celeb street style during spring break

Hello everyone, I hope you all are having a safe and wonderful start to spring break! Mad Men has released another collection exclusivly for Banana Republic Spring 2012. The costume designer for Mad Men runs this collection and everything looks as if it's directly from the show. If you are not familiar with Mad Men, it airs on AMC, and it takes place in New York City in the 1960's and revolves around men working in an office (think skinny ties, men driven work place and secretaries in their finest attire. The show presented a fall collection for Banana Republic last year and it was a top seller. The line consisted of fitted tops and dresses with wallpaper prints and the mens offered the iconic skinny ties and tailored suits. Here are some of my favorite looks from this years collection!


courtesy photo: http://www.bananarepublic.com/ I love this white shell top with cropped coral pant. This is a very fun casual look and shows just the right amount of skin for spring.


courtesy photo: http://www.bananarepublic.com/ This dress was inspired by the character Betty (January Jones) on the show and Betty is the image of an 1960's housewife (minus her insane personality). The just above the knee hem length and sleeveless top would be great for lunch with friends or a garden party. The coral color is great for spring and the cinching around the waist gives the illusion of curves.


courtesyphoto: http://www.bananarepublic.com/ This tie-neck blouse is great for the office and coral cropped pants adds a generous amount of color.


courtesyphoto:www.bananarepublic.com The cardigan and cropped pants are great for a day out. Also the color blocked pumps coordinate well with the outfit.

Hunger Games Premiere

Last night, the highly anticipated film, The Hunger Games, permiered in Los Angeles and the stars came out to represent. These are my favorite looks from that night.


courtesy photo: http://www.gettyimages.com/ Jennifer Lawrence rocked this gold metallic gown with cutouts. This had a futuristic and fun feel which suited well with the movie's theme. Her sun kissed locks with her tinted tan go well with the metallic gold and I love the effortless looking updo which is a cool contrast to the intricate dress.


courtesyphoto:www.gettyimages.com Isabelle Fuhrman looked classically chic in this vintage tea length dress. I love how they kept her makeup simple except for the red lip which gave the look a splash of color. I'm getting a sort of Audrey Hepburn vibe from this because of the sleek updo and the old hollywood look of the dress.


courtesyphoto:www.gettyimages.com Levin Rambin looked like a modern day Jessica Rabbit with the old hollywood hairstyle, deep neckline and ruby red dress. I love how everything except the dress is kept simple because it shows that she wears the dress and not the other way around.


courtesyphoto: http://www.gettyimages.com/ It's the luck of the irish for Jaqueline Emerson. The drapery around the silohette fits her like a glove and the loose curls completes the laid back bohemian feel. my only problem is that this look is a little boring without acessories and a simple gold necklace would have been great for the bare neckline.

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courtesyphoto:www.gettyimages.com Amandla Sternburg looked adorable in this mint green dress. Very age appropriate and the all over sequins is cool with the how the shades of green get darker around the hem line. The heeks aren't too high and the sandals are cute. also the pink lip is a great shade for spring.

Casey's Favorite Things

Hi everyone, so since we are in the middle of season limbo since all the fashion weeks are over, and awards season is done, I thought I would treat you all to some things. To be more descriptive, my favorite things. No, it's not like Oprah where you all get extravagant gifts (sorry!) , and I'm sure not going to sing about it like Julie Andrews via Sound of Music. Nevertheless, I love sharing and hopefully inspiring others to persue the great things about life. Here are a few of my favorite things which make me feel not so sad ( Soud of Music reference, again for the non music buffs).


courtesyphoto: http://www.pacifica.com/ Okay, I am addicted to Sephora and I cannot praise them enough for introducing me to this wonderful gem. Not only is this lotion, it's 100% VEGAN lotion. which means no animals were harmed or used in the making of this treasure. Pacifica not only makes lotions, but candles, perfumes, soaps and much more! Blood Orange and Mediterranian are my favorites becasuse they have that exotic, tropical scent but its not too strong and the lotion is amazing!



