Monday, June 23, 2008

Profile- Victoria Beckham and Mandy Moore.

I have not posted to this blog in a few (or more) weeks and for that, I apologize. However, I have returned to my armchair with full force. Today, I will be spotlighting and reviewing two high profile celebrity designers- WAG Extraordinaire Victoria Beckham and B-list Singer/Actress Mandy Moore.

I)
dVb- Victoria Beckham

She started out as the least memorable member of the Spice Girls and managed to secure herself celebrity status by marrying the most famous football player known to the world. Now Mrs. David
Beckham has launched her own designer line of denim, labelled dVb by Victoria Beckham. This should come as no surprise since Victoria hasn't done much of anything in the past few years, except suck as a solo artist and wear couture. What else is there to do for a ridiculously wealthy (and untalented) woman in today's society?
To her credit, Victoria has cashed in on the denim craze- creating well-fitted, and well made jeans that the suit the hip-to-fashion woman.

Victoria
Beckham maintains that she is involved in every step of her designer label as Creative Director. Unfortunately, there is not much to say about her line, as it is fairly limited at the moment. Find dVb here.


II) The second celebrity designer may come as a bit of a shock to those of you who actually know who she is ( so like 1/1000000000
th of the population). The sugary sweet girl next door Mandy Moore has launched her new designer line Mblem, and has received high praise in the fashion world, and was even featured on the Tyra Banks show.
MBlem collections include everything from t-shirts to spring and summer dresses. Unfortunately, her collections are as boring as her career. Mblem incorporates the highly buzzed about "jersey" fabric into many of the dresses. The clothing is comfortable, and blend able but not exciting. Unless you are purposely trying to blend into the wall at the next party you attend, don't bother. Find Mblem here.


Upcoming Posts:
Jersey- Runway's Hot New Fabric

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

What Were You Thinking?

It has happened to most of us before- large hoop earrings, scrunchies, and ties substituting as belts- fashion trends that we eagerly accept only to later realize that our in style accessory or piece has quickly been unearthed as a fashion disaster. In fact, you probably own a piece that will fall into this embarrassing category. But don't crawl into your college hoodie and matching sweats to cry yet! I've predicted the most recent trends and accessories that will likely exude a huge "WTF" in review.

The Number One Worst Fashion Trend of 2006-2008.

Just because they've been worn by thousands of impressionable teenage and twenty -something girls for the past couple of years does not mean that these throwbacks to the Eighties (and your toddler ballet class) will escape the harsh criticism that they deserve. You know what's coming and you know that you own them- so get ready for it. The Worst recent Fashion Trend: TIGHTS.

Obviously, every piece of clothing has a place and a time, but unfortunately for every pair of eyes in the world today, tights are being substituted entirely for pants. Whether worn with a too-short shirt-dress, or a hideous patterned mu mu-like dress, tights can completely alter your look. Nobody wants to see your bulging thigh muscles, or the nylon stitch seam that replaces your butt crack. Remember that REAL Pants and REAL Skirts are always an option (and a favoured one at that).

It's also important to note that just because everyone else is wearing it doesn't mean that it will work for your body. If you are going to wear tights, make sure your legs are long enough to avoid looking stumpy and fat, or wear them with a stiletto heel to elongate your leg line. And make sure that your shirt/dress is covering your entire crotch region/behind because we've all heard of camel toe- and tights are a one way ticket to your very own replication!
I will make my final point through images. Let's see if you get this fashion joke.


(The joke: Spandex. Unfortunately, the joke is on you)


The Second Worst Fashion Trend of 2007-2008:


This needs no introduction. It is (drum roll please) the "Amy Winehouse." Now she may be a very talented vocalist/musician but who really wants to look like an unkempt drug user (whose biggest hit was a song called "Rehab")? Besides Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton of course.

So what is the Amy Winehouse exactly? We are talking everything from the ridiculous over the top eyeliner to the beehive hairstyle and lack of clothing. Amy Winehouse is not a fashion; she is a rock star with problems that are reflected in her clothing and personal style. Chanel recently did a fashion show channeling Amy Winehouse as the inspiration. I would say that the Victorian style clothing of the collection is magnificent but the hair and makeup? Can anyone say boring? There is no reason to wear a beehive unless you're using it as your hiding spot for heroin. (Oops, did I just expose her secret?)

I have no ill will towards Amy Winehouse and wish her the best, but I believe that there are better and more varied candidates for Chanel's inspiration.


The Third Worst Fashion Trend of 2007-2008

The third worst fashion trend is more of a prediction than a statement, as it has only recently come into style. You have definitely seen them in magazines, and on the feet of unsuspecting, trend following women everywhere. It is the Gladiator Sandal. I will give the gladiator sandal some credit because I do love a pair of updated, modern Romans. But the in store version resembles something that my grandmother would wear. Somebody please tell me why you would put these on your feet:


These are about as fashionable as a pair of Birkenstocks or flip flops. If you are going to indulge in a pair of roman sandals, do it the right way. Move past brown and look for pairs in exciting colours, without any brass buckles. Also look for a lot of circular straps that extend past the ankle, and try the gladiator in a heel, rather than a flat for that extra sex appeal.





That's all the crap fashion that I can stand to write about for now.

Upcoming Posts:
Styling Your Man
Hats= Insanity: Style Myth or Psychiatric Truth?

Local and Global Trends #1

You may have noticed lately that bright colours and patterns are in this spring/summer season, but perhaps the most fun application of this trend is for the shoe. For your high heels, the brighter the better (but stay away from eighties neon and highlighter like shades)

Favourite Picks from Designers.

1. Manolo Blahniks : Aksham. This gorgeous stiletto heel is accented with a bright red inside the ankle and a forest green inside the toe. Find It Here.

Favourite Local Picks:

1. My roommates Chinese Laundry heels from Gloss, located in uptown Waterloo, Canada. These perfectly exemplify the bright trend in footwear. Find It Here.



Upcoming Posts:
Worst Recent Trends in Fashion (What were you thinking?)
Styling Your Man

Bonjour. Adieu.


Welcome to "The Fashion Eclectic". You have happened upon the newest and most inclusive internet guide to fashion. This blog will include profiles of designers, fashion advice, updates on local trends and my personal perspective on all things "in fashion".
As I am writing this, it has only been a day since the passing of Yves Saint Laurent. If you do not recognize the name, then you will probably not understand the impact of his design.




Yves Henri Donat Mathieu Saint Laurent
(August 1, 1936- June 1, 2008)

I am certainly not a fashion expert. I am only a self-proclaimed fashion observer and inquisitor. But I can tell you what Yves Saint Laurent means to me; a twenty year old female who appreciates the art of fashion.
YSL means "ready-to-wear". Accessible fashion, available to buy and fit on sight, in store. This is the fashion that most of us (that is- without connection and without an over six figure yearly income) enjoy. How exciting is it to be able to purchase and wear your prized Chanel bag? You can thank YSL for that.
YSL means the empowerment of women through design: see-through blouses and tuxedo (smoking) jackets anyone?
YSL means a large portion of fashion history-from the flared skirts popular in the 1950s to the famed "beatnick" look. We have all witnessed YSL's impact on fashion, even if we have not seen or worn an Yves Saint Laurent original.
Adieu, you will not be forgotten, and you will always be worn.


Upcoming Posts:
The future of haute couture (high fashion).
"A Paris Original": Fashion Capital or Fashion History?