Ashley Falcon has done something most fashion interns only dream of doing. She got noticed. And it wasn't for jamming the photocopier or sending a Burberry outfit back Prada. No, it was Ashley's style that was noticed by Marie Claire's Editor-in-Chief, Joanna Coles.
Joanna Coles loved her intern's fashion sense so much, that just a few months ago Ashley was given her very own column in the magazine. Called Big Girl in a Skinny World, Ashley brings a whole new perspective to the magazine. Through her work she proves looking good has little to do with size, and everything to do with attitude and often a dose of patience.
I may be a skinny girl but I'm so into this big girl's world.
She is into art and photography, and she has an eye for design. And now, I bring you a fashion word from Miss Stephanie.
Louis Vuitton has just announced its 2010 campaign duo: supermodel Lara Stone and superphotographer Steven Meisel.
Lara Stone
The collaboration represents a return to fashion tradition for the luxury brand. A previous campaign produced by photographer Annie Leibovitz featured unlikely fashion celebrities such as Mikail Gorbachev, Keith Richards and Sean Connery. The photos received plenty of buzz, and managed to blur the line between portrait photography and advertising.
Sean Connery
But in the fashion world, nothing is constant. Miesel is back at the helm, and he is sure to create yet another fresh look to represent the historical brand. I look forward seeing the results of the campaign.
Thanks to Carly Ostroff for featuring a guest post on Fashion Finds PR. Please visit MISS STEPHANIE for more visual inspiration in art, photography, design and fashion.
December 20th is marked in my calender because Target is about to a lot more etheral with a Rodarte line from Kate and Laura Mulleavy. I especially love these Mulleavys because their futuristic meets romantic line started just as any good story should -with just a box of fine dresses, two heads filled with big dreams and one trip to New York.
It began with Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon and Tracy Feith, and now finally the edgy-chic Rodarte asethetic will be available through Target's Go Internal line. The 55 piece collection includes all things Rodarte, from high waisted tights finished with bows to fancy bra tops. Prices range from $9.99 for knee socks to $79.99 for a faux leopard jacket. In their first collection for Target stores, the always fabulous Mulleavy sisters were inspired by their all time favourite movies like Bonnie and Clyde, Rosemary's Baby and Harold and Maude.
Celebrity Spottings Dakokta Fanning at Teen Vogue shoot in a Rodarte for Target leopord dress.
Said to "define" the Rodarte for Target line, uber blogger Tavi Gevinson works her muse magic in the nude chiffon dress with bows.
While I can personally assure you that there is no such thing as too much black, Spring 2010 is very much a pastel season. Dresses are dreamy and flowy, blouses are light and covered in ruffles. From Fendi, to Burberry, to Valentino, each designer has their own take on how to keep you pretty in pastels.
FENDI
Fendi models walked the runways in chunky shoes paired with short frilly dresses in all shades of nude.
Burberry Prorsum
At Burberry, Christopher Bailey created belted pastel coloured looks with heavy ruching and towering strappy platform shoes.
Valentino
Models' statement dresses at Valentino were layered in ruffles of soft cream chiffon. Black shoes provided the perfect contrast to these fun flirty looks.
The last time I was this excited, Phillip Lim announced his shoe line. The thought of 3.1 bows head to toe was almost too much to handle. Almost. This time my fashion freak out is all about Richard Phillips.
Those of you who pay attention to the fine details, surely noticed Richard Phillip's paintings hung on the walls of the Gossip Girls lofts. However, if you thought that "Scout" or "Spectrum" would look better hung above your bed, now is your chance to own one. Now available for sale at Intermix's 98 Prince store, each canvas reproduction retails for $250, with 100% of proceeds given to the Art Production Fund.
While interning in New York City, a friend and I found a real restaurant gem located on the seventh floor at Bloomingdales. While the carrot soup is good and the sandwiches are nice, 40 Carrot's frozen yogurt is to die for. Their coffee fro yo topped with M&Ms is Alexander Wang on sale type good.
