The I-Want-Hair-Accessory: Turban

I am absolutely loving this must-have hair accessory: the Turban!

Many celebrities have rocked this look including Sarah Jessica Parker (in Sex and the City 2), Mary-Kate Olsen and Kate Moss, just to name a few.

Don't think you could pull it off?? LIES!! It is the new twist on the classic headband and works for short hair, long hair, curly or straight. A little edgy, a little boho and with extra coverage, it is perfect for a grab-and-run look even on those just-rolled-out-of-bed mornings! I will take one in every color please!

The turbans pictured above are from babooshkaboutique.com. I just today stumbled upon this online boutique and I'm officially hooked! LOVE their stuff--check 'em out!

Photos courtesy of babooshkaboutique.com

Personal Style: Green And Leopard

So kind of embarrassing that I stood in front of the mirror in our bathroom (ignore the toilet in the background) snapping these photos of myself on my camera phone nonetheless...but I do want to start sharing my personal style with you guys more!! Sorry for the poor quality image, however, I hope you enjoy what I put together!

RIP Charles Nolan

RIP designer Charles Nolan

1/30/2011 -- 53 years old

"Early in his career, Mr. Nolan was a major force behind the expansion of mainstream American sportswear labels like Bill Blass, Ellen Tracy and Anne Klein. But he was perhaps better known publicly for the work he did dressing private clients, including many prominent women on the political scene (Eric Wilson for nytimes.com)."

Photo courtesy of Richard Drew, Associated Press

Transgender Model Struts Her Stuff

The beautiful transgender model, Lea T (formerly known as Leo) strut her stuff down the catwalk for the first time yesterday evening at the Alexandre Herchcovitch show at Sao Paulo Fashion Week! While she is not the only transgendered model in the fashion industry, she is considered to be one of the first ones to make a name for herself! With ad campaigns and magazine covers, Lea T has certainly paved the way for other transgenders.

"Lea T. was born Leandro Cerezo in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, as the son of soccer star Toninho Cerezo. Though Lea did not begin experimenting with her sexuality until she went to school in Italy, she tells French Vogue that both she and her father knew she was different...[but] the choice,” she says, 'is between being unhappy forever or trying to be happy.' (Verena Von Pfetten for styleite.com)."

Check out her work:

Alexander Herchcovitch Fashion Show

Cover with Kate Moss

Givenchy Ad Campaign

French Vogue

Photos courtesy of styleite.com

New Designers To Show At Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Welcome new designers! I look forward to seeing what you put down the runway this season!

Allegri: Founded in 1971, Allegri has specialized in outerwear and rainwear and it is known for its extensive fabric research to create garments that offer the ultimate protection from the elements.

Callulla Lillibelle: Designers William Calvert and Melanie Fraser Hart create their collections to reflect the diverse range of women’s needs, including style, comfort, and price.

Christian Cota: This Parisian designer attributes his passion for design to his first muses, his mother and his late grandmother, saying “their manner of dress and their poise was always an education in elegance. They define the word.”

Elene Cassis: Long Island native, Cassis started her own signature collection in June of 2009 and has already caught the attention of top retailer Neiman Marcus, along with over 30 other noted specialty stores nationwide.

Frank Tell: Frank Tell describes his new collection in light of the recession, “the Recession killed cocktail dressing. It’s too precious. Women don’t want to buy something they will only wear once and then sit in their closets. What is needed are extraordinarily crafted pieces that can be worn in an everyday way.”

G-Star Raw: Pierre Morisset, G-Star’s head designer, is one of the most important stylists in the denim world. He is creating tomorrow’s authenticity today. He is considered by many to be the denim specialist “le chirurgien du jean” (the jeans surgeon).

Guishem: This Latin American designer, Guillermo Jop specializes in eveningwear; Jop’s designs incorporate draping and innovative pattern cutting.

Irina Shabayeva: Born in Georgia, Shabayeva honed her skills there creating luxurious garments for celebrity clientele, positioning her as a talent to be reckoned on the 6th season of “Project Runway.”

Joy Cioci: Sexy, romantic and influential personal inspirations play into each one of Cioci's meticulous designs to provide a versatile collection that women gravitate to for everyday effortless wear.

Lublu Kira Plastinina: Inspired by her own lifestyle, Kira Plastinina designs prêt-a-porter clothes for a girl who is always on-trend.

