Hidden Spice

Coat: Chadwicks.  Pants: Express.  Top: Newport News.  Shoes: Jessica Simpson.   Classically simple today with a black and cream color combo.  Just a hint of spice with a polka dot shoe and a fun furry coat.

Fashion Diary: Technology meets Fashion Week

Gossip, first impressions, trends in the making, celebrities and style setters.

This is shaping up to be the season when the runway comes to you.

Hundreds of designers will present their fall collections during the monthlong runway circuit that kicked off Wednesday in New York and ends in mid-March in Paris with a stop in Milan along the way. And although the runway shows used to be exclusive events -- closed to all but select editors, store buyers and stylists -- fashion houses increasingly are extending the reach of their blockbuster productions by using the Internet.

For several seasons now, fashion show attendees have been taking their own amateur video and photos and posting them online using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. So it was only a matter of time before designers got on the bandwagon. Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana are among those who have experimented with bringing their runway shows to the digital space.

Fashion Diary: Technology meets Fashion Week

Gossip, first impressions, trends in the making, celebrities and style setters.

This is shaping up to be the season when the runway comes to you.

Hundreds of designers will present their fall collections during the monthlong runway circuit that kicked off Wednesday in New York and ends in mid-March in Paris with a stop in Milan along the way. And although the runway shows used to be exclusive events -- closed to all but select editors, store buyers and stylists -- fashion houses increasingly are extending the reach of their blockbuster productions by using the Internet.

For several seasons now, fashion show attendees have been taking their own amateur video and photos and posting them online using Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. So it was only a matter of time before designers got on the bandwagon. Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana are among those who have experimented with bringing their runway shows to the digital space.

New York Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria, Cynthia Rowley explore the urban jungle

The urban tribal aesthetic we saw last season at Proenza Schouler and Balenciaga is starting to turn up in the fall collections in New York this week.

First, it was at BCBG Max Azria on Thursday morning, where neutral-colored, draped silk dresses in geometric cuts were shot through with blocks of vibrant blue and yellow.

And it continued at Cynthia Rowley, where models had bright color woven into their hair and the band Preacher and the Knife struck a tribal beat.

New York Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria, Cynthia Rowley explore the urban jungle

The urban tribal aesthetic we saw last season at Proenza Schouler and Balenciaga is starting to turn up in the fall collections in New York this week.

First, it was at BCBG Max Azria on Thursday morning, where neutral-colored, draped silk dresses in geometric cuts were shot through with blocks of vibrant blue and yellow.

And it continued at Cynthia Rowley, where models had bright color woven into their hair and the band Preacher and the Knife struck a tribal beat.

New York Fashion Week: Could Ohne Titel be the next Donna Karan

The most exciting thing I saw on the runway Saturday was the Ohne Titel collection. Bringing a new kind of cool to draped silk, velvet and washed leather separates by working them with athletic mesh and knit, designers Flora Gill and Alexa Adams challenged the boring vernacular of office suiting.

Could we be looking at the next Donna Karan?

The designers, who met at Parsons School of Design and have stints at Helmut Lang and Karl Lagerfeld between them, launched their line in 2011, and they have been on an upward trajectory ever since, garnering nominations and awards from the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

For fall, they worked in a palette of black, moss green, sand and pewter to create a number of separates that could find a place in any woman's wardrobe -- lean, asymmetrically cut soft leather and ribbed knit jackets, cropped shearlings, combo leather and knit leggings. Their version of the suit was a moss-colored silk blazer worn with silk pants that were slouchy up top, spiraling into ribbed knit at the bottom of the legs.

Although they cited the 19th century as inspiration, there was nothing retro about a techno collage, multicolored mesh dress, a sand leather and silk cowl neck top or a silk drawstring skirt with black leather front pouch pocket that brought motocross to mind.

After all, these are clothes for women on the move. And let's hope this is the collection that brings this label to a wider audience. In Los Angeles, Ohne Titel (German for "untitled") is stocked at Zainab and Satine.

New York Fashion Week: Could Ohne Titel be the next Donna Karan

The most exciting thing I saw on the runway Saturday was the Ohne Titel collection. Bringing a new kind of cool to draped silk, velvet and washed leather separates by working them with athletic mesh and knit, designers Flora Gill and Alexa Adams challenged the boring vernacular of office suiting.

Could we be looking at the next Donna Karan?

