PopSugar

Weekend Links

FabSugar — Sat, 16 May 2009 18:02:22 -0700

Neon watches on the cheap - Coutorture
Anna Wintour explains her neat hair and addiction to shades - Flypaper
Rachel Bilson's look for $99.59 - Fashion Under $100
Louis Vuitton celebrates 3.0 style with a new tote - Fashiontribes
Lily Allen on modeling - Catwalk Queen
Cheap bridal shoes - The Budget Fashionista
Studio style: Natalie - Shopbop Blog
Saucy Aussies: Catching up with Camilla and Marc - W Magazine Blog

Link Time!!!

FabSugar — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:00:22 -0700

New Surface editorial Trips us out - Refinery 29
A t-shirt unlike any other - Lucky
Nuti Gitana ostrich tote - Bag Snob
Bridal Fashion Week: Ball gown wedding dresses are back - stylelist
Model slash move on - Fashionista
Nylon only on newsstands? - Jezebel
Gareth Pugh's Ken doll plus Barbie makeovers by Roksanda Ilincic and Danielle Scutt - Catwalk Queen
Urban Zen teams up with Tonic to launch eco-friendly t-shirt line - Teen Vogue Blog
Hillary Clinton glows through Europe in colorful Spring wardrobe - Huffington Post
Elle's shoe diary - Elle Blog
LeSportsac Fall preview - Nitrolicious

Come Fab Finding With Me: Viva Las Vegas

FabSugar — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:00:22 -0800

I'm escaping SF for some sin in Vegas, baby. Well, not really, but it'll be fun nonetheless. I'll actually be attending a friend's bridal party, so we'll be sipping champagne during the day and vodka at night. I already have my p.m. party outfit; help me find a bridal-worthy a.m. look.

I'll start you off with these Banana Republic Chandelier Earrings ($39) because they'll make anything look Fab.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with Vegas Trip.

Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here is a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar.

To see some of my favorite online stores, read more.

Active Endeavors
Banana Republic
Bluefly
eLuxury
J.Crew
Jildor Shoes
Live Natty
Neiman Marcus
Net-a-Porter
Pink Mascara

Best of 2008: Designers Branch Out

FabSugar — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 07:00:22 -0800

If you think you were busy this year, wait until you see how many designers expanded their businesses in 2008. Hint: It took me a crazy long time to round them all up. Majors like Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander Wang, and Stella McCartney added more to their plates, as did smaller brands such as Members Only and Paige Denim. From jewelry and shoes to entire contemporary lines, these companies did what they could to boom their business.

Agent Provocateur dives into swimwear.
Alexander Wang adds shoes to his diffusion line.
Proenza Schouler expands its world to include handbags and footwear.
Handbag designer Devi Kroell designs clothes.
Banana Republic introduces its own line of sunglasses.

To see who else branched out this year, read more.

Members Only launches denim collection.
Seven For All Mankind delves into shoes.
Vince goes from t-shirt line to contemporary wear.
Adidas launches new sportswear.
Prada introduces a limited-edition line of costume jewelry.
Yigal Azrouel accessorizes his brand.
Brian Reyes adds lingerie to his brand.
St. John created a contemporary line.
See By Chloe launches footwear.
Rebecca Taylor adds shoes, bags, and jewels to her line.
Matthew Williamson decks Pucci out with accessories.
Vena Cava partners with Via Spiga to design shoes.
Ella Moss dips into swimwear.
John Galliano eyewear.
Nicole Miller legwear.
Juicy Couture slips into bed with innerwear collection.
Thomas Pink makes room for the ladies.
Maison Martin Margiela debuts a line of modern adornments.
Alpinestars enters women's sportswear business.
Hussein Chalayan steps it up with a collection of shoes.
Sophia Kokosalaki ventures into the world of denim.
Paige Denim starts a contemporary line.
Karl Lagerfeld creates a handbag and luggage collection.
Alber Elbaz creates Lanvin jeans and bridal collection.
Marchesa creates a capsule collection of wedding gowns.
John Galliano rounds out diffusion line with accessories.
BCBG introduces BCBGeneration.
Catherine Malandrino designs jewels.
Botkier launches footwear line.
Rachel Pally does swimwear.
A.B.S. By Allen Schwartz steps into the jewelry world.
Stella McCartney expands her business to include lingerie.
Mulberry goes from bags to shoes.
Diane von Furstenberg designs shoes.
Betsey Johnson produces a full collection of outerwear.

