Project Runway Season 2: The Calm Before the Storm

All photos courtesy  of BravoTV.com


Fans of the fashionista reality show can rest a little bit easier now that the final three have been announced: Daniel V., Santino and Chloe.  This past Wednesday, the final four designers (the three, plus Kara) had to design an evening gown suitable for Iman, the majestic supermodel/diva/wife-of-David Bowie.  With such a daunting challenge before the honorable opportunity to show at fashion week, you’d think the designers would pull out all the stops – but think again.

I have to agree with the judges when they said they were “underwhelmed.”  The pieces they showed were flat out boring.  Take a look:

Chloe’s Dress:  Yawn…

 Santino’s Dress:  Didn’t they already do the figure skating costume challenge?

 Kara’s Dress:  Double yawn.  I understand why she was eliminated.

Daniel V’s Dress:  I guess it’s a "winner."


Out of all of them, Santino (although it was a bit horrendous) had the most interesting gown.  Everyone else had pretty designs, but as Santino said, they were “safe.”  They were as exciting as watching curling on the Olympics.  It’s as though the designers thought too inside of the box, and they put all their focus on the schematics of tailoring rather than vehicular creativity.  

Nonetheless, there HAD to be a winner. Daniel V. took the golden pin cushion on this challenge.  After seeing the Project Runway collections at fashion week, I am sure a lot of people are going to be a little bit disappointed.  We shouldn’t compare them to those of last season, but after seeing ingenious collections by Jay McCarroll and Kara Saun, it’s kind of hard not to.

The outcome will certainly be interesting.  Daniel, Santino and Chloe’s collections shown last week all managed to stay in the same vein.  But if I had to choose a winner, I am going to go with Daniel…or Chloe…or maybe Santino.  I have no idea.  Stay tuned for the winner!

Posted by Dino on February 17th, 2006 in Features, News, Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women | 7 comments

Friday Fashion Hotlist | 2.17.06


Issue XXVIII of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a weekly compilation of the
cutest and coolest stuff Style Intelligence Report saw out there this
week.

FFH is back after Omiru’s massive Fashion Week coverage, and this
week, we’re going gaga over printed tees, with two styles (one cute, one adorably nerdy) available for both men and women.

Actualize Artefacture Tee

Artefacture "Actualize" Tee| $28 at Artefacture

We like birds (well, minus Dino).  But we all like shirts.


Think Geek Geek Love Poem Tee
Geek Love Poem Tee | $14.99-$16.99 at Think Geek

Awesome.  Just…awesome.

Want a more comprehensive look at What’s in and What’s Out?  Susannah’s got you covered.

Posted by Trisha on February 17th, 2006 in Friday Fashion Hotlist, Men, Trend, Women |

Trendscape | From the Trenches to the Safari

Once again, the dictators of style have proved that what’s old is new.  Based on some of the looks at this past fashion week in New York (not to mention the stylish ones I recently saw at Zara), trench coats seem to be the “in” thing.  To go beyond the confines of the flattering cinched waists of these coats, safari-style jackets seem to be inching to the forefront as well.

Nonetheless, these pieces of outwear are suitable for the office or for a night on the town.  For both men and women, trenches and safaris are definitely a good way to spruce up an outfit to make you look sophisticated, stylish and most of all, keep you comfortable in mild weather.

Halogen Belted Safari Jacket | $78 at Nordstrom
 

Burberry Belted Violet Belted Trench | $840 at Bluefly.com


Perry Ellis Belted Safari Jacket | $94.99 at Macy’s


Cole Haan Double Faced Safari Jacket | $158.09 at Bluefly.com


Burberry Tan Trench | $995 at Bergdorf Goodman


Burberry Yellow Trench | $1,295 at Bergdorf Goodman


It looks like the frenzied check-patterned Burberry (the women’s violet is uber fancy) is the leader when it comes to chic outwear (no surprise), but it is a bit disappointing that there is a lack of belted safaris (not trenches) when it comes to the men’s side.  Even so, the white Cole Haan is clean and tight, while the yellow trench is a modernized hip makeover of the yellow raincoat.  I am sure as the word gets out, these jackets will invade the world like a “London Fog” – pun intended.

Posted by Dino on February 16th, 2006 in Men, Shopping Guide, Shopping Guide, Street Style, Street Style, Street Style, Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |

[Sponsored Post] Ready Made Outfit: Night Out on the Town

Sometimes browsing stores in all corners of the web can get tiring. Sometimes it’s nice to find everything you need in one place. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night at the club or a fun dinner date, all the pieces of this outfit can be found at CoutureCandy.com.


Fashion Formula = Cute Top + Jeans + Metallic Bag.

 


Blousy Tank in Black/Silver by Development | $191 at CoutureCandy

 


Twiggy Jean by Joe’s Jeans | $173 at CoutureCandy


Hayley Bag in Sterling Silver by Moe – C.L.I.C.K. Bags | $143 at CoutureCandy

At CoutureCandy, you can shop all the hottest designers in one place.  You can read the latest industry news, get the inside scoop on the designers, and even keep up on (and purchase) what celebrities are wearing. You can share ideas and connect with other members of the CoutureCandy community via the exclusive "Couture Talk" Forum or get inspiring wardrobe advice from their "Personal Stylists."

Posted by Advertising on February 16th, 2006 in Advertising |

The Coolest Shoes EVER

9 West Fold Up Shoes


We’d normally feature these shoes in our shopping blog but we happen to think they are groundbreaking news for the modern working woman. Not only are these folding shoes some of the coolest-looking around, but they also come in a nifty folding pouch that isn’t even the size of one of your old, smelly sneaks. Perfect for throwing in your gym bag, purse or even carrying in hand, these shoes will silence your complaints about walking to work forever.

