iVillage - The Fashionator

Holiday Advice from MTV's Styl'd Stylists

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:34:54 -0500

On the newest addicting reality TV show, MTV's Styl'd, five sassy junior assistant stylists compete to land a spot at the Margaret Maldonado Agency in Los Angeles, CA. The show follows 'em for two months as they dress celebs like Kim Kardashian (fab) and Tyler Hilton (drool).

We're three or four episodes in, and in true reality style, the drama is already escalating: one mondo broken rule, one stylist fired (and now back on probation), one crashed car, and one potential no-no relationship! We're at the edges of our seats, and we love it.

We caught up with three of the junior stylists--Tara Ahmadi, Gary Samulian and Cody Conti--and in the spirit of the holidays, asked them for their best advice on how to survive this holiday season and stay stylish with the long winter ahead:

What are 5 key pieces every woman should have in their closets this winter?

Tara: This winter, every woman should bring out the rouge and dig into her closet for anything that evokes a little Alexis Carrington. Following that, a mohair cardigan, a leather jacket, thigh-high leather boots, a tuxedo jacket and a white mini-dress will get her through even the harshest of winter nights.

Cody: A classic little black dress, a classic black or grey suit, two staple skirts--one short and one long--a pea coat or vintage-inspired blazer, and great shoes. You only need two pairs--great boots and classic high-heels.

Gary: Cashmere pashmina, your favorite pair of dark denim either baggy or skinny, a conic leather jacket, grey suede ankle boots and a white T-shirt.

Do you have any tips on how to stand out when wearing so many bulky layers?

Cody: Keep it tailored and simple. Otherwise, all styles of knits and cashmere sweaters, crew neck, turtleneck, hoodie, or tunic will keep you trendy. I recommend this season's pea coat with a warm scarf as a stylish top layer. Just stay away from a long belted sweater, especially over layers--it tends to make everyone look like a sack of potatoes!

Gary: It's so fun to layer. Experiment with different colors like gray, navy, black and taupe. And, mix materials like suede with cashmere and wool.

What kind of statement accessories do you recommend that are both affordable and wearable?

Tara: I recommend women try fun statement accessories like chains. Body chains, a la Bliss Lau, are unexpected underneath a plunging neckline or backless dress. There are many DIY versions on Etsy.com for cheap. Also, boot chains are another affordable and wearable way to jazz up even the most simple pair of shoes. You can even use vintage necklaces or chains from Home Depot to make a plain-jane boot into a one of a kind piece!

Gary: For a statement accessory, I always think it's best to keep it simple. I really like skinny, layered rings, and also to mix metals like gold, rose-gold, silver, and black gold.

What advice do you have for women to decide which trends to invest in?

Cody: Pick up trends that are classic and priceless--ones that will never go out of style. And always have fun with accessories!

Tara: I think women should invest in wearable pieces, not necessarily trends. If a trend can seamlessly translate into a woman's wardrobe and personal style, it is worth splurging on. If not, she should save her money to build a strong basic wardrobe foundation and then play around with cheap high street trendy pieces.

What, in your opinion, is the ultimate fail-safe holiday party outfit?

Gary: My ultimate holiday outfit would be a black leather pant, with a stacked platform boot. I would add a fun colored tweed jacket, with a printed festive blouse underneath. Then layer on the jewelry and accessories, and top it off with a fur shawl!

Cody: The little black dress. This kind of dress will emphasize your best features. Also, you can use great accessories to make it look different and fun. If you truly want to mix it up, I'm loving olive green and purple for this season--don't be afraid to add a little color.

Personally, we love the body chains and the olive green. To see these junior stylists in action, tune in to MTV's Styl'd on Tuesdays at 11 p.m. EST!

--Venus Tsang

Giveaway: Sweet Lashes with LashFood

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:26:10 -0500

Step aside, full lips and tan skin. These days, it's all about drama in the eyes.

Sadly, I don't have much going on in the lash area--mine are kind of thin and sparse. Not to worry--I compensate with lots of liner and mascara. I'd be lost without my eye makeup, that's for sure.

