StyleChile

GIVEAWAY: STYLECHILE + SHOPBOP + UGGS BOOTS

2009-12-03T03:52:00.003-05:00

Feeling lucky? One creative StyleChile reader will win a $100 Shopbop instant gift card just in time for the holidays!

Winning is easy. All you have to do is leave a comment beneath this post and tell us which is your favorite pair of Uggs boots from Shopbop.com and why, and most importantly, share how you would wear them.

The most creative, fashion-inspiring comment wins. So be sure to be imaginative and original. The winner will be able to start shopping immediately with their $100 Shopbop.com instant gift card.

Good luck! Stay tuned for more giveaways from StyleChile and click on the label below for past giveaways!

WELL READ!

2009-11-14T14:45:00.010-05:00

Cover of "Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy"

From the woman who brought us this site (one of my favorites!) which pays homage to First Lady Michelle Obama, comes a book that chronicles--with over 120 photographs and interviews with many of Mrs. O's favorite designers--the artistry, ingenuity and behind-the-scenes machinations of our always polished and fashionable First Lady.

A couple of pages from Mary Tomer's book

Click here to get more insight on the book--straight from Mrs. T--and get a sneak peak here. Order your copy from Amazon today!

Click on the label below for vintage Politics of Fashion posts!

SONIA RYKIEL + H&M

2009-11-27T16:38:00.002-05:00

Available in time for Christmas, Sonia Rykiel for H&M lingerie will become available in 1,500 H&M stores worldwide starting December 5th. Sonia Rykiel will simultaneously show these pieces in Sonia Rykiel boutiques around the world. The lingerie ads feature models Lara Stone, Caroline Trentini and Anne Vyalitsyna.

“It is a hallmark of Sonia Rykiel to think of all women because fashion is about a certain spirit more than a question of means. This collaboration fits perfectly with our philosophy.” - Nathalie Rykiel, president and artistic director of Sonia Rykiel.

And if that wasn't enough, the French house "founded by the 'Queen of Knits' which represents the distinctive, modern and impertinent spirit of Paris" is also collaborating with the Swedish retailer on a second line, featuring knitwear and accessories for women and girls, to be launched in 250 H&M stores on February 20, 2010.

“Sonia Rykiel is a true fashion icon who invented a signature style around femininity, Parisian chic and modernity - as well as functional, comfortable, wearable clothes. She has an attitude that inspires admiration among women of all ages around the world.” - H&M creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch.

Check out H&M's press release here and catch a sneak peak of the Sonia Rykiel pour H&M event to be held on December 1 at the Grand Palais in Paris. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaboration posts!

GAGA FOR BEYONCE

2009-11-18T19:08:00.005-05:00

Still with Beyonce and Lady Gaga from Beyonce's Video Phone music video . . .

Beyonce gives me everything when it comes to performing--and she's solidifying her status as a bonafide fashionista and tasetemaker. And, Gaga, well Gaga gives me EVERYTHING in terms of fashion. Natch, I think this video is a veritable clash of the proverbial titans. What do you think of the pairing? Did one influence the other, or were the two evenly matched? Click here to see the full video. It's sensory overload, but well worth it. I counted at least 13 wardrobe changes.

MENAGE à TROIKA: BRAD + ANGELINA + ASPREY

2009-11-16T20:28:00.006-05:00

Reptilian Rings

The latest offspring from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie arrives in the form of slinky, sexy, serpentine jewelry for British luxury retailer, Asprey. How apropos! What could have spawned this foray into fashion design? Why, charity of course. A portion of proceeds from sales of the limited edition capsule will benefit Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which Angelina co-founded in 2006.

Silver Baby Spoon, $525

I've long appreciated Angelina's subtle style. She favors slithery gowns in blacks, grays and nudes and never appears to try too hard. The fusion of Angelina's aesthetic and Brad Pitt's love of architecture and design should be the antidote to the myriad inexplicable celebrity/design pairings. Hisssss!

Read more about Brad's and Angelina's new baby over at WWD. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts.

2009-11-14T14:44:00.001-05:00

SOMETHING LIKE A PHENOMENON...

2008-06-18T22:32:00.009-05:00

Let me preface by stating that I blame the blog for my newfound fascination with online shopping. Unsurprisingly, I love clothes. Surprisingly, I detest shopping. But! Ever since I started blogging (which requires that I look for clothes online), I’ve started ordering and ordering and ordering…I mean, I like the Target collaborations and all, but I’m not going to wear half of that stuff. And, seriously, how many CFDA-Vogue Fashion Fund-Gap white shirts can a girl own? It doesn’t help that my work require that I sit at a desk in front of a computer for countless hours…and so, when I have no time to go out and shop, and when I’m feeling sorry for myself for not having any time, what do I do? I send myself gifts! Methinks I need to get another hobby.

