Lanvin launches collection at H&M stores on November 23.

Let me start this post of by saying how much I ADORE H&M. Being from Alaska I'd never heard of H&M until I studied abroad in Athens, Greece where I was introduced to the wonders of H&M. However, H&M just gave me one more reason to LOVE them. On November 23, H&M will carry Lanvin's exclusive collection. The absolute essence of Lanvin will now be available in over 200 stores worldwide. Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin, has created clothing for both men and women making every single piece identifying the work of Lanvin. Women's dresses are breathtaking with joyful colors and beautiful draping and cuts. For men, Elbaz has updated the classics. Lanvin has tuxedos appropriate for daytime and jogging pants with a sports twist. 


“What does luxury mean today? Can luxury be exclusive and democratic at the same time? How can we translate the essence of luxury to a wider audience? The world around us is changing rapidly and I find myself asking these questions more and more. Designer’s work is usually tailored to a very small group of people, but the collection for H&M was about trying to translate the dream of luxury to the masses. It was almost like going back to school for me.” Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin from fashionandrunway.com.

I have browsed through samples of the collection and I am extremely impressed. I have posted some from my wishlist.

Plus-size models canon-ball across the pond

Across the Atlantic, at Paris Fashion Week, the plus-size model movement is farther along than it was during New York Fashion Week. Crystal Renn was the only notable full-figured model who was cast for Zac Posen's Z-Spoke show during New York Fashion Week. Earlier this week, Renn told People, "I'm freaking out. Zac is one of the ones you want. Zac, Calvin and Marc are the big three. I booked one of my big three." Zac Posen wants to be able to fit and have women buy his clothes who are a number of shapes and sizes. "They are making the clothes for my size and everything," said Renn. "This is how fashion should be."

Jean Paul Gaultier is no stranger to spotlighting plus size models in his fashion shows. During Paris Fashion Week Gaultier showcased his Spring 2011 Ready to Wear collection by opening and closing the show with full figured and confident Gossip singer, Beth Ditto. Gaultier also featured Crystal Renn and Marquita Pring into his rocker chic spring collection. Gaultier told reporters after the show, "What counts is personality, there is not just the one form of stereotyped beauty. This collection's pleats can be worn by any size and adapt to different body shapes."

British Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, would like to see more "normal" sized women on the high fashion catwalk. "Instead of a fuss being made about a few cause celebre exceptions on the catwalk," said Shulman. "What I'd really like instead is for most models to be a size 10 rather than a size 8."

Crystal Renn, one of my favorite supermodel, putting her footprint on the fashion world in a very positive way. The size 10 model, who recently documented her years of anorexia in a memoir called Hungry, broke barriers during New York Fashion Week by walking in Zac Posen's ZSpoke show. Last week, she walked in Zac Posen's ready to wear show, as well as in Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel's fashion shows in Paris. 

Renn doesn't feel out of place on the runway that is notorious for uber-slim models gliding across. In an interview with People magazine Renn is proud to be "a real breakthrough," she says. "I'm here to be treated like any other girl. It doesn't matter my size. It doesn't matter who I am. I'm going on castings like everybody else. Renn acknowledges that there are more diverse models on the runway now than there ever have been. "When I first started, the girls were all blonde, all emaciated and miserable looking. Now there's more ethnic diversity. The girls are not as skinny as before. You do see size 6s and a couple size 8s. There is more allowance for people to be different."

Burberry Spring 2011 Collection at London's Fashion Week

Here are some of my favorite's from one of my favorite high fashion designer's Burberry. These are images from their runway show for London's Fashion week showcasing the Spring 2011 women's collection.

XOXO

Christina

Lady Gaga and Giorgio Armani: A Relationship Worth Millions

Giorgio Armani, best known for his 1980's Corporate America power suits, has teamed up with Lady Gaga to redefine fashion. Armani took a surprise turn by dressing Gaga in a diamond encrusted hoop dress for last year's Grammy Award Show. Lady Gaga loved how Armani's vision matched hers that she hired the designer for her bondage style black leather costumes for her racy "Alejandro" music video.