For those of you who want a more intense lash solution, LashFood is another option. The natural conditioning stimulant can make your lashes thicker, stronger and more beautiful in 2 to 4 weeks. It has breakthrough natural ingredients, like Biotin (an essential vitamin), Arginine (a natural amino acid) and herbal extracts that help promote the natural growth and strength of eyelashes and eyebrows. Simply apply the serum at night along the root of the lashes, which shouldn't disrupt your daily application of makeup or skincare.

Get the serum for $129, the eyeliner for $28 and the mascara for $34 at LashFood.com, or you can take your chances and try to win it. We're giving away two prize packs with the three products to give you sweet lashes! Just e-mail fashionatorcontest@gmail.com your full name, mailing address and tell us one thing that's in your makeup bag and why you love it in order to enter.

See the official rules below for how to enter.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. Open only to legal residents who are 18 or older. Commencing on November 19, 2009 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time ("ET") and continuing through November 23, 2009 at 3 p.m. ET, iVillage will give away two (1) LashFood serum (2) LashFood eyeliner (3) LashFood mascara to the first two people to submit his or her full name, mailing address and what's in his or her makeup bag to fashionatorcontest@gmail.com. Emails must include "LashFood" in the subject line. Limit one prize per household. Total retail value of all prizes: $382. Winners will be notified by email. Offer valid while supplies last. Prizes selected by iVillage in its sole discretion.

Good luck, beauty mavens! Check back on Monday for another fab giveaway!

--Ysolt

Nicole Richie's Jewelry is Now Available at Bebe.com!

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:59:08 -0500

I don't think there's any celebrity who has cleaned up better than Nicole Richie. Remember The Simple Life? (I watched every single episode.) She was a riot, and a bit of a liability. Since then, she has pulled herself together nicely and transformed into a fabulous designer, not to mention an even more fabulous mom. After creating her jewelry line, House of Harlow 1960, named after her daughter, Richie also developed a chic maternity line and a shoe collection--all of which are affordable to non-celebs!

With such a busy life, and now, with two kids in tow, Richie manages to balance it all while staying in style. Her wardrobe staples and go-to pieces are practical, easy and gorgeous. From maxi dresses to oversized cardigans, from fitted blazers to flat leather boots, moms and non-moms can learn a style lesson or two from her.

Shop her jewelry line now at Bebe.com. Pieces start at $38.

--Venus Tsang

Taylor Jacobson to Leave Rachel Zoe?

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:05:42 -0500

You guys, I D-I-E. Rumor has it that stylist Taylor Jacobson is leaving Rachel Zoe Corporation. No surprise here. We should have seen it coming since Taylor was always complaining on every episode of season two. She didn't get to go to Paris Fashion Week, and was never seen with a smile on her face, but for some reason this was still a shock! In the season finale, Taylor was promoted, but maybe that wasn't enough. She still has bigger dreams.

According to Fashionista.com, Taylor sent a "moving on" e-mail on Friday that went something like this: "After four amazing years at Rachel Zoe Corporation. I'm saddened and exhilarated at the same time to announce my departure. After much thought and consideration, I have decided to take the challenging leap to go off and style on my own."

Ack! On the other hand, a part of us is super-stoked for Taylor. We're exhilarated by the fact that she's leaving, though we'll miss her on the Bravo reality TV show, The Rachel Zoe Project, come season three. We know she'll do great things--she's so incredibly organized and dedicated. How will RZ Corp. function without her? But then again, now there's an opening! Maybe you're interested in becoming her replacement?

Best of luck, Tay-Tay! We'll miss seeing your super-fabulous outfits!

--Venus Tsang

Likes or Yikes: What's Your Spanx Stance?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:32:46 -0500

Oprah mentioned Spanx awhile back and the world turned upside down. Well--not really, but women everywhere started to claim that this undergarment is a godsend. Really, ladies? Don't crucify me for saying this, dolls (errr, Spanx supporters), but I don't get shapewear's appeal. (Sorry, Oprah!)

