spotlight on jeffrey campbell

BOY, do I love shoes. High heels, boots, flats, gladiators, you name it, I love it. Shoes are the finishing touch of an outfit; they can successfully pull together an entire look OR change the vibe of a particularly one-note style. Of late, one designer in particular has had my attention since I stumbled across his insane platforms and funky heels on NastyGal.com - enter, Jeffrey Campbell.

Jeffrey Campbell shoes are ANYTHING but ordinary. You wear these babies when you want to stand out and be noticed. Their flashy colors, neon accents, and ultra high height makes them essential to fashion as we know it, and a necessity in any fashionista's wardrobe.

Lita Platform Boot in Black and Ivory Crochet, both $162

Perhaps my ultimate obsession of my whole life,

Night Nail Platform, $175 and Shadow Stud Platform, $255

Pauline Platform, $168

Though the price tag on JC's is not exactly a steal, they are an investment you will not be sorry for. JC's have that extra something special, and whether that comes in the form of studs, glitter, velvet or nails, their uniqueness is entirely unparalleled. Why blend in when you were born to stand out? Will you pick up a pair of Jeffrey Campbell heels this spring?

Cheers!

Dy

almost famous

The tribal/bohemian style has been very much "in" these days- from trendy hair feathers to turquoise jewelry to fringes and everything in between. There's one integral piece to achieving a head-to-toe tribal look that translates from season to season, and is ideal especially for early fall - the moccasin. These comfy boots and shoes are perfect for the change of season and the neutral colors match with every outfit. Of course, the most trusted brand in the moccs biz is none other than Minnetonka.

My personal collection of Minnetonkas

From L to R: Thunderbird II, Woodstock Boot, and Kilty Suede Moc

Minnetonka began crafting its fabulous moccasins in 1946, and since then has created an enormous variety of both men's and women's shoes, boots, and even handbags. All of their products are of extremely high quality and come in an array of colors and styles, some embroidered with colorful beading, others studded with peace signs. Since I first learned about the brand, I've thus far invested in 4 pairs of Minnetonkas, and must say they are my favorite shoes to wear on campus - highly durable and comfortable for walking (just not in the rain - they're suede!). Naturally, some of my favorite celebs are fans of the shoes, and know just what to pair them with to achieve the ultimate effortless bohemian style.

Kate Moss in Front Lace Hardsole Knee Hi Boot, Ashley Tisdale in Tramper Ankle Hi Boot, and Nicole Richie in a black take on the ankle boot.

Miley Cyrus in Back Zipper Boot in Tan, Hilary Duff in a black version of the Calf Hi 3-Layer Fringe Boot, and Lindsay Lohan in Front Lace Hardsole Knee Hi Boot

Photo Cred: TobiBlog

Like I said - so ideal for heading to class in style and perfect for the easy, breezy, JMU fall weather. Will you rock the mocc this fall?

Cheers!

Dy

almost famous

Hey there, dolls!

As you all are well aware, this past Sunday the 2011 Emmy Awards took over TV. Of course, the awards don't matter. The fashion and the arrivals do! There were many gorgeous starlets and dapper dudes, and we common folk got a sneak peek into fall's hottest trends and styles.

What was possibly the most evident takeaway from the Emmys this year was none other than the chicest color of the moment: shades of bright hot red.

Va-va-voom! Sofia Vergara in a coral Vera Wang.

Sleek and chic. Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan

The lovely Lea Michele in Marchesa.

My idol, Kate Winslet in Elie Saab Resort 2012 collection.

Modern Family's Sarah Hyland in a coral custom Christian Siriano number.

It isn't hard to tell that this fabulous hue will be popping up all over the place this season. For other ways to wear the color of the moment, try a bright red or coral nail in colors such as Lacquered Up and Capri by Essie or a bright red belt to spice up any outfit.

How will you wear your red this season?

Cheers!

Dy

almost famous

It's the most wonderful time of year. Fashion week in NYC. Showcasing the most talented, creative, influential designers and their runway looks for Spring 2012. And I do believe I have a favorite show.

