Fashion Manifesto ||Because Style Doesn't Happen Over Night

Get Alicia Keys’ “Unthinkable” Dress

Tara Decoda — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:01:24 +0000

Alicia Keys took a vintage approach for the video for her hit single “Unthinkable”, both visually and stylistically. Her blue dress she rocked in the mom-and-pop store scene had a lot of people asking, “where can I get mine?” Well, look no further:

The dress was by ANLO:

ANLO Janie Dress in Tulip, $286

And just in case you’ve been living under a rock, here is the video for “Unthinkable”

“If you ask me, I’m ready…”

The Baywatch Files: How To Be Sexy In A One-Piece

Tara Decoda — Wed, 19 May 2010 22:10:46 +0000

Everyone seems to have forgotten, or simply were never informed, of what sexy really means. I recently did a 4-part series on what sexy means for the teens, 20′s, 30′s, and 40′s, and to further emphasize how to be sexy without showing or doing too much I will reference an old classic: Baywatch

I remember seeing re-runs of Baywatch growing up, since I was very young when the series was originally airing. The iconic show (which holds the Guinness World Record of being the most watched show in television history, drawing in 1.1 billion viewers a week) was just as iconic as its red one-piece bathing suits, and the constant running. It would make the average person think , either they’re passionate life guards or very sexy track stars. Which ever way, the Baywatch girls were sexy! A red one-piece and long damp hair was enough to make guys lose their minds.

But now-a-days, two-pieces are all the rage. The one piece isn’t sexy enough, it leaves too much to the imagination. Not to mention you didn’t work out all Fall to cover your surfer abs! But who says it’s not sexy? Check out a few of my favorite one-pieces, sexy one-pieces.

Colorblock One-Piece, $198

Retro One-Piece, $125

Ruched One-Piece, $72

Firm Control Twist Front One-Piece, $134-$140

Zimmerman Strapless Orchid Twist Swimsuit, $245

Zimmerman Gitana Wrap Detail Swimsuit, $220

Spot Tie Front Swimsuit, $37.20

Rope Print Cut-Out Plunge Suit, $32.13

There are plenty of sexy one-pieces on the market! You can check Target, Forever 21, H&M, and many other retailers!

Miranda Kerr Wants You To Treasure Yourself

Tara Decoda — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:39:11 +0000

It seems like industries are getting more (or is it less?) creative when it comes to celebrity products. First it was the celebrity clothing line, then it was the celebrity fragrance, now its the celebrity book?

Don’t get me wrong, celebrities have been writing books and “how-to-be-like-me” guides for forever, but models, who are notoriously for being a few sandwiches short of a picnic, are getting in on the action too (Tyra Banks recently announced she will be writing a fantasy model trilogy). Miranda Kerr has let known to the world that she is writing a book titled Treasure Yourself which will encourage young women to “embrace their individuality.” Here’s what she had to say about her decision to pen the self-help guide:

“You may think it’s easy for me to say, but we all have insecurities. It’s important, as women, to get past all of that and let our talents shine.”

Well, can’t knock the hustle. I guess Miranda will be on Forbes’ “Top Earning Models” list again next year!

FM’s Pick: Spring’s Best Jewelery

Tara Decoda — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:30:35 +0000

An outfit is nothing (and I mean NOTHING) without the perfect accessory to top it off. It’s like eating a cake without icing, or a foundation with no building. So FM has chosen a few of our favorite things to top of your favorite spring look:

Whether it’s a statement necklace, a bold cuff, or chic cocktail ring, the jewelery you choose can make or break your outfit. I usually don’t wear jewelery, because I’m allergic to everything (costume jewelry, sterling silver, gold below 12 karats, you get it) but I absolutely do go for bold when I do find the right pieces. Check out a few things I’m loving at the moment.

3.1 Phillip Lim Glass-Pearl Chain Necklace, $225

Kenneth Jay Lane Multi-Chain Silver-Tone Necklace, $150

Giles & Brother 10-karat Gold Plated Multi Chain Bracelet, $175

kate spade new york “Lorelei” Gold Bib Necklace, $275

Trina Turk “Mrs. Hu’s” Cabachon Ring, $66

Marc by Marc Jacobs Into The Wild Resin Bangle, $78

Sole Searching: The Perfect Summer Sandal

Tara Decoda — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:40:20 +0000

All this talk about pump this, stiletto that, 4 inches here, 6 inches there- all that heel could wear and tear a girl’s feet! I mean, it’s good to be prepared for all the fancy things in life, but what about the casual days? Because I’m sure you have more of those than the dressy ones:

Finding the perfect sandal is not as easy as it sounds! Trust me, I’ve worked around shoes in my professional life long enough to know that finding the right sandal can be harder than finding the right pump. “How,” you ask? Well, when you shop for heels the last thing you look for is comfort, so you don’t factor that into your buying decision, with a sandal, comfort is the first. So when you find a cute sandal that’s too flat and doesn’t support your arch, or too rounded at the toe and doesn’t look right on your narrow feet, or straps that don’t support the guaranteed Summed swelling, it makes it hard. But I have your guide, and a few of my faves, to get you where you need to be.

