City Girl Today

As I watched my favorite brand, G-Star, their NY Fashion Week show online I noticed that they’ve gotten away from their military inspiration and more of a borderline tennis inspiration with some of the dresses. Sometimes, getting away from a niche design in fashion can work in the company’s favor; however, I wasn’t particularly wowed by G-Star’s collection.

I felt that the style has been done before; down to the quilted white pants one of models wore. Everything seemed done by some one else somewhere in fashion history. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as many designers steal are inspired by other designers, but I just felt G-Star’s collection was borderline contrived. I mean, one of the major reasons I love G-Star is their military inspired wear – clean, powerful, cool, and hip.

But this is only my opinion.

Go here to see G-STAR RAW ’s NY Fashion Week Show

“It was like wrap skirts, sweaters, tank tops and shirts. They were manipulated and twisted and re-proportioned and cut-up. I mean it was all based on everything that everybody know.” –Marc Jacob

A show no one, who’s considered anyone, misses, Marc Jacon provided a stunning Spring 2009 Collection during NYC Fashion Week. Many different interpretations were said of Marc Jacob’s new collection ranging from the 1920s, Japanese wraps, pioneer prairie, retro 80s, or Grecian, the collection provides a broad spectrum, yet, a clear point of view. The shiny metallic color palettes, a detail of the layers and layers of skirts, and facet of clutches shaking things up on the runway at NYC.

Here are some of my favorites from this show:

“It’s very feminine and very romantic and I think woman want to look that way.” Carolina Herrera

And feminine it is! Watching Carolina Herrera’s collection from my NYC Fashion week video I noticed an infusion of floral and bold colors for Spring 2009 collection. Dominating the runway were chic cocktail dresses in red bursting forth on the show.

Caroline Herrera’s collection does not disappoint. Her designs bring back glitzy glam back into cocktail parties. There were so many pieces that I found to be my personal favorites I couldn’t just choose one. Or four! And believe me, if I was wealthy – enough – I would purchase every one I love. So here are my picks from Carolina Herrera’s Spring 09 Collection.

“…We could be Goddesses and Rock Stars.” Diane von Furstenberg.

I don’t know what it is, but I do love and have been a huge fan of Diane von Furstenberg. Her upcoming Spring Collection 2009 does not disappoint. It’s contemporary, classic, and perfect for any age. While watching the show I realized that every woman could find a piece they like in the collection. There’s a mature side to it, yet a very girlish and playful side. The collection as a whole exudes sexy, flirty, and powerful feminine “Rock Goddess” that we can be.

Below are some of my favorites that I wouldn’t mind owning.

Tight on cash?

Be creative. Recycle your clothing and refine or alter it to modernize its style.

Shop at thrift stores. Sometimes thrift stores have some vintage finds and suave bargains.

Sell unwanted clothing articles that you no longer wear. Someone else might cherish it as much as you did.

Always shop for sales! The other day I was in American Eagle and found two adorable necklaces, both on sale for $6.95 with a buy one get one 50% off discount.

A friend of mine once said this, “Never buy something unless you absolutely love it.”

And I say, “Never buy something unless the style is sustainable through several seasons.”

A few weeks back I purchased a pair of ankle boots by Stuart Weitzmen. I noticed all the Fall/Winter fashion and I found the Stuart Weitzmen ankle boots a must have. It’s a little different from what I normally purchase, but I think these boots will be great during the cold, cold season as they are not too high and will probably keep my feet warm.

Booties are the wave of this season and they are versatile to many different styles. Whether you’re in a dress, a pair of jeans, or business attire I think anyone can rock ankle boots or booties.

The perfect bag. I’m also searching for the perfect bag and now I’ve found it. It is a Gloria Tall Tote in red by Rafē of New York. I have been scouring online shops and in-stores for the perfect bag and I think I’ve found it. No, I know I’ve found it. No doubt in my mind that this will be the perfect bag for use all-year-round.

The bag comes in two colors, red and grey. I like the grey, but I prefer the red because the color is very distinctive.

I am beginning to develop a fondness for Rafē handbags, considering they unique and crafted with great care, plus Rafē bags are difficult to find here in the great Northwest. Although, if they were a dime a doze, like Coach bags, then the bag would not be special.

Is really bourgeois. A couple of months back I blogged how great Lancome’s Hypnose is, but due to financial circumstances I purchased Bourjois mascara, pump up the volume waterproof.

Once my favorite mascara ran out I began using Bourjois. It is terrible. The bristles of the mascara wand are stiff and feel like sand paper. The mascara does not apply well, if any at all. No pumping up or volume took place on my lackluster lashes.

All in all, it was a complete disappointment. I will not be purchasing Bourjois mascara anytime in the near future. I guess I’ll just stay with Lancome’s Hypnose.

Ta-Ta for now!

I’ve gone MIA, but now I am back. I found a few discoveries during the past month and one being The Body Shop. Sure, The Body Shop has been around since 1976, but I didn’t discover it until last month. I received a $10 coupon for use to purchase anything I want in the store. I took a 50 ml Mango Body Butter container valued at $10. Perfect! Free is my friend!

I tried the lotion and found it rather skin friendly. I’m sensitive to over chemically enhanced lotions (like Victoria’s Secret lotions) as my skin would often break out a rash. I don’t know what it is, so I’ll mostly use VS lotions for my hands, since it doesn’t cause any damage on my hands.

However, The Body Shop lotions are vegetarian friendly (even though I am not a vegetarian), and uses natural ingredients – this means friendly to my skin.

And apparently, my skin is vegetarian. Who knew?

At any rate, I have become a new fan of The Body Shop, all because of a $10 coupon.

The other day I was watching the D&G fashion show that was in Paris and I’m very excited about their collection. D&G has gone plaid! PLAID! PLAID! PLAID!

Plaid blazers, plaid trousers, plaid stockings, plaid chiffon dresses, plaid skirts, just plaid! You get the idea. Topping the wardrobe the models donned uber cute round-toe pumps with chunky heels and not-so-cute patent leather boots in red, orange, and brown knee high boots – I’m slightly disturbed by the patent orange boots.

Other accessories in the show included the “Micol” bag, which is an envelope-shaped clutch made from patent leather, velvet, and python. There is also the “Nicla” bag that comes in various sizes and is made from leather and multicolored patents.

The Plaid Fall and Winter D&G’s inspiration comes from the tartan of Scottish kilts and England and the wonderful film “The Queen”.

Overall, my favorites are the chiffon plaid dresses and short dresses, and the long plaid skirts with the leather buckle and straps to the side. See more of D&G’s collection here !