Friday, July 29, 2005

A mid-summer night’s fashion

by Wendy Owen

With the summer already halfway gone, it’s time to recap some of the good, the bad and the ugly in summer styles. Be it a classic or a new trend, see if you are a victim or a fashion genius.

1) Bermuda shorts
Verdict: Flop! While preppy and clean on model bodies, they turn even average girls dumpy and frumpy, and forget it if you have heavy thighs. My solution? Make like a 50’s be-popper and roll those pants! Capri’s are so over, but you can still look fresh in short pants!
2) Tunics:
Verdict: Fabulous fad! Whether they are dressy and bejeweled or plain and casual tunics are one of the best looks of the summer. Great for the beach or for going out, with just a hint of the bohemian ethnic look, tunics also look great on any figure (in the correct size, of course).
3) Paisley Tunic Dresses
Verdict: Flop! Once again, boho was done wrong turning the possibly glam into downright gaudy. Too busy prints and oversized shapes make them look more like mumus.
4) Gold Sandals
Verdict: Fabulous Fad! Brought back from the eighties, girls don’t have to be afraid of wearing gold on their toes any longer. With stunning styles from Blahnik to Payless, every girl can be gilded and glam.
5) Straw Totes
Verdict: It’s a tie! While straw totes are cute for the beach, casual days and picnics, they just don’t have what it takes to carry a girl through the day. Try some brightly colored reptile prints instead.

Tired of bright colors and sandals already? Here are some summery items that will be hot this fall that you can start wearing already:
1) Wooden/earthy jewelry—This is already hot among the stars! Look for wooden beads in browns, tan and cranberry and “ethnic” jewelry and accessories.
2) Animal prints—Wear in moderation! Make like Gwen Stefani and keep it to a minimum with a halter, purse, shoes or a faux animal print jacket.
3) New Wave Victorian—If it looks like something Cyndi Lauper would have worn in the 1880’s, snatch it up! Silky blouses in hot hot colors and pearls, lace and chiffon were all the rage on the runways for fall, so get yours now!

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Maggie Gyllenhaal: Girl Next-Door Meets Glam

by Wendy Owen

Maggie Gyllenhaal is perhaps one of the best Hollywood fashion icons that no one knows about. Elegant, demure and sometimes even edgy, Maggie always seems to pull off whatever she is wearing. Somehow, she seems to mix vintage and quirky with tailored lines and always looks fabulous. In many ways, Maggie is almost “granny chic” in that Annie Hall sort of way, but with a touch of glam.

Wanna steal Maggies’ look? Here are a few simple suggestions to get started:

1) Tailored lines: Suits, pencil skirts, button down shirts and flat front pants are the base of Maggies’ wardrobe. Get yourself some really nice and classic pieces (a blazer, black trousers or a skirt) and build from there! You need basic colors and lines as a backdrop for all of the great details that goes into a “Maggie” look.
2) Go Vintage: Lace, pearls, tassels, heels, silk stockings, scarves, cameos…the list goes on. Add your own classy vintage touches, like a silk clutch purse or vintage jewels with a silky or mesh top. Accessorize, but only lightly!
3) Add the glitz: Maggie likes to add shimmer in unexpected places, like using elastic sequins as a belt around a couture dress. Experiment on your own for something unusual, but not tacky. As the leading female face of indie film, Maggie also loves to add funky and artistic accessories, so check those out too.
4) Keep hair and makeup at a minimum: Maggie rarely does hair and make-up all out unless it’s for a magazine cover. Her look is light and natural and that’s part of the secret to pulling off her look. Over the top hair and makeup would distract from, say, a pair of dangly glass earrings. For Maggie style hair and make-up, less is more!

Check out Maggie in past movies like “Secretary” or “Donnie Darko” (with brother Jake) or in the upcoming movie “Criminal” as well as in the August edition of “Elle.” For Maggie style on lefashionista.com, check out the Indie Girl lines from Gabby Bella and Lizzie Eno, or The Satin Disco Clutch handbag.


Monday, July 25, 2005

Ooh Lola


Lola Bag Juicy Couture, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By Raquel Franco

I am in love with Juicy Couture’s new handbag line. When you see it there will be no need to “persuede” you. The Lola Suede bag is my absolute favorite among the saucy new handbags. It is soft and accented with cross stitching and logo studs. The J zipper pull adds a cute Juicy touch. The fringe and rhinestones on this couture piece makes for a hobo meets western style. It would look great with a t-shirt, jeans and a pair of sexy cowboy boots. You could even pair it with a bohemian skirt and boots like Jessica Simpson. Whatever you wear with it, it will surely look fabulous. This bag is a definite must buy for the fall season.