After opening in 1975, 40 Carrots has sold an estimated 3.2 million servings to the frozen yogurt obsessed. The yogurt recipe has not been changed since its debut 32 years ago, and continues to be the restaurant's number one selling item. Lines for the cool snack are long, and portions are huge. Not only delicious, the yorgurt's original version is low fat, and flavoured versions have no fat. Yes you can have your frozen yogurt and eat it too. With loads of toppings to choose from, get yours from any one of Bloomingdale's 19 40 Carrot locations.
Monday may be a glamour girl day. Tuesday may be a boho reinvented day. And Wednesday will likely be a rocker chic type day. For clothes that work any day, I suggest Twenty8Twelve.
The best contemporary fashion lines include a little bit of glamour with a whole lot of edge. And Twenty8Twelve does just that. The line by s.miller is filled of wearable pieces with whimsical details, made by fashion forward sisters Sienna and Savannah Miller. The sisters describe the collection as grunge turned glam, or the fusion of pirates and Grace Jones. Designing what girls really want to wear, here is Twenty8Twelve's velvet Timour Jacket in titian. With a notched collar and 4 button closure, the Timour Jacket retails for $415 at ShopBop.
If I had the time to wash my hair each and every day, I would have much less time for school, blogging and other such fabulous activities. So for the busy girl, here is a quick fix. Go ahead, try dry shampoo. It goes perfectly with your chipped nails.
Oscar Blandi is one man you can trust completely. Well, at least with your tresses. Combining innovation with years of hair experience, Blandi creates products that can manage the even the most unruly heads of hair. Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo promises to refresh hair in only minutes, no water or hair dryer needed. Known to be a fast fix for dirty hair, the shampoo soaks up oil and product, while adding volume. Available at Sephora for $18, the shampoo comes in spray and powder versions. Skip that shower, and use yours for in between washing days.
I've tossed aside my boyfriend blazer for something just a little more sparkly. Prepare to dazzle with Joie's Arietta Soft Sequin Blazer. Made from silk with long sleeves, Joie's sequin blazer adds the right amount of unstructured shine to any outfit. Retailing for $598, the Arietta Soft Sequin Blazer is available at Shopbop.
Celebrity Spotting LC hits a Maxim sponsored event dressed in this chiffon and sequin blazer.
While I appreciate the "it" bag of the season as much as the next girl, there is something to be said about classic bags. Classic bags never go out of style, they stand the fashion test of time. Think Chanel's 2.55 Bag. Think Balenciaga's Motorcycle bag. Now think Goyard's St. Louis Tote, the classic bag of all classic bags.
Though simple in shape and design, each Goyard bag is one of a kind. The bags are made completely by hand using silk screening techniques. Through their individual construction process, each bag differs slightly from the next in colour and and print. For a personal touch on this classic bag, add stripes or your initials. Made of fine natural unbleached linen, cotton and hemp, Goyard bags are available at Barney's New York Madison location. Buy your very own and join the exculsive Goyard club.
Celebrity Spottings From the Simple Life to designer duds and Goyard bags, Nicole Richie tries it out for wear in white.
Lauren Conrad travels in style with the black version of this Goyard bag.
When upset, there is one thing which never fails to make me feel better. There is truly nothing like the power of cupcakes to help improve moods. Really, a little cake with a touch of frosting can go a long way.
While most trends debut first in New York City, this season’s must have cupcake hails from Beverly Hills. As with any of the latest trends, all fashion girls want a taste of Sprinkles Cupcakes. Owners of the sweet spot, Charles and Candace Nelson say they sell about 1, 000 of the mini cakes daily. In fashion terms, that is roughly the number of shoes on display at Saks’ Fifth Avenue store.
To get your hands on even a single Sprinkles Cupcake, you will have to join the joint's the half hour line first. Surely if Jimmy Kimmel can wait 45 mins for cupcakes, you can too.
Oh wait, now you don't have too. Sprinkles Cupcakes mixes are now sold at William Sonoma outlets. You can get Sprinkles baking right in your very kitchen. I have to admit my banana cupcakes with vanilla icing turned out pretty damn good. I should know, I ate six of them.
Alexander Wang is a total design genius. And I'm not just saying it because I just so happen to be wearing his amazing cream ruffle skirt with a heavy zipper running down its front. Actually, maybe it is. Regardless, at only 25 years old, Alexander Wang is the designer to watch this season.
