How to Wear Nude

The color nude has been taking over the fashion weeks and the street style blogs with a fiery vengeance. A color previously overlooked because of the monotone and unimaginative connotation attached to it is now becoming a worldwide staple.

In actuality, its minimalist look and clean character leaves room for the imagination to flow, making it one of the most versatile color foundations around which to work a look.

It evokes timelessness, for it is not defined by a certain decade, nor does it try too hard to be noticed by being overly decadent. Yet it cannot help but stand out, as it gracefully mimics images of perfection like the purity of flawless baby skin, or a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream.

From deep camel to a light hint of beige, nude can be worn in a wide spectrum of tones that bring to mind nature's softest influences.

Whether you wear it from head to toe, or broken up with your favorite black statement piece, nude never fails to go a long way, and be just as statement-making as the season's most colorfully saturated pieces.

To get some tips on styling pieces in this au natural color, take a look at all the different ways that these young women wear it. The possibilities are endless.

1. Wearing nude from head to toe

If you are going to go nude all over, wear separates in slightly different textures and complementary tones of nude so as not to look too monochromatic or washed out.

Lighter and medium tones of nude together create an interesting color progression that keeps a look fresh and exciting.

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2. Break up nude with black or gray

Black and gray are two basic, city-ready colors that are capable of adding contrast to any outfit, and are especially important when working with a color palate of nudes.

Make a pair of nude shorts edgier by pairing it with black tights and a body-conscious black top, to break up a light wash of color.

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2. Pairing nudes with leopard print

Because leopard print is brown, it complements any nude color with ease.

Show a peek of leopard print amongst a sea of nudes with striking tights, flashy ankle socks, sunglasses, or a lightweight scarf in the exotic and fun print.

The unexpected burst of pattern is eye-catching and fashion-forward.

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3. Denim with nudes

Denim is a summer staple, and adds a subtle flash of color to the season's beloved nude-colored pieces, and it does so without being too outrageously colorful.

Just one denim piece is all you need: a pair of high-waisted jeans, distressed denim boyfriend shorts, or a blue denim blouse.

Denim and nude have never looked so good together.

Here is a nude-based look pumped up with some rugged denim. It's classy and tomboyish at the same time.

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1. Equipment Signature Washed Blouse from Shopbop.com - $178.00

2. Elegantly Waisted Lauper Belt from Shopbop.com - $100.00

3. Pour La Victoire Brit Lace Up Sandals from Shopbop.com - $290.00

4. Cropped Boyfriend Jeans from Forever 21 - $27.80

5. Current/Elliot The Windbreaker Jacket from Shopbop.com - $253.00

Published June 25, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Alexa Chung: Get The Look For Less

English television presenter, model, and overall style icon Alexa Chung may have one of the most enviable closets of all time.

It's made up of everything from Chanel and Luella to H&M and Topshop, all of which she's not afraid to mix together. And she never likes to look too fussy while doing it.

A tomboy at heart, this lanky 26-year-old prefers the French casual chic fashion sense of music icon Françoise Hardy.

Chung doesn't think that one has to show too much skin or flash to look sexy. Her un-perfectly put together looks are what she feels most comfortable in, and are the reasons why she is a self-made fashion favorite all over the world.

Her upcoming line for J.Crew off-shoot Madewell cements her high-style status.

She hates having her hair done, and doesn't leave the house without looking just a tad rough around the edges, whether it be by throwing a distressed leather jacket over a short feminine frock, or wearing a pair of boyish oxford shoes with a glittery miniskirt.

Chung embraces juxtaposition because her personality cannot help but call for it - she can be said to be a walking juxtaposition herself. Her flawless skin, legs that go on for miles, bright blue eyes, and background (she's part Chinese) are all the ingredients that go into the makings of a supermodel.

But once this girl opens her mouth, who knows what's going to come out? Her witty sense of humor and brash English accent mixed with her drop-dead-gorgeous looks make her a one-of-a-kind, loveable oddity in the fashion and television world. At the same time, her quirky high street meets high fashion approach to dressing makes for fresh inspirations that are relatable and influential.

