Trend Report: Eco-Friendly Accessories
June 23, 2009
Image courtesy of Fashiontribes
Okay ladies, it’s time to mind our Mother—Earth. Believe it or not it IS possible to be fashionable, fabulous and eco-friendly all at the same time. While doing some late-night online research (….or midnight shopping splurge) I found a few amazing retailers who help women stay environmentally conscious in their own unique way. And lord knows I could use help with that, seeing that I spray enough Tresume to penetrate the ozone over the state of Texas.
So, here goes:
1. Charmone “Charming Shoes in Harmony with the Earth”
This online shoe boutique believes no one should sacrifice their style conscious just to serve their social conscience. These ladies make designer shoes in Italy and Brazil using only eco-friendly and vegan materials. Who knew that was even possible?! Vice President Jodi Koskella and her business partner actually have a background in software marketing and dived into designing shoes a few years ago and they have clearly found their calling! The designer styles are funky and fun mixed with a variety of styles and bright colors. The shoes have some very cute names as well. I’m currently deciding between the Bellini, Thistle (in Cherry print) or the Ginseng in either Expresso or Grass print (gotta love that green)…. or all of the above. Check them out at www.Charmone.com and as if you didn’t need more of a reason to, the shoes ship in just 1-2 days!
2. Spora “Brazilian Seeds in Jewelry”
For those of you that missed that language lesson in high school, Spora is Greek for “seed.” Owner and designer Patricia Couto Glover combines materials from a diversity of sources: seeds from Brazil, and some from the Philippines; brass beads and clasps from Indonesia and semi-precious stones found all over the world. And we all know the idea of using seeds to make jewelry is not a new one. But what is fresh about spóra is its use of seeds. The combination of a rustic element with more “sophisticated” materials like semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, and metals. Ironically, it is the organic beauty of these seeds that makes this jewelry precious: original and unique. Spóra embodies the ethnicity of a global village. Most of all, Glover believes spóra is about beauty—it is affordable art to wear. These necklaces are an invitation: make yourself, and life, beautiful with art. www.sporadesign.com
3. The Ecoist “Recycled Candy-Wrapper Handbags”
Yes, you read that correctly. Ecoist handbags and all other designer items on its site are made from repurposed materials (like discarded food packages, soda bottle labels, rice bags, soda can pull-tabs, candy wrappers, and movie billboards) as well as sustainable fabrics such as Jute, Hemp, and organic cotton. Very innovative idea but the implementation of this concept sets the Ecoist apart from other contenders in the eco-friendly handbag arena. Elle magazine agrees and noted the accessories to have “Sleek and eye-popping designs.” Who can argue with that? I have my eye on the sophisticated clutch seemingly made out of recycled Andes mints and also enjoy the clutch/coinpurse created out of newspaper. And while some of the prices on the site vary, the Ecoist added sections under $25 and under $50 items to fit and green fashionistas budget. www.ecoist.com
These are just a few of the many green accessories you can gander into this summer. But these three are Oligoville approved and sure to keep you and our lovely environment looking green and gorgeous.
XOXO
American Idol Style
May 21, 2009
Listen up — Fashionista MEN — Kris Allen just proved to the world why sometimes, it’s good to be on the bottom. (wink, wink) We have our new reigning American Idol and he will bring a new laid back, eclectic artist style that he may pull off even better than Keith Urban and Jason Mraz. It’s true, Kris Allen knows how to make today’s trends work for him and looks so comfortable on stage. And ladies, we will be seeing a lot more of him very soon! These trends come straight from the Idol insider that has been following Allen on his entire journey — and maybe you should just make your man read this post to bring out the idol in him.
First lets notice the hair.
