Gossip Girl Ends, The Fashion Lives On

Hey Upper East Siders,

On Monday December 17^th 2012, the hit series Gossip Girl came to an end.

The series finale answered questions we've had for 6 years in 2 hours. Especially the big one: WHO is Gossip Girl?!

But I’m not here to spoil it for you. I’ll leave it up to you to watch. All I’m going to say is that it’s not Dorota.

I’m here to reminisce on my favorite dresses that were worn by Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf and Blake Lively as Serena Van Der Woodsen.

First on my mind is the Hamptons White Party. Serena Van Der Woodsen always made a statement with her outfits, and the white dress she wore by Oscar de la Renta was definitely that.

Prom at Constance Billard wouldn’t be the same without crowning Blair queen. She tastefully claims her title in a breathtaking black Marchesa ball gown complete with gold brocade peacock.

Just Cavalli’s long black dress is the perfect combination of sexy and class, appearing on Serena in season 2.

Season 5 we see Blair almost marry Prince Louis in an extraordinary

Vera Wang wedding dress.

At her mother’s wedding, Serena looks picturesque in a gorgeous yellow chiffon gown by Ralph Lauren, and the black accents add extra elegance.

Next up is one of the most memorable moments in Gossip Girl history, in my opinion. Blair Waldorf meeting Chuck Bass on a bridge in Paris wearing a red Balenciaga dress. Stunning.

It wasn't until this week’s finale that we find out Blair and Chuck Bass finally tie the knot, and in a flash forward of 5 years down the road, we witness Serena walking down the aisle towards her high school sweetheart Dan Humphrey.

Let’s compare their wedding gowns, shall we?

Blair’s powder blue, hand-beaded Elie Saab dress was the definition of couture. However, after 6 seasons of refined glamour, I expected a bit more from Queen B.

Serena, on the other hand, left us fixated on her as she entered the room in a striking strapless white and gold dress by Georges Chakra.

Let me know which one you preferred!

xoxo,

Angela

Connected Retail

By Li Dai (LILY)

Over the past decade, retailers of all sizes have been driven by changing consumer to invest in digital channels including e-commerce and mobile platforms.

But now, more retailers are starting to use sophisticated interactive tools into the store layout including from digital displays to interactive tools. Simply adding digital or attaching a flat screen TV or table in store is not the answer. The era will have a Connected Retail experience.

Bloomingdale’s had screens throughout the store like digital wall or pillar, as compared to some larger retailers will flat screens in the back of the store. Some retailer like UNIQLO has in-wall screens tightly integrated with physical store design.

Converse offers digital tools to allow consumers customize the shoes in-store and walk out with one of the many designs printed on the sneakers. Marks and Spencer Paris location offers co-browsing for associates to move to endless aisles together with the customers in a high-traffic mall. In Sephora stores, there is a touchscreen kiosk served as a centerpiece in the fragrance section. User can quickly navigate to the type they like. Beauty iPads are also positioned along the vanity mirrors at the makeover stations. Users can check out how-to videos and tips. Sephora’s mobile app has a scan feature to scan the product bar code, and then pulling up additional information and reviews on the product.

The digital displays are very powerful but also need to execute well. Companies all tried to drive customers to go online 10 years ago. Today, it is not about online or offline but the key is multi-channel so that shoppers can engage with brand and stores anywhere anytime.

EYE-CANDY

Who wears glasses?? People with poor sight...not!!Fashion has given rise to a new meaning to the idea of “eye candy" Some fashionistas had better than twenty twenty vision before they even put glasses on. They had enough foresight to realize that the well-chosen eyewear can do as much for their public image as a brilliant agent or a starring role in a blockbuster film. Glasses have made librarians look dowdy for years and then someone decides that the bespectacled librarian is really the epiphany of sexy and everyone goes gaga over a pair of dark rimmed glasses. Large dark rimmed eye glasses are everywhere, were all wearing them, we all want the brilliant and sexy look, tangled all together in just one accessory that is chosen so utterly well. Glasses have been worn for no other purpose only to keep hair back, it wasn’t always “cool”. Who wears glasses??? Anyone with an image that needs tweaking, so really has a necessity actually now turn into a want? It’s just a prime example of how our society can do a complete 180 in terms of fashion. Even though I myself wear glasses, I am loving the fact that something I have to wear that was thought of as a nuisance is actually a blessing and I am thankful. J

There's no Goodbye without a Hello.

