The most exciting two minutes of sports. The Run for the Roses. The first Saturday of every May… the Kentucky Derby has arrived.

So, sip on a refreshing mint julep and bet a thoroughbred on having a grand time checking out the traditional southern fashions. When you think of the annual race, the most noteworthy feature is the spectacular large brimmed hats. Whether big, beautiful, small, tall, bright, brilliant, subdued, feathered, glittered… . Each hat is more spectacular than the next:

Comments (0) Apr 30 2009

A victim of fashion, isolated from reality, chained to the possessions that she holds eternally sacred. But after the fashions have faded and the gold has tarnished, where will she go from there?

Comments (0) Apr 30 2009

Jackie (22, from Washington, D.C.) stops traffic as she indulges in some vitamin D in a Sunday-best just got better look. And Leggy Liz (21, from New Orleans, LA) flutters like an ethereal goddess in her fancy frock at the Student Merchandising Association fashion show. 

How could these ladies not look their best, especially on such a grand occasion? The Pop Couture launch party was chock full of stylish folks (like that would be a question…) but Katie (21, from Savannah, GA) wins the gold medal in the fashion chameleon olympics, as she channels our featured icon Twiggy. And then give a second glance to the sexy girl next door- Julie (20, from Easley, SC) who is looking fly and flirty in an adorable sundress.

Comments (2) Apr 28 2009

Barbara ‘Barbie’ Millicent Roberts is the epitome of fashion creativity. It is mind boggling to imagine the infinite possibilities of childhood dreams that she has inspired. At a staggering 29.5 cm tall she has played the role of Starfleet officer, United States President, veterinarian, NASCAR driver, sign language teacher, UNICEF Summit diplomat and other humbling careers. To say the least, her experience and versatility makes her mighty well rounded in her 50 years of life.

In honor of her birthday a slew of designers have taken inspiration from the flawless mannequin and used their talent to create genius. Here are just a few of the amazing collaborations that give ode to the iconic Babs:

The “Jonathan Adler Loves Barbie” collection is Adler’s interpretation of a real life Malibu Barbie dream house. It is adorned with a 1985 Andy Warhol portrait, chairs with nostalgic Barbie image fabric accented with corseted tulle trains, and rather creepy chandeliers made of her infamous blonde tresses.

Christian Louboutin designed pumps and dubbed them “Barbie Pantone 219 Pink.”

“I guess I always had a little ‘girlie side’ who liked Barbie,” Louboutin said. “Barbie needs to wear great shoes because every girl needs to wear great shoes.”   

What is black and white and pink all over? Barbie’s closet, duh. Canadian designer David Dixon shows his take on the original 1959 doll’s black-and-white chevron striped swimsuit motif.

Karl Lagerfeld let Barbie imitate real life for the uber-hipster Parisian store, Colette. His exhibition displayed limited edition screenprints of Barbies designed and photographed with real male models. (With the exception of  his slight narcissism and the use of the Karl bear as one of the models.)

Typically, a regular edition Barbie goes for around $40- $50. Accessories can vary, but $10- $20 is standard. The exception goes to the enthusiast who likes to indulge in Barbie’s likeness. Wear her in gold, platinum, and covered in diamonds, because Barbie Rocks of Beverly Hills is the first high-end jewelry line that sells baubles for up to $15,000. 

Goyard, the French trunk malletier has been making luggage for aristocrats and nobility since the 19th century. Surely it should come as no surprise that they would make a mini version of their Maison trunk in their signature rose pink chevron print for the icon. For a mere $3,935 you can tote your Barbie around in the suitcase of her dreams.

Barbie may wear many hats, but the beauty is that you get to decide which one she wears today. So, happy birthday Babs and thanks for being the hottest cougar around.