All of this is a really circuitous way of saying that: if you’re going to shop online, you might as well look into the tres exclusive (high end luxury discount) sites below. Moschino straight from the runway? Check. Dolce & Gabbana? Duh. Badgley Mishka? They’ve got it. And for dirt cheap—so to speak. Each site is by invite only and requires a referral (in the case of Editor’s Closet, no referral means you’ll have to join the waitlist—and folks have been waiting since time immemorial!). If you’re interested in joining, shoot me an e-mail at stylechil@gmail.com and I will send you an invite.

Brief synopses of a few of the more popular sites follow. Happy shopping! You can thank me (or not) later. And I have to thank David B. for inviting me to two out of the five listed below. He totally fuels my passion for fashion!

Gilt Group

www.gilt.com

"Luxury Brands; Hand Selected Styles; Members Only Prices"

StyleChile Rating: Amex up!

This one should be called “guilt group” because guilty is how you’ll feel after each purchase…it’s not that the items are expensive per se…well, relatively speaking…it’s just that the prices are so good, that the frequency with which you’ll make a purchase might prove problematic. I have a friend (she shall remain nameless, but if you want to know who, click here) who curses me for sending her the invite…she’s lost track of what (and how many) items she’s ordered…some of us have self control (ahem) and…a $25.00 credit for each referral who makes a purchase. So, my Valentino skirt, which would have otherwise been $200+, was almost free. Read here for Forbes' article on Gilt Group.

Haute Look

http://www.hautelook.com/

"The Most Exclusive Sales, Happen In Private."
StyleChile Rating: MasterCard down!

While I was able to buy a super cute “Plenty” by Tracy Reese car coat (for cheap folks, I’m talking cheapy-cheap cheap), I was not impressed with the wait time. If you’re anything like me…I need instant gratification (don’t ask why I shop online)…you’re going to grow impatient with the slouchy service! Be prepared to wait 7 days for HauteLook to receive your item (that’s 7 days AFTER you’ve clicked submit), plus a few—or many—additional days for them to ship it to you. Being the letter writing lawyer that I am, I was able to score a terse apology and a miniscule credit for my wait time.

Editor’s Closet

http://www.editorscloset.com/
StyleChile Rating: Visa’s on deck!

I’ve yet to try this one, but I’m intrigued. I was even more impressed when my Cavalli-wearing, French-shopping-spree-executing, gazillion-Louboutin (what these ole things?)-having friend, sent me an e-mail to thank me for this invite…she said she was wondering how she was going to get on. So you know this one must be good!

Rue La La

http://www.ruelala.com/
"Rue La La is an exclusive online destination of private sale primier brand boutiques that are each open two or three days each. Membership is free, as long as you know somebody."
StyleChile Rating: Debit Card at the Ready!

I joined this one today, and sadly, made my first purchase today. It was worth it though! I mean, the discounts are unbelievable. Miu Miu sale is tomorrow, so hop to it!

Urban Daddy

www.urbandaddy.com
StyleChile Rating: Cash in Hand!

Interested in hearing about the coolest and newest roof top lounge in your city? Want to know what the hot restaurants are doing with absinthe now that it’s legal? Want perks that most other urban dwellers can’t get their hands on? Well then, get in the know with Urban Daddy. Downside? They’re pretty aggressive with the e-mails…and while it’s all good information, I wish they would send weekly newsletters in lieu of bi daily feeds.

Sheesh, I think this might be my longest. post. ever.

OOH LA LA!

2008-12-09T17:06:00.008-05:00

Two of my favorite online discount shopping destinations are having serious holiday deals. For up to 70% and 80% off retail on brands such as Just Cavalli, Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana, Tahari and Zac Posen check out Gilt Groupe and Rue La La. Due to the exclusive nature of membership to these sites, not everyone can take advantage. However, StyleChile readers can enjoy VIP membership to both Gilt Groupe and Rue La La just in time for the holidays.

Gilt Groupe

- log on with www.gilt.com/stylechile

Gilt Groupe is having the following sales this week: Botkier and M Missoni on December 9, Jill Stuart RTW and Shoes and Bedat & Co. on December 10, Milly Marc Bouwer Glamit and Marco Bicego on December 12 and Ali & Ro on December 13.

