Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Lakshmi Menon, Model Profile


Lakshmi Menon is an Indian supermodel, one of the first who has made a name for herself in the high fashion world.

She was discovered in India while studying sociology, and her trek into the modeling world began as a way to make money to supplement the cost of school.

But she soon found herself in a new career that would change her life and her entire outlook on the industry.

Major stardom found Lakshmi when she replaced Daria Werbowy as the main face of the Hermès ad campaigns in 2008.

2008 was a year of campaign success for Lakshmi, as she also became the face of the MaxMara ads. Lakshmi has also been a Givenchy favorite ever since she opened for the brand’s couture show in July of 2008, landing a coveted ad campaign soon after, and renewing her contract the following year. Since then, she has walked for numerous international catwalks including Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenburg, and Lacoste.

Her defined jaw line, mysterious stare, graceful limbs, and flawless skin has graced the covers and pages of numerous high fashion magazines throughout her career, from Vogue India to Elle. She can effortlessly transform herself from photo shoot to photo shoot, whether she’s channeling her inner being on the beaches of India, or bringing to life the persona of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.

Lakshmi is no stranger to the more commercial side of the modeling world, making her one of the most versatile models of her generation. She can be found starring in the New York & Co. and Ann Taylor Loft campaigns, her face posted in American malls across the nation, or in the subtle and sweet J. Crew catalogs in casual denim and colorful gingham. Lakshmi has just switched agencies from Ford to Supreme, and it looks like she’s gearing up to once again walk the top shows during next season's fashion weeks.

The Supreme girl has always been known as more edgy, distinct, and unusual. With her exotic Indian looks, to-die-for bone structure, and darker toned skin that set her apart from the majority of her peers, Lakshmi fits the bill perfectly.

Her elegant composure has made her a class act in the industry. At the same time, she is completely grounded and fully connected to her home base in India, keeping a balance in her life amongst all the glitz and glamour that the fashion world presents to her. She stays true to herself, but knows how to reinvent when the job calls for it.

From high fashion magazine covers to girl-next-door commercial shoots, Lakshmi has found success in every aspect of the modeling industry. She is a prime example of a true role model, inside and out.


Published July 6, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Liu Wen: Get The Look

Liu Wen is a Chinese supermodel making waves in the fashion industry because of her striking Asian looks, and delightful personality.

This girl has been modeling since 2005, but her career has exploded within the last few months. She’s walked the top runways, been shot by the most coveted fashion photographers, and nabbed high profile campaigns, one after another.

Wen has been working non-stop, and is set to be the latest face of iconic luxury cosmetics brand Estée Lauder. She was even the first Asian model to ever walk in a Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

But Wen is not only noticed for her enviable work in front of the lens. She’s also a street style photographer’s dream because of her knack for throwing together offbeat looks.

Wen gravitates towards classic tomboy pieces like high top sneakers, tan trench coats, boyfriend blazers, and plaid prints. There is also a punk influence that highlights her way of dressing.

She loves to wear studded combat boots, slashed denim, leopard print, and black leather pants, paired with more timeless pieces to add a more rock and roll vibe. All this makes for an ideal model-off-duty look that exudes an endless amount of personality.

Learn how to score Liu Wen’s style, with two outfit options.


Wen keeps things classic and chic in a simple blazer and blouse combo, but livens things up with a pair of strappy heels.

1. Theory Yulima Blazer from Shopbop - $385.00

2. Guess “Toggle” Platform Gladiator Sandals from Bloomingdales - $99.00

3. Thomas Mason Printed Tuxedo Shirt form J. Crew - $150.00

4. Alice + Olivia Olivia Skinny pants from Shopbop - $242.00

5. Kate Spade New York Summerville Louis Tote from Bloomingdales - $395.00

6. Marlene Beaded Necklace from Forever 21 - $6.80


Wen mixes prints and textures up with a sheer knitted sweater, a pair of leopard printed pants, and metallic high top sneakers.