There is more to come from this relationship between pop sensation and fashionista Lady Gaga, 24, and legendary designer Giorgio Armani, 76. Armani has begun working on costumes for the fashionista's upcoming concert in Italy in December. This partnership, which is worth millions of dollars in publicity and clothing, will revamp and give a new light to Armani's line. This new partnership is said to put Giorgio Armani "in a new creative spotlight- individuality, edge, futuristic style," says retail-brand consultant Tom Julian.

Since revolutionizing wardrobes 30 years ago, fashion experts haven't looked to Armani for new trends in quite some time. The daughters of women who wore Armani at his height in the 80's are now wearing younger designers such as Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang. I am interested to see if the Emporio Armani women's fashion show, that is scheduled for next week, will be inspired by Lady Gaga just like his men's fashion show was last spring. Armani is still a staple for men's suits, however designers like Chanel and Dior have surpassed him when it comes to gowns.

Thanks to Lady Gaga's social networking influence such as Facebook and Twitter she has been able to help the company think younger. Roberta Armani, Giorgio Armani's niece and manager of VIP relations states that "A huge company like Giorgio Armani has the duty to always be alert to trends and what appeals to young people," she said in an interview to the Wall Street Journal.

The relationship between Armani and Lady Gaga began last November when Roberta Armani contacted Gaga's stylist after watching her perform at the American Music Awards. Giorgio Armani was preparing for his January Prive label catwalk, which had a celestial theme. He took the time to sketch out three designs for the performer: a diamond encrusted hoop dress with matching platform shoes; a silver mini-dress and blazer combination with a lightning rod shaped hat, and a scandalous green bodysuit with high rounded shoulders and green crystal glasses. All three designs were chosen by Lady Gaga and all three fit Armani's futuristic moon theme for the Prive collection.

Despite their half-century age difference, Lady Gaga and Giorgio Armani have a lot in common, which includes Gaga's Italian heritage (the music sensation's real name is Stafani Germanotta). Armani has designed an entire wardrobe for Lady Gaga since their first collaboration in January at the Grammys, including for her appearance on American Idol and her "Monster Ball" concert tour. Roberta Armani states that the two have the perfect combination, "Gaga is so avant-garde and [Giorgio Armani] is so timeless that they meet."


XOXO


Christina

Fall Fashion Must-Haves

While looking around for the perfect fall fashion look I stumbled upon this dress and fell in love. The beige and grey neutral colors are perfect for this autumn season. This simple and classic dress can be very multifunctional. It is modest enough to be worn to the office, but chic enough to wear around town. Simple accessories will keep it the business look while chunky jewelry and sky-high heels makes the dress perfect for a date downtown. Paired with a nice jacket, scarf, or handbag will polish this classic outfit that I want to buy off the rack right now.

As it gets colder outside, scarves become more apparent. As a student at the University of Alaska Anchorage I see a lot of Russian foreign exchange students. When fall rolls around these Russian students have fall fashion down to a T. I see them with fitted jackets, boots, and of course beautiful scarves. I like to sport my leopard print scarf when I'm feeling bold.



After tracking fashion week I've found that lace is the hottest new look for fall. I'm glad, because I find lace to be very sexy. You should be cautious when wearing lace, a little goes a long way and easily turns into a trashy outfit. When wearing lace, pick one portion of the outfit to lace and keep everything else simple. Pairing more than one article of clothing in lace with look too over-the-top. I suggest some lace-inspired tights or a laced top.Remember simplicity is key.



Over-the-knee boots are this season's must-have.