No matter what, she stays true to herself, and that is why we adore her. All we know is, if Chung puts an outfit together, it's going to look phenomenal.

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Chung breathes life into a retro-inspired skirt with wedges and a blouse in a funky pattern.

1. Native Mineral Skirt from Anthropologie - $78.00

2. Marietta Blouse from Anthropologie - $88.00

3. Action Packed Purse from Modcloth - $37.99

4. Oceanside Pier Wedge from Modcloth - $34.99

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Chung goes for a laidback chic look in a punk rock leather jacket, cut off shorts, and comfy oxford flats.

1. Rebecca Minkoff Lindbergh Perforated Leather Jacket from Shopbop.com - $556.50

2. Stuart Weitzman "Tomboy" Lace-Up Oxfords from Bloomingdales - $335.00

3. Taylor Jeans Shorts from Delias - $34.50

4. Daily Wear Pullover Sweater from Forever 21 - $17.80

Published June 25, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Bambi-Northwood-Blyth, Model Profile

There must be a secret ingredient in that crystal clear Australian water that magically creates supermodels. Or maybe it's just good genes being passed down through generation in the land Down Under.

Elle MacPherson, Gemma Ward, and Abbey Lee Kershaw are all from Australia, and have traveled the road to international supermodel stardom in the blink of an eye.

The latest girl to join the list is Bambi Northwood-Blyth, formerly known as Stephanie, a 19-year-old beauty signed with Priscillas Model Management in Sydney, Australia.Doesn't the name Bambi suit her so much better?

She just recently burst onto the modeling scene, but within just a few months, it seems like everyone knows her unforgettable moniker.

Standing at only 5'7" (considered short in the modeling world), she's gaining comparisons to Kate Moss, which can only be a good thing for a new girl on the scene.

She makes up for her lack of height with her wide blue-eyed stare, distinguished eyebrows, ski-sloped nose, sultry pout, and sensually chiseled cheekbones. It's not hard to find remnants in these features that bring to mind other famous supermodel faces like Natalia Vodianova, Hilary Rhoda, Brooke Shields, and Kim Noorda.

Not only was Northwood-Blyth born with good looks, she really knows how to work them for a fashion shoot. She's been snagging editorials left and right, posing for Russh, Oyster, Grazia, and the latest cover of Bazaar Australia, alongside fellow Aussie models.

She can portray a childlike innocence and ethereal quality in one shot, then turn around and bring to life a sexy rock and roll maven in the next. Her versatility, presence, and confidence are undeniable.

She's already made a name for herself in her home country, being a designer favorite at the last Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.

With a look, walk, and personality both on and off the runway as striking and illustrious as hers, who wouldn't want to book this girl?

In the last few months, Bambi's unique looks and grungy cool personal style have caused a curious frenzy amongst fashion bloggers all over the world.

It wouldn't be surprising if her career relocates to New York City, Paris, and Milan for next season's international runways.

She's already on the model development board over at Elite New York, so it looks like we'll be seeing a lot more of Bambi in the upcoming months.

Published June 24, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Beauty Trend: Dark Lips

Summer conjures up images of glossy lips in bright, candy-colored hues like fuchsia or cherry red. Fun retro pops of lip color go well with itsy-bitsy bikinis, neon surf gear, and boldly printed beach towels. But why not experiment and break the summer beauty rules with darker lips?

At the spring shows, Jason Wu and Rodarte sent models down the runways sporting extremely deep wine lips and jet black lip tints. These vampy hues suddenly seemed fresh and slightly mysterious.

A dark lip during the summer is totally unexpected, and creates a fashionable juxtaposition of color and personality that makes a statement.

Rachel Bilson was recently spotted with deep burgundy lips at a Phillip Lim dinner. By keeping the rest of her face bare and wearing summer’s most beloved staple, the denim jacket, she showed that dark lips can transition from winter to the fun-loving days of summer.

