Twilight has fallen upon us

If you haven't already read the book, let alone the series of Twilight books written by Stephanie Meyer, what are you waiting for? Hitting theaters this Friday, November 21st, is one of the highly anticipated movies by teens and young adults (and maybe some older adults). Twilight the movie is based on the the book written by Meyer that tells of a love story between an outcast, teenage girl, Bella (played by actress Kristen Stewart), and her love interest in an incredibly sexy and handsome vampire, Edward Cullen (played by actor Robert Pattinson). The best way to tell you about the book is for you to just read it. The book will melt your heart away. It will make you wishing for an Edward Cullen to come into your life and sweep you off your feet (or at least that is how all my friends and I feel).

I was mainly interested how Twilight costume designer Wendy Chuck dressed and styled the tall, dark, and fanged Edward Cullen character. In an interview with Wendy Chuck on film.com, Chuck mentions "I [she] wanted to impart in Edward the look of a modern day "Edwardian" gentleman in teen clothes that were suitable to not stand out too much at school. Some of my original choices of fitted pants and long jackets phased into well-fitted designer jeans, off the rack shirts that were tailored to fit in just the right way, a great classic black boot, American Apparel t-shirts and just the right kind of jacket."

She goes on to talk about what interested me the most: that heather grey peacoat. Where did they get it? It turns out that it was made specifcally for the film and makes its appearance quite often throughout the movie. Therefore, it must be one-of-a-kind....do I hear auctioning off? I will be prepared to bid! Other brands they used for costume were Diesel, G-Star, Guess, H&M, Forever 21, Miss Sixty, and Lucky.

Take a look at two clips where you see this coveted grey peacoat (well at least the one I covet...lol.) I must say, overall, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) looks like he stepped out of a Prada look book.

Leather is always better

Don't you just love leather?!? If you don't then skip this post. Randomly, looking around at Parsons, I came across two women who caught my eye. And no, it's not because they are women (FYI...I love my men). They grabbed my attention with their stylish leather jackets and I could not help but ask to snap pictures.

This first jacket from Wilson's Leather (shown below) I just loved because of the black spikes that accent one side of the jacket. It gives the jacket an attitude all its own against the white leather background. I loved how the jacket gave her simple black outfit so much character and edge.

I could not help but snap a few pictures of this second jacket from Thomas Wyde (shown below). I was intrigued by the studs that accented the trim of the jacket and what really got me were the skulls of the inside jacket lining...it rocked! I had flashbacks of Alexander McQueen's skull chiffon scarves for a moment...Fabulous!

TRL FINALE

The time has finally come. After a decade of mostly pop culture music, Total Request Live (TRL) finally says goodbye. Last night, MTV aired the closing of a cultural movement. Since 1998, TRL has enticed music followers to keep up on the latest and newest hot muscial artists as well as creating and defining their stardom. My favorite was when Britney had her first debut as well as all the other "POP" artists (i.e. Nsync, Backstreet Boys, LFO, 98 Degrees). Geez, I feel old! I apologize for the "youtube" streak of videos, gotta love youtube.com

Chanel Mobile Art

Too bad I didn't get a chance to go, but take a look at this video...sums it all up! Love Chanel!!!

The Storm has arrived....

If you don't already know, Blackberry and Verizon are unleashing their version of the touch phone this week. The release date for the phone is set for this Friday, November 21st. There has been a lot of hype and anticipation for the new phone that will take the country by "storm" as they say. Below is a new verizon commercial:

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?!

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

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):

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