His line is inspired by day off dressing, and his muse is the always striking Dree Hemmingway. Alexander Wang's wear features clean silhouettes with street edge. The Denim Leather Combo Jacket by Alexander Wang mixes together an urban modern look with quality fabrics. The jacket comes with a studded notch collar and an asymmetrical zip closure. To create different looks from this one jacket, zip away the detachable hood and sleeves. Made of leather, denim and terry, the Denim Leather Combo Jacket retails for $1,285 at ShopBop.
Celebrity Spotting Wild child, Taylor Momsen wore the Denim Leather Combo Jacket on this week's episode of Gossip Girl.
Rihanna rocked the blue denim version, with ripped jeans. Check out this good girl gone bad.
Many early mornings I debate whether it is a jeans or legging type day. Today, I chose both. The fusion of jeans and leggings, the jeggings, bring together the best of both worlds. You simply can't go wrong with a demin fit combined with the comfort of leggings.
Current Elliot is the denim child of design duo Emily Current and Merritt Eliott and thier CEO, Serge Azria. The denim line lead the way of last year's boyfriend jean cult revolution, and now they bring you the Moto Leggings. The Moto Leggings come with a distressed look and contrast topstitching and seam detail. With a skinny fit, these jeggings work best paired with a well worn leather jacket. Designed to be classic pieces for which your love will only grow over time, The Moto Leggings are now available for $265 at Singer22.
Celebrity Spotting Check out the one and only Mrs. Cruise wearing Current Elliott's Moto Leggings below.
No longer should you wear designer wear from head to toe. The best of fashion is a mix between high and low. However, the fusion which results in perfect outfits is not easily achieved, and it is best to learn from example. I bring to you Olivia Palermo, queen of mix and match and Accessories Editor at Elle Magazine.
At a recent GQ event, Palermo mixed Brian Atwood boots and an Hermes clutch, with this Knitted Stripe jacket from TopShop. The Knitted Stripe Jacket, is double breasted and features gold buttons. Did I mention it retails for only $80?
While for some graduation is about law school, for me graduation is about a new wardrobe. Pieces selected for said wardrobe must be appropriate for work and after work engagements with a touch of flair.
Known to make city essentials for work and the weekend, Vince is about perfect fits in luxe fabrics. Vince's Carrot Shape Trousers feature pleating and slant pockets at the front. These slouchy ankle pants can be worn for just about any occasion, and are best paired with a fitted top. With darting and welt pockets at the back and button detailing at the sides, Vince's Carrot Shape Trousers retail for $265 at Bergdorf Goodman's.
At only 5"1, I have long understood the magic behind a good pair of heels. And really who couldn't benefit from a few extra inches?
This ex-model began his fashion design career working with Versace, but now Brian Atwood has created his own brand of effortlessly chic shoes. All 5 inches of these Miri leather ankle boots by Brian Atwood are worth the investment. The luxe-hipster boots are highly verstile in taupe, and retail for $785 at Net-A-Porter.
A perfect hybrid between comfy and fashion, some shirts aren't worth taking off. Though I am generally opposed to consecutive days wear, I once lasted a week in my green and blue version of this top.
If you haven't already, you will surely go mad for plaid with this Plaid School Boy Shirt by Elizabeth and James. With a just right loose fit and slightly ruched sleeves, you'll want it in every colour it comes in. The top has a three-button gusset at the back for adjustment options, and retails for $245 at ShopBop.
Celebrity Spotting Straight from the Hills, Lauren Conrad has an eye for the right top when she see it.
Every girl has one man she can't get enough of. And that man for me is Phillip Lim. With tailored cuts and daring accents, Lim tops my "must-have" list each season. There I said it, I love him.
When it comes to ruffles from Phillip Lim, more are always better. Made of layered silk ruffles, the Tiered Flounce Skirt has all the charm and versatilty that 3.1 Phillip Lim has to offer. Retailing for $550, pick up your size at Nordstrom's stores before it sells out completely.
Author's Warning: The following is a statement jacket it. Wear it and watch heads turn.
