#10 - DIY (Do It Yourself)

In this day and age, there are so many different types of styles. Originality is celebrated; Many people choose to radiate their originality through their style- whether is through home products, fashion, beauty products, etc. Now, sometimes eccentric and unique items are difficult to find and even when they are found, they can be expensive. That is why I encourage you all to DIY! (Do It Yourself) There are any blogs out there just dedicated to showing you some DIY's. It's a great way to spend time, get your creative juices flowing, and in the end you have a great product!

Let me show you some of my favorites:

Ombre Shorts Anyone? Well if so, check out P.S. - I made this ! They're a DIY blog for fashion, accessories, jewelry, and interiors. They're amazing and I love creating new things from there.

Or what about a bullet bracelet? Stripes and Sequins has so many great accessory DIY's. It is full of the most unique and awesome things! If you love to be different, I 'd definitely check this site out. They even have a regular blog too- discussing the latest in fashion!

A chalkboard Mug? Cute! Wit & Whistle shows so many great DIY's - lot's of interiors, and even some fashion! Looking to spice up a few rooms in your home? This is the place to look!

As you can probably tell, I am obsessed with DIY! It has only recently caught my eye but I have tried a few things and totally plan on doing more- as should you! (:

#9 - New Fashion Show Formats

         In the world of fashion, it's important to have something to set yourself apart- so people know, "Oh hey, this is definitely a _____ show." Fill in the blank.  Chanel? Marc Jacobs? Calvin Klein? Now, aside from actual designs, is there really a better way to do this than with technology? We all know the world we live in today is driven by technology. Within the past few years, many changes have occurred- social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) coming to a rise, phone applications, live streaming, etc. However, Burberry took a different approach to show their advancement in Technology. Last year, Burberry opened up their flagship store in Beijing. To celebrate the opening of this store, Burberry has a special digital experience for the audience- a holographic runway show. The show included 6 actual runway models, and many holographic models who would burst into snow flakes, multiply, or transform into another look- all by itself. Needless to say, it was beyond amazing. It's a prime example of the phenomenal things we can do with technology now, as compared to just a few years ago. Check out the video below because I am positive my description will not do it justice!

#7- Lookbooks!

A lookbook is a collection of photographs compiled to show off a model, a photographer, a style, or a clothing line. They are often assembled for marketing purposes. However, they are sometimes assembled to just give fashion tips and and advice. Many designers/stores have their own lookbooks such as, Zara and Marc Jacobs. However, there are a lot of fashion bloggers who have their own lookbooks as well, featuring key pieces from many different brands. One of my favorites being:

 Wendy has an amazing story behind her, which you can read about here, and she always puts together amazing looks! Along with some style guidance, she also provides tutorials on her youtube channel. I urge you all to check it out because you can definitely learn some great stuff from her!

Trunk Shows! Same Sky Jewelry!

Fashion shows are all about glitz and glamour but what about a trunk show? Often, trunk shows find themselves below the radar. I find this strange because they are definitely more accessible to the general public! At a fashion show, one cannot simply buy a garment right off the runway. However, a trunk show is an event in which the vendor presents the merchandise directly to the store and a customer, at a select location. Well-known designers such as, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Armani- they all have fashion shows AND trunk shows. However, there are some brands who participate in trunk shows that are not so well known. While doing a little research, I came across: Same Sky Jewelry. This past week, on March 22, 2012, The Saks Fifth Avenue store in Beverly Hills showcased a trunk show for Same Sky. The show featured fabric wrap bracelets, prosperity seed bead bracelets, signature hand-blown glass beaded bracelets and necklaces, new Hope necklaces, and hand-crocheted Unity bracelets. Stars such as Maria Bello and Sela Ward were there, supporting the brand and the cause they stand for. The team working for Same Sky, here in America, has hosted a plethora of trunk shows- at homes, venues, stores, etc. In fact, YOU can host a trunk show. Find out more details here and please check out this amazing jewelry, made by amazing people, promoting an amazing cause.

#6 - Reem Acra, Fall 2012

Reem Acra has always been one of my favorite designers and not just because she's an FIT alum! Ever since I started tuning into awards shows and saw celebrities like Olivia Wilde, Eva Longoria, and Taylor Swift wearing her gorgeous designs, I have been obsessed. She has always been able to showcase femininity, elegance, and sexiness all in one- which I think is very important. However, her Fall 2012 runway collection definitely showed some edge- and it made me love her designs even more! Her entire collection was very sleek, as the models sported slicked back pony tails and smoky eyes. There was a lot of leather which I absolutely loved; no matter what anyone says, leather will always have a special place in my fashion filled heart. Accents of sequins, cut outs, and fur were present; her color pallet consisted of black, golds, silvers, and browns. It just had an overwhelming feel of sexiness and strength- but she still kept it feminine! It was hard to pick favorites because I adore EVERY look, but here are some:

                       

 Check out this awesome video of her collection! She keeps the music simple and sleek, just like the models- hoping the attention would be drawn in by the ornate detail and precise silhouettes! And you can be sure that is exactly what happens!

