Red Carpet Glamour

Sunday evening was the Academy Awards, the glitziest red carpet shebang of the awards season. This year was a wonderful parade of pretty ladies, and gorgeous gowns, without to many faux pas.

A top trend was 1930’s-esque column silhouettes, with many modern updates. Amy Adams made full colored glitter surprisingly divine, and was a great pairing with her red bombshell hair. Gwyneth Paltrow, Celine Dion, and Cate Blanchett were three blonds whose figures were flattered by variations on the sleek style.

Whimsical, puffed up trains were another “big” hit. The feathers on Hilary Swank’s Gucci gown were stopped from swallowing her by the wall of glittering silver molded to her amazing body. While I can see why some may not like this piece, Swank has such a strong commanding, yet feminine aura about her that the dress seemed to reflect. Halley Berry pulled the look off best with a nude Marchesafroth. Her hair stylist really captured the swirling, multi dimensional look of the piece.

A not so successful version was the Charles James piece worn by Marissa Tomei. Beautiful structure up top, and in a classic navy the amount of volume just below the hip looked like she’d thrown an oversized crinoline on as a last minute accessory. Perhaps it was the full severity of the look of Sharon Stone wearing a dress inspired by Black Swan, but I’d keep an eye on her to make sure there’s not a dagger in her shiny clutch.

The film did have a good influence thought on stars Mila Kunis, and Natalie Portman; showing one can be smashingly well dressed as either the youthful sex bomb, or glowing mother to be. Proving once again that a little chiffon, and artful draping are glamour classics.
By Devon Burrus

Slipping Into Spring: Unmentionables Worth Mentioning

With spring fast approaching, one cannot help but be immersed in the sheer joy of warmer weather setting in. While transitioning from the winter season, layering is still essential. Luckily, these layers drastically differ from those of colder months. It’s time to lose the bulk and celebrate your femininity.

Adding a splash of color (or a peek of lace) is versatile at any price range, and best of all—it’s easy to do. Whether under an oversized dolman sweater, worn over something fitted, or peeping below a cocktail dress, slips of any silhouette seem to be the happening of spring 2011.

Instead of another here today gone tomorrow trend, undergarments like these are essential in any woman’s wardrobe. They are staple pieces that can be worn alone or in combination with several other items of clothing. In neutral tones, bright colors, or bold prints, at the very least they can diversify the look of any outfit.

Whether you already have slips in your lingerie drawer, adding or integrating more is a smart choice for the upcoming season, surely one you won't regret.

Photo Credits From Top:

Folly Boutique

Free People

Betsey Johnson

Urban Outfitters

By: Martine LeLievre

There is never a wrong time to shine

Sparkles are still a thing of the present and the stars shined at this year's 2011 Grammy's. These women proved this eye catching trend. New Years is not the only time to stand out according to the month's Good Housekeeping sequins will be in for another round of fashion, and if you did not watch Fashion Police on E! T.V, Giuliana Rancic and Joan Rivers sparkled as they discussed, talked and disputed on who looked fabulous and who did not make the cut, as well as this new trend being seen on award shows everywhere.

This trend is amazing for women who get distracted by things that shine in the lime light, even if it is the gown that Selena Gomez wore that is designed by J. Mendel or shoes that add that sexy-ness to any night out, sparkles are now a girls new best friend.

By: Lisa Trump

Image courtesy of mycocktaildress.com

The Sun Might Come Out Tomorrow…

By: Anna Branch

This is the point in the oh-so-dreary Portland winter where no amount of wine, comfort food, coffee, or vitamin D supplements can deter a lingering feeling of blah-ness. The only thing I find that eases it, ever so slightly, and gives me hope for brighter days is to look forward to spring.

Specifically, what my little piggies will be wearing for their debut after months of hibernation. The forerunners thus far can be found at my fav shoe retailer, the Portland-based Solestruck. Their online store is the go-to spot for fashion forward styles from labels like Jeffrey Campbell, Senso, Irregular Choice, Eighty Twenty, and Finsk. A brick n’ mortar in The Pearl District on NW 11th Ave also carries a narrow selection of their delectable footwear.

The newest addition to their coveted collection comes from London-based brand B STORE, whose open-toed, lace-up, wedge booties with an ankle strap are sure to grace the must-have lists of fashion enthusiasts everywhere.