My Reasons

Wearing a minimizer is painful. Yeah, yeah, some might say those high heels are just as painful. My feet might ache in them, but I draw the line at suffocation. A girl's gotta breathe.
Shapewear gets rid of curves. And sorry, stick figures, I'm a huge fan of curves. Why minimize them when they should really be embraced? I say, shake what your momma gave yah and let it all hang out in its rounded goodness.
You'll be presenting a facade. On the one hand, onlookers will think you're super-tight and tone everywhere--because yes, shapewear can work wonders--but in reality, it's all a lie. You may be duping your date! It's false advertising if you think about it.
When your clothes come off, it's not a pretty sight. Remember that scene from St. Elmo's Fire when Rob Lowe's character reached into the skirt of that one nerdy-esque girl--sorry, kind of graphic here--and discovered shapewear? He tugged at its end and the unsightly undie recoiled and smacked the poor girl's leg? Can you say humiliating?!

So maybe it's not such a good idea to wear it on a first, second or third date. You never know how frisky you might get. And if one thing leads to another, you may end up embarrassing yourself. You can, however, excuse yourself and take off the minimizer while you're in the bathroom, but how will you dispose of it? Or, do you just walk out of the bathroom with it in your hand? Uhhh yeah, because that's not weird.

I wondered if I was alone on this matter, so I asked my gal pals on their Spanx stance. Here's what they had to say...

Where Does the Fat Go?
"I'm not sure how I feel about Spanx. I mean, sure, they make your mid-section and your upper legs appear thinner, but then where does it all go? In my case, I feel like it gives me a roll on my thighs where they end. I could just be imagining it, but I can't help but be self-conscious about 'thigh rolls.' However, if you like them, then I think you should feel free to wear them whenever you want." --Jill Sabato

Oh, Bridget Jones
"I just remember that part in Bridget Jones' Diary when she was about to do the 'deed' with Daniel... He saw that she had on what just appeared to be enormous underwear! LOL!" --Iris Asuncion

Beware of Muffin Tops
"For me, Spanx for a date? Not so much a fan of that. But, I am a fan of wearing them when it's a formal engagement with plenty of photo ops, like a wedding. LOL. I'm with Jill though--it has to go somewhere, right? You just have to be sure a muffin top isn't amplified!" --Claudine Principe

On the Fence
"I agree with the girls. I am back and forth on the Spanx subject. My fear would be if someone put their hand on my waist, they would feel the outline, and may mistake it for a--gasp!--girdle (which it sort of is)!" --May Walker

Confused
"What are Spanx? Are Spanx like spandex? --Hannah Halili

Formal Occasions Only
"I have personally never worn Spanx, but I don't think I would chance it for a date based on what May said. I might consider wearing Spanx to a formal occasion though." --Liz Caputo

Where do you stand on Spanx? Discuss shapewear on the iVillage message board!

--Ysolt

Behold the Next Designer Collaboration: Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:48:36 -0500

It's safe to assume that by now, you've perused the Anna Sui for Target line and picked some items that are evocative of your favorite Gossip Girl character. (Blair, you can be my queen any day!) But before you start getting bored, listen to this: Jean Paul Gaultier is the next designer who's signed on to collaborate with Target for a line--it comes out in March 2010!

Earlier this month, during the Gaultier spring 2010 ready-to-wear runway show in Paris, the legendary French designer served up some seriously edgy designs. They included more denim and khaki than you probably know what to do with (such as a one-piece that is best described as a long-sleeve denim shirt under a strapless denim dress with a denim coat tail and a denim belt, and a similar contraption in khaki). Also, we saw lots of body-conscious ruching, shredded shirts, pants and some ferocious over-the-knee lace-up boots.

I realize that most (if not all?) of the aforementioned fashion is unwearable by people who are not 6-foot, size-2 models, but since the purpose of these Target designer collaborations is to cater to the general public, I'm so curious to see what he whips up for us regular folk.

