RAINBOW BRIGHTS

I was secretly hoping the colored jean trend would fade (heh heh--pun intended), but this one is dying a sloooooow death. Seriously, I’m a grown *ss woman! I can’t wear nobody’s colored jeans. The last time I wore colored jeans was circa 9th grade…I think Kris Kross was major back then.


I had baggy Levis in every shade (purple, gold, red, green)--you name it, I had it and wore it proudly with a tight, tight ballerina top (with $54.11’s to match--now $ 64.95 plus applicable NY sales tax)! As you can imagine, I’m trying to bury those memories, so it is with much reluctance, and a healthy dose of chagrin, that I write about this trend.

It is little wonder that mostly celebs are rocking this look. Have you seen anyone in real life wear these? Granted, I do spend an average of, oh let’s just say, 12 to 13 hours a day in an ivory tower, with lots of business casual-clad folks (myself included) scurrying to and fro…but still! I do go outside on occasion, or to the lobby to pick up dinner delivery! Cue sad song…are you feeling sorry for me yet? I realize that I’m not saying much about colored jeans, but that’s intentional! Anyway, here it goes…Nah, seriously, apparently, according to Women’s Wear Daily, Pucci and Seven for Mankind are partnering to make colored jeans!

It looks like purple is the way to go...Fergie does high-waisted, skinny, AND colored jeans-- with wedges-- while Jessica Alba strolls in a skinny-leg with flats.

If they’re good enough for Pucci, they’re good enough for me. I may have to get a pair! Though in all likelihood, I will have to get a pair from Target to test them out. They have a good selection for only $22.99.

P.S. - My sister-in-law, who speaks her mind (g*d knows she does!), told me today that my blog was, “eh, boring”. Can you believe the nerve? This after countless requests for her input. So, after telling me (a few more times) that the blog was dull, she sends me a link for hot new Oxfords, to which I said, “Oh, you mean Spectators…thanks, but The Fashion Bomb and The B-Life have already covered that!" I tell ‘ya...

Photo Credit: People

Click on the label below for vintage StyleTrends posts!

STYLESTAR: TORI NICHEL

I'm sure you've all heard about Motown's most fabulous Tori-Nichel! This Fashion Institute of Technology-trained designer --who has worked for Dana Buchman and Kenneth Cole--has been making waves with her fresh designs.

Listed in Forbes (see article here) as one of five designers to watch, Tori-Nichel's designs belie her age. Her creations shine with the maturity and attention to detail that is usually produced by seasoned veterans!

Looks from Tori-Nichel's Spring and Autumn 2006 line...

Tori-Nichel has been featured in Elle, Essence, Womens Wear Daily, Lucky, Daily Candy, Time Out New York, and the list goes on and on... The sky is the limit for this young, inspiring and beautiful talent! Check out a select few pieces from her latest lines in the slide below!

Her clothes evokes a femininity and sensuality of bygone eras with a modern twist! Get your own Tori-Nichel creation at Lola y Maria here in NYC, and other select boutiques! Keep reading for my interview with Tori-Nichel!

The designer, Tori-Nichel, in her best-selling dress!

StyleChile: When did you become interested in designing?
Tori-Nichel: I became interested in fashion as a little girl. I was about 7 years old.

StyleChile: Who were your fashion influences?
Tori-Nichel: I’ve had some amazing fashion influences throughout the years. My Dad was the best dressed man in the 70’s hands down…He was impeccable, high waist pants, with a crease sharp enough to cut some body, always a tastefully coordinated medallion necklace with a cashmere sweater or printed shirt fit for a king. Then there was my Mom, her 3 sisters, and my Grandmother affectionately known as “Granny”. These women are serial shoppers. I learned a lot about fashion growing up from constantly and consistently shopping with them. Finally, my big sister. She was the epitome of fashion in the 80’s & 90’s. She went from being the black Madonna, to the Sergio Techini, gazelle wearing girl to Homecoming Queen. I wanted to be her. She’s 5 years older than me, so back then, that separated generations and how we wore clothes. I learned trends through her, what was hot and how to wear the clothes.

StyleChile: How do you manage to stay fashionable?
Tori-Nichel: I truly believe people are born with taste. I have never tried to be fashionable, it’s just who I am.

StyleChile: Do you have any tips or words of advice for today's fun, fashionable, females?
Tori-Nichel: Words of advice ladies, know your body and understand what works well with what you have. Half the battle in fashion is making sure you’re wearing clothing that complements your figure. And, finally, be careful who you choose to seek fashion advice from.

StyleChile: How do you stay inspired?
Tori-Nichel: I stay inspired by surrounding myself with positive, like minded individuals. I have an amazing supporting cast that cheers me on constantly. I read every magazine I can get my paws on, I frequent every vintage store, flea market or show known to mankind, I am constantly on the streets in different neighborhoods, absorbing, watching, talking with people. In New York seeking inspiration is easy, just hop on the train for 20 minutes!

