Style Savior

7 Ways to beat holiday stress

2011-12-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Don’t succumb to holiday stress: 7 tips for a joyous season

What Style Personality(ies) Are You?

2010-04-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

I am a juxtaposition of many style personalities. The older I get the more I want to express myself creatively through my appearance and create art all around me with ease. This quiz says I am a "Classic", with nuances of "Cutting Edge" and "Couture" also. I also know that I'm also bohemian with touches of Dramatic. But I can't do Dramatic often as it requires height-which I don't have and it doesn't fit consistently with my lifestyle. Psst-I'll let you in on a secret! Classic clothing survives the cycles of fashion, so I get to keep my wardrobe for years and still look current with a few updates and swap of accessories. Check out this fun style quiz - it's not all conclusive but just a starting point.

Zizi Cardow's 2010 Collection Is Not For Prudes

2009-11-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

You should check out the Zizi/Cardow Spring/Summer 2010 fashion collection, which was unveiled this past September. It definitely plays on the Nigerian fashion escethetic.

http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/shawnpunch/gallery-slideshow/G0000JcuNXOkbnxY/?start=

A Pearly Excursion

2009-05-17T01:58:00.000-07:00

The day’s events took me to Mikimoto in Costa Mesa.

In between sips of champagne and nibbles of tea sandwiches, I learned about the classification and making of pearls. They are formed slowly over time after a foreign object gets lodged inside the oyster or other mollusk having two shells. As a natural defense, the foreign object becomes a nucleus that is surrounded by layers of a protective coating, called a nacre. This sums up the formation of a pearl, which takes 6 months to 3 years in the making.

Mikimoto says that it only selects 3-5% of pearls harvested for its collections. In terms of size, pearls typically range from 3.5 mm to 14 mm. Although it is extremely rare to find pearls over 10mm in diameter, I saw many large pearls at Mikimoto, with one being identified as being over 20 mm. There are also sustainability issues surrounding pearls, with some species of mollusks being placed on the endangered species list due to environmental issues and overfarming.

Pearls come in a wide spectrum of colors from cream, to pink, gold, champagne to black, with white and pink rose rising in high demand for flattering the widest range of skin tones.
The different colors originate from different species and reflect the environments that the pearls originate from. The colour of the pearl tends to mirror the mollusk’s inner shell. They are cultivated in Australia, China, and Japan, to name a few. Gray pearls which range from having a greenish luster to varying shades of grey are often known as the South Sea variety. Other common areas of cultivation span from Tahiti, Philippines, Indonesia, to China. Pearls can also be dyed into different colors as is more common with the freshwater variety.

My trip was highlighted by an exquisite, show-stopping necklace combining large South Sea pearls, diamonds, and dark gemstones. Tres magnifique!

Sources: www.fieldmuseum.org/pearls and Mikimoto

Socks Rule!

2009-05-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

What's in a sock?

Well when wearing socks, clothes etiquette says that one's skin must never be exposed between trouser cuff and sock.

In terms of what to wear with formal and casual clothes, Casual clothes can be worn with thick socks in ribbed wool or argyle knit. Business clothes should be worn with thin socks in smooth or ribbed cotton, and formal clothing requires silk stockings.

Generally we don't want to mix these up as dress socks clash with casual clothes.

One popular deviation is that people refrain from wearing socks with loafers or moccasins as in preppies.

It's like how women are sans hosiery in warm weather or all the time now. I'm not mad at anyone who wants to save the benjamins! Beware: If you work in a conservative setting or visit a religious place of worship, this may be frowned upon as being too exposed.

Source: Clothes by Real Simple

CFDA Honors Obama and Nods Given to Jacobs

2009-03-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Wow!

Talk about lifting up the folks around you as you rise.

Michelle Obama will be honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America for her commitment to fashion.

Along with FLOTUS, three of the designers whose threads she's worn were each nominated for awards.

That's right, Jason Wu, Thakoon Panichgul, and Narcisso Rodriguez were all nominated.

