Think with your head...

You all know my absolute favorite accessory is a headband. It all probably stems from my obsession with Gossip Girl and Blair Waldorf. However, even as a 5 year old I always wore headbands. Around the UConn campus may sorority women walk around with headbands and it's somewhat become a norm. Bows and flower headbands are the most popular. With fashion always evolving and changing these are statement pieces I absolutely adore v>

Karl Lagerfeld recently displayed his pre-Fall 2011 show in Paris. I basically want the filigree headbands he put on his models ontop of their messy beehive bun. It dresses up a casual wardrobe.

Another statement headpiece is the Prada turban headband. This Boho-Chic accessory

is hard to pull off and needs certain styling. (AKA Kourtney Kardashian fail) Here MK/A (Idk who this one is haha) wears it very simple. I can see Nicole Richie wearing this as well. This headband is perfect for those days you wear your hair au naturale without straightening it and leaving it a bit wavey or when you don't have enough time to take a quick shower and need to pull your hair out of of your face.

What do you all think?

XoKA <3>

College for fashionistas

Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. It's hard to keep up with two blogs. I hope you all are having a fantastic holiday season so far! This coming January I will be going back to school as a post-bac student for pre-medical studies so I might not be able to blog as frequently. To get in the college spirit, I have chosen the topic of college for this blog.

So what schools did some designers go to??

1. Parsons, The New School For Design in NY

Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Narciso Rodriguez, Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, Jason Wu, Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock (Vena Cava), Thakoon

2. Central Saint Martins in London

Stella McCartney, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Paul Smith, Giles Deacon,

3. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NY

Nina Carcia, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Ralph Rucci

4. Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale in Paris

Andre Courreges, Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Nicole Miller

5. Istituto Marangoni in Milan also London and Paris campuses

Domenico Dolce, Franco Moschino

6. University of Westminister in London

Vivienne Westwood, Christopher Bailey, Michael Herz (Bally)

7 Royal College of Art (Post Graduate program) in London

Philip Teacy, Christopher Bailey

8. London College of Fashion

Jimmy Choo

Networking and workshops with these alumns can be found with these schools. Just imagine someone in your lecture can be someone famous in the future...

On a side note, have you all heard that Blake Lively is the new face of Chanel?! Being Anna Wintour's new obsession definitely has it's perks! Not only does Anna fly Blake out to fashion shows to sit front row with her at Dior, Chanel, and wherever she wants but she has been on the cover of Vogue 3 times. She was in attendance at the reopening of Chanel in SOHO. Lively also has an obsession with Louboutins and Louboutin named a shoe after her after meeting her. Wow isn't she such a luck girl? She also claims she doesn't use a stylist...

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

new obsessions of the day

I was in an accessories mood so I decided to share my 2 obsessions for the day. These items are timeless, elegant, and exude modern opulence.

The first piece is a BVLGARI pendant from the Tondo collection.

This pendant is made in 18 kt yellow gold and steel with pave diamonds (3.10cm diameter)

PRICE: $2,950.00. I like the contrast between the gold and steel with a hint of diamonds. You can wear this with either a gold or silver chain. It's a perfect pendant necklace to wear everyday. (Carrie from Sex and the city wore a Tondo Bvlgari pendant necklace in one of the seasons)

(Carrie wearing her Bvlgari necklace from the Tondo collection)

Obsession #2 Cartier's Love Bracelet

Remember in middle school the best thing to have on your wrist was a Tiffany & Co. bracelet? For me it's Cartier's Love Bracelet collection. It's simple yet sophisticated and matches with everything. Also comes in different colored golds.

It has been popular since the 1960s. Cartier just introduced a new twist for the original bracelet, the love Charity.

Who's a frequent wearer of the love bracelet?

Kourtney Kardashian wears her two love bracelets almost in every episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians/ Kourtney and Kloe take Miami. I know I would if I had one!

What are your accessory obsessions??

Fashionably yours,

Karen

21 more days!

Get your sleeping bags ready for H&M for the Lanvin for H&M Day! More pictures have been posted and I CAN'T WAIT to get my hands on these pieces!! Love LOVE LOVEEEE the romantic fabrics and the delicate draping. These are so different from other Designer diffuser lines, they look expensive!

What do you guys think??

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

Are you fur real?

