Win Rachel Leigh's Sex and the City-inspired Belt!

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Coco is wearing:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Pale Purple Confetti Dress
Abaete Sorbet Stripe Anly Cardigan (Sold Out)
L.A.M.B. Tansy Navy Leather
Rachel Leigh Inspired studded belt

Fatal Attraction 2 Fashion and Chickdowntown are teaming up to give away Rachel Leigh's awesome Sex and the City-inspired studded belt (valued at US$150) to one lucky reader.

All you have to do is come up with the most creative outfit using only this belt and other items from Chickdowntown.

You can use anything you like to put together this outfit whether it's a Photoshop collage or using Polyvore to assemble the items - you can even draw it if you want! Just make sure to mention which items you've used when sending in your entry.


CONTEST DETAILS

How to enter:

1. Leave your name and the url link to your entry on this post. Be sure to mention which items have been used to create your outfit.

2. Send your contact information (name provided in the comment entry and a valid email address) to fatalfashionattraction@hotmail.com with the title “Chickdowntown contest”.

Eligibility

No purchase necessary. The contest is open to U.S residents over the age of 18 at the time of this contest.

Contest period

All entries must be received by 12 A.M ET on March 12, 2009. The top five (5) entries will be chosen on March 18, 2009 and the winner will then be selected by readers voting for their favourite entry.

Other information

This prize is not redeemable for cash.

The winner will be required to send their full name and shipping information to fatalfashionattraction@hotmail.com within 10 days of notification. Failure to do so will result in the selection of the finalist with the second highest number of votes as the winner.

The sponsor is not responsible for and shall not be liable for late, lost, misdirected or unsuccessful efforts to notify the winner. The act of entering this contest constitutes acceptance of the Contest rules.

Special thanks again to Chickdowntown, a great place for women's clothes, for this fabulous Rachel Leigh Studded Belt! Be sure to check out their revamped fashion blog to get the latest news about the designers such as Current Elliott, CC Skye, and Genetic Denim!

Want to know what Chickdowntown is up to? Follow them on Twitter, YouTube, MySpace, and Chick Downtown TV.

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Birthday Spots and Stripes

I didn't get to go out on my birthday last weekend because I was feeling quite under the weather (great timing huh? Sheesh!), so I went out this Saturday instead with my mother and sister for dinner and a round of mini-golf. Here's the outfit I wore:

Vintage Leopard Print Dolman Sleeve Blouse - Etsy, Brown Cinch Belt - Thrifted, Black Cami - Unknown, Pinstriped Full Skirt - Express, T-Bar Sandals - Old Navy

Oh yeah, I got a fringe cut a few weeks ago and it was a spur of the moment decision actually. I was flipping through an old magazine that my hairdresser had in the room and I saw a model with a fringed hairdo which I thought looked cool so I decided I'd get one as well. Unfortunately, it looks a little weird in the pic below because the wind was blowing it out all night.




When it comes to birthday gifts, people tend not to know what to get me unless I let them know specifically, so most just usually end up giving me money - which, of course, is A-OK with me!

After a very long, seemingly hopeless search for affordable shoes in my size (11/12) that I actually like, I finally found these two pairs which I purchased with the money I received. Can't wait till they arrive!

Nine West Women's Lahdidah Shootie
Price: US$56.90

Fitzwell Fanny
Price: US$69.00

I am also eagerly anticipating the arrival of some recently purchased items from Love Colour- Love Tights (Thanks Marian!), Etsy and Ebay - here are a few of my favourite purchases below.

Pleated Bolero from konane

Vintage Griffin Belt Buckle from 5andDime

Black Long Drapey Open-front Thingie from cotton fields

Floral and Striped Tights from Love Colour, Love Tights.

Vintage Diamond-Shaped Sunglasses from Forever Vintage Sunglasses

Woohoo! I love birthdays, especially milestones like the 21st. Hopefully people will still care about me this much when I'm 30.

Speaking of caring, I can always count on my lovely friends in the blogosphere to make me feel appreciated. I recently received the Cute's Blogger and the Your Blog is Fabulous awards from Hiking in Stilettos and Searching the Inner Me, respectively. Thanks so much ladies!

Cute's Blogger and Your Blog is Fabulous Rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2.Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.
3Be sure to link your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received the award.

