Friday, February 27, 2009

Street Fashion with Jak and Jil



If you love fashion and photography, check out jakandjil.com a high-fashion photography blog that was recently featured in the New York Times. 24-year old Tommy Ton takes pictures of everything from shoes, to models to street fashion. Take a peek and I swear you’ll be addicted.

Fall Fashion Wrap Up from London & Milan



Paul Smith

The Fall 2009 Paul Smith Collection was a welcome breath of fresh air filled with color, texture and a lot of personality. Knit stockings, cropped jackets, cable knit sweaters, floral skirts, hot pink shoelaces and English accents were all fused together in one of the most optimistic collections we’ve seen so far for Fall. My favorite pieces included the green menswear blazer, the magenta skirts and of course, the whisper-thin lace tops. Dominant colors in the collection were taupe, chocolate brown, olive green. Pop colors included green, magenta, hot pink and yellow. To view the full Ready to Wear line click here.

Missoni
At first glance the Missoni Collection appeared very bohemian and casual chic. Knits were everywhere from sweaters, to headwraps to slouchy leggings. The color palette was calming and included periwinkle purple, slate gray, mist blue and soft pink. Floor length scarves made their way into just about every outfit combination, as did meticulous layers and neutral, platform pumps. To view the full collection click here.

Just Cavalli
As you may have heard, the Just Cavalli runway show in Milan was cancelled just two days before it was scheduled- but that didn’t stop them from unveiling the collection in their showroom to members of the media. Key items included metallic parachute pants, a splatter paint mini dress, de-constructed denim, a sheer grey asymmetrical dress, and tiered zip mini dresses. The entire line felt very rocker chic in a surprisingly feminine way. To view the full collection, click here.

Luca Luca
Hands down- the 2009 Fall Collection is my favorite! There’s just an element of sophistication and glamour that is so luxurious yet refined. A perfect little black dress, a fitted trouser, a ruby colored asymmetrical dress, and a long sleeve blouse all made up key items in the collection. To view the full collection, click here.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Stella McCartney Capsule Collection


The world's premier online luxury fashion retailer, Net-A-Porter.com will have an exclusive summer capsule collection from designer Stella McCartney. The collection will launch in May and include 17 cut-and-sew looks ranging from a skinny jeans to organic t-shirts, plus, two pairs of shoes and several handbags. Retail prices for the collection will range from $495 to $2,495 depending on the item. Shoes start at $335 and the handbags have a starting retail of $185.

The site has carried Stella McCartney’s collections since 2005 and according to a recent Women’s Wear Daily article, the McCartney line is one of Net-a-porter’s “best-selling lines”.

To view Stella McCartney's Spring 2009 Ready to Wear Collection, click
here.

Photo: Style.com/ Don Ashby & Olivier Claisse

Monday, February 23, 2009

NY Fashion Week Wrap-Up




New York Fashion Week is over and there is already a collective sense of the vision for Fall 2009 fashion. A handful of designers including Nicole Miller added a tougher edge to their collections in an effort to fight off the negative effects of the current economic recession. Others chose to fast-forward completely and emerge themselves into the future with space-age designs and futuristic creations.  

Here’s a recap of the shows:

Nicole Miller
The collection included long sleeve dresses, short minis with a belted waist and a black opaque tight, and of course a strapless, satin little black dress.
Aside from a few exposed zippers and some pop colors of red the collection appeared to be very somber and functional. Even the color palette of the collection was notably toned down from what we have seen in the past including black, jewel-tone purple and burgundy. Hair was pin-straight and parted down the center. Models wore blue eyeshadow and a nude lip.
For pictures from the show, check out the Style.com website or click here.

Alexander Wang
Black, White and Slate Grey colors dominated Alexander Wang’s Fall 2009 Collection. Key items included black, lace-up boots, crisp leather jackets, a cacoon coat that had morphed itself into a cardigan and a black reptile blazer. Many of the pieces were menswear inspired including a crisp, asymmetrical white-collar shirt, a tweed suiit and a black blazer without a lapel.
To view the full collection check out the Style.com website or click here.

