The Best of 2008!

Wow, 2008 is quickly coming to an end (approximately 9 hours left), but what a marvelous year it was for the red carpet. 2008 brought incredible individuality, creativity, and innovation to fashion, particularly to the art of dress making. InStyle just came out with their 20 Best Red Carpet Dresses, which might I add, is an amazing collection. I also love their list of Most Outrageous Accessories, particularly the dramatic headpiece Sarah Jessica Parker displayed for the London premiere of Sex and the City in May.

However, it was Natalie Portman who takes the cake for style icon of 2008 -- in my opinion. The crimson Christian Lacroix Haute Couture dress she wore at the London premiere of The Other Boleyn Girl in February clearly exhibits her impeccable fashion sense. Yet, my Portman pick of the year is the white Givenchy haute couture draped dress she wore ever so elegantly at Cannes.

Although my favorite, Natalie wasn't the only fashion icon of 2008. Rhianna also proved herself a true break-out style icon. I absolutely love the Zac Posen’s corseted raffia design she wore to the Grammy's, as well as the royal blue feather-hemmed knee-grazing skirt she changed into mid-event.

Although 2008 was a year to remember in the world of fashion, I must say that I am ready to ring in the new year, as well its new collections and trends.

Happy New Year's Eve!

More of the Best of 2008!

My new addiction: Bobbles & Lace

So, I've recently fallen in love with a little boutique in Marblehead, MA. named Bobbles & Lace. Simply stepping into the shop, I get a fashion high. It truly is a fashionista's dream come true. They offer everything -- everything from priceless handbags, shoes, dresses, and jewelry. Extremely bright and welcoming, the shop is small, but quaint. And the owner, Lindsay Rando, is on a first name basis with most of her customers.

Bobbles & Lace has to be one of the best things to happen to Massachusetts, well, in regards to fashion that is. It's incredibly hard to find worthwhile clothing around here. Now, before you assume that I am putting the fate of Bay State fashion in the hands of one boutique, please note -- that I am aware Boston is not a total fashion failure. Yes, it offers a few great shops/boutiques in the city, but it seems I always feel the need to venture four long hours to New York to find what I'm really looking for, until I found B&L of course.. And the best part about Bobbles & Lace is that, although all of the clothing and accessories hail from sunny California, not one item in the entire shop is over $100. Can you believe it?! It's amazing, I know!

A few weeks ago, I attended to a fashion show at the little shop. So don't just take my word for it -- take a look at the pics I got..

bobbles & lace.

Election fashion news: Kelly Ripa as the Star Spangled Banner

I love Kelly Ripa, and always admire her chic wardrobe, but what was she thinking yesterday?! I couldn't find a photo (probably because the outfit was absolutely hideous) but yesterday on Regis & Kelly, in honor of Obama's win, she wore an awful (I don't even know what to call it) that basically looked as though she strutted up to a flag pole, ripped the flag down, wrapped it around herself, and called it a dress. Ouch.

Fall fashion trend: Why should mother nature have all the fun?

I am especially excited that this fall, brilliant autumn hues are one of the leading fashion trends. Shades of copper, amber, brown and gold are all gracing designer's palettes, and they are putting together an array of festive colors in many different materials and textures. Instyle forecasts these fall hues in "silk charmeuse and soft merino wool" will work perfectly, as well as "suede and patent leather".

Quick tip: Don't worry about adding accessories, or layering the colors - each solidary piece looks great all on their own!

LC3 Tour

Fashion icon Lauren Conrad has decided to take her line on tour and on the road to four of the major college cities in the country - Austin, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and best of all, Boston. The unique feature about this tour, however, is that LC is requesting that average college girls replace the typical malnutritioned models, we are so use to seeing on the runway, to present her line. Essentially, Lauren will be transforming the catwalk into a parade of potential buyers of her line, ultimately creating a more "relateable" feel for her target market -- college girls. Why, what good marketing strategies LC has!

Anyways, TheQuad.com is the promotional tool Lauren is using to find her models -- asking that people nominate and vote for their favorite potential models. The website is an interactive website, like Facebook, geared towards the involved college student.

As for the Boston event, it will take place Saturday, November 15th -- 7 p.m., at The Estate on Boylston St. Tickets are available on TheQuad website and are only 20 dollars! Amazing, considering how popular Lauren, as well as her clothing line is. If you venture on the site to vote, check me out.. I am in second place and really excited to have the oppurtunity to take part in, what I am sure will be, an event to remember.

Check back for more details about Lauren's Collection College Tour in upcoming posts..