Trendy Fashion Report - Wrap Yourself In Style

I have a new obsesssion and it comes in a warm cuddly package. I Love Love the outerwear showcased by Soia & Kyo!! They have answered my prayers and my search for the perfect coat is finally over. The coats by Soia & Kyo are fashionably modern with hints of the beloved 60's skillfully etched in. Its always a challenge to find a great looking coat that also keeps you warm and toasty. You will not go wrong with Soia & Kyo, and the good news is that they are quite affordable. The price range is usually from $200-$450. You can visit their online store: www.soia&kyo.com to take in more of what their irresistible collection. They are also accessible on Bluefly and any of the other major retailers, including Nordstrom. Wrap yourself in STYLE!!!

Ben Sherman Takes A Permanent Leave from Women's Wear

One of my favorite retailers is jumping ship and focusing on a market that will make the men in my life ecstatic but leave me and my female counterparts in the dust. London based Ben Sherman is closing down its women's wear division to devote time developing their primary market which happens to be geared towards the male persuasion. According to Miles Gray, the soon to be exiting group chief executive, the company's decison to concentrate their efforts on men's wear was a business one dictated by the fact that particular market is where the bulk of their sales stems from. The truth of the matter is that Ben Sherman has had a challenging year with net sales declining more than 30 percent. Hopefully this move will help minimize future losses and help get this beloved lifestyle brand back on its feet. I am disappointed to see the women's wear line cut short but hopefully the blokes will continue to step up to the plate - and look good doing it too!

Brittany Murphy Dead At 32

Wow! What a year this has been!! The countdown to the end of the year has begun and we are still saying goodbye to celebrities that have impacted our lives one way or another. Brittany Murphy was found unconscious by her mother in her LA home early Sunday morning and despite repeated attempts to resuscitate her, she died of cardiac arrest at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Her time of death has been listed as 10:04 am. Its hard to understand how Murphy, who is best known for her performances in such films as Clueless, Girl, Interrupted and Sin City to name a few could die so suddenly at the young age of 32. But I guess answers will be provided once the autopsy results are revealed - that is if the autopsy ever happens. Word on the street is that Murphy's husband, film director Simon Monjack, who coincidently enough suffered a medical emergency a few weeks ago that resulted in him being raced to the hospital as soon as he and his wife landed at LAX, is against the idea of having an autopsy performed on his deceased wife. Its all very sad and confusing. It brings back the same emotions that raged in my head once news of Heath Ledger's death hit the airwaves. I guess its a reminder that living life in the fast lane can prove to be a little too fast...

Trendy Beauty Report - Stay Beautiful This Winter Season

Now that we are barreling toward winter, it may be a bit challenging maintaining your skin's moisture balance and that much needed glow that can conquer any blustering wind or frigid temps. Luckily the products featured will add some variety to your beauty regimen.

Dry skin is a consequence of cold weather and you always need to be armed and ready for battle. Love Butter ($18) from Carol's Daughter is guaranteed to make sure that you win this fight. This smooth buttery confection has a delicious blend of honey, cinnamon and brown sugar. And thanks to key ingredients like Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Soy Oil among others, a little of it goes a long way. No annoying greasy-like residue with this product. It nourishes your skin by replacing your dry itchy surface with a soft supple one. Pick it up at a Sephora store near you or visit Carol's Daughter online store.

Another product that is sure to give your skin something to smile about is the Rice Dry Oil ($48) from fresh. Slather your whole body in this light but solid liquid, and reap the benefits of of a fully moisturized skin bath. The inspiration for this solution came from Japanese rice workers who realized the powerful effects that could be gotten from combining rice grains with an array of oils and extracts (jojoba and grapeseed oils). Its a body conditoner like no other! Visit the Sephora store online to learn more.
Having soft manageable hair is something we all strive for everyday of the year but particularly during the long harsh winter months when its harder to keep that sought after shine from giving way to dry brittle strands. The two most dependable products from the Jane Carter Solution line will ensure that your hair woes will be kept to a minimum. The Hair Nourishing Cream ($22) and the Hair Nourishing Serum ($20), are an unbeatable combo that guarantee to revitalize, nourish and reverse the effects of exposure to wintery conditions. Its perfect for all hair types, so be warned, once you try it there is no going back! Visit JaneCarterSolution.com for more info.

So be prepared and ready to face the cold months and stay beautiful!

