Women: for change

FASHION: Was Milan Fashion Week a White Wash?

 


The country that made a huge splash with its All black Vogue edition last year, fell short....very short on leading with action when it came to leveling the balance of ethnic diverse models in its fashion shows. Of course Milan fashion week is a

New Juicy Couture Beaded Charm Stretch Bracelets

Earlier this week The Glamour Gift Guide posted these new fun, trendy, boho charm bead bracelets from Juicy Couture. They range from $68-98 and can be bought from ShopBop.com
in the US they also have FREE ground shipping and they do ship internationally!!

Sneaker Spotlight || New Pastry Line 'Double Delight'

Pastry Kicks has been going strong for two years and every year they add more lines to their collection. Introducing Double Delight, i think they have a Jordanesque feel and pretty colors?
Do you like them? Im not too sure at the moment but they may look better in person (or more detailed pics).
They are available to buy now from the Pastry Store for $74.99

Model Watch || Lyndsey Scott ~ First Black Model to Score Calvin Klein Exclusive

The Cut has reported that Lyndsey Scott has scored a Calvin Klein exclusive although not opening or closing the runway show;

Lyndsey Scott became the first model of color to score an exclusive with the brand that's usually known for a white-and-whiter runway cast. Just to put it in perspective: Scoring an exclusive for Calvin is like being picked Model MVP — it immediately launches your career and elevates your status.

Some fashion blogs are excited and some are asking if she is worthy of the exclusivity, and i ask why not??

Ariel Meredith + Damaris Lewis // Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2009 Launch, Pics & Video

Ford Models' Ariel Meredith, Jessica White and Damaris Lewis and others out at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue launch. Tyra Banks broke barriers down for these ladies to be considered for a feature in this issue and they have a fab job...well done!!

Check out some of the SI, lauch pics and video after the click

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LIMITED EDITION $6,295 SHOE

Celeb fav Christian Louboutin has a limited edition shoe (36 pairs to be precise) made in conjuction with embroiderer Jean-Francois Lesage of the House of Lesage, inspired by Marie Antoinette.
The Fashion Police.Net reports that

Fashion || Kimora Scales Back Baby Phat Fashion Show " Now's Not The Time to Flaunt Money We Don't Have"

Kimora has her business head on in these economic times, although she coined the term 'Fabulosity', the Baby Phat brand has not succeeded on this alone is also takes great business acumen.
WSJ are reporting a big change in the Baby Phat fashion show, less of a ' Let's Put on the most fabulous show in the world' and more ' get buyers and orders' type of show. Not to mention that the fab lady herself is pregnant and the scale back will be much easier for her, as we have seen that she likes to be very hands-on.

Read what Kimora has to say after the click.

Who Wore it Better || M.I.A vs. Agynes Deyn

M.I.A's ontstage look wasn't a custom made maternity look but designer Henry Holland's creation worn by Agynes Deyn. Although heavily pregnant M.I.A did put her own spin on it, so who wore it better?

“I was a bit worried about what the patch was going to cover with the belly involved, but she wore a little skirt with it,” Holland told the Cut by phone from his London studio. Holland is keen on gauging the proletariat’s reaction. “

Footwear Spotlight | UGG Cardy Crochet Boots x Pastel Spring 2009

Thing your going to miss your UGG boots when the weather warms up?
Well don't worry because the UGG Cardy Crochet Boots will be released in Pastel colors to fit with your spring wardrobe.

Sneaker Spotlight | Nike Dunk High x Liberty London

In honor of the Liberty Store in London Nike has created the Dunk Liberty

Sneaker Spotlight | Sergio Rossi for Puma x Ladies 2009

Italian designer is putting his magic touch on a Puma classic costing about $575 for the high heel sneakers and the low sneakers about $190.

Check out more info & pics after the click...do you love them?

Sneaker Spotlight | Kanye West for Louis Vuitton x Ladies 2009

I'm happy for Kanye that he got to go from just calling himself the Louis Vuitton Don to well actually being one, it's wuite inspiring if you think about it.

Kanye's sneaker line for Louis Vuitton includes a female line, where does his knowledge about female sneaker design come from? This is what he had to say in his recent blog...

