Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for JCPenney

Picture 6I was reluctant to write about Mary-Kate’s and Ashley’s collection for JCPenney. I agree with my friend Clare‘s opinion regarding the new collection and the designers behind it. Clare  stated the following, Mary Kate and Ashley are forever making these lines of crap clothes. If I remember correctly they used to (or still do) have a clothing line at Wal Mart (or K Mart) or the something. However, these girls just commission cheap designers to make cheap clothes, slap their name on the tag, and then sell them to masses and make millions off of them. These girls have like 16 “clothing lines” but I doubt either one of them can sew on a button.” and I just couldn’t agree more. I can’t imagine trying to become a designer today. Or anything in a field that requires originality because celebrities have submerged themselves in every single industry. They’ve submerged themselves in to the music industry, acting industry, design industry and the modeling industry just to name a few. It’s getting so old.

Anways, the twins announced that they were designing a junior’s collection for JCPenney. The collection will be titled “Olsenboye” (that’s such a weird name!? but according to NYMag it’s their Norwegian ancestral name) and should hit stores nationwide in the upcoming months. Below are some photos of the twins at Union Square yesterday:

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I’m sorry if I lack enthusiasm regarding this announcement.

Watch the teaser for the collection here:

Lace ‘em up.

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I love these booties from Forever21.com. The $24.80 price-tag is even better! Purchase them here.

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Alexander McQueen recently sued Steve Madden for copying his design. Who knows, maybe Acne will sue Jeffrey  Campbell the same thing? I mean, considering the fact that we’re in a recession, I don’t really mind Mr. Campbell’s attempt at designing a wedge in the style of Acne’s. I do not know how much Mr. Campbell’s will retail for but I am almost certain that they will not cost $400 and change like Acne’s version does. Take a look:

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Sources: elle.com, forever21.com, thefashionspot.com, acne.com

Object Collector’s Items

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I recently started writing for Object Fashion Blog along with three other young women. The blog is directly related to Object Collector Items which designed the Autum and Winter styles featured in this post. Below are my favorite picks from their Autumn/Winter collection which I have separated by color schemes. I find these looks to be absolutely incredible. The leather, the glitter, the knits and the denim all come together to create unique and fantastic ensembles. To locate a store in which you can purchase these items please click here. Picture 173Picture 165Picture 166

For more information about Object Collector Items click here.

Sources: www.objectci.com, Object Collector Items Official Facebook Page.

Chanel VS. MAC

Chanel’s new nail color appeared during their recent runway show, along with clogs and singer Lily Allen. The color, called Particulière which means “special” in french looked spectacular alongside the brand’s signature tweeds and clutches. Designed by their makeup director Peter Philips, the new shade has a purple base with gray and brown undertones and should be available come January 2010.

If you can’t wait until January, below is an alternative which is available here from MAC Cosmetics:
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What do you think of Chanel’s new nailcolor?

Sources: stylelist.com, nordstrom.com

Ladies, take this time to appreciate your pants

Modest Fashion stripes Balmain

Today I wore jeans. In part because in the United States of America, it is my liberty to do so. I never realized that in other nations, it is not only illegal to wear pants but a woman can receive severe penalties for doing so.

For example, yesterday two Sudanese women, ages 25 and 27 were sentenced to receive twenty lashing as well as a fine equal to $110.00 for wearing pants. The women subsequently filed an appeal following the sentencing so they have not had to face their punishment… Yet. This type of  case does not seem to be uncommon in Sudan. In September, Lubna Hussein was fined $200.00 for wearing trousers. She faced up to 40 lashings but some suspect that due to the amount of publicity in which her case had faced, the judge remained reluctant in sentencing her to lashings. Ms. Hussein, a 34-year-old journalist who has worked with the United Nations, arrived to court wearing the same trousers in which she was arrested for wearing, which I consider a very brave move. She was arrested in July along with twelve other women whom were also wearing trousers.