It's not lost on me that Gaultier has that fabulous French training to make the most perfectly tailored blazers and divine red-carpet gowns, so I'm just going to cross my fingers and hope for the best!

In the meantime, don't forget to check out the Carlos Falchi for Target collection at Target.com after November 1!

--Venus Tsang

Get Kim Cattral's Statement Necklace... For Less!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:05:03 -0500

I don't know about you, but I'm super excited to see Sex and The City 2, especially because my daily dose of Samantha and Charlotte (my favorites) has been reduced to watching SATC reruns on TBS...

As I wait patiently for the movie to come out, I'll make due with this gorgeous photo taken of Kim Cattral and Miley Cyrus filming a red carpet scene in New York City. They were wearing identical dresses--how cute?! But each star accessorized their ensembles differently.

So who wore it better? I'm a little afraid of Miley's killer choker and dominatrix gloves. However, I love Kim's statement necklace (right). While it's a little much with her dress and belt, I feel like I could wear it with a white tee, jeans and a cardigan--it would look amazing.

I don't know where hers is from, but I found a similar piece at ShopTheLook.net for just $24! It's a similar color and baubles, and I can't wait to get my hands on it to spice up my wardrobe.

--Venus Tsang

The City's Olivia Palermo Gossips About the Show, Fashion & Whitney

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:12:16 -0500

Okay, I'll admit it -- I like Olivia Palermo. And despite MTV's best efforts to make her seem like the Wicked Witch of the (Upper) East compared to Gilda-esque Whitney, she's become a real-life Blair Waldorf, the high-society queen bee whom you end up rooting for in the end. Plus, she always looks fiercely flawless, even during this season's turf wars with Elle's PR director. So how does she do it? I got the scoop from The City's uptown girl on fall fashion, her to-die-for skin and, of course, the show:

What are your must-have items for fall?
Roberta Freymann's statement necklaces, designer Brian Reyes' gorgeous jewelry collection, Chloe's Gemma bag and Topshop's grey lace-up booties (pictured).

What makeup products can't you live without?
I can't give away all my secrets, but I am a huge fan of Guerlain and YSL products.

Do you shop online? What are some of your fave shopping and fashion sites?
I do buy some things online, mostly shoes because I know they'll fit. But there are so many great fashion sites out there -- WhoWhatWear.com, Style.com, WWD.com, Grazia.Daily.co.uk.

In one episode, we saw you shopping on Canal Street. Do you shop for bargains?
I always love a bargain, but I think it's easier to find a deal in a situation where you can negotiate prices. I've found great pieces at antique markets, flea markets or road shows.

Do you have any fashion regrets? Anything you've bought that you'll never wear?
I always try to buy things that I know will work with what I have in my closet, or something that I know I'll grow into.

Do you think you're portrayed accurately on the show?
I think that what you see of me on the show is a very small aspect of my life on the whole -- you only see me in a very limited capacity at work. I don't think that anyone can really get a true sense of what I'm like as a person by watching those few minutes I have on screen each week. And, of course, it's entertainment television, so things tend to get played up and dramatized. I don't think anyone really has that much drama in their everyday life!

Do you ever cringe, laugh or cry when you see yourself on the show?
I do cringe occasionally when I see something on screen that didn't play out quite the same way in real life, but it's a half-hour show and I realize there's not room for everything to make the final edit. The editing can get frustrating sometimes, but at the end of the day it's all for the sake of entertaining our viewers.

Are you friends with Whitney? Do you hang out with her?
Whitney and I don't really get the opportunity to hang out much. We're both so busy with work and filming, and then trying to catch up with our regular lives. But when we do see each other we are absolutely friendly. I enjoy running into her and catching up on how she's been.