There is a wide variety of dark red, purple, brown, and black shades to pucker up with, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that suits your skin tone best. When going with an extra deep shade, skip the full face of make-up, and don’t even think about using lip liner.

A clean face highlights a dark shade, while too much extra make-up can end up looking clownish and borderline goth. All you need is a swipe of mascara, and you’re good to go.

A dark lip lends an edgy toughness to summer’s laidback vibe and creates an eye-catching contradiction to the casual warm weather wardrobe of distressed shorts, slouchy tanks, flirty sundresses, and leather sandals.

Whatever your plans are this summer, a new dark lip color is just the remedy to break up the monotony of your summer beauty routine wherever you go.

So get on top of this trend and try these dark hues right now.

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Kat von D Painted Love Lipstick in Homegirl (dark plummy brown)

Sephora - $18.00

MAC Lipstick in X-S (intense reddish brown)

MAC - $14.00

Nars Lipstick in Viridiana (rich burgundy)

Sephora - $24.00

Chanel Hydrating Crème Lipcolor in Rouge Noir (deep black)

Chanel - $30.00

MAC Lipstick in Cyber (intense blackish-purple)

MAC - $14.00

Published June 23, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Summer's Hottest Shades

A snazzy pair of sunglasses may be one of the greatest summer essentials because they add personality and pizzazz to what could be an otherwise boring summer uniform of shorts, shirts, and sandals.

But forget the gold-rimmed aviators and round bug-eyed sunglasses of past seasons. Right now, eyewear is all about a vintage look.

The classic wayfarer style is still running strong, but this season, frames are bigger and thicker than ever.

Move over Ray-Ban, there's a new pair of wayfarers in town. Grey Ant is causing a flurry with the brand's 80's-inspired Status sunglasses.

Super Ciccio has a similar style that is just as attractive. The frames are thick, completely opaque, and squarely shaped to perfection for an edgy effect.

The oversized frames lend a fun, cartoonish quality, yet they manage to cover most of your face without making you look like you have bug eyes.

Other brands like A.R. Trapp and Chloé are also taking their frames into strong consideration with larger widths and subtle cat-eye shapes. They are also sticking to retro-inspired patterns, like classic tortoiseshell. But overall, basic shiny black comes out as the frame color winner in the end (think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's). Nothing screams Old Hollywood glamour better than a pair of classic dark-framed shades.

So this summer, store away your childish colorful pairs and stick with an overly-dramatic version of fashion's most classic eye protectors. When looking for your ideal pair, make sure that frame shape and thickness are your number one priorities. Take a look at these pairs that fit the bill. Just choose your favorite, and add a crimson lip to look spotlight-ready this summer season. And don't be surprised if someone asks you for your autograph...

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1. A.R. Trapp Troubadour Sunglasses from J. Crew - $395.00

2. Grey Ant Status Sunglasses from Revolve - $253.00

3. Cat-Eye Sunglasses from Forever 21 - $5.80

4. Super Ciccio Robin Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters - $150.00

5. Chloé CL2162 Sunglasses from Amazon.com - $119.00

6. Super Ciccio Brown Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters - $150.00

Published June 24, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Snoflake by Debbie Sutton

A collection that blends modern influences with timeless shapes from the past for a refreshingly chic look

It is a rare occurrence when a fashion brand blends influences from the past with modern aesthetics gracefully and with ease. This rarity comes in the form of Toronto-based clothing line snoflake by Debbie Sutton. Inspired by the timeless style of the late Audrey Hepburn, snoflake focuses on feminine silhouettes and classic shapes. snoflake believes in fashion that never goes out of style, but that we will want to wear for generations to come because of its simplicity and versatility.

Designer Debbie Sutton wanted to create a brand that would allow all women to express their individuality, confidence, and creativity through their choice of clothes. By creating the foundation of snoflake on fashion’s three most important aspects – quality, detail, and tailoring – her brand provides limitless options for every kind of girl because they are so flattering to all types of feminine figures. snoflake offers a wide range of elegant pieces like A-line skirts, slouchy trousers, shift dresses, tailored dress shorts, and impeccably structured jackets that can all be combined to create mistake-proof looks that are ridiculously chic without being overly trendy.

