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Sunday, November 14, 2010

Georgia May Jagger: The New Face of Fashion at 18

She's been compared to Brigitte Bardot and has been known as her father's daughter...until now. Jagger is storming out of her father's shadow as the face of several fall 2010 ad campaigns including Hudson jeans and Chanel . Her gap-toothed haughty look says "I'm dangerous, but how can I be? I'm in [fill in designer label name here]!"  And Christmas is apparently coming early for Jagger. In addition to her gigs with some of the highest fashion houses in the biz, she is also the cover girl for Harper's Bazaar's November issue and Vogue Australia's December issue (see pics below). Move over Kate Moss! There's a new girl in town.

Harper's Bazaar




Vogue




Photo Credit: Heidi Slimane for Harper’s Bazaar
Thursday, November 11, 2010

Stop Saying Versace like 'Ver-say-see.' It's 'Ver-sah-chee.'


I don't consider myself a fashion snob, but it is definitely a huge pet peeve of mine when someone tries to impress me with their couture lingo and mispronounces designer names. I can't help but simultaneously chuckle and cry inside when someone says 'Ver-say-see' for Versace when they really mean 'Ver-sah-chee.' After conducting some research, I have compiled a list of commonly mispronounced designer names. After debunking all of your linguistic conundrums I expect all of my RemChic monsters to go out into the world honoring the phonetics of these designers' names. For a more in depth list, check out tristinstyling.

Balmain: Bal-mah
Bulgari: Ball-gah-ree
Burberry Prorsum: Bur-bur-ree Pror-some
Carolina Herrera: Caro-leena Hair-era
Christian Louboutin: Loo-boo-tin
Dries Van Noten: Drees Van Know-ten
Emilio Pucci: Eh-mi-li-oh Poo-ch-ee
Furla: Fer-luh
Givenchy: Jee-von-shee
Hermès: Air-mez
Jean Paul Gaultier: John Paul Gal-tee-aye
Lanvin: Lon-vin
Louis Vuitton: Loo-ee Voo-ee-ton
Marchesa: Mar-kay-sa
Moschino: Mo-ski-no
Monique Lhullier: Mo-neek Loo-lee-ay
Rodarte: Ro-dar-tay
Versace: Ver-sah-chee
Yves Saint Laurent: Eve San Lor-ron
Zac Posen: Poe-zen

Photo Credit: http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/cat_531/index3.html

Sunday, November 07, 2010

Ask RemChic: What to Wear to Fall & Winter Weddings


Whenever I think of wedding season I usually think late March/early April...a garden...a classic Cymbeline floor-length number...oh, wait, I'm fantasizing about my own wedding...again. Well, there is a point to my fantasy introduction: when people think 'wedding season' they think spring. Therefore, fall and winter weddings are considered unconventional and people don't always know how to dress for them. One RemChic reader will be attending two large weddings during the cooler time of the year: one in southern Arizona in mid-December and one in southern California around the beginning of January. Time to brainstorm!

Okay let's get the facts straight--both ceremonies will be held outside, receptions inside, formal attire, and roughly 200+ people. Nothing over the top. Additionally, this reader has geography on her side. Neither southern Arizona nor southern California will require outfits tailored to snow, sleet, hail, and all of the other wonderful natural elements typical of east coast winters.

I suggest buying one dress and wearing it two different ways. This is the most economical option and it lends itself to one of my favorite pastimes: mixing-and-matching. By exploring multiple ways of wearing the same dress we can dip into our existing wardrobes and stretch our creative minds.

About the Dress

The dress I've chosen is called the "Cotton Cady Aveline dress" by J.Crew. I'm fairly familiar with the reader's personal style and I know she isn't one for anything with a lot of froo-froo. This is a nice, classic option that will last beyond the winter season, and it will work with an array of accessories. She can also dress it down (which I know she will appreciate) with flats and a cardigan for a year-round look. I also chose this dress because the A-line silhouette with the plunging neckline is a flattering choice for a number of body shapes, and if this exact dress isn't to your liking, there are probably similar versions out there. This is supposed to be easy and fun, so let's save the headaches for the brides' wedding planner(s) and/or future mothers-in-law.

One thing I'd like to note is the color of the dress in the photo below. Unfortunately, the website only shows a modeled version of this dress in the off white/grayish color, but I do not recommend this color. In fact, I think it washes out the model and it is not appropriate for a wedding because it's too close to white.