--Michele Laufik

Stella McCartney's Collection at GapKids: A Tad Pricey But So Cute

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:08:55 -0500

Hello, tutus, military jackets and funky high-top sneakers... for babies, toddlers and kids! Stella McCartney for GapKids has finally arrived, and fashion-y moms everywhere are stoked. "For years now I've wanted to create a collection for kids. It's really exciting for us to do a boys and girls collection with Gap for the first time. I think it has a mix of the playful and practical. I tried to create a whole kids wardrobe," says Stella McCartney. "There are pieces that are classic and sort of timeless and hopefully very chic, mixed with more playful and a little bit cooler pieces. It's a reflection of our brand and a great way to experience it."

The only snag, say some moms, is that the collection is a little steep compared to the other choices out there, like The Children's Place and Kohl's. "My son, who's four, is growing by the minute," says stylish mom, Iris Asuncion. "If I buy him an $80 sweater now, we'll only get a handful of months out of it--if we're lucky--and that's too much to spend on a seasonal item." It's not the wisest choice for many parents with growing toddlers--even for the fashion-forward ones who like to style their kids super-hip.

Regardless, many moms are loving the new children's clothes. Some are gaga over key pieces, like leopard print knits ($98) and velvet tuxedo jackets for girls ($78), and monster and superhero tees ($28) and signature corduroy pants ($58). And rumor has it that T-shirts in XLs and XXLs at various stores are out of stock with adults buying children's tops for themselves, according to Gap shoppers who went to the store yesterday to do the same!

What do you think of the collection? Love it or hate it?

Would you pay over $30 for a kid's T-shirt (if it was super-soft and made by a designer)?

--Ysolt

Lux (Yet Affordable) "Mad Men" Style

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:01:09 -0500

"Every man wants to be Don Draper and every woman wants to be with him," says Michele Laufik, iVillage producer and fan of AMC's Mad Men. If you want to live like a Mad woman, it's easy with some classic '60s lifestyle advice.

For one, you can bring back cocktail hour--here are recipes for a Tom Collins and an old-fashioned cocktail. You can also wear red lipstick, which is very old-Hollywood chic, yet so hot right now. And what goes better with crimson lips than a Mad woman body a la Betty Draper (who's played by January Jones)? "She was told by producers to gain weight... because they want a soft, voluptuous woman," adds Laufik.

Need some fabulous dresses to go with your curvy Mad woman body? We hunted and discovered affordable Mad Men style a la Shabby Apple's Manhattan collection...

From left:

Upper East Side: bright blue dress with pleats on skirt ($72 at ShabbyApple.com)

Washington Square Park: plain cranberry dress with pleats on skirt ($72 at ShabbyApple.com)

Fifth Avenue: brown and white giraffe print skirt and white shirt ($82 at ShabbyApple.com)

What do you think of Mad Men style?

--Ysolt

5 Hollywood Women Who Will Inspire You

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:04:38 -0500

In the November issue of Elle, five of Hollywood's leading ladies talk about their favorite fashion designers, preferred roles in movies, and Hollywood stereotypes. Although the actresses are all across the map, play decidedly different characters, and lead separate lives, one thing they share in common is a departure from the mainstream Hollywood image. Each is a beautiful, strong woman, but in her own unique way. From big screen siren to paparazzi-magnet to under the radar star, here are some telling sound bites from Hollywood leading ladies Katie Holmes, Julianne Moore, Emily Blunt, Zoe Saldana and Renee Zellweger.

Katie Holmes on fashion
"I love Alaia, for sure. Stella McCartney. I like Ralph Lauren because I feel like it's very American, and I'm pretty all-American, from Ohio. Isabel Marant and a new designer, Sari Gueron..."

Julianne Moore on types of characters she is drawn to
"I think my connection to acting has been through reading. I'm interested in scripts. People ask me, 'What role are you dying to play?' It's really: What story do I want to be in?"

Emily Blunt on adjusting to life in Hollywood since moving from the UK
"I feel the fear of the business creep under my skin in Los Angeles in a way that it doesn't in England. It's funny--I feel like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, unless you're in Hollywood! It's shameful how you have to look a certain way. Women are simply not allowed to grow old gracefully. That's why I love playing character parts, because I'm not pigeonholed into trying to remain young forever to play the ingénue or romantic lead."