Still, the brand understands the importance of staying on top of today’s most statement-making trends to keep things fresh and fun. For her latest spring/summer 2010 collection, Sutton experiments with minimal patterns in rich hues, monochromatic neutrals, and touches of soft pastels. By combining these unexpected color schemes with classic, retro-inspired silhouettes, the result is a look that is young, a little off beat, and totally unique.

snoflake’s lilac Love in The Afternoon dress is perfect for a day spent taking a stroll around the park. The colorful Holly Go Lightly shift dress is a conglomeration of pretty colors that sparks the imaginative dreamer in all of us. And the Eliza Doolittle dress is a fashion-forward mix of a dress and a trench coat that will have heads turning with its voluminous sleeves and oversized bow waist tie. And for those who prefer a little masculine influence in their everyday look, the Monte Carlo trousers are the best bet.

snoflake makes up a dream wardrobe that is sophisticated, yet playful; classic, yet inspired; lightweight, yet eye-catching. It is everything you want to be wearing this summer when the days are long and the weather is warm. snoflake is for the girl who imagines she is Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday, adventuring around the streets of the most lively city in the world. It is all about taking risks yet still being practical and staying down to earth. It truly is the best of both worlds, and that is why we adore it so much.

Visit www.shopsnoflake.com to check out more of snoflake’s whimsical yet classic designs.

Published June 21, 2010 on LVCMag.com

The Cultures of Yogurt

Eat your way to health every single day with nature’s good bacteria

Personally, I really don’t think that I can go a day without eating yogurt. It just tastes so good, and there are so many flavors to choose from! For a health-conscious girl like me, the variety makes me feel like I’m a little girl in a candy shop, only all grown up now. It’s no secret that yogurt is good for you. Jam-packed with protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals, this little delight is pretty hard to resist. And its soft touch of sweetness keeps us coming back for more. The best thing about this portable food is that it makes a super quick and easy snack for a girl on the go.

The most important and well-known ingredient in yogurt is its live and active cultures, also known as good bacteria. Their existence is made known on the outside of each and every cup of yogurt. But don’t be afraid of yogurt’s bacteria! This is not the same stuff you find on the toilet seats in public bathrooms. This type of bacteria is actually very beneficial to your health. According to research, yogurt’s bacteria revs up your immune system, protecting you from colds and infections. It also aids in digestion, outnumbering harmful microorganisms that can coat your digestive tract and lead to a nasty intestinal infection. Feeling a little sick after eating that plate of carry out Chinese food? Think about eating a cup of yogurt. Its probiotics will help ease the pain and spread of harmful bacteria. But make sure to pay attention to the label on your container of yogurt. Although most companies include live and active cultures in their yogurt, a few don’t, and you should skip these when you make your trip to the grocery store.

Yogurt’s high levels of vitamins and minerals help us meet our daily nutrition requirement, especially when we are unable to get an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables in any given day. Calcium keeps our bones strong and dense. Potassium keeps our muscles contracting the way they are meant to. Vitamin B12 keeps our red blood cells in tact so that our nervous system doesn’t breakdown. Zinc balances our sugar levels and stabilizes our metabolism. Need I go on? We need all this good stuff to keep our bodies energized and functioning properly. And there is no easier way to get it than with what’s in that Yoplait container waiting in the corner of your refrigerator.

Protein is essential for our bodies to stay energized throughout the day and capable of repairing itself at night with amino acids, which are the key to muscle repair after a workout. Without proteins, our bodies wouldn’t be able to produce enough amino acids, and those long hours at the gym would mean even longer hours of pain and soreness afterwards. When your muscles repair properly and are ready to face another rigorous day, more calories are burned. This is a great kick start on a waning metabolism, which means more lean muscle mass and less fat density.

