Alberta Ferretti for Macy's Impulse

Just in time for warmer temperatures, the latest designer collaboration comes from the fabulous Alberta Ferretti and Macy’sdepartment store. Ferretti, most notable for dressing a-list celebrities such as Sandra Bullock, is an Italian fashion designer and stays true to her roots with this capsule collection.

The 30-piece collection is inspired by the Italian Amalfi Coast and will be sold at affordable prices, ranging from $49 to $119.

The collection was unveiled March 20^th at the Meatpacking District’s trendy hotspot Revel in New York City. It features everything from chunky knit sweaters and maxi dresses to floral prints and lace tops- all perfect for the steamy outdoors and the chilly air conditioned indoors.

According to an interview with Stylelist, the line seems to have been created on a personal note, as the designer says she “gave the collection my sense of style, emphasizing color and fantasy without ever losing the idea of “lightness”.

ollowing previous Macy’s collaborations with Doo.Ri and Karl Lagerfeld, this Impulse collection will be available in stores on April 17^th.

The lookbook from the collection was fittingly photographed by Ellen Von Unwerth in Positano, Italy with the pieces modelled by Mariacarla Boscono.

-Jineen Matar

The Obama Campaign's Nail Polish

The Obama campaign trail is well on its way these days and willing to go to any lengths to capture voter interest. Today, they are even trying to inspire the female youth vote in a way that has never been done before by a political party: Nail Polish.

Political enthusiasts and trend setters everywhere will now be able to show their support for the Obama administration, and be as creative as possible while doing it.

Jumping on the nail art craze, the campaign teamed up with Richard Blanch of Le Métier De Beauté cosmetics company. The set includes three mini bottles – in patriotic red, white and blue – come in a neat Obama branded Dopp kit, selling for $40 on the Obama Campaign’s online store. The polish debuted as part of Anna Wintour’s “Runway to Win” campaign event in New York City in February.

According to Politico, the campaign spent $10 000 producing the nail polishes which will be a way of “keeping low dollar supporters engaged with the campaign and driving up overall contribution numbers. It’s part of how the Obama campaign can truthfully say that 97.7 percent of February’s contributions were small donors, even as big donors maxing out at $35,800 are the real fundraising goldmine for the campaign.”

Looks like the usual blahs of posters and buttons are ghosts of campaigns past!

-Jineen Matar

ELIN KLING | Style Inspiration

She’s Scandinavia’s biggest fashion blogger; well she’s really the biggest fashion icon in Scandinavia, and quickly becoming a global fashion icon. Elin Kling is already well known in North America for her minimalist approach to style, known for her unique way of making jeans and trousers the highlight of any outfit. In addition to her addictive fashion blog, Elin Kling is working as Fashion Director at her own fashion magazine STYLEBY, founded by Sweden’s largest media-house Bonnier. She is also the first fashion-blogger in the world who launched her own collection for H&M. The exclusive and unique collaboration launched in spring 2011. Her style, closet and job are enviable to anyone wanting to work in the industry, especially someone that wants to work for a magazine, a.k.a. ME! STYLEBY isn’t available yet in North America, nor is it available in English but hopefully it will only be a matter of time. I never understood the whole, ‘when a celebrity wears something-it sells out,’ I always thought it was crazy that people could have such little personal style. However, thanks to STYLEBYKLING I am now a hypocrite. Every time this young fashion icon posts a photo of an outfit or new piece that she bought to add to her wardrobe, I find myself looking everywhere trying to find where I can buy it. My favourite part- Elin always posts where everything she is wearing is from, and its not a tease like ‘vintage’ she fully supports clothes that are being sold NOW! Looking for style inspiration? Just check out STYLEBYKLING and you’ll have plenty of looks to lust after.

