MOD Monday - Missoni For Target Collection

The Italian fashion house Missoni, famous for it's colorful patterns and unique knitwear is reaching out to us 'common folk' and creating a collection exclusively for Target.  Missoni has been around since 1953 and was most definitely trend worthy in the 60's with it's flair for geometric chevron & striped prints, as well as bold florals.  These pricey designs that hail from Varese, are going mainstream and quite affordable as we will be seeing pieces ranging from $19.99 to $54.99 at the popular retail store, that are all set to go for this Fall 2011. 

Their clothing styles are definitely staying true to the vintage MOD vibe that captured the essence of the 1960's proving that everything in regards to fashion revolves back around decades after they were once popular.  My question is... "Will today's youth opt for this overtly edgy fashion fare?"  I'm thinking probably not and that this will be more revered by the late 30's to 40 something crowd, because these pieces are definitely in the same form as they were over forty years ago as pictured here in this vintage Missoni swimwear ad...  

The dish is that there has been a limited supply since they hit the stores on September 13th and once they're gone, they're gone so you can either purchase them direct or online until October 13th.  

I love all things MOD however, I'm not quite sure that I would personally go to this extreme with the pairings shown above.  In my opinion, I would worry that someone would mistake me as dressing up for Halloween as a hippie or a character from the Austin Powers flick ya know? Maybe one or two Missoni accessories would suffice, but as a whole, these styles are just too busy for my taste!   


pics: ladychirpsalot.com, thebohemianluxelife.com, maggiemaggio.com, missoni.com

Nylons/Pantyhose...Who Wears Them Anymore?

It it just me or does everyone else notice that it seems as though pantyhose/nylons are becoming extinct?  I swear, I rarely see anyone wearing them anymore.  They've been around since the 1920's when skirts started getting a bit shorter in length, at least to the knee of course.  Vintage hose were first made of silk, which made them expensive and because of the delicate nature of the spun silk material, they ran quite easily.  My mom told me that her mother used to put them on with gloves on her hands in an effort to keep them in tact. The early hose were thigh highs worn with a cumbersome garter belt to keep them from falling down.  They weren't conveniently elasticized like the ones we see today.  

Women have been wearing hose,thigh highs,tights, for years for many reasons. Number one being that they give the allure of slimness & firmness to the wearers legs.  Coming in various styles and colors they have definitely been a fashion staple for as long as they've been around and have evolved with the times with expanding styles.  Nowadays their is an amazingly wide variety to choose from in regards to patterns, colors, weaves, fishnet, smooth, sheer to waist, control top, etc...

Pantyhose had definitely went off the fashion scene for the past what seems fifteen years, for whatever reason?  Maybe it's because they're somewhat confining? At least that's my opinion.  Or maybe it's because we tend to dress more informal in the 21st Century? Regardless, I think women were opting for a more natural look and feel trading off hose for tanned bare legs.  It's all the talk in Tinsel Town that the new Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton is bringing the popularity of wearing hose back in style.  Known for being a trend setter, Middleton's panache is not due to her haute couture or hats, but rather for her choice in wearing delicately sheer stockings.

So, I guess they're back 'in', for now & I suppose that there is a time and place for them for instance when going on a job interview or when dressing for a formal occasion.  I'm not a big fan of them myself, are you?  Care to share your opinions on the subject of... "To hose or not to hose?"  


pics: vintageretro.tumblr.com, treehugger.com, dreamstime.com, fashionstyle.street.com, s1.hubming.com

MOD Monday - Jackie Kennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the wife of our 35th President, JFK.   Born in New York, she went on to serve as 'First Lady' from 1961 until Kennedy's assassination in 1963.  Being frequent in the public eye, she always maintained an air of style and grace with her personal fashion choices.  The infamous double breasted, strawberry pink with navy trim, Chanel wool skirt suit she wore on November 22nd 1963, quickly pushed her to fashion icon for the 60's status and became a symbol of the era that everyone remembers her for.

Current First Lady, Michelle Obama is obviously fond of her predecessors vintage style as she was a sure fire fashion doppelganger in the Maria Pinto, pink tweed suit that absolutely channeled Jackie O's signature 60's design.

The late Princess Diana, was even on board with this style as Gianni Versace designed for her, his version of Kennedy's two piece pink suit.