So, it is an obvious fact that yogurt slims waistlines. Not only does it curb cravings with its sweetness and carbohydrates, but the calcium in yogurt also makes our bodies pump out less cortisol, the hormone that increases the production of fat in our bodies when there is an increase in our blood’s glucose level. Too much glucose is a health no-no. This makes sense in terms of stress, because when we are stressed we are known to put on a few pounds here and there. Blame it on the glucose! Well, you don’t need to blame it anymore when you have yogurt on hand. Paired with an active lifestyle, belly fat is no longer a concern.

These are just a few of the health benefits of yogurt. Really, the list is endless. Not only is yogurt incredibly good for you, its creamy texture and fruity taste make it the perfect dessert replacement. Yes, I am speaking to all you ice cream lovers. Just think of yogurt as the smarter, healthier version of your favorite flavor at Ben and Jerry’s. Now that’s something to smile about! And with the positive effects of yogurt’s calcium on bone density, showing some tooth with confidence is as easy as 1-2-3.

So make sure to have a container of yogurt each and every day. To amp up its dessert alter-ego, I like to top mine with yogurt covered raisons or almond slices to add some more crunch factor. It’s a known fact that when we eat something that crunches and involves a lot of chewing, we feel more satisfied and full afterwards. Yogurt, is there anything you can’t do?

Published June 21, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Eclectic Trousers

Fall's wild and wacky printed pants

A girl cannot live without her pants each season. Whether it’s her most comfortable pair of boyfriend jeans or her simple yet chic drainpipe trousers for work, a pair of pants is and always will be our best friends. Trousers allow us to move and their main function is their practicality. But why not turn things around and try something different this upcoming fall by wearing them in a super loud and outrageous print? Throw function out the window – let’s just embrace the fact that we love anything that is exciting to look at. When the weather turns drab and we’re feeling kind of gloomy, nothing shakes our spirits alive more than a wild print that keeps the eye moving.

At Dries van Noten, trousers were all the rage. Some were baggy at the top and low-slung, some were boxy and straight, and some were pin-thin at the bottom. The most notable trousers were in sleek silhouettes and covered in light-reflecting fabrics that felt hypnotic and 3D. The prints and textures were somewhat like looking through a kaleidoscope; definitely unexpected and far from boring.

Rachel Comey had a pair in a similar style, but it was covered in a repeating wallpaper pattern amped up in an electric hue. She even had a cropped length version of these trousers that flowed freely around the ankles. When going for a cropped trouser, choose a silky fabric so that it drapes softly and whimsically. And because the length is shorter, there is a little less fabric to work with, which means you can go doubly wild with the prints; the crazier, the better.

Make your trousers the center of attention! Don’t be afraid to mix prints and create eclectic pattern combinations. Loose fit trousers covered in a vintage chevron pattern look amazing paired with a flirty floral blouse. Slim cut trousers in light-reflecting, space-age fabrics are out of this world. To make them look more avant-garde chic than robotic space machine, wear them with a mixed watercolor hued tank top.

These combinations may not make sense, but that is exactly the point. Nonsensicalness is the theory behind the genius of the patterned trouser. Just pick a print that catches your eye and wear it! It shows that you have experimental guts, and this means a lot in the fashion world. Patterned trousers are already outrageous on their own; so why not go all the way with this trend?

Published June 21, 2010 on LVCMag.com

Trend: Feminine Dresses

Many designers are rethinking the rough, hardcore look of past seasons and leaning more towards a softer and more feminine aesthetic for the upcoming fall season.

The result was a tremendous amount of pretty little frocks streaming down the runways. Although the majority of us will find it hard to trade in our tough leather jackets and raggedy skinny jeans for dresses covered in silk, lace, ruffles, and pleats, just one glance at all the fresh runway interpretations of this essential staple may be enough to completely change our minds.

Designers like Phillip Lim and Jason Wu are known for designing specifically for the woman's body, and what suits a woman's body more flawlessly than an artfully draped dress?