As you all know, fur is the new obsession for this fall season. From fur detailing to oversized fur vests. Every where you go you see fur! Here are some fur pieces that I absolutely adore!

This Fendi Red Fox Trim Coat ($1,863.41) combines the camel coat trend with fur trimming. It's simple yet very chic. Pair it with a pair of light jeans creates a day look or layer it over a black dress for a uptown look.

On the right are Michael Kors fur clutches. I love the smooth metallic leather and the metal lock embellishments pairing with the soft fur. These clutches are perfect to dress up a simple outfit when going out at night. I can see myself having all 3 because they all are so beautiful. The top brown is perfect with a black shirt and dark wash jeans. The left brown is perfect with a day look of a white oxford button down shirt with a pair of relaxed jeans and brown riding boots. The grey clutch is for the fashionistas who love to wear the all black look.

This mink and velvet necklace from Louis Vuitton is something you see in Vogue photos or on Anna Wintour's neck. This is the to die for accessory. The detailing is strategically done- rather it looking like furry handcuffs on your neck it looks very luxurious and delicate. You can wear this with a very plain outfit and still look chic and fashionable. You can wear this necklace with a white tshirt and jeans with your hair up in a pony tail and look casual chic like Reese Witherspoon. Or Pair it up with a blazer and black pants with your hair down like a Kardashian. I can also see this necklace on Rachel Zoe.

This Burberry Fur Collar Trench Coat will definitely keep you warm while looking fabulous! The fox collar is removable so you can tone down the wow factor. This double breasted coat is very sliming.

I am obsessed with these Tory Burch Rabbit Fur Buckle Boots. The brown leather detailing and Gold Tory Burch embellishments makes these boots the fall winter boot. I can see so many girls with leggings and capes wearing these boots this fall.

This Nina Ricci Fur Collar Cardigan puts the cardigan/cape and fur trend together. This light weight cotton cardigan allows movement from the garment while having a relaxed fit. The cropped sleeves also adds comfort so it doesn't feel heavy or bulky when wearing this cardigan.

How uptown are these fur earmuffs? These ear muffs from Lanvin (found at Bergdorfs) are a fancifully adorned piece made by fox fur. It is made with folded navy satin ribbon with red dyed fox muffs. The jeweled brooch on side makes this earmuff very Blair Waldorf. So this is a perfect piece for you headband lovers!

What do you think of the fur trend? Of course I prefer faux fur!

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

look of the day

There's something about the pairing of shear fabrics of black and beige that I absolutely adore. Here's Reese Witherspoon wearing Jason Wu.

Reese Witherspoon attends the 10th annual Avon Foundation For Women Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on October 26, 2010 in New York City. (Getty Images North America)

Fact of the Day

Hermes Birkin Bag Background:

The hand-built Birkin Bag is named after the actress/singer Jane Birkin. The price of the bags range from $9,000 to $150,000 according to the quality of the material/ rarity of the leather. As a result of limited quantities the bags are very exclusive. The bag was created in 1984. In 1981 CEO of Hermes, Jean Louis Dumas got on a flight from Paris to London and sat next to Jane Birkin. Birkin placed her straw bag in the overhead compartment and then her items from her bag fell. Birkin explained to him that it's difficult to find a leather weekend bag. In 1984 he created a black leather bag for her.

The Birkin bag comes in 25, 30, 35, and 40 cm sizes. The 50 and 55 cm bags are meant for traveling. (colors:pink, red, brown, orange, baby blue, navy blue, orange, white, black, gold tan) The metallic hardware are plated with gold or palladium (both don't tarnish) Diamonds are another custom addition. The bag comes with a lock and keys. Keys are enclosed in a leather lanyard known as a 'clochette' carried by looping through a handle. The lock and keys are number -coded.

The bag has a variety of skins to choose from: calf leather, ostrich, crocodile, and lizard. The most expensive is saltwater crocodile skin. Bags with smaller scales cost more than those with larger scales. The bag is lined with goat-skin. The color matches the exterior.

Once known for having a wait list time of 6 years, it was announced in April 2010 that the wait list no longer exists. (Maybe because of the recession)

So what kind of Birkin do I want?

Black/ brown calfskin with gold metallic hardware. Just like Posh Spice :)

Fashionably Yours,

Karen xoxo

more affordable chic

First Jimmy Choo, now Lanvin has also paired up with affordable chic commercial mogul H&M.