Thakoon, whose latest collection for Target sold out swiftly before I could get a coveted dress, also designed FLOTUS' floral dress for DNC. He was nominated with Wu, and Alexander Wang for emerging talent.

I was glad to see one of my faves, Marc Jacobs was nominated and Anna Sui is set to get a lifetime achievement award.

For more on this, read the CFDA announcement or click here.

Pictures are credited to WWD.

D’Amore Offers Its Tropical Sexy Confections

2009-03-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

Fashionistas and the famous alike waited with bated breath to see the swimsuit collection of D’Amore at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2009 collection in Los Angeles at Smashbox Studios. Under the hand of Marceau, the playful 2009 swimwear line was unveiled on October 14, 2008. In a few words, gloss and tropical glamour were the order of the day.

Present front and center at the show and causing a media stir among photographers were Slade Smiley and Jo De La Rosa formerly of The Real Housewives of Orange County and Date My Ex. Also attending were several starlets including Kim Kardashian, accompanied by her sister, Kourtney. D’Amore-Marceau’s line has shown in Miami before, and I think this line would be both well-received there and is tailor-made for that sexy city.

Thumping the to the beat of “West End Girls” by the Pet Shop Boys, toned, and even curvy models sashayed down the catwalk to show off looks that were perfect for a jungle jaunt or to go jet-setting off to St. Tropez. The looks were reminiscent of the 80’s, and 70’s glitz with elements of graphic prints, warm colors, bold patterns and an occasional billowy top that melded together to infuse the collection with a sexy feel. For instance, bronze lame with orange piping was offered in bikini and a one-piece style with cut-outs.

One maillot featuring red and yellow butterflies against a black and grey background with interesting semi-circular cut-outs. Mostly backless, there were lots of plunging necklines, sashes, ties, cut-outs around the torso, as well as interesting thin asymmetrical halters, one-shoulder pieces, and glossy leather-like suits.

The line was also punctuated with shiny sequins details, gold polka dots, animal prints, bronze lame, and maillots with revealing cut-outs. All fabrics were offered in several interesting styles, which at times were overly creative. Some of the maillots are figure-flattering and quite forgiving for a variety of women’s shapes like the deep-v halter with a side belt tied, which came in a gold faux snake skin, both a black/white animal print and vertical stripes. Also wearable were the occasional strapless suit and digital-art print maillots. My favorite was a warm tangerine and lime abstract print which resembled art.

There were even a couple of flouncy cropped ruffle tops that could transition into night-time. The more glamorous offerings included a black and silver leather bikini and for your trip to the French Rivera or Rio, nothing less will do than D’Amore’s black and silver suit accentuated with lace.

Caroline D’Amore, whose name is borne by the collection is a socialite, model, actress. She is also Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton’s frequent pal and is now the fashion director of this line. Stuck shooting a movie in the east coast at showtime, her partner Laurent Planeix took a bow and greeted the attendees at the close of the show.

Their collection overall featured adorable styles mostly of shapes reworked in different prints, fabrics and motifs. If you were going to a pool party, or plan to strut about in a sexy carnival this just might very well do.

All photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Urban Homesteading Catches On

2009-03-21T02:28:00.000-07:00

In these recessionary times, one of the few things that is flying off the shelves are seeds for fruits and vegetable crops. It appears folks are trying to grow food in their backyard - but in recent times, never in such high numbers.

I recently learned about the urban homesteading movement, whereby people are choosing to grow their own foods, live more sustainably and lessen their carbon footprint.

The new First Family, the Obamas, served as important role models today when work began on the White House garden, which will feature crops used in White House meals. Even the first kids, will take turns working in the garden, apparently. Click here to read more!
http://blogs.usatoday.com/betterlife/2009/03/michelle-obama.html

The Dervaes, another family that is whole-heartedly embracing green living sprang up from Pasadena, CA. Path to Freedom is a grassroots, Dervaes family-operated, viable urban homesteading project established to promote a simpler and more fulfilling lifestyle and reduce one family's "footprint" on the earth's dwindling resources.

