Style Fix

Need something interesting to keep you entertained while you idly sit at your desk today, surfing the Internet? Here are some must-see things that have popped up recently on magazines’ Web sites:

* InStyle has been busy creating lots of fun photo galleries and posting them online. Don’t miss the 10 Most Outrageous Accessories worn by celebrities this past year. Check out Sarah Jessica Parker in her custom Phillip Treacy green hat with flowers and butterflies, Victoria Beckham in heel-free high heels, and Pharell Williams toting a large, purple, $67,000 custom-made Hermes Birkin bag. InStyle also put together a pictorial quiz about Oscar dresses. Check out all the photos and decide What Is Your Favorite Oscar Dress from the Past 15 Years? Check out the regular features here, too, such as “Look of the Day” and “Look for Less.”

* Glamour, the home of fashion dos and don’ts, put together a year end look at some stand out fashion trends from 2008, dubbing each either “love it” or “leave it” for 2009. Don’t miss 2009’s Style Resolutions: Trends to Love (and to Leave Behind). The photo shown here of Lily Allen was actually directed at her choice of jean shorts with boots, not her homemade Chanel shirt.

* Elle takes you through The Short List of female celebrities who chopped off their locks. Elle also reveals the 2008 readers’ choice Beauty Awards for best products.

* My long-running favorite in blogs run by fashion magazines is NY Mag’s The Cut. It will keep you up-to-date on fashion weeks, bankruptcies, and other fashion business info.

Two Project Runway superstars have recently spoke out about their feelings on the use of animal fur in the fashion world.

The contestants’ mentor, Tim Gunn, joined forces with PETA to create an anti-fur video. He also sat down and chatted, on video, about his personal thoughts.

“Any designer in the fashion industry who does not want to watch the PETA video and see exactly what happens to animals and how they’re treated and how the product that they use comes to the marketplace I believe is egregiously irresponsible,” says Tim. “It is critically important that we all be educated about these matters and then make choices.”

Click here to view the video.

On the flip side, designer Santino Rice, third place finalist from season two, told TMZ that he is proud to wear and use fur. TMZ asked Santino how he would update Santa’s outfit. He responed, “It would only be made out of the best materials, and of course real fur.” When TMZ followed up by asking who his favorite fur hag is, the designer said, “Oh there’s so many, but I love them all. I proudly use fur.”

Click here to view video of Santino’s interview.

Over 40 million animals are killed for their fur each year. The conditions under which they live and are slaughtered are a constant source for disagreements. Dozens of celebrities create anti-fur campaigns with PETA each year, with reality star Khloe Kardashian being one of the most recent. Just as many celebs, however, continue to proudly wear fur, such as those that made PETA’s 2008 Worst Dressed list.

Happy New Year! Hope it was a safe, fun, and stylish one! Let’s take a look at what the celebrities wore to welcome in 2009.

Molly Sims partied at a Miami, Florida, party at Blade in the Fontainebleau Hotel wearing a shiny, purple strapless dress and the popular “Happy New Year” tiara. The party was sponsored by Ciroc vodka, the self-proclaimed official vodka of New Year’s Eve.

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The Fontainebleau Hotel has another nightclub, too: LIV. The party at this one was also sponsored by Ciroc and was attended by numerous musicians including Ciroc frontman Sean “Diddy” Combs, Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Gavin Degraw, and Nick Lachey with his date Vanessa Minnillo. Tyrese, Topher Grace, George Hamilton, and Christian Audiger were also in attendance. But the sharpest dressed of the evening was Stacy Keibler.

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Pure Nightclub in Las Vegas had the most outrageous dressed guest of the evening. It’s no surprise here; a Kardashian looked the most ridiculous. Kim wore, well, see for yourself. The dress was backless with an extremely low cut back that grazed just above parts that should remain hidden.

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Also at Pure were the all-black, newly wed, new parents Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz. Ashlee’s new mommy boobs were also in attendance. Below the picture, Ashlee was wearing a short skirt with black stockings.

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And, since for some reason people seem to be interested in them, I’ll throw out a Speidi bone: Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt attended Pure’s party donning their usual flesh-colored beard, fake hair, and mini dress.

Consumers feel very nostalgic about the bold fashion ad beauty statements of the 1980s, but very few actually look good in leggins, ankle boots, and neon colors.