Yesterday they previewed a range of black satin dresses and tuxedo jackets. All pieces which I absolutely love. Most affordable designer clothes are usually made with cheap material or simple designs for the sake of mass production (cough cough Simply Vera line). However, this line looks luxurious and expensive.

Today they showed us bright floral print. The marketing behind this is truly creating a lot of hype. There's a certain mystery behind the collection. It keeps us on our toes wanting to know more. Don't you love how dramatic the advertisements are?

Will you shop for Lanvin at H&M? Oh and I hope you all guessed right with my last post. The designer is....

KENNETH COLE! Known for his social conscious and controversial advertising. Of course my favorite one is addressing Imelda Marcos's shoe fetish in 1986 with the line "Imelda Marco bought 2,700 pairs of shoes. She could've at least had the courtesy to buy a pair of ours"

Sole Mate

Can You guess which designer said this? Here's a hint, he's the king of advertising in fashion...

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

How to spot a fake LV

Whenever I mention to people that I went to college at UConn, most of their reaction is that I went to school with wealthy people. "Oh Connecticut, the richest state, full of rich people". First, lower CT is very wealthy (Greenwhich, Fairfield County, and Stamford). They think I went to school where everyone dressed in Ralph Lauren Oxford shirts and khaki pants. That's what us New Yorkers assumed. To tell you the truth, 99% of campus walked around in sweatpants, yoga pants, and jeans. Girls weren't walking around looking like mini Stepford wives. But the thing that amazed me the most is CT girl's fascination with three brands

1. Coach

2. Juicy

3. Vera Bradley

Along with those brands, most of my friends who would come to NYC would BEG me to take them to Canal and buy fakes. They LOVED going to China town and going to the 'hidden back rooms', which to tell you the truth absolutely scared me. I've heard horror stories of people getting hurt during raids, the sellers not letting you go until you buy a bag, kidnapping. Let's not forget that buying these counterfeit bags are criminal. (You're basically supporting drug dealing, human trafficking, organized crime, and child labor)

As New Yorkers, we all know the shame in wearing fakes. Yet you can always spot the tourists

in China Town with their oversized maps hovering over the fake bags on the sidewalk- not even bargaining might I add. With designers coming out with more affordable lines, because of the economy people still want to buy fake bags. Fake bags unfortunately are getting better, and sometimes people can't even tell the difference. In the past it was so easy to spot a fake, A G in stead of a C for coach, E instead of F for Fendi...

But here's how to spot fake LV:

first, if they are made with cheap and bad materials- they are def fake. So look carefully check for serial coes, if the logos are close together and if logos are lined up carefully and perfectly at the stitching.

But here are other ways:

1- Check the quality- feel the leather and canvas- it should feel smooth and look shiny.

2- The pattern matters- the pattern will always be the same on all pieces of the same line. (All

monogram canvases will be the same on all leather goods. On the Damier canvas, the boxes that say "Louis Vuitton Paris" on them will be spaced 9 square apart both horiz and vertical (4 dark and 5 light)

3- the hardware- on most bags the zippers and buckles will be brass or gold- some can be silver. Pay attention to the LVs carved into the zippers. They should be clean cut and smooth.

4- The leather- handles, straps, and/or trim will usually be a white-colored cowhide that will oxidize over time. If you bought vintage it should be a darker color. When it is new it will be white on the surface but the inner part will be a red color, that will also change color, if the white doesn't darken then it's fake.

5- accessories- speedy's DON'T EVER come with pegs on the bottom.

6- The inside: should always have a small piece of leather (that will also oxidize) with "Louis Vuitton Made in France" hot-stamped into it. It can also say

*made in italy, made in paris, made in spain, made in germany, or made in usa

=everything else is fake

7- there are only two places you can buy LV bags online: louisvuitton.com and eluxury.com

8- date code and serial number- all LV products have serial numbers. Usually be hidden behind some flap of leather or canvas and can be painted or hot stamped. (only people that can read the date codes are ppl that work for LV or have experience with LV products)

9- the colors- on the multicolor speedy's and purses there are never any red or turquoise LVs. (may be babyblue or dark or light shade of blue but never turquoise- also maybe pink but never

red) Also Multicolor bags never have bows on them.

10- the hot stamps: the font have very round O's and pointy As, Vs, and Ns. The font should not be narrow or squared off.

