Peace, Love, Couture

MAJOR NEWS!

kmulvs — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 10:49:45 +0000

While I love blogging a lot, I feel like I need to update my blog. Consequently, my blog is moving to a different address! During my six hour flight back home, I will be scheming up new ideas to make the best blog I possibly can. So expect a bigger and better blog at my new domain. This current blog address, kmulvs.wordpress.com, will still be here to reminisce about the good ‘ol days, but I’m hoping to improve my blog:

http://misschicfabulousity.blogspot.com/

Spread it.

The Chic Shoobie

kmulvs — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:37:49 +0000

A personal fashion no-no

Before I begin endless posts of admiration for all things London, I decided a nice vent blog will balance out the enamored vocabulary and eternal gushing. London’s weather has been very spontaneous: we wake up to sunny skies and fall asleep to high winds and drizzles. While I understand the difficulty a city’s weather can place on a fashionista, there is one thing that I can barely tolerate: the ever so popular shoobie. The original definition portrays a person who believes to be the source of knowledge after a weekend at the beach. But the Nicklelodeon cartoon show, Rocket Power, has changed the meaning. Since the early 2000′s, a shoobie has been defined as that uncool child who wears his or her socks wth sandals. But shoobies are not just on the beach, they are everyhere: your neighbor, your boyfriend, your embarassing father, your crazy aunt, and the list goes on. Anyone can be guilty of such a fashion crime, even fashion’s finest. But thankfully, they are not strutting in sandals and socks. Instead, fashionista have been wearing peep-toes and tights. The reason I don’t like this roots from my childhood, specfically my mother’s opinion. Before I explored fashion in it’s entirity, I looked at my mom as my personal stylist. After working for many years in personal shopping as well as the movie wardrobe department at Macy’s, I like to think this woman knows a thing or two about fashion (I plan on blogging about my mother’s influence at another date). One of her biggest fashion no nos’s was this tight-clad-toe-bearing look. I have very vivid memories of her thinking it look “too maternal”. Consequently, I viewed this apparrel similarity; but to me, it resmebled webbed toes. I’ve seen this in many settings, and dealt with the situation as best as I could, but it became a prominent issue in London. It’s too electic for me, and I enjoy electic. The start of spring doesn’t necessarily mean the start of peeptoe shoes. If it’s too cold, don’t wear them! And if you’d like to rock the heel and tight combinatin, please wear a closed toe heel: pumps and booties are absolutely perfect for this occasion! To me, there is no propper excuse for this: if we are aspiring fashionistas, we should have a plethora of different styled shoes. I too am itching for seasonal pivot, but I am waiting to pull out my sandals and peeptoes for the appropraite time. Afterall, won’t it be so much more exciting when we can show off our pedicures?

A Quick Hello!

kmulvs — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:16:24 +0000

Oxford Street: great shopping!

While my London excursion is almost done, which is quite upsetting, I have lots to write about! Just letting the three people (?) who read this blog that there will be MANY blogs about London. Just to let you know!

En Caged?

kmulvs — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 03:34:48 +0000

Yves Saint Laurent

StyleQ

I think a major aspect of becoming a fashionista is knowing your limits. Although trends are extremely tempting, we need to have the courage to say “no” and stay true to your own personal style. There’s one thing that I highly doubt I’ll ever try: the “caged” look. Whenever I think of cages, I usually think of sultry Go-Go dancers or dangerous lions: not the latest trend. Yves Saint Laurent’s cage shoes (pictured), which struck fashion fame in 2009, has inspired this whole look to explode. Quite frankly, I don’t like it. We’re not lions, tigers, or Go-Go dancers: this look is odd, not fashion forward. It’s as if someone tried too hard to be uber trendy, but failed miserably. I usually love Yves Saint Laurent, the brand is always innovative and chic, but this is too much! What’s even worse is that others find this shoe, and overall look, so chic that they decide to inflate it’s popularity for a more affordable budget: Steve Madden, Nine West, StyleQ, and many more. And celebrities have also jumped on the bandwagon: Ciara, Kim Kardashian, and even Rihanna has worn the caged inspired looks. Dresses with the caged design (pictured) is better than the shoe, but neither is appealing. If some admire this trend, they should of course rock it! But, it is good to know our trend boundaries; this look is way past mine! Nevertheless, it is always imperative to dress how you want. The fashion gods may put a hex on me, but you don’t always have to listen to Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar (I do love both magazines so that is not an insult at all)! Fashion is about you: the clothes make you feel chic, sexy, or invincible. Sometimes, we need to break out of the trend cage (in this case, literally break out of the cage) and be ourselves!