Zoe Saldana on being known as a beautiful Hollywood actress
"It's sexy to know that guys find you attractive. It's empowering."

Renee Zellweger on whether a successful movie career requires sacrificing your personal life
"A friend of mine couldn't decide between moving to New York or staying in Los Angeles., and another friend said, 'Do everything!' I thought, That's it, do everything."

I don't know about you, but I come away feeling inspired by these ambitious, assertive women, and have so much respect for Emily Blunt, who I always loved but now feel I know better!

To see the rest of Elle's "Women In Hollywood" covers, visit Elle.com.

--Venus Tsang

Giuliana Rancic's Style Secrets

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:10:44 -0500

I recently became obsessed with Giuliana & Bill on the Style network. The two of them are just so darn cute together. And, uhhh, can I get Giuliana Rancic's wardrobe, please? The E! News anchor and managing editor has the chicest dresses, most adorable minis and even her daytime denims and tops are fab.

I caught up with Giuliana last week, and I just had to pick her style brain! What I learned? Yes, she has a stylist. His name is Jose Camilo, and he styles her for E! News. As for her regular life, she's a total shopper and--without question--a fashion maven. She even shops for hubby Bill Rancic. "I love to put him in collared shirts with sweaters on top and nice jeans," she explains. "He looks really great in European designs, so I tend to shop at nicer places for him."

As for her own style, here are the deets...

What's in your makeup bag?

I always have my Lorac Blush/Bronzer Duo (in hot & spicy) for a nice glow, M.A.C. Lipglass (in florabundance) with M.A.C. Honey B Lip Liner, and my ChapStick Fresh Effects (in green tea mint) for my lips. I love the tingle it gives me while it moisturizes my lips. I can't have chapped lips on the red carpet when I'm standing six inches away from celebs. First, I line my lips, then apply ChapStick as a base before my MAC Lipglass. It creates a flawless lip and lasts longer.

What are your fall must-haves?

I just bought a few men's blazers in black and navy blue by MM Couture--very affordable and super-stylish. I've been wearing them with simple neon or bright T-shirts over super-tight LNA stretch pants and my new black, above-the-knee Balenciaga leather boots. They're the equestrian style with four-inch heels-very fitted at the leg and tall. So hot!!! I just got two tight leather motorcycle jackets--one in black and one in turquoise from Secret Circus of London. Love!

What's a major fashion "do" for women?

Every woman needs a few pairs of really high wedge-heel shoes. I hate flats and live in heels, so wedges are great because they're the most comfortable heels to wear. They make every outfit look hotter!

Where do you shop?

I love H&M. These days, the affordable stores are coming out with amazing clothes, so you don't have to spend your entire paycheck on your next outfit. I tend to buy trendier items from stores like H&M and Forever 21, and more classic pieces from Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty means confidence to me. When I feel healthy, confident and secure... I feel beautiful.

Such great fashion and beauty advice from Giuliana, right?! Love her! Tell me whose style you're loving these days! Maybe I'll have an opportunity to pick their fashion/beauty brains soon, and share them with ya!

--Ysolt

Read My Pins by Madeleine Albright, Secretary of Style?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:20:56 -0500

Jackie O. and Michelle Obama aside, Washington D.C. is not really known as a fashion capital, with most lady lawmakers sporting modest pumps and sensible pantsuits. But former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wins our vote for her covert political style.

In her new book, Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat's Jewel Box, Albright explains why an accessory can be a girl's (or a diplomat's) best friend. Taking a cue from the fashion great Coco Chanel, who once said, "It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure," Albright tried to communicate messages to high-level officials -- with her brooches!

It all started with Saddam Hussein. When she was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, the Iraqi press published a poem calling her a serpent. In response, she wore a snake pin with a dangling diamond (pictured) to her meeting with the dictator. "Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my personal diplomatic arsenal," says Albright. "Former president George H. W. Bush had been known for saying 'Read my lips.' I began urging colleagues and reporters to 'Read my pins.'"

