Oh No...

Note to Whitney:
I'll admit it, I watch The Hills and I'll probably watch your new show, The City.  I generally like your style, and think that you are the sensible one on a show full of drama queens.  Until last night, you showed up to the Hills finale after party wearing this on your head...


The only possible explanation I can think of, is somehow Spencer made you do it. He really is the root of all evil on the show, right?

Note to Readers:
I am all for people making bold fashion statements, and for taking chances with their wardrobes. My advice is don't wear anything that you will be embarrassed about wearing in a few months. Pictures last forever my friends, and I am still feeling sheepish about some black satin pants I wore in high school. Have a great Holiday!

A Holiday Gift to Yourself

Note to Readers:

Your favorite fashion blogger (ahem... Me) wrote a couple of articles for the winter issue of  Eliza Magazine.  Eliza is a hip, LA based fashion/lifestyle magazine that I highly recommend.  It is hard to find in some places so if you would like to see my stories in print, please purchase an issue online or subscribe to the magazine  here.  I would suggest getting a subscription because #1 they are a great deal, and #2 I am in the process of writing three articles for the Spring issue, so you will already be having Eliza delivered to you when the time for that issue rolls around. (PS.  I don't get any kind of monetary reward if you get an issue, I am simply passing along information)

What to Wear

Note to Michelle Obama:

In the height of the anxious anticipation over what you will wear to your husband's inauguration, the geniuses over at WWD had some of the best and brightest designers create a few sketches for you.  You really have the entire fashion world at the palm of your hand, and I am beyond jealous of all the big name designers that created sketches just for you.  My one word of advice?  Make sure whatever you select fits you properly, we all know that is my complaint with your wardrobe (as discussed here).

Note to Readers:

Fashion sketches are always exciting to see, because it is such a personally stylized art form.  Some designers (or their sketch artist) go into full detail on a gown, but only draw lips or a line for the eyes on the face.  Other designers put a great deal of emphasis on the face and the contouring of the person, and less on the rendering of the garment.  Maybe it's just me, but I adore getting a peek at designer sketches, and hopefully you will too.

Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel's Inaugural VIsion


A sketch from the lovely Diane Von Furstenburg


A sketch from my fellow FIDM alum, Monique Lhuillier


Marc Jacobs' take on the Ball Gown


Oscar de la Renta's (Laura Bush's go-to designer) patriotic vision


Click on the WWD link above to see more of the sketches. Which dress do you think she should select?

I Am... Sasha Lame

Note to Beyonce:
You are beautiful, I can't argue with that. You have a curvy figure, and I love that you show that women of all sizes are beautiful. THIS IS IMPORTANT THOUGH, no matter how pretty you are, or how bootylicious, or how fierce, it is never acceptable to wear an outfit made solely of spandex or lycra. Seriously, this outfit would make Kate Moss look like she needs to shop at Lane Bryant. Time to fire your mom, and hire a stylist.

Note to Readers:
I want to make sure you all know, I think that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. How you dress can emphasize your uniqueness, or in this case can draw awkward attention to your body. Choose what you wear wisely, it is how you present yourself to the world.

Side Note:
Beyonce's new album is titled I Am... Sasha Fierce., hence the title of the post. Just thought I would clear that up.

Wait... What?

Note to Paris Hilton:
Did you read my post where I made fun of your style and your bra showing? Did you take note and hire a new stylist? I am so baffled by this photo. The dress is a sophisticated color, and you look... dare I say, demure. I couldn't find a full photo of this dress so if the skirt is see-through and you can see a leopard thong, please ignore my previous praise. I am intrigued Paris, is this new pretty style here to stay? I am surprised, but pleased.

Note to Readers:
This post goes to show that it is never to late to clean up your look. Seriously, throw out your micro-mini and mesh tops and start your new look today. If Paris can do it, there is hope for all of us. Now if we can just get Mariah Carey to cover up her midriff, I will really feel like we are making some progress!

Rock the Vote

Note to Readers:
A historic election day is just hours away. I wanted to do an election inspired post, to remind everyone to vote, if you haven't already. I voted with an absentee ballot, and love this method, because I don't have to wait in lines at the polls. Anyway, in honor of the election, I want to examine the fashion and style of Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain. One of them is going to be our next First Lady, so let's see who looks the part!


