Spotlight Saturday - Amy Whinehouse

The soulful sultry voice of brit born Amy Whinehouse has been stifled long before its time as the 27 year old, best known for her old school sound and amazing contralto vocals was found dead this afternoon 4:00 UK time, in her home in Camden, London.  The cause of her passing remains 'unexplained' however, it's no secret that the young singer had an ongoing history with drugs & alcohol.  Whinehouse gained popularity in the UK several years before she came on the scene in America with her second album titled, 'Back To Black' in 2006.  Ironically, it wasn't until 2007, with her hit song 'Rehab' that she rose to fame here in the states.  Besides being noted for her vocal abilities, Amy was the muse to fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.  She wasn't just the beehive, eyeliner and tattoos, she was an amazing talent who had the ability to infuse jazz, r&b and soul into every song she sang.   

                                      In the spotlight today...            
                                      Amy Jade Whinehouse
                            September 14th 1983 - July 23rd 2011


pics: fitceleb.com

Spotlight Saturday - Royal Ensemble On Display

The Royal hoopla is still all a buzz, as it was noted in the news today that the complete wedding ensemble worn by Kate Middleton, accessories included (shoes, earrings, bouquet & silk tulle veil), is being displayed at Buckingham Palace as of yesterday, Friday, July 22nd and through to October 3rd of this year, as part of the palace's annual Summer opening.  In the spotlight once again, the ivory and white satin gown designed by Sarah Burton for the Alexander McQueen fashion house.  Visitors will be able to view up close and personal, the hand made lace applique that was made for the bodice and skirt using techniques that dated back to almost two centuries ago.  Middleton's gown had intricate patterns of rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil incorporated into the design to represent every nation in the United Kingdom.  The garment truly is a work of art...

  
pics: fashionologie.com

Blogger Queen Susie Bubble

I browse many fashion related blogs daily and happened to come upon one titled...'Style Bubble'.  The writer of the blog, Susie Lau goes by the name  Susie Bubble which was given to her by her primary school classmate because of her personality trait of seeming like she's in a world of her own most of the time. Susie is in her late twenties & a British born Chinese woman who doesn't dabble in fashion retail but is for sure a fashion consumerist.  She states no claim to being an expert on the subject of fashion, in spite of how well versed she is on the subject on pretty much every level.  Having resided in London her whole life, she is quite familiar with the fashion hot spots in her area and has links to them on her site.  Writing has always been second nature to Bubble, as she began her 'Style Bubble' fashion blog in 2006 and ended up resigning from her position in digital media with 'DAZED' in 2010' & now makes her living as a free lance writer, full time blogger. 

Since 2006, over 30,000 people have ritualistically logged on every day to see what Susie has to say...and for the past five years she has obviously been entertaining the masses with her opinions & style choices regarding fashion since she has developed quite a cult following.  She claims to be a fashion 'outsider' rather than 'insider', meaning she has no inside connections to the fashion world & just goes by instinct alone when it comes to style.  She's big on experimenting with her own idea of what's fashionable & it totally seems to be working for her!...

Regardless of the fact that she's had no formal training in fashion, design or anything relating to it, she has gained much press over the past five years having been written about or appearing in, Vogue, Elle, Nylon, Teen Vogue, etc... simply because she has a keen eye for detail.

Susie Lau, better known as Susie Bubble is one of the most recognized fashion bloggers today and has created for herself the title of 'internet style icon' by simply doing what comes natural ... writing about her passion for fashion.

: blog.360fashion.net , wikifashion.com, flickr.com

Sarah Palin...Soccer Mom Gone Style Crazy!

Whether you're for her or against her, Sarah Palin doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.  Looking back to when she first became a media mogul, I can't help but remember when she was being scrutinized, and rightfully so, for her over $150,000 wardrobe bill that had her Republican donors outraged!  Her campaign was at a deficit for over $125,000 for Mrs. Palin alone!  Her clothing was said to have came from Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue which was kind of contradictory to the 'down to earth, average joe' persona Palin was trying to play off on.  In an effort to buffer the situation and calm the angry mobs, it was stated by one of her representatives that, the clothing would be donated to charity after her election was over.  That kind of makes me laugh because I cannot think of how her business attire could be utilized by the homeless?

The once Governor of Alaska, has been said to have acquired her own secret style team since the previous 2008 Presidential campaign and has no problem springing for designer labels.  Valentino being at the top of her list... What's all the buzz though is the fact that she kept her own signature style but just traded it for the more pricey version (i.e. designer label), and it's literally the exact same style choice compared to what she wore before stepping onto the national stage.  It's a win win situation for her obviously since she was able to maintain her appeal to the working class while at the same time being able to sport some classy rags.