We can all look on the bright side of things, thanks to Solestruck. With their innate ability to give us a selection of punchy florals, rainbow stripes, decidedly perfect neutrals and pastels, and architectural wonders, they’ve got my heart flitting.

Now, if I only had a giant fast-forward button.

All photos courtesy of Solestruck

Don’t be a drag- Just be a Queen!

For week’s critics, celebrities, and the millions of little monsters out there have been patiently waiting to see what avant garde ensemble Lady G. would rock down the 2011 Grammy red carpet. Arriving in an egg-shaped vessel Gaga caused quite a ruckus. Brilliant, outrageous, and unpredictable- she effortlessly avoided the prying eyes of press, and that pesky Ryan Seacrest.

Incubating inside the temperature-controlled vessel for three days, our mother monster burst out onstage to perform her number one single Born This Way. The performance was undeniably outstanding.

Recently on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Gaga described the vision of Born This Way as follows: “Essentially it's about being able to know that when you were born you weren’t just born in that moment, you have you're entire life to realize the person that you're potentially going to become, and whoever you chose to be was part of your destiny – its never to late to harness your confidence and your inner superstar and say I WAS BORN THIS WAY”

Finally! A celebrity who stands up for what she believes in, and doesn’t give a flying fig about being scrutinized in the media. Love her, or love to hate her, you simply cannot deny she is a superstar. The most recent Vogue cover girl is a daring fashion icon. No shoe is too high, no idea is too wacky, and all bets are off at the Haus of Gaga. Lady G. and her team of “Creatives” have seamlessly integrated high fashion, art, and music as a lifestyle.

Gaga has transfixed a generation with her boundless creativity. A Gay-right’s advocate, and voice for those who were bullied for being “too weird”- Lady Gaga has let her freak flag fly. Inspiring individuals around the globe to do the same.

Don’t be afraid to let your inner superstar shine! Pull out your highest-heels and bop around because baby you we’re Born This Way.

photocredit- https://twitter.com/#!/ladygaga

photocredit- solestruck.com

By: Kayla Rekofke

Kirstie Kelly And Her Touring Bridal Trunk Shows

Each year there's always brides struggling to find the perfect dress, at the right price. Kirstie Kelly has made it one step easier for all those brides to be. She is launching her signature touring trunk shows at select Costco locations. This women understand what every bride is going through so the location of the trunk shows have comfortable changing areas and lounges for family and friends. Most importantly since she can't be there to help you she has expert bridal consultants there to make sure you look fabulous. Lastly I know you might be thinking hmm Costco, where I buy my food? Well Kirstie Kelly gets the fact that her ideal customer isn't built with money and she loves that, which is why she chose to feature her collection at Costco. She has six distinct styles with beautiful fabric and embellishments. "These are quality couture- inspired gowns for the smart women who doesn't want to choose between affordability and elegance."

The first trunk shows will be at these following stores:

Almaden, Calif. -- February 17-20 (5301 Almaden Expressway, San Jose 95118)
Reno, Nev. -- February 24-27 (2200 Harvard Way, Reno 89502)

By Alexa Stevens

Images and Information courtesy of fibre2fashion.com

The Three P's Of Second Hand Shopping

We have all done it before: Digging aimlessly, scouring the racks for the perfect... wait, what was it I was looking for? Where am I? Don't let the musty smell, oblivious uber-hip sales clerk, and over-stuffed racks get you down. There is a way to successfully shop vintage stores without losing confidence in your shopping abilities. Second hand shopping is no walk in the park. Among things like keeping a cool head and expectations low, I have developed the three P's of second hand shopping that can help you become a star shopper in a not so shinny store:


Pricing. Portland is the ultimate mecca for vintage shopping. Try to walk down any street in town and not find a store full of used treasures...do it. I dare you! The thing to be mindful of however is, "Am I being over charged for this child sized Baseball-T with a tiger on it?" This is the point where you have to use your best judgement. The quality of the clothing should be what you are paying for. Ask your self if you really look good in that lil number? And lastly; is it one of a kind? Can it be found cheaper somewhere else? Bottom line: Don't pay too much for something you could find in a free box walking down Belmont.