Work this season's glam-rock trend with this Party Girl Coat from Nanette Lepore. The ruffle jacket comes complete with ruched sleeves, stud accents and an all-over sparkle finish that is sure to be noticed. In this military cut with feminine details, you will dazzle at any holiday gathering. The Party Girl Coat retails for $548 and is now available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Celebrity Spotting For those who missed Blake Lively's Upper East Side alter ego Serena Van der Woodsen rocking this fabulous jacket on last week's episode of Gossip Girl, look no further.
Some seasons the "it" bag is a must buy, and some seasons you want something different. After much searching, I bring you just that. Behold, something nobody else has...yet.
Made for the perfect night out, this Petite Velvet Tassel Bag is brought to you by Chloe. Designed to hold just the essentials, this bag features a velvet tassle with gold chain link fringe, and of course, a gold metal shoulder strap. With a gold plated knob closure, this bag is sure to turn heads. Chloe's Petite Velvet Tassel Bag retails for $1,546 at Intermix stores.
Some dresses are those "I saw it, I loved it, and I had to have it" type dresses. This is one of them.
Giving a whole new meaning to flower power, this Haute Hippie dress is available in both champagne and black. Made from silk this dress retails for $895. Buy it today at Shopbop.
As your virtual stylist, I promise to bring the best in contemporary wear outfit options directly to your computer screen.
I promise to visit hot spot stores from Toronto to New York and Chicago, and take snapshots of all must-have items.
I promise to recommend daily fashion styling options available now in stores that you should simply not live without.
But most importantly, I promise that if you follow my every fashion suggestion, you will be what Coco Chanel said every woman should be: "both classy and fabulous."
Miley Cyrus’ Party in the U.S.A is over. Her reign as a tween Tweeter sensation is done. Yes Miley Cyrus has dumped Justin Gaston, got a new boyfriend, Liam Hemsworth and left Twitter.
WARNING: The following is complicated web of celebrity social media use.
On October 8, 2009, Miley left Twitter with a final goodbye Tweet to her two million followers: “FYI Liam doesn't have a Twitter and he wants ME to delete mine with good reason."
While Miley opted to ditch one form of social media, she chose to explain her Twitter exit through another social media forum. To fully understand why Miley left her Twitter friends behind, please watch the following rapYouTube video courtesy of Ms. Cyrus.
Miley Twitter’s exit broke her father’s Achy-Breaky Heart. Billy Ray tried to appeal to his daughter (and money maker) by Tweeting her a message.
Billy Ray’s Tweet to Miley:"I understand 'it is true one bad apple spoils the bunch.' But listen to the words of your songs 'Stand… for what ya believe in'…Remember? Miley. You are a light in a world of darkness. You were born "Destiny Hope Cyrus" for a reason. You can't leave everyone now. We r countin on u."
With her Twitter days so over, Miley responded to her depressed fans and father with an “emo” blog.
The following is just the beginning of the Cyrus anti-Twitter blog:“You all are the closest thing to my heart & it breaks my spirit to hear that some of you feel neglected since I deleted my twitter. It was a wonderful way to stay connected to you & I really felt like during that time we became very much like friends. Twitter is a beautiful thing if used for the right reason. I love my job so much that it is hard to believe sometimes that it is considered "working. But, in the end it is still a business and I do need some sort of a "normal" life as well. I often complain to the ones closest to me that I don't seem to have much of a private life any more and part of that is my fault. How can I whine about my life being to public if I am the one telling the world what I am doing? Some things in my life need to say in my life only and not on some gossip site. I never want any of my fans to feel like I don't love them or care about them BUT, sharing the same love and respect for me I need to have the space to grow as a person and make some mistakes. I need to be able to live and learn in private. I never want to quit entertaining it is my life, my love, and my passion but I can't have my personal life be other peoples entertainment.”
Miley’s departure from Twitter affected millions of her followers, Jimmy Fallon included. Channeling his inner Billy Ray, Jimmy Fallon created a rap response video entitled Billy Ray is No Twitter Quitter. Since its debut on his show, the clip has gone viral on www.nbc.com. The following is the final word in the Miley Cyrus Twitter debacle which has rocked this nation.