Fame! Puts You Where Things Are Hollow

So all you have to do is crash a formal dinner at the White House in order to complete your audition for a popular reality show franchise and of course score a paid TV appearance on one of the major morning network shows. Unfortunately we are now familiar with the faces of Tareq and Michaele Salahi. Those are not names that will necessarily inspire any casting director so I guess they did what any fame seeking loser couple would do - CRASH A STATE DINNER AT THE WHITE HOUSE. Never has the words to David Bowie's 80's hit FAME made more sense than now. It looks like America's "Most Uninvited Guests" are almost guaranteed to star in the newest installment of the Real Houswives series, which will be set in D.C. What a Shocker! They are reportedly under contract with BRAVO, the network reponsible for the Houswives. That explains why they chose NBC as the place to air their dirty laundry. NBC and BRAVO go hand in hand so doing one is like doing the other. They canceled their appearance on Larry King and fielded offers from ABC and CBS but the Salahis demanded to be paid a lot more than they were worth. An investigation is now under way to help solve the mystery of how they managed to swindle The Secret Service and smuggle themselves into an ultra exclusive event. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in the weeks to come. I for sure will be watching!

Trendy News Alert - Argentinian Beauty Queen Dead

Who knew a common bum lift could lead to such tragic results. Solange Magnano, a former Miss Argentina 1994, died of a pulmonary embolism this past Sunday, after being listed in critical condition three days after undergoing surgery. Apparently the liquid she was injected with during the procedure ultimately made its way to her both her lungs and brain and thats a situation that almost always proves fatal. The mother of 7-year old twins, won her beauty title back in 1994 and she still managed to maintain her popularity in her native country. Just recently she was prepping for a runway show scheduled for this month. Plastic surgery in Argentina is on the rise despite the potential complications that can suddenly arise. But it looks like the high price of perfection never seems high enough. Magnano joins a group of unlucky high profile women who fell victim to the risks of going under the knife. Rapper Kanye West lost his mother 2 years ago when she suffered cardiac arrest after her surgery, the wife of the former Head of State of Nigeria did not survive the complications of her surgery and singer Usher's former wife Tameka Foster almost died after her procedure. The pursuit of perfection is an endless and costly undertaking but could it be worth paying the ultimate price? Sadly, Solange Magnano ended up doing just that and so will the growing number of men and women who choose to subject themselves to altering their physique rather than working to alter their frame of mind. Tragic!

Zac Posen has a new TARGET

Celebrity designer extraordinnaire, Zac Posen will now be catering to a less glitzy clientele. He has signed on to be the guest designer for Target's Go International series. The Go International label is widely known for its affinity to young up and coming desingers. They have accomodated the likes of Jovovich-Hawk, Erin Fetherton and Tracy Feith among others. Rodarte, another trendy avant-garde line thats slowly emerging to be one of the most sought after labels out there will be making its debut next month. As for Posen, his collection for Target will be showcased nationwide from April 25-May 30th. It will also be available online. The 29 year old's whimisical designs usually demand a substantial bank account but no doubt that will be adjusted to fit in with the price points Target is known for. Having a chance to bag a Zac Posen creation at an affordable price is no doubt one of the few positives of this wobbly economy!

Serena Pays. Big Time!

$82,500. Thats the amount Tennis super star Serena Williams is going to have to deduct from her already massive fortune to compensate for her uncontrollble tirade towards a line judge during this year's U.S. Open. She also faces the possibilty of suspension from any future tournaments if a similar episode plays again. Hopefully this other half of the Williams Sister Dynasty has no plans to mishave anytime soon given the fact that she will officially be put through a "probationary period" for the the next two years. This ultimately boils down to another eye-opening amount - $175,000! Thats what Williams will have to cough up if she crosses the line again, plus she will not be allowed to participate in the following U.S. Open. She is currently worth about $28 million, so she obviously wont suffer much financially. But its no fun watching an amazing athelete of this caliber become subjected to disciplinary actions after working so hard to achieve the unimaginable. So, its time to be a in a good mood Serena! Indefinitely!

Treat Yourself To A Work Of Art

Check out the newest creation from designer Donna Karan. Its The Eldridge bag! This stylish piece of arm candy is the tote that keeps on giving. Its versatility makes it functional and a lot fun to lug around. The makeup of The Eldridge bag is quite impressive; it boasts a delicious cream and black combo draped over leather pleated fabric, two convertible handles that allows you to carry it in variety of ways to accommodate your hectic lifestyle. Its your perfect "running buddy" to keep up with your daily grind. And you'll look stylishly chic doing it! It retails for $1,495 at net-a-porter.com. Move it up your Wish List!!

Don't Make Me Over...