Source

Open House: Would You Register For a Housewarming?

CasaSugar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:30:18 -0800

In Philip Galanes's latest Social Q's column, a 32-year-old woman wrote in saying that she'd decided that marriage wasn't for her. However, since she'd been in eight weddings and had to contribute oodles of presents over the past decade, she wanted to register for gifts for her housewarming party.

Galanes advises,

But the difference between their weddings and baby showers and your housewarming scheme is that their sole intent was not to rack up gifts. Don’t get me wrong: a housewarming is a great idea, and you may nab some nice loot. No gift registry, though. The party should be for celebrating your new place with friends, not for telling them how to outfit your kitchen.

This situation reminds me of an episode of Sex and the City. Can you guess which one? Find out when you read more.

In season six, episode 83, "A Woman's Right to Shoes," Carrie's Manolos are stolen at a baby shower. To recoup her losses, Carrie decides to register at Manolo Blahnik, in celebration of her marriage to herself. In the end, her beloved shoes are replaced, and all ends well for our heroine. While I admire Carrie's nontraditional registering, I don't think I'd have the audacity to do something similar. Would you?

By the same token, do you agree or disagree with Galanes's advice for the woman interested in registering for home items? I know that in the past I've felt annoyed by the many, many baby presents, bridal shower gifts, and wedding presents I've purchased in my lifetime, but since I'm now married, I have absolutely no right to complain about these things anymore. However, I know that my attitude might be different if I were still single. What are your thoughts?

Source

Surviving a Pricey Wedding Season, Part II

SavvySugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:28:45 -0700

Is your Summer calendar full of weddings and all of the events surrounding them? Are you trying not to make anymore female friends so that you don't have to add another one to the list? Just kidding. But wedding season can make you realize how many people you actually know, and how much money it will take for you to attend the Summer lovefest. Here are some of my survival tips.

Only attend the events that you can afford! If you really can't manage to pay for a bachelorette party / bridal shower / plane tickets to fly to a destination, simply don't go. The wedding is not optional if you're a close friend or in the wedding party, but brides will likely understand if you can't attend one of the other events because of money issues. Be honest with the bride and don't make up some lame excuse - she'll likely be understanding, thank you for your candor, and focus on the time you will have together.
Save on shoes: If you don't already have shoes that go with your bridesmaids dresses, try and buy a pair in a neutral color that will go with many shades of dress. And if the bride insists that everyone get matching shoes and presents an unreasonably priced pair, there's always room for suggestions. Try and hunt down a pair that looks similar and costs less - a bride has so many decisions to make, it's likely she didn't exhaust her bridal party footwear search and will be open to alternatives.

I have two more tips for wedding guests and bridesmaids alike, so just read more

Wedding gifts: Some people are naturally gifted in a crafty way and can create an inexpensive gift that's better and more thoughtful than anything on a registry. For the rest of us, there's the beautiful thing that is collective gifts. If you can't bear to give your friends a cookbook holder and mixing bowls, why not pitch in on one of the bigger ticket items with some other girls? The bride will appreciate that you all took the time to pick out a gift together and won't think anything of the fact that the card is signed by more than one person.
Swap dresses: If you have girlfriends who are the same size, suggest sharing dresses throughout wedding season to make your wardrobes stretch. Just make sure to respect something borrowed and take good care so you don't find yourself shelling out money to replace a damaged dress!

Check out all of our wedding season coverage at IDoSugar.

Bella Pictures

Absolutely Fabulous

FabSugar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:22:22 -0800

We got a sneak peek at the De Young museum's Yves Saint Laurent exhibit - a must see.
Get Victory Ford's blue monochrome look from this week's Lipstick Jungle.
Stylista is already hot. This week the kids got fashion schooled - do you know your darts from your knits?
The Fall '09 bridal shows are underway. Peruse our favorite brides.
How well do you know your Kat(i)e's?
I have decided on my top 10 Spring collections. Who were your favorites?
Nicole Richie revealed her House of Harlow jewelry collection this week, we likie.
Take our always-fun The Hills fashion quiz.
Be impressed by Saks San Francisco's spankin' new shoe department - we were.
Halloween is over - I hope you had a scary one. Keep my favorite holiday alive by flipping through the most Fab Halloween costumes of yesteryear and admiring the master of Halloween ceremonies, Heidi Klum's past costumes.
Take this week's Gossip Girl fashion quiz! Jenny's funky fit got our attention.
We won't let this shrinking economy talk get you down; read our fashion recession tips.
This week the Olsens graced us with their presence. Which Olsen influences you more? On the flip side, was PETA's protesting them freaky or fabulous?

