Spring 2012: Doo.Ri and 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Doo.Ri
To be honest, I didn't like this too much. The colors were bland, and there wasn't much going on. I did have a few I liked, though.

Favorites:

 

The draping and color on this dress are so beautiful, I love that luscious plum purple! This was one of the only few that had some color in them.

The print on this is something new, and I also adored the way the waistline flowed down the dress in that dark patch of gray.

A nice, simple, chic dress in nude. If this dress was shorter, I could so see myself wearing this to, well, anywhere. It's the perfect basic you can wear with anything, and now the look is fresh off the runway. Nice.

Least Favorites:

 The combination of a flaired-out top and high-waisted pants is never good. This outfit looks uncomfortable and just plain awkward.

Since when were pajamas chic enough for a runway? Loose, flowing, pajama-inspired, comfortable outfits are one thing, unattractive onesies are another.

 This draping on this skirt is majorly off, and yellow and gray? No way.

10 Crosby Derek Lam

"She has a sunny, exuberant personality and a relaxed and cool sense of style." This is what Derek Lam said about his muse, Hanne Gaby Odiele. His looks indeed had a pop of color in everything, and this collection was fun and playful.

Favorites:

This perfectly displays the meaning of his collection. It's sunny, exuberant, and beautiful!

The stripes make it so fun and quirky, you gotta love it! And I also admire the nude quality about those, nice and simple to balance out the busy dress.

Least Favorites:

 I don't like the pants, they remind me of those jail uniforms with stripes.

I would have liked this, if it weren't for that striped thing. It looks like an apron.
There were some pictures that I didn't like the placement of. It involved pictures of another model being there, like this one, and it took away from the actual outfit. Here are some more examples:

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against the actual clothes, just the placement of them.

Spring 2012: BCBG Max Azria and Vena Cava

Ah, yes. It's that time of the year again. Fashion Week is here, and I'm sharing with you my favorites and least favorites of all the shows I look at. I don't think it would be fair to do a legitimate review of Fashion Week, considering I'm not actually there, but I enjoy looking for new trends in the pictures and seeing what the designers have to say with their latest collections. I'll try to do as many shows as I possibly can, but as I said before, I have a lot of work and that workload will just keep growing until June. I have very little time for my blog!

BCBG Max Azria
So some trends that I noticed in this collection were that all the pieces had a light, "flowy" vibe, for lack of better words. In many of the clothes, they had a cut in them to expose the model's shoulders, which I loved. It looks so graceful! There were a lot of stripes in this collection, I'm pretty sure every single piece had some kind of stripes! That will definitely be a big trend next spring. I also think light colors dominated this one. And just look at those shoes- I'm loving them!


Favorites:

The bright pop of orange stands out against the dull gray, black and white tones of the rest of the piece.

 

I love this item because the cut reminds me of saris in India. They're gorgeous!

Here is an example of a sari from India. This picture was taken from Disaboom Live.

Least Favorite:

 This is the only one I really didn't like. I hate the whole no-bra thing, it's not that hard to wear a bra! Showing your breasts is so unprofessional, and this isn't the best example, but it still looks trashy. The orange part of this dress is awkward, and so is the cut.

Vena Cava
This actually wasn't a runway show, it was something different. Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock instead hosted a dinner and invited 12 friends to model their collection. They said that this one was a "return to their roots." We all know that vintage is in style, and the small, circular glasses and high-waisted bottoms proved it.

Favorites:

This one is nice, simple, and feminine. Very chic.

LOVE the shoes- and how the stripes on the heels compliment the stripes on the dress. Subtle, but there.

The placement of the knot is decidedly unique- so fresh.

Yes, this is me, being typical me, and loving those dresses with the awesome prints, and of course, that one piece that's completely different from everything else in the collection, save a few accents (like the glasses!)

Least Favorite:

Again with the breasts showing! And the pants remind me of something that typical old, un-savvy teacher would wear to school every day. Vintage, but not nice.

 

School!