More images after the click

Sneaker Spotlight | Women's Nike Dunk Vandal High Black / Neon Pink

The Nike Dunk Vandal High in Black / Neon Pink is to be released in the next couple of weeks and will carry a price tag of $110.00, I like this colorway! What do you think?
More details after the click

Pastry Kicks x New Glam Pie's available to Buy Online Now!!

Earlier this month we showed you the new Glam Pie releases from Pastry Kicks, they are now available to buy online from the Pastry site. More info after the click

Style Preview | House of Dereon Intimates

If you love to wear Hof D or the junior line Dereon, you can now (from Spring/Summer) get intimate too with the release of the House of Dereon Intimates line.

Splurge Watch | Jimmy Choo x Hunter Wellington Boots

The great Nitrolicious has posted details and a pic of these FAB rain boots, i'm not a big splurger or a big rain boots fan but these are hot. The price tag on these are $395.00  and will be available in store @ Jimmy Choo and online.

Sneaker Spotlight | Adidas Spring 2009 Women's Preview

Last week we released some previews of Nike's Womens spring 2009 collection, Now Adidas has released a preview of its Spring 2009 line.
I'm not getting too excited by this preview, but i like the silver hi tops and the color way of the Respect M.E's. What do you think?

Versace Spring 2009 Campaign | A Return to The Supermodel

In these economic times which are testing especially on Luxury brands, companies can't afford to take chances and are going back to basics. By basics we mean the SuperModel, as Versace is usuing two of the biggest Supermodel's for their spring 09 campaign.

Pastry| New Pastry Apparel x Tee & Denim

Some more releases of Pastry Apparel for Spring, Playful Kisses Jersey Tee in yellow with purple kisses. The Bull Denim Pant is tight fitting jean in purple. Both very bright colors, what do you think ? Are bright colored clothing still in for the 09?

Sneaker Spotlight | Women's Nike New Year 2009 Releases x Nike Air Max 1 Safari

Womens Air Max 1 Safari Pack 2009
This pack is not set to be released until Fall 2009,  long wait but we're liking the colors especially the red and the purple so it will be worth the wait. Thanks to www.nitrolicious.com

Sneaker Spotlight | Women's Nike New Year 2009 Releases x Nike Dunk Hi Premium

We feature so many Pastry releases that we thought it was fair to balance it uo with some other releases. Take a look at the colorful and creative sneakers that Nike has to offer us fem's for 2009.

Fashion | French Connection Sale x Starts Today

The French Connection sale started today!!! Go to www.frenchconnection.com, some things are 50% off!

Check out my best picks below (currency is in GBP but is available in your local currency), & watch this space because i think there is going to be more lines added and more reductions coming!!

                                      WAS £122.34 £62.50                     WAS £137.02 £56.00

Style | Gossip Girl Stars Help Relaunch Ray Ban’s “Clubmaster”

Gossip Girl stars Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford joined forces to help relaunch Ray Bans “Clubmaster” shades at NYC’s Bowery Ballroom last night. Known for its distinctively cool and classic 1950s design, the “Clubmaster” was worn by legends as disparate as Malcolm X and Katherine Hepburn. It seems only fitting that the Gossip Girl stars would help rebirth it. Other stylish stars in attendance included Diane Kruger, Joshua Jackson and Maggie Gyllenhaal. We can’t wait to get our hands on a pair. You can get your own pair of “Clubmasters”, $130 / £110, at a Sunglass Hut near you.

      

Grown Up & Giving Back | Vanessa & Angela Simmons x Young Women's Leadership Confrence

Who isn't so proud of these girls, V & A have become role models to young people around the world. First seeing them on run's house, pitching, creating and growing their line 'Pastry' and now speaking at the Essence Young Women's Leadership Conference. We have pic's for you and hopefully footage coming up soon...did anyone attend? How was it?

Fashion & Music | Fergie To Launch Two Shoe Line's Spring 2009

The shoe lines will be called 'Fergie' & 'Fergalicious'.

The 33-year-old Fergalicious shoe designer said, “I have always loved fashion because it’s a great way to express your mood. And I’m definitely a shoe lover. The right pair of shoes can change the feel of an outfit, and even change how a woman feels about herself. A woman can wear confidence on her feet with a high stiletto, or slip into weekend comfort with a soft ballet flat.”

Both fancy footwear brands for Brown Shoes will debut in stores in February 2009.