#1: A Touch of Funk
I think because Kris was a bit overwhelmed by the hometown response this particular weekend, he had a bit of a hard time figuring what to wear. I told him not to over think things. Although I’d wanted to change his image in the beginning, his ‘boy next door’ image had not done him any harm at all, and if that made him comfortable on stage, embrace it! We found the jacket and tee at Diesel, and after that it was plain sailing. The black top for the second song actually had metal thread in it, which caught the light just enough to give it a stage presence. Kris wanted to wear a clean dark jean with both outfits, but I managed to persuade him to wear the distressed Joes Jeans, to dirty up the whole look and make him a bit more rock ‘n’ roll. Boy next door goes a little bad, anyone?
annnnd …
#3 : (via tvwatch.people.com) The Johnny Depp Analogy:
Look, Johnny Depp is a huge, glamorous, risk-taking star, but off camera doesn’t he look like someone you could scare with a sock puppet? Something like this comes into play with Kris. Simon has faulted him for not having star swagger, something Adam exudes with every flash of his smile and swivel of his hips. But what may seem like modesty on a live stage can project to the viewing audience as a different kind of charisma — cool, even. Just because Adam rules the stage doesn’t mean he rules the camera.
Trend Report: Waspy Waists
May 15, 2009
Hallelujah! It’s official, the battle between the defined versus the undefined waist is over! Accentuating your waist and creating curves is a classy (and sexy) fashion trend this fall, and in my opinion is always in style.
Earlier this month The Cut revealed the hottest upcoming trends and defining your waist made the list as as one of the top 9 trends of the season, “The waist is in for fall. Belts will come large, thin, and corseted — a little something for everyone. Balenciaga’s waist is sashed, feminine, defined, and girlie. Lanvin showed a skinny belt that was a nice color contrast with the dresses. Ann Demeulemeester’s corseted version has a twinge of S&M: slightly naughty and dangerous. If you needed any confirmation, Michelle Obama’s already wearing buckled belts frequently.”
Here is a gorgeous and sleek interpretation of how to clinch your waist by Oscar de La Renta.
One fashionista loves the idea of this Fall trend and describes it as, “So Mad-Men-meets-June-Cleaver but with a modern sensibility.” I couldn’t have said it better. “Belts that emphasized the waist, volume that’s been controlled via pleats, darts or tucks and skinny pants are all part of a bigger trend: the sleek silhouette.”
Let me also point out a trend: Michelle Obama as a new fashion icon. Her style caught our eye during the campaign and now she is bringing classic looks back into the White House and into our closets. You can’t ignore her power and grace in her array of J. Crew threads; we can’t keep our eyes off of her! The truth is, a sleek silhouette and a belted, clinched feminine waist is far from a new discovery. Michelle Obama is bringing back a 50′s sense of style that we haven’t seen executed so well since Jackie Kennedy.
And I can’t be happier! I hope this is the end of the bag-like dresses that hang shapeless from our bodies that don’t even look that appealing hanging from the walls of our favorite stores.
And I cannot talk about the skill of clinching your waist without mentioning one of my favorite fashion icons: Grace Kelly who effortlessly always looks fabulous and divine. Some of my favorite wardrobe selections comes from the movie Rear Window, a classic Hitchcock thriller where Kelly paired with James Stewart as well as some gorgeous dresses.
Here is just one amazing dress she wore in the flick:
I personally was inspired by Mrs. Obama and Ms. Kelly two weeks ago while shopping for a daytime wedding, always a difficult task (especially with the ever-changing weather in Texas). I ignored my urges to select a dress from the popular colors this spring and instead chose a classic, yet unexpected piece doing some last minute shopping. My eyes fell on a sateen stretch color block dress by DKNY and I had to try it on. It was strapless– a risk for sure– but grabbed my size and carried my new find determined to the dressing room. Amazingly, it fit perfectly. When does that happen? The store attendant said it was sassy, and it was.
Simple and classy. White on top with a black accent around the waist that hit at the perfect place. The bottom was slimming and the best part is that it has pockets, how fun.
Well, maybe the best part was that it was actually on sale, further justifying my purchase that I had already been running through all the different examples of how I could re-use this classic dress. Which meant I could buy a fabulous pair of Marc Fisher “Samelia” pumps: black leather ice snake to be exact. I realize I am sounding a bit like the character from Confessions of a Shopaholic, but with my savings from the dress it’s as if the shoes were free!
Mr. Fisher describes them as, “ A glam pump that’s perfect for making an entrance.” And did I ever. I little flare on my feet to pair with my DKNY waist clinching love. If I felt any better I would have been the bride.
XOXO