Miley's Twitter departure exemplifies the power of access which social media provides. When celebrities use social media to engage with their fans, they provide to them high levels of access into their personal lives. Miley experienced firsthand that virtual access can lead to real consequences. Once access has been established, celebrities like Miley may be faced by millions of fans upset when communication engagement lines are closed.
When traveling it is most important to pack the perfect bathing suit, remember sunscreen, and have a couch to crash on. A non-profit social media website, CouchSurfing.com, connects travelers from Antarctica to Italy making the world a better place, “one couch at a time.” Transcending international borders, CouchSurfing is an easy to use website which enables its users to both host travelers in their own home, or journey abroad and couch surf in another member’s home. CouchSurfing is an inclusive organization, and even users without couches available for hosting are invited to join.
The Beginning
Couchsurfing began when creator Casey Fenton received a ticket for a weekend in Iceland with nowhere to stay. Not simply content to play the role of a typical tourist and stay in a hotel, Casey set out on a search for a couch to spend the night. He spammed over 1500 Icelandic students in Reykjavik looking for a place to stay. Following some email exchanges and a crazy weekend away, Casey vowed never to follow the tourist path again. From only one weekend in Iceland, CouchSurfing was born. Since, there have been over 1.25 million travelers who have followed in Casey's CouchSurfing shoes. In 2003, Fenton and several willing volunteers launched the site in beta. Version 1.0 was made live in 2004, with Version 2.0 following in 2006.
Video
Why it’s Exceptional
To date, the member supported and community driven global CouchSurfing.org community singlehandedly sustains the website. It is the work of volunteers who improve the website and spread the mission. There is no fee for membership or use of the social media network. Users wishing to give back to the service for their experiences are asked to donate their time to the site for a specific project or as an ambassador, or make a membership donation for site maintenance.There have been a reported 3.2 million positive experiences, which translates to 99.6 percent success rate.
Traveling abroad and rooming with a near stranger poses some potential risks. However, Couchsurfing works to take the risk out of travel with references, verification, vouching and ambassador status. For its safety procautions, Couchsurfing remains a means of trusted travel. The following icons appear on profiles of members deemed to be trusted CouchSurfers:
Verification: This icon indicates that a member has had their name and address verified.
Vouching: This icon indicates that a member has been vouched for.
Ambassador: This icon indicates that a member is a CS Ambassador.
Usability
Couchsurfing provides for its members an interface so simple to use, that even a beginner user could easily navigate the site. Members of this social media site can instantly connect with users around the world, creating an international network of travelers. Users create an account by signing up with a one page questionnaire. Once an account has been opened, CouchSurfers can create their own highly personal profiles. There they can provide general information, upload pictures, state preferences (ex. no smoking), describe couch sleeping arrangements, add friends, include a personal biography, and list references.
The website also includes CouchSurfing statistics, testimonials from users, a list of online members, and random CouchSurfers profiles to browse.
Young or old, Canadian or Scandinavian, CouchSurfing targets a demographic of world travelers who embrace the spirit of adventure. Members of the Couchsurfing network are asked to “open their homes, their hearts, and their lives.”
PR Use
Couchsurfing provides for PR practioners a unique opportunity to monitor trends in travel, and identify new hot spots. For this reason, Couchsurfing proves to be an invaluable tool to both its member users and the public relations field.
Survival
For as long as travelers continue to travel, CouchSurfing will likely survive. Through the use of this easy to navigate website, members can cross borders, continents and oceans with just a click of a button. Emphasizing the importance of community, CouchSurfing is exemplary of a true social media network.
A Word to the Wise
Now that your bikini and sunscreen are packed, with just a click of the button you are ready to jet set in style. Five star accommodations were completely last season, this fall CouchSurfing is the only fashionable way to travel.
I have blogged for Cosmogirl, designed for Jill Stuart, and created show room displays for Michael Kors. When it comes it fashion, I am one Marc Jacobs shoe ahead of the rest.
Those who understand fashion recognize there is more to it than meets the eye. Fashion is an art form, one with a coloured past, and one which provides glimpses into an avante-garde future.
This blog aspires to inspire a little bit of eccentric glamour inside each every fashionista.
BEWARE: Such a highly glamorous approach to fashion, beauty, and life in general is not for the fashion faint of heart.
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