The designers, who met at Parsons School of Design and have stints at Helmut Lang and Karl Lagerfeld between them, launched their line in 2011, and they have been on an upward trajectory ever since, garnering nominations and awards from the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

For fall, they worked in a palette of black, moss green, sand and pewter to create a number of separates that could find a place in any woman's wardrobe -- lean, asymmetrically cut soft leather and ribbed knit jackets, cropped shearlings, combo leather and knit leggings. Their version of the suit was a moss-colored silk blazer worn with silk pants that were slouchy up top, spiraling into ribbed knit at the bottom of the legs.

Although they cited the 19th century as inspiration, there was nothing retro about a techno collage, multicolored mesh dress, a sand leather and silk cowl neck top or a silk drawstring skirt with black leather front pouch pocket that brought motocross to mind.

After all, these are clothes for women on the move. And let's hope this is the collection that brings this label to a wider audience. In Los Angeles, Ohne Titel (German for "untitled") is stocked at Zainab and Satine.

New York Fashion Week: Rising star Prabal Gurung needs to stay grounded

For some reason this season, Prabal Gurung was anointed the new kid to watch. When he staged his first runway show in the Tents on Saturday, everyone was there -- department store buyers, magazine editors, even a celeb or two.

Why? Who knows. Oprah's a fan, the designer has a quirky name (pronounced Praa-ball) and a cute face, he grew up in Katmandu, started his career in India, and was design director at Bill Blass for five years.

Sculpted coats and skirts in camel, black and white wool cashmere with curvilinear seams had a Blass feel to them, but a bit too much bulk, and the floating panels, peplums and double layers weren't incorporated well enough into the designs.

One-shouldered silk gazar dresses, distinguished by sculptural ruffles, didn't feel that special either.

The best look -- a motocross-inspired minidress that was a patchwork of metallic oxidized lace and wool faille. Too bad he didn't stay focused on that technique a little longer.

New York Fashion Week: Rising star Prabal Gurung needs to stay grounded

For some reason this season, Prabal Gurung was anointed the new kid to watch. When he staged his first runway show in the Tents on Saturday, everyone was there -- department store buyers, magazine editors, even a celeb or two.

Why? Who knows. Oprah's a fan, the designer has a quirky name (pronounced Praa-ball) and a cute face, he grew up in Katmandu, started his career in India, and was design director at Bill Blass for five years.

Sculpted coats and skirts in camel, black and white wool cashmere with curvilinear seams had a Blass feel to them, but a bit too much bulk, and the floating panels, peplums and double layers weren't incorporated well enough into the designs.

One-shouldered silk gazar dresses, distinguished by sculptural ruffles, didn't feel that special either.

The best look -- a motocross-inspired minidress that was a patchwork of metallic oxidized lace and wool faille. Too bad he didn't stay focused on that technique a little longer.

MAC/Nicki Minaj Pink Friday Lipstick

As most of you are aware now Nicki Minaj teamed up with MAC to create a Limited Edition lipstick called Pink Friday which was named after her debut album Pink Friday. It is only being sold for the next 3 weeks and only on Friday's until 17th December. I managed to place an order last week Friday at 7am before leaving my house in the morning *cheeky grin* and it arrived today.

Pink Friday is described as 'a bright, creamy pink satin formula' and is priced at £12.50.

The first thing I am going to say is that I am very disappointed with the colour and I don't think it was actually made for females with brown to dark skin. As my complexion is not too far from Nicki's but it looks terrible on me however I have seen it on paler skin tones and it looks alright on. Pink Friday also looks very chalky on and does not look flattering in photos, I will not be wearing this colour anytime soon.

Looking at the colour online it resembled MACs Pink Nouveau but it was a little bit lighter when swatched as you can see from the image below:

Catching up... Outfits #13# , #14# , #15#

An easy way to up lift this outfit. Just add a belt and a scarf!

Another belt and another scarf!!!

This time I went overboard. A belt  and a ...necklace !!! Just to remind me how lucky I am!

New York Fashion Week: Jason Wu, a case of outsized ambition

Jason Wu's fall collection was a case of outsized ambition. On the one hand, menswear-inspired separates strayed too far from the designer's comfort zone. On the other, couture-inspired Chantilly lace ball gowns (some with padded hips) overwhelmed his tiny, poorly lit runway.

Daywear fell flat with boxy jackets in too-heavy mohair, fold-over-waist pegged trousers and unremarkable draped wool plaid skirts. Only his cocktail dresses hinted at what could have been, the best in a blush-colored gauze that looked like spun sugar.