Lady O | Designers Submit Sketches for Michelle Obama Inauguration Gown

How must it feel to be married to the president elect and on top of that have all the major designers in the fashion world submitting sketches to be the one to create your inauguration dress. Dubbed Lady O, Michelle Obama will have some tough decisions to make as first lady but before she will have an even tougher decision picking between these fabulous designs. Wouldn't it be funny if she just picked something ready to wear??

Take a look at my favorite and check out the rest after the click

Fashion & Music | Sasha Fierce brings Thierry Mugler out of Fashion retirement

Thierry Mugler has focused on making fragrances since he closed his couture line in 2003. But he plans to return to fashion for none other than metal-glove-waving, Gareth Pugh–wearing, ex-single-lady Beyoncé Knowles. Mugler won't just costume newly semi–avant garde Beyoncé in, according to WWD, "approximately 58" of his designs, but will also serve as "creative adviser." He'll direct three segments of the show &#8212 "Dangerously in Love," Ave Maria," and the finale &#8212 and help with choreography and lighting. Beyoncé fell in love with Mugler after viewing his work in the Costume Institute's "Superheroes" exhibit in May. Since then we've seen her in Mugler's motorcycle bustier (pictured) and metal glove, which also appeared in George Michael's "Too Funky" video, directed by

Fashion | Victoria Beckham Dress Collection Ad

Back in September we posted pics of Victoria Beckham's new dress line, now her debut 10-piece dress  collection hit the racks of Selfridges this week with this movie serving as a timely reminder of her fashion credentials and reportedly cheeky sense of humour.

The video see’s various models taking inspiration from Posh’s own ads for Marc Jacobs last season by hiding themselves all over a large mansion – behind drawers, in carrier bags, hanging behind doors, turning themselves into lamp shades and transforming themselves into an elephant.

Victoria only makes a brief appearance, only to disappear again at a blink of an eye.

Take a look after the click

Giving Back | Celebs get down for Coach Cares Program

Celebs like Kerry Washington, Rosario Dawson, Halle Barry & more are apart of Coach Cares, a program designed to celebrate the spirit of giving. This fashionable and philanthropic group has selected their must-have holiday items and now through December 31st 20% of proceeds of those items will be donated to that celebrity’s charity of choice. The customer gets some insight into the chairty of choice & what they do, they can also directly donate to the charity.

Designer Watch | Kehinde Wiley x Clothing Line

Lush portraits of black boys against paisley prints may be what artist Kehinde Wiley is known for, but it's time to get reacquainted. Wiley is now branching out into clothing, combining his signature Africa-inspired prints with urban modern classics. His debut collection will include everything from snorkel coats to baby clothes. He will also introduce a line of signature suits, one of which he proudly wore to the Saturday opening of "Down," his recent solo exhibition at Deitch Projects. "We don't have exact dates for the launch," said Wiley at the event, "But it will be some time at the end of this month or early next month."

(Source)

Pastry Kicks | Online Store Launch

Its been a long time coming, but all things Pastry are available @ shop.pastrykicks.com

WE'RE LOVIN x 'MELROSE' SNEAKER RANGE by FILA

On November 15th 2008Fila released the Melrose and Melrose Scarf, two models made exclusively for Women. The color-ways for the Fila Melrose are Metallic Silver / White and Black / Light Rose / Metallic Silver.

The Fila Melrose Scarf color schemes are Black / Chinese Red / Metallic Gold and Black / Patrician Purple / Metallic Silver. Materials used are synthetic leather and textile leather. They are available online @ shop.fila.com for $70.

What do you think?

'IT' BAGS & LUXURY ITEMS SET TO BECOME 'AN EMBARRASSMENT'

Along with the economy, the luxury market faces a major upheaval. Yes, really. Former Morgan Stanley luxury analyst Claire Kent, who is now an industry consultant, spoke in London last week at the Luxury Briefing conference (where, we imagine, attendees examine each other's summer yachting photos on their Prada phones … through monocles). The luxury market has been booming for fifteen years, but all good things must come to an end. Sound scary? Fancy this:

[Kent] pointed to “luxury fatigue” and the growing fear of debt, and said consumers would increasingly be spending more money on fewer items. As a result, “masstige and aspirational brands will suffer the most,” she told the audience, adding that the handbag bubble is bursting now. “An ‘It’ handbag will become an embarrassment — a clear sign that you don’t have your own view of fashion,” she said.