Diane von Furstenberg Kamala Flat Sandals, $250

You almost can’t resist the irritating flatness of sandals, but you can try to go for the ones with the most support internally. This sandal has a slight cushion to support the bottom of your foot, which will lessen the shock you feel from walking too long. Also, the buckle strap supports the slight Summer swelling, because you can adjust it to fit. Not to mention, its super cute!

Burberry Chain-Trimmed Leather Sandals, $395

I really have a thing for chains, so that’s 50% of the reason I chose this shoe. The other 50% is because it has a very small half-inch heel, that way you’re not completely flat on the ground, which is exactly what you want. When your feet is pretty much on the ground, your feet will probably hurt more than if you wore heels. Trust me, I’m having the same issue now with a pair of jelly sandals I have.

Oasis Interlinked Gladiator Sandals, $64.25

This one is an all over support. With sandals, the majority of your feet is out and there is usually just a T-strap to support it, so your feet slides, glides and has the tendency of getting very dirty (hello, baby wipes!) With a shoe like this, you have more support on your whole foot, so if your problem is the slip & slide of a sandal, a full support sandal such as the gladiator would be the solution.

Sam Edelman Fiera Diamante T-Bar Snake Effect Sandals, $177.54

The slight wedge on this sandal is the perfect alternative for the girl whose heel have grown too accustomed to being far removed from the ground. It also works for my “too flat” theory, a slight heel is ALWAYS necessary on a sandal, even if it’s just half-inch.

Miss Sixty Nadia Strapped Flat Sandals, $84.55

This is the top support I am talking about, having a strappy sandal is always going to give you the support you need. God forbid you have start running in sandals, you want to make sure it doesn’t trip you or you’re constantly fighting to keep it in place!

Prada’s “Print Collection” Revives The 50′s

Tara Decoda — Sun, 16 May 2010 13:30:16 +0000

Prada has launched a new range inspired by the retro era, appropriately titled “Print Collection”. After all, there was no one rocking prints like June Cleaver (see: Leave It To Beaver)!

“Retro millenium” would probably be a good phrase to describe this collection, because that’s what it is. It’s a vintage style modernized to fit perfectly into society; a society where nothing is original, yet everything is new. The revival of era’s has been going on in fashion since forever, and who else but Prada to breathe life back into the home maker days?

Even celebrities are getting in on the action. Even though the collection just hit stores, Kate Bosworth and Carey Mulligan have already been spotted in the classic pieces:

According to InStyle, a source at Prada’s SoHo boutique says the dresses are “almost sold out.” This collection is DEFINITELY cute and right up my alley.

What do you think of Prada’s ‘Print Collection’?

The Top Earning Models Of 2010

Tara Decoda — Sun, 16 May 2010 00:45:07 +0000

Forbes recently released their annual list of 2009-2010′s top earning models, and it’s no surprise that most of them are Victoria’s Secret models:

1. Gisele Bündchen of course tops the list (again) with a whopping annual salary of $25 million. I mean, work it out then, girl!

2. As Victoria Secret’s OG runway killer, the host of Germany’s Next Top Model & Bravo’s Project Runway, along with her Jordache campaign and other modeling jobs, Heidi Klum managed to contribute $16 million to her already full house.

3. Due to her successful collaboration with TopShop, her line of bags with Longchamp, and her range of fragrances, British modeling icon Kate Moss raked in $9 million. Hmm, too bad models don’t get royalty’s from past modeling jobs, then she would have really been cakin’ it!

4. Adriana Lima, who happens to be my favorite model, came in at #4 (don’t worry, Adriana, you’re still a winner) with $7.5 milli. Those Victoria’s Secret & Maybelline checks are treating her well I see.

5. Dutch cutie pie Doutzen Kroes comes in at $6 million, thanks to L’Oreal, Victoria’s Secret, Calvin Klein and the several other catwalks she struts during international fashion weeks.

6 (TIE). New mommy Alessandra Ambrosio proved she can multi-task when she popped out her little one, and went back on the battle field just in time to pull in $5.5 million to go to towards her mini-me’s trust fund.