Maisonette 1977: Jane Ibrahim, originally from Hong Kong, brings an expressive, innovative spirit tempered by taste and expert execution to her designs.

Porter Grey: New York based designers Alexandra and Kristen O’Neill build on versatile foundation pieces to create beautiful garments infused with an urbane elegance and relaxed sophistication.

Sachin + Babi: Sachin and Babi have successfully translated their vision of modern luxury into a lifestyle brand that is accessible for today’s design savvy consumer. Their designs feature an array of exclusive products including pillows, bedding, ready to wear, and accessories.

Son Jung Wan: Son Jung Wan is one of the largest Korean designer labels in the country with over 37 billion won (34 million dollars) in sales for 2009 and a total of 37 stores carrying the brand.

Tess Giberson: In addition to Giberson’s success in the fashion industry, this American designer’s work has been commissioned for exhibitions by several galleries in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

Vacca: Julie Vacca aims for her line to have a balance of fashion, tradition and luxury. She explains, “I am a person who loves to work but at the same time I have a balance of life where I need clothing for many occasions including travel and cocktail receptions. The most important is for me to feel comfortable in what I am wearing.”

Text courtesy of racked.com

DVF: There's No Rest For The Injured

OUCH! Queen of fashion and CFDA president, Diane Von Furstenberg was in Aspen with her husband earlier this week when out on the slopes, she was involved in a skiing accident.

“Some Brazilian man, who could not ski, lost control and went straight at me, hitting me badly on my face and ribs (with his camera),” Von Furstenberg wrote in an email. “I went to the emergency room and then flew to UCLA. I look like Mike Tyson on his worst fight. Broken nose and some light facial fractures. At home in L.A. now waiting to heal. Will be staying here the week because I have my children and grandkids. I guess it could have been worse…but it does NOT look pretty (styleite.com).”

Although horribly inconvenient timing (as fashion week quickly approaches), don't worry about Ms. Von Furstenberg! While healing, the power woman even crafted standards for the CFDA Health Initiatives for those involved in the fashion industry in an effort to keep models healthy:

Educate the industry to identify the early warning signs in an individual at risk of developing an eating disorder.·

Encourage models who may have an eating disorder to seek professional help in order to continue modeling. And models who are receiving professional help for an eating disorder should not continue modeling without that professional’s approval.

Develop workshops for the industry (including models and their families) on the nature of eating disorders, how they arise, how we identify and treat them, and complications if they are untreated.

Support the well-being of younger individuals by not hiring models under the age of sixteen for runway shows; not allowing models under the age of eighteen to work past midnight at fittings or shoots; and providing regular breaks and rest. (Consult the applicable labor laws found at www.labor.state.ny.us when working with models under sixteen.)

Supply healthy meals, snacks, and water backstage and at shoots and provide nutrition and fitness education.

Promote a healthy backstage environment by raising the awareness of the impact of smoking and tobacco-related disease among women, ensuring a smoke-free environment, and address underage drinking by prohibiting alcohol.

Do you think this is a step in the right direction for the fashion industry? Can you think of any other guidelines that should be added to this list?

Photo courtesy of nymag.com

Amanda Brooks Takes Over

Barney's New York has just announced Amanda Brooks as their replacement for fashion director, Julie Gilhart (who was unexpectedly fired by new CEO Mark Lee 3 months ago). Amanda Brooks, socialite and former creative director and muse for the fashion line Tuleh "...will be responsible for the overall identification of women’s trends each season how this is communicated to all areas of Barneys New York. She will work closely with both established and emerging designers, members of the press, visual and merchandising teams. She will report directly to Daniella Vitale, Chief Merchant and Executive Vice President (Danica Lo for racked.com)."

Amanda Brooks

"In addition to her post at Tuleh, Brooks has worked as the creative director of Hogan, written a book called I Love Your Style: How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style, and contributed to Vogue, Men's Vogue, and the New York Times. Her most recent job was director of fashion at William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (nymag.com)."

How do you feel about the new hire? Are you concerned about the future of Barney's?

Photo courtesy of nymag.com

Flatforms

Introducing a new way to do heels: a platform shoe without the (painful) lift!

Flat+Platform=Flatform

Derek Lam and Marc Jacobs have put it down the runway for Spring 2011:

Would you try these?

Photos courtesy of thefashionspot.com

Another Chance To Go To Fashion Week!!