Pilling. We all dread the day that our clothes turn on us. It starts out with just a little fuzz under the arm, and next thing you know, it's everywhere! Even those "As Seen on TV" Pill-be-gone gadgets can't turn back the time on your favorite sweater. The thing that really gets my goat is when second hand stores try to sell you these once cherished numbers back to you at an inflated price. Sorry folks but you can't pick that sweater back to life, it's just not worth it.



Polyester. Oh Polyester, so resilient, so versatile, so uncomfortable. That is, if you rewind back 20 years when polyester had yet to evolve to the wonder fabric it is today. It didn't get its bad reputation for no reason. The farther back you go in time the less it breathes, moves, or holds up. I guarantee, you will not want to wear it! Stick to the modern day version of polyester, which despite being man made, emulates Cotton and it's wicking abilities. Who wants to smell like a sweaty old disco dancer anyway? So go get em' folks! Shop your fashion loving hearts out, just remember your P's and I promise you'll prosper.

By Erin Enos

Images: Ciaovogue blog spot, www.beegees.com

Betsey Johnson Booties: From Catwalk to Concrete

If you are like me, you want the latest styles straight off the runway. Every time I see a fashion show I immediately want a fabulous little dress or a pair of those incredible shoes. However at tonight’s Betsey Johnson show you didn’t have to be in the front row to snag what you want. Fashionistas and shoe lovers you should be glad to know it is immediately possible to buy limited-edition Steve Madden booties seen on the Betsey Johnson catwalk.

As the looks went down the runway at Lincoln Center this evening, the multi-platform campaign ‘Catwalk to Concrete’ premiered. This new fashion campaign allows anyone to purchase the fall collection’s Lizzzy-L bootie right away. To purchase a pair visit stevemadden.com. Or use the QR code to access a specific Betsey Johnson page at the Steve Madden mobile website (m.stevemadden.com/betsey.) Voila, you can be part of the fashion elite!

The preview sketch displayed here shows promise that these booties will go fast, take a look at my favorite, the Crimson and I’m sure you’ll agree. What girl doesn’t want ruffled heel, peep toe, high heel booties? They seem just the kind of whimsical fun my feet could use!

Images Courtesy of Glamour.com and SteveMadden.com
Information Courtesy of Glamour.com and einpresswire.com

By Angie Meek

Fur or faux?

In the world of fashion, fur has always been the definition of glamour. All of the most famous and fabulous wear it. Designers have always showcased it in their collections. Fur is something that never goes out of style.

Wearing fur has been around since the beginning of man for practical reasons like keeping warm. But during this day and age, the main reason it is worn is for fashion purposes. The general conception is that those who wear fur appear to be wealthy and fashionable.

As of late, there is more discussion about animal cruelty which directly ties to wearing fur. Although I agree with this, I would like to play devil’s advocate. If there is so much argument about how evil fur is, what about leather? Leather is made the same way as fur. When is the last time PETA threw red paint on someone wearing a leather coat? Is fur only so much more upsetting because it is more noticeable? Shouldn't we be condemning both?

The way we get our fur and leather is cruel, but our society is slowly changing our ways. We have vegan designers such as Stella McCartney who are helping change fashion for the better. Karl Lagerfeld used all faux fur in the Chanel fall/winter 2010 collection.

Hopefully awareness continues to spread about the killing of innocent animals for unnecessary means. There are so many synthetic materials that look and feel better than animal products. If Chanel can do it, then so can we.

Image: Chanel F/W 2010
Courtesy of: http://hubpages.com/hub/Faux-Fur

Kobe VI 3D Release

It makes sense that movies, TV's and computers are going three dimensional, but what about shoes? I can't see much of a reason besides the fact that they even look cool without glasses on. On February 9th Nike will release the Kobe VI 3D shoes prior to February 20th's All-Star Game in Los Angeles. The shoes pods, which formerly took the look of a black-mambas skin, are now being used to bring the shoe to another dimension on the basketball court.

Kobe Bryant has brought endless success to the Nike brand over the last eight years. Each year, and shoe has only sent Kobe, "The Black Mamba" to higher levels of success. Let's wait and see if this shoe sets new trends, or slowly slips under the radar with Nike's many shoe releases this year. All we can do now, it wait for February 20th's All-Star Game with our 3-D glasses in hand