It’s odd the small things in which women are not allowed to do in various other countries. I am just happy that I live in a nation where I can wear pants! I do feel horrible for the women who don’t get to exercise this liberty. However,I am glad that some women such as Lubna Hussein is fighting for their liberty. Feel lucky today, ladies for we can almost wear whatever we please. While it is often without scrutiny or questioning, at least we will never receive lashings for it.

Do any of you know of other restrictions in which women in other countries have to face?

On a lighter note…

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The shoe above is from Asos.com. Yes, asos.com! It is incredible and I absolutely love the gold detailing of the wedge. The pair costs $164.00 and I believe that it is currently sold out, unfortunately.

Sources: nytimes.com, nymag.com, thefashionspot.com, vogue.co.uk

Pretty Personal Question x Adidas

This is PPQ’s first collection for Adidas and I love it! The collection is currently available at Adidas stores around the globe. The lace-up boots are my favorite.  Take a look:

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What do you think?

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On March 7th, 2010 Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection for Target will become available throughout 250 Target stores nationwide. Mr. Gaultier’s muse for the collection will be all American women – how cool. This is the third designer collaboration for Target, Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui both designed collections before Mr. Gaultier.  There is no information on price ranges yet but I will be looking forward to this!

Source: nylonmag.com, grazia.com, jeanpaulgaultier.com, target.com, nymag.com

Bleached Brows

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This look was very prevalent on the Spring 2010 Runways. The brows remain very natural (they’re not tweezed, waxed, etc). The only artificial thing about these brows is the bleach blonde color of them.Picture 7Picture 43

I’m so excited for Rodarte’s collection for Target! The Go International Rodarte collection will be available on December 22nd and will feature the looks below that retail at prices from $9.99 to $79.99. Take a look:

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Sources: Elle.com, style.com, nymag.com, rodarte.com, target.com

Excuse me, Sir. You used to be curvy!

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I never heard a foul thing come out of Karl Lagerfeld’s mouth until he stated the following,

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Wait… What!? No one wants to see curvy women? Alright, that’s a discriminatory comment to make. Discriminating against a person due to their size is just like discriminating against a person because of their skin color or sexual preferences (Mr. Lagerfeld is gay). If Mr. Lagerfeld had ever been met with discrimination by  the fashion due to his size, he would never have been where he is now.

May I remind you that Mr. Lagerfeld used to be beyond curvy. He used to be overweight. According to The Huffington Post, Mr. Lagerfeld lost a whopping 92 pounds in recent years. Thankfully, Glamour Magazine, Marie Claire and German magazine Brigette are all going against this foolishness and committing to offering more curvy women in their magazines much to the dismay of ignorant snobs like Karl Lagerfeld.

I am disappointed by him.

Sources: huffingtonpost.com, nymag.com

Wangtastic + Steve Maddeness

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I am not certain how much Alexander Wang’s sunglasses retail for but I am certain they cost more than $14.80 which is what Bleu Dame’s version costs. To purchase the pair in which is designed by Bleu Dame, click here.

STEVE MADDENESSPicture 61I’ve been traveling all weekend but I just had to show you these boots from Steve Madden (who by the way is being sued by Alexander McQueen. For more on that story click here). They’re incredible and cost a mere $159.95 which actually isn’t even that inexpensive but when compared to the $900 Christian Louboutin one can not complain. The boots are available for pre-order here.

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Sources: elle.com, stevemadden.com, fashionista.com, bleudame.com

Get the look: Erin Wasson

The blogosphere went nuts for Erin Wasson’s ensemble at New York Fashion Week. Below I’ve featured a budget friendly version of the gorgeous outfit. Take a look: Picture 41Picture 42

Picture 43Vest, $37.80,

Picture 44 Shorts, $15.00

Picture 45Duffle bag, $44.00

Picture 46Studded platforms, $44.99

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The most unique component to Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 RTW Collection were the shoes in which models wore on his runway. Take a look at my favorite pairs:

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Sources: forever21.com, misselfridge.com, charlotterusse.com, obsessedwithshoes.com, style.com, elle.com, alexandermcqueen.com

Bored by Balmain

Balmain’s Spring 2010 RTW collection fails to impress me when compared to its Spring 2009 RTW collection.