Rebecca Taylor is a closet staple for celebrities and fashionistas alike. For her Spring 2012 runway collection showcased on Friday, September 9th, Ms. Taylor rocked the runway with colorful prints, easy-breezy fabrics, and feminine, flirty dresses. The line is interjected with bright pops of neon colors and unexpected, tastefully revealing cutouts. It is a go-to for spring style, ideal for daytime cocktail parties, a weekend in the Hamptons, and even a rain jacket-esque piece for those April showers. You can purchase the Rebecca Taylor collection in nearly 500 outposts worldwide, including select department stores, some boutiques, the Rebecca Taylor website, or at the brand's flagship store in Manhattan (per mbfashionweek.com). Happy shopping!

Photos courtesy of mbfashionweek.com

Do you have a favorite designer or piece from New York Fashion Week?

Cheers!

Dy

almost famous

Good afternoon, divas!

Last night on the ONLY T.V. channel that matters, Bravo, Season

4 of The Rachel Zoe Project premiered, and it hit the ground running with fabulous fashion finds from our favorite celeb stylist. For those of you who don't know, Ms. Zoe styles the likes of Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Hudson to name a few (though

you can imagine her full client catalogue looks like the entire list of RSVP's to the Oscars).

The ultimate trendsetter Rachel Zoe

With a new baby coming, the restructuring of her successful company, and the loss of a few loyal stylists, one wonders how Rachel possibly had the time to launch her very own line - but launch she did. While perusing Saks.com this morning, I came across the trendy blonde's incredibly stylish line. Though somewhat pricy for us college chicks, the collection boasts a fabulous fall line-up incorporating the most on-trend colors (think camel, nude, cream, gold accents) and classic staple items, such as tailored blazers, jackets, and cardigans. The line is ideal for those of us just breaking into the working world - it is the perfect combination of professional and sophisticated mixed with an edgy, trendy vibe.

Warm up this winter with the Zoe Faux Fur Jacket. $450, Saks.com

Maybe not so office-appropriate, but these zippered skinnies are a must-have guilty pleasure.

Julie Skinny Jeans, $175, Saks.com

What's black and white and chic all over?

Linda Beaded Cardigan $375, Saks.com

Girls can rock uniforms, too.

Lauren Military Jacket, $525, Saks.com

Check out Rachel Zoe's brand new collection for yourself - you can be sure it's what all the celebs will be wearing this season.

Cheers!

Dy

eyewear must-haves

Hello my darling fashionistas!

It has been quite a while... but it is about time I showed MadApparel the love and attention it deserves. With a hectic work schedule and daily 1.5 hour commute, needless to say I have pretty much focused all my attention and energy on my summer internship in NYC, but I am ready to share everything I've been learning about trends of the summer and style tips with you all!

First thing's first, it's summer time. You need shades to protect those sensitive eyes from the sun. We all know I love sunglasses, but I have recently discovered my new favorite brand of eyewear called Oliver Peoples. These shades are BANANAS. The variety of the brand is limitless - they offer classic styles such as aviator and wayfarer types, more trendy and risky retro, round-framed shades, wild patterns, and optical lenses for the fashionably near or farsighted. Not to mention their limited edition styles and collaborations with fashion icons like Zooey Deschanel. Lately, I'm really into the round-framed, retro trend. I ADORE the "Gregory Peck" shade in Black with Indigo:

GREGORY PECK, $385

Feeling like a diva? Try the Lipsofire style in Dark Tortoise:

LIPSOFIRE, $310

Where do you get these insane shades, you ask? In NYC there are two freestanding Oliver Peoples boutiques (one in Soho and one on Madison Avenue) and they are also carried at Bergdorfs, not to mention the brand can be found at countless luxury eyewear boutiques in almost any city near you. Whichever style you choose, with Oliver Peoples you're sure to get a quality pair of frames and compliments from everyone who sees you rocking them. Will you try the trend this summer?

Cheers!

