Vanessa Coyle: Get the Look

Harper's Bazaar UK's Senior Fashion Editor Vanessa Coyle has the magical touch when it comes to styling spectacular high fashion looks for a top magazine, but her talents continue to work wonders when it comes to dressing herself.

This style maven has a simple sense of fashion, gravitating towards timeless shapes with elements that exude a balance between feminine and masculine.

From a boxy boyfriend blazer in an eclectic blue to an outrageous leopard printed sweater, Coyle wears it all, yet manages to always look subtly sexy and effortless.

The key is her sharp color coordination of soft colors and basic neutrals, and we can all take cues from her on how to make spring's prettiest pink color edgy.

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Coyle takes the pastoral vibe out of her gingham skirt with the sweetness of a pastel pink collared blouse. The addition of a masculine, camel-colored coat toughens up the skirt and blouse combination, and her edgy lace-up booties pull everything together by adding a rock and roll touch that is constant in all of her looks.

1. Gingham Short Skirt with Belt by Forever 21 - $17.80

2. Mistress Buckled Stiletto Heels by Forever 21 - $29.80

3. Breezy Button Down Shirt in Mesa by Urban Outfitters - $38.00

4. Icon Trench by J. Crew - $298.00

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When it comes to wearing a masculine piece in the most feminine way possible, a baby pink blazer is definitely the piece to sport.

The contrasting black lapels keep things fresh and unexpected.

A pink blazer is the season's most versatile and standout staple that must work its way into every closet - with or without black lapels.

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1. Pull On Ankle Pants by DKNY Pure - $145.00

2. Cooperative Round-Collar Oxford Shirt by Urban Outfitters - $38.00

3. Jane Blazer by Wink - $308.00

4. Rockaway Perforated Wedge Booties by Madison Harding - $295.00

Published May 29, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Trend: Satchel Purse

This season, the satchel purse is all the rage, seen on the shoulders of celebs, editors sitting front row at fashion week, and style-conscious girls next door.

It's a lot more understated than the popular oversized bags of the past. This new bag is all about practicality - it's compact, sturdy, easy to open, long-strapped, and impeccably chic.

Brands like Celine, Chloé, and Proenza Schouler each have their own version of this petite piece of arm candy that seems so right for our times.

Don't think that you have to spend big bucks for the show-stopping designer creations, because versions of the smart satchel purse are easy to find anywhere.

Thrift stores and vintage shops hold a wide variety of the satchel purse, because it is based on the diminutive, long-strapped bags that were so popular from the 1960's and 1980's. Look for a minimalist boxy structure, metal clasps, and fold-over flaps.

The satchel purse can also be found in a vast variety of prints, textures, and colors. Try one in a reptile-printed pattern, a bright berry hue, or subtle nude leather.

Whatever your personality, this very chic satchel will express it without overwhelming your sense of style. If Chloé is sending these bags down the runway, you can be sure that your favorite high street shop will already have its own version available.

Published May 28, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Red Ruby Rouge

This Ireland-based online shop brings the best of NYC and L.A. fashion to the entire world!

We at LVCMag.com proudly introduce to you to Red Ruby Rouge. No, it’s not the latest blush color. It’s actually a unique online shopping experience that brings the finest designer brands from New York and Los Angeles exclusively to the UK and Ireland. This Belfast, Ireland-based shop gives everyone the chance to get lucky and snag all that good American designer clothing without having to cross the big pond. The best part of all is that Red Ruby Rouge ships internationally, as well. So whether you are from China or a little town in Nebraska, you can shop your favorite American brands and discover a whole lot more without making a trip out to a major city where shoppers are packed together like sardines.

Fiona Kennedy, owner and director of Red Ruby Rouge, makes shopping an easy task with an edited down and quite selective stock of one-of-a-kind designer pieces. Fiona lived in New York City for many years before moving back to the UK in 2007. Red Ruby Rouge was born after she realized all the amazing American brands that her own country did not easily have access to.

“I return to New York several times a year to source new up-and-coming designers, to view collections and to get inspiration from the city,” says Fiona. “We carry clothing, jewelry, and accessories collections from designers who are largely unknown and undiscovered in the UK – it’s an exciting challenge!”

All the brands featured on the website, such as Rebecca Minkoff, Myne, and Geren Ford, are chosen for their timeless designs and impeccable fabrics. Just glance through a selection of Red Ruby Rouge’s merchandise, and you will come across page after page of staples that will ease you seamlessly from one season to the next. There is something for every girl at Red Ruby Rouge, and everything is a reflection of America’s two most influential cities in fashion: New York City and Los Angeles.

“I was inspired to bring some of New York to the UK – it has been a home to me and is filled with such inspiring art, fashion, music and diversity,” says Fiona. “It has been lovely to bring just a tiny part of a boutique with the international feel of the city back to the UK.

“As to who the RRR girl is – she is every girl! We have fans from ages 16-60. Whether they love the quirky, vintage feel of Erica Weiner’s jeweler, the eternal chic of White + Warren cashmere, or the day-to-night bohemian beauty of Tucker’s prints, there is something for every girl.”

