Friday, October 31, 2008

Voting Fever keeps rising...

Will the fever ever stop rising? Posted on YouTube and seen this morning on Fashionista.com, Zac Posen shows a bit of patriotism and expresses our need to vote. You gotta love his outfit, isn't it fabulous?!


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Don't Vote?


Don't Vote?...Am I hearing this correctly?...If you haven't already seen this commercial, you should. It is evident that the voting fever is on the rise. Addressing all the issues that are of concern to us as U.S. citizens, The "Don't Vote.." commercial directed by Steven Spielberg, is a very catchy commercial featuring many A-list celebrities, that sends an important message to all of us: GO VOTE! Because in the end, can you really say anything if you didn't take the time to fill out the ballot, the ballot that holds your future?

xo xo,
Chaz

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Individual, Economical

I always appreciate individual style and how one can just throw things together knowing they are comfortable and looking good. I stopped this fellow Parsons student because I found her outfit interesting and, for some reason, a bit unique and chic.

Although what she has on may come off as ordinary and something we have all seen before, I was interested as to how she used her pieces. I was first drawn to her skirt, which is really a tube fit at the top that she rolled down. Her actual top was a simple tank with a red and white print bra over it (very Madonna/80s inspired). To keep her warm she took a ordinary, heavy-knit cardigan and turned it upside down to give a more relax/grungy collar, where the bottom of the cardigan just falls around and over her shoulders. Finally, to accessorize the look she added two necklaces which were costumed inspired jewelry as well as her vintage shoes by an independent designer.

To add to her appeal, the only thing she bought was the cardigan that came from urban outfitters. Other than that, it was all about 2nd hand clothing either from her mother or grandmother. So not only was she interesting in the way she executed her style, it was also inspiring to know that she didn't spend too much to put the outfit together. And considering our current economic condition, this gal is definitely making use of her resources and applying it to her creativity.

xo xo,
Chaz

Old Hollywood returns

In WWD, last friday (October 24, 2008), an article discussed the cautious approach beauty was gearing towards during these weak economic times. They explained how "the uberpolished Forties-inspired makeup look...is a hot trend." The article goes onto explain "the Forties were the height of 'austerity chic,' when people made to do with what they had. People will keep up certain appearances and economize on things that are less visible." Therefore, it is almost of no surprise on how this trend in makeup is also becoming a reflection of economic hardships and a return to more classic, traditional ways. Here are some red carpet images from Totalbeauty.com

Therefore, has old hollywood glam made its apparent return into fashion? Although to many this may not be as obvious, it does look like the look and style of red lipstick, smooth, fair complexions, and gorgeous sleek hair waves is coming back. Much of old hollywood was experienced on the red carpet of this year's Primetime Emmy Awards. Whether it was the beautiful gown or the intense nostalgic make-up, it became clear that the glam of the 40s and 50s was back. With emphasis on the make-up, bold colors against fair skin showed that celebrities were embarking on less edgy looks and returning to softer, more elegant, but defining, feminine palettes.

When considering this idea of old hollywood glam, it is hard not to mention one woman who, for the most part, personifies the look as a whole: Dita Von Teese (shown below). She absolutely captures the old hollywood glam/pin-up girl idea.



To see how this look can be achieved, watch this video (from totalbeauty.com):


Saturday, October 25, 2008

Corduroy



There is something about this magazine that makes you want to read it. I am still trying to put my finger on it. Could it be because it is new and fresh? Could it be because of the photography and art? Could it be the writing? Whatever it maybe Corduroy definitely has my attention. Officially launched in February of this year, Corduroy's corresponding website states, "the [Corduroy] magazine is based on the idea that a corduroy jacket never goes out of style." Is this true? Whether or not it is, the magazine has used this idea to translate its mission of what their objective is:

"...In the same way, we profile actors, musicians, designers and fine artists who aren’t looking to follow mainstream trends, but rather focused on creating something classic.

Part gallery space and part storybook, Corduroy is as much about quality writing as it is about strong design. There are equal pages dedicated to art as there are to writing. The result is a timeless publication that is kept and treasured. Whether on the coffee table or on the bookshelf, this is a magazine that, like a corduroy jacket, will remain with readers for years to come."

- corduroymag.com

Although the magazine is fairly new, it has definitely started a following of celebrities and fashion insiders (i.e. Penn Badgely, Lisa Loeb, Coolhunting.com, Justin Nozuka, Rachel Dratch, Poketo.com). Could this be a hipper version of Visionaire? We'll have to wait and find out. Until then, it is always great to appreciate new publications embarking on new takes on fashion and art in a new perspective.

xo xo,
Chaz




Election is in the air

It is no mystery that election fever is in the air. Because we are in times of "change," many people are gearing up more and more for the 2008 elections as the final day approaches.

I noticed on several websites the trend of being patriotic expressed through fashion. For instance, just below, Barneys.com promotes the election through baby apparel. Before it was just about posters and flyers and rallying together; and in addition to all that, we are now using our infants to promote the power to vote and to make a difference.




Other sites like Gap.com (very top) and Urbanoutfitters.com (below) are also on the bandwagon to promote the elections. Whether they are supporting McCain &
Palin or Obama & Biden or to purely promote the need to vote, fashion is definitely not showing an absence in patriotism.

Similarly, other sites like Alifenyc.com and Benetton.com (both shown below) are, in their own way, showing interest in the American spirit. So what's the message to take from all this? GO VOTE!!! =)






The Calm before the Blackberry Storm...

Lately we have not been seeing anything great in cellular phone technology occurring that has been splashed all over the news from channel to channel. The last biggest buzz was the iPhone 3G and after that was the new color scheme and look of the iPod nano, if that. Otherwise, cellular techonology for the masses has been pretty calm...until now.

With so much hype about the innovation of touch screen, it is almost hard not to want such a feature for your cellular phone. Although, in the past, there has been versions of phones such as the Palm Treo that were an earlier form of touch screen technology, never has "touch" become so popular since the iPhone. From there, cellular carriers have been creating their own touch phone (i.e. Sprint's "Instinct" made by Samsung; Verizon's "Dare" made by LG; and T-Mobile's "G1").

However, Blackberry and Verizon Wireless have exclusively collaborated to form what could possibly be the phone that takes cellular customers by "storm." The new Blackberry Storm, Blackberry's version of the touch phone, is what some call the "iPhone's nightmare." Because Blackberry is widely used amongst corporate America as well as internationally, there is no telling how the Storm will revolutionize touch techonology. Additionally, it is clever how Blackberry has waited for all other major carriers to come out with their version of the touch phone before they release the Storm. Whatever the turnout may be, successful or not, there is definitely a buzz being created about the Storm and how it may possibly become the new "it" phone or "must-have" accessory since the introduction of the first generation of iPhones, several years ago.

To see what people are saying go to http://estore.vzwshop.com/storm/ and click on the little icon to the right of the screen to watch the video (keep in mind this is off the verizon website, so it may be biased).

The Blackberry Storm release date has not been announced. However, there are commercials on television that have been giving audiences a teaser for what is to come (watch below):




Related Posts with Thumbnails