StyleChile: Tell us how we can best obtain pieces from your line.
Tori-Nichel: To best obtain pieces from the collection, email us from the website at

torinichel.com and we will advise the closest boutiques we sell at to the customer.
Our e-store will launch in September as well so women will soon be able to buy directly through us!

StyleChile: Of what (fashion oriented) achievement are you most proud?
Tori-Nichel: My best achievement that I am proud of thus far is making my ultimate dream come true…having my own clothing business operational by the time I turned 30, and being featured in WWD, the fashion bible, on my 30th birthday. What a birthday gift! How sweet was that!

Click on the label below for vintage StyleStar posts!

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM: MOSCHINO

I've got no words...

What's wrong with this picture? How do you spell exotification?

...well actually, I do. There's so much right and wrong with these pictures! While I appreciate the effort of depicting more women of color in high fashion ads and magazines, these Moschino Ads (appearing in Vanity Fair), smacks of something icky!

Why are the asian models wearing yellow? Am I trippin'?

I've got more questions than answers! Is it gimmicky? Racist? Why are they segregated into groups like that? And lastly, why, oh why is that dark skinned beauty stark naked?!?! Thoughts?

Finally, here are our caucasion models...nothing strange about this pic. 'Tis normal!

Was I the only one that was more than a little peeved that Chanel Iman was on the inside flap of this Vogue cover? I mean, some had to go on the fold-over, but were you surprised that she was one of the ill fated?

Photo Credit: Fashionista and Femme Noir

TWENTY8TWELVE

Sienna Miller and her sister, Savannah, have created a new line called "twenty8twelve" --name inspired by Sienna's birthday-- due out in stores this fall, some pieces are available now (see below for where to buy)!

This is not your typical celeb collaboration, a la Kate Moss for TopShop, discussed here and in the post below. Sienna's sister Savannah actually studied fashion and worked with the likes of Matthew Williamson and the legendary Alexander McQueen!

I really like the clothes depicted here! A fresh take on old classics. The tailoring is exquisite, and so is the detailing...check out the pleats on that dress! See a reference to a piece in the collection here, and get first dibs on some pieces over my-wardrobe.com *. Tell 'em I sent ya!


* Also available at Matches Fashion. Will hit Asos, Neiman's and Bergdorf's as well.

Photo Credit: Fashion Inc.

KATE MOSS FOR TOPSHOP REVISITED

This one has been a long time coming! I'm a 'lil embarrassed to post this...months after the fact, but better late than never, right? I had the opportunity to head to Barney's on opening day of the Kate Moss for TopShop launch way back in early May, and as expected, it was bananas!

This New York Times article does a good job of covering. I missed out on some pieces because I was busy yapping it up with the owner of TopShop, who happily smiled for StyleChile, pictured below.

TopShop owner, Sir Philip Green

When I did finally make it over to the racks (which were emptied as soon as they were stocked), and reached for a coveted dress, an older woman literally snatched it 'outta my hands! I respect my elders, so even though she had no business --none at all-- unless she was getting it for her daughter, or granddaughter, with that dress, I let her be. After all, I was wearing a suit...and we were on Madison avenue...I mean really, I'm not that bad!

A pic of the melee...

I did finally end up with the dress! How so? I decided to wait in the fitting rooms and was able to get all the pieces that others didn't want, or couldn't fit! Here's the blue dress hanging on my door...and see the entire Kate Moss for TopShop collection here. Click on the link below for vintage Style Events posts!

Photo Credit: New York Times (top image)

NYC SAMPLE SALES!!!

What: Seasoned to Perfection
Why:Authentic & Reconstructed & Designer Vintage!
When:Aug 25-26. Sat.-Sun., 12 p.m. -7p.m.
Where:222 West 132nd St., ste 1 (b/t Frederick Douglas and Adam Clayton Powell Blvds.); credit cards accepted! E-mail: s2pvintage@yahoo.com

What: Prada
Why: Ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories for men and women at 70 percent off.
When: Aug. 21-23. Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: The Fuller Building, 45 E. 57th St., at Madison Ave., 2nd flr. By appointment only. Register online!

What: Jimmy Choo
Why: Shoes, bags, and accessories from 65 percent off.
When: Aug. 23. Thurs., noon-7:30 p.m.
Where: Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St., at Sixth Ave.

What: Mulberry

Why: Up to 75 percent off the coveted English luxury leather goods.
When: Aug. 22 & 23. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 140 W. 57th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., ste. 9b.