Hey guys! So, to explain my absence for the past 13 or so days: I'm sure you guys all know about Hurricane Irene and the insane number of power outages that occurred. And, (you guessed it!), I was one of them. Almost a week with no technology whatsoever! I can't fathom how people survived.
But you guys better get used to these long absences because school is starting for me next week, and that means pile on the work. I definitely won't have much time to blog, so I'll probably only be posting once or twice a week. I might just stick to IFB projects because those are every week and I have the weekend to blog. So that was just a heads up.
Speaking of school, I decided to use my Amish-time to practice my essay writing. This year I'll be doing all kinds of new essays and I wanted to be able to grasp the structure of it, so I used an easy topic that I knew a lot about: fashion! And since this is a fashion blog (obviously), I thought I'd share it with you. My task? Compare and contrast fashion in print and fashion online. Hopefully I won't bore you guys to death with an essay, but here it is!

     Fashion in print and fashion online have been a good source to readers for many years. While fashion magazines and fashion websites both help you keep updated in the world fashion, there are many differences when it comes to speed and who's ideas you are listening to.
     Fashion magazines and fashion sites/blogs both keep you up-to-date with the latest news in the fashion industry. Fashion magazines help sustain your knowledge of the fashion industry by giving you monthly updates. You will get reports from big names in the fashion industry such as Keegan Singh and Alexa Chung. Fashion magazines feature interviews with designers, photographers, and stylists for all the hottest trends and updates. Fashion sites keep you refreshed on the latest in the industry. Sites like Style.com spot trends and have readily available picture of runway shows and red carpet looks. They also have videos of interviews, and backstage looks at runway shows. Fashion lovers around the world need a way to stay in touch with the fashion industry. Fashion magazines and websites have acted upon this need by giving regular updates in order to gain readers.
     Fashion magazines are much slower than fashion sites. Fashion magazines take a long time to arrive in your mailbox. It takes a very long time for anything to arrive via mail, hence the term "snail mail." In fact, a magazine could easily get lost in the mail, causing it to come even later. Online, you can receive news much faster. With the click of a button, you can instantly find exactly what you are looking for. With thousands of options of search engines, it takes a very short time to get the information you want. With the invention of the Internet, fashion online can be accessed in seconds.
     Fashion magazines show the thoughts and opinions of big names in the industry, such as Amy Astley and Chanel Iman, whereas fashion blogs show the thoughts of regular everyday people. Fashion magazines give you ideas from experts in the business. There are many people working at a fashion magazine, and some become famous for their amazing expertise, such as Anna Wintour and Eva Chen. Before an issue gets published, all the stores must be put through many vigorous editing processes to make sure it is perfect. Fashion blogs are a way for ordinary people to share their ideas on fashion. Anyone can start a blog, because it's free and easy. Blog posts don't go through so many editing processes like magazines do because it's more laid back. Many people want to make a name for themselves in the fashion industry  but not everyone can land a job at a fashion magazine. Starting a blog will help them be heard, and they'll share their opinions with the world.
     While fashion magazines and fashion websites both help you keep updated in the world of fashion, there are many differences when it comes to speed and who's ideas you are listening to. They both keep you in touch with the industry. Fashion online is much quicker than fashion in print. Fashion blogs are a way for ordinary people to express themselves, whereas you have to be a big name in the fashion world to be able be heard in a fashion magazine.

So that was my essay. I hope you liked it! Tell me; what are your thoughts on this topic? And also if you have any pointers to make my essay-writing better, they would be much appreciated!

My "Blogger Tool Kit".... I guess.

So this is the second project from IFB that I've participated in, and honestly, I don't really see how it's that different from last week's project, "What's in your bag". This wasn't something I had really thought about before, so I don't know if it's completely accurate. I just threw some stuff together that I thought helped me with my blogging a lot, and I guess I could call it my blogger's tool kit?

LAPTOP

Of course, what blogger could go without a laptop? I save all my pictures on here and I, well, blog from this laptop. It's an HP-something, I don't really know, because my dad got it for me. I tend to go for PC's rather than Mac's.

iPAD

I also use this white iPad 2 for the "notes" app. It's portable and easy to use, so when I'm watching an awards show I can quickly jot down the names of people I liked, and find the pictures on the web later. My laptop is pretty big so it's annoying carrying it around the house and it's a lot easier typing all this out on the iPad rather than my cell phone (but I might end up switching). I don't do any actual blogging on the iPad because it's not only mine, it's a shared iPad between everyone in my family. No one I know personally- family, friends, etc.- knows I am a blogger. I try to keep it pretty secret and not let anything lead back to me. So using a shared iPad would be a hassle.

