This evening, Rachel tweeted: “Setting up for a dinner party for my newly engaged friends!  XoRZ” and attached this picture.

Loving the mod white on white and non-matchy floral arrangements.  I kind of die for the view too.  Bananas!

I like Rachel Zoe, I’m not going to lie – especially her assistant Brad.

Today, I got an e-mail from Zoe’s website trying to sell me an apron – of course it’s not just any apron, it’s “The Lady’s Apron.”

The apron comes from Anthropologie.

According to Anthropologie’s website, “Such a peppy, feminine cover-up nearly begs for a new cupcake recipe or a batch of fizzy pink cocktails.”

Really? Do we still talk to women like that in 2009?

I didn’t know Anthropologie sold aprons, but boy was I wrong. Not only are they selling this apron, but 29 other styles.

Anyway, the best part of Zoe’s email is her advice to bake.

“When seasonal anxiety starts to get the best of you, do as I do and bake your cares away.”

Really Rachel Zoe? I cannot imagine you baking. Actually I take that back, I guess just because you bake doesn’t mean you actually eat what you pull out of the oven.

QVC CEO Mike George

Then back in October, we couldn’t believe it when a sharp-eyed poster on QVC’s jewelry forum said that upscale jewelry designer Stephen Dweck, whose chunky gemstone masterpieces are featured in Neiman Marcus, was on the No. 1 home shopping network’s schedule. THE Stephen Dweck?

We checked QVC’s program guide ourselves, and there it was: Dweck was doing a lower-priced jewelry line for QVC called Dweck’s Diamonds. His Neiman Marcus pieces didn’t even have diamonds. The high-end stuff is made with semi-precious stones.

Also in October, we were checking the press releases on HSN’s Web site when we saw the network had struck a deal with one of the most famous and elite fashion houses: Badgley Mischka, designers of bejeweled gowns for the red carpet and celebrities.

We’ve written bits and pieces of this during the past two months, but we thought we’d tie it all up in a tidy package for Thanksgiving: There has been a sea change in the home shopping world, prompted by the disastrous economy and the crash of the luxury market.

Yes, home shopping networks have seen their sales hurt by the economy, like everyone else. But they claim they are still managing to steal market share from brick-and-mortar retailers. In fact, QVC is making a full-frontal assault on them this Black Friday, with 28 hours of special products and programming stunts starting Thanksgiving night.

The consumer press will continue to mention “cubic zirconia” in every story it writes about QVC or HSN, oblivious to the fact that some of the most esteemed names in fashion, jewelry and cosmetics — brands you find in Saks, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus — are plying their wares on the aforementioned home shopping channels.

ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart

Male journalists are blind to this. You still have the nerds at Gawker, a snide Web Site for the navel-gazing media, chiding HSN for selling “useless crap.”

If you have ever seen how male journalists dress or their fashion and style sensibilities, you will realize that you can’t expect them to know names like Badgley Mischka, Judith Ripka, Robert Lee Morris, our fellow Montclair, N.J., resident Bobbi Brown, Yves Saint Laurent, Smashbox, Lancome and Dweck. And these brands and artists don’t represent “useless crap.”

Luxury-good makers are hurting, and they need to make up their loss in sales. So they are turning to outlets like QVC, as CEO Mike George explained at a recent Liberty Media conference, as outlets to distribute new lower-priced lines to the masses. George cited fashion designer Vivienne Tam’s QVC alliance at the meeting held in Manhattan by his parent company, Liberty.

“This complete implosion of luxury retailing in America has caused all these folks to rethink their business model,” George said.

And that means partnering with QVC, HSN or ShopNBC.

As we said, it will take the consumer press years to figure out that home shopping channels are distribution powerhouses that have undergone a transformation, in part because of the infllux of talent like a Morris, who does couture jewelry for designers like Donna Karan and RLM Studio sterling silver jewelry for QVC.

The Big Three — QVC, HSN and ShopNBC — are aggressively trying to broaden their audience and potential customer base, those who don’t normally watch any of these three networks. That means the three are actually “programming” the channels, doing “shows” that have entertainment value, not just product shilling, so they will attract non-QVC or non-HSN watchers.

We remember once interviewing a QVC exec years ago and asking what the network’s ratings were. He said ratings were irrelevant: QVC was only concerned about how many products were sold in an hour.

HSN CEO Mindy Grossman

That’s a totally different tune from what we heard recently from QVC’s George, and from the strategies that HSN CEO Mindy Grossman and ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart have initiated.