New York Fashion Week: Jason Wu, a case of outsized ambition

Jason Wu's fall collection was a case of outsized ambition. On the one hand, menswear-inspired separates strayed too far from the designer's comfort zone. On the other, couture-inspired Chantilly lace ball gowns (some with padded hips) overwhelmed his tiny, poorly lit runway.

Daywear fell flat with boxy jackets in too-heavy mohair, fold-over-waist pegged trousers and unremarkable draped wool plaid skirts. Only his cocktail dresses hinted at what could have been, the best in a blush-colored gauze that looked like spun sugar.

New York Fashion Week: Alexander Wang, the coolest thing in N.Y. fashion

The zipper sunglasses, the studded-base handbags -- Alexander Wang is the coolest thing in New York fashion right now. And this season, he let loose his tough 'n' trashy aesthetic on the men's suit.

Although we've seen this exercise in deconstruction many times before (Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe), Wang gave it his own pseudo-Goth night-crawler spin with the addition of velvet thigh-highs and lace-trimmed swallow-hemmed dresses. (And let's not forget his more accessible price point.)

New York Fashion Week: Alexander Wang, the coolest thing in N.Y. fashion

The zipper sunglasses, the studded-base handbags -- Alexander Wang is the coolest thing in New York fashion right now. And this season, he let loose his tough 'n' trashy aesthetic on the men's suit.

Although we've seen this exercise in deconstruction many times before (Jean Paul Gaultier, Junya Watanabe), Wang gave it his own pseudo-Goth night-crawler spin with the addition of velvet thigh-highs and lace-trimmed swallow-hemmed dresses. (And let's not forget his more accessible price point.)

Weekend Stretch Wear

Tunic: JCP.  Belt: ?  Leggings: Forever XXI.  Fishnet Stockings: Macy’s.  Booties: Guess.     Maybe it’s the chilly weather or something, but I haven’t been in a uber color-lovin’ mood of late.  One thing I clearly am still in the mood for is leggings.  They’re so warm and stretchy.  While I wasn’t initially a big fan, now I wish they would always be in style… One of the reasons I wasn’t a

Geek Chic: Stylish Phone Cases

Hi there! We all want the latest gadgets, I know I do!  But we also need stylish chic gadget accessories to carry around all your tech, this post is all about stylish phone cases, mainly iPhone and Blackberry cases as these are the ones most of us own! (sorry if you have neither!)  They also make the ideal little gift for anyone and any occasion, yes, I want a designer case for a present!  To be honest, I don't even have a proper case for my iPhone, just a cheap one from H&M, but I just can't decide on the perfect case!  I'm totally drooling over the Mulberry, Marc Jacobs and Smythson cases, although they are expensive I am very tempted!  The Marc Jacobs ones are quite reasonably priced and come in a whole range of colours.  I've only ever purchased a case from Knomo as a present and their cases are extremely good quality and excellent value!
There's not many stylish Blackberry cases out there, maybe I didn't look hard enough? I'm sure there are some lovely ones I've missed!  Sorry but I'm an Apple fan, not keen on blackberry's!  Below are my favourites, there were so many iPhones cases to choose from, ranging from designer to the more affordable ones, from simple chic styles to the more colourful, patterned individual styles. 

Designer iPhone Cases

Top left to right:
Mulberry Oak Natural iPhone Case - £60 Mulberry
Nancy Gonzalez Tan Croc iPhone Case - £280 Net-a-porter

Marc By Marc Jacobs Purple Silicone iPhone Case - £30 Harvey Nichols

Marc By Marc Jacobs Lips Silicone iPhone Case - £30 Net-a-porter

Balenciaga Soft vintage Crafted Lambskin Smart Phone Case - £165 Balenciaga

Bottom left to right:
Smythson Damson Croc-print Leather iPhone Case - £90 Smythson
Bottega Veneta Black Leather iPhone Case - £180 Net-a-porter
Gucci Black Rubberised Leather iPhone Case - £115  Gucci

Diane Von Furstenberg iPhone Case - £16 MatchesFashion.com 

Paul Smith Leather Case for iPhone 3GS - £79.95 Apple Store

iPhone Cases

Top left to right:

Black/fushia dot Leather iPhone Case - £25 Knomo 

Tan iPhone Wallet - £35 Knomo

Metallic Gold Snake iPhone Case - £45 Aspinal of London

Bottom left to right:

