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Paris Runway Report Fall07: Vivienne Westwood

Vivienne Westwood is one of the most creative fashion designers around. As one of the pioneers of punk fashion, you somehow know that Vivienne will deliver a high-concept show, and this one definitely did not disappoint. I loved the mix of knits, cutout fabric shapes, tartan plaids, african prints, and blanket capes that she pulled together in her own style. I seriously loooved the layered look she created. It's definitely not something I'd wear out o the streets but the colors, textures and contrast all seemed to work for the show. Shaped stylish dresses that were modern showcased the popular metallic look as well as the shades of greys we've been seeing. To see the complete collection visit, style.com.

Here are some of my favorites:

(Photos: Style.com)

Shades of Grey

Sure it's grey outside but now it's hip to be wearing the various shades of grey. From dark smoky heather grey to airy light grey, there's a perfect shade to fit your mood. The Vionnet Draped Jersey Dress (on sale $189, scroll down towards the bottom of the page) from Le Train Bleu is a decidedly sexy, modern jersey dress with accordion pleats down front and 3/4 gathered sleeves.

Here are more shades of grey:

MK2K Empire Dress ($187 at Girlshop)

K.A.7 Short Sleeve Sweater with Strap ($188 at Shopbop)

Helmut Lang Long Cashmere Wrap Top ($290 at Shopbop)

Marc by Marc Jacob Nicolette Sweater ($278 at Shopbop)

Catherine Maldrino Polka Dot Pencil Skirt (on sale $97.50 at Shopbop)

Debonair Grey Mini Jacket ($48 at Fred Flare)

Oscars Best Dressed: More Sleek and Slender

Cameron Diaz showed that she still has style (and looks fun/carefree) in this modern Valentino Couture gown which she matched with emerald Cartier jewels for that little splash of color.


I absolutely loved Kate Winslet in this mint green colored Valentino Couture dress that looked very grecian style.

Rachel Weisz looked liked a 40's star in Vera Wang. Since her bustline was jeweled, Rachel could have skipped the bulky looking necklace to keep it all sleek. Still, she looked beautiful.

Rinko in Chanel Haute Couture. I love this the silhouette on her.

And Cate Blanchet never disappoints, opting for a full modern metallic look in Armani Privé.

(Photos: Style.com)

Oscars Best Dressed: Shiny, Straight Long Hair + Sleek Long Dress

The mood of the Oscars was simple. Wear your shiny locks straight and long to match your long dress. My pick for best dressed was Reese Witherspoon who dazzled us all with her long extensions (the bangs were nice too) paired with a deep purple to lavender Nina Ricci gown. By far she ruled the red carpet!

Gwyneth Paltrow's Zac Posen dress had a very 30's feel to it and I thought the color was beautiful on her. I don't know how she keeps her hair looking long and fantastic, while having 2 kids.

Nicole Kidman looked great in Balenciaga. I loved that her and Naomi Watts walked the red carpet together and Naomi looks beautiful too in her

Beyonce looked stunning in her Armani Privé dress with beaded over the shoulder strap.

(Photos: Style.com)

Web Snob Weekly Roundup

Bag Snob gives you a sneak preview of Anya Hindmarch's Fall 2007 bags! - Link.

Beauty Addict test drives a new smile sensation and accidentally bleaches her lips in the process. - Link.

Blogdorf Goodman: 40 Days and 40 Nights of Beauty Brand Reviews begins! Day 2 focuses on Awake. - Link.

eBelle5 discovers the perfect designer handbag for the "Party Girl" who is "Down2Night". - Link.

Meet David Wolfe of The Doneger Group, the premier fashion trendspotting firm, in a Fashiontribes video interview about the biggest fashion trends for Fall 2007. - Link.

Girlawhirl finds her very own Stylist Essentials Kit. - Link.

LA Story shares the tricks that make-up artists use to keep celebs looking fabulous both on and off camera are available for consumers too. - Link.

My Fashion Life reviews Avsh Alom Gur at London Fashion Week. - Link.

You’ve got your very little black dress. Now for spring double-oh-seven, Kristopher Dukes says invest in a big black hole of a patent leather Marni bag. - Link.

Marquita Harris of Papierblog reviews the outrageous designs of Gareth Pugh at London fashion week photo gallery included. - Link.

That's Amore! Second City Style has your Milano Fashion Week Coverage for Fall '07. - Link.

SheFinds: Are You Hard to Fit? Big Calves, Short Legs, Slender Soles, Long Hems -- We tell you where to shop for special sizes. - Link.

StyleBakery.com finds 8 pairs of chic and comfy ballet flats starting at only $20 (and all of them under $60). - Link.