Hi Friends,

This brings me to my final blog, as my final assignment, for my final class, on my final day. We all came to The Academy of Design in hopes of becoming the next big thing and ensuring we build upon the talents and creativity we were all destined to share with the world. We started off as strangers and built a foundation of friendships we will never forget (at least I won’t). Having gone through the grueling ride of completing an 18 month Fashion Marketing & Merchandising program, we can all successfully say we've made it. The finish line is so close and it's beginning to settle in; no more elevator rides up to the second floor, no more cigarette breaks on our very own “MET steps” and certainly no more sleepless nights finishing assignments and projects (for school anyways).

Every individual life is mimicked as a book filled with chapters, and this chapter will soon be coming to an end. As we flip the page to begin the next chapter, we have to keep in mind, as is in the fashion world, in the real world, "there is no destination without a beginning, there is no good-bye without a hello; no dream without closing your eyes; no “happily ever after” without “Once upon a time”; and there is certainly no finish without the most important part of the journey, the start." Designers throughout history have all began where we have, and have all had to end a chapter in order to go through the rest. Life goes on, but our footprints will never be forgotten. For example, Yves Saint Laurent, after his passing, Hedi Slimane took over the house to keep Saint Laurent’s visionary love for fashion going. Alexander McQueen unfortunately left his dream to the incredible Sarah Burton and Donatella Versace took over for her late brother Gianni Versace. Just as they have all passed and gone on to a different world, we are in the process of doing so as well. (Sorry, my metaphors can be a little dramatic at times, but effective nonetheless.) Without their beginning, there wouldn't be the continuation of such highly regarded collections. Think of us as the designers and their legacy as our journey.

We were all introduced into each other's lives for a reason and although we endured the good, the bad, and the ugly together, it's shaped us into the extraordinary people we have become. One thing we've learned is the importance of relationships and that in the face of an ending, we don’t ever forget each other. Wherever we go, whoever we become, one thing we’ll always have in common, is how we began our careers into the highly-competitive and vicious fashion world together. 

What I’m trying to get at, is this may be a farewell, but this is no goodbye. I wish you, from the bottom of my heart, all the happiness, success and love you all deserve.

Until next time,

Billy.

And the winner is... Olivia Culpo from the USA - or is she?

Just hours ago, Olivia Culpo, Miss USA was crowned the ultimate title - Miss Universe! Beauty and brains, this brunette bombshell had total support from the audience, and the judges as well. Putting all of that aside however, who really stole the show in the much anticipated evening gown portion? Let's take a closer look.

Starting from the left, Gabriela Markus of Brazil is wearing a stunning floor length beaded gown, that shows off her curves and features a daring slit. It kind of feels like a mix Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie’s red carpet style. Sexy yet elegant.

Then we have our winner, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo representing the USA. She is showing skin in all the right places by adding one main focal point- a plunging neckline to this full sleeve velvet ball gown. Looking at this chic and stunning dress, I was shocked when I found out that this young lady is only 20 years old! This dress might be a little too sophisticated for her, but none the less gorgeous, and the classiest gown of the night in my opinion.

Moving onto Ranae Ayris of Australia in a crisp white strapless gown, that featured a structured corset-like bodice, which flowed into fitted and embroidered skirt that flared into a chiffon bottom. This dress hugged her in all the right places, but I don’t think it made much of a statement.

I must say, personality wise I thought the runner up Janine Tugonon of the Philippines should have won, but her dress? Underwhelming. I really don’t mean to be harsh but it reminds me of a bad 90’s prom dress, from the outdated colour to the unflattering style- she could’ve done so much better!

Lastly, and in my opinion the worst dressed of the top 5 ladies, is Irene Esser of Venezuela. Hmm... where to begin.. I feel like I'm playing that game, “what doesn’t belong?” I’ll leave it at that.

So after taking a closer look at these lovely ladies and their fabulous gowns, who do you think is the best dressed? Ill tell you what I think, USA takes the crown again! 

Olivia went a different route, leaving more to the imagination and it paid off. I have a feeling we will be seeing knock-off versions of this dress hitting stores all over the world very soon. 

Let's hear it for world peace!

Written by: Karolina Swietoniowska

Be a stylist and play this fun game that lets you Dress Up Olivia Culpo!

Missed it on TV? Check out the announcing of the Miss Universe Top 5

And then Instagram decided to sell your pictures

Being a non-Instagram user, I was actually happy to find out that this week's buzz under the "social media platforms screwing over their users" category did NOT make any difference to me, for once. 

On Monday, Instagram updated its "Terms & Conditions" and the news were not very well received by their users. Under the "Rights" section on their updated Terms of Use page, the following paragraph was the main reason for the angry comments that followed the update:

"2 - Some or all of the Service may be supported by advertising revenue. To help us deliver interesting paid or sponsored content or promotions, you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you. If you are under the age of eighteen (18), or under any other applicable age of majority, you represent that at least one of your parents or legal guardians has also agreed to this provision (and the use of your name, likeness, username, and/or photos (along with any associated metadata)) on your behalf."

Basically saying they might sell your pictures and keep all the profit to themselves. Oh, and of course, that you have already agreed to that. The changes are supposed to be effective starting on January 16th, but the reaction received by the mobile photo-sharing company right after the news were posted came way faster than that.  

Even celebrities such as Pink, DJ and music producer Deadmau5 and canadian model Coco Rocha went to Twitter to express their opinion, check it out:

4k+ RT's

Of course I wouldn't make you go all the way to Deadmau5's Instagram profile to see the classy photo (over 20k likes up until the publication of this post - I know, right?!):

a moment of silence to get over this person's nails

Coco Rocha's two cents:

And on her Tumblr:

The reaction all over the internet was obviously so huge and instantaneous, Instagram had no choice but to do something to try to control the PR disaster. On the following day, they published this thank you slash let me explain note, signed by the company's co-founder Kevin Systrom. This is part of it:

Our intention in updating the terms was to communicate that we’d like to experiment with innovative advertising that feels appropriate on Instagram. Instead it was interpreted by many that we were going to sell your photos to others without any compensation. This is not true and it is our mistake that this language is confusing. To be clear: it is not our intention to sell your photos. We are working on updated language in the terms to make sure this is clear.

Hm. Not sure how "you agree that a business may pay us to display your stuff without any compensation to you" can be considered "confusing language", but now we will have to wait and see what happens. I guess I wouldn't be surprised if, in a couple of weeks, it simply turns out that Instagram meant what they said the first time - their decision of stop displaying the photos on Twitter also seemed kind of weird and as far as we know there wasn't obvious money involved. In the end of the day, the "moral questions" on what's right or wrong actually go back to Facebook, owner of Instagram since April of this year. Their privacy policies are not exactly known for being the nicest to users.

Good luck, Instagrammers. I'm out of this one. #nofilter #nocry 

Spice up your holiday look - DIY style

It's that time of year again- one holiday party after another, and other than a great outfit, how else can you add some sizzle to your look and stand out at the next holiday bash? Nothing can be more simple (and inexpensive) than some fun make up! Here are 3 easy ways that you can change up your look this year:

*Note - using all three of these options can cause makeup overload, my suggestion is to pick one at a time and run with it!

1. The lips say it all

Bold lip colours in every shade imaginable have been trending this year, so for the holidays take it up a notch and try a bright, bold, and rich hue. In this case, keep the rest of your makeup simple and muted, the focus here is on the lips. Don't be afraid to try a deep and dark colour, choose a shade that looks great on you and go a few shades darker.

2. Colour combo eyes

Colour blocking and combining clashing tones has been all over the runway, so do the same with your eyes! Take two contrasting hues opposite on the colour wheel, ( for example yellow and purple, blue and orange, or even red and green if you really want to be festive!) and apply the lighter colour on the inside of the lid, and the darker colour on the outside and in the crease. Don't forget to put a neutral highlighter under the brow and on the inside corners of the eye!