Note to Michelle Obama:
I like that you are brave enough to incorporate horizontal stripes in your Narciso Rodriguez look. I think the black and white color selection is a classic choice, and will almost always look sophisticated. However, your jacket is too big for you, and you will be surprised to see how much a little tailoring will dramatically improve your look. Its all the about the fit Michelle.

Note to Cindy McCain:
I love this camel jacket. From the buttons, to the collar, to the perfect fit, this jacket looks like it was made for you (and maybe it was). This jacket is sophisticated without looking matronly or stuffy. I can't say enough good things about it. My one complaint about this look is the pants. Did you have to wear a matchy-matchy suit? Maybe I just have a personal aversion to completely coordinating separates, but I wish you chose to pair this jacket with something a different color, and a little more interesting.



Note to Michelle:
I admire that you wear "budget-friendly" J-Crew and Gap ensembles to things, and you still look polished and stylish. Sometimes you turn to designers, like wearing Narciso Rodriguez or in this dress you turned to Thakoon. The colors of this floral dress look amazing with your skin, and I love the interesting print. I wish the skirt was less of an a-line, if it fit a little bit closer to the body it would be more flattering on your figure. Minor fit issues aside, I think this is a beautiful dress, and an excellent choice.

Note to Cindy:
(Apparently I am on a first name basis with the women now) You really understand color. This Oscar de la Renta dress is a gorgeous, unique color and I am loving it. The silhouette of the dress is a wonderful play on a shirt-dress, and the full skirt is a wise design choice, and the pleats in the skirt are perfectly executed. Mr. de la Renta has done amazing gowns for the current First Lady, and he did an immaculate job with this dress. Maybe he should run for president?

Reminder to Readers:
Vote. You have the freedom to choose whom and what you are going to vote for, enact that freedom.

Good Riddance

Note to Kenley on Project Runway:
I'm glad you didn't win. Yep, I said it. Your attitude was awful, and your ego was not backed up by enough talent. Don't tell Tim Gunn he doesn't know what he's talking about. He has been in fashion since before you were born, not a good person to piss off. Also, rolling your eyes and talking back to the judges? Give me a break. Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and even Heidi Klum know a lot about fashion, and maybe you should consider their opinions instead of insulting them. I am all for standing up for your work, but you do not have to be rude about it.

You said you don't look at the collections and you don't know what other designers are doing. Interesting, because your looks are almost the same as them. I think that it is completely acceptable to be inspired by other designers, but change up the look a little bit to make it yours, and then give them the credit of inspiring you.

Note to readers:
I am going to let you be the judge on if you think Kenley copied the designers or not.

On the Left Kenley's "original" design. On the right dress from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear collection. Please note the McQueen dress was written about and in many magazines right around the time Kenley was designing her collection. Also look at how much better the McQueen dress fits, especially around the abdomen.


This Balenciaga dress has a similar shape and silhouette to Kenley's creation. I think that Kenley definitely changed the dress a bit, so I don't think this one is a blatant copy. What bothers me is when Kenley said that her assistants, who came to help her at her Bryant Park debut, couldn't steam her creations because they wouldn't know what to do with the painted silk, because she is the only designer who uses painted silk. Interesting, because the Balenciaga collection this dress is from is all about painted silk.


Michael Kors also said Kenley's avant garde ensemble was Viktor & Rolf on the top and Dolce and Gabbana on the bottom. For someone who doesn't pay attention to other designers, she definitely is good at recreating their looks... and then calling them her own.

Well readers, you know my opinion, but I would love to know yours. Do you think she imitated the other designers or do you think this is all a coincidence?

First-Class Fashion

Note to Victoria Beckham:
This is what you wore to the airport to take a long flight to London. Even on your way to the airport you look impossibly chic. I love the classic colors and cut of this dress. You chose a chanel bag, and a pair of oversize sunglasses to complete your look, and each decision was perfect. You kept things simple and classic, just like your outfit. Also, I love the Mia Farrow-esque hair cut. In a world of long blonde hair extensions, you are an innovator. You have come a long way from your Spice Girl costumes.

Note to Readers:

Originally my favorite thing about Victoria Beckham was her husband. Now things have changed. Whether I like her outfit choices or not, she always is meticulous about her clothing selections. Everything is well thought through, and she never looks like she just threw something on. I appreciate someone who pays that much attention to their wardrobe choices. While the rest of us may not have stylists and closets full of designer clothing, we can see the fun in getting dressed and think a little bit more about what we choose to wear. That means no more wearing sweats out in public, unless it's to the gym.

