Spotlight on...

Lets be clear about one thing....I am not a fan of Kristin Cavallari. However, I am a fan of the neon pop pink Naven Los Angeles mini she wore to the premiere of When in Rome. Truth be told when I first saw Cavallari pictured in this dress, I really wanted to hate it. It was kind of like the feeling you get when you see someone you really dislike wearing something you own, only I don’t own it… yet. Eventually I was forced to get over the imaginary beef I have with Kristin, when I saw the dress on singer22 (on a different model) for a reasonable price, altogether reconfirming my love. 

I know,  I just finished gushing over my love and appreciation for the LBD, but that does not mean I have any less adoration for color. Sure the neon pink color, detachable shoulder pads, and short elastic bubble hem are all considered to be trendy but if I can get over Kristin Cavallari, you can get over that! 

Little Black Dress: Reinvented

Everyone knows,  the  " little black dress" will forever hold its ground as a must- have staple piece in every woman's closet. Whether it is a Roland Mouret or a no name wonder, when worn the right way it's reliable presentation represents the epitome of class. Whenever I think "little black dress" obviously the first thing that comes to mind is Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.   Audrey will remain forever infamous for transforming a plain  black sheath dress into the can't-live-without "little black dress." She was plain and simple, but undoubtably flawless; the forefront of fashion. I used to watch it over and over again, waiting for the day I would finally slip into my first little black dress and ideally become her.

Although the LBD is sleek, sophisticated, and practical at some point or another,  it could still be considered to be the big B... boring. Luckily, it seems as if designers around the globe have become inspired,  working hard to contribute their part in recreating this wardrobe classic into a myriad of modernized silhouettes. I for one happen to love the new take on the LBD. Although its necessary for everyone woman to own at least one classic LBD, this seasons overwhelming array of lively new styles and risk- ay cuts are sure to be exactly what you're looking for.

Long-live the Legging

If someone would had told me three years ago that the legging trend would one day become parallel with the staple of denim, while making a progressive comeback into my wardrobe, I would have probably laughed in their face. It was not very long ago, when fashion turned against the short- lived 1990’s legging trend, but in 2005- 2006 leggings resurfaced into the wonderful world of high- fashion. While struggling from being overtly stubborn to conform, as well as equally skeptical to believe this trend would last more than 10 minutes in the fashion world, I refused to get on board. However, now I will confidently admit, when I'm wrong, I’m wrong!   

Not only has the legging trend become a reoccurring staple this fall, it appears that they spent their summer vacations reinventing themselves, coming back even more bold, eclectic, and daring. With designs ranging from every color of the rainbow; varying in textures from  plain to printed, leather to suede, sequins to lace, denim, lurex to matte, and zippers to cutouts.  The ever apparent possibilities seem endless. Many designers like Siwy, Graham and Spencer, David Lerner, Pencey, Nightcap Clothing, Alice and Olivia, Rag and Bone, and Helmut Lang, really succeeded in taking this renewed alternative to pants by bringing them to the next level. I don’t know how much longer the legging craze will be around, or what is in store for them next, but I do know for now I can’t stop buying them!

When time flies...

I don’t know if it is because I am getting older, or the fact that life seemingly becomes more complicated by the day, but it continues to blow my mind, just how fast time flies.  I decided to take a little break from writing over the summer when I got this amazing opportunity to work as a public relations intern for Roberto Cavalli. Looking back, it seems like instantaneously the days turned into weeks, the weeks transformed into months, and before I could even sit down to catch my breath, five months have gone by. 

My experience turned out to be everything I thought it would be and more. I think there is something to be said about being an "intern" that one can really only begin to understand after you’ve embraced the role. At least in my experience I really had to let go of the idea “that I know everything”. There is nothing like going into something that you're passionate about, and thinking you’re so knowledgeable, only to get there and realize you know absolutely nothing.  There were days that were scary, and exciting; sometimes entirely overwhelming, but by the time it was all over I was able to see the big picture. I learned something new everyday, I opened myself up to new possibilities, new goals, all while becoming one step closer to myself. 

Now we are in October, and the freedom of summer has come and gone. The magical prospect that fall seems to bring each and every year is now being burdened by the "chill" of winter. The same chill that mentally prepares us for the up and coming cold and gloomy months, combined with the harsh reality that it is going to be one hell of a long one. With that being said, I think it's time to start thinking about how to stay warm this winter, and not only look the part, but to feel good doing so.  

Maluka Mania

Maluka is a luxe clothing boutique located in my very own hometown of Wyckoff, NJ. This family run enterprise is owned by sisters, who thrived by quickly facilitating a one- stop-shopping phenomenon around town. As soon as you step foot into this chic boutique, the welcoming faces are fully equipped to assist your deepest fashion desires. The ladies of Maluka are much like long lost friends, only way better dressed and equally attractive; all representing the integrity of the establishment with the utmost style and taste.  

Aside from the stimulating array of women's clothing, Maluka also offers an assortment of accessories ranging from shoes to jewels; original hand made scarves, and handbags. Exclusively set up with designers like Elizabeth and James, Haute Hippie, J Brand, Lauren Moshi, Current Elliot, Daftbird, Rich and Skinny, Sunner, Young, Fabulous and Broke, Monrow, and Rachel Pally (just naming a few favorites) work to enhance your shopping experience to be a memorable one.  After leaving Maluka it becomes abundantly clear that it’s the clothes that brought you there, the overwhelming comfort that kept you there, and the lovely women behind it all that will keep you coming back for more.  If Wyckoff  is not in your itinerary now or ever, don't stress, you can shop the fabulous finds online at ShopMaluka. com.

Fun, Flirty, & Fabulous Floral

This post was inspired by one of my girlfriends, who recently asked me if I could find her a perfect floral dress for an upcoming wedding. Always up for the challenge, I accepted her request and got right to work. Whether it is a dress, a billowy blouse, or printed skirt; every spring frocks garlanded with pretty petals make an appearance. The relationship between flowers and fashion is indeed a bountiful one, transforming summer wardrobes into a multicolored meadow of floral prints. Given that floral it is not the easiest style to pull off, when its done right, its right. After much searching, I think I’ve found a dress that will make my friend bloom. The Elizabeth and James Floral Boudoir Dress reeks of romanticism.

Even though I am fan of floral prints, there is a fine line between what is considered to fashionable floral as opposed to frumpy floral. While shopping for floral this season there are a few things to keep in mind. Color is key; bold colors and patterns are ideal as long as they're not overly chaotic. Cut: shop for a cut that flatters your body type. While this print can work with you, it can just as easily work against you; and take it from me, there is nothing worse then drowning yourself in unflattering florals. Cleanness: keep the rest of your look clean and simple; the print is enough to be the focal point of your outfit (that means avoid overdoing it with accessories). If you want to create an overall fresh effect without being egregiously girly, you can toughen up flower prints with leather accessories, or a pair of killer gladiators. Lastly for all of those who are allergic to the idea of the full-on floral effect, there are some great accessories available if you are interested to add a touch of this trend without appearing like you’ve escaped from Alice in Wonderland. 

Lauren Moshi Remix

Lauren Moshi successfully steps forward in revolutionizing the fundamental t-shirt, into a highly fashionable work of art. Her infamous designs are entirely sketched by hand, and constructed by Moshi herself; developing each individual piece into a one-of-a-kind creation. The L.A. based brand features a collection of tigers, elephants, zebras, horses, butterflies; and a wide range of nonfigurative prints, all finished with the softest of cotton. Aside from her long list of celebrity followers, it should come as no surprise that this unique twist on t-shirts has taken the contemporary industry by swarm. You can purchase the Lauren Moshi collection at Revolve, ASOS, Bloomingdales, Singer22, Maluka, TEE-ZONE, or at select boutiques near you. 

Adidas by Stella McCartney

The bright and talented Stella McCartney, who is considered to be one of the most influential young female designers of our time, has quickly climbed the ranks amongst the fashion elite. Growing up alongside famous father, notorious musical legend Paul McCartney,  Stella opted to take her own road to fame by becoming a designer.  Next to her love for fashion, Stella is a passionate environmentalist, and an outspoken advocate for animal rights.  In 2005, McCartney collaborated with Adidas in launching Adidas by Stella McCartney.  As a result, Adidas promised to respect Stella’s beliefs by not using any animal by products or leather alternatives. Working together to combine Stella's intrinsic designs, with Adidas's forward technology, they came up with a collection targeted to transform conventional athletic wear into modern day silhouettes. 

“This collection tries to provide for all the needs of a modern woman. Style meets performance is crucial for women today, and I’ve tried to address this in my most recent collection. Remembering you’re alive is key, health is wealth!”

Her new Spring/Summer '09 collection features energetic bold block colors, futuristic lightweight fabrics, and drawstring details that work to create volume for stylish, and sophisticated silhouettes. Along with this season’s latest collections, her line will continue to expand, offering a wide range of categories; Golf, Yoga, Dance, Swim and Cover Ups. There is no doubt in my mind, Stella McCartney will continue to re-define and challenge traditional sport silhouettes; actively transforming the way we will forever view activewear. You can find her collection online at Adidas, Zappos, and Nordstrom. 

Eu Amo Essie

Nothing makes a girl feel more feminine and pampered than a lovely manicure. The 2009 Essie Spring Collection captures this season’s wistfulness with soft reds, beige, blue, coral, fuchsia and rose. In addition, the Essie Neon Collection offers a bright and shimmering display of outrageous color.  These colors captivate the season with a fresh new look, and an audacious attitude; while contributing a gratifying variation from all the repetition of pink and red. While bold tones, and vibrant colors will be dominating this season, you will also see traditional pastels with flesh-tone palettes, unique minty greens, and glistening grays. With so many new colors to choose it is time to step outside the box, and unleash the unexpected.

House of Harlow 1960

It seems as if life has been going much more favorably these days for Nicole Richie. The young mother is expecting her second child with boyfriend Joel Madden, and her new self- inspired jewelry line has revealed to be an undeniable success; proving to the public, she could do much more then live off her fathers fortune and be Paris Hiltons BFF. 

The greatly sought after fashionista has made enormous strides in creating her own jewelry line; which took off shortly after she teamed up with the much-respected jeweler Pascal Mouawad. Together they set up to launch House of Harlow, a line of accessories named after Richie's daughter. With her natural design ability and a diverse mix of bohemian, tribal, flower child, and street-chic influences, Richie has succeeded in creating a collection that not only incorporates her love of fashion from many different eras, but which more than lives up to its hype. In much collaboration to Richie's personal style, her affordable collection includes headbands, rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets; all constructed from high-quality materials. Her goal was to achieve a contemporary, hippie chic look; while  incorporating adaptations from the '60s and '70s. Richie's House of Harlow 1960 collection is available online at Singer22, Shopbop, Kitson, Revolve, Bloomingdales, and Trend Boutique. 

Jessica Fights Back

Somehow Jessica Simpson managed to land on the cover of this June's Vanity Fair, where she fights back the recent media criticism regarding her weight. Jessica who has been known to practice yo-yo dieting is no stranger to fighting back the critics. In her recent article the 28 year-old singer, who under went public scrutiny earlier this year for her fuller figure, confidently speaks out.

“It comes with what I do,” she said, “and I know that every day the media’s going to challenge me, is going to want to bring me down. But I feel like I’m at such a place that I own myself, and it’s authentic. I own that authentic part of myself, and none of those words are harsh enough to make me believe them.” 

Although she elicits such a strong statement, I find it to be somewhat contradicting considering her noticeably slimmer appearance.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t it her body image that made her famous in the first place? Talent would have been helpful, but obviously was not required.  While I never thought of Jessica as overweight, the truth of the fact is, she made a career out of selling her body. As a result when her weight fluctuates, sadly it is going to be discussed. 

How many times have we beaten ourselves up for gaining a few pounds?  I don't know of anyone who would be happy about a recent weight gain, lets be honest.  So why do celebrities feel the need to defend themselves to the world? Proclaiming to be happier, healthier; curves to be sexier, all while proceeding to drop 10-20 lbs within weeks. We are all human, we all gain weight, and we all feel shitty and miserable about it. Jessica is not the only one guilty of such assertions. Didn’t we already go through this with Jennifer Love Hewitt in the fall? She professed the same inspiring story when unflattering photos surfaced of her in a bikini. Outraged, she defended her figure, and how pleased she is with the way she looks, yet weeks later she was on the cover of People magazine getting praised for loosing 18 lbs.

This is a common occurrence that touches every woman at some point in her life. Hollywood isn’t the only place with unrealistic pressures; it mirrors the society in which we are living. How often have we gossiped about someone who’s gained or lost several pounds, reveled in the idea that someone we dislike has put on a few or wondered why someone is letting themselves go? Unfortunately, whether you’re a celebrity or just an average woman, we are all too accustomed to women’s bodies being placed under a microscope, either being commended or condemned. If only we could find a happy medium, something more optimistic than the news and less hurtful than someone’s weight.

Cinco de Chanel

If you happen to be in Manhattan for Cinco de Mayo, you might want to check out Saks Fifth Avenue, before you hit up the José Cuervo. The luxury department store is declaring May 5th as Chanel N˚5 Day in New York, celebrating the iconic fragrance, and the unveiling of its latest campaign. They even went as far as to rename certain sections of 5th Avenue to Chanel N˚5 Avenue for the week. It's times like this, when I really start to miss the city.