Option 1: Wildflowers in Tucson

For this ensemble I was inspired by the colors of a desert sunset. I wanted to leave the neckline alone (i.e. no necklace) and give the wrists a little bling, so I chose leaf-inspired bracelet by Monet. This keeps with the earthiness emphasized in southwestern style. I also think it would be cute if the reader tossed her hair in a loose bun and pinned it with a taupe flower pin like the one I've chosen from Forever 21. It brings in the colors of the desert floor and would contrast nicely with her dark hair. Additionally, it leaves the deep v in the back open for admiration! The shoes are a simple Nine West pump, but with a low heel for dancing and mingling at the reception. After looking at the necklace, hair pin, shoes, and dress I felt the outfit could use something to bring all of it together, so I paired it with this amazing French Connection clutch. I could gobble it up it is so dang cute.

The other nice aspect of this style is that it isn't too loud. There is undoubtedly nothing worse than being the girl who is screaming for attention at another girl's wedding. If you are that desperate for limelight, I suggest you wear a straitjacket.



Option 2: Southern California Stud

After spending a lot of time between Tucson and southern California I can honestly say that California's style persona is a little bit more on the oomph side, while Tucsonians appreciate subtle, sandy ensembles. The look above could definitely work in California, but seeing as it's more on the classic side, I want to push the boundaries a little more with this second outfit. Between daily celeb faux paux and the Real Housewives of Orange County, I think California can handle it.

The shoes are a peep toe bootie from Moda Spana. Peep toe booties are all the rage this season and have been seen on the runways of Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, and more. To add to the edgy vibe I've chosen a studded cross-body bag from Target. Cross-body bags are another hit this season, and I love carrying mine when I go out because you can just throw your essentials in one place and go! And finally, I chose a simple silver two-finger ring to finish the outfit from Urban Outfitters.


Other Tips and Tricks

You can always dress this outfit down by substituting heels for flats. Kate Spade has a ton of really cute ones that are semi-dressy. Also, for those chilly evenings, I would recommend grabbing a viscose cardigan. Wear it open over the dress and or you could even try throwing on a thin waist belt over it. Don't forget to use a good make up primer so your make up stays in place all afternoon/evening without you having to reapply. Yay!

Photo Credit: http://ruffledblog.com/maggie-zacs-handmade-fall-wedding-2/
Friday, November 05, 2010

Label Whores and Passive Dressers Sacrifice Self-Expression


When I woke up this morning I was feeling inspired by Marc Jacobs and his backwards cardigan, so I rummaged through my closet and found this gray and navy striped number that I have been ignoring for some time. After fastening the buttons and slipping it over my head, I threw on a jangling necklace from Urban Outfitters and briskly left the house. When it only takes me three minutes to dress myself, I know it's going to be a good day.

I really didn't even give a second thought to my ensemble until I grabbed my usual Thursday afternoon frozen yogurt. I unexpectedly felt a tap on my shoulder and slowly turned around till I was facing a complete stranger. I was a little taken aback, but when an army of single file buttons has your back (literally) you can't be terribly afraid.

"Excuse me, but is your sweater on backwards?" he said. Mind you, this came from an averagely dressed college guy. Based on what I saw at face value, I wouldn't say he was a fashion guru, but rather more of a t-shirt and jeans type. And he mistakenly called my cardigan a sweater. But who knows.

"Yes..." I replied.

"Oh, so it's fully buttoned in the back?"

"Yes..."

My frozen yogurt was melting, taking all of the Heath bar crumbled with it like quicksand. I wasn't exactly annoyed, more like confused. And the funny part is I think he was confused, too. I don't think he was trying to compliment me and was just really bad at giving compliments; I felt like he was...concerned.

"Is it supposed to be like that?"

"Yes." Apparently, third times a charm when you use monosyllabic responses like "Yes" because the conversation ended there. But after my mish-mosh of chocolately delight and I awkwardly walked away I started thinking about his question, "Is it supposed to be like that?"

When I told him my top was supposed to be backwards, that was a logical, honest reply. I intentionally dressed myself that way, and someone aware of Marc Jacobs fall 2010 RTW collection would definitely be able to see that I derived inspiration from a "higher" fashion source. But if you aren't aware of this connection, my garment choice would certainly come off as aberrant and off-putting. This reaction is somewhat disappointing.

We are products of a society driven by systems that emphasize "normality." I am subservient to these cognitive institutions, too. I expressed in my blurb on Marc Jacobs that I never would have thought to turn around a cardigan and wear it like so, even though it's such a simple idea. I must confess this morning when I took a one-two look in the mirror I definitely had a sublime moment. Even though it probably only lasted a fraction of a second, there was a slight dissonance evoked at the sight of something being outside of its conventional wear.

Why is turning a shirt inside out or backwards considered out-of-the-box thinking? I really don't think that Marc Jacobs has some sort of divine brain where his super thoughts allow him to conceive magical sweaters. I think he challenges himself to think, to see things from different perspectives, to envision something outside of the normal. We often applaud D.I.Y. queens and fashion legacies, yet we also turn around to our average Joes and ask "is it supposed to be like that?" It's an odd contradiction.