Check out Demi Moore! The December issue of W Magazine featuring Demi Moore on the cover has sparked another neverending debate concerning the mystery of photoshopping. Media outlets are calling foul over the near perfect image of Demi Moore with some speculating that its not really the 47 year-old's bod on the cover but that of model Anja Rubik who is shown sporting the exact replica of the dress during the spring 2010 Balmain show. There is no denying that the similarities are quite striking, but judging from the nature of the pics its unlikely they used the model's as a replacement for Demi Moore's. It may have served as an inspiration for what a HOT cover should look like but it definitely is a more "refined" version of the real thing. Photoshopping is not an uncommon practice in the print world especially with the obsession of all things youthful dominating our society. If tastefully done, its anything but offensive but I think its time we embraced beauty in all shapes, sizes and ages. It is a little disconcernting that a 47 year-old's body is enhanced to resemble the body of a 23 year old. But I guess if the dress fits...

Its a "New Moon" Tonight

So, the newest installment in the Twilight series is now upon us and the much anticipated LA Premiere happened tonight. Lets see how well some of the stars fared on the red carpet. It looks like some definitely out-shined others.

The blue Burberry dress actress and Twilight star Nikki Reed is rocking is definitely not special enough to hold our attention. It also seems to be swallowing whole. Not the best fit for her petite figure. Beverly Hills 90210 alum Jennie Garth who came to support her husband actor Peter Facinelli's Twilight efforts looks sleek in her asymmetrical black sparkling number but I'm not so sure her choice of hairstyle suits her. She also seems to have aged overnight! The two main stars of the Twilight saga, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner make potentially dashing couple (maybe) Stewart looks pretty enough in her Oscar de la Renta gown but I don't think she looks HOT enough to confirm those persistent rumors surrounding her and beyond HOT co-star Robert Pattinson. Ashley Greene on the other hand looks stunning in her red Prabal Gurung dress and the romanic cascading hair makes her the Twilight star of the night! Another piece to the "New Moon" puzzle, actress Elizabeth Reaser puts her body to some good use in a Herve Leger body hugging number that is tastefully simplistic and sexy. Not a bad way folks to usher in the next chapter in what has become an international phenomenon. Happy Twilight!

"Video Phone" Is Here!

This video is quite a looker!! Beyonce and Lady Gaga are unstoppable. I have to admit a slight case of jealousy though, I mean how much fun are two HOT girls allowed to have before they hit overdrive. GEEZ. By the way the stylist for this video should be handed a golden statue of some sort.

Travel "Away" For The Holidays

With the holidays finally upon us the stress quotient for most of us is probably at an all time high. Dealing with family members back to back can be a little overwhelming. Interestingly a recent survey showed that a lot of people are divided about how they would prefer to spend their time during the holidays. Some look forward to quality family time while others yearn for time off spent in an exotic locale with friends or significant other.

It so happens that this is the perfect time to plan that much needed getaway. The Caribbean seems to be the place to be during Thanksgiving more so than Christmas due to the amazing deals available. Thanksgiving period is off season for most major Islands in the Caribbean which makes it easier to access those swanky hotels you have only been able to dream about. You can also score excellent mileage outside the country by visiting places like Mexico, Canada and even South America. St. Lucia is always a good idea because of the fact that Jet Blue now has a cheap non-stop flight which makes a huge difference considering how expensive it would be otherwise. And Hurricane season shouldn’t be much of a concern since it dies down towards the end of November so storms are usually a rare occurrence anyway. Just make sure to avoid booking your trip during the peak season which is usually Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday and Sunday and Monday afterwards.

Another fun and cost-effective way to plan a vacation would be to take a cruise. Its fun and all inclusive and a great way to visit as many places as possible within a short period of time. If you happen to live nearby or in major ports like Miami and San Diego, then you are really in luck because that takes away the hassle of dealing with air fare and travel to get to the ports. You can also find good deals around Christmas time particularly to the Bahamas.

So if you need to escape from the holiday madness, take comfort in the options that are readily available especially in an economy that has ultimately forced the travel industry to be at our beck and call. HAPPY TRAVELS.

Fabulous Ways To Rock The Arctic Weather

Now that we are getting ready to usher in the winter and the seasonal party invitations are slowly cluttering your mailbox, its time to be armed and ready to make your stunning entrance and hit your fashionable mark every time without a single miss. Don’t panic! Luckily, there are a variety of options that are guaranteed to keep you looking effortlessly fab and chic all the way through the holiday season.