INSPIRATION x CHANEL IMAN x i AM CHANEL IMAN VIDEO

JORDIN SPARKS FOR WETSEAL AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW

 

Check out Jordan Sparks dress collection for WetSeal below, and @ www.wetseal.com

“I am so excited that Wet Seal and I have been able to create a line of clothing that will appeal to more girls than ever before! The holiday season is my favorite time of year, and I can’t wait to see girls look cute, feel good and celebrate in style!,” Jordin says. Jordin’s “Sparks” line of dresses is already available online at wetseal.com. The dresses range in size from XS to XL and in price from $30-55.

Wetseal now accepts paypal so maybe international orders can be accpeted?

JORDIN SPARKS DESIGNS A HOLIDAY DRESS LINE FOR WETSEAL (USA)

The American Idol winner can now add designer to her list of accomplishments. Jordin Sparks is the newest celebrity designer with a line of holiday dresses for Wet Seal. Jordin is in good company, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz also did a T-Shirt line with the teen-favorite retailer. Jordin’s line , appropiately called “Sparks”, will begin with an assortment of holiday dresses delivering to stores just in time for Thanksgiving and will later include casual apparel and accessories. “I am so excited that Wet Seal and I 

DIVERSITY FINALLY STARTS TO REAR ITS HEAD IN US MODELLING

Firstly, we don't think the following phenomenon means the modeling industry no longer has a problem with diversity. Our excitement, in fact, should suggest otherwise since seeing people of color in prominent fashion glossies shouldn't warrant attention because our world is, well, not comprised of human beings that all look the same.

That said, models of Indian decent are finally having what they call a "moment" in fashion right now. Lakishma Menon, who just snagged the Hermes and Givenchy campaigns, was recently snapped by Mario Testino for Vogue Paris and Patrick Demarchlier for La Wintour's tome. Also, IMG newbie Kangana Dutta was recently shot for Harper's Bazaar.

Hopefully, this isn't just a temporary thing because these girls are fire!
[via Page Six]

TIME TO DIVERSIFY x BARBIE TO BE MARKETED AS FASHION BRAND IN 2009

In this economic climate it is certainly time to diversify and what the 'Barbie' brand plans to do just may work:

At age 50, Barbie is to be marketed as a fashion brand next year. According to WWD, “Mattel is lining up new partnerships with Bloomingdale’s, Vera Wang, Jeremy Scott, IMG and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The company plans a runway show in February, as part of fashion week in New York, with 50 as-yet-undisclosed designers who will produce life-size outfits inspired by Barbie. A new line of beauty products — bearing cheeky names such as “All Doll’d Up” for color cosmetics and “Plastic Smooth” for skin treatments — is set for 2009.” Projects in the works include “a life-size wedding gown designed by Vera Wang, priced at more than $15,000, which includes a Barbie wearing a miniature version of the dress. Jeremy Scott will

Jennifer Hudson x GAP Winter Ad x Shine Your Own Star

E Online confirms that  J Hud rep confirmed 'Hudson has given her blessing to use the image'.

Hudson was given the option to back out, according to Gap spokesperson Olive Doyne. "She said she wanted to be a part of it and that we should move forward," Doyne says.

Hudson was photographed for the ad by Michael Thompson back in July in New York City. 

What or Who Is..... Comme des Garcons?

If you have been seeing the name Comme des Garcons around and in your local H&M store but not sure  what the line is about or who the designer is, read on.

The Label

What began as a side business making costumes for styling assignments in Tokyo in the late sixties has morphed into a $150 million fashion empire with over 200 franchises around the globe. With rustic denim womenswear inspired by Japanese peasantry, Rei Kawakubo set up over 100 Comme des Garçons (French for “like some boys”) shops across Japan in the seventies. Then, in 1981, she brought her first collection to Paris. Bathed in black, it featured strong but conflated silhouettes—in crumbled silk, scrubbed cottons, and boiled wools—that honored provocation over fit. The mystery (and the austerity) has continued with