To read more, check out my blog at
http://www.organics4u.me/index.php?option=com_idoblog&task=viewpost&id=137&Itemid=71

Outfitting the Green Way

2009-03-04T23:01:00.000-08:00

I recently dispensed some good advice on "outfitting your kids the green way."

It's ever-important, since kids are constantly growing and need new clothes periodically. These tips are equally applicable to adults because green living is intertwined with the choices that we make, which include cutting consumption.

In this day and age of reformed consumerism, more socially responsible practices are gaining traction. I found these fun suggestions on shopping for your kids from other people’s closet.

1) Entertain Hand-Me-Downs.
Since kids only wear their clothes for a short period of time before outgrowing them, good old hand-me down clothing can be an option. Accept what you need and pass on what you won’t use for your kids (Zissu, 2009)."

To Read More, see

http://www.organics4u.me/index.php?option=com_idoblog&task=viewpost&id=113&Itemid=71

Photo courtesy of freedigitialphotos.net

Heavy Buzz Surrounds Michelle O's Inauguration Attire

2008-12-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

With the inauguration a few weeks away, the race is on to predict what fashion persona Michelle Obama will display. Perhaps it might help the retail economy. Think of the thousands of knock-offs that ABS and Penney's can generate.
I thought the design sketches for Mrs Obama's inauguration collection were delightful. I love the concepts by Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Oscar De La Renta, and Isaac Mizrahi. Everyone made appropriate uses of color that the First Lady-elect can handle.

Betsey Johnson's is a hoot! She deserves praise for the effort and symbolic details. I almost saw poetry dancing off the page.

Check out how Christian Lacroix went as far as to even sketch a model resembling his muse. He outdid himself with the most sketches-hopefully he will be commissioned to create at least one. Some of it screams untouchable and ice queen, something I think the first lady is trying not to project.

Peter Som and Tracy Reece's were cleanly elegant and Elie Tahari went cosmopolitan; their choices would work well. Rodarte's looks artistic and somber. Rachel Roy's strapless sheath with chandelier earrings is a hit! Tuleh's form-fitting concept gown is a bit too sexy as is Reem Accra's ornamented red gown with the square neckline. Nicole Miller's is a bit of a bore.

Kai Milla's is cute but some are weary of seeing the first-lady-to-be with the black-belted look. Diane von Furstenberg's is simply divine- true Micke O! The chic jacket would work well with Michelle O's proportions and stature, the striped yellow pattern is a sunny classic and the brooch is already down her alley.

In the end, I predict Mrs. Obama will ensure that the American designers are well respresented. We'll just have to wait and see.

For a slideshow featuring the imaginary creations of our esteemed designers for Michelle, Malia, and Sasha Obama, please visit
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/dressing-the-first-lady-1875632#/slideshow/article/1875632/1876331

Or you can check out the story below.

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/dressing-the-first-lady-1875632#/

Michelle Obama: What Should She Wear?
by Bridget Foley and Bobbi Queen

From WWD Issue 12/03/2008

Who says these are bleak times? On one matter at least, designers are positively euphoric. That is the Obama presidency, a two-part point of light. While much of the glee centers around the President-elect and his policies, Michelle Obama radiates a powerful style all her own. So step aside, Angelina. You too, Madonna, not to mention the bevy of pop tarts, gossip girls, “High School Musical” grads and even potential Oscar divas, now all suddenly second-tier. The American fashion industry hasn’t had a catch this big since, well, since another icon of Democratic chic took up residency on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1961.

For the big guns at least, dressing Michelle may prove even more of a challenge, since her chic is more lowercase democratic than was Jackie’s. Throughout the campaign, the first lady-to-be has avoided all major names save Narciso Rodriguez, while showing a proclivity for locals (Chicago’s Maria Pinto), young types (Thakoon; Jason Wu) and cost-conscious labels (Donna Ricco; J. Crew).

Nevertheless, just about everyone yearns to dress Michelle, who could raise the profile of American fashion around the world. Yet with the exception of Maria Cornejo, her current favorites, as well as a few majors, declined WWD’s request for sketches. Some are loath to presume to offer unsolicited advice, while others, it seems, are definitely in the Inaugural sweepstakes and prefer, or have been asked, to keep their participation low-pro.