Tis the season to always be ready to hit an after-work party or honor last minute invites. The trend for this winter calls for bold colors and unpredictable patterns. The navy “Bandeau” dress from Topshop ($90) is just the attire you need to make a bold statement at any festivity. And if you are really determined to take a dip in the splurge pool, then be prepared to be the “Gossip Girl” of the night when you walk in rocking the sporty but surprisingly elegant lace up Manolo Blahnik for Band of Outsiders peep-toe booties ($955). To keep warm and snug, the wool Swing Coat from Burberry ($1295) will allow you to roast in style. If you are lucky enough to score a big end of year bonus for a job well done, its only fair that you reward yourself with your very own pair of Christian Louboutin studded peep-toe pumps ($995). They are so ravishingly sexy they would make even Carrie Bradshaw moan in ecstasy! You can still take it up a notch with the Appache Applique Clutch from French Connection ($98). The Black Belted “Ivy” Fur Hooded Coat ($415) is a snazzy way to fight off the unforgiving winds that howl throughout the season. If you are looking for a stylishly quirky dress to add some playfulness to your look, the Paisley Silk dress from Marc Jacobs ($1,080) will fulfill all your needs. It sports a couple of well implemented details – like the hidden back zipper, pleated neckline and the slightly ruffled side hems. The green and pink color combo is also bright and festive. Perfect for the holidays! Accessorizing this dress could be so much fun. The Marine Zipper Slouchy Boots from Bokier ($595) or the Burberry Glossy Grain Belt Boot ($995) will both be sure to heighten your diva quotient. You can polish your look by rocking the gorgeous Hima Mongolian Rose and Taupe Lambskin Vest from Antik Batik. The colors are yummy and the self-tie ribbon feature is both feminine and “tres chic”.

And for some added girly chic bequeath yourself with the lovely “Bow Bangle” hair Barrettes from Marc Jacobs ($98) they are guaranteed to be a welcome addition to her jewelry collection.

So don’t let the arctic weather ice over your ability to be inspired. Stay cool, chilled and stylish!!

Juicy News brief

Juicy Couture is coming to an airport near you. It looks like this already multi-million dollar brand that raked in an impressive $600 million in sales last year, is looking to entice shoppers both home and abroad. Miami, New York, Taiwan, Athens, these are the major ports that will be hit with the Juicy tidal wave starting January 2010. It is also worthy to note that thanks to the recent partnership Juicy established with Elmec Sport SA, the big name brand will be able to splash around in Greece, Romania and Bulgaria which will more than enhance their expansion efforts in foreign territory. This is a 3 year deal with a 3 year renewal option. The idea of being able to access Juicy Couture at most of the major airports in the world is sure to send retail sales through the roof. The Juicy appeal will undoubtedly carryover to those travelers who need to add to their Tracksuit collection since they will be available in virtually every color of the rainbow. Ellen Rodriguez, senior vice president of global licensing and international agrees: "Women are always wearing our tracksuits to travel in. We just don't think she's being targeted by other retailers in these airports, so there is a real opportunity for us". The stores will be abundantly stocked with everything from logo Tees and accessories to onesies and packaged baby socks. All the basis will be covered which could cause potential luggage issues for those shopaholic travelers out there. Co-founders, Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor who have professed their love for traveling and shopping are hoping this unbeatable combo will be an enduring success for Juicy Couture. To date there are 93 Juicy stores worldwide and there are plans to increase that number with the new stores hitting Mykonos, Greece, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and two popping up in Dubai. The sky is the limit. And the forecast looks really JUICY.

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - Valentino

The Grand Master of supreme opulence is back at it again and as usual the famed designing house doesn't disappoint. The entire collection was lovely and "fairy tale" like and it definitely proved beyond a doubt that Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are a winning team. It was a delicious and vibrant showing of dresses structured dramatically with the use of ruffles and the petal detail. Organza was the favorite fabric of choice draped in a way to inspire romance and youthful appeal. The colors invoked a vibe of an airbrush painting, with swishes of nudes in gray, primrose, ashes of roses and muted yellow. It was all about having "a fabulous night on the town" and not much daytime wear. But its nice feeling to have the opportunity to dream and dream BIG. And I am sure Mr. Valentino would agree!

