I love when fashion illustrators collaborate with big brands on cool online marketing initiatives and tech products. The other day I was lucky enough to come across a small collection of iPhone cases designed by fashion illustrator Izak Zenou for Henri Bendel. The four-piece collection is super cute and right on trend with its bright colors. Each case is priced at $58 and perfect for any girl open to admitting her fashion addiction.
Aliza Licht certainly knows how to keep PR interesting. The first big splash I caught wind of was when she announced that she was the real voice behind the DKNY PR Girl personality. This time, Aliza and team created a video that captures a faux social media campaign around the re-opening of the DKNY London store (in time for the Olympics).
The video is spot on with, let’s face it, how we all act these days. One person hears some news and tweets. Within the matter of seconds, minutes and hours, the buzz grows exponentially larger through retweets and replies. In this case, the video shows Erica Domesek of P.S.- I Made This opening an invitation (shouldn’t the invitation have gone out via Paperless Post?) to the DKNY store re-opening. She scrawls a Union Jack on the invite and takes an Instagram photo, which she then promptly posts on Twitter. From there, others start retweeting and replying to her tweet, and soon, the entire world is making comments across the social web about the re-opening event.
Overall, all I can really say about this spot is, great job, Aliza! My favorite part about this video is that in a sense, DKNY told us ahead of time what is going on right. now.
By Caroline Elizabeth, Women’s Style Editor
The 2006 flick “Factory Girl” is based on the life of Edie Sedgewick, a socialite and film star best known for being one of Andy Warhol’s muses. Sienna Miller stars along with Guy Pearce as they depict an intense relationship between two of the most memorable, emulated figures from my favorite decade, the 1960’s.
Sienna Miller’s style as Edie throughout the film is sexy yet carefree. She wears clothing very of-the-moment, and therefore 1960’s mod, but is always a bit different or over the top with her looks. Edie needs to be shown in the film as the unique being that she was, as she was an inspiring to not only Andy but also America during her ‘It Girl’ phase.
During the beginning of the film Edie is a slightly more innocent young woman, before she meets Andy, does drugs all day, becomes famous, and turns crazy. Her look is a bit more tame, with stockings underneath her mini dresses, longer dark hair in the teased style of the time, and more smart accessories choices.
Sienna Miller’s character eventually cuts and bleaches her hair, which gives her the perfect opportunity to show off big jewelry like bold earrings she is seen wearing quite a bit. Edie wears a good deal of classic stripes, so be sure to get yourself a nice striped shirt or tunic to wear with leggings if you don’t already own one. Simple bold dresses not only Edie’s effortless style, but also the overall mood of the period work well too!
While Edie’s style is minimalist in many ways, she always adds unique touches so don’t be afraid to accessorize with big black boots, some bangles, a bold bag, or cats eye sunglasses. A few times in the film Edie is seen wearing fur, which can always be a fun and practical piece to throw on during a cool night, so hunt down a fur wrap or short jacket from a local consignment or thrift store! Lastly, don’t forget to still be yourself while rocking your Edie-inspired look. The good news is that the 60’s are back in so you won’t look out of place today if you keep your overall look simple and stick to classic, mod items!
Checking the weather forecast on your iPhone can get pretty boring, but now you can check the local weather and fashion forecast all in one place. Skirt Alert is a GPS-enabled app that lets you see the current temperature, wind chill, and precipitation, and let you know if you want to consider wearing a skirt. The disclaimer? WikiBros, the Netherlands-based team who created the app, says they cannot be held responsible if your skirt gets wet in the rain. Unfortunately, as far as I can tell, this app says every day is skirt day, so use wisely.
Fortunately for me, it’s a nice day in San Francisco, and my skirt will be just fine.
By Caroline Elizabeth, Women’s Fashion Editor
In the film “500 Days of Summer”, Zooey Deschanel has a role as a heartbreaker who you either love to hate or hate to love. Her character of Summer meets fellow employee Tom, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt, through their jobs at a greeting card company. Their relationship was doomed from the start when Summer first told Tom she wasn’t looking for a relationship and didn’t believe in love. The film chronicles the 500 days of their relationship through Tom’s eyes.
Though it’s hard to love the character of Summer, her wardrobe is something you simply can’t help but adore. Her feminine style includes florals, bows, and often the color blue. Blue matches the actress’s famously vibrant eyes and appears to be the character’s favorite color, or perhaps even represents the blue mood she puts Tom in.
As a woman around her late twenties/early thirties, Summer has a style that is cute but still mature. Her character has youthful interests but a grown up outlook on life, and she easily finds this balance in her clothing that looks effortless. Summer also always has a somewhat vintage flair to her looks, especially drawing from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, but her clothing is still modern and very stylish. It’s important to find this balance when you’re using her wardrobe for your own looks.
When shopping for your Summer iinspired look, first of all remember blue. Perhaps a dainty blue floral dress will be perfect for an outdoor company luncheon or some shopping downtown with a friend. A simple blue shirtdress can go from work to a party, as could a blue peter-pan collared shirt and high-waisted shorts if you throw on the right stockings and shoes to transition from day to night.
Accessorize with feminine and dainty vintage-inspired accessories like a pair of two-tone flats or oxfords, a bow headband, or a cute pair of heart sunglasses. For a bag I’d recommend an adorable woven basket purse or a buckle satchel to carry all of your items needed your usual day, with perhaps extra things to help your day to night transition. Always add your own personal touch to your look whether it be in a clothing piece or accessory, a beauty product, or a hairstyle. Have fun with it!
The more pictures that are leaked, the more excited I get to see Andre 3000 play Jimi Hendrix in the upcoming biopic All is By My Side. Andre 3000 is very much a style icon in his own right. In 2008, he launched his own clothing line called Benjamin Bixby with plans to revive it in the upcoming seasons. To me, Andre 3000 channeling Jimi Hendrix is something so magical that it’s almost too good to be true.Hendrix was my first experience with classic rock that wasn’t bubblegum pop or the Beatles and to have him brought to life again, even for a short while by Andre 3000 is truly cool. I think he’ll do a really excellent job portraying Hendrix, even with the limitations production is encountering. After all, I rather enjoyed his version of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show and while not quite the same, I’m hoping the movie will be just as good.
So how would you achieve the look Andre 3000 is going for in his portrayal of Jimi Hendrix? Start off with a corduroy trouser in an interesting color or a basic neutral bottom. On top wear a button down shirt. Look for solids or prints and patterns that reference the late 60s like bold woven designs or paisley. If you opted for a solid button down, you could layer it with a patterned vest. Either button down option can be paired with a colored suit jacket or one that is military inspired. Hendrix was known for wearing vintage clothing and would often purchase actual military castoffs. Just remember to keep your cuts modern. You want to take inspiration from the 60s and not look like you walked right out of them. In this aspect, channel Andre 3000 and not Jimi Hendrix.
If you’re feeling daring enough, you could try adding a hat to your ensemble. Hendrix often wore a dark colored hat with a wide brim whereas Andre 3000 usually favors a straw hat. For shoes, you could try a woven leather derby or a Bob Dylan-esque boot, which was an extremely popular footwear option in the late 60s.
To finish off your look, either layer a few interesting necklaces or tie a handkerchief around your neck. If you’re especially daring and have the hair for it, you could even try tying the handkerchief around your forehead like Hendrix did. As last touches, complete your look with a funky stone inset ring and a pair of tinted aviators.
By Caroline Elizabeth, Women’s Style Editor
Adriana has many beautiful and romantic outfits in the film with beads, lace, and pretty trims that reflect how these adjectives can also be applied to herself as a character. She is not only an inspiring, exquisite being in the film, but is also exquisitely dressed.
I admire how Sonia Grande was able to capture the twenties in a way that was recognizable but new, as Adriana for example wears loose flapper dresses that are unique and interesting. My favorite outfit that Adriana wears is a crème dress that is covered in hundreds of strands of beads that sparkle in the light. These strands are loosely attached to the dress so that they and move when Adriana moves.