Brooke Does NOT Know Best

Note to Brooke Hogan:
While I am waiting for my job offer from Vogue to come in, I have found myself finding interesting ways to fill my time. I actually watched an episode of your show the other day, and somehow despite the mind-numbing dullness of the show I found something to entertain me-- your wardrobe. I don't want to be mean, but are you serious? Your dad is Hulk Hogan, and he is famous for tearing off his shirt, but you do not need to do the same with your clothing. In fact, maybe you can just keep putting more clothing on, and that does not mean more fishnets or ripped items. You are a pretty girl, but your trash-tastic wardrobe is trying way too hard. Email me and I will take you shopping. Help me help you, Brooke.

Note to Readers:
You are all beautiful and do not need bleached hair extensions, gallons of self-tanner, and an entire make up counter to look that way. Also, go for demure and subtle not exposed and slutty. For example, say you have a flat tummy. A great way to highlight that is by wearing a top with a fitted silhouette, or a dress with a fitted bodice. You should not cut the midriff section off of your shirt and then cover your stomach with glitter.

And the Winner Is...

Note to Amy Winehouse:
It is my duty to inform you that you are the winner of the Fashion Noted poll for the celebrity most in need of a makeover. I feel kind of bad writing this, I know you have a lot going on and I kind of feel like I am kicking you while you are down. I think the most important thing you can do is get your life together and the fashion will follow. You used to be a fashion muse to heavy-hitters like Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld and the powers that be at Fendi. I know you can be again. First thing you need to do, go to rehab, seriously, all jokes about your song aside, just go. You may say "no, no, no" but the rest of us are pleading, "YES, YES, YES!!!" Next, stop wearing clothing that looks like it would fit a nine-year old. How many times do I have to say, just because you can fit into something, it doesn't mean it is your size. Third, go to a dentist and get your teeth fixed. Use the money you would have used on crack and get some nice veneers. I would suggest you go back to wearing your flirty retro-styled party dresses and pencil skirts. Also, I gave this advice before, but bras are not shirts. Stop showing so much skin, it is not attractive in the slightest. You are a talented woman, and you are seen by many, time to start acting like it.

Note to Readers:
I think the main thing we can learn from this is, stay away from drugs. Seriously. Cracked-out chic is an oxy-moron. Being healthy is always in style.

We want to see more of this Amy Winehouse...


And less of this one...


Also, by saying we want to see more, it does not mean more skin. Just thought I would clarify.

Emmy Recap

Note to Readers:
I was unable to watch the broadcast, but I have been looking at the photos from the red carpet from the Emmy's and overall I was a little bit bored. It seems like everyone decided to wear a strapless dress and have their hair in either loose curls or a loose updo. I am begging for a little risk taking, and some originality! I did like that a few people experimented with bright colors, especially a dandelion yellow hue worn by a few big names. All in all there were a few highlights, but lets hope the dresses get better as the awards season continues. Now onto my Red Carpet Awards:

Best Overall Look:

Note to Olivia Wilde:
This satin and chiffon Reem Acra dress is absolutely gorgeous. I like that you didn't wear a typical strapless dress, you opted for a different silhouette and the color is amazing with your complexion. You look like an ethereal goddess, who pretty much dominated the red carpet with your sophisticated look. I still think that when you have blonde hair you would make a perfect Rosalie in the Twilight movie, much better than Nikki Reed who was cast in the part.

Best Fashion Designer who is also a Reality TV star:

Note to Christian Siriano (of Project Runway fame):
This chiffon tiered creation is in a word--fierce. You used one of my favorite color combinations, yellow and gray and created this dress that looked phenomenal in your runway show and on Heidi at the Emmy's. You knocked Lauren Conrad's (yawn) strapless maternity-looking dresses out of the water!

Best Use of Color:



Note to Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cynthia Nixon:
This was a tie. I couldn't decide if I like Julia's vibrant salmon hued Narciso Rodriguez dress or Cynthia Nixon's seafoam Calvin Klein gown better. I admire that they both wore interesting colors, that weren't canary yellow. Also, both of these women are over 40 and they looked much better than many of the younger starlets. I guess you get fashion wisdom with age!

Sly Fox Award:

Note to Tina Fey:
You usually are wearing your Palin-esque glasses (or maybe she wears Fey-esque glasses), and hiding your beauty behind your witty sense of humor. For the awards last night, there was nothing funny about your David Meister gown. You looked amazing. I always thought you were pretty, but who knew how much of a fox you could be! Also, congrats on the Emmy.