Sneaker Spotlight x Women's Nike Winter Pack

This vivid pack includes two separate contrasting packs in itself (as far as colorways). A mix of purple, orange, and pink is featured on one set of the Nike Air Max ‘87 and Blazer whereas the other set sports a blend of sky blue, green, and white. Both Blazers feature a patchwork design on the upper with detailed embroidery throughout the sneaker. The Air Max ’87’s have been designed with a combination of leather and ripstop nylon. Applaud Nike for keeping the women in mind for the winter season! [source]

Chanel Iman launches Youtube Channel To Thank Fans

Chanel Iman TV is already the 17th most subscribed this week (global) and the Channel is all for her fans. It will be aimed at giving fans a closer look at Chanel Iman and her life as a young women doing what she loves & living her dream.

Next L'UOMO Vogue will be 'African Issue'

November Issue of L'UOMO Vogue will be a dedicated African issue:

'The all-black Italian Vogue issue released this past September was a smashing success. It sold-out instantly on news stands, leading Conde Nast to quickly release another 10,000 copies, which unsurprisingly, disappeared just as fast as they were rushed into stores.

Attempting duplicate that same kind of success once again and shine a light on another disturbing social phenomenon, Italian Vogue editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani will dedicate the November issue of L'Uomo Vogue -- the European style tome for men -- to Africa, with half of the advertising revenue generated from the issue being donated to Africa-related charities'.

I have to ask, If the issue was so successful why is it still so hard for black models in the modelling industry? And why aren't other leading fashion markets (UK & USA) following the Italian Vogue?

Beyonce Presents House of Dereon Collection x Sasha Fierce Make's a Suprise Appearance

Beyonce was out to present her new House of Dereon Collection with Tina @ Bloomingdales. She also made a cheeky appearance on Jay-Z's set @ Power 105.1's Powerhouse, performing a snippet of the single ladies dance to the crowd.

Take a look @ House of Dereon Dresses available at bloomingdales.com, sizes start from (US) 0 to 12, Priced from $310 to $420.

Steal Her Style x Michelle Obama on Jay Leno

 

Did everyone get to see the Michelle Obama interview on Jay Leno, if not you can watch it here.
She looked lovely in a yellow J Crew 'ensemble' , more importantly she showed what an amazing and active First Lady she will be!!! Those who can.. VOTE!!!

Get Michelle's look after the click!!

House of Harlow 1960 x Available @ Shopkitson.com

The jewelery line by Nicole Richie is available in Kitson stores or available online @ www.shopkitson.com.

Pieces are prices from $12 for Gold Antique ring (14K Gold plated) to $125 for Black Leather Cuff (pre order only). What do you think of the pieces?

Rockin The Red Carpet x Formal .vs. Casual

As usual in the entertainment world this week saw 'celebs' hitting the red carpets. We wanted to know who was rockin' the red carpet and do they look better formal or casual? 

Melanie Thornton (PCD), D Woods ( Former Danity Kane Member) & Ashanti & Nelly out for fun.

Pastry Kicks x New Glam Pie's x By Vanessa & Angela Simmons

Pastry Kicks are releasing two new colorways of the Glam Pie Hi in December Black Magic & White Magic...you like????

Steal Her Style x Leona Lewis & Celebs wearing Herve Leger

Skinny and curvy celebs alike love to wear Herve Leger, now more than ever the bandage dress is seen on  red carpets around the world. Celebrities from Rihanna to Catherine Zita Jones wear them for their evening wear solution to Mariah and Iman wearing Herve wedding gowns.

The latest celeb to rock the signiture Herve dress is Leona Lewis @ the after party for Justin Timberlake & Friends performance.

Steal her style by buying the real deal Herver Leger dress, websites like Net-a-porter.com sell the dress for £1,125 ($1,900)

Or Bebe.com has bandage style dresses for fashionista's on a budget (most of us!!) for $98.00

 

After the click, check out other celebs rockin' Herve Leger.

Pastry Kicks x New Pastry Boots x By Vanessa & Angela Simmons

Pastry Kicks have released the images of their Pastry Boots, which are out in December. The calf length boots feature 'leather', patent, check plaid and colour. They come in four colours check them out below. Do you think these boots will be as successful as the rest of the Pastry Kicks?

Glam Pie Boot - Blueberry                            Glam Pie Boot - Grape

Ice & Strawberry after the click