Like traditional TV networks, the home shopping players want viewers to “sample” a QVC or an HSN. These new audience members, hopefully, will then see products that they want to buy.

For example, singer Natalie Cole recently did a live concert on HSN to promote a new Holiday CD set she is selling on the channel. If you’re a fan, you might tune in to HSN to see her, and then actually decide to purchase her CD. Artists such
as Jose Feliciano have also performed live on QVC.

QVC alum Stewart on a recent third-quarter conference call pointed out that actress-entrepeneur Suzanne Somers, who came to ShopNBC from HSN, had succeeded in attracting new viewers to Minneapolis-based ShopNBC because she was “entertaining.” And these networks want new eyeballs.

And home shopping networks’ capacity to reach millions of consumers and do fulfillment of orders has not been lost on magazine publishers, celebrities or cable’s reality TV stars. With circulation falling, women’s magazines such as Lucky, Allure, Glamour and Self are partnering with HSN to sell subscriptions.

And stars have seen the light. In a recent interview in Oprah Winfey’s O magazine, Joan Rivers, who’s had a jewelry line on QVC for almost 20 years, told O she was on home shopping when “nobody except dead celebrities was doing merchandise on TV.”

Nowadays, it’s hard to find a celebrity or TV star who doesn’t have a home shopping line. Even Madonna was interviewed on HSN when she was selling her children’s book.

Here’s a partial list:

Paula Abdul, HSN, formerly “American Idol,” Fox

Rachel Zoe, QVC, “The Rachel Zoe Project,” Bravo

Isaac Mizrahi, QVC, “The Fashion Show,” Bravo

Padma Lakshmi, HSN, “Top Chef,” Bravo

Ramona Singer, HSN, “The Real Housewives of New York City,” Bravo

Susan Lucci, HSN, “All My Children,” ABC

Carson Kressley, QVC, “How to Look Good Naked,” Lifetime Television

Dr. Robert Rey, ShopNBC, “Dr. 90210,” E! Entertainment Television

Tori Spelling, HSN, “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood,” Oxygen

Paula Deen, QVC, Food Network

Rachael Ray, QVC, “The Rachael Ray Show,” syndication

Ingrid Hoffmann, HSN, Food Network and Univision

Home shopping is a big business. ShopNBC is the also-ran in the group, but in the third quarter Stewart made some nice progress cutting its losses. Sales for the Big Three were all down, but down less than previous quarters.

And we are not talking chump change for these networks. The three home shopping channels generated $8.3 billion in net revenue in 2008. QVC domestic posted $4.9 billion, HSN netted $2.8 billion and ShopNBC had $568 million.

Even with revenue still slipping this year, for the first nine months QVC had revenue of $3.308 billion; HSN had net sales of $1.4 billion; and ShopNBC had $372.6 million in net sales.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Beezag!

Thankful for thanksgiving, and mindful of the recession, the Beezag team has been scratching our heads to figure out the little things in life that each of us are individually grateful for this Thanksgiving. See if you can relate:

In one word(ish), I am thankful for …

Richard: Blackberry

Laurent: Apple Products

Steve: Hockey

Brian: Subway  (the sandwich store)

Bryche: Elastic Waisted Pants

Joe: Underwear

Paul: The Mets’ Season is Over

Sean: Hand Sanitizer

Brent: Aspartame

Angelo: Single Tenants in His Apartment Building

Ravi: Pan-Fried Dumplings

Candy: Cats (the word, not the animal)

Jimmy: Goat Cheese

Chelsea: Rachel Zoe

Samantha: Nail Polish

Let us know what you’re thankful for by commenting on this post. And hey, we don’t mind if you borrow from our list when the gratitude spotlight’s on you!

Oh yes, a little glamor and style doesn’t hurt. See MixMyGranola in this week’s edition of Life & Style!

Les dejo el segundo capitulo de esta imitación de la comediante Amy Philips. En verdad es aún mejor que el primero. Si no has visto el episodio anterior, y quieres reírte como nunca y enterarte de quien diablos es Rachel Zoe,  Checalo AQUI

Rachel Zoe es una estilista muy famosa en EU, y hasta tiene su reality en Bravo TV (del cual realmente me declaro fan), es una de esas personas que es imposible no burlarse o tomarlas en serio.

