the rainbow's lolipop in my fashion

Robin Givhan reviews Wintour's 20 years at Vogue.

2009-03-18T13:07:00.001-07:00

This is quite interesting stuff. Hardly ever do we question the authority of Anna Wintour but we don't really analyse it either. Pulitzer Prize winner Robin Givhan tells us what controversial editor Anna Wintour, is doing right; wrong and effectively. Have a read...

Wintour’s success stems from a balance of stereotypical masculine strength and feminine beauty.

The magazine's circulation is 1.2 million, a Vogue spokesman said, essentially what it was when Wintour took over two decades ago. She came to represent a new archetype for a fashion editor: a master of the universe who wears her power as comfortably and impeccably as Chanel couture. It's an intimidating combination because it implies that she is a woman who is accomplished in the so-called masculine art of war and still knows how to use all the stereotypically feminine wiles. She is a double threat.

Givhan’s stint at Vogue was surprisingly drama-free, though her personal style was upgraded.

I worked at Vogue briefly in 2000, a fact that always elicits the question: What was it like? I'm well aware that the questioner is breathlessly awaiting tales of free clothes, frantic assistants and hissy fits over cerulean blue belts. I hesitate to spoil the fantasy, but during my short stay I never witnessed any toddler-size temper tantrums. My colleagues did improve my standard of dress, although by example, not by mandate or largess.

Vogue attempts diversity in its pages … sort of.

During Wintour's tenure, Vogue has incorporated street trends into its pages. It has put its stamp of approval on what was once called hip-hop style and now is merely urban style. But it does so on its own terms, by, say, including Sean Combs in a couture fashion shoot as a Cary Grant type with a tan. (It struggles with bringing diversity to its pages, as do most fashion magazines.)

Female political figures make for the most compelling Vogue subjects.

The magazine is at its most provocative, though, when it turns its attention to personalities not typically associated with high fashion—Oprah Winfrey, Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain, Condoleezza Rice. The resulting photographs are fascinating not because of any reality they reveal but because of the fantasy they unleash. Vogue sets its sights on an of-the-moment character and transforms her into an impossibly perfect version of herself.

Affordable and loving it.

2009-03-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

We have to admit that sometimes we can fall into both designer traps (think spending a few hundreds on one piece) or into the more local cheap-as-cheaps-and-fabulous trap (spending a whole lot more on heaps of goodies) and we have found our latest target. Local Australian company, Sassi Sam has always had some fantabulously girly pieces and we have fallen in love with all of Sassi Sam's girly stuff which make really fabulous gifts and goodies which you can spoil yourself with. Check out our absolute favourite in the new jewellery section. And wait for it...its called "Label Whore" and a mere $42.50. What do you think about that? Check out the lovely sassisam.com to purchase a "Label Whore" necklace. Don't you love it? I know that we do.

Related?

2009-03-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

I clicked onto my inbox and I saw the new Chloe dress on the right and it automatically reminded me of something. Something which I owned but it was not really a dress or clothing article of that sort. The verticla lines, the strange sleeve fastenings and I don't know how in the world it came to my mind, but doesn't this dress look suspiciously like the Chloe Bay Bag perhaps? Well, it does to me. Let me know what your thinking. This is quite strange. I am sure that like most unusual dresses, it probably looks better on than off, don't you think?

The Latest Chloe "It" bag.

2009-03-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

What do you think? I personally like it because it looks like it will fit in a whole lot more than the kitchen sink into it, even a pair of shoes or two and plus; I'm loving the soft leather which gives it that worn-but-chic look. Do you think it might give the Paddington and the Bay bag a run for the money in Iconic attributes? I'm not too sure but I think it makes a fabulous Nappy or Mother-like handbag and is a very nice statement to take to the beach or something of that sort. It is the Chloe Cyndi tote and retails for $2200 US dollars. Loves it.

Innovated classic.

2009-03-18T12:58:00.001-07:00

As you might already know (and if not, well...now you do) Comme des Garcons has collaborated with Louis Vuitton. As a celebratory tribute (perhaps) to Louis Vuitton's 30th year in Tokyo, Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo has designed a limited edition line of six handbags in the iconic monogram pattern. I'd personally say that these handbags are such art pieces and if I were to be a lucky person who owned one of them, I would never really take it out with me anywhere. There is this classic yet futuristic element to it (and we all know how much designers are in love with futuristic at the moment) and I would rather just leave it sitting in a glass box (where the hell will I find one of those?) than take it around with me. This picture gets enough weird looks as it is, and can you imagine if someone went strolling around with it? Proposterous!

If your loving the look or loving the art (shall I say), this collection wll be available to order at the Tokyo Comme des Garçons store from the 4th of September. Our menswear editor will be there during this period so there is many fashion news to come from Tokyo.

Fun fact of the day.

