Archive for January, 2010

Valentine’s Day is only two weeks away! What is on your wish list? I am liking the new key and heart pendant from Coach’s Poppy line of accessories. The bold necklace is from the exclusive collection designed by actress Michelle Trachtenberg. Some of the must-have pieces include pearl and chain necklaces, stone chandelier earrings, and chain bracelets. The busy Gossip Girl created the pretty floral baubles with a uptown, romantic vibe. The multi-color gems look great alone and are fun to wear layered together too! Check out the line at coach.com for a rockin’ spring look!

Everyone wants to do their part to assist those in Haiti who are devastated after the terrible earthquake. The Council of Fashion Designers of America and and its member designers, including Diane von Furstenberg, have created a “Fashion for Haiti” T-shirt to raise funds for Haiti. All of the  proceeds will benefit the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, which is raising funds for those in need of  immediate relief. The short-sleeved shirt will retail for only $25, so there’s really no excuse not to pick one up for the important cause.

Theory is manufacturing the shirts, on behalf of the CFDA, which will be available in both men’s and women’s styles starting February 12. You can purchase the T-shirts at various retailers nationwide and at cfda.com. I like the lime green and black logo that was designed by Peter Arnell, who also created the iconic heart T-shirt to benefit the Twin Towers Fund in 2001. I like the style too, which reminds me of the cute CFDA shirt for the Fashion’s Night Out events from last September.

The new season of Project Runway just started a couple of weeks ago, so it is still too early to predict who will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at Bryant Park. However, in 2008 we witnessed the start of a stunning career for a designer, Christian Siriano, whose unique hairstyle, the “fashion hawk,” and creative genius earned him the top spot among the fashion crowd. He became the youngest designer to win the reality fashion show, and has shown two impressive collections at New York Fashion Week. In addition, he has collaborated with Payless ShoeSource and Victoria’s Secret Beauty for exclusive editions of accessories and makeup products. Now, Siriano can add author to his growing list of projects. His first book, Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self, is available now at your local bookstore.

The book serves as a guide to finding and developing your own style. While it is full of advice on topics, including shopping and working with your body type, Siriano wanted the book to be “fun, kitschy and not super-serious.” One of my favorite chapters was his tips for looking fierce on a budget. He described fierce style as being about being confident and exuding power. He recognized that while it is fine to want to have “dream” pieces in a wardrobe, you can find more wallet-friendly choices at stores, such as H&M, Banana Republic and Forever 21. Maybe you can’t afford a Burberry trench coat. A Banana Republic trench is a wonderful option for you with great quality and fit. 

Like the rest of us recessionistas, the style guru appreciates the collaborations from Target and H&M. When a designer does a line for them, the superstore can be a hidden gem, said Siriano. It’s a no-brainer to purchase some pieces when it’s from someone like Stella McCartney, he said.

Siriano also shared his belief that fashion definitely means taking chances. One of his fans who embodies the style of a risk-taker is actress Sarah Jessica Parker. If she didn’t wear something that looked outrageous to the rest of us, she would never be dressed different, he said.  Take risks and find different things, such as a new color or a print. After all, looking fabulous for yourself is what makes you feel better about yourself, said Siriano.