What would fall be without boots? Time to break out your hottest boots. In the winter, you can find me wearing boots all the time. To me, boots are the sensible winter heel. No one wants to see, or be, the dumb girl that is freezing her toes off for the name of fashion by wearing her open toed heel in the winter. Boots keep your feet warm while maintaining a European high fashion look. Wear boots with legging, skinny jeans, or tights. Boots can be as causal or as dressed up as you make them. I always get a pair of boots in black, brown, grey, and a bright color of my choosing. That way I have a pair of boots that will match any outfit of mine.

You are now all set for fall fashion!

XOXO

Christina

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 Ready to Wear Collection

Thursday was a busy day as fashion week comes to a climax. Oscar, Oscar, Oscar, you have done it again. Your whispy, romantic, and oh-so feminine women's line is fantabulous. So beautiful, so the essence of what a woman is. Oscar de la Renta's spring collection reminds me of a walk through a garden with flowing floral print and color. I can almost smell the tulips.

Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 collection

The king of sportsware, Ralph Lauren, showcased his Women's Spring 2011 collection that is classic meets Little House on the Praire. Even though I've never fallen in love with plaid I really enjoyed Lauren's spring collection. Cremes and browns with wild west accessories made his collection stand out. I have attached a list of my favorite looks from the runway show that was featured on good ol' hardwood floors. 

XOXO

Christina

Let's talk about shoes...

Everyone has his or her niche. Some women like jeans, and some like purses. I am among the many women who have an unhealthy habit for shoes. At some point in my life I had a 50 pair shoe rack that overflowed with sky-high heels and comfy flip-flops. It wasn't until my puppy teethed on about half of my beloved shoes that I got back down to a healthy amount of shoes. (It's a good thing my puppy was cute and that I loved her so much, or else she would have been gone!)

At 5'7 I have an obsession for a good pair of stilettos. I love putting on a paid of L.A.M.B. heels, towering over my boyfriend like a supermodel and strutting my stuff. My supermodel image might be all in my head but it's amazing what a pair of sexy heels can do to a woman's self-esteem. There are practical purposes for heels as well. When out at a bar or club having that added four inches helps with spotting a hot guy or fellow girlfriend.

For those of us that live in Alaska or any colder northern area, once winter rolls around and sandals are out of the question, my best friend quickly becomes boots. Boots have a way of being practical (we've all seen that girl walking around in the snow with sandals on) while also staying fashion forward. When looking for a good deal on boots, I would recommend looking online at www.victoriassecret.com, www.zappos.com, or my new personal favorite www.shoedazzle.com. Shoedazzle offers personal stylists that create your personal showroom based on your taste in shoes. The best part of this website is that regardless of the shoe, everything is $39.99. Good luck finding a good quality, cute, sexy boot anywhere else for $39.99. Even after paying for shipping it's still the best deal out there when it comes to purchasing boots.

Here in Anchorage, Alaska, when people think of boots they automatically thinks of Nordstrom's. I am constantly on the hunt for the best deals. My experience is that Nordstrom's has boots in my pricerange only during their sales, which are only three times a year.  If you want fashionable, reasonably priced shoes go to my personal favorite Bottoms Boutique, or Burlington Coat Factory. Trust me, once winter comes around and you want to be walking around town with something other than your Uggs, go to either places and you will find some HOT boots that will make you look like you should be walking the streets of Paris instead of Anchorage.





Tata for now!

XOXO

Christina

MTV Video Music Awards Red Carpet

Last Sunday, MTV hosted the Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. Musicians, Actors, and Celebrities flocked to the red carpet to be photographed by the paparazzi and their adorning fans. Fashion themes that were prominent were sequins and metallic dresses for women and leather jackets for men. 

Ciara gets two thumbs up from me. Her feathered black dress makes me want to raid her closet and emerge with nothing but this dress in hand. The simple accessories enhance the dress designed to wow fans.