1. True Religion Stella Leopard Velveteen Pants from Zappos - $162.03

2. Vince Twisted Seam Sweater from Shopbop - $155.00

3. Red Bow Santo Hi Top from Urban Outfitters - $28.00

4. Pyramid Trim Leatherette Tote from Forever 21 - $21.80

5. Ribbed V-neck Tank from Forever 21 - $4.80

Published July 6, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Isabel Lucas: Get The Look

Isabel Lucas is the lanky Australian beauty who first caught America’s attention with her role as that crazy robot girl in last year’s summer blockbuster Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Now with, a handful of movies under her belt, and a rumored romance brewing with Jake Gyllenhaal, this 25-year-old actress is getting the media attention that many up and comers dream of.
Not only is she on top of her game career-wise, but Lucas is a first class act when it comes to achieving that perfect laidback bohemian look.
And what better time to style stalk this girl than right at the beginning of summer?
A vegetarian and animal rights activist (she protested against whaling in Japan alongside Hayden Panettiere in 2007), her earth-friendly outlook on life is strongly reflected in her choice of clothing.
She can often be seen wearing a cute vintage dress while she shops for furniture at a yard sale, or meeting up for lunch in her favorite pair of old cut off shorts that are nearly falling apart at the seams.
Whether she’s basic in denim on denim, or eclectic in a funky retro printed frock, this girl’s got a knack for whipping together cool and casual outfits that are never too trendy or outrageously expensive.

We can learn a lot about practical, unfussy, and recycled fashion from this beach-ready Aussie. Take a look at two of her best warm weather looks below, and find out how to get them.

Isabel shows off her cool bohemian spirit in a sixties-printed blouse and denim cut offs.

1. Destroyed Denim Cut Off Shorts from Forever 21 - $19.80

2. Deena & Ozzy Pebble Mini Hobo Bag from Urban Outfitters - $38.00

3.
Oversized Aviator Sunglasses from Forever 21 - $5.80

4. Red Chuck Taylor High Top All Stars from Converse - $45.00

5. Floaty Silk Floral Top from Forever 21 - $19.80


She updates a vintage dress with a rugged leather belt and her favorite black hat.



1. Striped Smocked Woven Dress from Forever 21 - $19.90

2. Madeline Woven Hat from Forever 21 - $12.80

3. Motif 56 Alexis Belt from Shopbop.com - $145.00

4. Woven Burst Messenger Bag from Forever 21 - $19.80

5. Black Canvas Classic Shoes from TOMS - $44.00

Published July 1, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Olivia Palermo: Get The Look

The City is in the midst of its second season, and Olivia Palermo is stil a star, despite the negative portrayal of her character on the show.

Whether she's attending a Guess by Marciano party wearing anything but Guess, giving the evil eye to Erin from across the table at the Elle offices, or failing to show up to Whitney Port's photo shoot to conduct an interview after promising to do so, she's most likely doing it in style.

This girl is super photogenic, and the camera just loves her, in spite of the fact that she rarely cracks a smile unless she's totally kissing up to someone (Zac Pozen, for example).

But deep down inside, we all know that The City would be nothing without Olivia Palermo. Reality television needs all the catfights and gossip that this girl creates to keep viewers watching.

And thanks to The City, we can get a weekly dose of her impeccably sharp uptown city girl style to inspire our own wardrobes.

Palermo is a huge fan of classic essentials in timeless silhouettes, like sharp-shouldered blazers, black fur vests, Diane Von Furstenberg dresses, and striped boatneck shirts. She never steps outside without looking like an image of perfection.

This New York City socialite knows about dressing classy, but her love of accessories takes everything she wears to the next level. From silver metallic jazz shoes on her feet to bedazzling jeweled bibs around her neck, Palermo knows how to embellish any look to create a striking effect.

Yes, it seems like everyone on The City hates her - other than Elle creative director Joe Zee, that is - but maybe they just hate her because she's beautiful.

