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Fashion Watch: Genevieve Jones

Tara Decoda — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:00:18 +0000

Before there was the sky-rocket rise of Kim Kardashian, there was only one other young lady that rose to the top of the socialite food chain that quickly: Genevieve Jones. Dubbed as the ‘black’ Paris Hilton, Genevieve frequents the front row at shows like Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, and Proenza Schouler, and struts the red carpet for events that some of Hollywood’s featherweight’s can’t even get an invite to:

The only difference between her and the over-exposed Hilton sister? She actually works for her money, designing a line of intricate and attention grabbing accessories that has been featured in magazines such as Elle & Vogue, and worn by celebs like Penelope Cruz, Kate Moss & Kim Kardashian:

Marc Jacobs is wearing the “Wishing Safety Pin” earring

Grace Silver Fringe Bag

Kate Fringe Bag [Kate Moss' namesake and favorite bag]

Shagreen Envelope Clutch

Tree Bucket Bag

Bird Bracelet

Mount Cristo Rey Charm Rings

Wishing Safety Pin Earrings

Vertebrae Cuffs

Genevieve’s great eye to detail, and visionary approach to design is making her an accessories force to be reckoned with. This it girl has proven she’s more than just a socialite turned designer, exploiting the title in an effort to stay relevant and stave of questions “what does she do?”. She is a designer– a real one. And a damn good one I might add! You can check out the Genevieve Jones site for more details about the line.

Fashion Watch: T by Alexander Wang

Tara Decoda — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:28:57 +0000

So, I must be living under a rock! Just recently, while browsing the usual e-fashion sites that I love, I kept seeing T by Alexander Wang. It’s basically a cheaper, more casual alternative to the high-end line, Alexander Wang. Since I’m more for the simple stuff and really accessorizing it to make the look pop, I was drawn to this line:

Stretch One-Shoulder Dress $95

Low Back Fine Jersey Tank $53.20

Stretch Long Sleeve Dress $90

Classic Mini Pocket Long Dress $110

Athletic Thermal Onesie $118

For more of T by Alexander Wang…

Classic Mini Pocket Tank $51.80

Boat Neck Dress with Mini Pocket $59.50

Classic Short Sleeve Dress with Mini Pocket $85

Stretch Tank Dress $85

Fitted Baby Rib Racer Tank $45.50

I can honestly say I love the simplicity of the line, and you can tell the fabrics are of good quality. The thing is with me, I like simple clothes, because it gives me the freedom to dress it up as I please. I can add chunky necklaces, layer the bracelets, throw a faux fur vest over it, or even a distressed lather jacket. It’s up to your creativity.

Fashion Watch: RACHEL Rachel Roy

Tara Decoda — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:58:33 +0000

It’s the pairing of opposites, the mixing of pattern, color and texture, a youthful nod to Rachel’s signature design aesthetic. That was the brief synopsis of Rachel Roy’s new RACHEL line, that greeted me when I visited the website, and I couldn’t have summed it up any better. It’s young, fun, edgy, but still sophisticated and classy. I have been a fan of Rachel Roy ever since reading about her in Vogue via an article written about her by Andre Leon Talley over a year ago.

I must admit, initially when hearing about this new line and partnership with Macy’s, I was a little skeptical. I’ve always felt when a high end designer teams up with a cheaper retailer to make a spin off line, it never meets the same standard. It never has the same quality fabric, or even the same design aesthetic, and usually disappoints. It seems like little effort is given to these spin off brands, but people purchase anyway. But I was blown away when I saw this RACHEL collection! I must say, Ms. Roy put her foot in this one! Check out a few of my favorite pieces and more information on the line after the cut.

