gadget Lovers

I am a self-confessed tech geek.  A "techie" if you will- (tech·ie also tek·kie  (tk) n. Informal: One who studies or is highly interested or proficient in a technical field, especially electronics.) But that doesn't sound very fashionable for a wardrobe stylist now does it? The real questions is, do fashion and tech ever meet in the middle of chic and geek?

My first exposure to high tech- "connected" if you will- clothing was when I was shopping for a new snowboarding jacket five years back.  Back then, iPod integrated clothing was just starting to show up once retailers understood the power Apple's brand of technology had over consumers and jumped on the successful brand's bandwagon.  This peaked my interest.  Where else were we seamlessly integrating our digital lifestyle with our outdoorsy one?  Being a surfer, I did some research.  There were, and still are, waterproof accessories like headphones and iPod cases.  While unsafe because listening to your music full blast hinders your ability to hear warning shouts in these shark infested San Francisco waters, it still amazes me that we have the ability to take our music with us anywhere.

Aside from the fact that I think one of the best things about being outdoors is being one with mother nature and her own soundtrack, I like having the option to have my gadgets within reach and easy to use.  That seems to make a lot of sense when you're wearing gloves and stuffed into a parka that makes you look like the Michelin man.  But what about our day-to-day lives?  Mashable's article Wired Fashion addressed this very issue.  It seems the fashion world is turning its ear towards the needs of geeks like myself.  While they don't always hit the mark...

... some are close...

and some are genius!

While we may not being seeing a high tech clothing runway show at New York Fashion Week any time soon, it does beg the question, does fashion need to will fashion be able to keep up with the speed of technology?

Image(s) courtesy of Mashable.com

Spring 2011: That 70's Trend

Though some of you may be remiss to admit it, the 70s are back! And in a big way. Of course we all know fashion is cyclical and nothing is new anymore but you should always expect to see the return of a trend, style, or look about every 20 to 30 years. That said, the return of flared jeans, platforms, jumpsuits, soft hair, floppy hats, maxi dresses, and round sunglasses are right on track.

athoughtistheblossom.blogspot.com

I was a little hesitant to get on board with this trend for fear of it leaving as quickly as it has arrived but then I watched The Towering Inferno...and fell in love with the 70s. What a wonderland of inspiration! Taking place in San Francisco and centering on the world's tallest building going up in a blaze (hence, the title), the movie cemented my new-found love for long, low-cut evening gowns, head-to-toe color, draped shirting, and soft curls. It also put a new fashion icon at the forefront of my mind, Faye Dunaway. I've never wanted to wear a matching, monochromatic suit more!

Faye Dunaway

Though the film revolved around more "society types" living in the San Francisco, there was definitely a moment for those on the street who were rocking long, printed jackets, wide-leg pants, and high shoes. In fact, that's more in line with what we're seeing on the runway and the streets today. People seem eager to move away from their skinnies to get a little breathing room.

stylecaster.com

The easiest way to embrace this new trend and avoid looking dated is by wearing the bits and pieces that you like. Making them your own allows your personal style to shine and topping it all off with a large brim hat is never a bad idea.

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

 Of course, if you can do it right, there is something to be said for trying everything all in one outfit. Floppy hats off to you, my dear.

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

Image(s) courtesy of stylecaster.com, carolinesmode.com, and google image search.

Japan, Far From Over

As much as I try, I cannot stop thinking about the disaster in Japan. It's on every news channel at every hour of the day and I for one am like a moth to the flame; I tune in at every chance I can. Even though I'm informed and have donated to relief effort, I still feel so helpless. I only wish I could do more. If you're feeling like me here's a GREAT website to check out and send in a donation. Not everything has to be about money but in times like these, everything is about community.

Second Harvest is an established non-profit in Japan that helps people in need. Even before the earthquake and subsequent tsunami of March 11, Second Harvest was busy donating food and items to the over 650,000 Japanese people without any type of "food security". They made it there mission to help those who couldn't help themselves and have now dedicated their energies to the relief effort. With so many thousands of people newly in need, any donation is happily accepted and greatly appreciated. 