CELL PHONE

As I said before, I'm an admitted textaholic. I really don't know what I would do without my phone. I'm thinking of getting a new one by the end of the month, though, because I've had my current enV3 for about 2 years now.

TEEN VOGUE

Oh my god, I am obsessed! Teen Vogue is what opened my eyes to the world of fashion and I can't get enough of it. Fashion magazines help you keep up to date with just about anything to do with fashion- the hottest trends, the latest up and coming people in the industry, and even what celebrities are wearing! It's always good for a blogger to read fashion magazines, whether it's Teen Vogue, Seventeen, Harper's Bazaar, or anything else!

The 2011 VH1 Do Something Awards

Honestly, I loved every single look that was sported at the Do Something Awards this year. There were just about 7 looks I found that shined above the rest.

Favorites

Kerry Washington rocked this look fresh off the Zuhair Murad Fall 2011 runway. What I loved most about this one was that the top had a kind of see-through black layer which gathered up into that really pretty detailing on the shoulder. Also those shoes are just gorgeous!

I'm a total Gleek, so when I heard that Jane Lynch was hosting these awards, naturally I was SO excited! And as hilariously "mean" she was being during the awards, she looked spectacular in this amazing print. Jane Lynch made a good move by opting for a long flowing dress rather than a short pencil skirt.

Bella Thorne looked fabulous in this cute pink Sue Wong dress. I loved everything about this dress, from the detailing at the top to the way it effortlessly flows into the soft skirt. Her Guess heels gave this girly dress a  much needed edgy twist.

Kristen Bell is looking fierce in her Etro dress, Casadei platforms, and Jimmy Choo bag. The bag is so awesome because it has these mini chain links hanging off the end of it! It takes her entire look a step up.

Another look fresh off the runway, Olivia Wilde is wearing this lovely dress from Chloé. Now, we've all seen a pleated skirt, but Olivia Wilde took it to the next level by having the pleats throughout the entire dress. I also love the gap in the middle of the top. (In a totally un-pervy way!)

I really loved Taryn Guerrero Davis' (founder of the American Widow Project) dress because of the texture, and also how the color complimented her hair and her eyes.

Demi Lovato looked stunning as she performed her hit single, "Skyscraper" This really was the perfect dress for her and I fell in love with it instantly.

Photo Credit goes to the following sites:
Zimbio
Red Carpet Fashion Awards
Ace Show Biz
CocoPerez Mobile

OK, So I'm a Bit of a Stalker

I took this picture a while ago, I think before I even started my blog. I was looking through some old pictures and I came across these darling shoes. I think I was at some multicultural convention, and I was there to watch my sister perform a dance with her friends. But while we were waiting there were a bunch of stalls where you could check out some awesome things from other countries. I saw a girl wearing this pair of shoes and a brown dress with pink polka dots on it and a giant bow in the center, that is, if my memory hasn't failed me. Well at first I had the same reaction you guys are probably having right now, "What is she wearing?!" But, it grew on me. And after a while I couldn't resist- I just had to get a picture.
How I got this picture is another story, because I'm quite shy and I felt totally awkward about approaching another person and asking if I could take a picture of their shoes. So I leaned back in my chair, sat the camera on my lap and discreetly turned the lens towards the girl's shoes, quickly snapping the picture when there was no one blocking the shot. Totally creepy, I know, but I honestly think the picture came out pretty good. No one is in the way, and the angle is such that it looks like she was modeling them for me. Now since I didn't approach the girl, she has no idea I'm putting this up, I don't know her name, and I have no clue where she got these shoes. So unfortunately, I have no one to give credit for this to. And if on the crazy and totally unlikely off-chance that you recognize these shoes are yours, let me know! It would be very interesting to find out who owns these shoes.

CFDA Awards 2011

OK, OK, I know what you guys are thinking. This show was over 2 months ago! But unfortunately I could not review it at that time for a various number of reasons, so I'm doing it now. Better late than never! ... Right? But I'll make it up to you by making this post extra long! (Well actually there were so many pictures to choose from I couldn't help but make it long- too many favorites!)

Favorites

Of course, Gaga comes first! She looks glamorous as always in her custom Thierry Mugler outfit and her sky-high heels.

I really liked Naomi Watts in this Calvin Klein dress because it's sleek and simple, with nude shoes to match. Her blonde hair looks beautiful swept over one shoulder.

I've always admired the bright colors and patterns in Proenza Schouler's designs. Liz Tyler shows this off perfectly.