As recent as 2008, the Jackie Kennedy inspired look continues to inspire designers as Princess Maxima of the Netherlands was seen wearing this timeless style...

Since the 60's there have been many variations and alterations to the original cut of this popular suit however, there will always only be the 'one' worn by Jackie.  It has been said that at the request of her daughter the dress not be displayed and understandably so with all due respect to the dismal history behind the garment...  


pics: flickr.com, refugeesunleashed.net, suite101.com, buzznet.com, thesweet7.com

Spotlight Saturday - Fashion Against AIDS

Since 2008, Designers Against Aids has made a successful collaboration with several artists & super star singer Rhianna is one of them having launched her own clothing line targeting the younger generation and it's been said that 25% of the proceeds from all sales have been going towards AIDS research.  Her designs are simple featuring tanks, tees and hoodies. Other musicians have gotten in on this gig like 'My Chemical Romance & Katie Perry'.  The idea for this venture was initiated by the DAA, Designers Against AIDS which is a non profit organization that seeks collaborations with fashion designers, musicians and other artists with the sole objective being, to bring awareness to today's youth about the serious nature of the choices they have in protecting themselves from HIV/AIDS.

celebrityclothingline.com , jollypeople.com 

A Farewell To Oprah....

For the past twenty five years, we have been graced with her presence for one hour each and every day.  Some of us even went the lengths of making sure to DVR or TIVO her show in an effort not to miss an episode!   Sadly for those of us avid followers, yesterday was the end of an era as talk show queen Opray Winfrey bid us a sweet farewell...

When I reflect on the years I've watched Oprah, I can't help but think of the ridicule she's endured for her ever fluctuating weight being under the constant scrutiny of the watchful public eye & at the same time, I look to her with complete admiration for the fact that she never lost her sense of style amidst the backlash of the hounding paparazzi.

It's true she has had her ups and downs in regards to weight, but she has never wavered in keeping up with fashion trends.  Oprah showed us that how we perceive ourselves, is more than likely going to reflect on how people perceive us & in spite of her struggles, she continued to maintain an air of class and kept her 'swagga' on at high levels & at all times! 

Random Fact: One of Oprah's most favorite fashion designers is Ralph Lauren. 

pics: howmuchdotheyweigh.com , tvlistings.zapzit.com , cm1.theinsider.com , luxurlaunches.com

MOD Monday

There have been some very popular designers & fashion houses that have been around since forever and you'd be surprised to know just who has been creating styles since the days when 'MOD' was all the rage...

Pierre Cardin, the Italian born, French designer founded himself in 1950.  He made the mini shift dresses in bright colors his trademark piece in the 60's.  His patterns were all about geometric shapes and that moved the decade into a 'hipp'er' place. 

Givnechy, founded by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952, went on to be the creator of the most famous little black 'mod' dress ever in 1961.  It was worn by Audrey Hepburn in the vintage classic 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.   

Yves Saint Laurent, was a Paris born, French designer who began his career in 1962 making the Mod Mondrian shift dress that was totally reflective of his love for pop art.

Pucci, or by his sir name, Emilio Pucci was a Florentine Italian fashion designer who's received recognition for his work by the 1950's.  His signature style was always associated with geometric prints in a kaliedoscope of colors.

These fashion moguls style houses continue on to this day creating new pieces with the flair of an era gone by still mingled in amongst their modern day designs...

pics: blog.nj.com , celebdelecream.com , retrokimmer.com , fashonshanty.com , doctormacro.com , onthisdayinfashion.com , tumblr.com , harpersbazaar.com

Maria Shriver...Status Quo Style In Spite Of The Split!

Arnold Schwarzenegger gave the ultimate diss to his soon to be 'ex wife' Maria Shriver by confessing to her that he had a child with the hired help & has been entertaining an affair with his mistress for over a decade!  I'm sure you've heard about it by now in the news, in the tabloids, trash mags, etc...  She has dealt with many hardships in her family and of course everyone knows about the so called 'Kennedy Curse' which was nicknamed as such, by all of the continued misfortune the clan has had fall upon them. 

In spite of it all, Shriver has maintained an air of style, grace and elegance and being a part of America's most legendary family, who would expect anything less? In 2009, she was voted Glamour Magazines 'Woman Of The Year' and rightfully so, as she has been and remains a strong female role model for women everywhere being an activist, author & journalist.