            courtesy photo: http://www.amazon.com/ the relaxng strength training of yoga+ moving fast through moves makes added cardio+ Jullian Micheals= awesome workout! This is my favorite workout because it takes my favorite workout of yoga up a notch. Theres two levels: beginners and advanced and I have done yoga for 6 years and this gives me more of a challenge. It doesnt say how many times to do this so I usually mix it about 3 times a week with cardio on the treadmill to stretch myself out. She's tough but makes the workout fun and you break a good sweat.


courtesy photo: http://www.carolsdaughter.com/ Another item I usually purchase at Sephora and I bible by this product. The ingredients are all natural and doesnt have processed items in it which saves your hair. I love the black vanilla because of the scent and it makes my hair super soft.


courtesyphoto: http://www.philosophy.com/ My mom and I are huge fans of philosophy and not only because of their realistic scents. The bottles either have really inspiring messages or with the food inspired scents, ingredients to make those foods. The packaging is cute too because they have vintage photos and have cool names for each product. The bath soap can also be used as a shampoo or bubble bath which makes it practical for traveling with it's conviienient bottle size.

courtesyphoto: http://www.fredflare.com/ I get a lot of laughs when I wear this, but I own and use this sleepmask because it's a replica of the one Audrey Hepburn used in Breakfast at Tiffanys. I feel like Holly Golightly when I wake up in the mornings and feels chic as soon as I get ready for the day. courtesyphoto: http://www.chobani.com/ This is my go-to snack because it is all natrual and just tastes delicious and guilt free! Blood Orange is my favorite flavor because I love the tangycitrus with the "what would have been bland on it's own" greek yogurt.   

Instantly chic

If you are like myself, (who's on the go about, 12 hours a day, 5-6 days a week), then you might have to be like me and be innovative on how to stay chic when going against the grain. These are a few of my tips to maintain a level of chic under stressful and minimal time frames.

1) ALMOST always have a cup of coffee on you. What I mean when I say a cup is not a porclain mug because who has that kind of poise to carry a bag, books, and   maybe a coat and still look poised? Certainly not me. what I mean is the styrofoam (perferably reusable) cups with the lids. (Starbucks if you have the funds is a plus). Think about it, what do you think of when you see the high profile people on the streets. Don't they always have a piping hot latte in their non-texting hand? carrying a coffee shows that you mean buisness and you know the chic java cafes. Smoothies and herbal teas work too, if you are the health consious type.

2) no eye makeup? no problem wear sunglasses. even on cloudy days, wear the cool oversized shades to give passerbys a personification of mystery. Also UV rays can go through, even on cloudy days and your eyes will thank you for the extra protection. Oversized shades add instant glamour to any outfit. I tend to wait 5-10 seconds before taking shades off indoors because it gives just the right amount of time for me to make an entrance. NEVER put the shades on your head when taking them off. Who wants a dent in their hair and/or  fly-a-way pieces sticking out in every direction, anyway? if you take your eye wear seriously, place them in an eye wear container so that they are less likely to get destroyed by debris in the bag.

3) walk like you are on a runway. I cannot say this enough. Shoulders back, head up and walk heel-toe. also with sitting, slouching is ugly and not chic. I tend to pretend that  paprazzos are all around me and someone is always taking my picture. One habit, that I admit I am still trying to break myself of is crossing my legs. An alternative is crossing your ankles (thank you princess diaries).

4)When posing for a picture (which I hope is a good deal of the time) stand with one leg out, (think of your body as an S shape and stand with chest up, tush out and stomach in) . Place either hand on your hip with fingers together to avoid the monster claw look. Know your good side as well (take a picture of  both sides of your face (left, right, center) and decide which side looks the best so you will always be ready. One thing I usually do in photos is a coy smile because it is mysterious, sophistacted and doesn't show too much teeth.