Enter Too Faced Cosmetics to offer us a happy medium. The makeup company boasts a Sony licensing deal this season as store shelves are graced with the brand new Too Faced Smurfette Collection, which “turns ’80s fantasy into today’s beauty reality.” At a time when the fashion market is being bombarded with rehashing of ’80s trends, it’s nice to see a company jump on this fad’s bandwagon without taking it 100 percent literally.

Snag one if you can: this collection of makeup, which pays tribute to Too Faced’s Founder and Creative Director, Jerrod Blandino’s, favorite childhood idol, is a limited edition offer! And yes, blue eye shadow is included.

Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, and Carmen Marc Valvo may not be putting on a show under the tents this February during New York’s fall 2009 fashion week, but that hasn’t stopped other designers from forging forward into the next fashion week. In fact, Tommy Hilfiger will be appearing and revealing his new line at Bryant Park for the first time in three years.

In recent years, Hilfiger has shown his new collections during fashion week, but off-site at Avery Fisher Hall rather than the main venue of Bryant Park. This year, perhaps it is appropriate that the red, white, and blue Americana designer take center stage.

“In this upcoming season, when America will be taking center stage, Tommy brings a unique American style to the runways of Bryant Park,”
said Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion.

The Tommy Hilfiger fall 2009 show is currently scheduled for Thursday, February 19.

Merry Christmas to all today!

The big shopping holiday has finally arrived and you know what that means … get ready for some great after Christmas sales, clearances, deals, offers, etc.

But for now, enjoy the day; celebrate in style. Don your red or green: both are allowed only subtly. Ditch the themed sweaters, unless your gracious grandma that bought it for you is standing nearby. And, as always, stay warm while looking as tailored and stylish as these impressive little munchkins looked at the Christmas tree Party on Wednesday, December 17 in Monaco as they posed with Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Stephanie of Monaco and Princess Caroline of Hanover.

And, of course, if you don’t celebrate Christmas: Happy Hannukah or Kwanzaa or Human Light!

Just can’t wait to get spending? Read up on how to maximize your dollar during after the holidays sales at any or all of these cheer-spreading shopping sites:

* Chiff provides tips on how to utilize every coupon, sale, discount, and more.

* Frugal Living at About.com details how you can pile savings on top of savings.

* Dealio has links to several stores after Christmas bargain specifics.

* After Christmas Sales tracks the sales for you, providing details, deadlines, and links.

* eHow: How to Survive the After Christmas Sales offers up some useful, albeit comical, tips, too.

But you know … you could always stay home and spend the day trying on all of your duds and hosting a fashion show for any family members willing to watch.

Designers have found yet another way to react during a struggling economy. We’ve been privy to many sales and bargains. We’ve been gifted cheaper versions of top names through collaboration with Target and such. We’ve, unfortunately, seen doors close permanently for stores and design houses alike.

And now something new: top designers are announcing that they will not rent a tent at Fall 2009 Fashion Week at Bryant Park in New York City, schedule for February 13-20. So far, this list includes Vera Wang, Betsey Johnson, and Carmen Marc Valvo.

The economy is the main factor here, with shows that can easily cost over $100,000. NYMag’s the Cut forecasts less runway shows, but perhaps more displays, exhibits, and presentations, which cost substantially less. Small-budget designers might also join forces and share the costs of a joint showing.

Large-budget names are stepping back as a sign of respect and acknowledgment: “I don’t want to seem irrelevant or unaware of what’s going on in the rest of the world — not just the fashion world,” Wang told WWD. “The intimacy of a smaller show feels much more appropriate for these times.”

Instead of showing in the tents, Wang will host an event in her NYC store to reveal the Fall 2009 line. Valvo, who has shown at Bryant Park for the last ten years, is reportedly looking for a cheaper way to present the fall 2009 collection such as an intimate cocktail party. Johnson has not provided any reasons for her decision, but assures that she will host some sort of unveiling.

The dress is shown is from Valvo’s Spring 2009 collection.

For winter 2008, MAC Cosmetics selected an interesting influence … Dame Edna!

Here she is in Los Angeles Monday, December 15, launching her line.