Come Fab Finding With Me: Bridal Shopping

FabSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:00:22 -0700

This weekend, I'm going wedding dress shopping with my bf. As her bridesmaid, it's my duty to help her find that perfect wedding dress. We have appointments lined up all day so help me find a cunning and comfortable outfit. My arms will be loaded with wedding dresses so hook me up with a hands-free bag, please.

I'll start you off with these Jimmy Choo Morse Patent Leather Flats ($415). The cushioned foot bed will keep my feet happy.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with bridal shopping.

Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here is a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar.

To see some of my favorite online stores, read more.

Active Endeavors
Banana Republic
Bluefly
eLuxury
J.Crew
Jildor Shoes
Live Natty
Neiman Marcus
Net-a-Porter
Pink Mascara

New York Fashion Week, Fall 2008: The Project Runway Finale Show (!)

FabSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:58:52 -0800

Fashion week is coming to close and I just experienced my grand finale. How exciting is it to attend the Project Runway finale show?! Very.

I knew it would be a mob scene getting in, and luckily I was on the list (you never know sometimes). I wasn't too far in the nosebleeds - and I was directly facing the panel of judges and celebs. Tons of Project Runway alums were mingling in the crowd, including recent cast off Ricky. But honestly, my eyes were on guest judge Victoria Beckham. When she came out, in her orange draped dress and matching orange shoes, the crowd took notice. After photo ops she sat with Nina Garcia and Michael Kors. She was very poised and calm. Funnily, she took diligent notes during every collection - she was taking her guest judge job very seriously.

Lights down, lights up. Our girl Heidi appears announcing, "Hello everyone!" She introduces the judges, and guest judge, and the crowd swoons. Let the show begin...

To read all about the Project Runway finale show, see my personal runway pics (be warned if you don't want to see the collections before the show airs) and hear my Season 4 winner prediction, read more

One of the most exciting parts was waiting to see who was presenting their collection. You know the little shadow thing they do with the white Project Runway sign at the back of the runway, when someone walks by it but you can only see their shadow? That was the first glimpse of the designer to come. First up? Sweet P.

Obviously emotional (surprise) she was visibly nervous and kept her hello short and sweet. Sweet P's designs were never a favorite of mine but she did manage to pull together a cohesive collection on the runway, albeit a bit sleepy. With a palette of purple, olive green and mustard, her colors were right on for Fall. An olive cape was noteworthy, but some fits were off and black velvet jodhpurs? Next . . .

View 5 Photos ›

Chris! The crowd favorite, he came out to cheers, and he was very humble and sweet. He seemed shocked and calm. He opened with a lovely dyed blue draped dress but then the collection went vampiress. Now I love vampires, but there's a time and a place - this morning at Bryant Park is not it. Oh well, good for Chris for making it this far.

View 5 Photos ›

I know she's not the people's choice, but I've been rooting for Jillian all this time. I think her designs are feminine and smart - and concise. And that is what we saw: short pleated skirts, ruffled knits, a slight military vibe and bustier tops. She may not be the most vivacious, but she's one of the most talented.

View 5 Photos ›

We all knew this one was coming . . . Rami. Rami is also one of my top choices and I was eager to see his final collection, which, as he put it "celebrates women." Rami should really consider going into bridal because his gowns won over both his collection and the other designer's gowns on the runway. His separates - ruffled blouses, intricate draping and magenta pants - were overdone and redundant. His dresses were wonderful. But enough to win?

View 5 Photos ›

Christian has also held his own throughout the season. Definitely the show diva, when Christian was addressing the crowd he stopped and said, "Wow. Everybody looks fierce." It was Fab. His collection, with Starbucks colors of chocolate, ivory and mocha, and lots of black, had Edwardian touches, dramatic ruffles, head-to-toe black and an emphasis on the top half of the body. If Rami should consider bridal, Christian should consider couture. When Christian was taking in applause he did a little sashay to Victoria - she did one right back. It was maja.