THE BLOG; STYLEBYKLING

THE STYLE

THE MAGAZINE (FIRST ISSUE)

That is all. xoxoxo

Jamie Duncan - @JamieLDuncan

Wang Sweatshop Lawsuit

American designer Alexander Wang has been accused of sweatshop practices and a $50M class lawsuit filed and dropped but will be refilled in federal court. The accusation was made by 30 of his employees, the workers claimed that the designer have violated several New York state labors and have forced them to work 16hours days in a tight room without getting overtime pay in a light-deprived 200-square-foot studio located at 386 Broadway. The accusations have been denied by Wang’s representatives stating “The company takes its obligations to comply with the law very seriously, including the relevant wage and hour regulations, the payment of overtime to eligible employees and having a safe working environment for all of our employees. We will vehemently defend any allegations to the contrary”. All though the lawsuit have been dropped it is just the beginning for designer Wang, a motion have been filed by plaintiff’s lawyer on Thursday to suspend the case, which will be hand over to another lawyer to be reopened, because of the on going beef between the two lawyers. Even though the case is on pause, the people have taken justice into their own hands and egged every window of one of Wang’s stores.

By: Loudjina Jean-Baptiste

Etsy: A Treasury of Fashion

One of the most addicting and my personal favourite website is Etsy.

Etsy is a online shopping website. The main distinguishing feature about Etsy is that it is an online community selling homemade products. Etsy supports small independent vendors. Etsy has many categories to select from to make your search easier, from accessories, clothing, housewares to toys. Etsy has everything your mind can imagine homemade and sometimes items you never ever thought of.

Micro Jean Studded Shorts- $54.00

My personal favourite is the jewelry and clothing sections. On Etsy I can find pieces that are one of kind and order custom made pieces for myself. Knowing no one else has one just like mine makes the extra cost worth it.

Being able to order custom made or made to order pieces is one of Etsy's biggest selling point for me. This can be an amazing thing for people like me who don't always fit normal clothes in stores and custom made pieces fit perfectly.

Wild Winds Mutli-Coloured Hair Piece- $20.00

Lately I have been obsessed with searching Etsy for handmade swimsuits. Summer is just around the corner! Everyone is searching for that one perfect bikini. Getting one of Etsy means no one else on my beach will have the same bathing suit.

Extra High Waist Bottom Swimsuit- $46.00

One of my favourite vendors currently making handmade bikinis that are made to order. The vendor is Mimi Hammer. She is situated in Montreal, Quebec. Buying off her site supports Canadian talent. She makes bathing suits that are fun and original.

All in all Etsy is a fun place to window shop while sitting at home and to order one of a kind pieces for your wardrobe and home.

TTFN,

Louise

The added value of colour

Apparel can be used as a form of expression and as tool to control how people perceive you. The most common and safe colour a girl can wear is the classic black. This colour helps you blend into the crowd, hide all imperfections and of course be less memorable among people.

Fashion is an endless cycle and some women have grown tired of trying to keep up with trends and therefore have opted for the timeless black in all of their clothing options. Even though black is the easiest of colours, it’s not the one that will catch people’s attention or give you that extra skip in your step. Try incorporating a pop of red, electric blue, mint green or tango orange in your wardrobe and watch as people’s attitude around you begins to change and more importantly how your level of confidence will start to increase.

When standing in a crowded room or being at a job interview, its important to differentiate yourself and show the world that you’re not afraid to take a little risk and be different. The added value of that bright colour you decide to finally try out might just be the icebreaker you need for going after your dreams!

Emerald Green Skinny

Coral Swing Dress

By: Laura Suarez

Simply Vera

Simply Vera Vera Wang is launching her new cosmetics collection. It consist of beautiful hues and glowing radiance in which inspire confidence and individuality, whether dressing for your wedding day, decorating your home, or creating an everyday makeup look. Everyone knows Vera for her very simplistic style, which can be seen in the collection. The focus is simple: a beautiful skin canvas embellished with color to allow a woman to express her personality.

The collection features edited products inspired by Vera’s own personal makeup philosophy – including a smoothing lip primer, a revolutionary lash enhancing serum and a brightening skin primer. It offers a fresh and modern take on beauty. It is effortless and timeless with a blend of whimsical refinement. The overall palate embraces natural shades, and draws inspiration from the full range of Simply Vera Vera Wang fabrics and textiles, while the sleek, modern packaging makes finding the perfect look easy.