Lim's airy cotton candy pink sheath dress with metallic stitched sleeves and Wu's jewel-toned one-shouldered cocktail number are sure to fill our minds with endless thoughts of a wardrobe filled with tasteful dresses ranging in style from glamorous to hopefully romantic.

So embrace a fresh change, and keep an eye out for elegant dresses in sheer and lightweight fabrics. There are so many ways to style a dress, which can be worn in any color, leaving room for major accessorizing. Try a pair of stiletto heels and a chain strap purse for a flirty look, or a crisp blazer and flats for a casual daytime outing.

And if you still feel you need to add a little masculinity and toughness to keep from looking too girlish and prim, it's not a crime to throw your sleek leather motorcycle jacket on top of a fanciful sweetheart neckline - it creates a juxtaposition that never goes out of style.

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Begin your feminine fashion exploration with this smart selection of pretty dresses that will give you the look from the runways without the high fashion price tag.

1. Peplum Brushstrokes Dress from Forever 21 - $24.80

2. Funktional Exposed Silk Dress from Nastygal.com - $110.00

3. Hearts a Flutter Dress from Nastygal.com - $48.00

4. Pebble Seraphina Dress from J. Crew - $275.00

5. Woven Elegance Dress from Forever 21 - $29.80

Published June 21, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Fall Trend: Classic Blazers

The blazer has been a fashion essential ever since the idea of masculine chic was invented. The structure of a blazer revitalizes any outfit.

The blazer has been a fashion essential ever since the idea of masculine chic was invented. The structure of a blazer revitalizes any outfit.

Everything looks good with an impeccably tailored blazer thrown over it.

Pair it with matching trousers for a conservative work ensemble, wear it with a striped tee and distressed jeans for a casual weekend look, or layer it over a printed mini dress for a night on the town.

This upcoming fall, blazers are getting back to the basics in classic shapes, neutral colors, and a quiet balance of masculine and feminine.

The number one priority when it comes to choosing the perfect blazer is silhouette.

When you wear a blazer, you want to look sleek, not frumpy. A blazer with more defined shoulders and a tapered midsection gives due attention to the waistline. This way, you'll still get the masculine feel of a great menswear piece, but without losing your feminine shape.

Also, a deep-V neckline with sharp lapels, like those seen at Michael Kors, creates a striking contrast between the structured blazer and what you are wearing underneath.

The blazers at Dries van Noten were designed with a more extreme form of masculinity in mind - they were slouchy in the sleeves, boxy in shape, and had a much higher neckline.

But if you inspect closely, you can see a defined cinching on the sides of the waist that keeps them from coming across as too manly and overwhelming.

A detail like this may be tiny, but it makes a whole lot of difference when it comes to smart proportion play.

Take a look at these classic blazer options:

1. Dual Buttoned Blazer from Forever 21 - $29.80

2. Jamilla Blazer from Theory - $ 335.00

3. Elizabeth and James Sharp Shoulder James Blazer from Shopbop.com - $395.00

4. Rag & Bone Riding Blazer from Shopbop.com - $550.00

5. DKNY Double Breasted Jacket from Shopbop.com - $297.50

Published June 20, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Fall Color Trend: Brown

A favored color choice of 70’s fashion and home décor, brown has a tendency to get a bad rep. But according to the Fall 2010 runways, it’s the color that we should all be wearing this upcoming autumn.

With fashion’s recent turn towards organic, earth-toned colors, it makes sense that brown is making its way back into our wardrobes. It conjures up images of nature’s greatest elements, which were distinct features of the fall season, such as rich garden soil, textured tree bark, and the edges of golden-colored autumn leaves.

The Salvatore Ferragamo fall runway show opened with a plethora of all-brown looks. With a brilliant mixing and matching of different textures, metallic-infused fabrics, and various tones of brown, these looks were anything but bland.

A standout ensemble was made up of a light brown silk striped blouse layered under a dark brown woolly vest with medium brown pockets in the front. Add a pair of plaid brown shorts, a tan suede purse, and cheeky ankle socks, and you’ve got a retro-inspired city look reminiscent of Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. A brown leather belt around the waist adds a modern touch and pulls everything together.