5) try to keep conversations away from money (how much you make, how much something is, etc). It doesn't show class, and that you are greedy. if you watch celebrity interviews, you notice that the topic of money is rarely brought up and most of the time, the celebrity goes around the question and tries to change the subject. I'm not saying to spend like you don't care, just stay modest, humble and show self respect when the topic is brought up.

6) greet people with a coy smile and say, "hi, how are you?" It shows that you are approachable and know how to hold yourself in the public eye. Also, the smile adds mystery and makes the person want to know more about you. And when introducing yourself, tell them your name after you say hi, because you are humbly introducing yourself to that person and that you don't need another person's introduction. Also the greeting is warmer and more personal.

Monst importantly, know who you are as a person and flaunt it!

Oscar night

This years Oscars set for history from the oldest actor to win an Oscar, to the French representation of a silent black and white film epitomizing Old Hollywood. A huge trend last night was long sleeve gowns on younger actresses, which gave mixed reviews. Some applauded the act of modest beauty while others felt that the mature style aged the stars in a bad way. These are my favorite looks from last night.


courtesy photo: www.zimbio.com Gweneth Paltrow in Tom Ford wowed viewers with her simple yet elegant beauty. The cape is daring yet pulls the look together. I love how minimal the makeup and acessories are beaucause they showcase the grace of the dress.


courtesy photo: www.popsugar.com Penelope Cruz looked like a Spainsh Princess in this custom Armani Prive gown. I love the soft blue color and the way the skirt flows at the bottom reminds me of a softly rolling wave in the ocean. Another example of elegant beauty exudes grace and poise.


courtesy photo: www.huffintonpost.com Young actresses take note: THIS is how you stand on a red carpet. shoulders back, hand on the hip. and show off those gams! Angelina Jolie wows in Versace and the dress commands attention. The slit in the front just shows the right amount of sex appeal and the sweet heart neckline gives Angie just the right amount of cleavage. This would be like a modern day Jessica Rabbit, esp the bold red lip which was hufe during fashion week.


courtesyphoto: www.huffingtonpost.com FINALLY Rooney Mara stepped of her comfort zone from black dresses, and at erfect timing as well. Rooney ( in Givency Haute Couture) reminds me of the dark classic hollywood that is Betty Page. The mermaid siholette gives the illusion of curves and light colors were popular last night. Also the bold red lip adds a pop of color to this very classic style.

Feom last night the show was spectacular as not only the styles, but Billy Crystal's effortless charm, the jaw dropping effects and the stars and people behind them that deserved much credit for their dedication to the arts!

Favorite Movie looks in honor or Oscar Week

Since the biggest night for movies is this Sunday, I thought I would present some of my favorite movie styles in honor of the big night. Oscar nominated or not, I always look to film for inspiration because a style can tell a story.


courtesyphoto: http://www.drmacro.com/
Who doesn't love a little black dress? Thanks to the late Audrey Hepburn for making Givency a household name, and making girls all around the world want to stand in front of a jewelry store, while  wearing a couture gown, drink a pipping hot latte and eating a morning pastry.

 
courtesyphoto: http://www.austinchronicle.com/ 2005's Factory Girl was an underappreciated biopic about the tragic beauty that is Edie Sedgewick. This movie showed everything that was great about New York in the 60's. From Oversized coats, opaque tights, wide brim hats, and of course Andy Warhol, how could you not be intoxicated by the glamour. Edie had a very specific style which corresponded with the times and wanted nothing more in life than to be a superstar. 


courtesy photo: http://www.wordpress.com/ This is one of the films that inspired me to move towards fashion as a career. I applauded for Andy when she went glided through that room with her thigh highs and Chanel blazer. She showed that she is capable of much more than what she was percieved at the beginning of the film. This is very modern day fashion and gives a "sneek peak" of what goes on behind closed doors.