Find out where you can go to snag two of Palermo's urban chic looks, below.


Palermo balances glam and utility with light reflecting sequins around her neckline, and a rugged cargo jacket.







1. Black Perfect-fit Boatneck Tee from J. Crew - $39.50

2. Stuart Weitzman Bluster High Heel Booties from Shopbop.com - $435.00

3. Folded Hem Whiskered Shorts from Forever 21 - $22.80

4. Jeweled Medallions Necklace from Forever 21 - $6.80

5. Kooba Jordan Leather Tote from Bloomingdales - $575.00

6. Woven Cord Belt from Forever 21 -$8.80

7. Urban Renewal Army Surplus Jacket from Urban Outfitters - $48.00


Palermo adds an unexpected twist to her preppy striped top and tennis skirt with a pair of silver metallic jazz flats and eye-catching sunglasses.



1. Floral Eyelet Skirt from Forever 21 - $19.80

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

3. DV Dolce Vita "Hank" Lace Up Flats from Bloomingdales - $52.00

4. Sabina Double Pocket Tote from Urban Outfitters - $198.00

5. Three Dots Striped Tee from Bloomingdales - $68.00

Published June 28, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Trend: Statement Jackets


The Fall/Winter 2010 shows were all about jackets as statement-making pieces that were practially works of art.

They were extravagant, light-reflecting, and color saturated. The upcoming season’s range of outerwear is not for the faint of heart.

Brands like Balmain, Wunderkind, and Burberry Prorsum all showcased the best of the best when it came to decadent outerwear.

Balmain has always been the reigning king of show-stopping separates, and this upcoming season, jackets are the number one indulgence.

Influences from the royal courts of the past can be found in the collection of jackets, which range from a metallic gold tuxedo blazer to a long-fitted brocade coat in the regal hues of green and plum.

Overall, the style was rock royalty with substance, and this is the aesthetic you should stick to when choosing a new fall jacket.

Wunkerkind experimented with fantasy and color with its latest collection of jackets that popped in hues of cotton candy pink and hot siren red. The juxtaposition of these playful colors with the military and Native American-influenced shapes and details, such as fringe and tough leather buckles, made for an out-of-this world effect.


Finally, when one thinks of outerwear, the name Burberry Prorsum is sure to come to mind. The brand’s classic trench coats were replaced with more utilitarian counterparts, such as leather aviator jackets, military overcoats, and even unique hybrids of the two. Lengths were cropped, collars were exaggerated and oversized, and linings were plush. Designer Christopher Bailey played with proportion, creating a masculine-meets-feminine look that is sure to be just as much of a hit as the immortalized Burberry trench coat.


Statement-making jackets like these are so strong that you won't have to put much effort into the rest of your outfit. Balmain may have caused a fashion spectacle with its head-to-toe metallic brocade jacket and trouser combinations, but it may be a bit too much for real life, unless it's your goal to look like King Louis XVI.

When wearing a jacket that has a life of its own in terms of style, design, print, and fabric, keep the rest of your outfit simple and clean. Just a pair of jeans and a chic blouse will do.


Published July 6, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Get the Look: World Traveler


The summer always calls for a much-needed vacation to a far away place.

The Spring/Summer 2010 shows gave us just what we needed to prepare us for trips to all corners of the world.

What's on the list for the season? How about clothes influenced by Africa's dry deserts, or Asia's humid tropical rainforests?

From color combinations inspired by the expansive landscape of the Sahara Desert to watercolor-splashed fabrics modeled after India's traditional saris, the world's brightest and most eclectic cultures have always been the biggest fashion inspirations.

This summer, try taking your inner world traveler to a more glamorous level. Don't just wear a dress in a worldly pattern - spice things up with intricate accessories that bring to mind treasures found at a bustling Indonesian street market or the extravagant flourishes of ancient Egyptian kings and queens.