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - Giambattista Valli

Sophisticated, youthful, playful and inspiring, those are some of the adjectives that could be used to define Giambattista Valli spring collection. It was definitely geared toward young hollywood starlets who are slaves to fashion and the ever-evolving trends. The colors were fun and lively and there was a heavy dose of fringes, ruffles and bouncy skirts. There was also an interesting and updated take on the animal print which seemed to be one of Valli's efforts to reach out to the more mature crowd. Overall it was a more sedated showing than most of his fans are used to but it was nice to see a healthy balance and even distribution of the theatrical and the more adaptable pieces. He still had fun playing with his favorite accessory - feathers, and managed to incorporate them in some of his cocktail dresses and skirts. But the one staple that continues to be attached to Valli is his sense of adventure and fantasy. Two things none of us should ever do without.

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - Emanuel Ungaro

Okay, so I guess there is a reason why not many actresses are top designers. This is because you actually have to have a sense of style, talent and endurance in order to consistently produce that "Wow" factor that keeps people coming back for more. For reasons that are hard to fathom, actress Lindsay Lohan was appointed the new Artistic Director to Emanuel Ungaro after Esteban Cortazar sstepped down as head designer. Lohan was partnered with Estrella Archs, a relatively unknown designer to help bolster the Ungaro name and bring a fresh youthful vibe to the troubled designing house. But from the looks of things and based on their showing on Sunday, there are more troubles on the horizon. Most of the looks were outdated and hindered on simply cliche. It resembled a closet filled with rejects from the 80's that nobody would ever think of wearing now. The colors were bright and repetitive and the bondage dresses and wrap tops were uninspiring and ill-fitted. It definitely looked like this collection was put together at the last minute and Lohan confirmed this backstage after the show when she pointed out that the collection "had to be designed very quickly". Both Lohan and Archs are too inexperienced to be given the responsibility of rescuing a once respected label. If this an indication of what to expect from Emanuel Ungaro, then I think its time for them to officially declare an SOS.

Trendy Fall Cosmetics

The weather is cooler, and its time to re-evaluate all the goodies in your cosmetic bags and perhaps make some major adjustments. The theme this fall season hinders on a deep and rich color scheme. The natural look is still very much in vogue but with a more muted and chromatic glaze. The options below are a guide to what you should expect to see and hopefully add to your personal collection.

Get your nails noticed by slathering them in Stormy Grey by Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer ($20). This “bold and beautiful” hue is the perfect accessory to match any outfit you might be considering for the numerous holiday parties you are sure to hit in the coming weeks. You could even take it up a notch by matching this color on your fingers with a brighter shade for your toes to present that perfect contrast. Whatever you decide this is definitely one of the coolest colors of the season.

Finding the perfect lip color can be challenge for most of us. But your search could be over with the arrival of Givenchy’s Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick ($27). Available at any Sephora store in your city, this lightweight wonder glides on smoothly to reveal a sexy shade that can you can easily use to transition from day to night. Its fine texture makes it comfortable to wear because it also works as a lip conditioner due to its soothing and softening effect. And we all know how important it is to find a lip that stands the test of time. Bottom line: You will not be disappointed with the must have addition to your purse.

Living in a big city requires a lot of high maintenance so it’s mandatory to always be prepared for last minute events or unexpected getaways. Makeup Palette To Go ($15) is your one stop shopping to getting your face flawless and picture ready at a moments notice. This box of colorful confections is a Sephora brand but looks and feels more expensive. It contains an array of essentials including eye shadow, lip-gloss and blush. Practically everything a girl needs to doll up. The colors are in line with the fun holiday season. Getting more for your money doesn’t get any better than this!

Finally, usher in the season with a new fragrance that aims to inspire. Lola Marc Jacobs ($65-$85) is deliciously feminine and thankfully long-lasting. The gorgeous purple tinted hourglass bottle with the adorable rose petal detail will no doubt grab your attention and will be a welcome piece on your dresser. The scent contains hints of vanilla, creamy musk and fuschia peony. Its bound to get you some major attention so be prepared!

So now is the time to warm up to the cooler temperatures by putting your best look forward.

Trendy Fashion Week Spotlight - Gareth Pugh

The Ultimate Scene Stealer! That is what best describes Gareth Pugh's showing at Paris Fashion Week 2010. The London Club boy turned costumier has at last proven his capabilities of being an accessible designer. Enhanced by the cool goth-like theme, the models were completely in their stride as they played into the high octane theatrics courtesy of Pugh's self proclaimed Palais de Tokyo show. The color scheme was consistently muted with a range that played on different shades of gray and, brown and blue. Gauzy dresses, chiffon pieces and sheer fabrics were coupled with one-of-a-kind accessories which included lace-up leather leggings and feathered headpieces. Gareth Pugh pulled off his most refined production to date without losing his edge, proving there are more goodies to come from this budding designer.