2009-03-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

According to a major daily publication, "Sunglasses are the current "It" bag to women and the new fancy watch to men." Do you agree? I have to say that because it is so cold these days and there is plenty media around all ove, I suppose sunglasses not only appear as the latest 'it-bag' to us women, but also they are fabulous when coming face-to-face with great papaarzzi. Not that this ever happens to us.

L'Oreal Melbourne FashionFestival (LMFF)

2009-03-18T12:42:00.000-07:00

If there was a running theme through both of last night's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival (LMFF) shows, it was ruffles. Barely an outfit went by that didn't have flounces and frills, ruffles and tiers. To compliment, models in L'Oreal Paris Runway 2 sported soft, bouncy waves that flowed and moved with the garments.
Yeojin Bae opened the show with a flowery black and white take on the one-shoulder trend, before Vixen hit the runway in warm paisleys reminiscent of Gucci's Bohemian luxury.

2009-03-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

The perfect black heels for the perfect black dress.

2009-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Jovovich-Hawk no more.

Do you remember that gorgeous whimsical bohemian inspired label designed by Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk? Well, news just in; this fashion label might cease to continue this time next year or whenever quite soon. So my advice? Grab any last pieces by Jovovich-Hawk when you can. It's always sad to say goodbye.

2009-03-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

Tie dye and Dip dye should just...die?

You know how I usually have my little rants over things which I really can't choose between. Like the typical- sock sandals vs. normal sandals or patent leather boots vs. normal boots etc. There always seems to be a trend piece which contrasts immensely to the styles that I generally like better. Right now, what is on my mind is the tie-dye trend. The process of how one colour can cascade into another isn't really that fabulous to me. This could be due to two reasons: One; I am familiar with the process of dip dying and tie dying as I was a textiles student and sure it is a whole lot of fun to get your hands stained a nasty shade of beetroot purple and bright orange but after a while, you figure it isn't that hard to do yourself (If you want a basic 5 step tutorial, just email me. I've done this to singlets before. It's fun but looks a tad tacky), Two: The last time I bought something which was dip dye, it costed my $500 and I only wore it once before I figured that it wasn't classy and trend pieces starting at $20 were coming in. (You can guess how cut I was at this.) I know, such shallow responses. Oh well, I suppose that if it is good enough for McQueen and Stella McCartney, it might be good enough for me...to look at...not wear! And even looking at it, seems to take such effort.

2009-03-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Fashion Q&A.

Question: I'm having a Spring wedding in a few months and it is very summer-themed and I've found the perfect dresses (which are romantic and very classic) however the maid of honour is 6 months pregnant and I don't want to go too over the top however I still want that exotic essence to be around! I don't know what she should wear now! She's the maid of honour so it needs to be something classic but flattering. Please Help! (by Jacquie via. email)

Answer: I know what you are talking about. Pregnant Maids or Matrons of honour aren't the best things you want in a nice photo, yes of course you love them (as we all do) but it is your special day and the last thing you want is for people to be talking behind their hands about the gorgeous Maid of honour who is, yes, 6 months pregnant and showing. I personally would choose something babydoll style in gorgeous chiffon fabrics with a contrasting thin belted embellishment or even perhaps something which drapes really wonderfully around the whole body capturing the essence of a glowing mother-to-be. Something quite Grecian. I would stay away from prints and florals of all colours and sizes and instead make use of classic champagne and cream tones. Pastels would work nicely as well but a bold coloured dress would be just as effective. You also don't really want to go for styles which are specially suited to pregnant women. You want a style which would work effectively pregnant or not. High waisted and v-neck or round necks would look fabulous however I suppose this is when hair and makeup become more vital to achieving a certain 'look' according to your own personal theme. Anyway, I hope this helps and Congratulations on getting married.

What to wear to International Spa and Beauty expo?

2009-03-18T11:36:00.001-07:00

I will be going to the Sydney International Spa and Beauty expo very soon and the pondering question of what to wear still gets to me. However as this is not a fashion related event whatsoever with some fashion faces being perhaps those of ‘Napoleon Perdis’ and the randomly expected M.A.C cosmetics counter here and there, I really don’t know what the supposed ‘beauty girls’ wear to events like this. I mean, to frock or not to frock? I don’t work in beauty and don’t aspire to work in beauty so what to wear when one works in beauty is a question which I am hoping to find the answer to. I read in a blog that “beauty girls are like Lauren Conrad from the Hills who are polished but it’s because they just wear a chic dress or something similar. They are the beauty girls after all.” So from that one sentence and a bit, I instantly get the image of a magazine beauty editor who adorns herself in the likes of Mimco hair accessories and strapless One Teaspoon and Tigerlily dresses accompanied with an awesome (fake) tan and a seemingly natural glow and some pastel lip gloss…not that great an impression but then I could be completely wrong as well. I’m personally going for a draped Grecian-inspired dress and a pair of awesome over the top statement heels and some bangles to accesorise with not to forget the fake tan and super gorgeous red lipstick. Are there any beauty divas out there? What do you think?

glamour accessories (Be dazzled.)