New York and Los Angeles are internationally known and broad in their scope of fashion trends. Now you can own a piece of these cities wherever you’re from thanks to Red Ruby Rouge. And even if you are already a born-and-bred New York City slicker or laidback California girl, there’s always room to fit in a little peaceful shopping experience that takes only a click of your computer mouse. With Red Ruby Rouge you don’t have to crawl into every nook and cranny of all the big city shops you hit up all the time. Everything you know and love about New York and Los Angeles fashion is all here in one easily accessible place!

If you ever happen to stop by Belfast, Ireland, you can visit Red Ruby Rouge’s storefront shop to experience the other side of its intimate shopping environment. Come in to browse its contemporary selection of products or set up an appointment for a special private viewing of your favorite brands. If you are shopping for someone other than yourself, you can be sure find the perfect gift for a friend with packaging to go along with it made anyway you want.

“Red Ruby Rouge exists both as a bricks and mortar boutique and as an online store,” explains Fiona. “We love having both perspectives of the business to build on and learn from. The most challenging part of running the online side of the store is the fierce competition.

“It’s important to find a niche, to find something that marks you out from the many other online retailers and we’ve been very fortunate to have so many beautiful collections on our designer roster whose fans are very loyal.”

Red Ruby Rouge believes in luxury for the masses and the disbursement of established American labels for the fashion savvy all over the world. Come see what the shop is all about by visiting it at www.redrubyrouge.com. And don’t forget to check out their blog, “Ruby Tinted Glasses,” at www.redrubyrouge.blogspot.com. You can also follow them on twitter at www.twitter.com/redrubyrouge to keep yourself on track with updates and new items added to the shop!

Published May 28, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Trend: Polka Dots

It is not exactly sure where polka dots first originated from, but it is believed that it had something to do with the famous polka dance that emerged in 1830’s Eastern Bohemia (now part of Czechoslovakia). This rapidly shifting dance made up of quick stepping footwork is somewhat similar to the pattern of polka dots.

The popularity of the dance soon spread all over the world, and polka dots came along for the ride, connecting music with fashion in a way never seen before. And thankfully, this trickled down trend is now out in the open for us to experiment with.

Regarded for decades as a fun party print, and adorned throughout the years by popular culture’s most memorable icons such as Minnie Mouse and Marilyn Monroe, polka dots have a lot of dynamic history attached to them.

But at the Spring 2010 shows, the polka dots sashaying down the runways were infused with even more personality than ever before, moving away from the classic, perfectly centered placement of dots they have been known for in the past.

Polka dots were juxtaposed against florals and eclectic, nonsensical prints at Marc by Marc Jacobs, bringing to life a wilder and wackier vision of this already quirky pattern. Jacobs’ obsession with youth came across in loud colors and exaggerated shapes that lent a cartoonish quality to the pattern that used to be a symbol of delicate femininity in the 1960’s.

At Reem Acra, a model wore a full dotted skirt on which the polka dots were oversized and closely gathered together in rows of neat lines. The look was still feminine and flirty, but the proportion play made it more extreme and fashion-forward.

Marni went the opposite route with a speckling of minimized dots of subtly different sizes against light pastel tones. The resulting effect was something more whimsical and ethereal, bringing to the surface yet another dimension of polka dots: the quiet and subtle side.

At Tory Burch, polka dots were recreated using the skillful art of crocheting.

Dots don’t just have to be a print on cloth - why not use the texture and depth created by intricate handiwork to give the illusion that there is a tangible formation of the actual shape? It makes for an interesting and fresh way to wear dots that still stays true to the original template, but makes the pattern literally jump out at you from afar.

The season’s new ways to wear dots can be either outrageously amplified or expressively introverted. And who says you cannot mix the two in one entire look? Take a vibrant blouse covered in large polka dotes and pair it with a soft and feminine skirt to bring it back down to earth. When mixing and matching contrasting ideas, it is always important to keep leverage with a balancing piece.

But whichever way you decide to wear this beloved print, make sure you think outside the box. Polka dots can have a whole new life when you play around with proportion, pump them up with unexpected colors, and place them against interesting backgrounds.

Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.

Published May 27, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

All-American Beauty: Get the Look

There is nothing more beautiful than radiant skin, rosy cheeks, a smoky metallic eye, honey-toned lips, and a messy ponytail to showcase the face. This simple beauty look is practical, timeless, and easy to wear all year round.

Flawless, fresh skin is the base upon which to build this All-American girl. Start off with a clean face with a soft covering of tinted moisturizer that has a luminating effect, which will give you a gorgeous glow.

A natural beauty look is never complete without some vibrant cheek color that makes you look like you’ve been lounging under the sun all afternoon. The Michael Kors models had a deep peach tint on their cheeks, with a tiny hint of shimmer. For darker skinned girls, try a brighter pink hue. Swipe the blush in an upwards motion onto the apples of your cheeks until you achieve an amplified color that really stands out. Extend the color all the way to your ear to create a naturally sharpened contour that adds definition to your face shape. And don’t just keep the blush on your cheeks - dab a lighter wash of peachy color on your forehead, nose, and chin to really bring a healthy flush to your entire face. But don’t go too heavy with the blush - you don’t want to end up looking sunburned.

For your eyes, skip the black, deep grays, or anything that can look harsh against your skin. At Michael Kors, eyes were made sultry with metal-inspired colors that blended flawlessly into the skin for a more subtle and natural look. Smudge a metallic bronze or gold shadow with your finger all around the crease of your eye.