Just Because Award:

Note to John Krasinski:
I couldn't help it, I just wanted to put a picture of you on here. I have such a crush on you and seeing you in your Prada Mohair Tux on the red carpet just heightened my crush. You chose your look well. Unless you are a male and known for your fashion, you should pull a "Clooney" and wear a nicely tailored conservative tux or suit. Also, I like the look of a skinny black tie instead of a bowtie. If I were still in junior high, I would totally have a picture of you on the front of my binder.

Best Look on a Young Starlet:

Note to Rose Byrne:
You looked amazing in your quilted Calvin Klein creation. The color was striking with your dark hair, and the use of Fred Leighton diamonds was perfect. You are a great example of a pretty girl, in a great dress, paired with the right accessories, and a good hair and makeup team. I look forward to seeing more of your red carpet choices in the future.

Designer of the Night Award:

Note to Reem Acra:
Your gowns were seen on Olivia Wilde, Felicity Huffman and a regal looking Christina Applegate. The silhouettes, colors, and overall looks of the gowns were not predictable, and oozed a demure sophistication. All the women wearing your designs looked beautiful, feminine and confident in their gowns. Well done. Monique Lhuillier was right behind you in my opinion, so you better keep up the good designs or she may be the winner of the next red carpet. Also I just wrote an article about Monique Lhuillier for Eliza magazine, I'll let you all know when it is available, but in the meantime check out elizamagazine.com for some great fashion tips.

Well Readers, what did you think of the Emmy fashions?

It's Almost Time!

Note to Readers:
The Emmy's are this Sunday, September 21 on ABC. Usually I don't watch the actual awards show, it gets a little bit boring to me. I do watch the red carpet though, and then I can't wait to look online the next morning for photos of everyone's gowns. In order to get you excited for Sunday's event, I wanted to post a picture of one of my favorite looks from last year's Emmy Awards. Also, Project Runway winner Christian Siriano and reality TV star Lauren Conrad are designing gowns for the women who hand out the Emmy trophies. I can't wait to see what they come up with. I have not been impressed with LC's designs so far, they are lacking creativity and originality. Christian on the other hand, has is very talented, I don't know how he has so much creativity in that petite frame of his!



Note to Katherine Heigl:
Your look at the 2007 Emmy's was immaculate. This Zac Posen dress looked amazing on you. I love the silhouette of the gown, and the simple white color, is somehow anything but simple. You look glamorous, demure, and like a true Hollywood starlet. Supposedly you selected this entire look without the help of a stylist. You were by far the best dressed at the Emmy's last year. Oh, and you also won an Emmy, so it was not a bad night for you at all!

Note to Emmy Goers:
Please don't disappoint us with your gown selections. Please don't be predictable, and spend sometime selecting your look. See you Sunday. Also if you want some help, you know where to find me. My email address is on the side.

And the Winner Is...

Note to Readers:
You, my dear readers, voted Chanel as the designer purse you are dying to have. Nice work! I also voted for Chanel, and I am constantly trying to think of ways I can buy one. One of my best friends has a "Chanel Bag Fund" that she puts a little bit from each paycheck into. Sounds like a good savings plan to me! If I may offer my opinion on purchasing purses, I would suggest following these rules:

1. If you want a trendy purse (a la something with this season's new trend of leather fringe, or something in a highlighter color) purchase an expensive looking one, but from a less expensive brand. I don't see the need to spend hundreds of dollars on a bag that will be out of style in a few months.
2. If you are in the market for a designer purse (a la Chanel, Gucci, YSL, etc.) buy one in a classic color and shape, so you can continue to use it for years and years to come. I myself was lucky enough to buy a Chanel bag a few years ago, and I bought a classic black quilted one with the iconic gold chain strap. It always is in style and it still looks brand new, despite a lot of wear and tear. I look forward to giving this purse to my daughter someday, and don't worry I will make sure she realizes the significance of such a gift!
3. If you need money for a new purse, consider selling some of your old, out of style ones on eBay. Your old bag can be exactly what someone else is looking for. That way you don't have to feel as guilty about spending money on a purse, because you just made money off of a purse. It's kind of like a trade, or an upgrade.

In honor of Coco Chanel (who's Lifetime movie I have on my DVR, but haven't watched yet), I am going to post a few photos of Chanel purses. Maybe to inspire you to start your own "Chanel Bag Fund". If you are like me, and can't buy one right now, they are still nice to look at!