The Simply Vera Vera Wang Cosmetics Collection consists of sixteen products available in 74 shades. Products include a versatile Soothing Balm, multi-tasking Illuminating Concealer, fourteen beautiful Transforming Shadow Duos available in twenty-eight complimentary shades, and a revolutionary Lash Enhancing Serum to naturally boost lash length and volume over time.

The Simply Vera Vera Wang Cosmetics Collection will be available exclusively at Kohl's Department stores and Kohls.com beginning April 2012!

-Ariana Chung

Sandals in the City

For me, warm weather wardrobe is easy. Linen shirts, short shorts, tees and tanks, skirts and dresses. That said, finding the perfect summer shoe or sandal is the most frustrating aspect of summer in the city. If I were spending my days on a coast, in a meadow or near a lake, I would be barefoot, but since I'm not, here is a roster of footwear that I deem appropriate for summer loving in the city.






Espadrilles: These babies are perfect for summer dresses, denim shorts and really anything in between. Plus, they make me feel as if i am in the south of France.

Lauren By Ralph Lauren





Birkenstocks: These sandals get a lot of heat due to the geriatric and/or orthopedic reputation. But, they are one of the most comfortable and durable shoe for summer out there. Long live the orthopedic geriatric sandal!

Kairo



Huarache: In my opinion, these are the best sandals for summer period. They are comfy, durable and can be worn with anything. These are the best sandal investment you will ever make.



Frye "Jacey" Huarache






Cheers to happy feet and pretty toes!


victoria.

SPRING-SUMMER 2012| Trends that need to DISAPPEAR

Now I have to admit, I am absolutely ‘IN LOVE’ with the Spring/Summer 2012 collection that is currently in stores. I cant help going into stores like Zara, Mendocino, Aritzia, H&M, and French Connection without leaving with yet another piece to add to my quickly expanding wardrobe. Not to mention the amazing assortment I have found at Town Shoes, Capezio, and Browns for Spring/Summer shoes. It seems to me there are just too many things to buy, and not nearly enough money in the bank to pay for my mile-long wish list. Now while I am clearly on a high from the warm weather and new collections, it is not enough for me to tolerate 2 particular fashion trends that I feel should be banned from all stores.

Lets start with the sheer layer skirt . This style has got to go, not only is it unattractive but it looks like the sewers kept running out of fabric. They had to use a green print for the slip underneath that only ended up going mid-thigh and used three types of sheer lace and tulle to get the dress to reach the floor. Talk about mixed messages. I honestly have no suggestions on how to wear this skirt. When I asked a fellow fashion trend-setter about her thoughts on the piece, she replied with, "You should buy these, then throw them in a mud puddle, dance on them, and light them with gasoline and a match." Talk about strong opinions.

ZARA; Long Tulle Swiss Dot Skirt

To make matters even worse, Zara came out with pants in this same style that are equally appalling. While there are some less horrible versions of this trend, seeing these pieces have ruined the whole look for me. There are just too many things going on in this outfit, and its only the pants! Im not even including the bright shoes that add to the overwhelming effect of this outfit. When I asked my same fellow fashion trend-setter what she thought of these pants, this was her reply, "i'm going to take scissors and cut this up into 1 million pieces, throw it in a box, wrap it with a whole roll of duct tape, mail it to australia with a note that says 'burn before opening," and i couldn't have said it better myself.

ZARA; Sheer Flower Print Trousers

The second trend that needs to disappear, has been around for several years. Ever since the initial arrival of this skirt, I have despised it. Not only is it absolutely unattractive, its incredibly cheap-looking. Especially now, with the bohemian look off of our radar this season, this skirt as well as the previous 2 pieces, need to be locked away far from the world so they dont see or remember it. You can only wear peasant blouses and panelled skirts for so long before you just start to look like a bag lady.

ZARA; Panelled Skirt

That is all.

Jamie Duncan

@JamieLDuncan

DONT TELL ME, SHOW ME

Oscar de la Renta is one of the world's leading fashion designers. Trained by Balenciaga, he became internationally known in the 1960s as one of the couturiers to dress Jacqueline Kennedy. De La Renta is particularly known for his red carpet gowns and evening wear.