APPAREL

Oversized Blouse $89

Draped Sleeveless Top $79

Tweed Frayed Jacket $149

3/4 Sleeve Coat with Metal Buttons $169

Tie Dye Jean $89

Crackled Faux Leather Mini Bubble Skirt $89

Adina Flats $89

Genna Booties $129

ACCESSORIES

Kat- Small Cross Body $69

Charmed- Hobo $89

Worn Gold Crystal Accent Chain Necklace $65

Worn Gold Love Necklace $50

Worn Gold and Hematite Multi Chain Bracelet $85

Worn Gold Snake Bangle $65

Hematite Spike Earrings $40

Worn Gold Pyramid Stud Button Earrings $20

Worn Gold Two Finger Peace Ring $40

Hematite and Smoky Quartz Fashion Ring $50

The RACHEL line will be sold online and in Macy’s retailers nationwide. The prices range from:

Apparel: $39-$250
Shoes: $89-$199
Bags: $59-$99
Necklace: $26-$195
Bracelet: $26-$115
Earrings: $20-$85
Rings: $32-$50

You can see the rest of the collection, find out more information on the line, and view video on the website here.

Fashion Watch: Rena Yip

Tara Decoda — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:03:47 +0000

Some may know luxury, and some may put their self in an “opulence only” lane. But there is a lane out there that makes everything luxurious, look like bubble gum and Rena Yip is in that lane:

The powerful pump is the 2009 shoe from Global Gilded Shoe House Rena Yip. The pump comes with a years worth of shoe concierge and it has the Rena Yip signature Teal Green Alligator sole. The waiting list is over 6months long for the $8,888 standard and the $35,523 exotic. Every pump is made by hand to the mold of the clients foot. Self-made Billionaire Taysha Smith Valez is on of the few people who have been spotted in a pair of Rena Yip:

It ain’t for everybody…

Designer Collabo: Sergio Rossi for Puma

Tara Decoda — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:31:49 +0000

It looks like the whole fashion industry is hopping on the ban wagon of collabo’s. Whether they are making more affordable lines for retailers such as H&M and Target, or teaming up with sports lines (e.g. Stella McCartney for Adidas), the collabo’s keep coming:

High end shoe & handbag designer, Sergio Rossi, is teaming up with athletic shoe icon Puma. The line of shoe retails for about $190 for sneakers and $755-$790 for the sneaker pumps. The colorful sneakers are finished with silk to give it a high-end, right off the runway feel. The high end prices of Sergio Rossi and the low end prices of Puma, meet at a happy price medium that won’t leave you broke! Don’t get caught hitting the gym without one of these fashionable numbers on!

You can cop your pair here

Emerging Style Star: Taylor Momsen

Tara Decoda — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 02:26:43 +0000

15 year old Taylor Momsen, better known as Jenny Humphrey (the independent, extremely talented aspiring designer on the CW’s hit show Gossip Girl), stays true to her character on and off screen- fashionable and care free. Her style, which could be best described as punk rock chic, is reminiscent to those pop-up books you read as a child- you may know the story line, but as you flip page by page, you never really know what to expect. Check out this Emerging Style Star:

This budding fashionista seems to know exactly how to make the two separate world’s of Gossip Girl Upper East Side style and underground East Village style intersect at her walk-in closet, and peacefully co-exist. We’ll be keeping an eye on her.

Emerging Style Star: Freida Pinto

Tara Decoda — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:24:53 +0000

Breakout star of the box office smash hit ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, Freida Pinto, has more than talent up her sleeves:

With all the recognition and awards Slumdog Millionaire has been receiving lately, it’s only right that we notice the stars too. But it’s one star that shines brighter than most. Freida Pinto, a 24-year old born in Mumbai, India, received her big break when she starred in Slumdog (which was her first movie). With the success of the movie and Hollywood’s instant embrace, it was award season time when I realized Freida was an emerging style star:

Freida’s classic style includes mostly solid nude and pastel colors, with the occasional print and metallic finishes. Clutches and peep-toe pumps, with minimal jewelry completes most of her looks. While the recent success of her film allows her to wear some of the best names in fashion, such as Zac Posen & Marchesa, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin seem to be her go-to guys (and obviously H&M ). As for the jewelry, nothing less than the best of course, rocking Lorraine Schwartz and H. Stern on most occassions. Definitely an emerging style star!

