Your First Stop For Online Gift Shopping

Nature of Prints

In a search to cure the "Print-Aversion" I've been afflicted with due to an influx of over-sized/unflattering prints I've been exposed to during Spring Fashion Week. This trip Back to Nature, with Elsa Hosk' glorious editorial for Flare's September Issue by Chris Nicholls, came just in the nick-of-time. I was desperate to find the avant-garde hidden style in these awkward print varieties that were walking so many of the 2012 Spring Runway Shows, but finally I had to relent to my common sense. Many of the Big-Fat Florals/Hawaiin Prints we're just one step out of my grandparents closet – and not in a cool vintage way (in a old-smelly kinda' way). Sometimes you gotta' just call-it-like-you-see-it. I refuse to be just another "Couture-Bot", believing everything that comes down the "Catwalk" is High-Fashion. Even the greatest designers make mistakes, and if we all become little "Sartorial-Soldiers" – believing everything we're told, and questioning nothing – we aren't doing these amazing artists any favors. So while my commitment to High-Fashion and the avant-garde roots it was built on, is absolutely unyielding.

Elsa Hosk Cured Me of my Print-Aversion Flare Magazine's "Nature of Prints".


See more on FashionCOW for Nature Prints.

---

Heart of "Rock & Roll" - Abbey Lee Kershaw

Abbey Lee Kershaw "Rocks the House" with this layout for Moussy's Fall Add Campaign (via fashiongonerogue). In her Kershaw-Way, Abby Lee manages to elevate this Rocker-Vibe to a another level of authenticity, giving it some serious "Street-Chic."

This trend is everywhere for Fall 2011, and to really capitalize on this cool style, finding the right version for you is essential. This editorial by Terry Richardson, has the right combination of Bohemian/Rocker, mixed with the perfect Fall Accessories (Leather/Fur), to amp up the Style-Quotion. And there's no denying the "Fringe-Element" this Fall – and we can see when done right (below), it's a serious Glam-Slam.

Find a few pieces that will fit into your wardrode, and start infusing a – Dash of Rocker for a Bit of Edge. It's an easy way to spice up your Fall-Rotation. I'm on the hunt for the perfect Black Leather Biker-Jacket.


See more on FashionCOW for this trip to the "Wild-Side".

---

Rocker-Fab for Future-Chic

These amazing Shots by Photographer Anna Albrekht (via trendhunter.com) takes 80's Chic to a whole new level. With the perfect updated Pompadour, this "Future-Rocker" look is somewhere between old-school Madonna and Fergie. The torn fishnets and lace gloves are so "Like a Virgin" I can hardly stand it, but that's where the comparison ends.

The makeup is beyond gorgeous, taking a cue from the Sharon Tate 60's Handbook, but adds a serious futuristic twist. With a perfectly soft-matte face and pale-pink pout, the eyes are left to be the star of the show. With a clean liquid liner that is drawn with precision across the upper-lid, it extends out slightly and is highlighted by a few single faux-lashes. While this might sound like nothing new, they've pumped up the volume by created a unique triangle effect in-between the eyes that acts almost like an arrow pointing toward the sky-high hair that jets straight-up and just rocks the whole style.


See more on FashionCOW on how this look can work for you.

---

Kate Moss Adds are a Retro Dream

The new Add Campaign for Liu Jo Jeans, shows a Kate Moss that is so reminiscent of the Calvin Klein shots from back-in-the-day, I literally get a chill up my spine. The famous Klein billboard that shot this one-time unknown British model to Super-Model status had the same pure sex-appeal as the images above. Although the 90's campaign was an overt celebration of androgeny and innocense, that isn't as obvious now, it's still remarkable how Kate resemble so closely that young phenom she once was. It proves without a shadow of a doubt, that our continuously obsession with this other-worldly beauty is well deserved. Simply put she's just an inspirational force. She's more than a chameleon, she has the ability to take the viewer to another place. All I want to do is get a hold of some wicked retro Cherokee Jeans from the 70's, put on a little white tank and big fat Aviator Sunglasses, and dream my way into a retro dream.


See more on FashionCOW on Kate Moss Adds.

---

See Giselle Rocks Rio

Giselle Bundchen has been a busy "Super-Model." Featured on the June Cover of Elle Brazil , she does her best Brigette Bardot, looking so 60's-chic I could die. This iconic beauty knows how to make a splash. Debuting her Giselle Bundchen Intimates Collection at the "Hope" Fashion Show during Rio Fashion Week, this new mother came out with a Body that even rivalled her hey-day as a Victoria's Secret Angel. She has always had the perfect figure, but what she displayed on the Catwalk seemed to defy the laws of gravity. And that's just what we would expect from Giselle. If there ever was a Super-Hero Super-Model, she's it.


See more on FashionCOW on Giselle Rocks Rio.

---

See Prabal Gurung's Spring Line

What's Black/White and Perfect all over? Prabal Gurung's Spring 2011 RTW Collection. Things get a little tricky this time of year. We are all still high off of Spring Fashion Week's glorious peak at next Fall's designs, but we have to remember it's Spring. And as intoxicating as all the leather/cashmere/fur is – we must let go and travel back in time and revisit some of the sexy trends that were shown at Fall Fashion Week 2010.

I have 2 Spring Fashion Obsessions right now, Neon and all combinations of Black/White. And I have 1 very serious Beauty Obsession – The Alien Look. As I was trying to remember my favorite looks for Spring 2011 - it suddenly came to me….Pabal Gurung. The one Collection that contained all 3 of my obsessions in one Fabulous Show.

Pabal Gurung has always been know for his clean lines and simple concepts. And while I appreciate that he hasn't strayed from his philisophical foundation, I am excited to see some amped-up edge to his offerings for Spring. I am not about floral dresses and prarie-skirts this year. I'm excited to completely reinterprete what is considered "Safe" for Spring and takes some fashion risks.


See more on FashionCOW on Prabal Gurung's Spring Line.

---

See the Power of a Princess

We're already witnessing the Fashion Power of the future Princess of Whales. Like her predecessor (and would be Mother-in-law) the late "Princess Diana", Kate Middleton has just begun to tap her influential power as a FashionForce.

We all watched with baited breath as she navigated her way through the shark-infested fashion waters during her engagement announcement and all the required public appearances. Watching to see if she possessed the style/grace of Diana, we've been obsessed with her every sartorial choice.

Her acceptance as a future style-icon was clear when the Issa dress she wore to announce her engagement sold out in mere hours, and within a day made that designer a house-hold name. Now that's Power.


See more on FashionCOW on this and Burberry Spring / Summer runway versions.

---

Watch Emma Watson

It was exciting to watch Emma Watson turn-it-out for her world-wind Harry Potter Press Tour last November – because it made Burberry look like it had Super-Powers (which in my opinion it does).

Let's be real, Emma Watson isn't exactly the first person to pop in your mind when you think of high-style. Even as she has inched toward young adulthood, at best, she's a cute girl – destined to be in the shadow of a hero.

But when she stepped off that plane in NYC in her black&white 3/4 length Burberry Leather Trench & Studded Leather BURBERRY KNIGHT BAG – I was floored.

Why these images still resonate with me as a powerful source of style influence – is that we got to witness the truly successful RUNWAY2REALWAY transformation. We watched this little fashion neophyte go from awkward to awesome.

These beautiful Burberry pieces weren't wearing her, rather, with each stylish choice Emma was finding her fashion footing and nothing is more exciting than to witness that makeover – especially on a seemingly normal person.

The constant barrage of picture ready Hollywood glamazons – grabbing their photo-ops has made me numb to the power of transformation – and how wonderful the right piece can make you feel.

But when we see how Emma is clearly swept up in the amazing feel of the garments – we feel swept away as well.

---

Fab FashionCOW Finds 4 A Fab Price

AT THIS MOMENT I AM COMPLETELY OBSESSED WITH BOW-TIE TOPS IN ALL COLORS AND FLAVORS.

This Sheer Bow-tie top is a great option for holiday events – it won't break the bank and you can dress it up with this season's faux leather skirt & high boots, or keep is simple with dark skinny jeans. This Mango top can be found on ShopStyle.co.uk.com.

Check-out more from Mango 4 JCPenny (not usually my hot-spot 4 a great deal – I am more of a Target girl – but I go where the fashion and the finds take me)!

I love that all 3 of these bow-tie tops are different styles and all have a unique take on the trend. The more traditional version on the right is a great go-to style for work and can be dressed up very easily.

But I just love the plaid version with an over-sized tie & slightly puffy sleeve that gathers in for a tight fit at the wrist. The deliberate hint of western flavor isn't overwhelming, rather it's refreshing (very cool – I bought this for myself).

And the delicate short-sleeve option on the left would look soooo hot under a cropped black leather jacket and jeans.

---

BRAD IS DEFINATELY A DD (deluxe dapper)

Brad is what I am always preaching here at FC - INSPIRING. His look has a little bit of that 'every thing old is new again' mixed with a kind of deluxe dapper. In a recent article he claimed he was having his "Carrie Bradshaw moment" and I concur. He just has that wickedly stylish super-power that will probably take him to great heights. So you go Super Man – but remember – with great power comes great responsibility – be cool, be humble and don't be a bitch… and you'll be cool.

Brad Goreski is leaving the proverbial nest. As the assistant to the talented (but chaotic) Rachel Zoe, it's probably not a moment to soon. Although Rachel's star is continually on the rise, Brad is poised to make quite an ascent himself. He just has that "it" factor. Bringing a ridiculous amount of style and a very welcome breath of fresh air – Brad just has that perfect touch 'o cool that makes his personal style relevant and worthy of our attention.

---

The Rachael Zoe Project

So this week we start with Rachael and Brad meeting up for a little shopping makeover – an attempt to erase the ugliness of the last year and start fresh with a new look they were suppose to choose for one another. Unfortunately we were unable to enjoy any of their antics because once we were forced to watch Rachael take off her jacket and expose bones jutting out her chest it kind of killed the mood (it was bad). But Brad was a good guy and let Rachael dress him like some cross between a waiter and a race-car driver – not cute – but points for being a good sport. That's what makes Brad so like-able he rolls with all her crazy punches.

The Zoe camp was getting ready for the 'Globes' and as usual Rachael was completely freaking out while her husband whined like a 2yr old about not getting enough attention and wanting to start a family (sorry guy – you might want to take a closer look at your wife – the likelihood of her being able to get pregnant is about 0-none, wakeup).

This week also brought the formal addition of Ashley, the New Taylor. She seems super competent but Brad finds her low key vibe to be a bit unnerving and finds himself missing some vitality and energy. He never comes out and says he misses Taylor, but he does confront his new assistant and asks her to speak-up (Brad talk for quit boring the sh** out of me bitch)!

The group has a couple of close calls when a 'couture' gown that is flown in for Jen Garner – is accidentally given away by some clueless hotel lackey. Drama ensues but in the end the dress is recovered, from all places Pierce Brosnans' house where it was accidentally delivered, only to be less than stellar and Zoe has to decline it.
Read full article at www.fashioncow.com

---

HOW 2 BEAT THE BEAUTY BLUES

TRY ALL THOSE COLORS YOU THOUGHT WOULD NEVER WORK 4 U.
Instead make August your month 2 b brave and try something new. Just because screaming Flamingo Pink isn't your perfect shade or Canary Yellow eyeliner makes you look more jaundice than chic – don't worry you can still have a little fun and enjoy the current colors – from Runway Trends to Magazine Spreads learn how to incorporate these exciting looks into your routine. I've had alot of practice with finding ways to make the extreme work for me. I am an artist at heart and have the soul of an alternative hipster – but I can't exactly pull that off straight out-of-the-gate. So I've found that with a little patience and ingenuity you can enjoy the hint of color without drowning in it – or you can allude to a trend with out screaming it from the rooftop.

It's the art of subtlety and nuance. I'll admit I was blessed with pretty big lips – and alway wanted to be that girl who could buy that perfect chanel diva red shade and form a perfectly pasted pout – but my fair coloring just wouldn't allow for that kind of liberty, so I always felt leftout when certain trends would make there way around.

It wasn't 'til I was lucky enough to work with some really avante-garde makeup artists and stylists that I learned that I didn't need to be so boxed in by my lack of pulling off the extreme and I could get to work on mastering the many tricks of the trade. Before I knew it I found ways to make any runway trend work 4 me. So come with me as I teach you a few tips from the chapter in my Beauty Book called ' The Beautiful Fake'.

---

GUIDE2STYLE ENFORCES THE CUT-OFF RULE – TOUGH LOVE TIME!

The cut-off rule states that there comes a moment – usually near the end of July – that we are no longer allowed to look at, obsesses-on, or purchase any new summer items. It's that oh-so-pivotal crossover moment. It's a very strategic time, one where we must force ourselves to search for items that will not only integrate into our existing summer wardrobe rotation, but find pieces that will take us both seamlessly and stylishly to September. This forces us to think 2-3 steps ahead of the fashion game. We can no longer be seduces by sexy summer frocks (regardless of the amazing sale prices). We need to be aggressive almost militant. If an item can't fall-in-line with the fall line-up, the then forget it. If the trend has a shelf-life that ends after Labor Day you must exercise restraint and put the credit card away – I promise it will pay off. There are great fall trends that you can actually enjoy throughout August and forgo spending a few hundred dollars on yet another maxi dress or pair of high-waisted shorts. I promise what you have now will see you through last days of summer and your bank account with thank me.

Guide2style's first mission will be the war of the wedges. Go luxury or go logic – but just go and get some wicked wedges. Wedges are the greatest fashion trick going – they are hot sexy fun/fabulous and most of all they are actually comfortable. So take advantage of the illusion that the wedge offers, grab some xtra height and enjoy!

Here are a few we like.

LUXURY – NEIMAN MARCUS:

Christian Louboutin Flannel Bootie – $595.00
7 For All Mankind Honey Cutout $245.00
Stuart Weitzman Crocheted Ankle Strap – $365.00

---

Shop By Brand Name Store

Featured Shops


Shop Gift Cards