Extend the smudge to the outer corners for a sexy cat-eye look that doesn’t look too sharp. Keep layering the color on for the intensity you want. Go with a darker bronze for night, but a lighter gold for day. Add a little black mascara, and your eyes will look magnificent.

For your lips, go for nearly bare route with see-through honey and sheer brown-pink hues that mimic the natural color of your lips. Make your lips look bee-stung with more light-reflecting gloss in the middle of the upper and lower lips.

For hair, the more unkempt, the better. Keep your hair pulled away from the face so as not to hide your just-spent-a-day-at-the-beach look. Pull all your hair back into a ponytail set at the middle of the back of your head. The trick is not to look too sleek or put together - think of how your hair looks windblown, or after a long run. To get that perfectly careless look for your ponytail, apply a volumizing or texturizing spray all over your hair, and use your hands to rumple it all up. Imperfection is what you're aiming for, so don’t be afraid to get messy.

The easiest way to get this look on your own is to keep from getting too technical. Use your hands to apply your make-up, rather than a brush, for a more organic, unfussy feel. A youthful glow is the ultimate definition of All-American beauty, so make sure it's your cheeks that stand out the most.

Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 by Stila - $32.00

A moisturizer, sunscreen, and luminizer all in one.


Eyeshadow in Rush by Urban Decay - $17.00

This bronze gold shimmer shadow is a universal color perfect for all skin tones.

Blush in Armour by Nars - $26.00

This peachy pink blush can be layered on for amplified cheek color and exaggerated contour.


Sheer Lipstick in Baby Lips by Laura Mercier - $20.00


Try this sheer warm pink color that pumps up the tone of any natural lip color.

Published May 27, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Freshly Plaited

Childhood's favorite hairstyle is all grown up this season

As soon as the first images of the long and loose side braid at the Alexander Wang spring 2010 show hit the internet, a massive frenzy shook up the fashion world. From the fashion blogs to the front row at Fashion Week, everyone was talking about the Alexander Wang braid. High fashion was coming to the masses within just a few seconds. Now that’s called a fashion revolution!

The last time I remember sporting any sort of braided hairstyle, I was swinging from the monkey bars in elementary school. Actually, I even remember making my mom give me the Princess Leia braided buns on each side of my head in junior high school (an embarrassing memory). But this season, the braid is all grown up in every single sense, and I think that I’m ready to embrace it once again.

Alexander Wang and Miu Miu both showcased similar styles of the side braid best suited for long haired girls. It is a very bohemian-meets-city-girl look that is easy to achieve with just a steady hand and a light spritz of hair spray. The messy and loose base of the braid exudes an effortless and sexy wildness that pays no attention to structure and form. It’s not about looking perfect, but much more about looking like you just don’t give a care. However, the plaited part of the hair is neatly plaited all the way down to the tiny tip. The mix of messiness with cleanliness is unexpected and totally chic. Miu Miu took the side braid to an even greater level of sloppiness with an extremely tangled base that made the models look like they ran through a forest full of bushes and twigs.

To achieve this season’s most sought-after hairstyle, side-part your hair in the front and gather your hair at the base of one side of your neck where you want to begin braiding. Start braiding all the way down to the end and secure with a small band. Take the hairs framing your face and pull them away so that they fall carelessly for a messy, bed head look. This style is best suited for long hair because it makes for a magical and outstanding tail that can’t help but be noticed. And the longer your hair, the tinier the tip will be at the end of the braid, and the miniaturizing effect of it compared to the messy haloed frame of hair around the face is a juxtaposition that feels so fresh and new right now. Spray a little hairspray around your head to ensure that your tangled mess is perfectly in place. To go even messier, take the base of your hair where your braid begins and carefully (or recklessly, if you prefer) tangle and pull apart the hairs to create a voluminous and even slouchier look. You’ll look like the coolest girl in town rather than the cutest girl on the playground.

Published May 25, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Unnaccustomed Earth

Jhumpa Lahiri's collection of stories about Indian youths finding themselves in America

Ever since I was introduced to a few of Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories in my college Asian American Literature class, I became deeply smitten. After the semester was over, I went back to Lahiri’s first published collection of short stories, Interpreter of Maladies, and read the entire thing through. Every character is connected by their hunger for self-discovery and independence, yet wholly different from each other at the same time. I instantly became entangled in their complex relationships with their Indian upbringing and heritage in a modern American world. Nobody tells a story of cultural clash more swiftly than Lahiri does, and her latest collection of short stories is proof of this.

In Unaccustomed Earth, Lahiri paints eight intricately woven portraits of a young Indian man or woman trying to find his or her place in America. They always come from similar families of privileged backgrounds and Ivy League educations, coming to America to live a better life than the one they would have if they were to stay in India. Lahiri is known for her use of simple language unaffected by sharp humor. Her words and characters can sometimes come across as very dry and serious, but it makes sense because she is dealing with a very serious and personal subject. It is a subject that she herself has experienced as a young Indian woman who moved to America when she was just three years old.

Every single word is precise and well thought out. She gets straight to the point and leaves out any embellishments; yet if you dig deeper, you find how complex the strain of language really is. The meaning of each word, no matter how simple, echoes with you long after you’ve read them. Each story forces you to dig deeper beneath the surface, and sometimes monotonous exterior, to find something malleable and real about its characters that seem so shielded. Even though they have been in America for so long, they still seem lost within themselves and the world they live in.