En pocas palabras la mujer es una completa graciosada en persona, desde como habla hasta como se viste y todo lo que pasa en medio, y una cómica americana llamada Amy Phillips (nada que ver con los electrodomésticos)  hace unas imitaciones impresionantes sobre Rachel y su estilo de vida. Sin duda un minuto de tu vida que vas a pasarla muy bien…

Scarves are a big trend and will be for the time being. Do you have one or a few scarves that you want to wear, but aren’t sure how? There are actually more ways than one to wear a scarf. Here, you will learn how to…Trust me, it’s easy!

1. Loop it!

Here’s how to tie a scarf: Fold it in half, take the loose ends and tie them through the looped end. And now you have a looped scarf! If you’re still having difficulty tying it, you can buy looped scarves at a variety of places. The Limited sells “Infinity” scarves starting at $29, and Rachel Zoe has her own “Eternity” scarf at QVC.

2. Tie it around your purse.

Scarves on purses are hot right now. You’ve probably seen the Coach purses that come with their own scarves. Of course you don’t need to buy a Coach purse to have that look. All you need is your own scarf and purse. (A silk scarf is preferable.)

3. Tie it around your waist.

Add some color to your outfit by tying your scarf around your waist. This would look best on a look that’s monochromatic such as a tunic and leggings.

4. Also wear it as a belt!

Put your scarf through the loops of your belt, tie it into a knot, and let it peek out from underneath your shirt. This is a cute and chic way to keep your pants up!

5. Wear it as a headband.

Both scarves and headbands continue to reign supreme in the accessory world. But scarves as headbands? Even better.

6. Use it as a sarong!

Save it for those hot summer days at the beach…If you’re a bikini girl, you’ll love having this scarf as an accessory. It will make for the perfect cover up.

7. Tie it into a tie or lapel.

Use it as a tie or lapel to spice up your boring business suit. Or become inspired by the flight attendants of the 1970s and tie it underneath your blouse.

8. Use it as a winter scarf.

Keep your neck warm this winter by wearing it with your winter coat. Your body will thank you for it!

9. Create something out of it!

If none of these tips are working for you, then create something out of your scarf. If you have plenty of fabric, you’re likely to make a top or dress out of it. Go online or to your local library for ideas and tips.

10. Tie it around your pet!

If you have a pet, then tie your scarf around their neck. (Gently, of course.) They may or may not appreciate it!

If you need any more ideas, tips, or ways to accessorize your scarf, then I suggest going to www.Ehow.com. They’re the Wal-Mart of “How to” guides.

Source: Google Images

ShopNBC apparently has something cooking with the cable network Bravo, but we couldn’t find out many details Wednesday.

During a third-quarter conference call ShopNBC CEO Keith Stewart said that the network is looking to partner with Bravo to sell some of Bravo’s “content” also have a presence on the channel.

“I can’t speak for NBC, but I do talk to them quite frequently, and we are in active conversations to work with some of their properties, like Bravo,” Stewart said. “To the extent that we can sell some of the Bravo content and also be on some of their channels, that will be a cost-effective way to do it.”

Bravo is a unit of NBC Universal, which is expected to be purchased by cable giant Comcast. NBC has a minority stake in ShopNBC.

A raft of the stars of Bravo’s many reality TV stars have lines on home shopping networks. Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe of “The Rachel Zoe Project” sells clothes and accessories on QVC, and Heidi Klum of Bravo’s former hit, now Lifetime’s “Project Runway,” had a jewelry line on QVC until a suit agains her by Van Cleef & Arpel put the kibosh on that.

Fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show,” is doing a line of apparel, accessories and home goods that will debut next month on QVC.

On HSN, Ramona Singer of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City” has a fine jewelry line, while Padman Lakshmi of Bravo’s “Top Chef” is hawking teas and herbs.

On the conference call, Stewart only made one more comment about the potential Bravo arrangement, and ShopNBC wasn’t “adding any color,” as Wall Street analysts say, after the call.

“Now all that said, NBC is a stand-alone unit and they need to make money,” Stewart said. “And we unquestionably need to make money. So to the extent it compromises our margins to you, it would not be a good business decision. But to the extent it does work for both of us, we’ll launch some of the content that NBC will offer.”

General Electric and NBC currently own about 32.5 percent of ShopNBC on a fully diluted basis of 37.6 million shares. NBC’s 6.4 million shares represent 16.8 percent ownership and GE’s 6 million common stock purchase warrants represent 15.7 percent.