This beauty is new to the Chanel accessories line. I like the variation on the basic black, and I think the oversize link chain is very chic.


I like this classic shape in the gunmetal leather. It is a nice, but still subtle change.


I am OBSESSED with this bag. Yes, it is very large, and my boyfriend would tease me that my purse was more like luggage, but I still adore it! This would be a great oversize bag to use as a carry on when traveling, or it would make a great "briefcase" for a working woman. I just love it.

Note to Chanel:
Feel free to send any of the photographed purses to me as a thank you for all of this publicity I am giving you. Congratulations on your big win in our Fashion Noted Poll! Thank you Karl Lagerfeld and his design team for creating these classic bags. You truly deserve this accolade, along with all of the others you have raked in over the years.

Well, I am now going to sell some things on eBay, to try to find a way to buy one of these purses.

Clarification

Note to Solange Knowles:

In a previous post I mentioned patterned tights are going to be a big trend this fall and winter, but I should have been more specific. Just because a pair of tights has a pattern does not mean they are worth wearing. These tights are an ugly pattern and the color would not look good on anyone over the age of six. On a positive note, your top and skirt are very chic and if you wore them bare-legged with a pair of fabulous stilettos your look would have been smashing!

Note to Readers:
I hope this post does not scare you off of wearing patterned tights. My advice for wearing them would be to pick a pattern that you would wear a shirt or skirt in. If the pattern would be ugly on another garment, it will be ugly on a pair of tights. Also, when wearing patterned tights, keep the rest of your look simple and free of prints. You do not want your outfit to look too busy. Picking a color for the tights is important as well-- choose neutral or darker colors, appropriate for the fall and winter seasons.

Beware!

Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton at the MTV VMAs

Note to Taylor Swift:
I am warning you, hanging out with Paris Hilton will not get you very far in fashion, or in life for that matter. I think you are darling, talented, and have so much potential. Your songs are some of my favorite to car sing to these days. You also have a keen eye for wearing clothes that are perfect for your age. You rarely look like you are trying to dress older than your teenage years, and that is a trap many in your Hollywood peer group fall into. You were one of the guests on Ellen when I went to her show, and I was very impressed by your charming nature and maturity. Again, you are a bright star right now, and there isn't much you can learn from Paris Hilton.

Note to Paris:
There is so much I could say to you. You were also a guest on Ellen when I was there and I was amazed at how plastic and manufactured you look in real life. I was also not entirely surprised, but definitely observant of your plastic and manufactured personality. From a style standpoint, you are a prime example that you can't buy taste. This might be my most harsh criticism on this blog to date, but I like to see people getting publicity for the contributions they make and their body of work. I can't really think of any contributions you have made and you are most known for your sex tape, so lets just say you are not my favorite. Also, your bra is showing.

Runway Report

Note to Rag & Bone:
I looked through photos from your New York Fashion Week runway show for Spring 2009 and it was love at first sight. Actually maybe it was lust at first sight. The hipster and preppy styles you juxtaposed on the runway combined to make some enviable looks. I loved the cigarette pants combined with "grandpa cardigans" and I could not get enough of the menswear inspired fabrics you used. The different garments you presented were a cohesive line, and I really got a feel for the kind of hip woman that will be wearing your clothing. Well done.

Note to Readers:
I hope you are having as much fun as I am going through the photos from the Fashion Week shows. I am feeling truly inspired by what the designers are coming up with. I like to go through the different looks and think about what I already have that I can pair with various items to look like the outfits seen on the runway. For example, I can use a pair of skinny jeans I already have, and find a new blazer or cardigan to pair it with to make my look more current. I feel like I have been in a wardrobe slump lately, but now I am thinking of new ways to breathe life into my wardrobe. Happy Fashion Week everyone!


I love the stripes paired with the butter-yellow jacket. I also like the high waisted shorts, they make the models legs look even longer, not that it was necessary.


The oversized jacket pairs nicely with the shorter skirt. The color of the skirt will be a big color this winter, and from the looks of it will transition into next spring. I am also obsessed with the shoes, obsessed.


The cut of these pants give them a rocker-like look, but they are wisely paired with this cardigan to keep the look from being too cliche. Every item in this look would be versatile, and that is something I look for when shopping.

It's Almost as Good as Christmas!