In the title story, an Indian daughter, totally assimilated into American culture with her white husband and their son, is reunited with her father. Memories of her roots are thrown upon her and bring to light the differences between first and second generation immigrant families, as well as the bond between them that will never fade.

One of my favorite stories was “Only Goodness.” It analyzes an Indian-
American sister and the deteriorating relationship she has with her younger brother who falls under the reigns of alcoholism after a drink that she first introduced to him. Her brother’s failures and resistance rock the foundations of her family and later come to threaten the trust and balance of her adult life as a wife and mother.

Each story was relentlessly touching and fleeting at the same time. I wanted to knock down each character and make them realize a better and faster way to self-discovery, but deep down I knew how hard it is to find this path. I found myself coming to sympathize with the shield each of Lahiri’s characters used to protect themselves with; a coping mechanism to deal with the responsibility and expectations their families place upon them against what they really want achieve in life.

By the end of each story, I came to realize the many dimensions of each character that I was unable to see in the beginning. Peeling apart the layers of Lahiri’s characters was one of the most fulfilling parts of her tightly wounded storylines, giving me a new perspective on the individual’s search for a full discovery of self that is found, lost, or never grasped at all. When you read Lahiri’s stories, you are transported into a world that seems so far and yet so close to us. Each story is an exploration of culture and individual yearning, two things that conflict with each other as much as they go hand in hand. Because of this, I cannot wait for Lahiri’s next collection of stories.

Published May 25, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Houlihan: J Brand's Take on Military Chic

When every young starlet in Hollywood is wearing the same pair of pants, you know you've got the start of a new trend, ready to be swept up by the masses. This is exactly what's happening with a pair of pants, made by the celebrity-approved designer denim company, J Brand.

Think another pair of extra-super skinny jeans just hit the market? Guess again. These new pants are a cross between a pair of legging-like skinnies, and rugged military cargo pants. Put these two influences together, and you've got J Brand's latest style, the Houlihan Cargo Pant.

Ever since the introduction of military influences by French fashion house Balmain, anything cargo, camouflage, and covered in army tassels has become all the rage in the fashion world. Shops ranging from Forever 21 to the most exclusive department stores have begun to carry army-inspired pieces suited for a city girl with combat tendencies. Now, J Brand is jumping on the military bandwagon, allowing our legs to get a feel of what it means to be army chic in the concrete jungle.

The Houlihan makes wearing pants exciting again, by breaking up the monotony of throwing on the same pair of jeans in the morning. We are living in a time when fashion is always evolving and perpetually trying to discover the new, so it makes sense that a pair of pants like the Houlihan is having a moment amongst the drainpipe pants, boyfriend jeans, and notorious jeggings that have dominated the market in the recent past.

The Houlihan is a breath of fresh air for denim addicts everywhere. Its appeal lies in the juxtaposition of inspiration found within its design: masculine and feminine, rugged and elegant, tough and soft. It's a walking contradiction that has the ability to suit a wide variety of tastes because it does not limit itself to just one type of style, and it's easily ready to be dressed up or down.

Not only is the J Brand Houlihan incredibly versatile, but it is designed with the brand's denim aficionados in mind. J Brand is well-known for its impeccable fit and forgiving stretchy material that never seem to get loose after days of wear. The Houlihan gives J Brand fans exactly what they know and love in the form of something new and unexpected. These pants fit like a favorite pair of skinny jeans, but also give us a safari adventure feel with their utilitarian cargo pockets and vintage wash. The choice of nature-inspired colors like sharkskin, olive, and navy is also tantalizing.

Celebrities like Kate Bosworth, Hilary Duff, Rihanna, Rachel Bilson, and Jessica Alba have been spotted wearing the Houlihan style non-stop. So it's not a surprising fact that department stores and boutiques are having a hard time stocking their racks to keep up with shoppers and their credit cards. Even at $230 a pop, these pants are being snagged at an unimaginable rate, and it doesn't look like the rush will be slowing down anytime soon.

What do you think about J Brand's Houlihan Cargo Pants - are they just another celebrity-driven trend that will be worn into obscurity, or are they fashion's latest staple piece that's here to stay?

J Brand "Houlihan" Cargo Skinny Pants at Bloomingdales - $230.00

Published May 23, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Get the Look: Whitney Port in Prints

If you are familiar with either The Hills or The City, then you already know reality star and designer Whitney Port's preference for feminine and flirty pieces in bright colors and summery prints. She stands out as a true California girl in a sea of all-black looks that dominate New York City. At the same time, she blends in flawlessly near the sparkling ocean behind a Miami Beach resort.

She works two feminine, chic looks here that bring a taste of California sunshine with her everywhere she goes, all while still looking edgy and cool.

Port vacations in Miami Beach, Florida with friends. She beats the heat without looking plain, by wearing a pair of vibrant floral shorts that are the main focus of her outfit.

1. Flirty Flower Shorts - Forever 21 - $14.80

2. BDG Sheer V-Neck Tee - Urban Outfitters - $16.00

3. Buckle Up Sandals - Forever 21 - $20.80

4. F4109 Sunglasses - Forever 21 - $5.80

Port takes a stroll down the streets of New York City looking fresh and hip. She adds some downtown city edge to her playfully printed dress with a sharp-shouldered blazer and a rock and roll studded bag.