Rachel Zoe may be the most well-known celebrity stylist out there, but not for long. Julie Weiss, stylist to the stars and mentor on MTV’s newest reality show Styl’d, is gonna give that skinny style maven a run for her (oodles of) money.

Weiss may look like your typical fun and laid back L.A. girl, but when it comes to style she means business. She’s tough, she knows what she wants, and she gets it, because when it comes to fashion, this girl knows her sh*t. Though it was a slow start full of long hours for very little pay (her first assignment was a full day shoot for only $75!), Weiss worked her way up from assisting at department store fashion shows to dressing Hollywood’s finest. She’s styled stars like Kanye West, Britney Spears and The Pussycat Dolls.

And now she’s passing on her fashion knowledge to 6 aspiring celebrity stylists. And by “passing on her knowledge,” I mean, “trying to get these kids to stop being so lazy and start putting some clothes on people.” Julie’s a busy gal, but we tracked her down last week (on a break from getting Julianne Hough ready for the CMAs!) to get her take on trends, her role on reality TV and, obviously, her favorite song to blast in the car while roaming those crazy L.A. streets.

5 Questions We Ask Everyone:

1. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
[I was driving home after] I was at a bar and I had a few drinks. We had left Mexican food in the car that we had eaten before and I was shoving a quesadilla down my throat when a cop pulled us over. I started freaking out. I’m like “Omg, I had some drinks, it’s 2 AM, I’m going to get a ticket.” So he makes me take a sobriety test. He looked at my eyes with the flashlight and I had to walk the line and everything.  I was freaking out. Thank god I passed. And then he asked me out! He was like “Can I have our number?”  And he let me go.

2. Name 5 things you can’t live without:
My car, my flats/flat boots because I run around a lot, my cell phone, my Chanel purses and French Vogue.

3. Do you have any advice or personal motto you live and work by?
I don’t really have a motto, but I like honesty, respect and good character in people. I respect people that try and work hard; it doesn’t go unnoticed. Even if you’re not doing a great job, it’s important to try and improve.

4. What is your Favorite song to belt out in the car or alone at our house?
I love that new Fergie song Meet me Halfway.

5. Finish this sentence: In ten years I will be _____?
I will have a clothing line in Wal-Mart. I’d like to have clothes that everyone can afford in all financial backgrounds that are trendy and cool. I would want to do something creative and stylish that everyone could have a piece of.

5 Questions Just for Julie…plus a bonus one:

1. On the show Styl’d it looks like you’re a take no crap kind of a woman. Are you doing this for TV or is this your way of teaching the junior stylists?
I’m definitely tough on them but not for no reason. This is what’s going on and this is my response to the actions that are seriously happening on the job; the cameras are going all day, but we are working for real. These are real people; real things; a real, normal day and they are messing up and not listening. I’m trying to mentor them too, of course; like I said earlier, I see potential if you’re trying to improve and trying to learn. I understand this is new to them, but at the same time they’re here and they’re so lucky to be in this position, so work hard and try to maintain it and make us feel like we made the right decision in choosing you over all these other kids.

2. Obviously having a sense of style is important in being stylist, but what else is does it take to be successful in the field?
You need to be able to multitask, make quick decisions, and just be smart. You have to be well organized and take high pressure throughout the day, every day. You have to keep going and make everyone happy – the publicist, the record label, the management, the commissioner for the music video, the actual celebrity… So many people have a say and it’s really high pressure and lots of opinions [so] you have to know your limits.

3. Who is your favorite celebrity client thus far in your career?
Right now I’m working with Julianne Hough and I’ve worked with her for a while. She’s a star in the upcoming film Footloose, she was on Dancing with the Stars, she’s a country singer. She’s really changed; she’s gotten more rocker edgy. When I met her she was more country. When we did her first album it was all boots and jeans. Now we’re going a lot edgier, rocker country. I love how we’re transitioning and where her image is going and that I’m going along for the ride with her. She’s really evolving.

4. What is your biggest go-to fashion item or trend right now?
Buckle boots are really big right now. I love boots. There are so many of them – you can get really edgy ones that criss-cross with a bunch of buckles and a high heel, to over the knee, to a flat boot. It’s a huge trend for fall, wearing them with or without tights. They are accessible in all price ranges and styles that are comfortable for all kinds of people; everyone can find a boot for them and have a boot for fall

5. What’s the biggest fashion mistake that people make?
Some people really want to be trendy so these kids put 18 things on, all at once. It’s too much. It’s overkill. It’s like, chill, you can get it in in a week, not in one night. It’s all about balance.