Take a cue from the Diane von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2010 show, and pile on eye-catching embellishments like electric neon bangle bracelets, decadent waist belts, blooming floral hairpieces, gold strappy sandals, shimmering metallic trimmings, and eclectic beaded embroidery. These modern self-indulgent touches will take your favorite ethnic-inspired summer staples to a new state of luxury.


The possibilities are endless when it comes to updating pieces inspired by the beauty and tradition of the world, allowing you to take remnants of a foreign exploration with you everywhere you go. And even if you aren't traveling to an exotic place, you can always use your imagination to exude a worldly culture through your clothes. According to von Furstenburg, the more flash and color saturation, the better.

So don't be shy - get started with this runway-inspired look:



1. Sunfaded Flower Headband from Free People - $88.00

2. Embellished Tube Dress from Free People - $188.00

3. Beaded Skinny Scarf from Forever 21 - $7.80

4. Phenom Studded Belt from Forever 21 - $12.80

5. Strappy Pindot Heels from Forever 21- $27.80

Published July 5, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Summer Essential: Crop Tops


Backyard BBQs, lazy lounges by the pool, pavement pounding adventures around the city, and day trips to the beach are all on our summer to-do lists. The only thing we have to worry about is looking all hot and sweaty.

New York City has already turned into an oven, and it looks like everywhere else is soon to follow. So how do we stay cool without sacrificing our chic factor, or verging towards the edge of indecency?

Ventilation is the answer, and it comes in the form of billowy, spacious, skin baring blouses.

Cooping your body up in tight clothing when a heat wave strikes is the worst idea ever (sweat stains are not cool). Leave room to breathe and catch a breeze with slouchy, loose fit crop tops.

Whether you favor a button-front style, a modest crew neck, or a sleeveless tank with large armholes, baring a bit of tummy is the easiest way to ease discomfort caused by the summer’s outrageously high temperatures.

Luckily for us, there are an endless amount of options to choose from when it comes to these little tops. And they are so easy to style in numerous ways, with just a switch of bottoms. Wear them with denim shorts, roomy trousers, and printed mini skirts. Loose fit crop tops are your best bet when it comes to making your summer a cool one, both literally and figuratively.




1. Charlotte Ronson Crop Top from Shopbop.com - $87.50

2. Eden Crop Tank from Nastygal - $34.00

3. Bold Stripe Sweater Top from Forever 21 - $19.90

4. Ahoy Crop Tee from Nastygal - $42.00

5. Seneca Rising Rose Crop Top from Pixie Market - $68


Published July 5, 2010 on The Fashion Spot


6. Safari Silk Crop Top from Nastygal - $48.00

Get The Look For Less: Givenchy S/S 2010

Summer doesn't always have to mean that our wardrobes must be infused with candy-colored hues and beach bum separates.

Some girls still like to enjoy their monochromatic looks all year round, no matter what the thermometer says.

Now those who make it a rule to wear nothing but black and white no longer have to be fashion outsiders during the summertime. Black and white is ready to shed its serious and bland connotation, and reemerge as one of the freshest color combos of the season.

Givenchy was the runway mix master of head-to-toe black and white looks, opening the show with eight standout monochromatic outfits that just screamed rock-and-roll goddess with a hint of gothic sensibility.

The brand took these two basic colors and played with graphic horizontal and sideways stripes, startling color contrasts, and razor-sharp geometric shapes to create intense and interesting optical illusions.

You may not be wearing these ensembles to the beach, but to a late night rooftop summer party? Yes. And when worn separately, you will also see that these black and white pieces transform into beach-ready bathing suit cover-ups that work any time of the day.


Black and white may be the uniform of Banana Republic store employees, New York City fashion editors, and Kelly Cutrone's PR interns, but it can also be the color scheme of your new warm weather look. And it's versatile and classic enough to wear well into the fall and winter seasons.

Try these two monochromatic ensembles that will make for a chic and sharp Givenchy look, without the expensive Givenchy price.