Comments (0) Apr 26 2009

Perhaps Marc Jacobs has a thing for older pop stars with unnatural human qualities.  Here he uses Victoria Beckham for his spring/summer 2008 ads and Madonna for his recent Louis Vuitton campaign. Notice how “Posh” shows off her weasel side while the “Material Girl” displays her acrobatic abilities.  I’m not quite sure what the inspiration was behind the Marc Jacob’s shoot, but the man himself claims he chose Madonna for the Louis Vuitton campaign because he wanted to use the “ultimate performer.” Hmm, I always wondered how Dr. Frank-N-Furter would look as a can-can dancer…

Comments (3) Apr 25 2009

Sure, you “do your part” by recycling Natty Lights and pizza boxes. You bare no resemblance to Ghandi, but hey, it is better than nothing. Whether you consider your commitment to the environment a light shade of mint green or a deep emerald, today is the day to do as much as you can. Here is a healthy dose of eco-friendly shopping with some extremely do-gooder brands.

Nothing to wear? As one of the more fashion forward sustainable brands, Loomstate is excellent quality. Featured at Barneys, it has now branched out to a line currently featured at Target.  Feel like a natural with this brand that bridges the gap between high-end fashion and the green movement.

The warmth of the spring sun brings comfort to your soul and leads you to dress how you feel. Liven up with a colorful pair of flip-flops from BC Footwear’s “I Used To Be A Rice Bag” collection. Recycled from grain bags, each pair has its own unique look, and would be an understated addition to an effortless look.

Be chic with the progressive vegan handbag line for men and women. Matt and Nat. The brand takes pains to combine “the spiritual and the material.” In other words, they mix simple industrial designs with environmentally-safe textiles, and the materials do not contain any animal by-products.

Even if you aren’t in the mood for shopping- use that recycled shopping bag, go outside, eat delicious natural food, climb a tree… or just recognize how lucky we are to live on a planet that keeps up with us. All you have to do is try, and perhaps Captain Planet will give you a super awesome ring.

Comments (1) Apr 21 2009

Tom (22, from Milledgeville, GA) expresses his inner cravings with a colorful pop art style burger t-shirt worn to an afternoon grill out.  I’m not quite sure if art is imitating life here or if Tom is imitating his shirt.  Either way, his tasty ensemble fits quite well for a sunny spring day in the park with food and friends.  Well done, Mr. Burger shirt!

Comments (3) Apr 19 2009

One and two and three and four… exercise has seen countless changes throughout the decades. Popularized in the 1950’s, physical activity (whether aerobic or anaerobic) opened a new outlet in the fashion industry. Invented for a specific purpose, the timelessness of some products is incredible: Lacoste tennis polos, Nike high-tops, baseball caps, ballet slippers, sweat bands, yoga pants, etc. Recently, “The Fit Flop” or the flip flop with a gym built in, is designed to burn extra calories as you walk. Not a terrible concept, but it raises the question of has fitness influenced fashion or is fashion influencing fitness?

So, whether you pump iron, meditate in downward-facing dog, or jazzercise to a healthy self… The overall consensus is that functional fashion has lasting power. Let us reflect upon some of the memorable movements in fitness fashion:

Comments (1) Apr 16 2009

It’s only fitting that we do a feature on Twiggy since no compilation of style icons would be complete without her. She is known as the world’s first teenage supermodel and undeniably has one of the most recognizable faces in fashion history. It’s hard not to be amazed by the haunting gaze and distinctive limbs that have made her stand out for decades amongst a sea of homogeneous fashion models.  Considered to be the face of the swinging sixties, Twiggy has remained a unique symbol of fashion in pop culture ever since, made evident by the many mod styles that are inspired by her looks today. If a picture is worth a thousand words, consider these to be an entire lesson on the history of sixties fashion…

Feeling inspired to get your own sixties style wardrobe? Vintage stores are perhaps the best places to find Twiggy-worthy attire, but mod looks are also an easy find on the internet. Check out these swinging pieces from modcloth.com.

Comments (2) Apr 15 2009

Imagine The Count of Monte Christo meeting Captain Hook, and you got yourself the infamous “Puffy Shirt.” In the 1993 episode of Seinfeld, Jerry unknowingly agrees to wear the pirate design. It has recently made a comeback in Spring 2009, and not because of any low talking. Granted, it would have been more likely seen on an aristocrat or David Bowie than a typical pirate, since the added frills would have added cost to the garment, but this year- anyone can wear it. Regardless of your personal inspiration, adding a feminine touch to basics is easier than being an architect or marine biologist:

Comments (0) Apr 14 2009