How to "Brooch" the Subject
As lots of working gals know, corporate environments can sometimes stifle your awesome personal style. So if you're stuck wearing button-downs and blazers to work everyday, learn from Ms. Albright and add some "oomph" to an outfit with one of these fun brooches. Here's what we would wear to:

Those never-ending meetings: This sterling silver brooch is based on the molecular structure of caffeine, making it the perfect pick-me-up for any wardrobe. And it's so funky and cool that you'll wish those folks on the conference call could see it. ($55 at SupermarketHQ.com)

A job interview: This Swarovski-embellished owl pin by Kenneth Jay Lane will show that you're wise beyond your years and clearly ready for the new position. ($118.59 at Pret-a-Beaute.com)

Ask the IT guy for help: Need help defragmenting your whatizit or locating your cache? This "Hi" computer key brooch by Vicolo Paglia will definitely win the tech guy's heart and may result in lots of upgrades. ($43 at FarFetch.com)

If you're in the New York area, visit the Museum of Arts and Design to view more than 200 pins from Albright's collection, now through January 31, 2010.

--Michele Laufik

This Halloween, I'm Dressing Up as Hello Kitty

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:55:46 -0500

Every year around this time, I experience a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. I think to myself, another year has come and gone, and I get further and further away from being that jittery little girl bouncing from door to door with my neon pumpkin bucket. Halloween used to be one of my favorite holidays, where I would hoard all the candy and make it last for months, but now the excitement is often diluted with stress of getting older (and a conscious effort to not eat so much candy).

But this year, I'm celebrating. I'm going to revisit my childhood with another bright orange pumpkin bucket and a great costume. Guess what I'm going to be? Hello Kitty! If there's anything that's going to remind me of being 8-years-old, it's this iconic kitty who is celebrating her 35th birthday this year! So, what better time to pay homage to her, right?

I true Hello Kitty fashion, I'm going to wear a little red bow in my hair and throw on a pink dress, and maybe draw some whiskers on my face and paint my nose yellow. But I realize that I probably still won't look like Hello Kitty, which is why I'm picking up these Hello Kitty Rainboot (pictured) and a Hello Kitty Raincoat. That way, everyone will know exactly who I am.

And though I may never wear the raincoat without the pretense of it being a Halloween costume, I still think it's a pretty good keepsake--who says grown women can't enjoy a blast from the past every once in a while?

So happy birthday, Hello Kitty, and happy halloween to all of you, fashionistas! How are you celebrating this year and what are you dressing up as?

--Venus Tsang

Save Planet Earth with Uranus (Seriously)!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:32:45 -0500

You know how much you love those nights when you get to slip into your comfy boyshorts and jammies and veg' in front of the TV? For these special occasions, my own must-have list includes a cozy fleece blanket, a bowl of soup and a stack of magazines... And the most comfortable pair of undies that I own.

Recently, I've discovered a new pair that looks like it fits the criteria, plus some extra oomph! Uranus Apparel is a new brand that makes 100 percent eco-friendly undies for women out of soy products like soybean oil and tofu. Sounds crazy, right? It also took me a little while to imagine having tofu anywhere but my mouth, let alone have it made by a brand whose name is just asking for pun jokes.

But I'm a girl who strives to be eco-friendly--I recycle my bottles and rarely print paper--and this soy underwear idea seems a very sensible one to me! Besides, I'm going to be wearing them on my lazy nights in and under my clothes anyways, aren't I? Amazingly, the soy fabric is soft and comfortable, like a cheaper and more earth-friendly version of silk or cashmere. Plus, soy material is durable, long-lasting and washable (it'll only get softer the more I wash it)!

I was about 90 percent convinced at this point to wear 'em, but if you want to see where the last 10 percent came from, watch this video. She's one of the three Uranus Apparel founders:

Fun, yes?! Tell me about your fave loungewear!

--Venus Tsang