The
Marquette Journal

Karl Lagerfeld, designer and creative director of the luxury brand Chanel, has made himself an iconic name in the fashion industry.  As often as his name appears in fashion headlines, he took the headlines to a whole new level this very week.  As you may know, Paris Spring/Summer fashion week is currently taking place as I speak!  Day 2 of Paris fashion week was yesterday, Tuesday the 24^th, and Lagerfeld took Chanel couture to new sky-high heights, literally.   Lagerfeld’s brilliantly creative mind looked to the skies for this season’s inspiration.  The show was staged in an elaborately decorated Chanel aircraft named “Air Chanel”.  The aircraft reportedly took five days to build.  Models strutted down an airline aisle, which was used as the runway, with the “passengers” looking on from both sides of the plane.   How cool?!

Photo taken from ibtimes.co.uk

Chanel spring’s haute couture collection had a very 60’s feel which were the glam days for air travel.  Instead of last season’s more fitted, structured, and architectural look, Lagerfeld decided to use a great amount of soft, flowy, and longer silhouettes.  A palette of over 150 shades of blues and grey’s were used – the colors of the sky of course.  However, the range also included slim-fitted dresses, with block colors and straight-edged necklines, which is meant to portray a modern twist on a classic airline uniform.  I also thought it was clever that the collection demonstrated a sophisticated way of dressing for travel- practical yet classy and timeless.

Photos taken from Vogue.com

Photos taken from Vogue.com

Lagerfeld has not only been recently praised for the new Chanel Spring collection, but also for the anticipated launch of his brand new line, “Karl”, which debuts worldwide today, January 25^th.  The line will launch exclusively at Net-A-Porter.com, and the collection will not be sold in stores.  The line is rock ‘n’ roll inspired and includes chic biker jackets, super skinny leather pants, metallic and sequenced dresses, totes, and a whole lot of other rebellious apparel!  The prices are much lower than say his Chanel designs, they are by no means cheap, but many of the items are affordable.  Check out the rad new collection here:

http://www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/Karl/All?viewall=on

A tutorial on how to survive the Wisconsin runway:

In this unpredictable whether, it is difficult to retain a beautiful mane in this frequent rain. Try putting your hair up and out of your face to prevent the wind from ruining your grace.

Basic tees are always the first step to a comfy look, without much effort. Try thick leggings, knee high socks and a tall boot! Simplistic, yet chic! Throw a printed scarf around your neck as an accessory and apply basic matte makeup for a natural complexion!

When applying makeup, it is essential to moisturize! Determine the correct application of moisture based on the oils released by your face!

Apply foundation to blemished areas and blend.

Simply powdering your face with a slight shimmer, reveals a bright fresh look, preventing the heavy foundation look.

For the hair: braid it! Braiding is a lovely technique that displays style and talent. There are so many ways to twist and turn your strands into glam!

The fish tail braid is a lovely way to spice up your look, draping over your shoulder perhaps!

If you prefer something more exotic, attempt to recreate this art!

Be the glam diva! Braid a lock of hair and pull it up into a whimsical, show-stopping style!

Notice how the hair becomes as asset of the overall look, adding texture and class!

The day to night transition is simple and easy, seeing as the only accessories to add are earrings and a chic pair of daring heels!

When you’re in high school, there’s nothing more upsetting than the way snow can ruin a perfectly great shoe choice. Think back to all the times your mom would tell you to “put some socks on,” as you tried to sneak your way past her in flats. Please, you thought, everyone knows socks look ridiculous with flats.

I used to be a real hide the socks gal myself, but I’m seeing more and more opportunities to make socks a part of your ensemble rather than shameful undergarments for your feet. Today, I want to feature three ways to integrate socks into your outfits for winter, because chilly ankles are the last thing anyone needs on the way to class.

