Sunday, January 11, 2009

Curve Huggers, Vogue China Ed and New Illustration

If you've got it, and you wanna flaunt it, then go all out in a figure-hugging freakum dress.

Form-fitting dresses were first popularized on the runway by 'The King of Cling' Azzedine Alaia who introduced his Lycra creations during the late 1980s and later by Herve Leger whose signature 'bandage' dresses are highly sought after to this day.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford was one of the first celebrities to don one of Herve Leger's provocative bandage dresses, as seen in the photo below.


photo courtesy zimbio.com


Many Spring 2009 collections from designers such as Narciso Rodriguez, Alexander Wang, Balmain as well as Herve Leger featured body con dresses in styles ranging from elegant to sexy to edgy.


photos courtesy style.com


90210 stars Annalynne McCord and Jessica Stroup worked the 2009 People's Choice Awards red carpet in sexy Guess by Marciano and Herve Leger dresses, respectively.

Kate Winslet looked incredible in a Balmain Spring 2009 dress at the L.A premiere of Revolutionary Road.

While not necessarily the most appropriate choice for an event like the Critic's Choice Awards, there's no denying that Amanda Bynes looked fantastic in her hot pink Herve Leger dress.


photos courtesy celeb-gossip.net, fashionising.com and egotastic.com


Care to pour yourself in a fabulous, curve-hugging dress? Check out these affordable options below.



X Factor Dress
Price: US$49.99



Leopard Fitted Dress
Price: US$54.90



Mafia Girl Zip Tube Dress
Price: US$48.00








ASOS Mesh Strap Body Con Dress
Price: UK£14 (US$28.00)



Rivet Halter Dress
Price: US$49.99




Spring is quickly approaching and with it comes many beautiful Spring-inspired magazine photo spreads. I gotta say, my heart skipped a few beats when I came across this stunning editorial from the February 2009 issue of Vogue China. The clothes, the hair, the makeup, the model...fresh and gorgeous. Just the way a Spring editorial should be!


Spring Rhapsody
Photographer: Daniel Jackson
Model: Liu Wei







photos courtesy thefashionspot.com




Also, here is the newest addition to the Inspirational Fashion Blogger series - Marian from The House of Style.




Thoughts?

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Bloggers: Illustrated

Hey all! I realized that I totally forgot to wish everyone a happy new year in my last post - so sorry! I hope you've all had a great start to the new year and I wish you all a wonderful 2009!

Today, I thought I'd share some illustrations I did between yesterday and today. They're all hand drawn, scanned and then coloured freehand in Photoshop.

This series of illustrations based on fashion bloggers whose personal style I find inspiring. First on the list are Rumi from Fashion Toast, Jane from Sea of Shoes and Susie B. from Style Bubble.

Note: Click on the blogger's name to see the original photo and click on blog name to go to the blog home page.


Susie B. (Style Bubble)


What do you guys think? Who else would make an interesting subject?

Monday, January 5, 2009

Get It For Way Less - Sunner Park Jumpsuit

A chic and modern alternative to the classic LBD is the LBJ - Long Black Jumpsuit.

The jumpsuit is usually a tricky item of clothing that conjures up horrific images of the dreaded camel-toe. However, when done correctly, the LBJ can be sleek, sophisticated and effortlessly sexy.

Check out these fantastic tips from StyleBites on how to find the right jumpsuit to suit your body type.

The Spring 2009 collections of Dries Van Noten, Collette Dinnigan, Stella McCartney and Sonia Rykiel all featured LBJs in a variety of styles.


photos courtesy style.com


This fab silk-charmeuse LBJ from Sunner features a high collared halter neckline, 4-snap closure at front, elasticated waist and wide pant legs.



Sunner Park Jumpsuit
Price: US$436.00


For my more budget-conscious friends out there, I found an incredibly affordable alternative at Asos. While they are both very similar in design, the matte black jersey fabric of the Asos version seems to be more flattering and forgiving.



ASOS Wide Leg Halter Jumpsuit
Price: UK
£39.15 (US$58.73)

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Bewitching Bows

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!


I hope you're all thoroughly enjoying the holidays. I, myself, have had quite a lot to deal with over the past few weeks. School work, as many of you know, can be extremely challenging, time-consuming and stressful. On top of that, I've had to deal with my laptop - which has all my files from the past year - being stolen and plenty of family issues.

However, despite all this, I think it's important to focus on all the blessings I do have and to continue to be happy no matter what happens. On Christmas Eve, I did something I've never done before. I went with a group of people from my church to give a Christmas meal, gifts and lots of love at a men's homeless shelter. It was such a fantastic experience being able to put smiles on the faces of those who don't have much else. I encourage all of you, if you haven't already, to give something meaningful to those who are less fortunate especially during this holiday season.

Speaking of gifts, what better time is there than the Christmas holidays to adorn yourself in gorgeous bows?

They made a chic appearance in many Spring 2009 shows such as Requiem, Chanel, Giambattista Valli and Moschino. (Interesting how they're all done in a black and white colour scheme huh?)




One of my favourite uses of bows in the Spring 2009 collections has to be these gorgeous black and white booties from Chanel. *Drool* Oh Karl, you will always have my heart...



While you and I may not be able to afford Chanel at this very moment, you can indulge in some pretty fab and inexpensive alternatives below.





Price: $29.99







Satin Bow Cardigan
Price: US$22.80



Bow Leather Glove
Price: UK£8.00 (US$11.75)






ASOS Bow Back Satin Court Shoes
Price: UK
£30.00 (US$18.00)





ASOS Bow One Shoulder Top
Price:
UK£20.00 (US$30.00)






Raspberry Bow Detail Tights
Price: UK£5.00 (US$7.35)



Monday, December 1, 2008

Fine Jewelry Finds

If you're one who is into fine jewelry or looking to purchase an item for a loved one, I found a great store that would be perfect for you.

My Jewelry Box.com is an online store devoted to bringing "the latest in fine jewelry styling at an everyday low price." They have obviously stayed true to their mission as the store boasts plenty of positive testimonials from customers pleased with the products and services they received.

I'm always relieved when I come across well-organized online stores because it makes for a great, stress-free shopping experience. My Jewelry Box.com makes navigation simple with basic jewelry categories such as Earrings, Rings and Pendants placed prominently at the top of the site as well as other categories in the sidebars such as Popular Searches, Price and Featured Collections that help to further refine your searches.

If money isn't a concern, you may enjoy browsing sections such as Diamond Stud Earrings (because they're just so classic and beautiful - you really can't go wrong there.) and Blue Topaz Jewelry (because blue is even more gorgeous when it's combined with semi-precious stones.)

However, for those who are being a little more budget conscious this holiday season like I am, there are also many lovely and interesting pieces to choose from under $50.

Here are some of my favourites listed below: