November 25, 2013

Look Festive and Stylish this Holiday Season

November 25, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Photo by ...love Maegan via Flickr

by guest author Mack Hamilton

Holiday party season is nearly upon us. With classic holiday options and new trends to try, it has never been easier to join the festivities in style. To snatch the best deals on the trendiest looks for winter, shop Black Friday. According to the National Retail Federation, a record 247 million shoppers visited popular stores like JC Penney on Thanksgiving weekend to take advantage of sales on clothing, accessories and other goodies. Keep a look out for holiday attire to ring in the New Year.

Fringe continues to be a go-to look after making multiple appearances on the spring 2013 runways. This edgy, boho embellishment has been added to everything from dresses and handbags, to jackets and necklaces. Go daytime casual with a fringe top paired with your most comfortable jeans, and accessorized with an adorned bangle bracelet.

Low Heel

Photo by Bess Georgette via Flickr

Low heels are both comfortable and practical, the perfect everyday footwear solution. Choose a stylish low heel measuring one to two inches. Opt for a sexy sling-back, sleek kitten heels in a brocade finish, or a classic nude pump. Wearing a low heel is also healthier for the body. According to the American Osteopathic Association, extended wearing of high heels can cause the toes to bend in unnatural positions and can even lead to irreversible damage to leg tendons. The AOA recommends flats or shoes with a heel of less than an inch-and-a-half.

Turtlenecks

Photo by fervent-adepte-de-la-mode via Flickr

Don’t overlook this winter staple just yet. The turtleneck look remains practical and warm for chilly weather. To pull off this look, opt for a fine-knit turtleneck and wear it under a jacket. Avoid chunky knits if you’re curvy to ward off unwanted bulk. Wear the turtleneck with a necklace worn over the roll.

Mini Bag

Photo by hanspetermeyer.ca via Flickr

While the new “it” bags may be barely big enough to carry your iPhone, that didn’t stop mini bags from becoming the next big thing. These small and stylish accessories are fun to carry for work, holiday parties, or just around town to carry your essentials. Cross-body bags, clutches and shrunken versions of popular full-size handbags force women to only carry what they really need.

Patent Coat

Photo by ...love Maegan via Flickr

Patent leather is not just for shoes. Glossy patent leather raincoats and knee-length belted jackets are both stylish and figure-flattering. If you decide to go with a patent jacket, opt for a more conservative outfit. Classic-fit jeans look good on almost everyone and work well with classic patent leather jackets. If leather is not your thing, anything with faux fur trim, metallic print or rich jewel tones will also be in-style this winter.

Tartan

Photo by Robert Sheie via Flickr

Tartan, plaid, checkered or whatever you like to call it is back in a big way. This pattern has been seen on a wide range of attire, from cozy jumpers to tailored skirts. Achieve the all-too-cool grunge look with a checkered or plaid shirt layered or tied around the waist. Keep warm with a blanket-like knitted wool or oversized coat in tartan. Even

head-to-toe plaids

have been spotted on runways. Don’t be afraid to experiment with print mixing, such as tartan mixed with leopard print. Enjoy the holidays in festive ensembles that reflect your personal style.

fashionado

November 19, 2013

A Conversation with the Legendary Stephen Burrows

November 19, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

He's dressed Naomi Campbell, Taylor Swift, Chelsea Handler, Naomi Watts, Aretha Franklin, Betty Davis, Michelle Obama ... well, the list is as endless as it is impressive!

I had the privilege of sitting with the legendary designer Stephen Burrows to talk about about his exciting life and prolific career.

Thank you Atlanta Fashion Incubator for your support.

fashionado

November 15, 2013

"12 minutes of Indulgence" with Prabal Gurung

November 15, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Photo courtesy CWPR

Jeffrey Atlanta hosted designer Prabal Gurung last night with a champagne reception at the end of day one of his trunk show. Today is day two, so hurry!

And get a peek of Gurung's amazing Spring 2014 collection. Inspired by the elegant woman, the collection offers an effortless balance between the classic silhouette and modernity. It's gorgeous, edgy yet very feminine. I especially loved the use of bold graphic prints.

I told Prabal Gurung how much I enjoy his artistic and conceptual approach to runway and (with a big grin) he acknowledged that it's a designer's "12 minutes of indulgence" for their hard work. I replied with a "feel free to over-indulge!"

Prabal's a big fan of Jeffrey Fashion Cares NYC and I (as you know) Atlanta, so we compared notes and agreed he needs to get down here and I up there! [Let's] make it happen.

fashionado

November 13, 2013

Five Ways How Fashion Designers Stay Fabulous While Pregnant

November 13, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

For most women, being "with child" doesn't always make her feel fashionable. Let's face it, it's inspiring when we see our favorite designers pregnant and looking fabulous. We want to know their secret. If you feel you could never pull off a double-take look while pregnant, here are the secrets to getting the same affect as our favorite designers.

#1 Be Yourself: Hint You Are Not a Leopard!

Very rarely does animal print work for expanding bellies. Some svelte and tall women can pull this off, but most of us can't. Designers know this. The reason is prints tend to draw focus to the expanding parts and not in a good way.

Rachel Zoe pulled off the print on a mag cover of the Hollywood Reporter only because the prints exactly offset and emphasized her best features.

If you just can't stand to go without animal print for many months, make sure the lines offset and compliment and that they don't distract. Otherwise, bring bold prints in by accessorizing: a colorful or textured scarf, sexy necklace, or even headband better emphasizes the areas you want emphasized, and not the ones you don't.

