BCBG Max Azria Pre-Fall 2013!

     And they are out, the pre-fall 2013 collections are finished and we are moving our way into the future.  Max and Lubov Azria's pre-fall collection was full of soft romantic fabrics that resemble the twenties, thirties and even bits of the forties.  The Azria's traveled to Istanbul, Turkey this past September and they were taken away by the stunning scenery.  The cobblestone streets, the temples, the famous Hagia Sophia and the beauty of the Turkish capital.  The temples are famous for their stunning mosaic tiles that lavishly decorate the amazing architecture.  You can see how the clothing mirrors the Turkish style through the chiffon sleeve jumpsuits, the palazzo pants, the longer lengthen skirts and the inspired mosaic tile prints.  The fur and leather accents give this romantic look a bit of a modern edge twist, which everyone needs now a days  The soft colors with a hint of bright here and there is a great way to spice things up yet, keep that classy and sophisticated aroma in the air.  I can't believe we are already onto pre-fall 2013.  What a beautiful and elegant start coming from BCBG Max Azria.

What country do you get your inspiration from?

Ciao, 

Annie

Pajama-rama!

     Pajama-inspired clothing has been in style for a few seasons now.  Hell, why not wear your pajamas in public?  Well, pajama-like clothing.  It's comfortable, super cute and looks fabulous.  In fact, instead of wearing a stuffy stiff suit, this easy just-out-of-bed look seems to be the attire of choice.  Just look at the celebrities they are big adapters of the pajama trend.  Red carpets tend to be a common occurrence for these stars and every once in a while it must be nice to throw on the soft silky outfit and hit the carpet.  

     Whether you prefer the full look from head to toe or just the top and bottom singly, they are such easy styles to pull off.  These looks are far too stylish to be hidden between the sheets, the evening wear option sounds much more seductive to me.  Who would have thought we would be pushing for the elegant pajama pant and the dress down double breasted slouchy satin top?  It's happened, so go on out there and show off your PJ's.  But, please exchange your slippers for heels!

   

Snuggle up!

Ciao, 

Annie

When Shoes Went Wild!

     If shoes could talk, I could only imagine what these ones would have to say.  This is where the unpractical becomes practically fashionable.  Don't ask me how shoes with jutting crystalized fire flames blazing off of them became all the rage, but they did.  Outrageous to some and outspoken to others.  

     We are reaching new heights, literally, in the outlandish world of shoes.  Well, who knows if we can even call these things shoes anymore.  Some of them could substitute for weapons, for crying out loud.  In the next few years we will hear of how a woman tried to break into someones house using her 150mm spiked Christian Louboutin shoes.  Men, make sure to check out the attire on a woman's feet before you decide to mess with them.  It could end up costing you!

     Celebrities are becoming big endorsers of these playful, yet dangerous, shoe trends.  Ciara, Beyoncé, Willow Smith, Heidi Klum, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and many more.  So, go on and jump on board, if you dare!

Brian Atwood

Massimo Dogana

Goddess Spike

Alan Quilici

Adidias

Anastasia Radevich

Kermit Tesoro

Chanel

Top Shop

Giuseppe Zanotti

Hades Ripley

The Cultlabel

Gaetano Perrone

Well, that's a statement!

Ciao, 

Annie

From The Halloween Archives of Vogue

   Let's see what Vogue has pulled out of their archives for Halloween inspired ideas over the years.  Dressing up, that's what Halloween is all about!  And where is a better place to find inspiration for dressing up than the archives of the exclusive Vogue fashion shoots?  Maybe you can find some last minute inspiration from these photos for tonights fun.

Happy Halloween!

Ciao, 

Annie

The Stress Of Halloween!

     The holiday where 'women get away with wearing absolutely nothing and don't get arrested for indecent exposure' is just rounding the corner.  If you are a women and you still dress up for Halloween then you definitely get the "oh shit, what am I going to be" jitters.  Generally, it happens a week before you need your costume, when you have already missed the 3-7 business day shipping window.  And you are screwed.  If you think I am currently describing myself...you are right!  But, if you are creative like me then have no fear.
     First stop, your childhood dress up trunk.  For those of you who still have one, I am sure that you can find tons of basics.  A tutu, witch hat, cowboy hat, old brides made dresses, perhaps even some fairy wings.  Now, pick a basic and decided on a costume.  Here is how I made four costumes just from my dress up trunk.  Of course, I had to go out to the local Wal-Mart or JoAnn Fabrics to pick up a few odds and ends, but it was cheap and easy.

Tinkerbell

     Tinkerbell, the classic All-American fairy.  It doesn't get much simpler than this.  All you need is a pair of wings, a green dress (a green tank top and a tutu), a pair of wings, and a wand.  You can get your wings at Wal-Mart or any Halloween store.  The wand can be made out of a stick that you spray paint dark green.  The dress can come from Forever 21 and you can cut the hem in a zig zag shape.  If you decided to use a tutu instead then all you need to do is dig through your tank tops and find a green one!  It's so simple.  To top it off, literally, put a cute little sock bun right on top of your head.  Some glitter to toss at your friends and voila! 