And thanks to Temptalia, who has full details on every MAC collection, for a complete rundown of what Dame Edna has to offer:

Lipstick
* Gladiola Matte mid-tone blue pink (Matte)
* Coral Polyp Creamy mid-tone coral (Amplified Creme)
* Kanga-Rouge Creamy dark blue red (Amplified Creme)

Lipglass
* Hot Frost Sheer mid-tone blue pink with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)
* Splendid Frosty pale pinky coral (Frost)
* Possum Nose Pink sheer bright coral with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (Frost)

Royal Tour Eye Shadow Trio
* Royal Tour Mid-tone cool lilac (satin)
* Dame’s Desire Frosty mid-tone reddish purple (Frost)
* Climate Blue Dark blue fviolet with pink pearlized pigments (Velvet)

Wisteria Eye Shadow Trio
* Fineshine Frosty true-silver (Lustre)
* Wisteria Frosty robin’s egg blue (Velvet)
* Divine Night Frosty charcoal with silver pearlized pigments (Velvet)

Hight-Light Powder
* What a Dame! Pale orangey peach
* Spectacle! Pale soft pink

Nail Lacquer
* Asiatique Creamy classic red (Creme)
* Varicose Violet Frosty mid-tone pinkish purple (Frost)

If you haven’t signed up for the online, designer sale, members only club Rue La La yet, there’s still time to do so before the current sales for Nicole Miller and Michael Kors Bedding expire.

Every two days, Rue La La launches a new, short-lived boutique featuring merchandise from one brand or designer label. Each boutique hosts current fashions and products at 30 to 80 percent off regular retail pricing.

Sign up today and skip the waiting list with this VIP membership code offer:

* Visit www.RueLaLa.com.
* Select “Invited by a Member.”
* Enter this e-mail address as your key to get in: VIP@ruelala.com.
* Shop and save!
* Then, invite your friends to join, too, and you will earn $10 to spend at Rue La La each time one of your friends joins and makes their first purchase.

Other upcoming sales will feature John Hardy jewelry, Delman shoes, Alexis Hudson purses, and clothing by Shoshanna, BCBG Max Azria, and Theory.

The battle of fur as fashion has been going strong lately: Lindsay Lohan gets flour thrown on her and called a “fur hag.” Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow pose with fur, but swear they were tricked and would never wear it. Even more celebs pose for PETA’s anti-fur ads, most recently, Khloe Kardashian. The Humane Society files a lawsuit against companies that falsely label real fur as faux. Kid Rock loves his fur and starts a war with PETA. …

But can’t we debate the topic in a friendlier manner, like maybe a fashion design competition highlighting budding designers that don’t use fur?

Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute and E Magazine have joined forces to do just that!

The contest, fffashion, is a fur-free fashion contest for designers 18 or older, with an April 1, 2009 deadline, and an inexpesive $25 entry fee. Judges include Sophie Uliano, green living guru and author of New York Times bestseller Gorgeously Green; Summer Rayne Oaks, eco-model, activist, spokesperson, and resident expert for Discovery Network’s Planet Green; and Brita Belli, editor of E Magazine. Premier online independent fashion Web site UsTrendy is also supporting the contest.

Learn more about Born Free USA’s stance and believes on their Fight Against Fur campaign page.

If you have it in your heart to do good and help the needy, but not in your wallet, Piperlime has just the opportunity for you!

Piperlime regularly collaborates with charitable nonprofit Soles4Souls. Now, if you become a fan of Piperlime on Facebook you can donate without spending any money. For each person that befriends the shoes and accessories online store, Piperlime will donate $1 to Soles4Souls.

Soles4Souls collects new and used shoes of every variety, and distributes them to people in need. With the help of shoe manufacturers, retailers, and individuals, Soles4Souls provided more than 1 million pairs after the Asian Tsunami and hurricanes Rita and Katrina. The company runs based on a single, simple mission: “to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.”

Now go “Facebook” Piperlime and see that Soles4Souls gets another dollar to keep helping!

I’m sorry, what year are we living in again?

LA Gear is releasing a new line of sneakers.

“It has been almost 20 years since these original LA Gear styles have been in the market, and we feel like it’s time to bring them back,” said Lance Jackson, director of LA Gear specialty product.

The brand promises to maintain their signature, iconic style: the new shoes maintain high-top status and have a Velcro strap wrapped around the ankle. Plus, LA Lights will be re-released for men, women, and children. But, thankfully, they also promise to update the color choices.