Now de la Renta is giving you the opportunity to assist him with his upcoming Resort collection. When you visit his interactive website you will see a slide show of various inspirations and themes from people all around the world. Consumers can upload anything they like onto the Board including vintage photographs, fabrics and color schemes. The Board allows Oscar de la Renta to interact with consumers and have them communicate with one another through social media functionality using Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

You simply make an account and starting posting away. It allows you to share a photo, photo link, video and a description of your inspiration.

This is great for de la Renta fans such as myself. You get to put your skills to work and send this leading fashion designer your vision for a new collection.

Consumers who want to know more about the creative process behind the Board can watch a video of Mr. de la Renta by clicking on the “What is the Board” icon on the top right-hand side of the page.In addition, there are links to Oscar de la Renta’s Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest feeds and a link to OscardelaRenta.com.

-Ariana Chung

❤

The Man Repeller

As I was visiting my numerous blogs that I follow and visit on a daily basis, I came across one of the most interesting blogs I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot of different types of blogs. It is called The Man Repeller, and the basis of the blog is that this women in her mid twenties, living in New York, and obsessed with fashion posts trends for the current seasons. However they are not your ordinary trend postings, they are trends that women love and men hate. "Think harem pants, full length jumpsuits, clogs, shoulders pads, [and] loads o'fur" said by The Man Repeller herself. It is hilarious, kitschy and informative. Below is one of the most recent posting about over the knee boots and her take on them.

Like I said I love this blog because it is so different, and pokes fun at the fact that men think that they know better when it comes to fashion, but we all know thats not true. Anyways hope you visit the blog. And thats all for now, until next time.

Arabella

Stepping outside of your bubble..

Fashion in 2012 has no limits. You can mix and match any possible pattern, print, colour, accessory, and it will be seen as fashionable. But what happens when you’re a simple girl in today’s world and all of those choices are beautiful, yes, but they also seem overwhelming? There are simple things that can be done so you can stay trendy without feeling uncomfortable with all the choices. Accessories are the best way to add a little pop to any outfit. You don’t need to throw on every single thing you own, but you can mix and match necklaces, bracelets, rings, and bags to spice up your neutral outfit, all while still feeling comfortable. Other things you can do to feel a little more fashionable is to wear a bit of colour on your lips, it’s a very easy way to freshen up your look without going overboard, or paint your nails a fun colour! Now because colour blocking is very in style right now, it doesn’t mean you need to colour block your outfit; a simpler way to do it is to mix up the colour of your accessories, lip colour, or nails. Use any of these tips, and you will feel like a brand new version of your fashionable self.

www.maccosmetics.com

www.winners.com

www.essie.com

<3 elise

Jennifer Lawerence Emerging Style Star

The Hunger Games is finally being released, and Jennifer Lawerence finally gets her moment to shine. Although she was in the summer smash X Men: First Class, as well other movies and appearances in shows. did anyone really know who she was before. Looking at her now her beauty stands out, and her style isn't too bad either. At the premier of Hunger Games she was a stunner in her gold gown by Prabal Gurung. (right) an d again she ravished in another gold dress this one by Ralph Lauren (Left)

I know I am not the only one excited to see what she wears to premiers around the world. I also love that I have someone new to look at. The whole cast is just stunning, but I really enjoy seeing all of Jennifer's outfits.

She definitely knows what works with her. The Hunger Games may be her start but it's not her end, with sequels to the Hunger Games, and three other movies in production. Seeing her on the red carpet will be a pleasure. and seeing her on the cover several magazines (Parade, Glamour ect.)means we will definitely being seeing her a lot more.

ps. She definitely makes a great Katniss Everdeen.

Loooove

Natalia

The future of fashion magazines?