Note to Readers:
Happy Fashion Week everyone! Today kicks off New York's Mercedes Benz Spring 2009 Fashion Week. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself! Just wanted to let you all know the good news. Fashion Week takes place from September 5-12, 2008 in Bryant Park in New York.

Note to Designers:
Calvin, Carolina, Marc, Diane, Donna, Herve, Michael, Monique, Vera, and the rest of you, I can't wait to see what you have been working hard on the past few months. If you really wow me, you will see some of your creations posted here. I know, that is pretty big incentive! Have a good fashion week, and maybe next time send an invitation or two my way. I love a good runway show!

And the Winner Is...

Note to Nordstrom:
Congratulations on winning the Fashion Noted poll of where readers would like to have a $1,000 shopping spree. I think you won because readers can find the latest fashions within your walls, as well as shoes, make up, accessories, perfume, etc. We can find almost all of our fashion needs in one store. We can even pick up things for kids, babies, the men in our lives, and not have to venture into the rest of the mall. You carry high-end designer items with price tags in the thousands, and you carry tank tops for $12.00. Thank you for stocking your store with the variety that we consumers crave.

Note to Readers:
Thanks again for voting in the Fashion Noted weekly poll. I like to see what your tastes, style and preferences are so I write things you are interested in. In honor of our poll winner this week, I looked on Nordstrom.com for some stand out items this season.


I am loving the houndstooth print this season. This is the Leifsdottir 'Houndspaw' coat. I love the print, love the slight volume in the sleeves, and I love the ruffle down the front. This coat has great design details, and if I can find $478.00 laying around somewhere, you better believe I'll be wearing it this winter!



I think this Yoana Baraschi 'Art Critic' watercolor silk dress is fabulous. The colors are vibrant, but appropriate for fall and I love the silhouette. The flowy nature of the dress is reigned in by the belt, keeping it from looking too much like a tent. I have never heard of Yoana Baraschi before, but now I am going to be keeping an eye out for more Baraschi designs.



Previous poll winner, Marc Jacobs does not disappoint with the 'Bramble Tweed' top. The wide neck and dolman sleeves give this top a unique silhouette, that would be flattering on many body types. I think it would look amazing with a pencil skirt or a pair of skinny jeans.

Koo de Ker

Note to Readers:
I took a last minute trip to Salt Lake City for the holiday weekend, and I found this treasure of a boutique while I was shopping. I read about Koo de Ker in the latest issue of Eliza Magazine and I had to check it out. I was not disappointed by this charming shop in the 9th and 9th shopping area of Salt Lake. I purchased a few tops for around $40, and a fabulous jacket from the abundant sale section. Anyway, I am getting no form of payment for this post, I just wanted to share a new store I found. So if you find yourself in the Salt Lake area check out Koo de Ker.

Note to Koo de Ker:
Thank you for a great shopping experience. I will definitely come back the next time I am in town. See you soon!

I Heart Plaid

All images in this post are from the Fall 2008 Dolce and Gabbana Ready to Wear Collection

Note to Plaid:
I am on the brink of being ecstatic that you are one of the stand out trends for the upcoming Fall and Winter seasons. I have been trying to bring you back for a few seasons now, and I am so glad that now there are going to be so many chic and new ways to wear you. You made an appearance in many of the 2008 designer runway collections, and I was grinning from ear to ear each time you hit the runway. Welcome back my dear friend!

Note to Readers:
Some people are a little bit skeptical about wearing plaid, for fear of looking like a lumberjack or someone who never left the 90s grunge-flannel wearing stage. This Fall will be the perfect time to start reintroducing plaid into your wardrobe. Plaid prints can be busy and colorful, so make sure the rest of your outfit is solid colors and basic silhouettes. On the runways they paired different plaid prints and it looked amazing, but in real life it would be too much in one outfit. Also to avoid looking grungy or like a lumberjack, pick plaid garments with chic tailoring, more fitted and feminine silhouettes, and make sure the fit is not too loose. You don't want to get lost in a sea of plaid! Printed tights are going to be a big trend in the upcoming seasons, and I am obsessed with plaid tights. Again, with a plaid make sure you have one article of the plaid and the rest of your outfit is more subdued. Have fun with the plaid, and feel free to email me with any questions and concerns. fashionnoted@gmail.com


Please note the ultra-feminine silhouette complete with ruffles.



I love the tights, love the dress, and on the runway this outfit looks uber-cool. In real life it would have to be edited down a bit, but each of the pieces would combine with solids to make an amazing outfit. Except for the head scarf; I am not ready to hop on that train yet.