Cowgirl

     You don't have to look as Pinup as this chick here, but a cowgirl is another easy costume to pull off. Go to your summer collection and grab your Daisy Duke denim shorts.  Any flannel shirt tied at the waist, will due.  A cowboy hat and some nice cowboy boots to complete the look.  Pretty easy, right?

Bumble Bee

     If you feel like buzzing around on Halloween a bumblebee will be a nice fit for you.  All you will need is some black and yellow striped tights, a black leotard, a yellow tutu and some black and yellow wings.  If you have a black headband you get make the antennas out of pipe cleaners and add some yellow pompom balls at the end.  A simple way to add stripes to the costume is to get silk ribbon and let it hang off the tutu, the more stripes the better.  Be creative with this one.  

Witch

     Although many would say I could have gone dressed as my everyday self I thought I needed to play up the part a little more.  A tight black dress with a mini broom and my childhood witch hat did the trick.  Some tight knee high boots and dark black makeup, I looked just like the Wicked Witch of the West!  

     There are so many more costumes that you can create if you just dig through your closet and your old dress up trunk.  Don't go to those Halloween stores and spend $100 on some costume you are going to spill beer on and wear once.  Sometimes taking a trip to your local thrift store might spark some great ideas as well.  Use your imagination.  After all, it's Halloween, you can be whatever you want!

Spook ya later!

Ciao, 

Annie

The Plaid Brigade!

     Fall rolls around and the plaids come out to play, that's just how it goes.  Plaids are always the fall/winter cozy go-to, whether it be casual or fancy.  In fact, I'm wrapped up in a plaid scarf right now. Classic me, blogging about what I'm wearing.

     Ok, let's break this down a little bit.  The more casual plaids tend to be the rugged flannels worn with black leggings and some Chucks (insert my everyday look here).  I snuggle up by the fire in my flannel with a good magazine and occasionally doze off.  It's the life, right?  

     Moving on to the other side of the plaid rainbow it gets a little bit fancier.  In the past few years plaids have been being used more and more in business wardrobes.  For example, a classic pencil skirt paired with a chiffon plaid shirt.  It's kinda the classic J. Crew look, preppy upperclass society-ish.  You know what I mean!  It totally passes all office standards.

     Carrying on.  How about the short sleeve plaid look?  I know, it sounds a little strange and a little male-ish.  It's not, it's so not!  It's that 'I borrowed my boyfriends shirt and made it fabulous' thing.  Ahhh, so much potential.  You can wear a long sleeve under it or a nice bulky swearer over it.  Ohhh, it's so wonderful.  Or, if you are so fetch that you dare to wear it alone, let your elbows hang out and enjoy the air party!  As you can see, I am a little excited about it.  You should be too!

It even works from head to toe!

Plaid-erific!

Ciao, 

Annie

Kim Kardashian's Dresses Of Choice!

     As I continue my obsession with gowns I came across Kim Kardashian.  Now, if I understand our society correctly, you either love her or you hate her.  There really isn't an in between because everyone on planet earth knows of Kim Kardashian.  Whether you know her for her indecent exposure episode online, her family television show or her 72 day marriage, it doesn't really matter because the point is, well, that you know her!  I, for one, can look past all that because, as we all know, my love is fashion.  And Kim Kardashian has fashion down to a science.  I'm not sure who can disagree with that!
   
     Kardashian hit the red carpet at the 2010 Emmy Awards in a godess-like white Marchesa gown.  Generally, long white dresses tend to give off those bridal vibes, but I beg to differ here.  The intricate neckline has made it dressier and a bit sassier than a wedding dress.  The veil like piece of fabric that is trailing behind her adds a nice accent as well.  It makes it aesthetically pleasing all around.  

     2010 must have been the year for Kim's goddess look.  At the Annual CFDA/Vogue Fund Awards she billowed down the runway in a baby blue Zac Posen chiffon gown.  Again, with the elaborate neckline beading, is beyond stunning!  It made for a colorful focus point for the whimsical number.  With her hair pulled back tight and just a simple bracelet to adorn the wrist it created a soft and elegant vibe.  Sweet, right?

    

     Another 2010 catch was her red hot Georges Hobeika gown that she flaunted at the LACMA gala in LA.  This two strapped, one shoulder, form fitting gown totally gives off a sexy vibe, there's no question about it.  The way it hugs her body and then softly flares out at the bottom really accentuates her curves.  On a side note, her makeup is out of this world.  The deep dark black matches her hair tones and almost makes it difficult to see her eyes.  It's mysterious.  I suppose it all goes together to create that sexy dark look.

     At the 2011 Annual Grammy Awards Kim brought out her inner JLo wearing this hip-high slitted Kaufman Franco gown.  Between the deep V neckline, almost to her belly button, to the bikini-high slit  the dress almost split down the middle.  There was a perfect accent between her deep black hair and the golden colored dress.  They both brought out the color in one another.  This was such a dramatic look, but then again when isn't Kim being dramatic?

     These four looks show that Kim Kardashian has an extremely versatile wardrobe.  She can play the sweet and innocent character as well as harsh and extreme.  If you disagree with everything else that she stands for, I completely understand, but try and look past all of that for a moment and admire her clothing "personalities" because it's something new every day.

Which is your favorite?

Ciao, 

Annie