But plenty more happily offered their visions for Michelle and her charming first daughters, for the big day and evening events of Jan. 20.

Kevan Hall's Spring 2009 Line Delivers!

2008-10-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

I recently went to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Los Angeles. Here is a sampling of my favorite looks from the always, highly anticipated Kevan Hall.

This time, for spring he features a meddly of gorgeous, luxurious easy fabrics, muted colors and dreamy details. There's definitely something to flatter a every woman.
All photos are credited to Mercedes-Benz Fashion.

Cindy McCain's Wardrobe - Tall On Chic and Price

2008-09-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

Last week, Cindy McCain looked fabulous as she opened the RNC. That magnificent gold, multipaneled shirtdress she wore was simply beautiful.

The Oscar de la Renta stunner was a modest $3,000. Well worth every penny.

All in all, Cindy McCain's entire outfit cost between $299,100 and $313,100, Vanity Fair estimates. That's the selling price of my old condo.

The biggest stunner was the pricetag of her accessories. Fashion reporters at Vanity Fair estimated that her shoes were a mere $600. The potential first lady wore three-carat diamond earrings worth an estimated $280,000 as well as a four-strand pearl necklace with a price range between $11,000–$25,000.

She completed the look with a $4,500 Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch.

"She appreciates very well-made clothes that have rich, luxurious fabrics," Sasha Iglehart, Glamour magazine's deputy fashion director told the Associated Press. "Such clothes could wear the person and she seems to be able to carry it off."

McCain was accompanied by First Lady Laura Bush, who donned a white Oscar de la Renta suit with a price tag of $2,500. Her Stuart Weitzman heels were a steal at $325 and her pearl stud earrings reportedly cost between $600 and $1,500.

So here's the total run-down for Ms. McCain.

Oscar de la Renta dress: $3,000
Chanel J12 White Ceramic Watch: $4,500
Three-carat diamond earrings: $280,000
Four-strand pearl necklace: $11,000–$25,000
Shoes, designer unknown: $600

According to Vanity Fair, all prices except Laura’s shoes and Cindy’s watch are estimates, and the jewelry prices are based on the assumption that the pieces are real.

Of course, one would hope that in its valuation approach, Vanity Fair took conservative estimates throughout and didn't overrely on the extremes.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/politics/2008/09/cindy-mccains-300000-outfit.html

Thousands Join Together Nationwide for Anti-Poverty Campaign

2008-09-07T22:51:00.000-07:00

On September 6, 2008, over 30,000 people came together for the campaign, Equal Voice for America's Family. From small towns, reservations and urban metropolises, they traveled far and wide to Birmingham, Los Angeles, and Chicago driven by a hope to restore America's promise of prosperity, security, and opportunity to struggling families.

Organized by the Marguerite Casey Foundation, the national call to action galvanized communities together to send a laundry list to Washington for a better future. The vision called for decent jobs, healthcare, affordable childcare and housing, educational opportunities, educational opportunities, immigration reform, and safe and thriving communities. It was a day of hopeful outcry for social justice, prayer, information gathering, passionate reflection and a vivid reminder that people have more in common than divides them.

Small interest groups formed and weighed in on the disappearing opportunities for the working class. At one table, one 15-year old student said "the middle class is vastly eroding" because of the costs of living. He recalls having to pay $8,000 for his own dental braces. Another 15 year-old from an Arizona reservation, whose family pays extra fees for his Honors classes somberly expressed that he came because he is gravely concerned about what will happen to his future. A couple from Sacramento expressed that the quality of the public educational system was being destroyed by budget cuts. Another issue that the wife expressed was that child care expenses for her two kids ate up over half of her paycheck. A speaker who immigrated from South Asia shared the difficulties of losing her home and the expensive immigration costs to naturalize as a US citizen.

One 80-year old, mentioned that it would be a dream of her life to have these benefits universally. A commentator said that decades ago, people fought for civil rights, but it is now a dream deferred. Several participants expressed that the aim is to secure the opportunities for the next generation. "That's what every parent wants, to have their children do better then they did... but in actuality, for many life is getting worse not better."