Check out more of Freida on her website

Fashion Watch: House Of Harlow 1960

Tara Decoda — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 21:33:54 +0000

Nicole Richie has joined the long line of celebrity accessories designer. Any one who knows me, or has been visiting FM regularly, knows how I feel about celebrity lines. But I have faith in this one:

House of Harlow, named after Richie’s daughter Harlow, recently launched this past Fall. It will start off as jewelery range, but will grow into a collection of children’s wear and accessories. It is currently sold at Kitson, and surprisingly is not an arm and a leg:

House Of Harlow 1960 Gold Plated Medallion Locket $68, Kitson

House Of Harlow 1960 Red Pyramid Bangle $68, Kitson

House Of Harlow 1960 Black Leather Ring $38, Kitson

House Of Harlow 1960 Black Stud Feather Earrings $60, Kitson

House Of Harlow Gold White Resin Earrings $22, Kitson

House Of Harlow 1960 Black Resin Triangle Necklace $125, Kitson

What I love most about the line is the tribal flair. It has an antique, vintage feeling to it and it speaks true to Nicole Richie’s trendy, casual glam style. This is a line I would wear and recommend to anyone who likes to walk along the vintage line. Very trendy, but classic at the same time. Leave that to Nicole Richie to unite the 2.

Fashion Watch: Kai Milla

Tara Decoda — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:38:52 +0000

I know it’s been a while since I did a “Fashion Watch”, which is when I feature a relatively new line and some brief info about the designer. For this edition of “Fashion Watch”, I bring to you Kai Milla:

Kai Milla, the wife of iconic musician Stevie Wonder of seven years, creates designs for her own fashion line. Kai began drawing at age 5, and studied fine arts in school. When she was a teenager, Kai started designing her own clothes—and found a new passion. “Fashion won in the end,” she says. Kai launched her own fashion line in Spring 2005 and has had a devoted following ever since.

Check out some of her work from the runways:
[Spring 2008 Ready-to-wear]

[Fall 2007]

To purchase a fabulous Kai Milla piece, you will have to be cakin’ it! (LoL… I’m so hood Her clothing will usually run you up to over $2,000. You can purchase her clothing at any high-end department stores, although you are limited if you are in a small city (sorry).

Check her out online here

Fashion Watch: L.A.M.B.

Tara Decoda — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 05:32:55 +0000

I have had my eye on L.A.M.B. for quite some time now. Being that it was another “celebrity line” I was skeptical about it at first like “here we go again!” but Gwen Stefani seems to know what she’s doing. So for the second edition of Fashion Watch (KLS was the first) I give you the most trend setting brand on the market… L.A.M.B.:

Houndstooth Fade Tank $55

The following items are at Saks Fifth Avenue:

Houndstooth Sequin Mini Dress $685 (My favorite item & a MUST HAVE)

Edie Mini Dress $255 (sale)

Triple Pocket Trenchcoat $425

Lolita Belted Sweater $171 (sale)

For more looks, read below the cut….

The following items at Nordstrom:

‘Mirror’ Dress $425

‘Classic Tux’ Pants $185

Checkerboard Leather Jacket $925

The following items are at Shop Bop:

Fanny Coatdress $297.50 (sale)

Roman Mini Dress $285

Repeat After Me Hoodie $145

Ruffled Collar Blouse $157.50 (sale)

Baby Jane Dress $175

Angel Jacquard Madeline Clutch $275

Carlisle Oversized Clutch $425 (it folds out into an “oversized” clutch)

Signature Westfield Tote $575

Fun Fact:
The L.A.M.B. Collection is inspired by the Jamaican culture, Gwen and her husband Gavin are very into Reggae and the Jamaican culture (that is why they named their son Kingston)