Leopard Print Leather iPhone Case - £14 Topshop

Black Quilted iPhone Case - £19.99 QDOS

Black Patent Croc iPhone Case - £5 Dorothy Perkins

Vintage Damask Leather iPhone Case - £19.72 Etsy

Top left to right:

More Safara Leopard Brown iPhone 4 Case - £19.99 GadgetGear.co.uk

Red Keep Calm and Carry On iPhone Case - £13.15 Etsy

Mini Dot iPhone 3GS Case - £24.95 - Cath Kidston

Black Bath Flowers iPhone Case - £12 Cath Kidston

Bottom left to right:

British Red Phone Box iPhone Case - £13.15 Etsy

Personalised Leather iPhone Case - £29 NotOnTheHighStreet.com

Various floral/print iPhone 4 Cases - Cath Kidston

Blackberry Cases

Top left to right:

Mulberry Black Leather Blackberry Case - £60 Mulberry

Gucci Rubberised Leather Blackberry Case - £115 Gucci

Personalised Leather Blackberry Case - £29 NotOnTheHighStreet.com

Bottom left to right:

Red Patent Croc Blackberry Case - £39 Aspinal of London

Tan Leather Blackberry Case - £39 Aspinal of London

Provence Rose Blackberry Case - £12 Cath Kidston

Blue Mini Dot Blackberry Case - £12 Cath Kidston

What's your favourite case?

 

November Favorites 2010

Things I've been loving for the month of November.



1) L'occitane hand cream - I really really love this hand cream especially during winter when my skin is dry. The reason why I love it is because unlike some thick lotions it makes your hand feel sticky or oily, with this my skin absorbs it quickly leaving them soft.

2) Maybelline Dream matte liquid - This was already mention in last month's favorite, I'm still using it and still loving it.

3) Maybelline Mouse Concealer - This is not a bad concealer it still leave slight dryness on my under eye but nothing too noticeable unlike some.

4) Smashbox Photofinish Primer - This has always been my favorite primer year round, out of all the primers I used I've always come back to this one, I really love how it makes my foundation look.

5) Lola Cream highlighter/blush - I love the consistency in both of them and it doesn't make my skin feel greasy because its a cream and it last for a really long time. Unfortunately this product can be purchase online, it use to sold at Sephora ages ago, I was lucky and found it at Marshalls for much cheaper price.

6) Cargo blush in Catalina - The camera shows a coral color but its actually a light bubble gum pink. I love all Cargo blushes its very pigmented and it last.

But my main favorite for November is this camera!

I got it for such a great price on Black Friday and there was no waking up early, long lines, pushing or shoveling involve lol. Now I can finally take good pictures without worrying if its blurry or not except the picture I took of the camera is from my phone haha.

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure: I bought everything


.

November Favorites 2010

Things I've been loving for the month of November.



1) L'occitane hand cream - I really really love this hand cream especially during winter when my skin is dry. The reason why I love it is because unlike some thick lotions it makes your hand feel sticky or oily, with this my skin absorbs it quickly leaving them soft.

2) Maybelline Dream matte liquid - This was already mention in last month's favorite, I'm still using it and still loving it.

3) Maybelline Mouse Concealer - This is not a bad concealer it still leave slight dryness on my under eye but nothing too noticeable unlike some.

4) Smashbox Photofinish Primer - This has always been my favorite primer year round, out of all the primers I used I've always come back to this one, I really love how it makes my foundation look.

5) Lola Cream highlighter/blush - I love the consistency in both of them and it doesn't make my skin feel greasy because its a cream and it last for a really long time. Unfortunately this product can be purchase online, it use to sold at Sephora ages ago, I was lucky and found it at Marshalls for much cheaper price.

6) Cargo blush in Catalina - The camera shows a coral color but its actually a light bubble gum pink. I love all Cargo blushes its very pigmented and it last.

But my main favorite for November is this camera!

I got it for such a great price on Black Friday and there was no waking up early, long lines, pushing or shoveling involve lol. Now I can finally take good pictures without worrying if its blurry or not except the picture I took of the camera is from my phone haha.

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure: I bought everything


.