View 5 Photos ›

So what's my prediction? Well, in the finale episode on TV there will only be three, so I'm guessing Chris and Sweet P won't make the final cut. For overall wearability and craftsmanship, I'm on Team Jillian. But I have a feeling Christian's over the top concoctions may win the judges vote. As for Posh's vote? Perhaps Jillian, because of her flirty little skirts and dresses, but maybe Rami and his gorgeous gowns. Alas, my favorite never wins. At this point in time, and after reading my run down, who do you think is going to win?!

Source

Fab's Guide to Finding the Perfect Dress to Say "I Do" In

FabSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:00:22 -0700

Hello, bride-to-be. I'm Fab, your personal wedding dress shopper! Whether you have three months or twelve to shop for your dream dress, here is a guide to help you look your most beautiful, and keep your sanity. You be the bride and I'll be your guide . . .

First things first: determine your wedding style and budget. Close your eyes and try to picture your big day. Is the ceremony ethereal outside on a beach? Or more formal inside a formal church? Or is it something in between? You'll want a wedding gown that fits your picture. Choose something light and airy if you'll be beachside and something more lavish if you'll be in a church. If you're going the church route, remember to cover up with a shawl or bolero as you want to respect the dress code of the establishment. The most important thing is to set a budget so you don't go ga ga over a dress that's out of your price range!

To read the rest of my Fab wedding shopping guide, read more.

Remember that the season could determine the style of your dress, but it doesn't have to. It's your wedding, so you make the rules. If you're in love with an open-back dress for your Winter wedding, you can always pair it with a shawl for warmth. If your wedding is in the Summer but you love a long-sleeve lace gown, go for it (just wear lots of deodorant!)
Once you've decided on your ceremony style and budget, you'll need inspiration. Go out and buy all of the weddings magazines on the stand and start ripping away. Create a wedding dress file - I suggest something special like this Peppercot Accordion File Tote ($24). This file will also come in handy later in life, I promise.
There is an insane amount of dress styles to choose from (classic, retro, modern, color, etc) but my favorite trends now are bows, embellishments, and short lengths. I will show you more of these dress styles in depth later, but for starters here are the the options I'd explore were it my wedding.

(L-R: Bows (Melissa Sweet), Short (Vera Wang Bridal), Embellished (Kenneth Pool)
While you are gathering your gown file, ask your wedding planner or married friends for suggestions of dress salons near you. Also peruse online wedding sites like Wedding Channel and Brides. Brides has a handy dandy glossary you'll appreciate. The most important thing to remember is timing. Special-order gowns can take three to six months to create, and alterations can take weeks, so plan accordingly.
Now that it's time to go gown shopping, it's important to dress appropriately. You want to wear loose fitting clothes that are easy to get in and out of - but don't dress like a slob. It's also good to have your hair either pulled back or down, depending on how you'll have it on the actual day. Bring comfortable shoes with the heel height you plan to wearing. Throw a strapless bra into your purse and try to wear pretty underthings - you will be standing around in them in front of your shopping buddies and salesperson.
Once you are assigned a salesperson, go through your tear sheets with them and point out what you like about dresses and special details you love. When you try on dresses, continue to point out your likes and dislikes.
Keep an eye out for quality. In a high-quality gown every detail should have a perfect finish - no bead or string should be unraveled. Natural fabrics like silk are pricier than synthetics, but the benefits are they let your skin breathe and don't trap sweat. A-line gowns fall smoothly and prevent panty lines; this is also the best shape for fuller figures. If you do have budget constraints, skip beading and fancy details and focus on a fine fabric and a good fit - you can always dress yourself up with jewelry and beauty!
The finishing touches. Take into account the following elements surrounding your look: alterations, headpiece/veil, lingerie, jewelry, shoes, bag, a cover up, and the groom's ensemble. Oh, and the bridesmaids. Lastly, two weeks before your wedding, have a final dress fitting with your accessories and lingerie, and break in your shoes by wearing them at home. There will be more on this in months to come so stay tuned!

To see all of our wedding coverage, check out IDoSugar.com!

Source, Source and Source