Don't fret! Polyvore.com offers yet another chance to go to fashion week! Fabulous Prizes!

"Dress the icon of chic, Bergdorf Goodman's Fashion Director Linda Fargo, for Fashion Week!"

"Style a look that's both warm and fabulous for Linda to wear front row in the tents at Lincoln Center using pieces from Linda’s closet. You might just win the chance to join her at a runway show!

Linda will personally choose one winner to attend a runway fashion show with her and receive a $2,500 Bergdorf Goodman gift card, a hair and make-up re-style, and a private personal shopping experience."

Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Heat Nor Pregnancy...

November 17, 2010 stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe, announced that she is pregnant with a baby boy. But neither snow nor rain nor heat nor pregnancy has stopped the seven-month-ultra-fabulous-mommy-to-be from doing her job!

"I've been asked to slow down,' she admitted. 'But to be totally honest, it's kind of next to impossible when you're planning your show and launching your collection, and in the middle of award season."

photos courtesy of dailymail.co.uk and starcasm.net

If The Shoe Fits...Buy It In Every Color

My current shoe obsession: Jeffrey Campbell Lita Lace-Up Bootie ♥♥♥♥

I want these in EVERY color, pattern and fabric! These shoes can be purchased at solestruck.com for $159.95. They are not outrageously priced, however, as a poor college student I cannot afford them. If anyone is feeling overly generous, you can send these in a women's US size 7.5 or 8, care of Libbie Martin...

Until I can buy myself a pair of these fabulous heels, I suppose I can always look longingly at my finger tips...once I learn how to do this:

Lita or no Lita, Mr. Campbell, ALL of your shoes are fabulous!

Watch Jeffrey Campbell's video:

Small Town Hero Jeffrey Campbell S/S 2011 from andrea cruz on Vimeo.

Photos courtesy of shoestruck.com and shampalove.blogspot.com

Let Your Lips Do The Talking

Some interesting statements were made at this year's multiple fashion weeks. Their mouths may not have been moving, their lips certainly said it all!

What do you think the following designers are trying to say?

German designer Patrick Mohr at Berlin's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week:

Shocked? Don't be! Take a look at his work from years previous:

Vivienne Westwood Fall 2011 Menswear Collection:

With all of this attention focused on the kisser, I have the sudden urge to dress mine up too! If you are feeling bold, try lipstick in orange, purple or bright pink for a modern yet funky look. Remember though: keep everything else simple and let the lips do the talking!

Photos courtesy of zimbio.com, style.com and temptalia.com

Lettin' It All Hang Out

Not sure that I'd participate...but I'm definitely bummed (no pun intended) that I missed out on Improv Everywhere's 10th annual No-Pants Subway Ride. 10,000 New Yorkers attended this year's event, up from 3,000 the year prior and was carried out in over 50 cities around the world!

Video courtesy of wonderhowto.com

Political Fashion

The royal wedding is only months away (Friday 29 April at Westminster Abbey) and the excitement continues to grow! We are dying to know all the details, but most importantly...what (or who, rather) will Kate Middleton be wearing?? There has been much hype surrounding the gown but Kate has decided to keep this one a secret.

"Clarence House released a statement to Vogue UK saying:

'We have no announcement to make as regards the royal wedding dress. Miss Middleton would like for it to be a surprise for Prince William on the day of their wedding and as such we may not announce it until the day. That may change - but for now that is all that can be said (Sasha for stylebistro.com).'"

In preparation for the big day, however, several top fashion designers sketched their version of Miss Middleton's wedding dress. They are all waiting with baited breath for her decision...but in the mean time, you be the judge! Which is your favorite?

Valentino (above)

Prabal Gurung

Missoni

Karl Lagerfeld

Gucci

Christian Lacroix

Alberta Ferretti

Photos courtesy of zimbio.com and news.bgfashion.net

In other news, back across the pond, designer Oscar De La Renta criticizes First Lady Michelle Obama's choice of gown. According to De La Renta, the (stunning) Alexander McQueen design was not appropriate attire for this week's state dinner for People's Republic of China President Hu Jintao. Rather than a Brit, Mrs. Obama should have instead worn a gown fashioned by an American or Chinese designer.

Do you agree or disagree with Oscar De La Renta? Do you think politics belong in fashion?

Photo courtesy of latimesblogs.latimes.com