1. Seine Silk Box Blouse from Nastygal - $88.00

2. Jeffrey Campbell Glen Suede Wedge from Nastygal - $122.00

3. Bandage Front Skirt from Forever 21 - $19.80

4. Sleeveless Waterfall Jacket from TopShop - $90.00





1. Marine Jacket from Queen's Wardrobe - $121.00

2. Classic Shirt from Forever 21 - $19.80

3. Miele Satin Shoes from Queen's Wardrobe - $155.00

4. Loop Pocket Harem Trousers from Topshop - $80.00



Published June 30, 2010 on The Fashion Spot

Cher from Clueless: 90's Style Icon

There is probably no better remembered 'fashion-forward' movie intro than that of Clueless.

The film opens as Cher Horowitz goes through her computer-organized closet trying to find an outfit before class. Didn’t we all wish we were Cher` at that moment?

Because of this, among other reasons, Cher is one of the most influential style icons of the 1990’s.

Who else made over the knee socks, Mary Jane shoes, and matching plaid separates so attention-worthy?

If it wasn't for her, our generation’s adolescent youth would never have learned the importance of an Alai dress during a life or death situation, or the multiple meanings of the term “as if!”

Nobody wore upscale prep chic better than Cher with her signature combination of essential blazers and matching skirts, crisp collared shirts, chunky heels, and classic berets.

And she did it all with a subtle sex appeal that we still aim for today. If it wasn’t already known that Cher lived an upscale life in Beverly Hills with her brand new red Jeep (courtesy of her father, the successful lawyer), it wouldn’t be so hard to imagine her lounging at a café on a Parisian street, while contemplating the importance of body language in a relationship. Even her friend Dionne was outrageously cool in her over-the-top head toppers, and micro mini skirts that made her teachers blush.

Clueless made its debut in 1995, bringing young girls together over feather tipped pens and dreams of shopping on Rodeo Drive after school.

It has already been 15 years since then, but the movie will always have a permanent place in the hearts of fashion-lovers everywhere, as well as in millions of fashion inspiration folders.

Unlike other fleeting trends that distinctly defined the 90’s, such as grungy oversized plaid shirts and high-waisted 'Mom jeans', Cher's style embodied a timeless way of dressing that was undefined by decade.

In a world where trends come and go and experimentation is awfully tempting, Cher stands out with her appreciation of superb quality and impeccable tailoring.

Every detail counted with her fashion choices. Cher didn’t just choose that little white body-conscious Calvin Klein number on her date with Christian because it was the “it” item of the time (even though it kind of was), but because its lines hugged her body in the most flattering and sexy way possible.

Flash-forward to the year 2010, and you can see the exact same dress gracing the runways like it was the freshest thing on earth.

Trends are always recycling, but Cher’s fashion sense was a rare breed that never goes out of style. She was the teenaged Audrey Hepburn of the 1990’s. Deep down inside all of us exist a little bit of Cher Horowitz, credit card or no credit card.

Check out these Cher-approved pieces that work now, and most will still work far beyond today.


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

Cher was the queen of beautiful draped blouses that are versatile, and stay forever chic.

2. Gathered Skirt from Urban Outfitters - $48.00

Cher would never leave the house without showing some leg in a chic body-conscious skirt.

3. Kimberly Ovitz Dorman Blouse from Shopbop.com - $277.20

Nobody can forget that sheer blouse Cher wore when she went shopping on Rodeo Drive. This striped blouse is an updated version of that one.

4. Thayer Little Boy Blazer from Shopbop.com - $231.00

Statement making jackets were Cher’s outfit highlights. She would have totally rocked this bright red number.

5. Sheer Over The Knee Socks from Urban Outfitters - $8.00

Nobody made school girl socks sexier than Beverly Hill’s most-loved blonde.

6. Kimchi Blue Patent T-Strap Skimmer from Urban Outfitters - $28.00

Cher’s knee high socks cannot go without a classic pair of Mary Jane's.


Published June 29, 2010 on The Fashion Spot