Saturday, July 16, 2005

That’s the bomb

By Raquel Franco

Now that miniature furry pets have taken over as being the hottest arm candy, you must keep them in tip top shape. No one wants a dirty dog attached to their arm. You must check out Jillian with a J’s cute new way to keep your pet looking chic. Jillian has invented a new doggie bomb to get your pup squeaky clean. You just drop the little ball of shampoo and organic treatment into the tub and viola! All you have to do is get your bundle of joy into the tub. No bottle, no juggle, no mess! The non toxic, eco-friendly doggie bomb comes in the cutest little Chinese take out box and it only costs 5 dollars. The mixture of oils and shea butter will leave your dogs coat shiny and luxurious. The cheap bath treat will have your handbag replacement looking adorable and having everyone saying, “That’s hot.”

http://www.jillianwithaj.com

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Stolen catch Phrase

Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton are the ultimate socialites. They were made famous on the show Simple Life by leaving their riches behind to make it in the “real world”. During the show, many words that escaped their lips were added to the slang dictionary. Paris’s catch phrase, “That’s hot” has become the most popular. In the last season the phrase became like word vomit from Miss Richie and it now seems as if she has taken the phrase for good.

In recent news Nicole Richie has announced the launch of her new fashion line coming October 11th of this year. Her line called “That’s Hot” will grace the stage at the Los Angeles fashion week. Richie will debut the line with a collection of signature T-shirts. You can catch the contemporary tees and tanks in the Lifestyle Clothiers Showroom, owned by Sue Volin-Gershon.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/ohnotheydidnt/

Monday, July 11, 2005

Just Blog

By Raquel Franco

If justjared.com were a handbag he’d be a Hermes and if he were a fashion magazine he’d be Vogue. No other blog out there will keep your celebrity fix as satisfied as Jared. The blog’s most up to date news will have you laughing and even crying when you catch your favorite celebrity in the most embarrassing acts. Here you will fine the latest candids and photo shoots of hot celebs like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton. One of the most recent pieces of eye candy you can ogle over is Jessica Simpson gracing the pages of Elle Magazine. And for all you shameless C list celebrity wannabe’s, Jared has got dirt on them too. In a recent update he informed his readers that Adrienne Curry, Americas Next Top Model Season 1 Winner, is going to co-star in the television series called Ballbreakers. That ought to be interesting.

You must check out this great site. I promise it will meet your every celebrity need. Who needs US Weekly when you have justjared.com?

http://www.justjared.com

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Paris Has Got a Brand New Bag

By Raquel Franco

We all know Paris as the heiress, the trendsetter and the one to cause the biggest scandal. Well there are no scandals as of today but she is setting a new trend. Just a couple weeks ago Paris was out on Melrose while showing off her latest purchase. Her new Melie Bianco handbag was doused with gold and silver metallic feathers. The oversized handbag was flashy and eye-catching just like Miss Hilton. This hot new accessory will surely be the new arm candy for the summer.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Viva Las Vegas


Travel Quilt Carry all, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By Raquel Franco

I am moving. Packing up all my couture and heading to Sin City is the exact opposite of my personality. I am not very spontaneous. I like to plan everything out so I know the result. The only thing I have control over right now is choosing what bag to hold all my possessions. I only have one small duffel bag and with a closet holding 20 handbags and 50 or more pairs of shoes, I’d say I am going to need some more bags. So I jumped online, the only place to shop in your pj’s, and began searching for cute bags to follow me on my new journey. Here are my favorite travel bag finds:

Triple Five Soul Weekender Bag at 80
$86.00

The patches on this bag make it look like it belongs to a girl scout who grew up.

Quilted Carry All Bag from shopintuition.com
$130.00

This pleather beauty is the perfect Chanel look-alike and will have all my clothes traveling in style.

Check out these great bags if you find yourself traveling across the country or even if you are just staying overnight. You wouldn’t want to be caught with a smelly old gym so go out and get yourself a chic carry all.

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Denim Resurrection


louisvuittondenim, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By Raquel Franco

When you think of denim you probably think of jeans. Or maybe you recall an image from a period when your denim came in funky colors like hot pink and lime green. Well, denim is coming back this fall in more than just a pair of jeans. The popular cloth usually worn on your legs is now coming back in skirts, handbags and jackets. I even saw a vest in a recent issue of Marie Claire. When I first heard of the resurrection, I was frightened. I am in no way ready to relive the 80’s, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the latest designer creations.

The most recent couture denim and my favorite, I might add, are the new Louis Vuitton Monogram Denim handbags. This line of chic, alligator bags comes in seven different amazing styles. I know LV handbags are known to cost a hefty penny so if you are looking for a cheaper way to show off some denim threads, the Gap will be featuring denim bags for their fall line. They will only put you back a mere 30 bucks.

In the fall you can also watch for designers like Ralph Lauren and Armani to have some great denim creations in their new lines.

Whatever your feelings may be about denim, I say just give it a try. You will see it gracing the pages of your favorite magazines and in stores near you. A little denim never hurt anybody, right?

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Bare Naked

by Raquel Franco

Men just don’t get it! At least I thought they didn’t. I find myself always having to defend and explain my femininity to them. The questions I answer the most are; why does it take you so long to get ready and why do you have to take your handbag with you everywhere you go? To us the answer is simple. To them the idea is ridiculous. Until a recent incident I had just accepted that men just don’t understand.

This weekend, before the fourth of July activities were about to commence, my boyfriend’s friend, Tom, became frantic at the loss of his wallet and cell phone. He instantly was stressed that he left his possessions behind. I on the other hand, at first, could not understand why, since he needed no money. He was already out with friends so a cell phone was not necessary. I was very surprised at his stress over the absence of these items. Men are usually so lax about things like this. After Tom proceeded to say he felt like he was dying without them, my boyfriend began to relate with him! He began saying how naked he felt without his wallet. I was appalled. As I listened to them complain to one another more about this vulnerable feeling I felt the need to butt in. I said to them, “See, that is what it feels like to leave your handbag behind.”

They totally ignored me and kept on about being exposed without their wallets.

My conclusion is that men totally understand what we feel; they just aren’t listening to what we are saying.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Angel's Hook-Up Contest Giveaway - Sponsored by hipIce.com

HipIce

Lades, if you are feeling like your jeans need a little more flare and then check out this great new accessory. It’s called HipIce Ball & Chain. The sexy chains can be attached to your belt loops to jazz up your jeans in a splash. The new site http://www.hipice.com, has many different styles and charms for you to choose from. This fabulous accessory can also be used on your handbag or just take out a link and you have a new necklace. HipIce can also be worn around your midriff so you can show off all your hard work in the gym. Beyonce has been seen wearing a similar piece of jewelry. So go out and grab this multifaceted accessory and shake what cha momma gave ya.

Note: Get 20% off at http://www.hipice.com
for the month of July only.

Thursday, June 30, 2005

The Clash Connection

By Raquel Franco

This past Sunday as I sat down with my morning coffee and my fashion literature (aka In Style, Vogue, etc.), and I noticed something peculiar. Flipping through the glossy pages and celebrity faces I noticed that many of our favorite stars were looking oh so cute but one thing was out of place. None of their couture pieces really matched. Why do things that clash, mesh? Is it like relationships when opposites attract or is it that they have the perfect body and anything looks good?

One of my fellow fashionista’s, Chantel, mentioned that, “…clothes that clash look good because it looks thrown together and effortless, as opposed to matching everything which looks calculated and trying too hard.” This can be true. When an outfit matches too much you can appear stiff and up tight and you definitely will come off as someone who is trying to please everyone. A mismatched look like Ashley Olsen’s is sexy and gives off the vibe that you don’t care what anyone thinks.

While talking to another fashionsta I learned that sometimes what looks like clashing is really matching. A cool clashing outfit may deceive you by adding a small accessory that pulls the opposite styles together.

But the most common response I received when asking women why clashing works was because of confidence. Sarah Jessica Parker is a perfect example. While starring in Sex and the City as Carrie Bradshaw she constantly wore funky pieces that no one in their right mind would put together but she always pulled it off. I believe it was because she had confidence and she was just having fun with her wardrobe and that’s what made her look fabulous.

So if you are thinking about clashing this weekend just grab an accessory to match and let your confidence shine on the outside and you are ready to go!

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Lyrical Beauty

by Raquel Franco

This online boutique will be sweet music to your ears or fashion to your body. The collection of up and coming designer items display a unique talent that tells you these are not only designers but artists. Many of the intricate jewelry are handmade to order. Some of my favorite pieces that you should definitely check out are:

Designer Luka: Out to Sea Necklace
$46.00
This delicate design with soft blue stones and Swarovski crystals is great for summer. The dove charm creates a very feminine look that would go perfect with a white sundress. And at this low price it’s too good to turn down.