Image taken from topshop.tumblr.com

1. The bright sock with loafer: If you opt to stick with neutrals for the winter (why not, they’re safe and cozy) consider pairing a bright sock with your oxfords, moccasins or loafers. Don’t pull the sock up super high, let it slouch and hang out on your foot a little bit. Plus if you’re wearing a rad pair of shoes, this is a sure fire way to draw attention to them. These funky stripe ones are great if you’re looking for some pattern, otherwise these would do the trick. Ps. Topshop currently has a three for $10 sock sale!

Image taken from http://www.celine.com/

2. Heels with socks: I must admit I’m a little enchanted with the heel and sock combo. Particularly with a toothpick cut trouser. Doesn’t it look cozy and wintery without losing the heel’s sense of elegance and femininity? I think so. Instead of going with a bright sock, stick to something a little more neutral that contrasts nicely with the heel you wear. Try a forrest green sock (made especially for winter!) with a nude heel, or a navy blue sock with a gray heel.

Image taken from http://bigcitybelle.blogspot.com/

3. Wool socks: I’m a sucker for a wool sock with anything. Wear them with your jeans rolled up a little and a pair of ankle booties, or let them slouch out of your boots. They’re the hot chocolate for your feet, the bubble bath on a cold night for your toes and look adorably quirky with anything. Try these ones from Woolrich or these lovely handmade ones from Etsy.

Sunday, January 15^th was the date of the 69^th annual Golden Globe awards, which were held in Los Angeles, California.  The 2012 Globes were seen by a whopping 16.8 million viewers.  Though I enjoy watching great actors and actresses being recognized for there outstanding work and pictures, being an avid style watcher, the main reason I watch the Golden Globes is to see the stars in their stunning, glamorous gowns!  This year the renowned stars flaunted gowns of all shapes, colors, and styles.  Here are some of my favorite and least favorite gowns of the 2012 Golden Globes:

Best Dressed

Photo taken from nydailynews.com

Reese Witherspoon looked drop dead gorgeous in this curve hugging Zac Posen gown.  Her light skin tones mixed with the deep red silhouttete created a sultry glowing effect that turned heads all night.

Photo taken from nydailynews.com

Sofia Vergara eased sex appeal and elegance in this blue strapless Vera Wang gown.  The mermaid style silhouette fits her voluminous curves to the T.

Photo taken from nydailynews.com

Emma Stone looks chic yet edgy in this Lanvin gown.  The two toned silhouette with an accented bold belt makes this gown look super high fashion and bold.

Photo taken from nydailynews.com

Viola Davis looked stunning in an Emilio Pucci one-shouldered burgundy gown.  This greek–goddess like flowy gown with the cinched waist has just the right amount of volume and movement to flatter almost any body type.

Photo taken from nydailytimes.com

Diane Lane looked golden in this Dolce&Gabbana gown.  Gold is such a glamorous color that it can sometimes look too glitzy, but the sleeves really on this dresss really make it look elegant and classy.  I’m usually not a huge dress with sleeves fan, but this was executed wonderfully. 

Worst Dressed

Photo taken from nydailytimes.com

Natalie Portman has such a slammin’ hot body I don’t understand why she’d hide it behind all of those layers of fabric.  Not to mention it looks like a prom dress from the 90’s.

Photo taken from nydailytimes.com

Madonna completely missed the mark on everything with this dress–the fabric, the fit, the colors, just wrong.

Photo taken from nydailytimes.com

This gown that Amanda Peet sported made me cringe!  Choppy, long layers on a dress silhouette is never a good idea.  It almost looks like she’s wearing old drapes.

Photo taken from nydailytimes.com

Sarah Michelle Gellar apparently told reporters that her daughter picked out this tie-dye gown.  It’s not always intelligent to listen a two year for fashion advice!  The print and shape of the gown is just too much.

Photo from nydailytimes.com

Mary J. Blige missed the mark with this overly glitzy gown.  The color, glitter, and birdlike feathers just don’t sit quite right together.  The combination lacks classiness.