She has been in the press again lately as she has been cited as holding off on giving her decision as to whether or not she's going to run in the 2012 election.  If it's a 'GO', the Republican donors better start beefin' up their donations as I'm sure that now since she has gained celebrity status, they best know a shopping spree is in her forecast!

: stylehog.com , dailymail.co.uk , nytimes.com

sneak peak July 13th preview

Hi there luvs, how are you all doing? I've been pretty busy here at the stomping grounds of R/T never a dull moment around here. I was on vacation last week, did quite a bit of traveling for the shop, visiting family, & spent a few days in Ohio at Cedar Point! Next month we will be traveling to Vegas.. first timer here.. any tips?  Hope everyone is enjoying some hot fun, oh & yes I can't forget my lovely Sheila's.. sorry!
I know it is cold for you right now *just checked looking around 50s all week*
This is going to be a brief blah-blah-blah update & a shop preview. Here are a few of the new loves that will be added to the shop tomorrow!! And ... New giveaway this Sunday. Stay tuned.. xo

Keeping Cool & Staying Stylish

Just because were in the midst of the dog days of Summer, that doesn't mean that we have to lose our fashion sense.  Keeping cool & staying stylish at the same time is easily attainable as well as affordable.

There are a few simple 'must have' staples to include into your Summer wardrobe which should include... A sundress as well as a maxi dress, a pair of flat sandals, loose fitting Bermuda shorts (khakis are always 'in') and or a pair of jean cut offs (a timeless style), a tank top & some bold sun shades.

Warm weather is obviously all about everything 'minimal' which makes it easy to mix and match the few pieces you need to stay stylish for Summer 2011.


: fashiontrendspotting.com , stylebakery.com , eatdrinkshoplove.com 

Spotlight Saturday - Kim Kardashian & Vera Wang

Kim Kardashian is in the spotlight once again as she was seen leaving fashion designer Vera Wang's bridal shop with none other than Wang herself.  It has been stated that Vera Wang is quite chummy with the Kardashian clan and even designed the dress Kim's sister Chloe wore when she wed basketball star Lamar Odom.  The reason Kim's in the spotlight today is because of the hideous leopard jump suit she was spotted wearing.  Speculations have been rising as to whether or not the piece is a 'Wang'? Whatever/whoever it is, it's nothing short of disastrous!  And for that matter, what the heck is up with Vera with the shorts over slacks and not to be too bold but seriously with the 'no bra', you are not 15! I'm throwing her in the spotlight too! What were ya'll thinking?!

: omg.yahoo.com , buzzfoto.com

Vintage Vogue

Vogue magazine is waaaay beyond 'vintage' being that the mag was first founded in 1892.  The publication didn't really start taking off until around the great depression when it's number of subscriptions began to rise. It wasn't until the 1960's however, that Vogue began to appeal to the youth of that generation as it began focusing more on contemporary fashions and the subject matter became more loose discussing topics such as 'sexuality' which was considered taboo even during that time of the sexual revolution of the free loving 60's.

Vogue magazine has of course adapted to the times, changing with each era and especially gained world wide recognition as a reputable source of 'what's what on the fashion scene' after being taken over by the current editor in chief Anna Wintour in 1988.   Wintour brought a fresh new take on the vintage periodical by incorporating an idea of how the 'common woman' (i.e. not wealthy), could incorporate an air of haute couture into their daily wardrobe with less expensive designer 'looking' pieces.  Before she came on board, the magazine had become stagnant offering the same ol' same old to it's avid readers, month after month.

Ms. Wintour has gained such a reputation in the fashion industry as an unabashed power house that she was nicknamed 'nuclear wintour' by her peers.    Without it being said literally, the character played by Meryl Streep in the 2006 'Devil Wears Prada', about a demanding fashion magazine editor was said to have been likened after her.  It was reported after the film was released that Wintour was not fond of the way she was portrayed regardless of the movies acclaimed success at the box office.

Vogue is so internationally popular that even if Wintour stepped down from her position, it's not likely that it would be going anywhere anytime soon, given the reputable nature it has gained in over a century!  

absolute-style.blogspot , stylebyme.net

Farrah Fawcett...In The News Again?

Farrah Fawcett is in the news today in spite of the fact that she passed away close to two years ago.  Her ex long time lover Ryan O'Neal has come forward to claim that he believes the stress from their tumultuous relationship brought on her illness and ultimately cost her her life.  I personally think that idea's a bit out there, but reading the article gave me my inspiration for todays post.

Farrah Fawcett was an American born actress and stated to have also been an artist although I had never heard of her stating any fame from it.  The only art I knew she was involved with, centered around the photo shoot she agreed to do for Playboy when she hit her fifties in the 90's.  Having turned down anything that had to do with being nude in movies and the media throughout her career, this came as a complete shock to her fans!  That spread was the best selling issue ever, topping out at over 4 million sold.