What: Intermix Warehouse Sale
Why: Stella McCartney coats, were $1,760, now $549; Chloé dresses, were $1,560, now $499; Sergio Rossi flats, were $495, now $149; Alice Ritter cropped jackets, were $460, now $159; Geren Ford tops, were $255, now $79.
When: Aug. 23-26. Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves.

What: Aero
Why: Up to 75 percent off Aero; Thomas O’Brien; and vintage furniture, bedding, tabletop, and other home accessories.
When: Thru Sept. 1. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 419 Broome St., b/t Crosby & Lafayette Sts. (212-966-1500).

What: Charlotte Ronson
Why: Summer dresses for $75; wedge shoes for $45; sweaters for $70.
When: Aug. 22-24. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 1071 Sixth Ave., b/t 40th & 41st Sts., ste. 301 (212-616-1005).

What: Hayden-Harnett

Why: Up to 80 percent off clothes, bags, and other accessories, with 20 percent of proceeds benefiting the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

When: Aug. 22-25. Wed.-Sat., 12:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Edge NY, 65 Bleecker St., b/t Broadway & Lafayette St. (212-358-0255).

THE CORSET BELT

It’s been a while since a designer has taken an accessory to the next level...to “it” item status, right? Prada tried it with her turbans, but (thankfully!) that one didn’t take off. Leave it to Dolce & Gabbana to bring it!

Jennifer Lopez on the cover of September’s Fashion Rocks!

Glamourpuss on (i) the red carpet, and (ii) the way to mop dirty bathrooms!

I’m loving this corset belt! Nothing beats an accessory that is both flattering and functional! No need for a girdle (or spanx--because seriously, who wears girdles now-a-days?)…Create instant curves, and hide flaws, with this hot piece. Can’t afford the hefty $6,195.00 price tag? See my pick to the left.

It’s a more reasonable alternative that doesn’t sacrifice the sexy! Click here to check out another good one.

Eh, it’s not shiny, but it’ll do...Asos' "Chop Out" Corset Belt £15.00

If you insist on buying the Dolce & Gabbana belt, purchase it --plus an entire ensemble to boot-- at Bergdorf’s and Neiman’s. Tell ‘em I sent ‘ya!
StyleTip: Jennifer Lopez shows us that you don’t have to wear a long shiny slinky sequined number to pull this off…nor do you have to wear a short slinky number. Add the belt to jeans and a tank for everyday glam on the block!

Click on the link below for vintage Cover Style and Style Trend posts!

GREY MATTERS!

Grey is the new black. Look out for this color throughout the fall. Whether you choose gunmetal, slate, charcoal or heather...you'll add instant chic to your wardrobe. Simply replace black with grey!

From left to right. Top: Grey silk Lolita dress from Sienna Miller’s new line, Twenty8Twelve, available for £145.00 on my-wardrobe.com; Cotton drape cardigan £35.00 at Oasis and Goldenbleu grey studded “Devon” hobo bag $435.00 at bluefly.com; Middle: Classified ham grey patent perforated peep toe heel, 21.00 at Lulu’s Fashion Lounge*; Wool blend Bermudas, $49.99 on redoute.com; Gray chalcedony earrings $2,160 at luciaodescalchi.com; and Old Navy’s floral lace thongs in magnum grey is only $6.00. Bottom: NYX 3 color eyeshadow in white/grey/black -$5.99 at drugstore.com;Dior fishscale clutch, available on e-luxury.com; Grey knit sweater, available at Pringle of Scotland; and DKNY’s wool-silk-cashmere coat, $695.00.

* StyleChile readers save 15% off everything at Lulu's Fashion Lounge by typing in StyleChile at check-out!

Style Tip: Pair this muted hue with bold colors! Check out my picks (and recent acquisitions below):

Marc Jacobs' Alyona quilted leather tote $1,375.00 on net-a-porter (I'm celebrating...this is not a typical splurge!), and Nine West's Trenton platform sandals now on sale for $59.99.

Click on the label below for similar posts!

STYLEBITS

Karen Millen! Am I the only one who did not know of this store? Click on the link to see (grown and) sexy, sophisticated, attire, cosmetics and eyewear.

Thanks for the tip Bryan!

Ella Ella Ella Eh Eh...Isotoner has decided to capitalize on Rihanna's hit song...and thankfully Rihanna is cashing in too! Check out Isotoner's line of Rihanna umbrellas!

The Rihanna Signature Slender 'Brella is featured to the right.

I love, love, love clutch magazine! Check in daily, or sign up for the monthly newsletter-- for insightful news, juicy gossip and yummy fashion and beauty tips.

You know we're linked in the fashion blog index!

Click on the link below for vintage StyleBits posts!

WEEKLY STYLE REVIEW

Check out these fashionable celebs!

