Eye Spy COLOR!

Before a collection can be pronounced complete, a designer will choose a hair and make up scheme for the models.  This is usually a time for a neutral face and soft hair to ensure that the main focus remains on the clothes.  Though this Spring, there is something new, fresh, daring, and undeniably inspiring being seen on the runways.  Don't blink!  It's in the eyes!  Make up has taken on a daringly bold, Sparkley vibe with various looks of deconstructed rocker chick and bright washes of color giving a trendy, chic look to any woman.  Whether purple glitter and black liner rimmed the eyes or a rainbow hued palate of purple, green, and pink washed across the lids, color was everywhere for Spring's Fashion Week.  Think this trend is only for the runway?  Think again!  This look is completely wearable for everyday life, day or night.  For day keep it soft in pretty blues, pinks, and purples and just a clear swipe of gloss.  For night?  Brights Baby!  Be creative!  If you're still unsure, experiment with a colored liner in deep purples or greens.  Revamp the traditional gray or black smokey eye and use varying shades of one color instead.  Be creative.  Remember it's makeup, so it's not permanent.  Try a look out, you never know what artistic masterpiece you'll create!  Check out some pics for inspiration further down the page!

Something To aDRESS...

Ladies, remember when you were a little girl and your mom wanted you to wear a dress for picture day at school, to church or some other fancy function, and how much you hated it? Well, at least I did. After church every Sunday, the first thing I did when I got into the car was kick off my shoes and pull off my panty hose. I hated the hassle of dressing up and feeling like I had to be prim and proper. Thankfully long gone are the days of uncomfortable dresses. This Spring dresses, especially long ones in fresh sherbets and bright neons will be everywhere. With long, lean silhouettes and topped with a belt or sash, this alternative to jeans or shorts is modern, feminine, flattering and most importantly comfortable. Nothing's easier than throwing on a one piece outfit. A long dress can be worn for day or night depending on the style or how it is accessorized. Strappy sandals can make this look sexier for night. Though if it is an actual floor length dress make sure the shoes keep it an appropriate length. If the heels are too high the unfortunate wearer will look like they are anticipating a monsoon, but if its too long and flats are worn you'll look frumpy. Another bonus: No one will know if you don't shave your legs! ;)

***Check Out My Picks for Fabulous Dresses Further Down the Page!!!***

Don't Throw It Out! ReUse! Vintage Is Fabulous!

Vintage. The word conjures visions of strong silhouettes creating skirts or pants in bold, bright prints and timeless shift dresses worn over billowing silk blouses, fastened by buttons made or shell or pearl.

Then of course there's another image of vintage. A dark, musty store lined with cardboard boxes scattered about the dirty floor. Old ladies root around the deep bottom of the boxes as the cloth casualties are flung to one side.

While the first is a picturesque image of the vintage shopping experience, either sanerio can prove to be profitable in capturing the elusive perfect piece. When your eyes land upon it, you immediately know it's special and you thank your lucky stars that you wandered into that store on that day. Envision yourself a well dressed treasure hunter, if you will.

I love vintage shopping, just the thrill of the hunt. Never knowing what each store, each box or each rack will contain. I have found that the best pieces only reveal themselves when one least suspects it.

So where's one to look for the perfect retro bauble? Anywhere and Everywhere, USA. I have found equally amazing pieces in thrift stores and in pricey specialty boutiques. Especially now that there is a 70's throw back to Spring pieces, now is the perfect time to embrace your inner Vintage Vixen. The key is to know and love these rules for vintage shopping:

Rule Number 1: Assess the store. Is it a boutique? Are the racks and sections labeled, or is it a "free for all?" Look over each section carefully even if you think there won't be any winners. I once found a 70's strappy, floral sundress that still had the Macy's tag on it. It was carelessly pushed into the back of a rack in a teen consignment store. Did I mention it was only $7? So trust me, find your patience and look through the whole store.