#5 Academy Awards Fashion! (Better late than never)

      I know the Academy Awards were a few weeks ago, but it's not too late to blog about them! The Emmy's, SAG awards, Golden Globes- yes, I watch them all. Awards season, to me, is probably my favorite time of the year. Obviously, though, The Academy Awards takes the cake every year! I am one of those freaks who sees all the movies nominated and judges each actor/actresses performance in each film. It's one of my quirks! (: However, the fashion is my favorite part! (of course) This year's red carpet really had some WOW! moments- which I absolutely adored.

                   Mila Jovovich                  Octavia Spencer             Gwyneth Paltrow            Shailene Woodley               Rooney Mara
             Elie Saab          Tadashi Shoji      Tom Ford         Valentino         Givenchy

White, White, White! The past few award seasons we have been seeing a lot of color on the red carpet. I was thrilled to see many celebrities strayed from that and took risks with white gowns. I think it gives the fashion a whole new level of class- the crisp look is like a breath of fresh air and makes everyone else have to step up their game! This was definitely the biggest trend on the carpet.

Now, because of my clear obsession with award shows, I must share with you some of my favorites!

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen
Ahhhhh! I couldn't even contain my excitement when I saw this dress coming down the carpet. Like seriously, could it be anymore perfect? I can guarantee you that we are going to be seeing a lot more black & gold detail in the coming seasons. I'm not complaining, either. I absolutely love this trend; I think the two colors compliment each other very well. Oh, and who doesn't love a natural red head? Perfection.

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace
Okay, Okay- I know what you're thinking; Many of you are SO over her. I'm sorry though, but she is Angelina Jolie and she can do no wrong. Although this look is a lot more understated than her dress for the Golden Globes, she still looks as fabulous as ever. And if I had legs, tattoos, and a husband like that- I would show them to the world too! I mean, can you see this look of sheer happiness?

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Did I even have to say this? I'm pretty sure it could have already been inferred. Any woman who can pull of a cape on the red carpet is the epitome of sophistication, elegance, risk taking- everything you LOVE to see. I was absolutely amazed when I saw this, along with the rest of the world. For sure, this is a look that will go down in red carpet history.

Surprises?

                          Oscars 2012                                               Oscars 2007

Emma stone in Giambattista Valli
I was very excited to see Emma Stone at the Academy Awards- curious of what she was going to wear. She has really been at the top of the best-dressed lists lately, with her colorful and youthful wardrobe. However, the first thing I thought of when I saw her Giambattista Valli gown was Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga gown from 2007. Like I said, I am an awards show freak but I'm not the only one who noticed! Maybe some of you don't think this is a big deal but if you're going to The Academy Awards and you are a young, hot actress who is known for her fashion sense- you better do your research! Yes, there are differences. It is still too similar, though. Both gowns are absolutely beautiful- but this repeat look is just not okay!

 

Roony Mara in Givenchy Couture

I know this has been controversial among many fashion critics but you have to give Rooney some credit! She rarely ventures away from the color black, probably because she is so used to playing the role as Lisbeth Sanders in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. (which I recommend you ALL see because it is amazing!) I, for one, love everything about Rooney Mara and I am sure as she adjusts to her fame she'll take a few more risks in the fashion world. She stays true to herself, though- and you have to love an actress who can do that! It's not the best she has ever looked, but Givenchy's couture collection was absolutely exquisite and there is no way she could have picked a wrong gown. I'm always excited to see what she's going to wear next and now that she broke the cycle of all black- I am even more excited!

So what are your thoughts? Please tell me I am not the only Awards show freak out there...

#4 - Understanding a fashion blog!

Since I'm new to the whole "fashion blogging" world, I thought "hey maybe some of my readers are new too!" Because of that I thought it'd be nice if we dissected a fashion blog to really get an understanding of how much fashion lingo is used throughout one entry. This competitive and creative industry basically has it's own language and for one to get ahead in the world of fashion- you need to notice and use it! One of the most prominent fashion blogs out there is, The New York Time's "On the Runway". Cathy Horyn, the largest contributor to the blog, never fails to leave her readers entertained and enlightened. She tackles the latest runway shows, trends, award shows, etc. and keeps her readers up to date!

Silhouette & Design

• Slim and flared shapes
• Longer, squared off
• Oversized Fit
• Blousy tops
• Riding Gear
• Big Coats

Details

• Sheaths over heals
• Back flap
• Sexiness of Guy Bourdin’s 70s-era photography

Color

• Color Blocked
• White

Fabric

• Swanky Black Leather
• Fur
• Lacey Camisoles
• leather and wool

Creative Jargon

• They looked boss.
• Chimney stack effect from floor to knees
• Laundry-fresh amount of white