Zac Posen
Sweet and Sophisticated are the words that best describe the Fall 2009 Zac Posen collection. Structured dresses were the focus and the mood was very 1930’s glam. Many of the designs featured exaggerated shoulders while others simply showcased deep v-necklines. Colors for the collection consisted of Metallic Gold, Grey, Teal-Blue, Purple and burnt orange. There was also an array of small-scale floral prints. Hair was pinned up and in some cases adorned with a braided crown. Models wore a smokey eye with an orange-pink lip and black nailpolish. To view the full collection, click here

Marc Jacobs
Big hair played a major role in Marc Jacob’s collection…then again so did printed leggings, printed scarves and elbow-length gloves. Key items included a high-waisted pinstripe trouser, a metallic gold dress with short sleeves, a full-body fish net leotard and a pink blouse with exaggerated sleeves paired with a pencil skirt. Hair was over the top and included faux hawks, high ponytails and a clever twist to the pompadour. Models wore dramatic eyes in a rainbow or colors including yellow, blue and black. To view the full collection click here

BCBG Max Azria
Metallic tights paired with voluminous dresses played a major role in the collection for Max Azria. Playful stripes, dramatic zippers and carefully draped fabrics were among the key items in the show. Additional noteworthy looks included a zippered cacoon coat, a series of color-block dresses and a crisp, white blazer.
Models wore casual ponytails and minimalist makeup.
To view the full collection click here

Oscar De La Renta
The Fall 2009 collection for De La Renta was polished and on-point. Colors were vibrant (which was a nice change from the rest of the NY Fashion Week shows) and silhouettes were feminine and sophisticated. Key items included a satin trouser, a leather pencil skirt and a bronze/metallic dress. Accessories included skinny belts,
Models wore their hair pulled off the face in a bouffant up-do with thick eyebrows and a matte pink lip.
To view the full collection click here.

Charlotte Ronson
The Fall 2009 Charlotte Ronson collection felt very rock-n-roll from the leather jackets to the heavy hardware belts. There were dresses with cut-outs, a series of outfits featured buffalo plaid, a floral dress worn under a black corset and (my favorite item) a zip front pant suit with epaulets. Models wore their hair pulled back in a tight ponytail with dark lipstick and 80’s inspired earrings. To view the full collection click here.

DKNY
Many described the DKNY fall collection as “grown-up” and “polished”. I would describe it as “practical” and maybe even a little bit somber despite the splashes of animal prints sprinkled throughout the collection. The color story played heavily on lipstick red, black and charcoal grey. Dominant patterns included houndstooth, horizontal stripes and buffalo plaid. The hour-glass shape played a major role in the collection through pencil skirts and fitted dresses. A heather grey pantsuit also made an appearance at the end of the show.
Models wore their hair half-up with a clean, center part. Makeup included black eyeliner, bronzer and a pink lip.To view the full collection click here


Elie Tahari
You can’t help but fall in love with Elie Tahari’s fall collection. It’s fun, feminine and it’s a welcome escape from the current economic recession. Key pieces included a ruffled blouse, a cheetah print coat, a yellow satin tank and a seamless, camel-colored coat.
Models work their hair pulled up with a smoky eye and a nude lip. To view the full collection click here


3.1 Phillip Lim
Phillip Lim took us back to the 70’s with his Fall 2009 Collection, which was nice considering everyone wants to be “anywhere but here”. A hot-pink satin blouse paired with burnt sienna polyester pants looked better suited for a roller-rink rather than a runway show. Mr. Lim’s take on the pantsuit for Fall consisted of a charcoal grey suit with chest flaps and cargo pockets, topped with a drawstring waist. Dominant colors for the collection included white, plum, charcoal gray and mauve. Models wore their hair in a short bob with clean makeup and a nude lip. To view the full collection click here

Stay tuned for coverage from London fashion week including Vivienne Westwood, Basso and Brooke, Luella and Paul Smith.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Seattle's Spring 2009 Style & Fashion Events


Seattle may not get the credit it deserves when it comes to it’s fashion scene but you wouldn’t know it based on the sheer number of beauty and fashion events scheduled for Spring 2009. 

Here are a few of my top recommendations.

February 22, 2009
Join Sassy Fit and Sydneylovesfashion.com for an Oscar Party like you’ve never seen before. Experience targeted red-carpet workouts by Sassy Fit’s Personal Trainers while fashion experts track the Oscar trends. Click here for more info.


February 27, 2009
Beauty Revolution Magazine made it’s debut in January and after a successful launch they’re finally ready to celebrate. Come out and meet the writers, editors and publishers for cocktails, appetizers and an insider look at the magazine. 6-9PM. For more information visit the Beauty Revolution website.


March 12, 2009
In the spirit of supporting student fashion, save the date for the Art Institute of Seattle’s student fashion show “Peace, Love & Fashion”, March 12th at the Showbox Sodo. Tickets are $20 in advance. For more information, visit the AIS website.


March 28, 2009
Bring your friends, get a makeover, and enjoy the fashion and entertainment – a great night out at The Blush Trend and Beauty Event featuring upcoming designer Vantha Ry and freelance makeup artists from Laura Mercier, Dior, Smashbox, and Yves Saint Laurent. The event includes a cocktail reception and fashion show. For more info please visit the Little Black Dress blog.


April 18, 2009
Fashion photographer Gabriel Choi is at it again with the next installation of Seattle Fashion Week Events. Join Seattle fashionistas on April 18th for the Couture fashion show. Check out the SFW website for more information.


April 30, 2009
This year’s Northwest Hope & Healing Fashion Show featuring Carmilia’s, Costal, Lululemon, Canopy Blue, Nuvo Moda, The Finerie, Oslo’s, Asher Anson and Bellefleur Lingerie will be held on Thursday, April 30th at the Showbox Sodo. Tickets range from $40-$1,000. Visit the Northwest Hope and Healing website for full event details.


Know about a great event I might have missed? Email me the details and I'll add it!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Top 10 Valentine's Day Gifts

Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is less than a week away. That means yummy conversation heart candy, delicious boxes of chocolates and sweet bouquets of beautiful red roses. In honor of the upcoming holiday, I compiled a list of Valentines Day gift ideas that would be perfect for any Seattle fashionista.

1. There’s no better occasion than Valentine’s Day to buy a hot pink dress by LAILA AZHAR from Seattle boutique, Sway and Cake. The drapey, one shoulder dress has built-in bust support and a ruched detail. On sale now for $225. Sway and Cake is located at 1631 Sixth Ave. Downtown across from Nordstrom.




2. I can’t resist cupcakes, especially not when they are PINK in honor of Valentine’s Day. Indulge yourself with a Strawberry Cupcake or try the decadent chocolate from Wink Cupcakes in Seattle. $36/dozen.




3. You don’t have to dig through your handbag to locate your iphone to find out what time it is anymore. Wear a watch instead! I like the Pink Adidas ‘Candy Collection’ watch from Nordstrom. $60 





4. A red handbag is the easiest way to spice up a little black dress or add glamour to jeans and a pair of heels. I love the French Connection red bow clutch from Queen Anne Dispatch. $78. 2212 Queen Anne Avenue N.



5. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat your sweetheart to a cut and color at Red Salon & Day Spa in Seattle. Ask for Chantelle. She has been doing my color for years and she’s amazing. Red Salon is located at 1925 3rd Ave. in Belltown.




6. Babydoll by Yves St. Laurent is a great pick for Valentine’s Day if you’re looking for a fragrance. For starters, it’s pink and the bottle is absolutely adorable, secondly with notes of almond tree blossom and white peony it smells delicious too. $39 for 1 oz. Sephora is located at 415 Pine Street, Downtown across from Westlake Center.




7. If you’re looking for an affordable spa experience head to Duque Salon in Ballard for the Chocolate Kiss package featuring a Ghiradelli chocolate and organic strawberry facial, shampoo + style and a movie start make-up application $150



8. The groundhog saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter. Naturally that means that a tropical vacation is in order. In which case your sweetheart will need a pair of watermelon colored Tory Burch sandals from Posh on Main in Bellevue. $115 




9. Say, “I love you” with VIP tickets to Project Red Dress, Seattle’s hottest student design competition. VIP tickets include premier runway seating and a luxury swag bag filled with goodies from event sponsors including Clutch, Gene Juarez and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. The event is on Friday, February 13th at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. $75



10. Last but certainly not least, who can resist a pink Kunzite cocktail ring for Valentine’s Day from local designer Bruce Magnotti? The stone is 14.7 carats and the band is 14k gold. Price available upon request at Magnotti Design.




