Forever 21

Forever 21 is the retailer of the times. Let's face it, the clothes are trendy, inexpensive and appealing to most women.  While most retailers are suffering huge losses, Forever 21 experienced an increase in profits, with plans of expansion.  The store will start a kids line for children ages 7-14. They recently launched a plus-size line that is also profitable.  I personally prefer quality over quantity, but it is clear that I am the minority and not the majority. Teens, moms, and now kids will keep the stores profits high and as long as that keeps happening... it will live on Forever.

STYL'D

MTV is airing a new reality show tonight called Styl'D.  The contestants ultimately want to become Stylists.  The winner of the competition will work for MMA, the same PR company where Rachel Zoe once worked.  It will be interesting to watch and see how much is reality and how much is fantasy.  Stay tuned.

Being a stylist and trying to keep up with a fashion blog can be challenging.  Working full time and being completely exhausted after work, has left me temporarily unable to write. Well, at least on a daily basis.  Presently, there are no rules. Whatever we choose to wear is right. Colors, fabrics, boyfriend jeans, plaids and comfy tees...it's totally up to us to decide how and what to wear.  But hasn't it always been?

Henri Bendel

Hendri Bendel is coming to the Beverly Center.  November 2009, is when the store will open its doors to southern California. Talk about excited! Perfect timing and just in time for the holidays. What took them so long?

Its Not Rocket Science

While working in retail, there was a influx of women who would ask me to dismantle every piece of clothing off the mannequin.  They confessed they didn't know how to "put it all together." I was in awe because to me it was effortless. I didn't realize there were "clothes challenged" people. How could you not know how to put a look together?  That's when I realized this was my calling. I love the creative process of taking several pieces, putting them together and creating a wardrobe masterpiece as I like to call it. Here's a rule of thumb: Wear what works for your specific body type.  Clothes need to be tried on and fit properly.  We wear the clothes, clothes do not wear us.  If women stay away from trends and wear what works for them, they"ll be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

Sign of the Times

Fashion definitely reflects the sign of the times.  During these tough economic times, many people find themselves wearing what already exists in their closets, or purchasing pieces from vintage or bargain sales.  The rebirth of the woman's shirt dress is here. An effortless, throw on item that is comfy and classic.  Sold at J. Crew, Nordstrom and other retail stores, once you invest in one, you can have it for many years.

John Hughes

John Hughes passed away yesterday. Many of us who grew up as teens in the 80's remember his remarkable films such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, and my all time favorite, The Breakfast Club.  The styles and clothes worn in these films are etched in my mind forever.  In the Breakfast Club, Molly Ringwald is wearing brown, distressed knee-high boots with a chocolate brown skirt and a pink top.  To me, this was the absolute must have, I gotta go out right this minute and find her skirt & boots.  Needless to say, I never did.  The costume designers did an amazing job with his films and although he is gone, his legacy and films will remain forever.

Bird

As I walked through stores to see what's new for fall, I was pleasantly surprised to see several "I want that" items  from Juicy.  Their new line of fall boots range from rain boots to more mature, sexy boots.  The duo who created Juicy, has a new line called Bird.  Designed and geared toward the mature fashionista, everything is made in subdued hues such as grey and black.  More classic and timeless items such as constructed leather jackets without embellishments. No loud, brightly-colored sweatsuits, but tailored cardigans and slim fitting pants.  What do I say to that? Oh Thank Goodness, a change has come.

Weekend Deals

This weekend there were deal sightings everywhere I turned on the streets of L.A.  from downtown to the west side. This economy has desperate retailers cutting out the middleman and selling direct to consumers.  There were flea market sales, blowout sales and racks of clothes up and down 3rd St.  The Buffalo Exchange is a great place for current, inexpensive pieces. Some shops were offering free water and additional discounts to get rid of their stock.  If you want a bargain, all you have to do is look.  

The Kain Affect

Of course, a white tee is a staple in any woman's closet but not just any white tee. The Kain tee is unconstructed, loose fitting, comfy and sexy.  The loose hanging pocket is its signature identity mark. The tee comes in many hues but I prefer simple ones like black, white and grey.  Simple in look but not simple in style. You can't have just one.

Sole Perspective

Get ready reality show junkies & fashionistas.  Another reality show is coming our way called Sole Perspective. Instead of a clothing competition, this show has contestants taking us inside the world of footwear design and shoe making.  After managing a few shoe stores and learning what it takes to hold it all together, we'll be seeing a lot of glue.

Cocktails Anyone?

Fact: A small thing can make a huge impact. Cocktail rings are doing just that.  The other day, I found myself trying on so many that I didn't realize how much time passed.  Teens and all, many of us swarmed the accessory bin trying on ring after ring. Affordable and cute, I saw some priced as low as $4.  Let's raise our arms and toast because cocktails are always in style.

Here Kitty Kitty

This cat is everywhere (on jewelry, clothes, pillows, furniture, and more) but it's amazing how it keeps reappearing.  Hello Kitty and Asics have joined forces to produce sneakers.  Available Nov. 1, 2009, to some, this may be a match made in fashion heaven.  You can get them online at Sanrio or in one of the limited locations such as N.Y, San Fran or Hawaii.  Stay posted to find out where she'll turn up next.

Marc Jacobs Takes Another Dive

Everything he touches turns to gold.  Why not this?  Marc Jacobs has a new swimwear line just for kids.  His line is  called "Little Marc" and the suits hit stores next year.  He's created adorable matching swimsuits for mom and child.  Everything in miniature is adorable and irresistible.  

Alexander Wang

Is Alexander Wang cheating on us ladies? I believe so.  He has decided to create a range of men's basic tops. You ask why? For obvious reasons.  Most guys look their sexiest in a t-shirt and jeans. Am I right? 

Rock & Rebublic

Rock & Republic, known for their sexy denim, has just created an edgy new cosmetics collection.

Rock Bands

I'm loving my newest discovery.  There's a line of jewelry for men and women that is so cool. I have to have one or two or three or.....The jewelry is hand crafted, made from real stones, attached to a leather band.  Not only for style, these stones benefit the mind and body. Sold at Neiman Marcus and online this is a accessory worth having.  Switch reels on your computer, go to rockbands and you'll see what I'm talkin about.

Fashion & Gaming

Its hard to believe but yes, not one, but two fashion labels have started up lines of video game clothing.  Namco Bandai has a multi year partnership with Tapout to produce a line of clothes and Marc Ecko has kicked off a line of limited edition Halo tees.  In case you didn't know it, Marc Ecko admits to being a nerd and loves video games.  Here's one of his Halo tees for your viewing pleasure.

Harem Hazard

Even when M.C. Hammer wore harem pants it was awful. I don't care what anyone says but harem pants just don't work. I don't know how or why they made a comeback. Some fashion trends don't deserve a second chance.  I could go on and on about why they're so awful but what's the point?  

Georgia On My Mind

Georgia May Jagger, Mick and Jerry Hall's daughter is the new face for Hudson jeans. This 17 year old model signed a 3 yr. contract with the trendy denim line.  If they look as good on me as they do on her, ready or not, here I come!