This, on top of Ray-Ban sunglasses becoming the big name in shades again and Lindsay Lohan’s hundred-dollar leggins selling like crazy, is making me question what decade I live in.

When perusing celebrity snapshots it’s hard to decide whether to highlight the ones that look amazing or those that missed the mark. So why not show some of each?

Okay, Kristen Stewart, star of the hit movie Twilight, I get that your a newly popular twenty something that wants the “I don’t care,” do it yourself, purposefully messy look, but this is just too much. Brush and blow dry your hair next time. And please, stop doing that awkward side pucker.

There’s not much exciting to Jennifer Connelly’s outfit for David Letterman tonight, December 8, but she makes head-to-toe black look so casual sexy. This is the first time I have ever appreciated any kind of ankle boot. But then again, can Jennifer Connelly look bad? That sleek, shiny hair! Those eyes!

Oh, Ashanti. Your face is so pretty, but turtlenecks are so hard to pull off without looking full faced. Didn’t anybody tell you that? Try wearing some hair down, or a darker color, next time.

Eva Mendes, you certainly were brave wearing this slippery, pale frock to the British Comedy Awards this weekend. But, alas, your naturally tanned complexion and kick ass body make this slip look good.

Take notes, Kristen Stewart, at the Vicky Christina Barcelona New York screening Penelope Cruz shows us how to do the careless, imperfect hair look. It’s healthy and clean, touchable, and full of both body and movement.

Thanks for the continued entertainment, celebs. You know we love you … even if we don’t always love your look.

Payless Shoes seems to have decided that, while expensive stores are dying out, they are going to have a new market of shoe shoppers looking to save a dollar without sacrificing style. Having that realization, the store has decided to jump on the bandwagons of two popular retail trends: being green, and collaborating with top designers.

Be Green. Back in October, Payless started production of their first environmentally friendly line. Due out early 2009, the shoes will blend current trends in style with sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, hemp, recycled soles, and more. Summer Rayne Oakes, Discovery Network’s Planet Green fashion and beauty expert and author of Style, Naturally: The Savvy Shopping Guide to Sustainable Fashion & Beauty, will serve as the footwear brand’s eco consultant. With hope, the shoes will be cheaper and cuter than Natalie Portman’s Te Casan designs.

Collaborate with Big Names. Christian Siriano, a.k.a. Project Runway’s season four winner, signed a deal this week with Payless to create a line of shoes and handbags exclusively for the affordable store. The new collection will be unveiled at Siriano’s runway show at New York Fashion Week in February. The designs will be available in fall 2009, with an estimated price range of $25 to $45.

While you await the arrival of the new green and Siriano lines, take advantage of Payless’s BOGO (buy one, get one 50% off) event, which is happening now. Current collections in Payless stores include designer collaborations with Lela Rose, Patricia Field, Alice + Olivia, and Abaete. The store also carries Airwalk, Champion, American Eagle, and Dexter.

This weekend I reluctantly got toted along to watch the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace - that’s what I get for hanging out with two twenty something guys. It was my first James Bond movie ever and, although I went in fighting, I really enjoyed it!

However, did they use so much money on blowing things up, crashing cars, and paying stuntmen that they had nothing left over to hire a decent stylist to make the ladies of the film look good? Daniel Craig always looked ruggedly handsome and pulled together, but most of the actresses donned sloppy, ill-fitting, and gravely unflattering outfits.

Olga Kurylenko, playing Camille, was the first to get the wardrobe shaft. In her first big scene, which takes place on the docks and in speed boats, Olga/Camille wears a bright orange tank top; a unflattering, high-waisted, full-bodied, short skirt; and a clunky gold chain necklace shown here.

Gemma Arterton, as Agent Fields, never gets a good look … except when she’s naked, dead, and coated in oil. She breaks onto the scene with an awkward, too manly trench coat with nothing else showing but unfeminine boots. Later, she looks like Wilma Flintstone from the neck up, as seen here, but this dress had a special twist: the female pooch area faded to grey and was wrapped up with huge forward-facing bow.

There was a great little black dress that was splattered across movie posters, but for the most part the women’s costumes made them look frumpy. For women’s fashion, James Bond Quantum of Solace failed.

P.S. Sorry these were the best photos that I could find. With hope, better ones will eventually emerge.