Katy Perry wore a personal favorite of mine from the red carpet. The dress has a quirky style that seems to match Katy Perry's personality perfectly. A mix between Bjork's famous swan outfit and a figure skating uniform, the dress shows enough skin to be sexy without making its way into the sleazy factor. What is a bit sleazy about Katy Perry's attire would be her multi-colored hair. Come on Katy, you've got black and white chic down, stop messing it up with your rainbow hair.

The red carpet wasn't all about the ladies. The men had fun with their own personal style and they were out to impress. The cast of The Social Network shows the essence of men's fashion on the red carpet of the VMA's. Both Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield wore masculine fitted leather jackets to the awards show. Justin Timberlake, who is no novice to the red carpet or the VMA's made an appearance as an actor instead of a singer. It seems as though his fly style has rubbed off on his fellow co-stars. 

The men that make up 30 Seconds to Mars, who were nominated for four awards including Best Rock Video and Video of the Year, showed cohesive, effortless, chic style. Their style is 80's rocker meets New York Fashion Week chic. Watch out Lady Gaga, these men know groundbreaking fashion when their stylist puts it on them and shoves them out the door.





Speaking of Gaga, there's no way I could miss Lady Gaga's raw meat outfit. From head to toe, Gaga made a controversial statement with her one of many outfits worn at the award show. After last year's controversial VMA performance, Lady Gaga had to out-do herself this year. Although I am an avid Gaga fan, or monster as she calls them, I feel as though this outfit is a little rare. I like my meat medium-well. It's okay Gaga, you caught my attention, next time I might actually like what you wear. 
















XOXO


Christina

VIctoria Beckham surprises skeptics at NYC fashion week

Newcomer to designing, Victoria Beckham is no notice when it comes to fashion. The ex Spice Girl, who has graced numerous tabloids and fashion magazine covers, launched her own clothing line two years ago. This past weekend she debuted her spring collection along with her new handbag line. Narrating her own show and giving descriptions on every piece gave the intimate audience of editors a glimpse into Beckham's world of fashion.

With Beckham's lack of sewing and designing experience, skeptics have been surprised on how clean her designs are. Some even question if the designs are really Beckham's original sketches. I don't feel as though a designer needs to have attended fashion school to be able to come up with ground-breaking fashion designs that are clean and precise. Victoria Beckham has been obsessed with fashion from an early age; perhaps her infatuation has molded her into the surprise star of this past weekend's fashion shows in New York City.

Another shock that came out of Victoria Beckham's collection was her choice in models. Beckham, who claims to be a size 6, said she wants models who are a realistic size to showcase her line of clothing. The collection's focus is on curves and shapes that make up the woman's body. “What’s alluring for me this season are the curves of a women’s figure," said Beckham. "Sensual volume and a defined silhouette that allows for a freedom of movement.” Beckham banned the size 0 models from walking the runway in hopes to protray a positive image to her younger fans.

Victoria Beckham’s designer dresses and handbags are sure to be seen on the red carpet in the near future. Her show was a hit, getting the thumbs up of the invited editors and talk around the entire city.

XOXO

Christina

New York City Fashion Week: Full of Surprises

   The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week officially kicked off Thursday, September 9, with excitement and anticipation. Fashion Designers from all over the world flocked to Lincoln Center to show off their newest collection for Spring 2011.

    Throughout the entire week big name designers will be showcasing their newest collections in the Lincoln Center. On the rise designers, hosting private runway shows throughout Manhattan, will be fighting for the attention of small boutiques and big name department stores.

To keep Fashion Week participants on their feet, the Lincoln Center opened with collections from Project Runway's finalist. Because the three Project Runway finalists will not be revealed until October 28, for the eighth season finale of Lifetime Television, observers could only guess the real finalists from the fake onces. Celebrity Fashion Designer, Jessica Simpson, was a surprise guest judge for the Project Runway finale that was judged during New York City Fashion Week. Jessica Simpson will be showcasing her own Spring/Summer 2011 collection later this week in New York City.

XOXO
Christina