In this picture, Sessilee Lopez stands with designer Zac Posen while wearing one of his designs. It fits her beautifully, and I love the way the gold stands out against her dark complexion. Another person who sported this gold dress-dark complexion look was Estelle (below):

Supermodel Karlie Kloss looks beautiful in Jason Wu, posing next to the designer.

Vera Wang is such a small (but beautiful!) lady and in this gorgeous Rick Owens dress she looks so dignified, I couldn't help but put it on my list. The draping is so pretty, and if you've seen any of my other reviews, you would see that I'm a total sucker for draping!

Elettra Wiedemann (left) and Monique Péan (right) are looking lovely in their J. Mendel dresses. They are also wearing jewelry by Monique Péan. I love these dresses because of the color, it's such a pretty shade of pink! But mostly because of how the dresses flow down to their ankles so elegantly and there's also a certain charm in how similar their dresses are- it draws attention!

Doutzen Kroes rocking a sexy J. Mendel number. She totally pulled off the blonde bombshell look!

Karolina Kurkova wore something fresh and different this year. While everyone else was wearing dresses, Kurkova was wearing this cute Diane von Furstenburg item with some lovely Swarovski jewels to go with it.

Marchesa really is a lovely brand for making things like this. Most dresses have pencil skirts or A-lines, but Marchesa is something else entirely! Hana Soukupova takes her hair back and wears minimal accessories to keep it all about the dress.

Emmanuelle Chriqui (right) and David Meister (left). Emmanuelle Chriqui looks dazzling in this bright yellow dress. It especially pops out against the purple carpet! I guess she already had the same idea, since she made the choice to go with purple shoes.

Seeing that I was almost done going through all the pictures, and knowing that I already had a huge list of favorites, I was just randomly clicking through the last few pictures when I noticed Lucy Liu wearing this Monique Lhuillier dress. That huge fluffy skirts is gorgeous, that corset-like top is so pretty, and the way her hair ties the look together is awesome. And all though I'm making it sound like it is, this look is NOT my favorite of the show. I'm not really sure what is, to be honest. they're all so amazing, I had a tough time narrowing it down!

This has nothing to do with clothes, but can I just say, I am LOVING Chris Benz's hot pink hair?!

Least Favorites
No, I'm sorry, I'm still not done yet! I told you this post would be long. But hopefully you're still with me like a good little reader? <3

Sorry about the bad quality of this picture. I cropped out Alexander Wang who was next to her because it wasn't him I was focusing on, and then I had to make it larger because it was too small. But anyway, this is Iris Afpel who decided she should just pile on every accessory she owned, including the Harry Potter glasses. No, scratch that, her glasses are bigger than Harry Potter's.

OK, so can some please explain to me what Hilary Alexander was going for with this outfit? The colors, structures, and textures of all the pieces don't match at all! It looks like she just threw on the first things she found in her closet. And normally it would be okay for an outfit to be so random, as long as you find a good and creative way to make it all tie together. She missed that step!

I love DKNY! You can even see from my last post that I carry around my DKNY shoulder bag a lot. But this dress, as pretty as it is, does not suit Donna Karan at all. She doesn't have the right body type for it, and it just makes her look larger than she is.

The only reason I didn't like Vinoodh Matadin's (right) and Inez van Iamsweerde's (left) outfits was because they were too casual. Seriously? Jeans and a blazer? That's something I would wear when going for a walk or during a casual weekend at home. Not to a fashion awards show with top designers, models, and celebrities! I'm not going to say anything about Inez van Iamsweerde's outfit because I don't know much about menswear. It still looks pretty casual to me, though.

I never liked Betsey Johnson's designs. Why? Because of things like this. Do I even need to say how ridiculous Betsey Johnson is making her own design look? And she's so old she shouldn't be dressing like that. She needs to be more age-appropriate and that's what I've always disliked about her. I do like her jewelry, though. She should stick to that.

Again with this leathery material! It makes it stiff and the animal print on this Rodarte dress isn't helping. I'm all for the faux-fur and zebra prints and whatever, but when you put it with this material it looks real. And the thought of putting real snakeskin on yourself (or on Sofia Sanchez... well anyone, really!) as a dress is repulsive, and honestly, kind of disgusting.

Do I really need to explain why Brooke Cundiff's outfit is weird?