For these awards, I nominate:

Style Spot, The House of Style, Walking in Midgie's Boots, The Ongoing Project, Vain and Vapid, We Wear Things, With Love..., Wendiva, Africana in Atlanta, All in your Innerspace, Along the Shore, Aphex Nation, Asian Cajuns, Budget Chic, I Am Style-ish, Femme Rationale, Dapper Kid

You can pick one or have 'em both!

P.S Don't feel obligated to pass on these awards, especially if you've already received them.

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend, take care!

Sale Alert - Akira

How is it that I have never come across this store, Akira, before? Has it been under a rock this whole time? (or have I?)

My first instinct was to keep my newfound discovery all to myself with the fervent possessiveness of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings. However, after realizing that it actually is impossible to buy everything they have in stock and that other people most likely already know about it anyway, I decided I'd pass on this sale info to you lovely readers.

For anyone else who has never heard of it before, here's a little bit of info on the store. Akira is a Chicago-based store that offers a wide range of Women's and Men's Clothing, Footwear, and Accessories from well known labels as well as up-and-coming designers. Akira also has a private label that is described as "the perfect way to get a fashion forward look without paying a designer price."

Akira is currently having a sale where you can get 30% off selected Women's clothing and it's insane the kind of items they have at such low prices! What I've listed below is just a very small selection of the clothing available. There were just too many stylish and affordable items - on sale and at regular prices - to list here.

Akira Waist Tie Tunic
Price: US$25.20

Steve Madden Rytz Shoe
Price: US$67.20

Akira Plaid Chiffon Top
Price: US$23.40

Akira Lavish Dress
Price: US$45.60

Akira Oxford Trim
Price: US$44.40

Mieko Mellucci Herringbone Long Blazer
Price: US$29.40

Akira Knit Skinny Pants
Price: US$17.40

Mieko Mellucci Celebration Dress
Price: US$41.40

Mieko Mellucci Western Fringed Vest
Price: US$35.40

Ben Sherman Arden Skinny Trousers
Price: US$77.40

Click here to visit the Akira home page and click here to check out what other items they have on sale!

Also, in other good news, my birthday is coming up on Sunday (the big 2-1)! I won't be having a party or any huge affair but I'll probably be going out somewhere. I'll try to locate a camera and post photos of whatever outfit I wear :)

Who Styled It Better?

During the course of this blog (and for quite a while before), I have spent a great deal of time browsing various online stores for the best prices on great clothing. One thing that strikes me every time I visit these stores is the styling of the clothing - whether it is on the home page or the individual item pages.

Topshop home page.

I usually prefer when items are shown on a model and attractively styled rather than flat against a white background. It helps me to get a better idea of how the item would look if I were to purchase it and see the possibilities of how it could be worn.

Despite not being able to afford most of the items on designer websites, I still enjoy browsing through them to ogle the gorgeous clothes for sale.

Usually if an item is offered on more than one site, the price will be practically the same wherever it's sold. Therefore each store needs to make their item seem more appealing to potential customers and this is achieved through interesting styling.

Items from eLUXURY's Spring 2009 page.

Online store styling may not always be the most creative or groundbreaking but it is important that it focusses on highlighting the best aspects of the garment whether it be fabric, colour, construction or special details, while also paying attention to other things such as accessories, hair and makeup (the last two apply if it is shown on a model rather than a mannequin).

I have picked out a few items from different stores below for comparison. Which of these items would you choose based on the styling alone?

CHARLOTTE RONSON BELTED VEST

(L) Shopbop.com, (R) DJPremium



CHLOÉ SCALLOPED SKIRT

(L) Saks Fifth Avenue, (R) Bergdorf Goodman

RAG & BONE ELONGATED BLAZER

(L) Bergdorf Goodman, (M) Shopbop.com, (R) Cusp



ELIZABETH AND JAMES PLEATED HAREM PANTS

(L) OTTE, (R) eLUXURY



DKNY SILK CASHMERE SHRUG

(L) Shopbop.com, (R) Net-A-Porter.com



ANLO JAMIE SKINNY JEAN, ABYSS WASH

(L) Krista K Boutique, (R) eLUXURY



VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ANGLOMANIA NEW PETITE JACKET

(L) Net-A-Porter.com, (M) Urban Outfitters, (L) My-Wardrobe.com



ALEXANDER WANG COMBO DRESS

(L) eLUXURY, (R) Saks Fifth Avenue

None of these do it for you? Tell me how you would have styled them in the comments!