Bonus: Do you have any tips for college kids? A way for them to always look pulled together on a limited budget?
Definitely with accessories. You can easily change up different looks. I just got the cutest scarf from Forever 21. It was $5.50 and it’s amazing. I’ve gotten three compliments already. It’s a vibrant plumby-purple and it looks like it could be $150. Scarves are big for fall; they are fun accessories that you can find from H&M to Target to Forever 21. You can take that scarf and be casual during the day for class and then you can go out to a bar and have it around your neck for some color with a cool jacket and a dressier top and jeans, or with a dress or a skirt and tights. Oh and tights, too. You can find them at all price rages and there’s such fun tights out right now. It brings a fun element of fashion to a look. It’s a small price, but it makes a big statement.

[Catch Styl'd - and all the fashionista drama that comes with it - Tuesday nights at 11pm EST on MTV.]

The stars came out for the free food and drink at the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) New 30th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, California.

Not shockingly unique or anything, but pretty and classic. The color makes it.

Angelina Jolie in Armani Privé

She looks a little healthier than she has in recent months. The dress is okay. Her style philosophy seems to be “If I’ve got a face like this, why go overboard on the dress?”

Chloë Sevigny

Miu Miu Spring 2010 Collection
Model: Amanda Norgaard

We love the shoes but we only like the top part of the dress. It’s weird around the waist.

Christina Ricci

Prada Spring 2010 Collection [Modified version]
Model: Sharon Kavjian

The dress is gorgeous from the front, but the back of it looks like she got caught in some drapes or something.

Daisy Fuentes

Gustavo Cadile Spring 2009 Collection

High-end prom dress.

Eva Mendes in Miu Miu spring 2010

Do not like whatever that is in her hair, but we like the dress quite a bit. Oh sure, the bodice looks a bit heavy and overworked, but the overall effect is striking and different. And her eyebrows are too close together. Fire your waxer.

Gwen Stefani

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2010 Collection
Model: Chanel Iman

RUINED IT. She should be hauled off to fashion jail with no chance for parole.

Jessica Alba in Prada Spring 2010

This induces the same reaction we always have when we see her: one big yawn.

Kate Bosworth

Proenza Schouler Spring 2010 Collection
Model: Carmen Kass

The dress is okay (kind of weirdly shapeless, though), but what is UP with that hair? No excuse.

Marisa Tomei in vintage Jean Desses

We don’t know… it’s cute and all, but she looks like she’s attending her kid’s First Holy Communion in 1960.

Shirley Manson

Marchesa Spring 2010 Collection
Model: Carolyn

We kinda like. There’s a bit too much at the bottom and the split sleeves are a bit too voluminous, but the rest of it we like.

Rachel Zoe in vintage Pucci

We like it. Striking and bold. We’re not even going to mention the state of her body because EVERYONE mentions that.

Zoe Saldana

Marchesa Fall 2009 Collection
Model: Jules Mordovets

more:

Decipher: 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards – Beyonce, Juliette Lewis, Katy Perry, Leona Lewis, Lil’ Kim, Shakira

Decipher: Glamour Magazine 2009 Women of The Year: Iman and Rihanna

By projectrungay & Photos from WireImage/Style.com

As always we can count on Rachel Zoe to give us a vintage jaw-dropping moment. The super stylist wore a vintage Emilio Pucci gown to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s 30th anniversary celebration in L.A. on Saturday night. Love her! Love the dress!

Stars attended the MOCA NEW 30th anniversary gala held at MOCA on November 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Everyone looked for elegant for this artistic and cultural occassion! Hit “Read More” to view the rest of the pics!

The fashionistas were out the other night Moca’s 30th Anniversary Party. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Rachel Zoe in Pucci

Chloë Sevigny in Miu Miu

Peaches Geldof -- looks like she's blonde again

Liz Goldwyn in Sonia Rykiel & Chloë Sevigny

Atlanta de Cadenet and Mark Hunter

Cory Kennedy

source: tfs, thecobrasnake, style.com

I was shocked to read that the outfit Megan Fox is wearing below cost over $800. Sooo, being motivated by the Frugal Fashionista,I made my own Fox inspired outfit and it came out to only $84! Look out Rachel Zoe…

The Los Angeles Times has a great interview with Christian Siriano. He’s building quite an empire: “These days, both fashion designer Christian Siriano and his new Starbucks holiday gift cards fit the bill. [He also has] projects such as a Saks clothing line, a more affordable capsule collection for his own website, a maternity line for Moody Mamas, his Payless shoes and a new book on fashion tips, he also has a thirst to get his name in the restaurant industry.” (I’m really not sold on the Siriano restaurant concept.) And BTW – He’s the first outsider Starbucks has ever let design a gift card.

