(from Cocoperez.com)

Millward Brown Optimor relased their annual list of the top 10 most powerful luxury brands:

1. Louis Vuitton

2. Hermes

3. Gucci

4. Chanel

5. Hennessy

6. Rolex

7. Moet & Chandon

8. Cartier

9. Fendi

10. Tiffany & Co.

In my opinion I think 3 and 4 should be switched. Chanel is so Iconic. Let's be real how many girls do you see on campus with the fake obnoxious cubic zirconia Chanel earings? Chanel clearly is in high demand. The brand gives off an opulent luxury feeling. I also had no idea Hennessy had that much of an effect. Interesting...

Also from Cocoperez, Michael Kors spoke about young models.

I think if you send out an army of robotic 14-year old children dressed up in their mom's clothes, I think the reality is that it's a turnoff, unless you are in fact a robotic 14 year-old. Women say: "Well. wait a sec, I wear a bra. I have to go to the office. Where are clothes that I can actually wear?'

I can totally agree! And this is why I love Michael Korrs because his clothes really fits REAL people! Kudos to you MK!

Kiss Kiss,

Kar

you know you love me xoxo

Gossip Girl is my absolute favorite show! I absolutely love all the clothes that are on the show! Costume Designer Eric Damon is very well known and just published a book with Leighton Meester about the clothes behind Gossip Girl. When I went on the GG tour in NYC with Abbey, I learned how each character's wardrobe is based off of a theme/look. For example, Nate wears a lot of blues because he has the nautical theme (why his dad is named the Captain) while Serena is a bohemian look (why she wears a lot of long flowy dresses with her long blond wavy hair) while Blair is supposed to be a modern Audrey Hepburn (always wearing her ruby red heart ring) and all the chic tailored clothes. So I decided to list some of my favorite outfits...

Here, Jenny is wearing a Knit Combo Coat by Loeffler Randall. Sweater 3.1 Phillip Lim Plaid Cardigan, shoes Bruno Frisoni Ankle Boots, and Bag: Yves Saint Laurent Roady Covered Chain Handbag

Why I Like it? The mixing of the blues and grays yet looking casual but chic.

Double Breasted Embroidered Collar Car Coat by Adam Lippes, Leggings: Topshop Denim Look Leggings.

Why I love it? I love double breasted coats and the embroidery is so very well made. yet doesn't look like one of the tacky ones from Forever 21. I love leggings and the fact that these really look like jeans and not the cheap denim ones

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Vanessa with a Michael Kors bag, Top by Nanete Lepore, Shorts by Tibi Navajo Shorts

I love everything about this wardrobe. From all the accessories, shoes, to the shirt and shorts.The jewelry really complements the top, without looking like there's too much going on. Normally I wouldn't like the shorts but the cohesiveness of this outfit makes me like them.

I love Blair's Pelican Wedge Sadle Rubber Boots in this picture!!! And her winter coat is soo cute yet can also keep you warm during the winter. So i feel as though this outfit is practical for the winter yet looks chic.

I wish i had a better picture of this outfit, because this was the outfit i feel in love with blair with! I love the tailored coat with the red headband to her hair that looks so good! Her stockings are these opaque white with detailing on them. This outfit looks like a feminine schoolboy outfit, but SHE PULLS IT OFF SOO GOOD!!

This is when Jenny was still little J, but her Fred Bare's Shirley Baret is sooo adorable, along with her bluish/greyish pea coat.

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It's so hard to pull off white dresses, but Blair looks gorgeous in this dress!! Of course I love the head band, but the symmetry of this dress is stunning. And this whole wardrobe is many of my absolute fave designers too! Joelle Dress by Marc by Marc Jacbos. Bag: Salvatore Ferragamo Satin Evening Clutch, Shoes: Chloe, Headband: Jennifer BehrZ

Zara Blousse, Skirt by Cyntia Steffe, Shoes: Cole Haan Air Ricki Sandal, Scarf by Coach, bag by Gianfranco Ferre. This outfit is soooo well put together. From the flowyness of the top to the form fitting skirt. The Accessories match perfectly as well. Now how many people do you know can pull this look off?

Sophia Loren dress by Diane Von Furtsenberg. Sweater: Lelfsdottir Faux Peral Pointelle Cardigan. Bag: Chanel Flap Bag. Blair is wearing so many colors but they all tie in together and her outfit looks great as a whole.

Phillilp Lim Go Green Go's Multi-Flap Pocket Coat (Pebble Grey). Carlos Falschi Brooke Matte Calman Tote, and DKNY Mod Plaid Tights. Serena's coat makes the winter seem more feminine and less dark. (Since most people wear darks and blacks during winter). It makes winter seem more delightful and soft.

I LOVE Serena's coat!! I love the contrast of the colors from the black leggings. The tall boots also add to the soft touch. This seems like a chic but simple outfit that one could wear during the transition of fall to winter. The bag also has such detail that makes this look sophisticated.