AND

It’s a tie! Russian model Natalia Vodianova also came in at #6 with $5.5 million, going from rags to riches, the 28-year-old has long since made up for lost time. Thanks to lingerie company Etam, Calvin Kelin, and many other lucrative deals with respected fashion houses.

NUMBER 7 WAS MISSING FROM THE FORBES LIST

8. Daria Werbowy proved that just because H&M may be cost-effective, it still pays its employees well! The Swiss chain and beauty giant Lancome contributed to the cause, and she came out with $4.5 million. Niiiceee.

9. Miranda Kerr, who has to have the most adorably unique faces in fashion, managed to pull in a breezy $4 million! Her acceptance speech would go a little something like this: “I would like to thank Victoria’s Secret, and all the glitter they put on me for every show that took days to come off, also Davis Jones Limited for giving me a chance…”

10. Carolyn Murphy, who basically earned $3.5 million for staying beautiful all year round, courtesy of Estee Lauder, proved staying power for the year 2009-2010.

Victoria’s Secret models seem to hold just about 7 of the spots on this list, not to mention a vast majority of them are mothers as well! So to all the aspiring models out there, take a note out of these ladies’ hustle manuals and get busy!

Paris Hilton Is Such A Tease

Tara Decoda — Sat, 15 May 2010 23:27:01 +0000

Party girl Paris Hilton is getting her Elizabeth Taylor on! She recently revealed that she will be releasing her 10th fragrance, appropriately titled Tease. Question is, who knew she was 10 fragrances in?

LOVE.ING this ad by the way! The Marilyn Monroe impersonations are a bit ran into the ground and over worked at this point, but Paris definitely is making the late Ms. Monroe proud with this one! The scent, a fruity-floral blend of Fuji apple, white peach nectar and bergamot, is balanced with white flowers and has base notes of amber, blonde woods and warm sand—designed to capture the spirit of the 1940s movie star. About the fragrance, she said:

“Tease is a really sweet and flirty scent, so the name is very fitting. It’s playful and sexy–perfect for grabbing attention.”

A lot of people do not know that Paris is quite the entrepreneur. Unlike her sister Nicky, she just chooses to ride shotgun in the fame vehicle going 160 MPH, so people tend to forget about the brand behind the name. But just for kicks, let’s take a look at Paris’ past fragrances.

Paris Hilton (Women’s), 2004
Paris Hilton (Men’s), 2004
Just Me (Women’s), 2005
Just Me (Men’s), 2005
Heiress, 2006
Heir, 2006
Can Can, 2007
Fairy Dust, 2008
Siren, 2009

Here are a couple of her promotional posters for her fragrances as well:

The 3.4 oz. bottle of Tease will be going for $55 and sold in retailers world-wide, starting this Summer.

Sex & The City 2: THE CLOSET

Tara Decoda — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:45:33 +0000

Ever wanted to know what the ladies of Sex & The City were wearing, who designed it, and if you can’t afford it where you can get it for less? Well, look no longer, the Sex & The City wardrobe team has launched a site called “Sex & The City | The Closet” which reveals several looks worn by the stylish cast in part 2 of the super successful flick:

(click pic for larger image)

Whether you’re a fan of Samantha, Miranda, Charlotte, or Carrie‘s wardrobe, this site has got you covered! Now you can look like the cast of SATC 2 without breaking the bank, thanks to Patricia Fields and all the other lovely folks on wardrobe.

To see more looks from the virtual closet and get the link to the site

Designers featured on the stars include Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, Brian Atwood, Gianfranco Ferré, Vivienne Westwood, Bill Blass, Adriana Castro, Oscar de la Renta (one of my faves), of course Patricia Fields and plenty more! For more looks from the movie, which will be in theaters May 27, click here.

NOTE: To see all pictures bigger, click them.

House Of Dereon Has Some Nice Stuff

Tara Decoda — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:40:50 +0000

Yes, I said it. I think people confuse House of Dereon with Dereon constantly, not knowing that these brands have two completely different images. Dereon, which is the junior’s line carried in Macy’s and stores like it, is the brand that a lot of people frown on and vow to never wear, while House of Dereon is the higher-end more contemporary line carried in Bloomingdales that people never seem to know exists:

See, it’s not so bad. The prices for House of Dereon run anywhere between $100-$250. I would wear a few of these dresses posted above, actually. The 3rd dress from the top is actually the one Beyonce wore in the Spring 2010 ad campaign, and everyone wondered why the ACTUAL clothes weren’t that cute. Well, that is the actual clothes, and it is that cute: