So, I haven’t been a good little fashion follower lately because I haven’t even mentioned Fashion Week. But, it’s because there has been so much to take in and everything is so beautiful and well-crafted. I’m spending some time pulling together a full summary of the collection that will be outside of the normal Saturday/Sunday schedule. But, until then, mums the word on Fashion Week 2009. I will continue as if fashion week does not exist, even though it has and I’ve been engrossed in every minute of it. Moving along…

Watching The Home Shopping Network is a guilty pleasure of mine on days when I’m cleaning. And every other Saturday is usually a clean all day kinda time for me. Well, this Saturday was no different and of course in true Ben and Jerrys/Godiva fashion, I had HSN on while I did. Well, HSN is also having its own “fashion week”. Where the show is slashing its prices and featuring some of its greatest designers. Now, HSN isn’t exactly couture or runway, but you can find some great deals – especially on jewelry and accessories. One such great deal designer captured my attention today. Her name is Diana Venezia. She is a jewelry maker and designer and I’m digging her style. She’s thoughtful in her pieces. She names them. She knows them. She owns them. All of her pieces where inspired by real life and use real gemstones and metals. Considering the quality, they are reasonably priced also. Check ‘em out!

Black Onyx Sterling Silver Faceted Bead 37-3/4″ Necklace

Description: Make everyday moments special with the casual elegance of this Diana Venezia Black Onyx Sterling Silver Faceted Bead Necklace. A strand of faceted dyed black onyx beads flaunts stunning light-reflecting facets and a rich, elegant color. Trios of textured sterling silver accent beads complete the look.
Price: $229.90
Buy it

This wasn’t the customer pick of the day for Diana Venezia’s collection. But this is my favorite. The picture really isn’t doing this piece any justice. It was breaktaking. The onyx gives a deep and bold backdrop to the brightness of the sterling silver. And what you REALLY can’t see is that each sterling silver ball has a tiny onyx piece set into it. How unique yet classic!

Diana Venezia Rainbow Fluorite and Cultured Freshwater Pearl Toggle Necklace

Description: Bring your stylish fantasies to life with this enchanting Diana Venezia Rainbow Fluorite and Cultured Freshwater Pearl Toggle Necklace. Pairs of freeform rainbow fluorite (approx. 10 to 17.5×15 to 21mm) flaunt translucent shades of green and purple. Freeform (approx. 4.5 to 10×6.5 to 12mm), rice- (approx. 3.5 to 6×5 to 12mm) and drop-shaped (approx. 6.5 to 10.5×7.5 to 13.5mm) cultured freshwater pearls offer luminous shades of white, dyed pink and dyed purple.
Price: $129.90
Buy it

If the Onyx and Silver necklace above is my favorite, this has to be a close second. Diana Venezia called this piece her “Carrie” necklace. And I’m sure we can all guess who this reference is to. And I totally see it. The piece is fun and quirky. It’s substantial and looks expensive but is still demure and subtle. I think it’s hard for anything be it clothing, accessories or jewelry to look this sweet and dainty but still be stylish. This is a necklace that a girlie-girl or a fashion diva could wear.

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: February 22nd, 2009 under Fashion.
Comments: 6

I applaud Target for establishing significant brand and product awareness. Their commercial advertisements often possess a memorizing vision of vividly colored rooms and smiling faces that draw you to the store that promises a beautiful day and a fun inviting atmosphere. But I also respect the company for taking fashion seriously. They are not interested in marketing cheaply made clothing from unrespectable/unknown artists in the industry. Target is forging new relationships with fashionistas, couturists and burgeoning designers in a bold and exciting way. Issac Mizrahi has worked with Target for years now, designing fun printed dresses and quirky business attire and shoes. But they have landed the mother load! Alexander McQueen will be designing a new line for Target, and I am counting down the days until it debuts and you can do the same. It’s called McQ, and I’m sure it’s going to be fabulous.

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: February 21st, 2009 under Fashion, Shopping, Splurge Versus Steal.
Comments: 1

Screen print and painted tops, whether baby doll or oversized and flowing are everywhere. And there really isn’t any rhyme or reason, except it has to be fun and it has to be funky. MCQ for Target (Alexander McQueen’s collection for Target) that will be featured later this week has some great tops to choose from, but you’ll just have to wait for those! Here are some of our favorites from other designers:

Forever 21

Description:A loose-fit racerback-style tee featuring a unique ink blot pattern on the front. Details include a rolled finished round neckline and sleeves along with a finished bottom hem.
- 33″ approx length from shoulder to hem
- 100% cotton; Machine wash cold
- USA
ProductCode: 2060285193
Price: $16.90
Buy it

Forever 21

Description: Step away from the ordinary and slip into this extraordinary crepe chiffon sheer top featuring a large flower print on the front and back sides. Details include a wide neckline, large armholes, and a removable chiffon waist tie.
- 26″ approx length from shoulder to hem
- 100% polyester; Hand wash cold
- Imported
ProductCode: 2054599389
Price:$17.80
Buy it

Tee and Cake

Description: Tee and Cake brand tee with Queen (Freedy Mercury) print. 100% Cotton. Machine washable.
Price: £20.00
Buy it

Calvin Klein

Description: Ornate stenciled graphics and glittery swirls pattern a lightweight V-neck tee. Subtle flutter sleeves add a feminine finish. Raw-edge hem at neck and sleeves.
Approx. length from shoulder: 25 1/2″.
Cotton; machine wash.
By Calvin Klein Jeans; imported.
Point of View.
Price: $39.50
Buy it

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: February 15th, 2009 under Fashion.
Comments: 1

As I said in the first atypical hemlines piece, I remember in my college days when asymmetrical shirts were popular. I had one in EVERY color! I had an orange one. I had a black one with a bow on the shoulder. I had a black one with a kitty cat. I had an electric yellow one. I basically had an asymmetrical shirt for every mood. And asymmetrical lines are making a comeback for Spring ‘09 but in a more structured and crafted way. The trend has been surfacing for a little over a year now, but it’s defintiely in full force in the upcoming months. This was definitely reflected by not only Michelle Obama’s choice of Inaugural Ball dresses. But it was also visible in the dresses present from the recent SAG awards.

Although Rosario Dawson did not attend the SAG awards in this, one of my favorite asymmetrical dresses I’ve seen this season was worn by her at the Seven Pounds Premiere. Pictured here, she looks gorgeous in this dress by Azzaro.

Here are some more of my favorite dresses whose price tags might appeal to a different audience.

Rachel Pally Dress

Description: Just the sort of easy-to-wear elegance we’ve come to expect from Rachel Pally. One-shoulder jersey dress with ruching at bodice and empire waist. Unfinished edge at bottom hem. Twist detail at 1.5″ strap. 56″ long. 92% modal/8% spandex. Dry clean. Made in the U.S.A.
Price: $242.00
Buy it

Lanvin

Description: Blue one-shoulder ribbon dress. The left hand shoulder is bare. A zip fastening runs down the left hand side. The ribbons sit horizontally. The hemline falls above the knee. This exquisite Lanvin dress is perfect for evening with heels and statement jewels.
Price: Currently Unavailable

BrownFashion.com

Description: Pale grey and black two-tone dress with fan neck. The black sits beneath the collar and on the back. A wide buckle fastening belt sits high on the waist. Pockets sit on either side of the hips. A zip fastening runs down the back. The hemline falls to the knee. An exquisite dress with structure and serious style, a great look for day or night with towering heels.
Price: Currently Unavailable

Shop Jinny Dress

Description: Asymmetrical silk one-shoulder Grecian dress with ruching details at bust and pleated skirt. Hits at knee. Exposed side zip. Imported. Dry clean only.
Price: $828.00
Buy it

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: February 14th, 2009 under Fashion, Revamped, Shopping, Trend Alert.
Comments: none

I’m in love with a spring dress! It’s by Roksanda Ilincic and I found it on one of my favorite wish list sites, Net-A-Porter.com. I wasn’t very familiar with this designer’s work, but with a name like Roksanda, how could you not love her? She is an English designer that has a penchant for creating whimsical dresses that could easily be considered couture, but have something “real world” about them also. Although I have not yet had the pleasure of wearing her designs, and may not have the opportunity to soon as her pieces carry hefty price tags – the dress above would run you about $2,670, I would imagine I’d feel like a concrete princess in any of them. How often can you mix city girl with fairy-tale chic and it be such a winner?

Here are a few more pieces from her Spring ‘09 Collection:

I would definitely say take a look @ the collection. It was definitely inspiring. Her use of fabric and bold color is amazing and thought-provoking. She may be one of my new favorite designers.

References:
http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_details.asp?DesignerID=261
http://www.roksandailincic.com/

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Posted: February 8th, 2009 under Shopping, Trend Alert.
Comments: none

I’m a little late talking about this but better late than never right? Daring nail colors are definitely hitting the pavement in a major way. We are seeing purples, teals, corals (VERY hot for spring/summer) and even greys. I just don’t see myself wearing purple all over my nails. I’d definitely feel like I was going to break into “The Song that Never Ends”. But I do love some of the teals, corals and greys. And if you’re a girlie girl or a classic red/pink nail polish kinda girl, I know you may struggle with the idea of trying those bold colors that are normally reserved for shirts, blouses and the occasional purse. I know that’s the first thing I thought, but I’ve found a grey that inspires me. It’s a Revlon polish. And I know many of you swear by brands like OPI, Sally Hensen and Essie, but in my experience, Revlon stays better than all these polishes. And they are definitely making moves to capture the colors of the season. The shade is called “Steel Her Heart” and I’m in love with it. It looks awesome with pinks, blacks and greys. It has a bluish/greenish tint to it and it totally rich and lustrous in an industrial worker kinda way. Hey, give it a try, you know what they say, once you go grey…

Revlon Steel-Her Heart polish
Retails for about $4.99
Buy it

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: February 7th, 2009 under Color Coding, Revamped, Shopping, Splurge Versus Steal, Trend Alert.
Comments: 8

Last month for New Years, last month, we talked about trying some alternatives as far as health and beauty products. Well, I thought I would do a quick follow-up on how things are progressing for me. The cocktail I’ve been drinking has been wonderful! My skin is definitely looking more vibrant and creamy. I rarely get blemishes anymore, and I just overall feel better. I definitely think the aloe vera juice is clearing out some of the toxins in my body. Over the coming weeks, I plan on adding one more ingredient for added energy. I know ginseng is a tried energy/metabolism booster, but I’d like to find out what other options are out there for this purpose. As you may recall, I also started wearing an aloe vera based deodorant by Herbal Clear. This endeavor has not been quite as fruitful. I’ve been contemplating avoiding antiperspirants for about a year now, but currently I’m not sure Herbal Clear is the right solution for me. But after using the product for about a month now, I may need something that contains the antiperspirant or may need to do further research. I’ve been checking out a few websites, doing some research, and I’ve found there are several other solutions to antiperspirants. One positive is that I feel like I’ve been taking the “Dove Challenge”. Using the natural deodarant has taken my pits from pitiful to purty. But, I’ll keep you posted on what I try next!

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: February 1st, 2009 under Green Piece, Personal Info.
Comments: none

Send in your name and email, and I-Style will RSVP you for the event!

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: January 24th, 2009 under Shopping.
Comments: 1

My favorite of all the atypical hemlines I came across in my research was this beautifully crafted feminine dress pictures here. I love the fabric and how the shape of the dress works with the detailing at the bottom. The pale pink color would look great with any skintone and the contrast in fabric at the waist adds definition right at the perfect spot. It would be a great addition to a spring wardrobe and comes from shopbop.com. Although one concern might be the full bottom of the dress. If you are afraid of curves, this definitely isn’t the piece for you!

Sue Stemp Atomic Dress
Description: A flowy, feminine shape in a gorgeous, utterly unique print. We’re smitten. Print silk-crepe dress with V neck and striped banding at waist. Ruching at bust and waist and drawstring tie at shoulders. Hook-and-eye closure, slit detail, and hidden zipper at back. Asymmetrical bottom hem. Short sleeves. Lined at skirt. 38″ long. 100% silk. Dry clean. Imported.
Price: $595.00
Buy it: http://www.shopbop.com/vp/v=1/845524441803609.htm?folderID=2534374302029428&fm=whatsnew

Posted: January 17th, 2009 under Fashion, Trend Alert.
Comments: none

And even more atypical hemlines…

One Shoulder Studded Petal Dress

Description:Falling with sweeping lines, smooth silk is punctuated with studded detail in this sexy LBD. Pedal like design sweeps and wraps the body to the scalloped hem. V neckline. One shoulder design; short batwing sleeve. Hidden side zip. Fully lined. Sleeve length from shoulder: 11″. Center back to hem: 31″.
Price: $189.00
Buy it: http://www.bebe.com

Scalloped Beaded Halter Dress

Description: This sexy silk halter dress gives new meaning to “Black Tie”. V neck bodice has gathering above empire waist. Contrasting black silk ties at back neck. Below, layered rounded tiers are edged in black bugle beads. Hidden back zip. Fully lined. Hits well above the knee. Empire seam to hem: 19.5″. Part of the bebe DesignLab collection.
Price: $198.00
Buy it: http://www.bebe.com

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania

Description: Take your look to bold new heights in Anglomania’s color blocked dress. Wear it with black platform pumps and a structured tote to compliment the asymmetric silhouette. Shown here with an Alexander McQueen bag and Christian Louboutin shoes. Due to the unique cut of this garment the color block placement may vary slightly from piece to piece.
Price: $640
Buy it: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/37091

Zac Posen

Description: The definite LBD for your resort wardrobe, Zac Posen’s stingray dress is lithe, lean and fabulous!
Price: $1,950
Buy it: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/36921

Zac Posen

Description: Have fun in fuchsia in Zac Posen’s fabulous cocktail dress, it’s a statement evening look you’ll be in love with for years rather than seasons.
Price: $1,750
Buy it: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/36923

Signed,
CeCe

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Posted: January 11th, 2009 under Fashion, Trend Alert.
Comments: none