1. T-Bags Cami Dress - Shopbop.com $185.00 (right)

2. Sparkle&Fade Pointed Shoulder Blazer - Urban Outfitters - $78.00

3. Chelsea Crew Perforated Oxfords - Urban Outfitters - $58.00

4. Studded Hobo Tote - Forever 21 - $29.80

5. F4643 Sunglasses - Forever 21 - $5.80

Published May 21, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Breakfast For Dinner

Turn this heavy morning delight into a nutritious and delicious dinner option . . .

Who doesn’t love breakfast foods for dinner? Pancakes and waffles topped with whipped cream are temptations I could eat at any time of the day. Breakfast for dinner oftentimes is seen as more of a treat than a regular meal, and because of this, we sometimes don’t take calories or fat content too much into consideration. It’s just too much fun eating something extra tasty for dinner! But this can put a dent in a healthy lifestyle, especially if you are someone trying to lose a few pounds. But rather than give up breakfast for dinner, why not try a smarter, healthier option that’s less sweet and more colorful? Let’s start off with a little egg.

I’ve never really been an egg person. It wasn’t until my last year of college that I grew to love them when my roommate decided to make her famous veggie omelets. I haven’t looked back since. The omelet is believed to have originated in the Ancient Near East (known today as the Middle East), and is a breakfast favorite all over the world in many different forms. My favorite omelet is simple and involves very few ingredients and lots of fresh, colorful vegetables. It makes a nutritious and light meal that covers every food group without weighing you down. It’s my favorite go-to meal right after a work out, and does just the trick when you really build up an appetite for a good, filling meal. The veggie omelet is so easy to make, because you really don’t need to follow a strict recipe or take any measurements. Just throw in the vegetables you like and you are good to go. The perfect omelet is all about a smart balance between veggies, dairy, and protein. Follow my simple steps to creating the perfect omelet that you can have for dinner without feeling guilty. Plus, it tastes just as good, and maybe even better, than a tall stack of chocolate chip pancakes.

Start off by preparing your vegetables. Any vegetable will work, so choose your favorites. I love my omelet to be filled with onions, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery. The more colorful, the better! Dice your favorite mix of veggies up into small slices and cubes and put them off to the side. Put a little oil into a frying pan and add your onions first and allow them to caramelize. You’ll know they are done when they become transparent and a little brown around the edges. Now you’re ready to add everything else, but add the tomatoes last because they cook the fastest. Tomatoes are a must because they make the mix of vegetables juicy and incredibly flavorful. Add a little bit of salt and pepper on top and you are done. When your veggies are ready, pour them into a bowl.

To prepare your egg mixture for one omelet, break two eggs into a bowl and whisk together the yokes and whites. If you prefer, you can leave one yoke out of this mixture for a fluffier omelet. Add about a tablespoon of milk to this mixture and whisk. If you add too much, your omelet will turn out looking more like a fluffy white cloud. You really don’t need any more salt or pepper since you’ve already incorporated it in the veggie mixture. Pour the mixture into the frying pan and make sure it covers the entire surface. Let your omelet cook entirely on one side before flipping over. Cut a few slices of low-fat provolone cheese while your omelet is cooking.

When your omelet is finished on both sides, scoop it up, plate it, and layer your vegetables and cheese on top. I like to put my slices of cheese first so they melt in-between the egg and the steaming hot vegetables. Another option is to layer your cheese and veggies on half of the omelet, fold over the other half, and then pile on even more veggies on top. Either way, your omelet is instantly ready to be enjoyed, and your dining experience will be both fun and delicious. For those with a taste for spiciness, a little Mexican hot sauce on top adds an extra burst of hot flavor that goes well with the veggies and cheese.

Okay, so you have your protein down with the eggs, dairy with the milk and cheese, and your fruits and vegetables, of course! If you are a carb-lover like me, then you will be happy to hear me say that I cannot eat an omelet without bread! Just make sure that the bread is whole wheat and heavy on the grains—added texture is always a plus. I always spread a little Nutella on top of my crunchy toast because I believe that breakfast should always be a little bit sweet, even if you are having it for dinner.

There you go – a no-brainer breakfast that makes for an easy and quick dinner menu. It requires no measuring cups and works with basically anything in your refrigerator. With all the color in it, it’s both pretty and nutritious. What more can a girl ask for? Now dig in!

Published on May 20, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Stylestalker

Get to know Australia's newest fashion obsession . . .

There is nothing I love more than two really pretty girls who design really pretty clothes – and this has come in the form of the amazing Australian fashion brand, Stylestalker. I got to know designers Rachel Zeilic, 24, and Sue-Ann San, 25, a few months ago through my fashion blog. I instantly fell in love with their collection of easy and chic pieces. The latest Stylestalker collection is well-rounded, made up of fashion-forward dresses, tops, and bottoms with a “midnight” theme that includes stark black, soft nudes, and strong shoulders. Experimentation is what fashion is all about and Stylestalker embraces a chameleon-like outlook on style by bringing together both a sexy and pure taste in fashion that has girls going crazy all over the world.