Admiration for innovative dress is an everyday practice. We see cute celebrities on the covers of magazines and tip our hats to the latest Dior frock, but how often to we challenge our own capacity for style? Why does it matter what anything is supposed to be? And who is the agent who dictates these rules? It all goes back to one thing: self expression. Label whores and people who have literally given up on their appearances are sacrificing their ability to express through style. What a shame.

So this brings us to the poly-fold moral of my story/rant- Extracting inspiration from novel designs is definitely not a crime. Wearing novel designs because they help you express who you are is not a crime. These are the building blocks for a sense of community within the fashion realm. However, you should always push yourself to create your own outfits as if they were the last opportunity you have to express yourself. After all, it's not just an outfit, it's what you live you life in.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Lanvin for H&M Video Released

While getting my daily fix of Harper's Bazaar, I came across the Lanvin for H&M promo video and found myself gobbling up oodles of slippery dresses and coats that remind me of garments Cruella de Vil would wear (in a good, faux animal print kind of way). The noir-meets-Marvel-meets-Gaga video was released in order to showcase the 44 piece collection, scheduled to hit stores November 23. The pieces are shiny, romantic, and a-symmetrical. The video depicts these exact themes. Fierce, confident females march around the hotel halls while Lanvin scribbles hearts and handsome men tries to woo hot mess blondes. The filming techniques and weird music give the short film an odd erotic twist. It sort of makes you feel uncomfortable in a Beckett-esque way...kinda vain, kinda runway-ish, but still kinda love it. As for the collection I love color choices (red, mustard, turquoise), exaggerated poof sleeves, and the robe-like trench coats. Below are my favorite looks and if you crave more, check out the video and the full lookbook!


Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Oohs and Awes for Marc Jacobs Backward Cardigans

If only Marc Jacobs was 20 years younger and straight. He is really my ideal man: dark features, an amazing dresser, and "intelligent" is an understatement. What makes Jacobs such an admirable designer is his ability to reinvent classics in the most ingenious way that makes you say, "why didn't I think of that?" This season I'm loving his Backwards Crew-Neck Cardigan. I literally live my life in cardigans, and I've never even thought about turning it around for a whole new look. You really can't beat that kind of innovative thinking. If you are loving this look, but not the $995 price, check out this awesome article by Who What Wear on a really simple D.I.Y. project a la Marc Jacobs. I'm definitely going to try this at home! Kudos Jacobs, and if you have a nephew that's remotely like you...have him call me.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2011: All the more reason to love Christopher Bailey

My utopia consists of a closet filled with every piece Christopher Bailey has created for Burberry Prorsum. And a big red ottoman. I wrote a post on some of his work this summer, and I anticipated his spring 2011 show like a child anticipates Santa's arrival. This season's collection is called Heritage Biker and is very fitting. For example, Bailey throws a lime green belt against a mauve-ish/gray-ish coat and snake skin leggings in a way that says "I'm hot, chic, fierce...AND I ride a BMW motorcycle." This 50-piece collection paid tribute to Burberry's illustrious past while also pushing the edge, literally. The collection is full of signature Burberry trench coats, yet they are shrunken, studded, and paired with anything and everything skin-tight.

Of course many of you know I am partial to neutral color pallets. For me, beige, brown, black, white...charcoal...they're really all I need. This collection demonstrates that these colors can be transformed through textile into a work of art. I truly believe you could have an entire wardrobe of neutrals and each piece could be completely innovative. I also think that working with color, at times, can be easier than working with neutrals because they are colors that have been worked and reworked for centuries. My favorite looks in this collection are definitely the ones that are all "neutral," even though I appreciate the splashes of color Bailey presents. Anywho, here are my favorite looks. Enjoy!


Photos from...http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2011RTW-BURBERRY

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Kingston Rossdale: The most fashionable child....ever


If you told me five years ago that I'd someday be envious of a 4 year-old's wardrobe I probably would have asked you how much you had to drink that day. However, today I find myself admiring Kingston Rossdale's prekindergarten leather jackets and super cool unlaced boots. Although I feel a little guilty finding fashion inspiration through a child whose privacy has undoubtedly been exploited, Rossdale's fierce style is so wrong, yet so right. I mean, I guess it was inevitable seeing as his parents are the epitome of rocker chic. Anyways, wow this kid is super stylin' and now I've exposed the fact that I've Google stalked a kid who probably reads Dr. Seuss and goes to bed before 8:00 p.m... I'm a creep.

photos from Just Jarred

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Runway Review: Michael Kors RTW Spring 2011


When I first looked through the 64 looks of this mega collection I didn't really see the underlying message. But after reading a few other reviews (shoot me for not having an original, unresearched interpretation) I agree with other fashion critics that this collection is a winner.