Balmain Spring 2010 RTW

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Balmain Spring 2009 RTW

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What do you think?

The holiday items below will be available from Topshop come next month! I absolutely love the velvet knickers but I can imagine that they must be truly uncomfortable to wear. I also really like the silver leaf clutch.

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Sources: nymag.com, balmain.com, style.com

GOTHIC CRAZE

I don’t know about you but I am so tempted to wear black lipstick this winter. It’s a very daring, in-your-face look that Yves Saint Laurent especially paid attention to in 2008. MAC cosmetics are on the black lipstick bandwagon too this season offering a full collection in which is titled “style black”. In this post there is a guide on how to create the gothic look featuring MAC cosmetics. Take a look:

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Picture 37 This is a very dramatic look. Usually one either create eye-makeup that is dramatic or one chooses to focus on the lips making them dramatic. Adding drama to both eyes and lips is rare and caution should be taken when creating this look since it includes both a cat-eye and very dark lips. Pale or light tanned skin works best when creating this look. Apply foundation to even out skin tone, line eyes very precisely too. For more information on how to create this look and to purchase the products in which are necessary  from MAC Cosmetics click here.

Picture 36 This look is the most dramatic of them all and to be honest with you, I think one could only pull this off on the runway. However, for the brave ladies out there this look requires a lot of mascara, black lipstick and black eye shadow. One does not have to have pale or lightly tanned skin to pull this look off either. I actually believe that it would look better on darker skin. Begin by applying black eyeliner beyond the eyelid as well as on the bottom of the rim of your eye. Apply plenty of mascara and a light coral blush. For more information on how to create this look and to purchase the products in which are necessary  from MAC Cosmetics click here.

Picture 38This look in my opinion is the most subtle of them all. The deep red lipstick is very simple to pull off. But I would recommend that one keeps the eye make-up much simpler since that will make the deep red lipstick pop more. For more information on how to create this look and to purchase the products in which are necessary  from MAC Cosmetics click here.

Picture 39 This is actually my favorite look of them all. It’s incredibly fierce and actually has a nude/peach lip which allows for the eyeliner to break through and become incredibly noticeable. I believe this look would be suitable for any skin color too. For more information on how to create this look and to purchase the products in which are necessary  from MAC Cosmetics click here.

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On a different note…

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The photo below made my entire day. Women look at editorials and usually state, “I want her lips.”, “I want hair like that!”, etc. in today’s world it is so rare for women to look at a photo and say, “Wow. She looks like me.” and leave it at that. Millions of women around the globe are looking at the picture below and telling themselves “I look like that.” – I did not realize how good it feels to see women who actually look like you and I am so happy about this increase in demand for more curvy models. I am glad women have had enough of no diversity and no variety in models. I believe there should be room for thin models and more curvy models too. What do you think? Pick up the November issue of Glamour magazine to see this photo and more.

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I agree with Crystal Renn to some extent, in reference to the quote above. I hated referring to her as a “plus-size model” but in today’s world, that is what she is considered to be. Despite my agreement I do feel that it is a little silly to suggest that all models should just be referred to as a “a model”. There are always going to be different types of models that are used for different purposes and therefore there will be different divisions in which those models belong to. I also feel that the term “plus-size” is offensive simply because the women in which are considered plus-size are only a size 6 and up. The average American woman is a size 12! So, I do agree with Ms. Renn that the term plus-size model should be eliminated; it is simply offensive.

Sources: tmagazine.com, maccosmetics.com, glamour.com, independent.co.uk, kimkardashian.celebuzz.com