Sit down with designer Jason Wu as Stylebites chats with him during NY Fashion Week. - Link.

Stylehive: Givenchy's Prismissime Arty Collection will get you ready for spring with a blast of color inspired by an artist's palette. - Link.

The Jewelry Weblog is totally charmed by the jewelry designs of Jodi Bloom at So-Charmed Jewelry. Here jewelry is more than charming because it tells a story. - Link.

Trashionista finds out what Sarah Morrison (NYLON Magazine's latest "it-girl"), is wearing at 5AM. - Link.

Embroidery Secret

Nichole Locher's Parisian atelier, Locher's shows pretty, feminine tops that are flirty with embroidered details. Look a little closer though and you'll realize this Swiss fashion designer's detailed embroidery doesn't just stop at pretty. Oh la la! It's delightfully naughty in some cases! Get yourself up close to the tunic top above and you'll realize that I don't play nice ($75).

Here's a couple more favorites:

Just Good Boys Get Presents ($79)

Dirty Little Lovemaker ($76)

There are lots more, a-hem, subversive quotes in her collection so I'll leave you to go and find the fun, delicious naughty ones. These tops will make great gifts for girlfriends for birthdays or bridal showers. Locher's collection is feminine with a twisted sense of humor and I love the whimsical breath of fresh air from this Parisian atelier.

Britney

I first heard about Britney Spears from this cover of Rolling Stone. It was 1999 and I was working in an interactive agency where this was laying around because we were pitching a project for a music label. I then saw her "Hit Me Baby One More Time" video and then the rest is history. I remember someone in the office saying that if she's such a big star now in her teens that by the time she'd hit 30 we'd start seeing crazy stories about her. I just didn't realize she's have her breakdown so soon at 25 and 2 kids later. I'm sure being in the spotlight since childhood doesn't help. Not that I care about her music, but I do hope that somehow, someday this girl can find her way and be happy.

Gothic Lolitas and Japanese Fashion

Right now at CRAFT magazine our team is working on our Japan crafts issue (Vol 3). While doing some research for the issue, I happened upon this Japanese fashion blog, <3 Yen. The story that caught my attention? This one on Gothic Baby doll dresses with a crop of photos of these young gals dressed up like Gothic Lolitas -- some are cute and some are downright scary lookin'.

I also love this outfit from the Grey is the New Black post. There are lots of cool stories on Japanese trends and fashion on this blog. Check it out when you get a chance. BTW, I love this model's hair!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Today is Chinese New Year (4075), Year of the Pig! Get this cute book, The Year of the Pig ($15.95) written by Oliver Chin and illustrated by Miah Alcorn. I just absolute love the fresh illustration style and story.

Look at the cute little piglette!

Here's more about this year's Chinese New Year (via Chicago Sun Times) and what we can expect.

Web Snob Weekly Roundup

• Aesthetics + Economics: Pout-a-Porter - Sheer Marketing Genius - Link.


• Bag Snob protests the rocketing prices of luxury bags! - Link.


• Blogdorf Goodman: Pretty in Proenza Pink. - Link.


• Ebelle5: Designer handbag inspiration from a top designer house or maybe it’s just a coincidence. Hermes Shoulder Birkin vs Burberry Jermyn Shoulder Bag. Inspired by or just plain coincidence? - Link.


• Fashiontribes finds the Top 10 most interesting trends to come out of New York Fashionweek for Fall 2007. - Link.


• LA Story: Armani Beauty's Tim Quinn Talks About Spring Color and lots more. - Link.


• Second City Style's Top 10 Trends (You'll Be Wearing) From Fall Fashion Week 07. - Link.


• SheFinds.com: Speed Demon: Get Ready FAST with these Products. Grooming rituals can provide relaxation on occasion, for our day to day living we just want to get it done and get going. We have found some great products to help shorten your routines. - Link.


• Kristopher Dukes: Spring 2007 Louis Vuitton Shoes. It’s been a few Manhattan minutes since something made your K go, "Ooh. La. Love." - Link.


• StyleBakery.com: Shop Spring's top 10 trends in StyleBakery.com's ultimate guide to the season filled with over 200 perfect pieces to add to your wardrobe. - Link.


• Stylehive: The Honeydew Signature collection - inspired by the 1920’s, modern meets vintage with glossy stretch satin silk mixed with intricate lace detailing, and sumptuous glossy stretch satin silk. - Link.


• Fairy stories and rose gold are two important elements in the mythical, magical jewelry of Victoria Buckley. The Jewelry Weblog crosses her fingers that we'll see the talented artist's work here in the States soon. - Link.


• eBeautyDaily is loving Dove and their new contest and moisturizing self tanners. - Link.