With a common pledge to go back to their communities, and draw local organizations together to make the platform a realty, the convention ended with a positive upswing. A closing performance was held by Sweet Honey in the Rock in Birmingham. In Los Angeles, the timeless Latino musical band, Los Tigres del Norte wowed the enthusiastic crowd, and Funkadesi capped off Chicago's event.

To watch the convention, endorse the campaign or read more about it, please visit:
http://www.equalvoice2008.org/page/convention.html

Micke O in Panchigul's duds at the DNC

2008-08-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

(NEW YORK) "While other first ladies and political women often sport the likes of Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera, Michelle Obama has taken to the rising stars. Last night, Obama wore a printed Thakoon dress adorned with three Erickson Beamon broaches as her husband delivered his nomination acceptance speech. It's a big coup for Thakoon Panchigul, who was recently approved for membership in the CFDA. 'I am incredibly honored that Michelle Obama chose to wear a dress from my collection on such a historical night for her, her family and this country,' the designer said. "

For more on this article visit, fashionweekly.com and to read more about Micke O at the DNC see "Michelle Obama: Politics of Fashion" at the LA Times website.

Need a Six Pack this Summer?

2008-08-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

Simona of Ontario, Canada recently asked: "Hey, im simona and im 18. I would like to know how to get rid of a bit of belly fat, love handles or what ever their proper name is"?

Nik's Advice:
Simona, you need a multi-pronged approach. Cardio is important in reducing the layer of belly fat that is above the muscles. It's important to do find other forms of abwork like pilates and plank poses as crunches have their limits. Try abwork that combines leg movements and do a variety to hit different parts like transverse, lower, and obliques.

You also need a strong lower back to support the core. When doing situps, suck in abs or place weights of some sort on abs for added resistance.

Also, adding yogurt (calcium & protein), apples, pears (fiber & H2O), soy, eggs (filling), omegas (some fishes), probiotic and live cultures to the diet is also helpful.

While these approaches can help, I must emphasize that your body type and torso shape will often dictate what shape you have. Spot reduction should not be the goal but paying attention to your overall frame.

Hope that helps. Good Luck on reaching your goals!

Michelle Obama - A Fashion Icon Is Born

2008-08-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

She is not only effective at giving back to the community, and sharp in her public appeal, but it appears that the lady knows her threads too!

This is the same Lady O who caused a shopping frenzy at White House Black Market this spring when she chose one of their smart dresses for her appearance on the television show, the View.

With a price tag under $175, the dress was affordable for the masses of women seeking a little style too. Within hours the chic dress had sold out nationwide.

Can you not help but love her for being so thrifty?

Many have noted how she set a new standard for the wives of presidential candidates when she showed up in a lovely purple sheath as her husband became the presumptive nominee.

Writes Robin Givhan of the Washington Post,

"the choice of violet stands out because it's not one of the primary colors so beloved by political spouses. ... Michelle Obama seems to choose her hues based on what looks best on her, ignoring the political how-to manual. And so it's no surprise that we should see colors like violet -- or chartreuse -- that are atypical. She is not standard first lady material. She is a black woman dressing to flatter her skin tone. Can shades of pumpkin or mustard be far behind?"

Even the New York Times agrees that she dresses to win.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/08/fashion/08michelle.html

Maria Pinto has been the designer behind Ms. Obama's recent winning looks including the famed purple sheath.

Pinto, a former assistant to Geoffery Beane, recently opened her own boutique in Chicago this summer.

Of recent, the splendid Lady Obama made Vanity Fair's best dressed list beating out some stiff competition who favor high-end fashion designers.

To read more about it, check out the best dressed issue of Vanity Fair.

http://www.vanityfair.com/style/features/2008/09/bestdressed_slideshow200809

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Los Angeles

2008-03-08T18:49:00.000-08:00

This week, I will be on assignment at the fashion shows for designers, Orthodox and Julia Clancy at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Los Angeles.

Can't wait to see what fashions will be hot this fall!

For more information on Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Los Angeles Fall 2008, visit