$59.99 at Nine West

Posted by Susannah on February 16th, 2006 in Shopping Guide, Women |

Boutique Review | Clair de Lune

Clair de Lune Boutique

Bubbly champagne, heart-shaped chocolates, and sweet sugar cookies—no, they weren’t the Valentine’s Day excess of a posh socialite. Rather, they were treats served at San Carlos boutique Clair de Lune’s Baubles & Bikinis Valentine’s Day Party. Although Clair de Lune hasn’t traded its shop permit for a liquor license, it does offer more than just fancy tops and designer jeans. The spacious store co-owned by two stylish sisters, Andrea Parks and Danielle Hicks, is also filled with antique candleholders, verdant wreaths, bath gels, couch pillows, studded belts and feminine undergarments. And if you happen to get motivated by the slogans on the wall (“Dance like no one is watching”; “Dreams do come true”), the inspiration doesn’t have to end when you exit the store because you can have it to hang on your own wall at home.

Price Point
: Tops and Tees, $30-60; Jeans, $120-270; Shirts, $80-200; Jackets, $150-400; Belts, $120-300; Evening purses, $60-80; Lingerie: $16-50.
Brands: True Religion, BCBG, Betsey Johnson, Charlotte Tarantola, French Connection, Kasil, Joe’s Jeans, Poleci, Red Engine, Felina, and more.
Sales: January and July.
Why San Carlos? “There was nowhere to shop in the area,” Parks said.  “We had to drive 15 minutes north to Burlingame, or 15 minutes south to Palo Alto.”

Posted by Melody on February 16th, 2006 in News, Women | 2 comments

How To: Wear black without looking gothic or uncreative

Unless you’re purposefully trying to look depressed and angry, there’s no need to drown yourself out in black gear that has no personality. Although the LBD trend is back in full force, you don’t want your outfit to scream “blah.” That said, your black side of the closet doesn’t have to sit and sulk while the rest of the colors get all the attention. Paired with the correct accessories (shoes, jewels, handbags), a black outfit can rock the world like no other color.

To add zest to your ensemble, wear one (key word: one) of the following:

Pointy red mules: Imagine the surprise of onlookers the minute they look down at your fabulous red shoes.
Chain-link bracelet: With a black dress, black shoes, and bare neck, sport a chunky chain link bracelet (preferably one with two tones like dark red and gold) that stands out on your wrist.
Long, layered necklace: Whether they’re pearls or beads, long necklaces are in. Sport this look only if the neckline of your dress is conducive. Try the look with a turtleneck, crewneck or plunging neckline.
Colorful handbag: The contrast of the black with the rich color will automatically put you on the fashion map.

Bottom line: Always add a spice of color when going black.

Posted by Melody on February 15th, 2006 in How To, Women's |

Top 5: Unflattering Pieces for Women with Curves

Curves. All women have ones they want to emphasize and others they’d prefer to downplay. But how do you know you’re not downplaying the good curves and highlighting the bad ones?

While most people won’t tell you if you’ve made an unflattering choice, we here at Omiru know that a good friend never lies. Unless you’re a six-foot tall model with a washboard stomach and legs for days, we suggest you stay away from the following:

#1. Expectant mother tops. We know a tall, slender woman who got asked if she was expecting…when she wasn’t. The culprit? You guessed it–the awful Expectant Mother Top. Stay away from pieces that tent out under the bust, especially those with extraneous, bulky fabric.

(Photo Credit: Active Endeavors)

#2. Shants, gauchos and culottes. They hit at the widest part of the calf, making your legs look shorter and fatter.

 (Photo Credit: Blush)

#3. Overly tight microfiber or spandex. We don’t think this looks flattering, ever–even on a slender bod. We do, however, think it looks slutty.

(Photo Credit: Arden B.)

#4. Crop tops. They spotlight the "pooch" above the groin, especially when sitting down (like the model below).

(Photo Credit: Victoria’s Secret)

#5. Tea-length skirts. Refer to #2. Instead, try to aim for a longer skirt, or try our favorite length: just below the knee.

(Photo Credit: J. Crew)

Posted by Susannah on February 15th, 2006 in Figure Flattery Guide, Figure Flattery Guide, Women | 2 comments

Club Style | Mr. Smith’s Nightclub

Hats worn indoors

Trend Alert: Sporting Hats Indoors

Oversized Bags

Trend Alert: Oversized Shoulder Bags

Trenchcoat

Trend Alert: Trenchcoat as Club Gear

Woven Belts

Trend Alert: Woven Belts

Posted by Melody on February 15th, 2006 in Street Style, Women |

Ready Made Outfit: Maritime Fun at Forever 21

Our colleague Agathe over at StyleBytes wrote about how the everpresent Nautical trend is starting to grow on her.  We’ve been fond of it since the beginning, and we found some particularly sailor chic items while browsing at Forever 21 over the weekend.  Our two cents?  Keep it casual–lest you look like you belong at sea.

Fashion Formula = Striped Tank over Polo Shirt + Jeans + Flip Flops.
Forever 21 Sleeveless Sweater Top

Sleeveless Sweater Top | $17.80 at Forever 21

Forever 21 Glitter Polo

Glitter Polo Top | $13.80 at Forever 21

Forever 21 Straight Leg Denim Jeans

F21 Premium Straight Leg Denim | $29.80 at Forever 21

J Crew Classic Wedge Flip Flop

J Crew Classic Wedge Flip Flop | $16.50 at J Crew

Posted by Trisha on February 15th, 2006 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 1 comment

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