Dy

almost famous

I love getting my nails done. I feel as though an outfit is not complete without a set of freshly-painted, perfectly shaped fingertips. I've been noticing a few new nail trends amongst celebs this season that I'm dying to share with you!

Nail trend #1: Go NUDE

Celebrities such as Heidi Klum and Eva Mendes have rocked this trend. In the summertime when SPF lotions and sand are a daily occurrence, chips in the polish are inevitable. Opt for these light hues if you plan on going a few weeks between manis, and your chips will go unnoticed!

Nail trend #2: Sparkle! METALLICS are in!

Beyonce and Khloe Kardashian are just a few celebs who go for the bold look of metallic styles. Though it is easier to notice chips and you'll have to touch up more frequently, a dark pop of color is unexpected in the warm weather, and is sure to stand out against a great tan!

Here's some of my favorite nudes & metallics:


Do YOU have a favorite nail trend for summer?
Cheers!
Dy

almost famous

What's my favorite article of clothing ever?

The one thing I cannot live without?

The one item I have stacks and stacks of in my closet?

JEANS! Wide leg, cigarette skinny, acid wash, dark wash, boyfriend fit, shredded, white, black - the list goes on and on! Show me the latest jeans of any shape and color and I HAVE to have them. But I am a little biased, and I have a favorite brand. Can one name a more fabulous denim outfitter than the J Brand label? Sold online through their own website and from stores across the Internet and country including Intermix, Shopbop, Bloomingdale's and beyond, J Brand revolutionizes plain old jeans into an array of superbly-fitting fashion.

This spring, the site announced it's latest trend,"Haute Hues" - a series of color-popping jeans sure to catch everyone's eyes this season.

Just some of J Brand's Haute Hues

What's another cool thing about J Brand jeans? Celebrities LOVE them! Probably because they fit like a glove. Here's a few of my all-time favorite J Brand styles being fashionably rocked by some of my favorite celebs!

J Brand Houlian Cargos

Photo: tobiblog

From left: Jessica Alba, Rachel Bilson, Khloe Kardashian, Kate Bosworth

J Brand Skinny Leg fit

From left: Lauren Conrad, Eva Longoria, Vanessa Hudgens

Do YOU rock your J Brands like these fashionistas? And do you have what it takes to try the Haute Hues on for size this spring?

Cheers!

Dy

almost famous

The 70s are BACK this spring with the return of the jumpsuit!

Rompers, head to the back of the closet. This season, I'm all about the pantsuit, the ultimate onesie. These jumpers make an even more unique statement than their counterpart, the romper. Why is that? Because even fashionistas sometimes find the pantsuit intimidating, and feel as though they can't pull off it's extreme chicness. It takes a fearless female to rock a full pantsuit, but if you want to make an entrance this season - whether at night to a fabulous club in the Hamptons or for day to a backyard barbecue - try these pantsuits on for size!

Spring/Summer 2011 Runway Styles

Take note of these hot items this spring - they're sure to pop up on red carpets across the country!

Donna Karan

Covered up but revealing - this white pantsuit is sure to compliment your spring/summer glow.

Donna Karan

The loose-fitting midsection will flatter any body type. Wide leg pants are also a must this season, and accessorizing with a chunky statement necklace and slick hair draws all attention to the star of the show - the onesie!

Vena Cava

An updated version of the Little Black Dress - the Little Black Pantsuit is feminine and flirty, perfect for a casual spring day in style.

Nicole Miller

Dress it up or down - the cargo pockets on this jumper make it sporty and perfect for running errands by day - but spice it up with a pair of fantastic wedges and you've got a look suitable for an evening out!

(Photos: style.com)

From left: Cynthia Steffe, Paul Smith and Yves Saint Laurent

Patterned, eclectic, classic - take your pick!

(Photo: fashionetc.com)

Do YOU have what it takes to try the fabulous pantsuit this season? Share stories of how you plan to rock your onesie!

Cheers!

Dy

almost famous

Who says the Kids Choice Awards are only for children? The fashion at the 2011 Nickelodeon event was certainly far more sophisticated than the title suggested! Celebs came out in full force, rocking the trendiest spring styles in bright colors that complimented them perfectly.