#2 Speaking of Svelte, Designers Use Maternity Compression Leggings

These maternity leggings are a wonder of our modern maternity world. They not only reduce swelling, but they look good, too. Designers, busy on their feet all day welcome the relief of feeling good when pregnant, and who doesn't? Everything helps! These come in fun colors and bring interesting style and flair to a monotone knee-length dress or even cute shorts.

#3 Think Black

When pregnant, Frida Giannini, Gucci's Creative Director, looked amazing in a black frock dress and leggings. When in doubt and not feeling overly fabulous, wearing black is slimming and uplifting. Again, the key is to use punches of color to accentuate the black.

#4 Heels Help

Yes, feet swell when pregnant; so you might think heels are the last thing you want to wear when pregnant. But a great pair of boots with a stable heel and a zipper can actually make getting footwear off easier when pregnant. But even better, they lengthen one's line, creating better form.

#5 Wonderful Food In Moderation

What better time to eat well than when pregnant? Women have a natural glow while pregnant and now that you are eating for both you and baby, food is more important than ever. Model turned designer Alessandra Ambrosio made sure not to curb food she loved, but the portion sizes. Several small meals a day while pregnant helped her maintain a good pregnancy weight. While she enjoyed ice cream and treats, she also welcomed kale, green juices and fish. You can eat well, and eat a lot over a day, without overeating. This decreases both heartburn and bloating which of course increases well being.

Feeling fabulous while pregnant is important.

Why shouldn't you?

After all, you're about to take on one of the greatest, awe-inspiring gifts in life-motherhood. You deserve to feel your best while pregnant. Using these tips will help you look great, so you feel great.

fashionado

November 11, 2013

Michael Fassbender for GQ Magazine

November 11, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

We all know Michael Fassbender polishes up well looking great in a designer suit or in his birthday suit. BUT his rugged style in November's GQ Magazine is a winner too. The mix of Gant, Emporio Armani and a little dirt seems so effortless. The convertible, aviators and boots add to his badassery. Read the full GQ interview here.

View photos:

Michael-Fassbender-gq-magazine-cover-style-fashionado

fashionado

November 07, 2013

2013 Tony Award Winners Wow in Gorgeous Red Carpet Attire

November 07, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

by guest author Eilene Blakely

Understated colors and classic looks got the most attention on the red carpet at the 2013 Tony Awards. It’s part of the job description for Broadway stars to wear the latest fashions on Tony night, and fans of Broadway theatre and fashion junkies the world over scrutinize every aspect of their attire. The hairstyles and facial hair, the color of the dress, the fabric, the designers, the styles, the shoes and the accessories are all thoroughly noted and receive our awed adoration or cranky criticism. The men and women of the red carpet have everyone’s attention before the awards and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Color

Black, white and blue seemed to be the dominant colors for gowns and suits on the red carpet this year. Rita Wilson, Patina Miller, Laura Benanti, Sigourney Weaver, Anna Kendrick and Zachary Levi wore varying shades of blue, while Scarlet Johansson, Jane Lynch and Laura Osnes chose black.

Style

Long sleeves and floor-length gowns were prominent, with trains and fishtails among the styles worn. Angela Bassett, Cicely Tyson, Condola Rashad and Valisia LeKae favored gowns with shades of purple. Laura Plimpton chose a beautiful red Lorena Sarbu gown that clung to her curves.

Loved It

They put Angela Bassett and Laura Benanti on the best-dressed list, along with Jane Lynch for her black and white pant suit ensemble and Jake Gyllenhaal for his sharp black tux.

Hated It

Critics hated almost as many red carpet outfits as they loved. They panned gowns worn by Cicely Tyson, Laurie Metcalf and Debra Messing, as well as the short black suit worn by Scarlett Johansson, Cyndi Lauper’s black pant suit and Jerry Mitchell’s red satin jacket. More on the worst-dressed list included Frances Fisher for her plain and frumpy frock, Tommy Tune for his over-the-top red three-piece suit, Nancy Dussault and her casual floral top, Diane Paulus and her chaotic black gown and Barbara Van Orden’s plain black dress.

Of Note

Judith Light chose white for her red carpet look in a long-sleeved Zac Posen satin gown. Futuristic, sculptured shoulders and flowing train give this gown a sleek and stylish look for accepting her second "Best Featured Actress" Tony.

Alan Cumming also chose to wear white to walk the red carpet, right down to his shoes. Allen matched the all white Lanvin linen suit with a splash of color from a bow tie for a clean, minimalist look that made an impression.

Another Tony winner, Patina Miller, likes designer Zac Posen, and wore a strapless blue-gray floral chiffon gown with sheer netting. Her Fred Leighton drop earrings were as luxurious as her gown.

Making a statement with a Jesse Tyler Ferguson bow tie from the “Tie the Knot” collection to benefit marriage equality, Charl Brown went with a classic look. His Valentino black tux showed off his "Best Featured Actor" nominee status perfectly.

Anna Kendrick wore a timeless Donna Karan Atelier gown in black and navy with side ruffles and a sweetheart neckline for a feminine look. A simple updo and minimal accessories created a classic style that was simple and elegant at the same time.

fashionado

October 30, 2013

Jeremy Scott & Moschino

October 30, 2013/ E. Vincent Martinez

Oh yeah!

Fashion just got a fresh dose of badass with the announcement of the super cool Jeremy Scott as the new Creative Director at Moschino. Scott replaces longtime [interim] director Rosella Jardini. If this is a marriage made in fashion heaven, as both labels are known for their tongue & cheek chic approach, then the honeymoon may send shock waves and rainbows throughout the industry. This excites me!

Jeremy Scott, who has high profile clients like Britney Spears, Rihanna and Lady Gaga, will continue with his own label in addition to designing for the 30 year old Italian fashion house.

fashionado