The London Smell

kmulvs — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:34:48 +0000

My month and some odd day countdown is coming to a close: on Wednesday, my friend and I embark on a six-day adventure to London. Not only are we besides ourselves in excitement, but I have been remembering the other wonderful times I have been to London. During my last trip, my mother and I were walking through a shopping center and we detected one of the most pleasant and unique scents. It was clean, simple, musky, and sophisticated all at the same time. Ergo, my mother and I named it “The London Smell”. Fast forward a few weeks, we came back to the States with some amazing things and had sporadic encounters with ‘The London Smell”. The most incredible thing happened when we were sampling perfumes in Nordstrom: we found it. That clean, simple, musky, sophisticated scent was not London, instead in was Chloe! I highly recommend this scent to everyone. It is very subtle, but memorable. In fact, my friends love the smell and can detect Chloe whenever I wear it, which is frequently. The fragrance “captures the creative, confident individuality of a free-spirited woman with an utterly innate sense of chic and natural sexiness” (chloe.com). Isn’t that description what every woman wants to be? I don’t know about you, but I crave to be just like this perfume. Of course, this perfume might not be for everyone: it’s a rosy scent with notes of honey, amber, and cedar wood. If that is not your thing, Chloe came out with a new version of this iconic scent: Chloe Intense. I am not a fan of this one. The rose combined with these notes are too intense for me, but everyone’s different. It may sound odd, but I believe a perfume finishes off your outfit: it solidifies your identity. Honestly, I feel naked when I am without perfume. To me, Chloe is the perfect way to have a noticeable scent but not overbearing. After all, don’t we all wish to leave our mark?

PS: More information about these lovely scents!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6022640/0~2377897~2383939~6022640?origin=6021782_Select+a+Brand6021782

I Enjoy Being a Girl

kmulvs — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 04:18:54 +0000

Rachel Bilson in Chanel

The End of An Era

For the vast majority of my experience as an aspiring fashionista, I have been the definition of a girly girl. I love nothing more than ruffles, lace, and ballerina inspired clothing. I think it goes without saying that I’m a Sex and the City fanatic. While I consider my personality to be like Charolette’s, my fashion sense is inspired by the one and only: Carrie Bradshaw. Although she is a fictional character, I admire her passion and ability to put together fashion forward outfits while still holding true to her personal style. I didn’t necessarily agree with her fashion choices in the beginning seasons but something happened and made me a true believer: Paris. I loved her beautiful dresses, especially the one pictured. They were glamorous, beautifully layered, and amazing overall. Sometimes, I am afraid of uber edgy things and love going back to the girly ways of frills and bows. And with spring’s hot new colors- tans and blush tones- it can be even easier to enjoy being a girl. Rachel Bilson (pictured) embraced her femininity in Chanel; while I do not particularly love the dress on her (I would NEVER insult Chanel), that skirt reminds me too much of a ballerina not to smile. While I endorse it, dressing up a Victorian doll is not essential. In fact, there are many way this season to look absolutely adorable.

Christian Louboutin Fortitia ($875)

Drifting By Dress ($168); Anthropologie

On a Whole New Level

kmulvs — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:26:42 +0000

It goes without saying that the weather this spring has been absolutely lovely. Today, for example, is magnificent: the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and I have brought out my sandals for the first time this year. Wedges have always been a fashion staple for spring. To me, there is a common form of wedge: a woven or corked bottom with a canvas or summer-ish top . I think the days of a typical wedge should be over! With the sulking economy, I think it is more pragmatic to wear a wedge that is more appealing for spring, summer, and even the beginning of fall! Many designers are creating wedges with a more concrete and pragmatic bottom. Of course, wedges are not a winter shoe: they should embrace the fun we experience during this time of the year. I even think a light wood is better than cork or woven! They do not have to be so pragmatic they are boring! This is fashion, not a uniform! A fun color may spice up this summer essential! The celebrities are drifting from the typical wedge too: Jessica Alba and Kate Bosworth have worn red wooden wedges, Jennifer Hudson has worn black wedges, Marion Cotillard was seen with jeweled wedges, and Nicole Riche was dressed with wooden wedges. Below are some of my top picks for wedges, at all different price ranges. Even though summer is laid back and relaxing, we still need to be fashion forward and fierce!

Cynthia Vincent "Pru" Zipper Peeptoe Wedge ($375)

Jimmy Choo Ankle-Wrap Wedge Sandals ($425)

Maison Martin Margiela Wedge Sandals ($1,245)

Dior Bonnie Stamped Croc Wedge Sandals ($1,150)

INC International Concepts Shoes, Cherry Wedges ($79)

Callisto 'Jones' Wedge Sandal ($89.95)