Chloé also played around with light, dark, and medium displays of brown all in one outfit. There was a dark brown speckled sweater, beige shorts with fringe running down the edges, camel colored oversized bloomer shorts, and a pair of burgundy-brown leather high-waisted trousers. Who knew brown could exist in such abstract ways?

So don’t stuff your brown clothes in the back of the closet once fall rolls around. Rather, reinterpret this earthy hue for modern day wear by combining different tones with multi-dimensional textures for an unexpectedly chic look.

Here’s an all-brown look to inspire you:

1. Rebecca Minkoff Helmut Pants from Shopbop.com - $175.00

2. Elizabeth and James Mondrian Tee from Shopbop.com - $225.00

3. Cut-Out Trim Heels from Forever 21 - $24.80

4. Belted Leatherette Shoulder Bag from Forever 21 - $28.80

5. Sparkle Calf-High Socks from American Apparel - $9.00

6. Brown Blended Leatherette Jacket from Forever 21 - $34.50

Published June 14, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Beauty Trend: White Eyes

White was no stranger to the Spring/Summer 2010 shows. From sundresses to trousers, white was definitely a hot color pick. It’s also making its way onto our eyes.

White was made striking and severe at Donna Karan, with a thick draw of eyeliner that requires a steady hand. To get Karan’s edgy and futuristic take on white eyes, use pure white eyeliner in either pencil or liquid form.

Prep your eyes with a primer before applying the liner to achieve maximum color saturation and staying power. Make your line thick, extend it to the outer corner of each eye, and finish it off with a sharp cat eye point.

Apply a thick layer of black mascara for added contrast, and keep the rest of your face bare with nude lips, to keep attention only on your eyes.

The end result will be an ethereal, alien-like beauty that is fabulously out of this world.

For those who prefer a more natural and subtle look, Ralph Lauren’s soft use of the color is the way to go. Lauren showered his models’ lids in a light wash of shimmering white shadow that widened and brightened their eyes for an innocent and child-like look. To get this look, choose a light-reflecting white shadow in a powder form. Just a sheer wash of this simple and clean color on the eyelid, around the inner and outer corners of the eye, and lining the bottom lash line is enough to wake up and refresh your entire face. Finish the look off with a light layer of black mascara, natural pink lip gloss, and groomed eyebrows.

Whether you choose to be experimental or classic when it comes to wearing white on your eyes, it takes only a few simple products to achieve the look you want. Here is the best of the batch.

1. Luxurious Color Kohl Eyeliner in White from Revlon - $7.53

This is one of the whitest of the white liners, and makes for a striking effect.

2. Eye Bright Pencil from Benefit - $20.00

Line the edges and rims of your eyes with this pencil to instantly brighten them.

3. Eyeshadow Primer Potion from Urban Decay - $18.00

Prep your eyes with this primer so that eyeshadow and liner goes on smoother and more vibrant.

4. Eyeshadow in Polyester Bride (Sheer White Shimmer) from Urban Decay - $17.00

Just a light wash of this sheer color makes your eyes look sparkly and fresh.

5. Long Lasting Eye Liner in Crystal from Sephora - $10.00

This white liner is sheer and makes for totally mistake-proof application.

6. White Liquid Liner from NYX Cosmetics - $5.00

This stark white liner makes the perfect line and stays put for hours.

Published June 18, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Ruby Aldridge: Get The Look

This born and bred California girl was signed with Next Models at the tender age of 14, landing editorials in Elle Girl and a DKNY campaign not long after.

With 5 years of experience under her belt, Ruby Aldridge is already a pro, and it looks like her hard work is finally paying off.

Alhough Ruby is a runway veteran, walking in shows for lesser known designers in the past, it was not until the Fall/Winter 2010 season that she really took hold of the spotlight.

She walked a total of 24 major shows from New York to Paris - a huge deal for Ruby, who was considered a new face at the time, despite her repertoire of modeling experience.