One more great bit:

So, is there any more word on your Bravo show? Are you thinking of hiring Taylor Jacobson [previously from "The Rachel Zoe Project"] now?

It won’t be for a while anyway. Love Taylor — shes’ very sweet. But I actually use this really cool stylist named Masha who lives in New York, and she’s very edgy, very chic. Obviously, Taylor is that way as well, but I wanted this more elegant styling and not so much grunge or hard because I do a lot of evening wear.

Now even fashionista Rachel Zoe is a big MixMyGranola fan and featured us in her daily newsletter The Zoe Report!

Here is what Rachel said about us: “This ingenious site was created for you to customize your own yummy mix. Have a sweet tooth? Make yours with a lot of peanut butter bites and chocolate raisins. There are plenty of treats for the salt lovers too—roasted almonds, yogurt pretzels and more…! The possibilities are endless—it is truly bananas…which they have too “

Have a look at the full MixMyGranola review by Rachel Zoe here.

i kind of don’t even want to post pictures of the outfit i wore to ‘that’ meeting i referred to in my first blog post…why?–it’s so last year…but the fact remains, i wore it to the business investment meeting….so what compelled me since it was ’so last year’?…

well, i needed something that looked a little more conservative than i normally roll, but the desire to look  hip and fashionable takes hold of me everyday…the person i was meeting with was a former men’s clothing designer, so i wanted to be cool enough to grace his presence, but did not want to look like the ‘mom’ from the ‘burbs, or be dressed ‘too young’ and not be taken seriously…so the pressure to pick ‘just the right’ ensemble was on, and my fashion constipation set in…

my lack of creative movement was further compounded by the fact that i was in the midst of the semi-annual wardrobe change–this time  swapping out the spring/summer clothes for the fall/winter clothes–how the heck am i supposed to marry a fall outfit with September fall days reaching into the high 80s?…

so there i stood in my walk-in closet and stared–seemingly losing my pulse as the seconds passed–at my hanging clothes…(just a quick tangent…i wanted to relay to you that my walk-in closet is not as glamorous as it seems–i still have to share it with my husband…to me an envious closet situation would be not having to endure steaming odors from a removed pair of my husband’s ferragamo shoes after one of his 12 hour workdays…in fact, i think my closet should be more appropriately referred to as an ‘air-circulation prison’)…and stared at my hanging clothes…

sincerely, yet utterly unproductive, i hoped that the right outfit would just assemble itself without any creative exertion on my behalf…(the situation was truly reminiscent of  how my husband stands in front of an opened refrigerator for a vacuous amount of time, hoping something will appeal to his really-not-hungry stomach…)

ok folks, now you know my dark secret–fashion does not come naturally to me…now take my ineptness and add my inability to spend more than $49.99 on any individual fashion item, and you are correct to assume i have some issues…

the only way i got myself to get dressed that morning and to meeting on time, was to cave and wear something ’so last year’–something that i was familiar with…something that had at one point in time made me feel like ‘the bomb”..and that outfit was my my flutter top and wide legged jean– can anyone say rachel zoe, you know, her tent-like amorphous shilhouette?…

after that day, i realized it should not have been that difficult to get dressed in the morning, right?… it is time for me to get back to practicing fashion a little more…hey, it’s easy for me to become complacent when i don’t really have any place or occasion to get dressed for, with the exception of the hours between 3-6 pm when i pick up my girls from school and take them to their after school activities…so practice for me means to cracking open my Lucky magazines and trying to recreate what i see on those pages…

(just wait until i post a blog about trying to figure out what to wear to my 20th high school reunion…i can hear my whining now…)

anyway, here’s the outfit i wore to the meeting…past season, wide-legged white jeans with tan stitching–Charlotte Russe, on clearance for around $9…brown flutter top–Forever 21, for under $20…brown tube top–some cheap, poor quality  store next to Target, for $4.99…my 2008 ‘it’ criss-cross, patent leather, sling-back brown shoes from winter for $29.99…..my faux olive and brown snake skin purse from Forever 21 for under $30…

grand total for this outfit is $94…

since this outfit is ’so last year’ most likely i will recycle the shoes, the purse, jeans and the tube top for other outfits this season…i haven’t found any other good combination for the generic-looking, brown flutter top (for me a remorse buy, but we all have a few of those in our closets right?)…

my whole outfit…obviously photography is new to me…i truly have a new appreciation for the pictures i see in fashion magazines…

last winter’s ‘it’ shoe…i still love these…

this purse is too cool because it is both brown and green at the same time…

this poncho is from about 3 years ago…although it is so simple, i still find it to be quite stylish

ok, i am going to work on my lighting a little more…putting together montages of my future ensembles is going to be fun..it’s like art with the variety of textures–in this case, fuzzy poncho, smooth patent leather shoes, light and airy flutter blouse, and solid denim…

I am excited to blog about a subject that I am passionate about. Style…accessories, wearable one of a kind art, reworking an ordinary clothing item into something that is fresh, fun and not seen in the mall. 

I am working now on infinity scarfs.  Basically, this is a loop of fabric approx. 60″ long by 18″ wide that is fashioned into a long loop (no ends to tangle with).

This loop can be worn long over a coat, sweater or tunic or it can be looped twice to form a cowl.  I am ordering fabric from a great mill in California, Distinctive Fabrics.

Right now, the fabric of choice is animal printed velvet. I have worn one fashioned in a giraffe print once and it was taken off my neck by a dear friend. She has worn it to multiple events and I actually have multiple orders for it!  I am  also envisioning a lighter version in silks. I am off to find the perfect swatch! I’ll let you know how I do.

Oh, Rachel Zoe wears these a lot. But, don’t be confused with Lada Gaga and her scarves. They aren’t Infinity, they are just plain ugly.

“Now I believe the sun, it’s like a symphony– but what it’s trying to play, I don’t know.” (fun., “Benson Hedges”)

I am pleased to announce that I remembered another reason to enjoy this weather, and that reason is Pumpkin Butter from Trader Joe’s. Pumpkin Butter is the equivalent of spreadable pumpkin pie goodness in a jar. I spread it on a piece of maple cinnamon bread, and (to quote the chupacabra herself) “I die.” Now believe me when I say that this look was not intentionally Tavi. But now that it’s put together, it reeks of her, and I can’t say I dislike it. Who can dislike Tavi, anyway?

Cheap Makeup just released these headbands, and they come in animal prints or plaid. Hair accessories are seriously lacking in SL, (or I’m just really greedy) so I’m pretty excited about them. They go splendidly with the new Modd.G jacket, which I would consider a staple structure piece for every girl’s wardrobe. The handdrawn quirky feel is new to the brand, and I’m loving it.

Credits are under the cut.

♥Trace

–Style Notes–

• Jacket: Maggie As She Goes {LightBrown} by Modd.G
• Sweater: Wool Sweater Noir by Polina-Kaestner
  
• Glasses: Oversized Glasses by VintageWear
  
• Shoes: Korina Flats Olive by LeLutka
  
• Socks: laceup socks by Noju
• Headband: In Kyoto headband (Chinchilla) by Cheap Makeup
  
• Skirt: *chifone-skirt*(white) by Oyakin

–Body Notes–

• Skin: Skin Baily_Honey – VIP Gift 2 by Atomic
  
• Eyes: Zbilja Eyes (Grey) by Exodi
• Hair: Neva.2 – Timid Brown by fri.day

Poses by LeLutka

So, on the Rachel Zoe Project season 2 (that I ended up watching like half of before I threw up my hands and gave up because it just contained too many bananas and frustrating manager skills and moodiness), there was one episode when Rachel went to visit Diane von Furstenberg and we were introduced to the Fall 2009 Nomad collection. Honestly, my first reaction was “OMG…” And that wasn’t a happy or ecstatic OMG – that was an oh dear OMG. It was just very hairy and overwhelming and too Mongolian-ish for me, but I guess it had to be like that for runway and creative reasons.