The stars taught us that this spring, the fashions are all about understatement, light and bright colors, and simplicity.

Here's what's so IN this season:

• Neutral and nude-toned pieces (from accessories to dresses)
• Bright pops of color to accent a nude or cream-colored look
• Flowy, etherial looks
• Girly ruffles
• A healthy tan compliments any outfit!

Celebristyle Dos and Dont's: Kids Choice Awards!

DO: Rosario Dawson

Wearing Suzanne Felsen Jewelry, Fendi dress from Spring 2011 RTW collection, Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, and Casadei shoes (shopstyle.com).

DO: The Hilton Sisters - The ultimate California Girls!

Nicky is wearing a Proenza Schouler strapless minidress ($1,525, Edit New York), Brian Atwood MANIAC pumps ($580, SAKS.com)

Paris is wearing Opening Ceremony's High Collar Pleated Dress ($518, Shopbop.com), and her shoes are the SPELLED Pump from her very own Paris Hilton Collection (around $100, Amazon.com)

DO: The lovely Selena Gomez

The Disney star is wearing Christian Cota shorts and Sheer Panel blouse from the designer's Spring 2011 RTW collection, Camilla Skovgaard shoes ($480, Shopbop.com), and a Lauren Merkin clutch ($250, endless.com).

DO: Kim and Kourtney Kardashian

Kim is wearing and Azzedine Alaia cream ruffle minidress as well as Azzedine Alaia Suede Sandal Shoes ($1,665, BrownsFashion.com), and carried an Adriana Castro Python clutch.

Kourtney is wearing a vintage dress and Marni shoes.

DON'T: Taylor Momsen

Everything about this look screams "hot mess." It's too dark for spring and not at all modern or current. The makeup is much too heavy, the crop jacket is not flattering, and overall she looks more like a zombie than a starlet. Don't make the same fashion mistakes as Taylor, and stick with bright, flowing pieces for spring! Do you have any spring fashion tips I should know about?

Cheers!

Dy

nashville fashion week!

When you think of Fashion Week, which cities come to mind first? New York? London? Milan? What about Nashville, Tennessee? Yes, you heard right! Nashville Fashion Week is this week, from March 29 - April 2 in the chic southern city. Sponsored by Lexus, tickets are on sale on the NFW website at a price of only $250 for an All-Access pass, and $350 for and Insider Access pass, WITH complimentary entry into all NFW parties. Très bien, no?!

Nashville Fashion Week is headlined by fabulous designer Christian Siriano and showcases the hot runway styles of Betsey Johnson as well. According to The Lookbook, Siriano is showing his Fall/Winter 2011 runway collection on March 31 at the Crystal Fountain Church in East Nashville. Siriano was the winner of popular reality TV show Project Runway's fourth season in 2008. He has recently collaborated with Payless and is the shoe store's top selling designer, and his luxury designs are sold around the world. His showing at NFW will undoubtedly be just like his designs: FIERCE.

“This is an exciting opportunity to show my collection in a city with such a distinctive history and culture, since music and fashion so naturally complement each other.”

Christian Siriano Fall/Winter 2011 Runway

Head to www.thelookbogmag.com for the full article.

Cheers!
Dy

almost famous

Who embodies the term "fashion icon" more than Miss Elle Macpherson? She is forever going about her errands looking chic and sexy, like in the picture below. Even while dropping off her kids at school, the ever-trendy mommy stays on top of the fashion game.

Photo: whowhatwear.com/blog

Elle is also repping one of my favorite looks for those cooler days of spring, infusing punk-esque, sporty trends to her modern and put together look. A trend I've noticed amongst celebs and fashion designers this season is button down and denim shirts, paired with skinny jeans and either motorcycle boots, pumps, Tom's, or like Elle herself is wearing, Belgian Shoes 'Midinette' style in Animal Print. Want to look like Elle while going about your daily duties? Here's my take on some different variations of the punk trend for spring!

A Punk's Life for Me by DyanaBert featuring a black jacket