This year, one of my New Years Resolution’s is to get myself into better shape.  It’s so hard to balance class, friends, homework, extracurriculars, and sleep that I find working out not much of a priority anymore. If I’m not too busy to workout, I often times just get too lazy or make up stupid excuses as to why I shouldn’t go. I’m too tired. I’m too cold. My favorite show is on. I’ll go tomorrow. You know how it goes! As I was thinking of ways to motivate myself to start my resolution off right, my workout apparel immediately popped into my head. My workout clothes I currently use are plain, old, and just ugly. In fact, one of my excuses to not work out has been because I just don’t feel like changing into unstylish clothing. So what better way to jump-start your ‘staying fit’ New Years resolution then by shopping – for new workout apparel, that I believe will give anyone some extra inspiration and motivation to hit the gym. Sometimes looking good is half the battle! Here are some of my favorite picks:

New Balance Women’s WR1400 Competition Running Shoe – $89.95

NIKE LUNARSWIFT+ 2 – $67.99

                             Reebok Women’s Classic Realflex Shoe – $89.95

Nike + Sportsband – $59

Nike ‘Time Out’ Capris – $54

Nike ‘Relay’ Capris – $54

Race Me Tight – $79

Under Armour Escape Women’s Half Zip Jacket – $49.99

Yoga Siren Racerback – $49

C9 by Champion® Womens Racer Back Compression Bra- $11.99

Lap Short – $49

Teelicious Deep V Tee – $14.99

Pilayo Braid Headband – $12

Happy Monday!

While I find high fashion intriguing, and can see the artistic qualities that draw the super wealthy to collecting couture pieces, I can’t help but roll my eyes sometimes. It’s like wine snobs and beer junkies, art collectors and the agents on Selling New York, sometimes enough is enough.

I’m much more a street style gal. I love looking at the ways people wear certain pieces to define themselves, to me this is the defining artistic function of fashion. And I’m not afraid to admit I’m a little addicted to it.

Today, I want to share three style books that have inspired me to dress a little out of the ordinary, and from which I have gleaned a wealth of street fashion knowledge. None of the books are too expensive, and all are fun to have on your shelf to draw inspiration from when your imagination hits a rut.

Image taken from http://ruminationavenue.com/

I Love Your Style: I received this book as a gift last year, and devoured it in a single weekend. But it’s not one of those books you read once and then let gather dust on your bookshelf. No, this is an indispensable handbook for the style savvy girl. Rather than tell you what “category” you fit into (read: “classic,” “bohemian,” “tomboy”), I Love Your Style asks you to look at what you own, what you want to own and how to make it yours. I can’t say enough good things about this book, from stories of women and their individual style to shopping lists of basic items that every woman should own, Amanda Brooks has put together a darling book. That is really all there is to say about that. $14

Image taken from http://www.amazon.com/

The ELLEments of Personal Style: As opposed to a “keep on your nightstand” kind of book, The ELLEments of Personal Style is more a coffee table book, really pretty to look at with glossy paper and that break the spine sort of feel. But where you keep this book is secondary to the lovely women featured inside. Even if you’re not a fan of Elle Magazine (I’m not), The ELLEments is fun to flip through and features profiles of “It” women, including peaks inside their homes (which might be my favorite part). While I disagree with some of the editors picks of women to feature, I picked up some neat tips, which of course can be replicated on a less-than-celebrity-worthy budget. $20

Image taken from http://www.refinery29.com/

The Sartorialist: In a previous post  I mentioned my adoration for the lovely Garance Dore and the work that she and her husband, Scott Schuman do to capture street style around the world. The Sartorialist is based of off Schuman’s popular blog of the same name, and features hundreds upon hundreds of men and women doing what they do best, looking absolutely fabulous. Rather than instruct you with words, this book inspires you with images that will keep you on the lookout for that awesome handbag that the girl on page 254 is wearing or the tie that can be seen on page 125. the book was published in 2009, so it might seem a little old, but the trends inside are still completely relevant and rad. $17

What are your favorite style books?