All pictures are from www.celebritystyleguide.com

recessionista

So as you all know, I am so against purchasing fake bags. Yes, people buy them to be part of a status group. Sociologist Simmel observed how fashion relates to sociology by the effect of fashion on social life. He concluded that people seek fashion as a way to differentiate themselves from others; thus creating a hierarchy of class and social divisions. In my opinion fashion is broken down to faddishness and materialism, which is created by society and the commercial interest of the fashion industry. To keep up with fashion is often expensive, thus one who wears 'what's in' or high end labels is often viewed as belonging to the upper class. Thus expensive clothes signals financial success. Designer labels have come to form an important part of our identification of style and fashion. We have all become accustomed to the social acceptance that comes with wearing the right brands. The labels have in many cases migrated from the inside of a garment to the outside. Common examples of this types of branding are Adidas, Nike, and other sports and leisurewear manufacturers. Thus people who often associate themselves with athletes will wear these brands. On the other hand, Designer branding is sometimes associated with a higher quality of manufacture and a more expensive price. The ownership and display of such products of quality is frequently marketed to suggest that the person wearing the garments will automatically embody a personal characteristic of quality by association. Designers have identified this fact and in some cases are able to exploit this to the extent that prices. Extreme examples of this type of branding are found among accessory manufacturers such as Versace, Gucci and Burberry, scent manufacturers such as Chanel and Guerlain and watch manufacturers such as Rolex and Bvlgari. A prime example of the divisions of class within fashion is the purchasing of fake and authentic bags. In most cases, the bags are similar on the exterior. However, an individual in the upper class will not buy the fake bag, because it will have lost it's sense of value within society, even if the bag looks identical to the knock-off. It is the fear that someone knows that the bag is not real affects social class and perceptions of the person, even if it costs less to buy the knock off. Fashion fads often are walking billboards for a designer, which labels the individual of what social class he/she belongs in. Such as the labeled C's on coach bags, the prada symbol, LVs for Louis Vuitton, check for Nike, stripes for addidas, alligator for lacoste to symbolize a preppy lifestyle.

For trendsetters don't necessarily wear brands that are walking billboards of designers. Have you noticed in tabloids/magazines, the stuff artists/socialites are wearing are clothes that seem plain and then you look at the price and it's triple the cost of what you would pay for a shirt that looks similar to it at a department store. For its the design and the way the clothes are made which make the price. Now, any upper middle class individual can purchase a Louis Vuitton that has the LV symbol all over, but how many women do you see walking around with a calf-skin Herme's Birkin? For you see many young girls with the coach patchwork bags with the infamous C's, but ironically, Coach is known for the craftmanship of leather and it's durability. Yet, middle class people prefer the patchwork Cs to show off status of owning a coach bag, for a regular leather coach bag looks similar to other bags.

So my main argument here is, with the recession, here are great items for you frugal shoppers. For beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thus, fashion is having style not wearing a certain brand. So for all of you struggling financially, my advice is to shop smart and not buy fake. Designers are aware of economic situation and have teamed up with lower retail stores to carry their brand with cheaper prices. So if you really want a brand name, just buy the items that are cheaper.

So I decided to have a spotlight on recessionista bags! Enjoy!

Everyone needs an oversized black bag like this one, from Nordstroms. ($64.90) It goes with everything and there's tons of compartments!

This steve madden bag will def look great with a black shirt and jeans! It dresses up a plain outfit! Animal Print barely goes out of style, so it's a great investment! ($98)

Longchamp's are very popular. You can buy different colors, but to be different is what a fashionista does. So this "Pilage tour" Longchamp will def have people looking at your bag. ($155 Bloomingdales)

I LOVE LOVE LOVEEE Marc Jacobs! I recently bought this bag, in a Plum color. He has these bags in soo many different colors! They are cheap and affordable, yet can fit your personality! He also has them in a tiger fabric, one with pink bows on it, etc. This bag is a perfect fit for everyday use. Side pockets are great for cell phones. I highly recommend this bag! ($158-$188 depends on the fabric)

This bag is for you upper-east sider wannabes! Aka you gossip girl fans! Blair Waldorf could be spotted with this bag because it's so plain yet sophisticated- Which kate spade bags always exude.

So i just bought this burberry bag. (In black-the larger version and use it for school). And I couldn't believe the price! It's so chic and the price is affordable. Yes it's not leather, but it's easy to take care of if it gets dirty with the nylon body and the signature horse leather tab at front The burberry logo check lining inside gives it such character. ($195 Saks)

This leather tote from Michael Kors is a fab bag to have in the spring! It's flirty and yet elegant! The double buckle strips give is such character! The MK logo tab shows off the MK label without being to obvious.

Studs are so in now! They were also a winter fashion item, but this bag is great for spring yet still bridging what's in! This is a classic canvas tote goes glam-rock because the oversized studded detailing. let's be real, this bag is ideal for leggings and those oversized shirts we all wear! ($165).

Now for those designers that work with cheaper retail stores! This bag from the Simply Vera collection at Kohls is a great hobo to wear that offers a sophisticated appeal at a sensible price at $89.40

Aren't these bags more fashionable than those awful knockoffs?? Shop smart!

hugs and kisses!

Kar