Please take a little time out of your day and post this some place where others can be informed and start spreading the word. So far, only $25 million has been raised for Japan, a fraction of that contributed to Haiti and Hurricane Katrina. I know we can all do so much better than that. As George Takei tweeted on that fateful day: TodayWeAreAllJapanese

Image(s) courtesy of 2hj.org

Japan, No Limits on Innovation

In light of the recent events and tragedy unfolding over in Japan, I wanted to put my energy into a positive outlet and to pay homage to the brilliance of their fashion designers. These 3 particular artists pushed the boundaries of the industry and weren't afraid to express their creativity through otherwise "unmarketable" designs. It was fashion for arts-sake and for that, we should be grateful. There is beauty in even the most nontraditional and unexpected shapes and styles.

Issey Miyake, "Foiled Again"

Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons, "Surreal Touch"

Yohji Yamamoto, "I Do"

Know for their ability to adapt and evolve, Japan will certainly rebuild and return once again as the land of the rising sun.

Image(s) courtesy of blog.metmuseum.org

So Much Style in Stockholm!

If you ever find yourself with an afternoon to kill check out www.carolinesmode.com and click on the Stockholm Street Style tab. OMG you will not be disappointed. Scrolling through one sartorial treat after another has never been this satisfying!

right on trend: easy, white, and menswear-inspired

If you've ever wondered who/what makes the style go 'round, it's these people. Broken down to their baser elements, these looks can easily be recreated with pieces in your own closet. Why these few folks were chosen to be depicted online is because they followed a few simple rules:

• choose pieces with interesting details:

Notice the detail on the edge of the shirt collar. (click to enlarge)

• think about the longevity/flexibility of each piece:

a classic blazer and sheer blouse are instantly chic by adding one trendy item: the pants

another great example: easy blouse and edgy jacket with one trendy piece: the full skirt

• and only buy those items that you really love and instantly connect with. Not only will you start accruing items that can be worn different ways again and again, you can wear them with each other to start finding your own fashionable footprint.

an easy look, compiled of pieces to stretch your wardrobe: colorful blazer, black tights, and a simple jersey dress

After all, a closet should be a collection of pieces that speak to you. Start stalking the streets of Stockholm for instant inspiration!

Image(s) courtesy of carolinesmode.com

"Thou Shalt Not Endure Mom Butt"- Our SF Indie Fashion Interview

When popular online resource SF Indie Fashion contacted us to help put together a denim buying guide, I thought YES! Now there's a tool I know most women would definitely benefit from. How many of us have looked at those neatly stacked squares of jeans and found them threatening? Digging for your size alone is an act of futility as no matter how hard you try those darn things tumble off and wind up in a mess on the floor. Plus, who knows if you even get the right style or fit and have to go back in for round two.

Needless to say I was thrilled (I'm even doing a little jig right now) to put some of our experiences onto paper as our heads are practically bursting with clandestine clothing knowledge from years spent as personal shoppers and wardrobe stylists.  It felt great to get that information out there, in a readily available and formidable fashion resource like SFIF*.

There's nothing like working with other people in the fashion industry who equally share your enthusiasm for sartorial problem solving.  They came armed with a list of queries ranging from how to pick the right pair of skinnies- now considered a staple in your closet- to butt pocket adornments and affordable denim options. Hopefully this guide with help everyone assuage any future denim debacles. Even in a city as seemingly laissez-faire as San Francisco, thou shalt not endure "mom butt", muffin top, or butt cracks.

To read the full article and check out SF Indie Fashion, click here.

*If you're not already, get acquainted with SF Indie Fashion. I've been following their tweets now for sometime and if you ever want up-to-the-minute San Francisco Indie Fashion information, start following their sartorial shout-outs immediately. They offer an insight into the independent fashion scene of SF, an area we in the industry value as it's what sets us apart from LA and NY.