NEW WORK PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE AT MUDPIE

Graphics Junior - 3 month work experience placement

Location: Romsey, Hampshire

Deadline for application: 10th December 2010

Start Date: January 2010

Required: CV

Contact: louise.fenner@mudpie.co.uk

Mudpie, an established international fashion trend forecasting company, is looking to extend its team within their large UK design studio based in Romsey, Hampshire. This is a great opportunity for a student or graduate to gain some experience of working in a busy and challenging environment. The successful applicant will need to have an interest in graphic design and have accomplished English and numerical skills. Strong IT skills are essential; knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Excel and Corel would be beneficial. Throughout the placement the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to work alongside our graphics editors to gain knowledge of image handling and management, as well assisting with the construction of our graphic archive, graphic editing and graphic production. Towards the end of the placement they will also be invited to work within the design and sales/marketing teams, to learn how our trend information transcends to other areas of the company.

Mudpie is an ambitious company and is interested in receiving applications from individuals who can share our company vision. Applicants must have own transport and a full UK licence.

To be considered for this position applicants must send a CV to louise.fenner@mudpie.co.uk

Trade Fair junior - 3 month work experience placement

Location: Romsey, Hampshire

Deadline for application: 10th December 2010

Start Date: January 2010

Required: CV

Contact: louise.fenner@mudpie.co.uk

Mudpie, an established international fashion trend forecasting company, is looking for an intern to assist their busy online trend forecasting service (Mpdclick) within their large UK design studio based in Romsey, Hampshire. This is a great opportunity for a student or graduate to gain some experience of working in a busy and challenging environment, whilst being given the opportunity to develop their skills in a wide variety of industry lead tasks.

The successful applicant will need to have an interest in fashion or a fashion related degree, have accomplished English and numerical skills. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop would be beneficial and strong IT skills are essential. Applicants need to be hardworking, enthusiastic and possess great attention to detail. Throughout the placement the successful candidate will be given the opportunity to work alongside our trade fair editors to gain knowledge of image handling and management, as well as assisting with the construction of a number of fashion focused trade fair reports. Towards the end of the placement they will also be invited to work within the design and sales/marketing teams, to learn how our trend information transcends to other areas of the company.

Mudpie is an ambitious company and is interested in receiving applications from individuals who can share our company vision. Applicants must have own transport and a full UK license.

To be considered for this position applicants must send a CV to louise.fenner@mudpie.co.uk

Marketing and Sales junior - 3 month work experience placement

Location: Romsey, Hampshire

Deadline for application: 10th December 2010

Start Date: January 2010

Required: CV

Contact: louise.fenner@mudpie.co.uk
Mudpie, an established international fashion trend forecasting company, is looking for an intern to assist their busy sales & marketing department within their large UK design studio based in Romsey, Hampshire. This is a great opportunity for a student or graduate to gain some experience of working in a busy and challenging environment.

The placement will be for three months, and applicants will be given the opportunity to assist with the following; uploading and sourcing industry contacts to our CRM system, writing press releases, assisting with research for magazine collaborations, preparing marketing materials for trade shows, media and press research, basic design jobs and writing articles for our online service Mpdclick. Applicants will also be given the opportunity to experience working within other departments of the company.

The successful applicant will need to have an interest in business marketing and sales and have accomplished English and numerical skills. Strong IT skills are essential; knowledge of Excel and an interest in the fashion industry would be beneficial. Applicants need to be hardworking, enthusiastic and possess great attention to detail.

Mudpie is an ambitious company and is interested in receiving applications from individuals who can share our company vision. Applicants must have their own transport and a full UK license.

To be considered for this position applicants must send a CV to louise.fenner@mudpie.co.uk

Winter Wearable

 Dress: Newport News.  Ruffle Sweater: Chadwicks.  Belt: NY & Co.  Leggings: Forever XXI.  Boots: Gianni Bini. Hope everyone’s turkey day was fabulous!  I spent a lot of time cooking, eating, laughing, and enjoying friends and family.  Now, I’m breaking out the Christmas decorations, holiday music, and cookie recipes! When the weather is cold and Christmas is just around the corner, I know it

Black and Pink Bridesmaid Dresses

Black and Pink Bridesmaid Dresses

New House of Harlow 1960 pieces

Nicole Richie Riche's for less came across these four new House of Harlow 1960 pieces.Made from leather, suede, metal, Czech crystals/stones these pieces from the holiday collection are available at Nordstrom.The cluster ring is Nicole's favourite."It's so fun and eclectic, and it even comes in a smaller size," she says.I adore this multicoloured necklace.House of Harlow 1960 leather pendant

Nicole heads to the gym

Nicole Richie was spotted heading to the gym on Friday afternoon, November 26, in Studio City, California.

Sabatini White Women’s Summer Fashion 2011

Sabatini White Women’s Summer Fashion 2011