The Best of the Best

kmulvs — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:44 +0000

I’m quite sad to be ending the most fashion packed months of the year: the Red Carpet season as well as Fashion week. Those two events so close to each other, who can ask for more? We’ve finally said our adieus to these chic months,but we have something else to look forward to: the CFDA. For those who are not aware, the CFDA recognizes some of the fiercest designers. As Laurel Pinson, from NBC New York, calls it “the fashion community’s Oscars”. And that’s so true. Basically, the CFDA is a pretty big deal. Although the award ceremony is on June 7th, the list of nominees and honorees were just released today! Michael Kors will receive the Geoffery Beene Lifetime Achievement Award,Christopher Bailey will b rewarded with the International Award, Paper Magazine’s Kim Hastreiter will get the Eugenia Sheppard Awar, and Vogue‘s Tonne Goodman is picked to win the Eleanor Lambert Award. Model Iman is the awarded Fashion Icon and a special tribute will be given in honor of the late Alexander McQueen. But of course, there are many awards that will be revealed on June 7th. Below is the list of nominees. I do not want to bore anybody will my bets of who I think will win, but I may blog about a certain category if I am in the mood. All we can say now is let the fiercest win!

WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Marc Jacobs
Donna Karan
Alexander Wang

MENSWEAR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Michael Bastian
Tom Ford
David Neville and Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone

ACCESSORY DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Alexis Bittar
Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler
Marc Jacobs

SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR WOMENSWEAR
Joseph Altuzarra
Prabal Gurung
Jason Wu

SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR MENSWEAR
Richard Chai
Patrik Ervell
Simon Spurr

SWAROVSKI AWARD FOR ACCESSORY DESIGN
Eddie Borgo
Dana Lorenz
Alexander Wang

Chanel’s Elite

kmulvs — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:43:15 +0000

Chanel Fashion Ambassadors are currently advertising the new Chanel Rouge Lipstick!

I think it is every fashionista’s dream to be a part of something truly remarkable in this constantly evolving industry. And that thing? Being a fashion ambassador to one of the chicest fashion houses ever: Chanel. The list of ambassadors include some of fashion’s chicest women: Leigh Lezark, Jen Brill, Poppy Delevigne (obviously, my favorite), Vanessa Traina, and Caroline Sieber. Quite frankly, they seem to be living a dream; these women support the brand by endorsing and wearing products to chic occasions. The fashion ambassadors are invited to Chanel runway shows and ultimately represent the brand. Their newest product of endorsement? The Rouge Coco Lipstick collection. I have yet to try this lipstick, but I am extremely excited to purchase it! After doing a bit of research, I realized that a lot of brands have representatives. Jameel Spencer, the Chief Marketing Officer of Rocawear, believes that it is extremely important to keep modernizing a brand. Although he find relevance to be essential, a fashion label must stay true to it’s roots. Applying a muse or a fresh face amplifies that relevance and gives a good name to the brand. At first, I was surprised the Chanel ambassador positions weren’t filled with older, but equally glamorous women. To me, Chanel was always the epitome of classic apparel. But while we cherish our elders’ wisdom and grace, but fashion is present. Consequently, a young and hip fashionista is exactly what Chanel needs. Without a doubt I, probably along with everyone who has a fashion for passion, is jealous of these glamorous women. Just think, if being a Chanel ambassador was an actual occupation, the job market would be so much more competitive!

Fringe Benefits

kmulvs — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:56:36 +0000

: Bruno Frisoni

: Marc Jacobs

Fringe is commonly associated, besides the 1920′s flapper, with all things western: suede Native American dresses detailed with beads and fringe, fringed cowboy boots, and perhaps the classic saloon dancer with the fringe skirt. It’s quite a shame because I find this element to be fun and fashion forward. It really adds pizazz to anything that, without the fringe, would be boring. The Marc Jacobs white purse (pictured), for example, is a rather boring bag: the shape, color, and texture are all things we’ve all seen before. But, it is not everyday that a white bag is detailed with black fringe. I find the high contrast to be eye catching and creative. What I love most about that bag is how the apparent fringe is not the typical shaggy texture we associate fringe with. The individual fringes are exactly rather large, giving off a very elegant vibe. I love the movement and wearability of fringe. Of course I love my sequins, but they are very hard to wear: they don’t conform to the body. But fringe does form to the body and, when we twist and turn, it satisfies that moment in the fashion spotlight we all crave. And fringe looks awesome is anything: cropped tops, skirts (I am proud to own a black fringe skirt), heels (Bruno Frisoni fringed heels are pictured), bags, boots (I also have Sam Edelman yellow fringed boots), and jackets. I think a lot of people are afraid of fringe, fearing that they will go to far or just look haneous. I think there are some rules to fringe. First of all, pick a smart color. I would suggest wearing fringed apparel in neutrals, blacks, and absolutely NO neons. Even though fringe is fun, we want to look classy. Definitely limit fringe to only one piece of your ensemble. Wearing too much fringe could make you feel like that character from The Adam’s Family. Most importantly, always use your incredible sense of intuition and editing. With that in mind, get out the AmEx and go on a fringe frenzy!

xx.