    
On top of everything else, she loves fashion as she was seen in Paris during fashion week for the Fall/Winter 2011 Chanel Show. 

She stated in an interview once that Tom Ford for Gucci was her favorite designer... Regardless of all the hoopla and media frenzy that's surrounding her at the moment, just like always, Maria Shriver is going to come out on top because after all she's a Kennedy! 

pics: examiner.com , askmen.com , zimbio.com , fashwong.com , looks.com

Bohemian Queen Janis Joplin

When I think of Bohemian style in regards to fashion sense, I can't help but turn my thoughts to my personal 'fave', the ultimate hippie chic, Janis Joplin.  Janis was an American born singer & songwriter who was ranked #46 out of 100 in 2004 by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 'Greatest Artists of All Time'... 

She was the true definition of a 'free spirit' and her flame flickered out way before it's time, but she left behind a her a legacy of music that defined an era of 'peace, love & harmony' in the midst of the Vietnam war.

By no means would Joplin be referred to as a 'beautiful woman' by todays standards. But she was something special for sure in her own right!  She had an amazing stage presence and aside from her obvious talent credentials, she became a fashion trend setter of the 60's.  She influenced her generation as well as ours with her careless gypsy style.  Once known as 'hippie' now called 'bohemian'.  People were drawn to her sense of individuality and rebellion in opposition to what the status quo norm was...

If anyone went against the grain, it was Janis as she definitely translated her personality through her sense of style.

Janice's over the top, vivacious, without borders styles was all about 'excess'.  Less was not more!  She was all about feather boas, big floppy hats, big beaded necklaces, oversized shades and F.Y.I....she made bangles famous before Madonna did in the 80's!  One Joplin staple that has made a big current comeback is the Mongolian fur vest.

Of every style era that's ever been attempted to be replicated, I think Janice's is the easiest because just like it was then, the 'anything goes', easy flowing vintage hippie style of the 60's revamped circa 2011...remains...

: stylecaster.com , frockandrollonline.com , cardboardposters.com , listal.com , fc07.deviantart.net , etsy.com/shop/shelcollector

That 70's Style

Spring fashions this year are rolling in with a 'blast from the past' ladies so if you're old enough to have been able to store away your vintage clothes..."go get em" and if not, you can always hit up your mama or your auntie's closets!

A-line skirts, wide leg pants, billowy ankle length dresses and wedge heeled shoes are taking 'front and center' as 'That 70's Style' is back in a big way! 

Fashions are going back to a simpler time when less was best and definitely less overtly sexy.  The 70's were all about femininity with a subtle hint of sensuality...

To achieve the liberated yet ladylike look of the 70's you need to focus on interesting fabrics and patterns and throw away the idea that stripes and florals are 'old fashioned'.  The 70's was a comfortable yet fashionable time, so you can cut yourself loose from anything tight fitting because that was so yesterday.  Make sure you put them away somewhere for safe keeping  because you just never know...it might be back in style next year ha!
   
Designer Marc Jacobs pushed the return of the 70's style at Fashion Week 2011 as he saturated his designs with lines & pattern/color schemes so much so that he put us in a time warp!

  
If you're looking for a muse to copy fashion styles of the 70's from, check out Bianca Jagger & Farrah Fawcett as these two women were on the top of their game as icons of an era gone by... 

polyvore.com , refinery29.com , fakeittillyoumakeit.co.uk , retrovintageshoes.com , diablogmag.com

Elizabeth Taylor...Timeless Beauty

The beautiful Elizabeth Taylor just recently turned 79 this past February and has been in the news over the past several weeks for being hospitalized for congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She remains stable and there are no new developments in her condition.

Award winning two time Oscar recipient Taylor defined herself as one of the most influential style icons of the 20th century with her stunning face, violet-blue eyes and the trademark beauty mark on her chin.  She was never afraid of playing up her bold eyebrows and that became a trend among women everywhere.


She has influenced film fashion for over five decades and became famous not only for her acting talents but for her style choices in clothes and jewelry.  Since she was a teen she has been intriguing us with her sass and sex appeal.


Elizabeth Taylor will always remain a timeless beauty...     

pic: cowkitty.net