And the Winner is....

Note to Dara Torres:
You are the only person who has beat out Michael Phelps in a while, and that is in our Fashion Noted poll. This was a difficult poll to win, because in actuality the only thing most of us have seen you wearing is a swimsuit. You have accomplished many things though, all of which have led to your big victory in this poll. You were the first athlete to appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, which must have been intimidating being the lone non-model posing in a bathing suit. You are not a stranger to going against the grain. Your appearance at the Beijing Olympic games was your 5th Olympics, and you are the first and only American swimmer to accomplish that. Also at age 41, you raced against women half your age, and beat almost all of them. You always had a smile on your face too, which added to your appeal. Thanks for showing us that you are never too old to give up on your dreams, and following your dreams is always fashionable.

Note to Readers:
I hope you enjoyed the Olympics as much as I did. From a style standpoint, there were many victories from the Americans. I applauded the US Gymnasts for not getting sucked into the blue eyeshadow and glitter hair gel trends that so many in their sport have succumbed to. They kept their faces fresh and natural looking, and they were the best looking squad on the mats. Michael Phelps showed us that the best accessory anyone can have is a Gold Medal, so why not make it eight of them? Kerri Walsh with the long, lean body of a model and Misty May-Treanor with her athletic build showed us that athletic women are just as beautiful as uber-skinny ones. Finally, our poll winner Dara Torres showed us that with some hard work we can achieve our goals too. I was definitely inspired and I hope you all were as well.

Pet Peeve

Note to Tom and Katie:
I thought there were few things I hated more than when people where sunglasses indoors. Until now. Sunglasses at night? Really? I know that you are being followed by the paparazzi and that their flashbulbs get pretty bright. People are always trying to take my picture too, but you won't see me wearing dark shades in the dark. (Ok, maybe people just want to take my picture with others at social gatherings and such, but I am pretty sure the flashes don't justify this kind of fashion behavior) Sunglasses inside equate people trying to look cooler than they are, sunglasses at night look just ridiculous. On a side note, I think little Suri is absolutely darling and always so well dressed. I am sure she is frowning at your sunglasses right now too. Look, she doesn't want her face shown in the picture because she is embarrassed.

Note to Readers:
I apologize again for my absence. Last week I was camping, without cell signal, let alone wireless internet! Thank you for your continuous reading and comments.

Now, onto the reason for post du jour, sunglasses. I love sunglasses! They protect your eyes, prevent wrinkles around the eyes, can be a perfect accessory, and they can cover you up when you have to run outside and don't have time to put any makeup on. I have a few pairs that I can't live without. This summer I have been wearing a pair of Pucci aviators and they have been my loyal beach buddy. Also, you always feel glamorous when you have a pair of Chanel shades on. Just keep your sunglass wearing to the outdoors during the daylight hours. Thanks!

And the Winner is....

Note to Marc Jacobs:
You are the winner of the Favorite American Designer poll, by a significant margin. It is not hard to see why you won. Your collections are both innovative yet wearable which is not an easy task. I think that having three lines helps you please the Paris Fashion Week crowd and the rest of us "regular" fashionistas. When you design for Louis Vuitton you are able to create luxurious pieces and go as high end with your creations as you can. Your Marc Jacobs line allows you to have creative freedom and put your edgy and avant garde pieces into a collection. The Marc by Marc Jacobs line allows your to create more basic pieces that will sell for almost affordable prices, so the few of us without American Express Black Cards can still afford clothing by you. Any way, we at Fashion Noted, love love love you and are always waiting with baited breath to see what you have coming up next. Also, you are looking tanned, toned and fabulous lately, but I hope you realize that we loved you back before your new bod and tan. No matter what you look like, it is your creations that won us over.

Note to Readers:
Thank you for voting on this poll. I thought it would be fun to spotlight American Designers while we are cheering on America in the Olympics. As per Fashion Noted tradition, I am going to post some of my favorite designs from all three collections Marc is involved in from the Fall 2008 Ready to Wear runway shows. Enjoy!

This houndstooth Mini-dress from the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection is on my "want" list from the show.


I like the way this look breaks up the body and plays with a new silhouette. It is from the Marc Jacobs collection.


I love the big collar on this sweater dress from the Louis Vuitton collection that Marc is the head designer for. I wouldn't necessarily wear the hat, but it looks dramatic in a fashion show.