Anyways here are my favorite LVs:

And why do I like these bags? Because they are so unique and different! Everyone already walks around with the LV logos, checkered labels, why not be different? That and because of their opulent detailing.

Remember- Fakes are never in fashion and wearing expensive clothes doesn't make you fashionable, it's all about styling and confidence!

spotted...

I fell head over heels in love with this necklace from last night's episode of Gossip Girl. So here's my spotlight accessory:

Serena wore this Dannijo Raya Necklace to Chuck's black tie event. It's $612.00 and can be found on shopbop.com It's an oxidized silver-plated curb chain necklace featuring facted metallic beads, wrapped gold-tone chains, clear crystal beads, and amethyst crystal pendants. With a lobster claw clasp. Absolutely to die for!

As for Breast Cancer Awareness month, designer spotlight goes to Lacoste.

Who doesn't love the iconic alligator AND pink??

Last spotlight goes to website of the day:

I recently just joined Ruelala (am a member of Gilt, Billion Dollar Babes, Haute Look, Beyond the Racks, and Ideeli). But nothing beats this website:

Renttherunway.com

where else can you rent a Herve Leger dress for $100????? A REAL ONE TOO!!!! What's the catch? I don't really see any loopholes. With their motto "love. wear. return" it's affordable and easy. They reserve back up sizes, and send pre-paid return packages.

THIS IS A PERFECT WEBSITE FOR FORMAL/SEMI FORMAL DRESSES! My fellow sorority sisters!

That concludes my spotlights of the day!

PS- did you all see the McQueen collection?? To die for...

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

fashion's words of wisdom

quote of the day:

"Size shouldn't matter in fashion. What counts is personality, there is not just the one form of stereotyped beauty." - Jean Paul Gaultier (Spring 2011 collection in Paris)

Beth Ditto opened and closed for Jean Paul Gaultier's show in Paris

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

Picture of the Day

LOVE LOVE LOVEEE this dress!!! Her Louboutins are not pictured but how breathtaking is this dress? I love how the tulle looks smooth and compliments the lace. I love the pairing of the two colors. I simply love everything about this dress! Blake's hair looks well with the dress and the styling is just immaculate. Blake attended the Tiffany's Spring 2011 Eyewear collection in NYC with this Elie Saab dress. This dress is as comparable to the Valentino dress I was obsessed with that Jennifer Garner wore to one of the Premiers of Valentines Day:

What do you guys think about tulle and lace?

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

Prad... uh?

Please, this IS true! http://fashionista.com/2010/09/rumor-denied-prada-ceo-was-unhappy-with-the-spring-collection/

I was sooo surprised when I saw the Spring 2011 collection from Prada. Even Lady Gaga wouldn't wear some of these clothes. Some just praised the collection because of the Prada name. However, NY Times Style Section was as disappointed as I was.

DVF designed for hospital gowns, to spread some cheer to hospital patients. Prada, on the other hand, wants us to walk around in scrubs/ jail suits...

Doesn't this scream I just broke out of jail, and desperately tried to look like I didn't by cutting my jump suit into a dress?

Hi, I'm your doctor...

This skirt drives me bananas. I don't even know what's going on, on top...

I'm pretty sure I would rather wear one of those Hawaiian shirts than this. The styling is also off, why would they match red and white shoes with this??

What do you guys think??

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

Bonjour mes amis! C'est le fashion week a Paris!

Obsession of the day: Tommy Tom's Photoblog from style.com

The new trend of wearing socks with heels is becoming more popular. I saw this picture in Tommy Tom of

JakAndJil.com's section covering Milan fashion week.

Could you imagine wearing a clear plastic cape for when it rains? I can't imagine pulling this off, but this girl here makes it look like the most expensive clear plastic! She looks so chic with her oversized hat as well!

I love love lovee this picture. You all know I love to wear black, white, and shades of gray. I love the delicate lace skirt and you all know how obsessed I am with fur vests. The shoes are to die for on both of these ladies!

Clearly this picture is from NYFW at Lincoln Center. But I absolutely adore the pairing of the peach and the lime green. The dress is one of kind! The romantic texture of the dress definitely an attention grabber!

Check the photoblog! Tommy Tom definitely has an eye for fashion and photography. You'll enjoy it very much!

