Monthly Archives: July 2009

Missoni Obsession

Posted by dannidupa in Fashion Trends and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

In an ideal world, I would be relaxing on a beach somewhere dressed in Missoni. In reality, I am sitting at a Starbucks in Boston dressed in Forever 21 and H&M. But, back to my point, must I really explain why I love the Italian household name? From the prints to the silhouettes to the overall jet-setting vibe, I love it all. Missoni really encompasses the Dolce Vita lifestyle where you really take pleasure in the art of dressing.

Missoni Spring 2009 collection

Missoni Spring 2009 collection

The spring collection was all about translation. By this I mean that it was clearly a difficult set of trends to translate into the Missoni style: harem pants, jumpsuits, etc. Angela Missoni did a good job of sticking to their guns, meshing these wild-card trends with timeless Missoni patterns.

Missoni Fall 2009 collection

Missoni Fall 2009 collection

Missoni looked to their Italian roots for fall inspiration.  In this case, it means knits, knits, and more knits. The piled layers sent a message of hippie meets hip-hop. Personally, I know that I would like to wrap up in some of these layers for my long walks in Boston next season! However, I found the collection to be a bit redundant taking the whole concept of a “seamless” collection a little too far. I missed the signature Missoni color palette, but I guess the decision to mute down the shades for fall makes more sense.

Joy Bryant, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, and Mischa Barton in Missoni

Joy Bryant, Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, and Mischa Barton in Missoni

Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Olsen, Leighton Meester, and Molly Sims in Missoni

Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashley Olsen, Leighton Meester, and Molly Sims in Missoni

Peace,

Matthew Williamson Obsession

Posted by dannidupa in Fashion Trends and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew Williamson does Ibiza-chic 24/7. His collections are full of bright colors, exotic prints, bohemian beading, and flowing caftans. It makes me want to head out for a night on the town in Morocco! He has an entourage of loyal fans including Zoe Kravitz, Rachel Bilson, Sienna Miller, Joy Bryant who all represent the designer at events frequently.

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Prints. Check. Colors. Check. Caftans. Yup. Do you recognize that studded belt from one of Mary-Kate’s outfits? I love how MW keeps his traditional elements but makes them spring appropriate with a pastel-theme running throughout.

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My favorite looks from the Matthew Williamson Fall 2009 Collection

And why stray from what works? So, he did it again with his Fall RTW collection. Nowhere to be seen were the boring neutrals of other designer’s line. Instead he stuck to his mantra, flooding the runway with bright colors and embellishments. Personally, I think this is what our downturn world needs right now! If everyone has less money to spend on having fun, let’s at least dress like we are fun-loving!

Nicky Hilton, Joy Bryant, Helena Christensen and Thandie Newton in Matthew Williamson

Nicky Hilton, Joy Bryant, Helena Christensen and Thandie Newton in Matthew Williamson

Zoe Kravitz, Mischa Barton, Vanessa Hudgens and Nicole Richie in Matthew Williamson

Zoe Kravitz, Mischa Barton, Vanessa Hudgens, and Nicole Richie in Matthew Williamson

I also loved his collaboration with H&M. Unfortunately, so did everyone else and by the time I got around to picking something out, I recognized everything and went home empty-handed.

Peace,

Desperately Seeking Serena

Posted by dannidupa in Style Icon and tagged with , , , , , ,

STYLE ICON: BLAKE LIVELY

You don’t see Blake Lively on the cover of US Weekly for an eating disorder, or a drug addiction, or anything negative at all. For once, she’s living in the spotlight right now for hm..career choices like Gossip Girl! How rare! She didn’t even have eight children and get a divorce for her fifteen minutes. Good for you, Blake.

Blake_Lively_Style

All the styling on the set of Gossip Girl must be carrying over to her real-life style mantra, because she looks great! All though, for the record, that daring orange dress was rocked pre-CW hit show…so maybe it’s raw fashion sense. But anyway, Blake shows that she can rock the jeans and well-cut jackets while not even on prime time. She chooses daringly bright colors, which works for her and shows off her confidence. I love her street style uniform of neutral tops and denim bottoms with gladiators and a messenger bag, comfy but boho-chic, for sure. And her red-carpet choices never fail to please either, with her interesting picks of cut, color, and texture.

Blake_Lively_Bohemian_Fashion

Blake_Lively_Serena_Style

In the book series, Serena was described as being a lot more bohemian than they make her in the show. She was often even said to always make the room fill with the smell of patchouli. In the television series, the creators have said that her style is modeled after one model in particular—Kate. They uniform her in Moss-like attire which is essentially fashion-forward laced with vintage pieces for a look that is boho-chic with a rocker edge. Thus, she dons skinny jeans and boots as her day to day attire. And when she goes for glam, she does it well and unfussily. As for accessories it’s all about the layered necklaces and the stacked bangles a la Moss herself. It all looks very easy, just like the fashionista her fashion was inspired by. Unlike her over-styled counterpart, Blair Waldorf, Serena always looks like she didn’t stand in front of the mirror for two hours, in a good way.

Blake_Lively_Gossip_Girl_Serena_Style

Peace,

Title from the title of Gossip Girl episode 16, 23

La Vie Links

Posted by dannidupa in La Vie Links, Veg-Life and tagged with , , ,

Ron and Hermione in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince[source]

  • The Inebriated States of America: check out beer consumption per state.
  • I have no idea what to think about this strange idea…
  • Yay, more information on Harry Potter World. I have seen the construction and it is looking promising.
  • Go sign some petitions for animales. Now, please.
  • Haha, this is real. What a crazy guy! Then watch the “All I Want For Christmas” video…

Peace,

The Sun Crochets The Clouds With Yarn So Fine

Posted by dannidupa in Fashion Trends and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Rocking its way off of art supply shelves and onto clothing racks, crochet was in this season seen on runways of A détacher and Nina Ricci. Avoid looking like a grandma by keeping the trend simple, structured and contemporary and weave it seamlessly into your wardrobe. (Pun definitely intended.)

Some bohemian-infused crochet outfits.

(From left) Rachel Bilson, Forever 21, Nicole Richie, Lookbook

Rachel roughens up her sweet crochet cardigan and mild khaki shorts with tough boots, and follows the match the bag to your shoe rule. Though, I don’t think the rule usually applies to Doc Martens. Forever 21 takes the Dazed and Confused route adding a flannel and cut-offs for an overall stoner-chic vibe. Nicole is idyllic in her House of Harlow jewelry and adorable dress. Similarly in the Lookbook ensemble, the black tights and cami make for a striking contrast with the white knitting.

(From left) Forever 21, Mischa Barton, Free People, Mandy Moore

(From left) Forever 21, Mischa Barton, Free People, Mandy Moore

Forever21 again places the crochet in an outdoorsy ’70s context, worthy of a festival or open-aired concert. Wearing the knit over a color adds interest to the look. Mischa appears to have created her dress from a tablecloth, but in a completely positive way. Her Jimmy Choos are spectacular, as well. Free People spins the white crochet dress into a more prairie-chic look adding moccasin boots and knee socks. Mandy Moore breaks up all black with her white vest. I dislike the graphic tee underneath but approve of her attempt on the whole.

Peace,

Title from “Secret Smile” by Phish