FASHION BY THE RULES: Str8 Laced

Once upon a time, lace was reserved for wedding dresses, lingerie and even liturgical garments for the church. In the 21st century, lace has been democratized and transformed into a fabrication that transcends all ages and all levels of fashion. In fact, lace can be found in almost every classification of fashion and at every price level from Walmart to haute couture.

Having spent much of my life in the fashion business, I can honestly say that I was conditioned to think lace was dowdy or reserved for intimate occasions such as marriage or bed. Today we can find lace at every price on almost every age group, thanks to everyone from Madonna (think the beginning Material Girl) to Haute Couture to Rodarte at Target, we see lace in almost unimaginable classifications such as eye wear and handbags.

Lace was once a handmade product which was produced in just a few different fibers whereas today we can find in every possible fabrication at the cheapest prices as well as handmade at stratospheric prices. Lace has withstood the test of time and the whims of fashion to become what we might consider a staple for women of every age from children to adult.

As is my practice to research my topics online, you will be amazed at the versatility and stylishness of lace when used in any category of fashion. Thanks to Netaporter, Shopestyle and Bloomingdales and don’t forget to stay tuned in to http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/

Headlines This Week 7/31

• We were warned Lily Allen would be the new face of Chanel’s latest handbag line Coco Cocoon. Now, here are the pictures to prove it. Popgloss.com
• The one company under the LVMH umbrella that continues to pull more than its weight is Louis Vuitton. The label posted a 7 percent profit in same-store sales on fashion and leather goods. It’s no surprise when you think about it. Louis Vuitton has the most powerful people in the world in its corner: Marc Jacobs, Kanye West, Buzz Aldrin, Madonna, and Stephen Sprouse, to name a few. NYMag.com
• Need a cheat sheet on fall fashion? Here you go: new shapes, new ways to make the stuff you already own suddenly exciting to wear again. Our model took it all for a test-drive, and adorable actor Hugh Dancy came along for the ride! Glamour.com

• While the industry is dominated by doll-faced, lanky females, male models with more classic looks tend to be the most successful. Fashionindie.com
• Sienna Miller has been busy attending premieres for her new flick G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, from Sydney to London, Berlin to Tokyo, and Seoul. One common theme I’ve noticed in her wardrobe is disheveled-chic, much like her street style. FabSugar.com

• Sorry, just had to: www.snuggiefordogs.com.

Grammy Musical Rewind

As I rewind to the evening that was the 51st Grammy Awards, I must immediately fast forward  to the most memorable moments that will leave us talking. Was it the worst dressed nominee Estelle picked straight from the later to be released 2009 film Star Trek or M.I.A showing plenty of swagger on the day of her expected delivery? Maybe it was the emotional speech of Jennifer Hudson or the hi-five number of Grammys awarded to Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, who even I agree that their bluegrass and acoustic sound greatly demonstrates the art within music that is often forgotten as music becomes more commercialized.

Coldplay with ‘Viva La Vida’ conjures up images of triump and overcoming adversity. In first being introduced to them live last fall at the American Airlines Center I am counting down until their ticket release for their 2009 performance this summer at the Superpages.com Center.

Attention must be given to the trend that has come to be known as the, ‘Power Blondes.’ Begun by the one and only material girl Madonna, that trend has continued through the likes of Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, and for no reason will I forget another women’s last name after seeing the performance of this year’s ‘Power Blonde,’ Carrie Underwood. She appeared to be more of a Greek goddess who bestowed upon us the fortunate opportunity to see her transition into a sexier, more confident artist.

My lasting memories of this years performances and interviews will be Ken Baker of E! Entertainment and his reference to Heidi Klume as the 2009 “Super Milf,” Kid Rock’s performance of ‘Amen,’ which left many with a feeling of much needed soul searching. The dual sets of Justin Timberlake and Al Green, Jay-Z and Coldplay, and Radiohead backed by the USC marching band, which for a moment made me think maybe being in a band isn’t such a bad thing. Sheryl Crow’s endorsement of P90X regenerated my need to stick to my New Year’s resolution while the biggest story became Chris Brown and Rihanna’s absence.

I’ll leave you with this as 2009 turns the first corner on its musical track. Rock it hard and dance like nobody is around.

Looking down upon Main Street, goodnight!

Next Page »