courtesyphoto: http://www.thegloss.com/
"As If!" Cher from clueless had a 90's prep style that strayed very much away from the typical grunge aspect of that decade. She had an eye for the staple pieces, (sheer blouses, knee high socks, blazers, pleated mini skirts). From the iconic pieces of style to the obiviously dated but still hilarious lines, this film is a sure guilty pleasure.


courtesyphoto: http://www.fanpop.com/
Drew Barrymore's look in Scream had the looks of a wholesome girl next door. With the shoulder length blonde bob, chunky sweater and all around sweet and naiive dispostion, it's terrible she only lasted 10 mins in the movie, only to have her throat ripped to shreds by the terrfiying ghost face. Other than that, we can remember her character for her effortless down to earth style.

Fashion Week *LAST DAY* - Day 7

   Another great fashion week is coming to a close and this week brought much hype and excitement for the fall season, which if you don't know is the most crucial season for a designer's career. It was an honor watching veteran designers return with soon to be legendary design and fresh faced designers and watching them make a momentuous move in their careers. I am very proud of all that showcased because fashion week is the creme de la crop of the designers.
   From the romanctic storyline  of Caroline Herrera to the innovative minds of Nicholas K, this show presented back to basic trends of nude matte makeup with dark pallette fabrics. We also saw textures played with such as loose chffons mixed with tough leathers. Maxi dresses seem to be coming back and color locking is still as strong as ever! Of course with fall comes the nude palletes mixed with dark hues such as Navy and Charcoal. Some pieces of gold were here and there to help embellish some of the more basic pieces. We also saw some menswear inspired womens wear go down the runway, such as high waisted pants and tailored blazors.
     As some would say, to keep the best for last and with a fair adeu, is Ralphn Lauren and finishing off this week is Calvin Klein.

    Ralph Lauren, as we know, is famous for his equestrian/ prep school inspired looks from khakis, high knee boots, and Lauren cannot be thought of without a chic polo coming to mind. His show feautured as I would put it, a "best of" feel to it. Everything had that signiture fitted tailor from the gowns to the mid calf length pants. The gowns were very basic, with dark hues and staright hem lines. Lauren added a splash of color with two fuschia colored gowns, (which fuschia has been suprisingly prominent this season for a fall color). With the dark gowns, he added splashes of gold to added a pop of color. This then transitioned to fiited jumpsuits, and work wear such as tailored mid calf pants, embellished cardigans and blazers, peacoats tied at the waist, pant suits and top hats to play along with the menswear feel. Another trend that I have spotted is the dresses with a basic front with a, open and intricatelly embellished back. This is a cool way to grab the audience's attention if they aren't already enthused about the show. I also saw at least two velvet pieces which could mean that velvet couture is making a promising comeback.


courtesy photo: http://www.gettyimages.com/ I'm love the egyptian goddess feel to this gown. The color is extraordinary and with the conservative design that less is more. The nude makeup is a fall trend for this year with the slicked back hair, and theres no reason for accessories thanks to the fabric.


courtesy  photo:www.gettyimages.com  Love the "Great Gatsby" feel to this outfit. And another promise that fuschia will be the go-to color this fall and genius using the splashes of color to accent the outfit.  This also shows off lauren Genuis Tailoring with the pencil skirt and the fitted to a "T" blazer.


courtesy photo: www. gettyimages.com Take a tip from Holly Golightly that the little black dress never goes out of style. sweet heart neckline is perfect for any bust line because it shows just the right amount of cleavage. The choker is daring, but a good acessory because it shows off the neckline and doesn't compete with the dresse's bustline. This is a very good example of a simple yet sophisticated look.


courtesy photo: http://www.gettyimages.com/ I get a feel that Lauren was paying homage to MarilynMonroe's "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" with the mid arm length gloves,fuschia strapless gown and diamond choker. A very timeless piece that was moderinzed and a great look for a formal charity event or other black tie organza.