2009-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

2009-03-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Want right now: A tropical holiday.

I have a confession to make! I am super excited on this one as well! Okay, it is official that next January-February 09, I will be going to this amazing Island the beautiful Vietnam (which is predicted to be the next Bali) and it is incredible because this little island resort is literally on an private island and you have to get there either by jet or like speed jet. Like oh my gosh. I am so excited. I am expecting a lot of sand, sea, markets, sunglasses, big hats, caftans...the lot! I forget what the resort is called but apparently it is the epitome of European luxury in an exotic location. But before I go all nuts on you with the listing of all the different things I plan on bringing, which I will go nuts sooner or later with; I also have more news and it is that in a few months (think sometime in September so not too far off), I will be going for an amazing but short road trip with my bestfriend and some other friends of ours to Coogee beach where we will do nothing but drink martinis, eat out, sleep, party and sunbake for three glorious days and two amazing nights in a waterfront apartment. You can feel free to join us if you manage to be there at the same time. Ahhh...I so wish I was on holiday right now. Just think; pedicured toes, natural tans, sexy bikinis, silk caftans, white mini dresses, oversized floppy hats, havaianas, beach bags, maxi dresses, wedge heels, beach parties, sand castles, crystal blue water...I could go on forever, but hey; there still is such thing as reality.

Design a Coach tote: The Iconic faves.

2009-03-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

Oh to be a Princess.

2009-03-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

I'm having these really strange phases which I go through these days, and they usually encompass something along the lines of clothing and looking like a princess (not that there is anything particularly wrong with that). I mean, it is pretty darn awesome to be able to wear a pair of opaque stockings and a totally princess-like mini dress on top which would feature something dramatically fantastical like Chiffon or tulle layers or even a deep Snow-White-Ruby-Red tone. Like okay, fine. It hasn't really been off the hook at this seasons runways and whatnot, but its definitely a look which is incredibly subtle yet totally doable. You see, one day you can just wake up and think "I want to look like Rapunzel" (I really do wonder how many people think like myself) and so you'll get out of bed, put on a gorgeous little Temperley London babydoll mini dress (not the most flattering but bear with me) and pair it with a pair of opaque tights and a pair of dramatic heels, not forgetting a perfect sideways plait or even a more contemporary yet subtle milkmaid braid and Ta da! There you have a modern Rapunzel. Snow White is a fun look to do as well. Just go over the top with gorgeous ruby red tones and deep colours and finish the look with a pretty satin bow on your head and there you have Snow White! ETC. Oh well, if anything makes me more eager than ever; just picture me in my modern fairytale outfit, staring over my city apartment balcony and saying the words "One day my Prince will come"...pretty neat huh?

designer bags for anyone who wants to be a star

2009-03-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 22:49:32 GMT

What does names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Prada remind you of? Lindsay Lohan during her afternoon shopping? Angelina Jolie just as she's about to step into a plane? Or Kate Beckinsale on her way to a formal lunch? Whatever it is, I'm sure these brands conjure up images of opulence, sheer indulgence and classy lavishness. Not something you and I can afford.

Designer bags for designer people. That's the way it is!
Not any more.

In the last few years, quite without anyone realizing when or how it started, designer bags have become accessible to the average Jack and Jane. You know, people who sweat it out at their offices and have to work their knuckles off to build a nest and take loans so they can maintain it? Yeah, I mean 'us' folks who need to look carefully at our savings account before we can plan the week's expenses.

Designer bags minus high end price tags are becoming quite, quite popular. So, I guess a lot of women are settling for quality designer replicas. Why, there's even talk that some celebrities use high end replicas once every while. With things going the way they are, even they may need to reconsider spending $10,000 on a bag these days.

There's one thing about buying replicas though. You've got to be careful that the replica is a look alike of the real stuff. Like the designer bags offered by Highreplica. This is a manufacturer that actually buys every authentic design so they can perfect the replica! Talk about perfectionism! The Chloe leather bag you see here feels just like the real stuff - soft and satiny. The leather even has the same silken sheen and color. An authentic Jimmy Choo may give you indigestion - settle for a replica designer bag, instead. There are a lot of folks doing it, you know.

Highreplica has imitations of almost all the top designers of the world. Most of these replicas are so good that even a discerning observer would have some difficulty spotting a replica from its original. The same kind of stitch, monogrammed signature, straps, metal hoops, designer hardware, zips and rich leather-like material are used in the replicas. So, you need not fear being spotted!

Designer bags may be casual collections for those who have billions stashed away in their secret accounts. But, if you're looking for something you can afford - to own and throw away when you're tired of it - go for designer replica bags. It's the only answer each and every time!