So what is the cohesive thread that holds his collection together? Well, Kors views the collection as a tribute to nature and the simplicity of being, something that he refers to as a "green awakening." Kors looked to his own backyard for inspiration, particularly the splendor he has encountered while living in Water Island, New York City, and Big Sur. The color choices are definitely sensible: mostly white, green, and beige with a splashes of sky blue, thulian pink, and springtime yellow throughout the collection. Looking at the way the pieces in this collection flow as they are modeled down the runway emulates a natural breeze. These garments are definitely boardwalk-friendly.

My favorite looks are featured above. I love the belted suit on the far left because it's classic and something I could see women wearing on the beaches of the Virgin Islands and on either coast. I think this speaks to the different geographical areas Kors is trying to represent through his collection. Additionally, I love the potato-sack meets mod dresses, especially the bright yellow and beige ones pictured. I'm not sure why I find this silhouette so appealing, especially because I tend to favor figure-flattering pieces, but there's something about the simplicity of this design that I like. I also love the makeup and hair choices. They are au naturale and gorgeous, and literally that is all you need to say about them- definitely applaud-worthy choices on Kors' part.

I definitely am not keen on the majority of the menswear looks in this collection. Most of them remind me of Grey's Anatomy--trench coats thrown over scrubs. It was like a dozen McDreamys strutting down the runway trying to hide the sexcapade they had moments before heading to the hospital. Kinda hot, but only Patrick Dempsey's fictional character could pull these ensembles off.

Here's a recap of Michael Kors' Spring 2011 RTW collection. To see the full collection, visit Style.com or Women's Wear Daily.

SEMI-SHEER WHITE LINEN
BUCKET HATS
BELTED ONE-PIECE SWIMSUITS
RELAXED
OPEN CUT COATS AND CARDIGANS
RUSTIC SEA-SIDE
FLATS
NATURE-INSPIRED


Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Yikes, I've been busy. But I'll be back this weekend!


I
t's always around this time of year when things get a wee bit hectic. I'm currently a contributing writer for Sedona Monthly Magazine and the Arizona Daily Wildcat, and have been working 9 hours a week at the University of Arizona Press in addition to my part-time job at the University of Arizona's Event Planning Office. Did I mention I'm taking 15 credit hours and tutoring students at Pima Community College who are learning English as a second language? Oh, and then there's my internship with College Fashion where I am managing and editing biweekly blog posts from my team of 11 interns. Holy cannoli. I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but I totally am not. I absolutely love everything I'm doing and what brings me down are two inevitable events that I can't ever seem to prevent: one, RemChic falls by the wayside and two, my seasonal allergies kick in and cause me to fall even more behind. Thank you all for being patient with me and just so you know, I will be working on RemChic this Friday evening/night and will be bringing you a ton of fresh content this weekend, especially some great reports on NY Fashion Week (which ends today, sadly). Please stay tuned and thank you so much for your continuous support and loyalty. Until this Friday, you can enjoy this silly picture I took of myself. I think it captures how braindead I feel at the end of each 10 hour day haha. Xo!
Friday, September 10, 2010

Quotes & Couture X

"The perfect accessory can make the difference between looking blah and totally to die for."
-Michael Kors
Saturday, September 04, 2010

RemChic Recommends: Must-Have Products September 2010


This month I am focusing on a handful of this fall's most amazing trends: gray, bra alternatives, and trousers/pants with edge. These are among my favorite trends and believe you me, I have been shopping my little heart out trying to find the best pieces to represent these style crazes. Gray is definitely the hottest color this season and is frequently paired with camel a la Michael Kors. However, because camel (in my opinion) only goes well with certain (and very few) skin tones, I have chosen to focus on gray as a singular entity. Grays this season are coming in a variety of hues from heather gray to charcoal to grayish blue. I personally have been buying gray in dolman sleeve silhouettes. I don't know if this is coincidence or part of the trend, but I just love dolman cut tops. Additionally, the September issue of Harper's Bazaar had a great article on the recent braless trend. Now, I know this isn't for everyone, but i my opinion, as long as nobody knows your braless, you're in the clear. I say secretly braless is better than faux paux exposed bra straps- ick! For those of you who are sick and tired of the traditional underwire bra, but aren't ready to go braless, RemChic has you covered! I've chosen some really cute and comfy bra alternatives, commonly referred to as "bralettes." A word of warning: if you need support, these probably aren't for you. And as far as hardcore trousers, well we owe that to the Olsen twins and their Fall 2010 RTW collection of The Row. Look out for motorcyle-inspired trousers, silk versions, and mixed media pants, such as baggy liquid fabrics with leather pockets. Of course, black is a must for this item. Alright, now that you've been briefed, let's get to it!

Remember, all of the products are in the scroll box below, and if you are interested in purchasing any of the items simply click on the photo and it will take to you a site where you can purchase it! Yay!