Not only did her extravagant presence at the fashion weeks make headlines, but so did her sense of style off of the runways. Her father is an artist, and her mother is a former model, so it is no mystery where her style and creativity come from.

This Los Angeles hipster’s grungy chic ensembles have made regular appearances on the party scene photography site, The Cobra Snake, but they are now being snapped by the world’s best street style photographers for our viewing pleasure.

She mixes 90’s ruggedness, punk rock flair, French minimalism, and laidback California cool effortlessly together for a look that is all her own. Add a dancer’s grace and elegance, and you’ve got a fashion superstar in the making.

Ruby transforms her plaid shirt from grungy to sexy by showing some leg in a pair of micro shorts.

1. The Sexy Fit Shirt from Joe’s Jeans - $98.00

2. Basic Burnout Top from Forever 21 - $11.80

3. F7782 Sunglasses from Forever 21 - $5.80

4. Distressed Denim Shorts from Forever 21 - $18.90

5. Eugenia Kim Max Fedora from Shopbop.com - $286.00

6. Dr. Martens 1460 Original Boots from Urban Outfitters - $125.00

Ruby takes the well-known model uniform of an oversized top, black skinny jeans, and rugged boots to the streets, along with her favorite distressed denim jacket.

1. Rag & Bone Clochard Tassel Scarf from Shopbop.com - $175.00

2. Zip It Skinny Jeans from Forever 21 - $22.80

3. Malababa Small Grosi Bag from Urban Outfitters - $198.00

4. The Lawn Tee from American Apparel - $28.00

5. Traditional Denim Jacket from Forever 21 - $22.90

6. Leeds Riding Boots from Nastygal - $78.00

Published June 13, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Trend: The Maxi Skirt

The maxi skirt may be one of the most dramatic of all trends this upcoming fall with its floor skimming length and graceful draping.

Many of the fall runways featured maxi skirts in all different types of prints, colors, and textures, making them the centerpiece of an entire outfit.

The best part about the maxi skirt is that it only requires a few easy pieces to create a show-stopping look.

Michael Kors featured one in an expensive looking fabric infused with metallic threading for a standout light-reflecting effect.

A skirt like this is so statement-making on its own that it only needs a simple knit sweater and beanie to complete the look. The maxi skirt is all about luxury this upcoming season and it is dying to be the center of attention, so keep everything else basic.

Maxi skirts also look good covered in exotic prints or an all over rich color.

At Dries van Noten, a model wore a silky purple maxi skirt with tropical influences, creating a vibrant juxtaposition with everything that is stereotypically fall. A maxi skirt splashed with vivid hues call for more subtle and utilitarian counterparts such as a slouchy t-shirt in a natural color like khaki, beige, gray, or brown.

The Olsen sister’s got the entire concept of simplicity in the city spot on with their most recent collection of The Row that highlighted the easiness and minimalism of the basic black maxi skirt. The key to updating an all black look is to work with edgy and sleek textures for contrast and added dimension. Pile on sheer silk blouses that billow in the front, satiny blazers, leather gloves, reptile-printed purses, and sleek low slung belts with your black maxi skirt for an ensemble that is utterly chic.

Whichever way you decide to wear this fall trend, the maxi skirt should be the starting point of any outfit, not the other way around.

1. Xhilaration Juniors Maxi Skirt from Target.com - $16.99

2. Elizabeth and James Lace Sleeveless Boyfriend Shirt - $245.00

3. Gia Warrior Sandals from Forever 21 - $18.80

4. Grommet Skinny Belt from Forever 21 - $4.80

1. Just Cavalli Silk Maxi Skirt from ASOS - $380.45

2. Cut Off Trim Tank from Forever 21 - $6.80

3. Dark Suede Duffel Studded Across Body Bag from ASOS - $59.18

4. Motocross PU Jacket from ASOS - $76.09

5. Leather Classic Ballet Flats from J. Crew - $98.00

Published June 13, 2010 on The Fashion Spot