Stylestalker is for the girls who want to wear clothes that are superbly tailor-made without the high-fashion price (ranging between $49 and $229 Australian dollars). The clothes have simple, refined silhouettes so that they are made to be timeless, but what stands out most to me about their designs is that every single detail is taken into consideration, from mesh ruched sleeves to sexy laces running down the sides of a dress. The amplification of intricate detailing certainly speaks for itself. When you put on a Stylestalker dress, you really don’t need much else to complete a look.

“We design very much for the way we want to dress - and that is pretty much just to throw on an amazing dress and look a million bucks,” Rachel says. “We're not that tricky and don’t really ‘get’ layering or wearing heaps of accessories. We just want to be able throw something on, run out the door, and look instantly cool.”

It’s a practical outlook on fashion, but definitely a fun one. Just one look at Stylestalker’s designers and you will fall head over heels for their body-conscious dresses that can take you from a day running errands to a night-long party in a snap. In a day and age when we are always on the go with hardly a minute to spare, smart and easy dressing is everything we want. Stylestalker takes the work out of getting dressed up by designing clothes that are show-stopping and edgy. The pieces are trendy, but have an anonymous vibe about them that makes them timeless, classic essentials for every girl’s wardrobe. Just throw them on and go!

Getting to know the designers behind this wonderful brand really made me appreciate Stylestalker’s aesthetic and the hard work the girls put in to get where they are now. Rachel and Sue-Ann met while studying communications at a university in Australia. They had jobs together at an advertising agency and became quick friends because of their shared love of fashion.

“We were spending all our time after and during work trawling the web, reading blogs and magazines, and traveling together,” says Rachel. “We were getting so much inspiration but couldn’t find the kind of clothes we wanted to wear at a price we could afford. So Stylestalker was born.”

Neither Rachel nor Sue-Ann had any formal training in fashion design before joining forces to create Stylestalker, and they learned everything on the job through sweat and relentless dedication.

“When we started, we didn't know anything about creating a coherent collection, or when the season selling dates were or anything like that,” Rachel says. “So we just started by designing about ten pieces we really loved and wanted to wear. We did loads of research and found some factories in Bali we wanted to work with. We took our life savings, flew over, and got our initial designs made up. It was hard at first because shops are really wary of young labels, and the website took a lot longer than we expected to get up and running. But once it all got going it kind of snowballed and things have taken off really quickly.”

In the beginning, Rachel and Sue-Ann really put their all into every dimension of their brand, from scouting trends, promoting and running the website, and even packaging boxes. They still do all this, but with the amazing help of a small yet dedicated team of employees and interns. Over one hundred boutiques in Australia are already carrying the label, which is also sold on New York-based online store www.pixiemarket.com, and is soon to be sold at Selfridges in the U.K.

The future of Stylestalker is sure to be a successful one. They hope to open a Sydney storefront soon, as well as make their way to the U.S. and U.K. with online shops, but you can still purchase Stylestalker through their main website at www.stylestalker.com. I have the Ribcage dress and it is the most mesmerizing Little Black Dress in my closet. It’s classic and feminine shape makes me feel sexy, sleek, girly, and edgy all at the same time. And that is what Stylestalker aims to do – make us feel like any girl we want to be. Head over to their site and stalk it for a while. I’m sure you’ll leave with the perfect piece.

Published May 14, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Model Crystal Renn's Career is Blowing Up

There is no model hotter right now than Crystal Renn. This American raven-haired beauty with the striking cheekbones started modeling at the mere age of 14, but it wasn’t until she embraced her naturally voluptuous body shape and realized the importance of her mental and physical health that her career really began to take off.

Crystal is making waves in the fashion world as a much sought after full-figured model, delving flawlessly into all aspects of fashion: commercial, editorial, and runway. She can even add published author to her list of accomplishments, with the success of her book Hungry. This is a motivating memoir of her experience as a model trying to live up to the high expectations of the industry, her path towards learning to finally love the body she was born with, and the rewards that soon came after, both emotionally and in terms of her career.

With the confidence that came with accepting her healthy figure, Crystal sends a strong message to women everywhere that an obsession over body image, and what the media often portrays as beautiful, is not worth suffering over. Nothing is stopping her from achieving her dreams and doing what she does best: model like nobody’s business.

The latest issue of Glamour magazine features Renn on the cover, alongside two slim yet healthy-looking models. She fits right in with her curvy figure and mega-watt smile, showing that women of all shapes and sizes are beautiful and spotlight-worthy. Renn is already a familiar face at Lane Bryant and Torrid, but she is also being featured in numerous high fashion editorials in magazines like Vogue, Vice, Tush, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.

She even graced the runway at the recent Chanel Resort 2011 show in Saint Tropez. If a man like Karl Lagerfiel is backing up a model like Renn, it can only mean good things for the future of fashion’s curvier set.

As a muse to famed photographer Steven Meisel, and with a long line of covers to her name, Renn’s exposure in the fashion world gives hope that the standards of beauty will extend and broaden to include all kinds of women, not only in the fashion world, but in the entire realm of media. Her rare combination of beauty, intelligence, confidence, and personality makes her an exemplary role model, and her choice to share her experience and unique perspective makes her a trailblazer of her generation.

By staying true to her individuality, and by not conforming to unrealistic standards, she promotes and encourages a healthy awareness and love of oneself that are the key ingredients for success in life. Let’s take this as a step forward in our acceptance of a more diverse and healthy mindset, both on and off the runway. Like Renn, start drumming to your own beat, and the rest will come naturally.