Rue La La

- Go to www.ruelala.com; select "invited by a member"; enter "vip@ruelala.com" to bypass the waitlist and get in.

Rue La La is hosting the following boutiques, just in time for holiday shopping! Kooba and La Perla on December 9, Kate Spade on December 11, Ellen Tracy and Samsonite Black Label on December 12 and Via Spiga and Honora Pearls on December 15.

For comprehensive coverage of Gilt Groupe and Rue La La read my vintage post here. If you'd like your own invitation to these exclusive shopping sites, shoot me an e-mail at stylechil@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more on my guest blog on Gilt Groupe!

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE

2009-10-01T18:53:00.008-05:00

It’s been a while . . .

This Summer I moved (back) to Philadelphia primarily because I accepted a new role as an associate in-house counsel at an investment company. It's now Fall and I can no longer hold on to the many excuses (moving, getting adjusted to a new job, finding an apartment, unpacking, etc.) that I used to delay blogging, working out, checking e-mail and generally fulfilling other obligations. I’ve accepted that there’s no time like the present to return to business as usual. While I was “gone” we’ve had NY Fashion Week, the launch of Gilt Fuse, the announcement of Sonia Rykiel for H&M, the release of The September Issue and Coco avant Chanel . . . all of the foregoing despite the financial crisis. Now that the equity markets are resurging (read: slight uptick, but we can be optimistic, right?) I can only imagine how many bigger and better fashion shows, movies and launches are to come!

Stay tuned, and, as usual, thanks for reading!

GROUPE THINK

2009-10-22T20:36:00.000-05:00

Slow news day for Gilt!

Be sure to shop Gilt Groupe's final Fall sale tomorrow (October 23rd beginning at noon) for up to 90% off Malandrino, McQueen, Marc Jacobs, and over 50 other designers.

Preview Rag and Bone's silk "Blondie" strap dress on the left, on sale tomorrow for $78, down from $375.

Special sale for iPhone users who are Gilt on the Go members -- there's an app for that!

Need an invitation? Be my guest by visiting www.gilt.com/invite/stylechil. Check out newly launched Gilt Jet Setter and Gilt Man while you're there.

Click on the label below for more on Gilt and additional discount shopping information.

OBJET D'ART: CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN JEWELED PLATFORM

2009-10-01T22:47:00.005-05:00

Christian Louboutin's Glitter Platforms $2,830.00 at Bergdorf Goodman.

I don't really need to say much about these bejeweled beauties. The 5-inch sparklers are guaranteed to elevate any outfit. I would prefer to wear these with jeans and a white tee. Made of electric blue metallic leather, technicolored stones and a hidden platform, these mutlticolored slingbacks are a bit outrageous, but definitely museum worthy.

Click on the label below for vintage Objet d' Art posts!

SASHA FIERCE + DEREON

2009-07-20T13:04:00.006-05:00

WWD reports that House of Deréon designer Beyoncé is set to launch a new junior line inspired by and named for her on-stage alter ego, Sasha Fierce. The collection is inspired by looks created by Thierry Mugler for the singer's world tour (previously discussed here) and according to Tina Knowles, Beyoncés mother and fellow House of Deréon designer, the line is "edgier and trendier and reflects Sasha Fierce's daring and outgoing attitude." The collection features many accessories (read: chains and studded shoes) and fairly simple silhouettes. Sasha Fierce for Deréon will be available in Macy's and Dillard's this fall.

THIERRY MUGLER + BEYONCE

2009-03-27T16:35:00.009-05:00

Thierry Mugler, well known for designing styles that accentuate a woman's curves, has paired with she of the iconic curves and is the creative advisor for Beyonce's 2009 world Tour.

"The look pictured here captures that duality. It imagines Beyonce as a tough, chic, superheroine type who likes her power glam with a bit of froth; hence, the bow bustle and mismatched gloves that pair lacy fishnet with articulated metal."- Thierry Mugler via WWD

Beyonce was so taken by Mugler's designs, as featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Superheroes exhibit, that she was moved to work with him. As creative advisor, Mugler will work on lighting, sets and costumes. A few sketches of his costume for Sasha Fierce, Beyonce's on-stage alter ego, are featured above.

Read the Women's Wear Daily article here. In other Beyonce news, she is covering the April issue of Vogue and is proving that real women have curves. Check out the Vogue Cover and behind the scenes video.

Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts!

2009-07-20T13:04:00.001-05:00

COLOR CONSCIOUS: GRAMMY AWARDS 2008

2008-02-13T01:55:00.009-05:00

The 50th Anniversary of the Grammy Awards packed a punch...in more ways than one. My favorite of the night was Rihanna, who was darling in Zac Posen!

Rihanna wears a Zac Posen dress accessorized with day glo nails; Fergie wears a butter yellow strapless Calvin Klein.

Natasha Bedingfield wore a glamourous Reem Acra gown, and Tamyra Gray wore a shiny green cocktail number.

Celebrities were intent on making a statement, one way or another...from Kelis & Co. who donned outfits emblazoned with the "N" word, to Chris Brown in that red and white tuxedo (reminiscent of Ronald McDonald), to Beyonce in that frothy Elie Saab concoction, to Aretha who wore the same hideous dress twice in less than 6 months.

A startling number of attendees were blah in black: Faith Hill, Fantasia, Keyshia Cole, Solange, Cyndi Lauper and Toccara.

GOLDEN GLOBES

2007-01-16T22:53:00.001-05:00

The Golden Globes went down last night and I actually watched the show!

Best Dressed: Best Actor Award Winner--Forest Whitaker! He and his wife Keisha were styled by Q! Go to Honey Magazine online to see my inaugural article about, and interview with, the styling guru!

Yes, you read it right! I'm so psyched to contribute to Honey Magazine, it's a dream come true!

If you know me, you know that I secretly want to post a picture of Beyonce (in her gold dress no less!) under this caption, but I don't want y'all to think I'm biased or anything!

Honorable Mention: America Ferrera...

...because she's cute and new and smart and she looks like she's the kind of person that brings out the best in people ... that's all way more important than great clothes! But her dress is hot too!

Worst Dressed: Jennifer, why are you dressed so scary???

WTF? I've got no words...

Ambivalent: Cameron Diaz. I think one would really love or hate this dress...I definitely feel a little bit of both...I'm glad that Cameron took the risk, but I think this would be better suited for Nicole Kidman!

Shrug, Yawn, Yay or Eh?

Check out previous coverage of awards shows by clicking the "Award Shows" label below, or click here!

AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS

2006-11-25T04:16:00.001-05:00

The American Music Awards went down last Tuesday. I missed the show, but that wont stop me from putting in my two cents!

Best Dressed: Promiscuous Girl!

Nelly gives Queen Bey a run for her money! I love everything about this ensemble, from the bangs to the shoes!
Beyonce always manages to get it right, her dress can stand a bit of ironing though! It's all in the details hun...

Honorable Mention:

Paris really surprised me with this one...keep up the good work!

Gold Fever: Katharine McPhee and Bey clearly got the memo!

Get your version of Beyonce's dress from Max Mara:

Worst Dressed: "Why are you dressed so scary?"

What is Gwen 'tryna do here? She done had a baby then went and lost her damn mind. She looks like a Versace ad gone wrong. Poor Gavin.

Now, Jamie looks good from the neck down to the waist, and i really do just mean to the waist...stop looking about a quarter inch after that last button...He loses me with those white pants--what's up with the extra material on his jacket?!?!

Ambivalent:

The Pussycat Dolls generally suffer from the same style schizophrenia that's afflicting Danity Kane, they can never manage to look in sync AND different...they look better than usual here: black, white and red all over--boring!

E for Effort:

I'm not loving this look, but it's better than nothing...I mean, she IS going through a divorce and simultaneously making her comeback album, not to mention she just gave birth to two children in two years...I guess.

FAIRY TALE

2007-01-28T10:41:00.003-05:00

Disney has assembled an all-star cast to help it celebrate the 50th anniversary of its theme parks. Iconic fashion/celebrity photographer, Annie Leibovitz, brought the Disney characters to life.

Scarlett Johansson channels Cinderella in a 62-karat Harry Winston tiara and glass slippers that were custom-made by Steuben:
Beyonce portrays Alice in Wonderland--with Lyle Lovett as the March Hare and Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter:

Becks is depicted as Snow White's Prince Phillip:

COVER STYLE: BEYONCE + SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

2007-02-14T08:43:00.002-05:00

Guess who's the cover girl of the coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition?

Bey appears in a musically themed issue (rocking House of Dereon of course), which features models posing with Kanye, Aerosmith, Kenny Chesney, Gnarls Barkley and Panic! At the Disco.