Rule Number 2: Assess the piece. So you looked over the entire store and you found the perfect piece, just like I told you that you would. Now comes the tricky part where more patience is required. Carefully examine the piece. Are there any stains? Does the zipper work? Are there any holes in the fabric? Examine the seams, are any pulling apart? Check the buttons and the clasps too!

Rule Number 3: Think about cleaning the piece. More than likely, if it is a true vintage piece, and that means it's at least 10 to 15 years old, it's going to smell musty. DO NOT was it in the washing machine. Depending on how it's been stored, some pieces are more fragile than others. You can wash it by hand using a gentle detergent like Woolite, or if necessary, have it dry cleaned. Though remember these pieces have seams that are delicate so every time they are washed they become more fragile, so handle with care.

Rule Number 4: Forge the size!!! I cannot stress this enough. Sizes from the bygone era are drastically different than today's standards. Look through the store's entire selection. If you love a piece, try it on, even if it is 5 sizes bigger than you normally wear. You don't have anything to loose, but something fabulous to gain.

Rule Number 5: Look at the price. The quality of the garment will greatly impact what you should be willing to pay. If any work needs to be put into the piece before it can be worn, consider that before you make your purchase. As a side note, a special piece does not have to be expensive. I have found many beautiful, one of a kind pieces for less than $10. Last week I bought a blouse for 35 cents, so don't spend more just because it's vintage unless it's truly worth it to you.

Rule Number 6: Consider the Possibilities. If you find a piece that you love, and love the price, and you can't imagine your life without, and the only thing that would make it even more perfect is if it was shorter, or sleeveless, or scoop necked, consider getting it altered. A quality tailor is easily assessable and generally inexpensive.

Vintage clothing is a great way to make a statement by wearing special and unique pieces. Though avoid the treacherous "costume zone" by pairing new and trendy items with your vintage finds.

Remember fabulous vintage pieces are all around. Walk into a store that you might other wise pass by. Don't fret if you don't ind anything on the first trip. Visit often. The store will look completely different each time you go.

People, Parties and Places, Oh My!

With the most publicized event of the weekend, the Grammies taking place yesterday showcasing the best musical talent and their eclectic mix of fashion varying from fabulous and fresh to weird and wacky, it's easy to forget the other current fashionable events. New York Fashion Week ended last week and London Fashion Week is taking place now through the end of the week. While the shows are for Fall '08 the catwalk continues long into the night with after parties thrown by the likes of Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein and attended by the young, hot and ever fashionable. The Bafta awards, Britian's Film Festival, were also held this weekend. Perhaps it was because of the writers strike and lack of awards shows coupled with the celebrities overwhelming urge to wear black tie attire, but the fashion note was one bearing striking resemblance to the Oscars. Check out pictures of the best dressed from all these events.

The Not So Secret Garden's BOLD NEW BLOOMS

Flowers, flowers everywhere! As the Spring '08 models sashayed down New York's runways the designer's apparent longing for Spring was clearly displayed by clothing covered in bold new blooms. While there is an 80's throw back in the Spring/Summer collections, don't fret. These are not the tacky florals of yester-year. Bold highlighter hues are used to paint bright blooms on clean cut dresses tied with sashes. Geometric blossoms flower in shocking pinks and are neutralized by black or white. Small delicate buds in teals and purples or soft pinks and mint greens are sprinkled on dresses flowing to the floor. All is kept modern through a mix of a flattering shapes and a balance of dark accessories like skinny belts and sexy, strappy sandals. While it seems now, Spring will never come, embrace this trend today by pairing a floral dress with dark opaque tights and high-heeled shoes. Cover up on top with a snug fitting, dark turtleneck or wear a cardigan. Keep accessories minimal since your outfit is your statement piece. Don't fear looking matronly! These blooms are surprisingly sexy. Keep your make-up clean and your tresses unfussy and you're sure to be the Belle of the Ball...even if you're just running errands or going to the grocery store!