Fashionably yours,

Karen xoxo

"On to the next one"-Jay ZA

Apres New York fashion week comes London and Milan Fashion Week. Italian fashion is my absolute favorite! My favorite designers are all Italian: Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Valentino, D&G, Ferragamo, Missoni, Cavalli, Pucci and the list is infinite! Italian designers exude elegance, couture, and are well knwon for their attention to dressing up well "la bella figura". I have traveled to Europe and I have visited London and many parts of Italy. From experience, walking around those areas, you will never find people walking around in sweat pants and sweat shirts. The streets of Europe are personal runways even to the everyday person.

In 2009, Milan was regarded as the world fashion capital, surpassing NY, Paris, Rome, and London. Milan's main upscale fashion district is the 'quadrilatero della moda' (Fashion quadrilateral- where the city's most prestigious shopping streets: Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, Via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia). So here are my favorite looks straight from Milan.

So to get in the mood for Milan Fashion week, I strongly suggest for you all to watch the documentary Valentino The Last Emperor. I own a copy and its absolutely delightful, witty, and engaging. I found it more entertaining than the September Issue documentary.

The documentary really took you into the life of Valentino, from his home, vacation homes, workroom, to his shows. The gowns he designs are absolutely breath taking. He truly knows how to create masterpieces, with the use of details. And who doesn't love 'Valentino Red'? In the summer of 2007, I was also in Rome the day after his exhibit and I snapped this picture.

So grab a copy of Valentino The Last Emperor and watch it! My next post I will list my favorite looks from the runway! Until next time...

Fashionably yours,

Karen

Is this your cup of tea?

Apres NY Fashion Week comes London Fashion Week.- That sound familiar? I just posted that in my last post... This post should have been posted but my klutzy fingers pressed save now instead of the publish post button... So sorry for the delay, but here's my blog about London Fashion Week...

I have traveled to London, and the streets are full of fashion. Walking around London, even street fashion is tailored. Think Topshop inspiration. However, not everyone in London conforms to trends, think spice girls. Ginger Spice always rocked the British flag as a dress, and it was fashionable in the 90s, but would you wear an American flag dress? So here are my favorite looks from London Fashion Week.

1. Burberry Prorsum

Burberry pulled off this linear coat sophistically. The cuts are clean, geometric, and chic. I love the pairing of the teal belt. The lines are also slimming since they are vertical.

This dress is absolutely to die for. The detailing of the overlaying of pleats creates movement in the dress. The lines also create character of the dress. This is a tasteful dress for a night out or throw a cream blazer and make it into a day look.

This edgy double breast coat has so much character from the gold spikes. The tan, gold, and violet colors compliment each other. There is also a shorter version of this coat but I adore the longer trench.

2. Holly Fulton

This look is similar to the first, but the detailing is so different and fun. It reminds me of the time I was in Haiti, (Labadee- Cruise destination) and I remember seeing the cartoon representation of the animals and they're bright and colorful designs.

This dress could be worn with black stilettos or nude flats. I love the monochromatic shades of gray against yellow with the thick black outline and compliments of black embellishments. This dress is all about balance and shapes.

3. Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Known for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions in to the mainstream. She is also widely known as a political activist, which she transforms into her clothing. I like this look because it updates a simple work pant and adds texture to a blazer but still keeps a sleek look.

I like the color blocking of this dress the colors compliment each other very well. The stripes aren't harsh on the eyes because they have fluidity, creating more of a slimmer look.

There's nothing more fashionable than a statement piece.I love the collar of this dress and it's texture. The fact that it's white creates that very clean and pure vibe- perfect for spring. I like the harmony of the busy top yet simple bottom half of the dress.

So those are my top looks from London Fashion Week. Where the English are known for dressing to fit their character, not conforming or being too commercialized. But during London Fashion Week there was a very special memorial, to the great Alexander McQueen. His memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral had all the theatrical drama, and beauty parallel to his catwalk shows. Kate Moss in a McQueen leather dress; Naomi Cambell in McQueen black fur and feathers, along with Sarah Jessica Parker also donned in McQueen attended the service hosted by Anna Wintour.

So to honor McQueen I have posted this link from youtube which shows how innovative he was. On cocoperez.com, there's this new invention of 'spray on clothing'. It was only years ago, when McQueen though of spraying clothing as art...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak4yJ3TwGlU&feature=related

Fashionably yours,

Karen