Saturday, February 7, 2009

The Countdown to NY Fashion Week Begins!

Recession or no recession, the countdown to New York Fashion Week, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz is less than a week away! That means a flurry of fall 2009 collections from designers like Zac Posen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nicole Miller, Miss Sixty and Calvin Klein. 

Check out a list of fashion week calendar highlights below. (You’ll notice that there are several designers including Betsey Johnson and Vera Wang not showcasing at NY Fashion week due to the tough economy.)

February 13th
Charlotte Ronson
Nicole Miller

February 15th
DKNY
Diane Von Furstenberg
Miss Sixty

February 16th
Carolina Herrera
Donna Karan
Tracy Reese

February 17th
Badgley Mischka
Narciso Rodriguez

February 18th
Michael Kors
Anna Sui

February 19th
Calvin Klein
Zac Posen


To view a full line up of fashion week designers and events, check out the fashion week website at:
http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/

To view last year’s Fall Runway Collections check out: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2008RTW

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Fashion Gets Sassy Oscar Event!


If you love the idea of being fashionably fit, come join me for a look at the red-carpet coverage of the 81st Annual Oscar Awards! Sassy Fit will be doing targeted workouts for all the hottest red-carpet fashions and I'll be tracking the trends. We will also be doing contests for fabulous raffle prizes including spa packages and gift certificates to Seattle's best boutiques.

You won't want to miss out on this event! Full event details are below.

Who:
Little Black Dress Events & Productions Presents:
Sydney Loves Fashion Writer, Sydney Chavez and Sassy Fit Trainer, Kelly Singer

What:
Sydney and Kelly come together to showcase styles and exercises to get you red carpet ready. Good food, a fun night out with friends, and be able to look and critique all the fabulous red carpet fashions, learn about fitness and just have a blast! All of this while helping to benefit the Dorothy Day House Charity.

When:
February 22, 2009
5:00pm till 7:00 pm

Where:
AMLI
www.amli.com
535 Pontius Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 621-5440

Why:
Bring a new set of twin sheets or home item for the Dorothy Day House and you will be entered to win a fabulous fashion emergency kit from Sydney Loves Fashion, or two in-home personal training sessions from Sassy Fit. The Dorothy Day house provides homeless women a safe and supportive place to live, while helping them learn work and life skills. All women in Seattle deserve little luxuries, and our Oscar Event will help to make this happen.
(Please see www.sydneylovesfashion.com or www.getsassyfit.com for a complete list of items needed for donation.)


RSVP:
fashiongetssassy.oscarevent@gmail.com
Admission is $10

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Fitness Gets Fierce with Sassy Fit


I’ve been told that 2009 is my year. I’m getting married, graduating with my second degree in fashion and of course, renewing my commitment to being fashionably fit. It’s not easy and although my chaotic schedule leaves me a limited amount of time to be active, I have found a solution that can literally work for anyone and it’s called: Sassy Fit.

Whether you’re getting fit for a special occasion or getting fit for life, Sassy Fit’s certified trainers and yoga instructors can help you achieve your goals. They offer solo personal training sessions, corporate fitness plans, a “Sassy Bride & Groom” program and of course, a celebrity boot camp inspired by starlets like Jessica alba and Cameron Diaz.

I have two sessions under my belt and my body is already looking svelte (not to mention the fact that my energy level has gone way up.)If you are a busy professional like me and you want to see real results, check out Sassy Fit. Kelly Singer and her team can get you back into shape and lead you on the right path to being fashionably fit.

Stay tuned for more info on an Oscar Party Fashion + Fitness event brought to you by Sassy Fit and SydneyLovesFashion.com

For more info
www.getsassyfit.com

Monday, February 2, 2009

Happy Valentine's Day


I know we're in the midst of an economic recession, but I have to admit, the Chanel retro haircomb is totally on my wishlist for Valentine's Day!
$2,995 at Chanel Boutiques
Photo: Matt Peyton for The New York Times