[style.com]

Anyways, that crazy hat that’s available now for non-models and normal folks, is actually pretty cute and unique and fun. I would actually consider getting it and at $150, it isn’t that expensive (relatively speaking). I’ve never ever been a hat person – like EVER. I think the last time I wore a hat in public was when I went skiing in Whistler, Canada in ninth grade. And I only did that because my mother made me since it was so cold. I digress. It’s not like I hate hats or have anything against them; in fact, if I thought I actually looked half-decent in hats, I would wear them. I’m probably a little jealous of people who look simply ravishing(?!) in cool headgear. An example would be Sibling. I would say I am wanting a hat now because of this really amazing handmade, cozy hat she got on a recent trip to Argentina:

Awesome, isn’t it? Do you like my makeshift hat stand? haha But I told Sibling that I would never go out and wear this. If I sport this only at home, I’m okay with that. But I really do like DVF Jasmina pom pom hat… but knowing the lame me, I’d probably buy it and display it in my room, and prance around my house with it, and never step out my front door.

[rachelzoe.com]

I just discovered this store called TENOVERSIX and immediately found 3 things I want to buy. The coat is so chic and I love anything you can wear in the winter thats not black. Driving gloves have become a new obsession and have me shopping endlessly on leatherglovesonline for the perfect pair. But these just might be it. I love the zipper. The heels from Loeffler Randall…

well, as Rachel Zoe says, I die.

Deep sigh, news far worse for me than another shelter mag closing… Taylor Jacobson has left Rachel Zoe Inc. This might be great for Taylor news, who has been threatening to leave in just about every scene of the Rachel Zoe Project, but it’s not great news for me, she was my favorite!

I know she may have seemed surly to the untrained eye, but I couldn’t get enough of the attitude! So in honor of her service to my Tuesday night TV line up, I will pull some hair in front of my eyes, and sulk while texting on my blackberry in true Taylor style.

News flash! Taylor Jacobson has left (or perhaps was fired?)  from Rachel Zoe Inc. I’m a few days behind on this, and didn’t discover the news until one of my Bravo Hos mentioned it first — shout out to chasingbunnies for her hunting skills.

 Whether she left of her own accord or if Rachel fired her “blessed jewel” is uncertain, and varies in different reports. Jacobson spent all last season discussing her vocational malaise with the cameras rolling, so it’s no surprise to discover she’s flown the Camp Zoe nest, but it does beg the question of exactly who will replace Taylor’s position within the company.

For this dedicated RZP viewer, it has me hoping the show will still be picked up for another season, with or without the platinum bundle of discontent. And what’s next for Tay Tay? I do wish her well, she has wonderful taste and clearly does love fashion, so go out there and use it or lose it, Taylor.

Somehow, I don’t think she’ll be pounding the streets in her Louboutins looking for a job for very long. Her work ethic was incredible, even on the days when her personality was less-than-sunny.

Fashion Blogs Affordable Aims

Left:$138.00 at TopShop, Right: $36.99 at Charolette Russe

Every girl wants to look fabulous, but  with the current economy in shambles, money is tight.  Not everyone can afford the top name designers that they would like. Some smart bloggers have started to do something about this. Thriving off of the thrill of the hunt, they are using their money saving resources to find the best deals on trendy clothes for a fraction of the price.  Through social media they are able to share their finds with others.  Using Twitter and their own blog sites certain fashion bloggers have tapped into the huge demographic of college students, and young women who want to look good but stay within their budgets. 

My favorite fashion blog that I discovered through a social media chain reaction of sorts, The Looks For Less, features celebrity looks for less, fashion trends at affordable prices, steal reals, deal of the days, and a look into the blogger’s own closet. The best quality of the blog are the clothing sites that it features. I first found the blog on a different clothing site called ModCloth. I follow ModCloth on Twitter. They had retweeted one of TheLookForLess’ tweets which led me to their page and then to their blog. Through social media I am able to spread the word about the blog. I am an avid bargain hunter and have used many of the clothes sites that are  featured, but I have also discovered great deals with different companies through TheLooksForLess.

Piperlime is an online clothing company I discovered through Rachel Zoe, who is a celebrity stylist, they specialize in a variety of products at discount prices. Social media led me on the pathway to both Rachel Zoe and Piperlime. They were in cahoots together for a styling contest using Rachel’s favorite trends and Piperlime’s affordable clothing items. I followed Rachel’s Twitter and blog. These outlets helped me, my friends, my sister, and my roommates save money but still get that new sweater or pair of boots we may have been eyeing.

These affordable blogs, Twitters, and style resources could also be used to find great gift ideas during the upcoming holiday season. The fashion industry and fashion blogs have been using social media to network, show new trends, and reach out to consumers and users.

Christina Freeman