To get this muse’s look, first decide which kind of dress suits your occasion, something in a cotton or silk that can easily transition from day to night, something dark and mysterious, or something light and eye-catching? Then add a pair of t-strap sandals, perhaps with crystal detail or with a glossy finish. Don’t be afraid to really get the 20’s across with your outfit by adding a small hairclip or thin headband. As long as you keep this hair accessory tasteful, it will work beautifully with your look. Finally, a pouch-style bag, perhaps in a lovely tapestry print, evokes the romantic time period perfectly.
Because my beloved J.Crew glitter iPhone case was in tatters and glitter was coming off everywhere, I decided to do a little craft project to give it a much needed makeover.
Now, not only is your iPhone looking sharp, but the glitter won’t end up all over your hands and face when you go to use your phone.
I’m calling my iPhone’s new look “The Sparkler” in honor of July 4th. Happy Independence Day, everyone!
By Caroline Elizabeth, Women’s Style Editor
Since the piece is set in the early 19th century, the clothing is period accurate which means lots of empire waists, hats, gloves, lace, and updos for the ladies. The overall clothing that Catherine Morland and her female companions wear, including close friend Isabella Thorpe played by Carey Mulligan, is feminine, airy and pastel. There are a lot of light, cool tones seen on Catherine, perhaps to sharply contrast her dark hair, and warmer light tones on Isabelle, which work well with her blonde locks.
Being ladylike was a priority back in the Regency era, and while Catherine Morland is always put together there is often an air of ease to her style whether it is slightly undone hair or dresses and accessories on the simpler side. Catherine honestly cares more about reading her fantastic adventure novels and dreaming about one coming true rather than her appearance, but I admire the way she manages to stay true to herself even among the period’s strict confines.
To achieve Catherine’s romantic and breezy style, start with a dress inspired by the Regency period, one with an extra high or empire waist. Lace and puffed sleeves are always an added bonus when dress shopping, but as long as the dress is beautiful and comfortable, Catherine will approve! Chose a sweater or jacket that has elements of the time period’s clothing style- think cropped, lacy, or with puff sleeves. Keep the rest of your accessories simple but feminine. Add a pair of pastel shoes, a bag of your choice, and then perhaps a single piece of jewelry like a locket or key necklace. You might like to add a straw hat for the season comparable to Regency era bonnets as well.
By Vanessa Lynn, Men’s Style Editor
“I know I’m going to hell in a leather jacket.”
-Julian Casablancas, lyrics from Out of the Blue
I’ve always had a special spot in my heart for bad boys. It probably comes from watching too many classic films featuring Marlon Brando and James Dean at an impressionable age. I loved everything about them; their style, uncompromising attitudes and tumultuous inner struggles. In music, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes fills that niche for me.
Casablancas has a distinct edge about him. His lyrics and riffs are confident and bold. He’s not afraid of saying what he thinks and his personal fashion reflects those attitudes. Perhaps the most iconic pieces of his wardrobe are his leather jackets. It’s actually rare to see Casablancas without a leather jacket. When you do, he’s usually wearing some piece of outerwear that references a leather jacket through its style, making nods at Americana in the same way. So when putting together your Julian Casablancas inspired look focus on finding a jacket that fits your style, whether it be biker or aviator in cut- that’s up to you. Because of the Fourth of July heat, you may want to opt for a light denim button down instead of a leather jacket.
Underneath your jacket, layer either a t-shirt or a tank, choosing a style that feels a bit vintage. I particularly like how often Casablancas wears bold stripes underneath his jackets, coordinating with skinny fit red or blue denim jeans. For shoes, try a boot that references biker gear or rock and roll. Or, you can go with the ever-classic Converse, which are a must for any summer music festival attendee.
To make your look complete, pay some attention to the smaller details. Casablancas usually wears a variety of accessories. Try layering a few necklaces, leather bracelets, or wearing a chunky watch. You could even tie a handkerchief around your wrist or have it sticking out of your back pocket. Choose a handkerchief in colors that contrast from the rest of your outfit for visual interest. Finish off your look with a simple solid leather belt and your favorite black sunglasses, perhaps Ray-Bans.
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