3. Well manicured lady

The counters are filled with hundreds of shades of nail polish, from matte, to pearly, to the new trend this year - glitter and sparkle. These polishes can get pricey though, and they rarely turn out as glitter packed as they seem! An easy way to use up that left over glitter from your high school art project, is to mix it into a bottle of your clear nail polish! Another great way is to apply a clear coat on your nails first, then quickly sprinkle on the glitter while it's wet so it will stick, then finish with another clear layer, VIOLA!

*Tip - Match the base colour with the colour of the glitter for a cleaner look.

Hope you got a little inspiration and helpful tips to take on the holidays, DIY style... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

By: Karolina Swietoniowska

For more great holiday ideas, check out Pinterest!

YouTube Made Me Famous!

By LI DAI (LILY)

Have you thought about making music with your cat can make you famous overnight? “The Mean Kitty Song” (or “Hey Little Sparta”) was released 5 years ago on YouTube. As of today, it has more than 70 million views. In one year within its release, it became top 21 of YouTube’s All Time favorite video, top 39 of all-time discussed video and #1 all-time most discussed and most favorite Pets & Animals video.

The song singer and actor in video is Cory Wiliams, also known as “Mr. Safety” from SMP Films. “The Mean Kitty Song” is a rap song about the weird moves of Cory’s 2-month old cat, Sparta, which caused chaos in his house. The video followed Sparta and captured crazy but funny moment like chasing a laser dot, biting Cory’s foot, sleeping in the sink, drinking water out of toilet bowl, etc. The rap song also has funny lyrics talking about his cat and has a catchy tune which is easy to remember. After the song became popular, Cory also made sequels about Sparta.

Williams has been filming comedy sketches in his young years. Since the song got popular on YouTube, Williams became a host of national show on DirecTV. This is the first time a YouTube user transitioned into a TV role without the aid of an agent. Cory has appeared on The Tonight’s Show with Jay Leno and MTV Scarred. In 2008, Wiliams was featured on the Tyra Show for “The Mean Kitty Song”. In the episode of “YouTube Made Me Famous”, Tyra said that Cory made $20,000 a month.

So, shoot a music video with your pet and upload it. You can be famous without you knowing it!

December 21st, 2012: The Fashion Apocalypse

Written by: Billy Vasilios


It's December 14th 2012, and tonight, I am writing to you from my chilly, dull lit room. This tiny little candle next to me flickers and while burning away, I feel the sudden urge to sit here, step outside of my head, and examine m thoughts. Beads of sweat and anxiety kick in with each flicker, thinking to myself "What does the 21st really have in store for us?" As the smoke burns off the small flame, I sit here and worry, will I too end up burning away in utter silence, like this poor old candle, or will December 21st, 2012 just be the most annoying day in social media history?

We never know what the future may hold, but there is nothing wrong with being prepared for all outcomes. That's the purpose of life. You live in the present and do your best to prepare for the future. Good or bad. So, if the 21st does happen to bring us doom, let's all be prepared to go out in style. 

I, your guardian angel, will provide you with your post-apocalyptic fashion must-haves. So let's all light our fires and fan away at our flames. 

COMBAT BOOTS

Dr. Martens Black Leather Spiked Boots, $273

Protective footwear in which you can kick ass, escape from danger, and look f****** amazing.

GAS MASK

Approved Gas Masks, $229.50

You know, for all of the toxins and stuff. You'll look like a robot, but welcome to the future.

HEAD/FACE COVERS

Alexander McQueen Scarf, $224

There will be falling debris everywhere. This is a great use for covering your face. We all have to look pretty for Judgement day, don't we?

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING! (Gotta blend in with the darkness of December 21st, 2012)

Left: Gareth Pugh Black Leather-trimmed Draped Collar Jacket, $1785

Right: Alexander McQueen Leather-trimmed Hooded Coat, $1250

Blending in is key. Will aliens come to earth? Will the zombie apocalypse finally happen? We don't know. So, be sure to get a coat that will not only blend you with the darkness, but will keep you warm. Remember, bye-bye Mr. Sun!

With this all being said, I've given you several of many post-apocalyptic fashion ideas. The choice is yours. Are you going out in style? Or are you going out with the bang?

xoxo,
Your Guardian Angel.