SKINNY v. WIDE

Check out this great feature in September's Elle magazine! Whether it's skinny or wide, make them high (waisted)...

The great debate continues...which do you prefer?

Consult this directory to find the perfect pair of wide-leg jeans and this one for fab skinny jeans. I'm a fan of both. I live in my Miss Sixty zipper-ankle skinny jeans (purchased--but not worn--before the skinny jean boom; circa June 2005 from NY's Century 21...I just had a feeling!). My recently purchased 7 for all mankind "Ginger" jeans are giving them a run for their money though!

Eve rocks a hot pair of high-waisted skinny jeans; while Keira takes a stroll in a wide leg version...

Thanks to Freud Communications for the article preview!

LIBERTINE & ALICE TEMPERLEY FOR TARGET!

Target is doing big things! They really hit the bullseye by pairing with the likes of Isaac Mizrahi, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler and (easier to pronounce names such as) Luellea Bartley, Patrick Robinson, Tara Jarmon and Sophie Albou of Paul & Joe.

Next up, the seventh designer to participate in the GO International Flights of Fashion series, bi-coastal design duo--Libertine, due out by Labor Day! Check out the press release here and the collection here!

...pieces from Libertine's vintage inspired and prepster chic line

After that, be sure to pre-order Alice Temperley's limited edition holiday line, due out in October! Additional images can be found here.

...tailored pieces and whimsical prints are the highlights of Alice Temperley's line!

So far, I've only picked up this piece, and a few others from the Mizrahi line, but I'm going to make an effort to select a couple pieces from forthcoming collections. Enjoy!

Click on the label below to see vintage Style Collaborations posts.

NYC SAMPLE SALES!

What: Morgane Le Fay
Why: Dresses, were $700-$4,000, now $100-$1,500; skirts, were $700-$2,000, now $100-$800; tops, were $600, now $50-$200.
When: Aug. 13-17. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 601 W. 26th St., b/t Eleventh & Twelfth Aves., ste. 1350 (212-604-9152).

What: Hollywould

Why: Ballet shoes, were $215, now $65; heels, were $395, now $100; dresses, were $595, now $175; clutches, were $195, now $60.

When: Aug. 16-18. Thurs.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 198 Elizabeth St., b/t Prince & Spring Sts. (212-219-1905); or online!

What: Dempsey & Carroll

Why: Luxe stationery at more than 25 percent off.

When: Thru Aug. 31. Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. ; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 136 E. 57th St. , b/t Lexington & Third Aves., 4th flr. (877-750-1878); or online!

What: MarieMarie
Why: Dresses for $99; tops for $59; gowns for $199.
When: Aug. 15 & 16. Wed., noon-6 p.m.; Thurs., noon-8 p.m.
Where: 257 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 10th flr. (212-840-4061).

What: Barneys (Warehouse Sale)

Why: You know the drill. Get ready to push for men's and women's clothing, footwear, accessories, baby stuff, and housewares at 50-75 percent off.
When: Aug. 16-Sept. 3. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Aug. 16 & 17, opens at 8 a.m.); Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 255 W. 17th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves. (212-450-8700).

What: Beanpye Trunk Show (I love Beanpye!)
Why: Funk inspired, unique jewelry at discount prices

When: Aug. 21, 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Where: 400 West 37th St at Ninth Ave. RSVP at rsvp@beanpye.com. Cash only.

HOT NEW HUE: LEMON & LIME

Yellow and green is such a naturally hot pairing! The two bold colors work well together because they're right next to each other on the spectrum.

Eva Longoria pairs her lemon-yellow dress with bright green pumps from Rickard Shah...Gisele adds a splash of green to her ensemble with her clutch. You can do the same with my picks below.

Left to Right. Top: Jimmy Choo Heron £276.50 at Net-A-Porter UK; and Miu Miu satin mini clutch £145.00 at Net-A-Porter UK. Middle: Kena Kai croc embossed clutch $125.99 at ebags.com; Kenneth Cole's Seafoam satin slingbacks $150.00 at Blue Fly; Shiraleah velvet fan clutch only $36.00 at ebags.com and ; Guiseppe Zanotti aloe satin crystal sandals $221.99 at Bluefly. Bottom: Topshop's sharp pointed metallic flat £25.00; Lanvin satin evening bag with stone £590.00 at Brown's Fashion and; Kate Spade's Montserrat Jocelyn clutch $325.00 at Nordstroms.

Left to Right: Milly Dress $445.00 at Bergdorf Goodman; Forever 21's Racerback Tank (not pictured)$8.80 is a great alternative!; and Nina Ricci's Floral Cocktail Dress is $2,890.00 on Net-A-Porter.

Yellow was/is big this season! See a previous post on the color here, and check out vintage Hot New Hue posts by clicking the label below.