Check out pics from the shoot below:

SEEING DOUBLE: BEYONCE vs. RACHEL

2007-03-18T22:34:00.001-05:00

With the Oscars only a few weeks behind us, it was inevitable that we would be seeing double. Beyonce recently wore this beautiful gown by Giorgio Armani Privé. It comes as no surprise to see the same gown on Rachel McAdams on the April cover of Elle Magazine. The fresh color and precious stone detail on this silhouette is both timeless and exquisite.

I believe both ladies bring elegance to the same gown, though in different ways. Although different I call both renditions…a tie!

FAIRY TALE PART DEUX

2008-02-17T23:01:00.013-05:00

Disney's at it again! They've recently released the latest of their collaboration with famed photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony as Jasmine and Aladdin

Jessica Biel as Pocahontas

Tina Fey as Tinkerbell, Gisele Bundchen and Mikhail Baryshnikov as Wendy and Peter Pan

Whoopi Goldberg as Genie

Check out the first in the series (Beyonce as Alice in Wonderland, Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Lyle Lovett as the March Hare, Oliver Platt as the Mad Hatter and David Beckham as Prince Phillip) here!

MOON WALK

2009-07-20T12:09:00.008-05:00

The Louis Vuitton Icare travel bag in monogram canvas with astronauts Sally Ride, Jim Lovell and Buzz Aldrin.

Louis Vuitton celebrates the 40th anniversary of man's historic journey to the moon! The latest ad campaign is shot by Annie Leibovitz and features Astronauts Buzz Aldrin of the July 1969 Apollo 11 mission, Jim Lovell commander of the failed Apollo 13 mission of 1970 and the first woman in space, Sally Ride, of the 1983 Space Shuttle Challenger. Today we celebrate man's voyage to the moon; let us be reminded to always reach for the stars. Visit Louis Vuitton's interactive site: louisvuittonjourneys.com to hear the astronauts discuss the experience and to view Annie Leibovitz's prints. Click on the label below for vintage Fashion Photography posts!

M.A.C. + JIN SOON CHOI

2009-07-09T09:28:00.003-05:00

“There are thousands of sheer and natural colors. It’s time to be surprising, revolutionary, edgy. Inspired by architecture, these are colors you’ll now dare to wear.” — Jin Soon

Want complex color that allegedly lasts forever? Check out the nail polish created for M.A.C. by Jin Soon Choi. Known for creating shades with depth and nuance and for her natural hand and foot spa (which counts Sarah Jessica Parker as their first client), Jin Soon has worked with countless fashion and beauty campaigns; from Prada and Missoni to L' Oreal and Cover Girl. And, has worked with Uma Thurman, Rihanna, Hillary Swank, Beyonce and more.

With colors described as mid-tone grey lavender, rich blackened brown, khaki olive green and blackened blue green and with names such as Cool Reserve, Rich Dark Delicious, Dry Martini and Beyond Jealous, respectively, Jin Soon for M.A.C. will surely set you apart from the various red and french manicured nails this summer.

Available at www.maccosmetics.com and in M.A.C. stores and counters beginning August 27 in the U.S. and in September internationally, each polish is $12.

ANNA SUI + TARGET

2009-06-29T08:12:00.003-05:00

Finally! Photos of the Gossip Girl-inspired Anna Sui for Target collection are now available. The collection is organized in four distinct groups; outfits befitting Blair, Serena, Vanessa and Jenny. I don't watch the show, but plan to catch up on all of the seasons when they become available on DVD. What do you think? Are the outfits consistent with the styles of each of the four featured characters?

The 19 piece collection will be available in 250 select Target stores September 13 through October 17. For pictures of the entire collection, click here. Click on the label below for vintage Style Collaborations posts.

BETH DITTO + EVANS

2009-06-20T04:19:00.002-05:00

Beth Ditto, lead singer of punk rock group Gossip, fashion darling, gay rights activist, feminist, champion for plus size causes and model--most notably as the cover girl for Conde Nast's Love magazine--has designed a line of 80's inspired clothing for the plus size British retailer, Evans. The fashion world has long been criticized for the dearth of high (and lo) fashions for the full figured woman. Many retailers are seeking to address this problem by creating lines geared towards youth oriented plus sizes (see Faith21 for Forever21 discussed infra). Evans, owned by the Arcadia Group, which is parent company to TopShop, was taken to task by Ditto, who demanded that she be allowed to design a line for the company and voila . . . the rest is history. For pictures of the entire Beth Ditto for Evans collection click here.