Published May 17, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

This story even caught the attention of Ford Models and was featured on their blog here! This is what they had to say:

The Ford Models Blog often writes about Crystal Renn and for good reason. Crystal is neither a seasonal trend nor a flavor of the week. We consider her a leading indicator of change in the fashion industry. But, don’t just take our word for it, try arguing otherwise with Cindi Lieve, Karl Lagerfeld, or André Leon Talley. It is with this in mind that we would like to draw attention to Dylana Suarez‘s article “Model Crystal Renn’s Career Is Blowing Up” for The Fashion Spot. We could not be in greater agreement with Suarez when she declares “there is no model hotter right now than Crystal Renn.” No, really.

Decide for yourself by reading the article at The Fashion Spot and leave a comment here.

Easy, Refined Dressing

Fine tailoring, muted colors, and clean shapes refresh fall fashion . . .

I have always been a girl that loves to wear simple and classic pieces without too much frill. They are easy and mistake-proof. Luckily, the Fall 2010 Fashion Week shows gave me the inspiration I need to look chic without the extra extravagance this upcoming season. There is something refreshing about dressing minimalist and classic rather than outrageous and loud.

The Celine and Chloé collections were full of refined and simple ensembles that focused purely on a neutral color palette, subtlety, clean lines, and impeccable structure. All your wardrobe really needs this season are pieces that stand out on their own and can be reinterpreted for day and night with just a few minor adjustments.

Keep an eye out for clothing with a simplistic resonance to build a foundation of pieces that can go with anything, and especially with one another. Choose timeless and classic pieces like A-line faux leather skirts and button-up blouses, which are generous in subtle details rather than flashy patterns or embellishments. And don’t be afraid to make contradictions in your dressing. A simple masculine blazer over a flirty nude dress is au moment and doesn’t look like you are trying too hard. Look to menswear for inspiration because it is known for impeccable tailoring and classic lines. When you find a menswear-inspired piece in a more feminine silhouette, you know you have a wardrobe essential that will work in any situation.

Rather than relying on body-conscious trends to make a statement, choose shapes that are made for unrestricted movement instead, like slouchy knit trousers or flimsy silk blouses. Wear colors that are soft and muted to mimic an organic elegance that is basically mistake-proof. These types of clothes that are unadorned and bared-down exude a quiet luxuriousness that emphasizes, rather than distracts from, the girl in the clothes. And this is much sexier than anything that hugs all your curves for everyone to see.

It is easy to adopt the simple yet chic look on a budget. Fast fashion brands like Zara, H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop are catching on and creating their own interpretations of high fashion’s refined collections. You can go to the mall right now and find racks upon racks of clean-cut trousers, cinched bow shorts, classic button-up shirts, sleek blazers, and billowy blouses that are ready to be worn anywhere at anytime.

I am still awaiting the day when I can get my hands on my first Chloé piece (if that day ever comes), but in the meantime, I will be looking at my favorite high street shops for more pocket-friendly alternatives that are just as good.

Published May 18, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Renew Your Fashion Sense

Spur inspiration by cleaning out your personal closet . . .

I have always been known to be a very neat person in every aspect of my life, from my note-taking skills to the way I organize my refrigerator. It’s just the way I am. I like the idea of starting fresh and new. The repetitive motions of cleaning and lightening an area of its unnecessary weight give me a therapeutic feeling. Now that we are in the middle of spring, the season of rebirth and growth, it just makes sense to throw the old out and make room for the new.

I find spring cleaning to be the best way to unwind after a long and hard week, and I find myself doing it every season (not to mention every weekend) because I believe that we always need the extra room to breathe and relax in. Some people like to run to wind down. I agree with the effects of breaking a sweat with energetic exercise, but sometimes slowing down and recreating your personal space can have just as great an effect on the body and soul. And there is no better place to start than with your closet.

Being a full-blown fashion enthusiast, I love to shop and never fail to bring back a little something new every time I hit the stores. I’ve become a much smarter shopper in the past year, a result of giving a lot more thought to my sense of style and taste. I love the fact that you can express your personality through your wardrobe. Thinking about fashion in a less materialistic way opens up a door into yourself and you may come to realize how fashion can change your mood, reflect your personality, and even increase your confidence. My new way of analyzing fashion has made me realize what I really need and don’t need in my closet. It has made me want to be more “me” every time I get dressed. I gradually decreased the mindless trips to the mall where I would swipe my credit card just because something looked nice on the rack or had a cheap price tag. Now, there is nothing I hate more than a regretful fashion purchase and seeing it lay around unworn for months; sometimes, even years. What a waste of money and time!

As a fashion blogger, I am always looking to find new ways to express my creative self through what I wear. It’s no joke that doing so can put a huge dent in my wallet. But I have quickly come to find that it’s so much more fun to shop within your own closet and wear pieces that haven’t seen the light of day in a while. Stumped about that floral dress from last season that you used to love but that now seems boring? Pair it with a frayed denim vest to update its classic pattern with a grungy touch. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress, so it is important to know who you are as an individual and understand ways to portray yourself through your clothes. Keep what stays true to your personality, and let go of what does not.