Designer Luka: Maggie Earrings
$18.00
Acessorries made out if shells are perfect for summer at the beach. You will fit right in with these fantastic light blue earrings. Tip: Long earrings like these elongate the neck.




Heavens Best Creations: Pearl and Bali Necklace
$52.00
Want to create the sexy chic Bohemian look that Mary Kate and Ashley have been sporting? Well this long pearl necklace will do just that. Matching it with a lace vintage dress will create the boho look in a snap.











Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Accessory Indulgence

By Raquel Franco

leFashionista has found one of the Internet’s best-kept secrets. Peggyli.com is filled with chic little treasures to add to your summer accessories. The romantic bohemian style pieces will play a fantastic supporting role to any ensemble you have hanging in your closet. Some of my favorites are:

Greenshell Earrings
$39.00

Dangling earrings like these can elongate the neck and make it seem slim. They will create a shimmer effect in the sun and really pop hanging underneath auburn hair. These earrings are my favorite because of their grace and they make me think of
summer romance.




African Trade Glass Earrings
$44.00

These sweet pea teardrop earrings are great if you want to draw attention to your face. The bright emerald green hue accents all shades of hair. What I love about these watermelon style duds is the texture that makes them seem vintage




Sparkling Sage Necklace
$49.00

Mary Kate and Ashley have been seen wearing jewelry like these, long, gold and bohemian necklaces. This tree stoned necklace is so simple but elegant. I see myself wearing this with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to an ivory summer dress. I am smitten with this gold treasure even though I am a not Golds biggest fan.




So if you are looking for romance this summer head on over to our new affiliate Peggyli.com and be swept off you feet for less than $100 bucks.




Hand-made jewelry as seen on TV's "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer", in the pages of "O Magazine" and more.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Handbag Convenience

By Raquel Franco

Every girl faces the same dilemma when taken out to dinner. Where in the heck am I going to put my handbag? If you value your precious couture at all you won’t dare put it on the floor but if you put in the table it causes you to duck and weave to make eye contact with your date. As big as handbags are getting today you’ll never be able to create chemistry with your Big Buddha bag trying to steal all the attention. So what’s the solution? Hold it or get yourself a purse pal. As ridiculous as this sounds the new handbag hanger is quite clever and will solve all your dinning problems. This small and affordable device comes in 6 designs and will definitely keep your Anna Tote bag from getting in the way of a romantic evening.

Last week I received my very first PursePal in the mail. When I pulled out the gold plated Pink Ribbon hanger I have to say I began to doubt whether it would hold my oversized bag and all its contents. The pal was so adorable and I felt nervous as I placed it on my desk. I was rooting for it to work. I hooked my handbag on the hook and ta da! It worked. I just thought it was the coolest thing ever. Now I always carry my purse-pal with me and it has been my savior at 2 dinners already.

If you would like a pal of your own please visit http://www.purse-pal.com to get one of your own. The Pink Ribbon PursePal benefits Breast Cancer. Five dollars of every purchase goes towards research.

Friday, June 17, 2005

Handbags Gone Fugly

By Raquel Franco

Here are the top five most fugliest bags right now.

1. JAMIN PUECH CHEYENE WOODEN BEADED BAG
This multicolored beaded mess is too ugly even for grandma.

2. MARC BY MARC JACOBS CRAM SILVER CANVAS TOTE
This bag is actually sold out at Net-a-porter.com! This silver tote should read FUGLY instead of CRAM because the only thing crammed in here is a fashion mistake.

3. LOUIS VUITTON CHERRY
Louis got it so wrong with this bag. The only cherries I want to see are on my cheesecake not on my couture.

4. UGG AUSTRALIA SAND BAG
I am not an Eskimo and even if I were, I know I could keep warm and look cuter than this.

5. MARC JACOBS BEACHY HOLD-EVERYTHING
This floral multi-patterned looks like a quilt my grandmother would make. I don’t care if it held a thousand bucks I don’t think I could be seen wearing this outdated bag.

Jamin Puech


Fuglybag01_JAMIN PUECH, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Louis Vuitton


Fuglybag02_LOUISVUITTON, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

Ugg Australia


Fuglybag02_UGG AUSTRALIA, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

 

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