    
In her early career, Farrah started out in commercials & she was a spokes model for Breck shampoo, Noxema, Ultra Brite toothpaste & the 1975 Mercury Cougar.  She then went on to further her acting career landing a role on the popular hit show of the late seventies, 'Charlie's Angels' opposite Jaclyn Smith & Kate Jackson.  It wasn't until 1976 when she posed for the infamous red swim suit poster, that she became an overnight sex symbol.  That poster sold over 12 million copies world wide & the only overtly sexual aspect of the photo was that her headlights were on ah ha! 

She was also considered to be in the top 100 most influential fashion icons of the seventies with her skimpy clothes, big smile and mass of blond curls.  It was even suggested that she deserves some major kudos for inspiring the glamazon Victoria's Secret "Angel" look since her legendary hairstyle has been mega duped on the catwalk.

Unfortunately, I can't help but remember how in the end of her career, she became a bit wacky and eccentric with her flighty antics during talk show interviews & other televised media events.  I think this was due majorly in part to the fact that Farrah was having an issue with the idea of growing old.  It was evident in the bad nip/tucks, that she was chasing time and wasn't interested in the concept of aging gracefully...

All of that changed in the end as Farrah let go of worrying about esthetics or how the world saw her physical self when she let us all see her battle with cancer in a very raw and intimate account of her day to day struggle with the disease that ultimately ended her life.  She redeemed herself in the public eye and left behind her a legacy of strength, dignity and grace that will never be forgotten.


: ioffer.com , babble.com , rockthe411.com , leninimports.com , manshappy.wordpress.com 

Goldie Hawn - MOD Monday

Not too many of our generation knows that actress Goldie Hawn was the MOD 'it girl' back in her heyday, or that she got her big break on the now vintage, no longer in syndication Rowan & Martin's sketch comedy show 'Laugh In'.

Her painted bikini clad body made her a popular staple on the show every week and was considered too much for t.v. back in the late 60's, early 70's.  She went on to often portray a bimbo'ish character in her films but that persona is what brought her to star status.  

   
Goldie re-popularized the baby doll mini dress and had a way of making the most simple frock into something fresh and exciting!

Goldie Hawn's daughter, Kate Hudson has definitely followed in her mother's foot steps with her fashion forward persona as well as a vintage vibe that's all her own.

: santinomusic.com , tumblr.com , orthocuban.com , heres-looking-like-you-kid.com , labeledujour.com

Spotlight Saturday - Fashion Against AIDS

Since 2008, Designers Against Aids has made a successful collaboration with several artists & super star singer Rhianna is one of them having launched her own clothing line targeting the younger generation and it's been said that 25% of the proceeds from all sales have been going towards AIDS research.  Her designs are simple featuring tanks, tees and hoodies. Other musicians have gotten in on this gig like 'My Chemical Romance & Katie Perry'.  The idea for this venture was initiated by the DAA, Designers Against AIDS which is a non profit organization that seeks collaborations with fashion designers, musicians and other artists with the sole objective being, to bring awareness to today's youth about the serious nature of the choices they have in protecting themselves from HIV/AIDS.

celebrityclothingline.com , jollypeople.com 

Handsome Girl

Women have been trying to wear men's clothes for ages and seriously, how many of you have found it extra cozy to slip your man's tee shirt or hoodie on?  And what about the boyfriend jeans style for ladies?  Or how about when it was popular to wear the top to your guys pajamas?  James Brown sang "It's A Man's World" & I guess he was on to something, as women have been trying to incorporate the power status of their male counterpart's attire into their wardrobe since the 1920's when vintage silent film star Marlene Dietrich frequently wore tuxedo's & suits and thus began the birth of sexual ambiguity in regards to the usual 'boy/girl' social norms regarding clothing.  

Her idea, borrowed from the boys staples (i.e. fitted jacket, trouser slacks, neck tie & maybe even a fedora) has trailed into present day designs as women seek to continue the attempt to feminize men's styles.  The style is now called, the 'handsome girl'...

Designer's such as Yves St. Laurent & COCO Chanel have been tailoring suits for women with a dude appeal for decades...

Back in 2008, the eccentric designer John Galliano touted that if YSL can put women in men's suits, he was going to go out on a limb and fashion a man skirt and not just for the Scottish bros!  I don't think it took off as well as he'd expected.  There's just some instances when gender neutrality in fashion has a cut off point dont'cha think?

: sodahead.com , hijabi-girl.blogspot.com , dejourmagazine.com , nymag.com