This season is all about renewing and recycling. Everything has a second life with a good eye and a creative strategy. So rid your closet of things that you are sure you will never wear again or that no longer catch your eye. Keep the essentials that you find yourself reaching for on a daily basis, as well as standout pieces that can be reshaped and transformed with a few added accessories or a switch of a jacket. Think practicality and minimalism. Take everything else that’s just taking up empty space and donate it to charity. Somebody else can benefit from the remnants of your clutter. In return, you will benefit from not having to spend hours finding something to wear because you have a million options to choose from. When your closet is bared down to just what you truly want to wear and old favorites from the past, your wardrobe seems instantly fresh and new, and you will save a tremendous amount of time and money.

The next time you hit the mall, think hard about whether your closet really needs a certain piece, or whether you can come up with an even better version with what you already have. An edited closet encourages creativity and smart spending, two things that life should have a lot more of. So make it your goal this season to dress for yourself, not for someone else. Let your fashion speak loud and clear about who you are. You will make an impressionable statement to everyone around you if you embrace yourself like this both inside and out, head to toe.

Published May 18, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Trend: Nautical Stripes

There's nothing that screams summer more than French sailor stripes worn by the water. Classic black and white stripes have been around for ages, as one of the most beloved patterns in fashion history. Ever since Coco Chanel sported the timeless pattern on a boat neck shirt, it has become a popular summer choice for fashion-forward women all around the world, not just for young men catching fish on a boat. Nautical stripes are one of the most minimalist of patterns, and look great combined with classic pieces like blazers and high-waisted trousers. But try to think outside of the box this season and take the pattern to a whole new level of form and function.

Look to Karen Walker's Spring 2010 collection for inspiration. It offered a delightful showcase of the classic pattern's more exuberant and experimental side. Pair your stripes with outrageous prints, like oversized polka dots or seventies kaleidoscope patterns that seem to jump off the cloth. Show a peek of striped shorts underneath a whimsical dress for a youthful look. Pair your stripes with a full ruffled skirt, or wear them in multiple directions on an intricately draped dress. Take an unexpected piece, like a little cape, and throw it over a simple striped top - it makes for a doubly stimulating visual effect. For those of you who still like to wear your stripes in a more classic way, pair them with a beige trench jacket and slouchy jeans. But don't stop there - add a splash of color, like a vibrantly hued scarf tied around your neck, or an electric yellow pair of boat shoes on your feet.

Have fun with your stripes this season. Their simplicity makes the perfect backdrop for piling on quirky patterns and exaggerated, cartoon-like shapes. Anything goes!

Striped Blouse by Gemma - $152.00

Diamond Stripe Pants by Marc by Marc Jacobs - $268.00

Buttoned Woven Blazer by Forever 21 - $26.90

Summer Slip-On Tennis Shoes by Forever 21 - $9.80

Published on May 14, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Trend: Let's Go Surfing

The weather is warming up, and soon we'll all be heading over to the beach for a full day of fun in the sun and water sports. Brands like Proenza Schouler, Topshop Unique, and Prada all showcased tropical beach-inspired clothes that make us all crave a vacation somewhere warm.

Prozenza Schouler created a loud blast of bright neon colors conglomerated together in a cool tie-dye pattern, perfect for dancing the night away on a luxurious beach. To get the look, try pairing a tie-dye cropped shirt with a pair of distressed denim shorts, and gladiator sandals beaded in an ethnic design. Wild tie-dye prints can take on any form, and look good in any color. So be creative, and choose the loudest, brightest colors you can find.

When searching for that perfect, relaxed summer look, keep an eye out for classic pieces in Hawaiian florals. You won’t look like your wearing you dad’s favorite Hawaiian shirt if you wear the print splattered on a simple little dress, showcased in unexpected color combos. Be inspired by Topshop Unique’s oversized dresses, and shirts that look more chic than touristy. They make the perfect cover-ups for when you're lounging by the pool.

For a more literal take on the summer atmosphere, check out Prada’s images of fading sunsets and relaxing beaches projected onto sharp jackets and micro shorts. The brand brought these beautiful seaside landscapes to life with a unique silkscreen effect.

You don’t even have to stop with just the clothes. Try summer’s favorite patterns and prints on accessories like your shoes, purses, and jewelry. Green, yellow, and red color combinations together are a reminder of Jamaica’s flag, and the country’s eclectic reggae roots. Bright neon bangle bracelets and ornamental hair accessories are a modern take on the era of The Beach Boys. Look for individual pieces that are a picturesque portrait of a warm-weather moment, like a palm tree-ridden beach, or a pier during sunset. A piece like this is overwhelming, whether it be it a top, a dress, or a pair of shorts, so keep it as the main focus and work around it with basic, single tone separates. You don’t even have to go to the beach when you can feel just as breezy in your own home in these summertime pieces. They instantly transport you to your own personal island as soon as you put them on.

Summer dressing is all about relaxation, easy shapes, and fun colors and prints. When the sun is out, and everyone is ready to have a good time, you want your clothes to express themselves in the same way. Now get ready to hang ten in these beach-friendly picks.

Floral Knit Dress by Forever 21 - $16.90

Bahamas Satin Shorts by Forever 21 - $16.90

Tease Me Dress by Nanette Lepore - $328.00

V-Neck Cami Long Dress by T-Bags - $198.00

Tiered Jeweled Dress by Free People - $118.00

Published May 13, 2010 on The Fashion Spot