With the end of school approaching, people are asking me what I want to do when I finish school. When I tell them I want to work for a fashion magazine, one of the most common questions is, "Isn't that kind of a dying field?" While I had never really paid much attention before, I started to realize that there is a rapidly growing number of 'fashion & style' websites that are easily accessible and updated much more frequently than the monthly or quarterly magazines. So I started a little investigation, in 2011 a large number of fashion magazines including Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Glamour were facing 15-20% declines in sales, but their digital versions weren’t taking off either. If you look at several fashion magazine websites, you will notice that they have incorporated frequently updated fashion news, a live twitter feed, exclusive interviews, and so much more. Its almost as if they are creating a second magazine for just their website content. The Ipad app for numerous fashion magazines provides a convenient way for readers to go through the magazine. These apps are certainly more advanced and where our future is headed, but with online luxury retailer sites like Net-a-Porter, Shopbop, and Shopstyle all providing magazine-like look books with the option to buy the clothing as they view a look, what will fashion magazines do to stand out once they turn completely digital? These online luxury retailer sites have already been so innovative by making a shoppable online fashion magazine that the current magazines will be years behind, and unless they can find something different to offer their readers, they will soon be extinct. Net-a-Porter releases weekly magazines as opposed to monthly or quarterly.

Net-a-Porter Ipad app. Shop while you read.

I have been reading fashion magazines since I was 8. Starting with Seventeen magazine, to the pages of Harper’s Bazaar and Elle (UK editions of course!). For me, nothing beats sitting down with a coffee and a magazine and indulging in the latest trends and creative editorials. One thing you can never do with an Ipad is cutout images and use them for school projects or inspiration boards. So to all of you fashion lovers out there, don’t let the print magazines die! Let me know what you love about your favourite fashion magazines!

The PAST.

The FUTURE.

Next time….

I’ll be writing about trends that need to disappear!

Jamie Duncan

@JamieLDuncan

The Hair Product That Saved My Life by Christina Di Pede

This hair product saved my life. Seriously. About two and a half months ago, I took out my glued-in keratin bond hair extensions, which I had maintained for exactly one year. This left my hair dry, thin, and basically looking like it had gone through a shredder. Not to mention about 20% of my head was covered in bald spots. Yes, actual bald spots where, over time, the extensions had ripped my hair out by the follicles.

Upon taking them out, I was anxious and terrified that I would have self-inflicted bald patches on my scalp forever. I frantically began researching natural remedies to make my hair grow. My googling led me to Castor Oil. Armed with my Whole Foods purchase of an almost half litre bottle of pure, cold pressed oil, I spent my 2 and a half weeks of vacation tanning in the sun with it by my beach chair. Let me tell you, this stuff is unbelievable.

Also known as Palma Christi, or Palm of Christ, castor oil is absorbed by your skin all the way to the most inner layer of your dermis. It contains a high dose of natural essential fatty acids, which is why it builds and strengthens both your hair and skin. It stimulates your follicles, increases circulation, and speeds up hair growth exponentially. Within exactly one month, my hair had grown almost one inch, was about 30% fuller, stopped breaking off completely, and about half the hair that had been ripped out by extensions had started coming in. Two and a half months later, I’m still amazed by the rate at which my hair is growing. I know I sound like an infomercial right now, but seriously, this product will give you the hair you’ve always dreamed of.

The best brand is Tropic Isle’s Jamaican Black. It has more ash content in it, which makes it far more effective than the regular cold-pressed version. It's a little harder to find, but you can try beauty supply stores that specialize in African American hair, or you can order it online at Amazon. http://www.tropicisleliving.com

To use:

· massage into roots

· leave for a few hours or overnight

· wash out with a small amount of baking soda mixed in your shampoo

· repeat at least 2x a week but is safe for every day use

Dr. Gladstone

The Gladstone bag or doctor's bag was once a workingman’s asset, but today it has become a woman’s arm luxury. Functional, elegant, and back in our sights for 2012, the Gladstone bag is an accessory worth investing in.

A bag with the potential to be minimalist, classic and statement-worthy all at once, is by default considered a part of Celine’s equally sharp uniform. In their Fall 2011 runway show, models marched with the Gladstone tucked under their arm. The original doctor’s bag shape was maintained with small handles, a sturdy rectangular base and a magnetic-centre with the trademark floppy feature. Celine’s latest offering for Spring 2012 is a modified version of the Gladstone. It’s got corporate sophistication with hints of perky colours, giving the trend another opportunity for an appraisal.

-Ariana Chung❤