Ten Things (and more)

It's about time I actually do at least one of the tags I've been given (my apologies for the ones I've had to skip). This one was given to me by Tamia of The Style Sample.

So, in no particular order, here are:


TEN THINGS I LOVE

Sleep

Bargain hunting

The thrill of a new romantic interest (I haven't had one of these in quite a while...hmm...I miss it)

Being in the company of people who have a great sense of humour.

Creativity in any form

God, my family, friends

Cute, funny and slightly awkward guys (e.g. Michael Cera)

When inspiration strikes at the most unexpected times.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S (Even though I've watched all ten seasons, I can always rely on this show to make me laugh until my sides split.

People who are genuine and aren't afraid to do their own thing.


TEN THINGS I LOATHE

Seeing people spit...ugh, so gross....

Having to catch two buses to school in the merciless midday sun - a journey which also includes a fair amount of walking from one bus station to the next. Luckily I don't have to do this anymore :)

Arrogance as well as self-pity.

When guys say words like "nipple" or "giggle". It makes me cringe for some reason.

When applications 'quit unexpectedly' before I have the chance to save any work.

Mushy, affectionate nicknames that some couples use like 'baby', 'boo' or...*gasp*...'pumpkin'. I especially hate it when guys attempt to call me nicknames that so obviously do not suit me. I am 5' 10" and a guy once referred to me as 'shorty'. Cue exasperated sigh and dramatic eye roll.

Seeing women being trashy and throwing away their dignity just for a man's attention.

Cigarette smoke.

Alcohol.

Slugs, frogs, roaches and any other creature you'd have to call the Orkin Man for.


RANDOM FACTS

Once, when I was about five years old, I thought it would be a good idea to see what Toilet Bowl Cleaner felt like on my skin. Bad idea.

I love a good chick-lit read. The last one I read was Lip Kisses by Stella Chaplin. Hilarious.

I have a small collection of money from different countries in the world that I got from by father when he used to go on business trips. I have only actually been to two of these countries in my life (Trinidad and England) but I hope to change this in the future.

I have a fear of elevators that stems from watching some show when I was very young where an elevator cord snapped and plummeted its occupants several stories to their deaths. Apparently I never got over it.

I do not own a cell phone or a watch at this point in time.

I cannot stand the smell or taste of peanuts. Another childhood trauma that involves a bad jar of oily, chunky peanut butter and the regurgitation of the contents of aforementioned jar. Man, I have a lot of unresolved issues.





Below are the latest fashion blogger illustrations: Tavi of Style Rookie (top) and Karla of Karla's Closet (bottom).







This is not a tag but I thought I'd share a few of the many beautiful songs I can never get enough of:

Worry about you by Ivy

Sunday by Sia


Sophia by Nerina Pallot


Songs that we sing by Charlotte Gainsbourg


Come here boy by Imogen Heap

P.S a reminder to U.S residents to check out the Piperlime contest below for the chance to "Win a day in Rachel Zoe's shoes". You have until 11:59 p.m ET, January 25, 2009.

Would you like to 'Win a Day in Rachel Zoe's Shoes'?

For the fans of hyper-stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe, boy do I have the opportunity of a lifetime for you. Piperlime is offering you fashionistas a chance to 'Win a day in Rachel Zoe's shoes'.

photo courtesy dailymail.co.uk

All you have to do is register on Piperlime's contest page by January 25, 2009 (7 days!) and you'll be automatically entered into the sweepstakes, no purchase necessary.

As for those of you who aren't too keen on the Zoe, there's still something in it for you. Piperlime will award the winner a fabulous $10,000 grand prize package consisting of:

- A three day stay at the glamourous Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for you and a friend.
- Roundtrip airfare to Los Angeles for two.
- Transportation to and from the airport, to meet Rachel,
- $2,000 each towards a shopping spree at Rachel's favourite hot spots.
- $500 each towards Piperlime shoes.

That prize is just....bananas! Even without Rachel Zoe in the picture that package is a sweet deal.

Unfortunately the contest is only open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry, but I'll definitely be looking out for international contests in the future.

To all of you who can enter, get over there now and get your entry in before time runs out!

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

Keyhole Back Drape Dress
Price: US$19.50

Double Strap Sequins Dress
Price: US$49.75

Bop Basics Baseball Tee Dress
Price: US$45.00

Sexy Contrast Trim Knit Dress
Price: US$46.69

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?