Best of the Best Wish List

So I decided to compile a 'wish list' of items I would love to own. Simply my version of The Best of the Best.

Herve Leger "Cutout Stretch Dress"

Reason why I chose this dress is the bandeau neckline with the triangular boatneck-style panel. This is an edgy form-fitting style with an array of graphic cutouts. It's chic and sexy, but not forever 21 skanky. You can wear your hair straight, curly, or even up with this dress, and we all know not all dresses can pull that off.

Christian Louboutin "Tell Me Peep-Toe Pumps"

This Graffiti inspired design made out of Italian leather with exaggerated letters and contrast trim makes an outfit. Most of the time, women pick out their dress and match the shoes to the outfit. These shoes take control, you match a simple dress to these shoes- thus, the shoe has character while your outfit plays the supporting role. Now how many shoes can you say have this power?

Burberry Taffeta Trench Coat

We all know if someone was walking down the street with this coat on we all would stare and wished we had this coat. Burberry is well known for its versatile cuts in coats which makes everyone good in their coats.

Yves Saint Laurent Puff-Sleeve Cardigan

Now who doesn't love Cardigans? This Italian silk, cotton, and cashmere with long puffed sleeves and draped front is cardigans at perfection. The front shows a more relax fit but the back of the cardigan is very fitting and well tailored with a relax feel. This is the Queen of Cardigans.

Salvatore Ferragamo "Grazia Peep-Toe Pumps"

During the presidential election Kerry sparked some controversy when he was spotted with his $600 Ferragamo shoes. Clearly these shoes are worth talking about. So my pick goes to this gorgeous metallic leather style with the signature ribbon detail with the metal heel. And anyone who knows me knows I love the self covered platforms.

Alexander McQueen Short-Sleeve Satin Dress

This slim fitting dress with a seductive V neckline. I'm not really into his crazy designs/prints and love LBDs but this dress has the shoulder pad theme that many celebs are into these days.

Diane von Furstenberg's Paranga Tee paired with a DVF skirt

Who can pull off an oversized shirt like that? AND make it look chic? You can wear this walking around the city during the day OR a night out.

D&G Wool Blazer

This is the definition of chic suiting style. This is CEO meets fashionista. This is more feminine than those career suits you find in department stores, which hide a woman's figure.

Versace

This leather detail Sleeveless Dress is form fitting richly detailed with luxe leather inserts and exposed front zipper. The back of this dress is also all leather. This mix of fabrics and design makes it unique, and more detailed than simple zipper dresses you can find in forever 21.

I am a Fendi purse kind of girl but once I saw these shoes I forgot all about their signature F print bags. This shoe with the gold tone logo detail in the front doesn't look tacky but timeless.

Jimmy Choo Snake-Embossed Platform Sandal

Can you just imagine yourself wearing these shoes with a pair of skinny jeans or short dress? YOU WOULD LOOK DROP DEAD GORGEOUS. Jimmy Choo shoes, enough said.

Prada Cervo Bag

I'm not a brown leather type of girl but this bag made from deerskin leather with calfskin leather handle and goldtone hardware makes this bag an exception. This bag is versatile and can be used during the day running errands or going to work.

David Yurman Diamond & Sterling Silver Knot Ring

This ring is from the Rio Knot Collection. This graceful exuberant design shows the signature look of a David Yurman piece from the sterling silver cable with a loop of pave diamond. With this ring almost $2,000 It def is on the "best of the best wish list"

RADO watch

Freshman year, I got a Movado watch for XMas. I thought I got the best of the best of watches and nearly died from happiness. My father than laughed and explained me that RADO watches are better. He currently has one that is scratch proof and then i realized his watch put mine into shame. This high-tech ceramics, sapphire crystal, and platinum color with 64 diamonds is a watch that meets perfection.

Oscar de la Renta Illusion Top Dress

Why do i like this dress? because I can see Blair Waldorf wearing it. This dress is made from Italian fabric with a sheer layer over a sweetheart-neck lining and a full cloque skirt. I like the jewel neckline with the fitted bodice with ruching at the waist. It gives off that natural waist look.

Tory Burch

I love love loveee when Tory Burch uses sequence and rhinestones. She never makes it look tacky or cheap, which usually happens when you make a whole garment out of sequence.

Laundry by Shelli Segal

Shelli Segal was my favorite designer in 8th grade. I wore these tan corduroy pants with sequence butterfly with crystals flowing down my leg. I literally thought they were the best pair of pants I ever owned. (They sound tacky, but they made me feel so fashionable in middle school) I would rummage through the racks at bloomingdales hoping to find Laundry pieces at that age. Once I saw this dress, it reminded me of why I loved this designer. This mini dress offers a futuristic look at party girl chic from this geometric dress.

Vera Wang Rhinestone and Lace Bib Necklace

I absolutely love the new trend of bib necklaces. This Bib necklace has different size and shapes of rhinestones with the delicate touch of lace makes it easy to wear. You can wear this with a simple shirt and jeans or a strapless black dress. So it wearable during the day or night. Hair up or down.

Hermes

Hermes Reversible belt in Black calfskin with a silver plated buckle. Could you imagine wearing a $1,000 belt?

so anyone who has gone shopping with me this year knows what I've been prowling for... A faux fur vest. I was at Nordstroms with Mollie and this lady walked by us all dressed in black with a Red Fox Faux Fur vest we both nearly just stopped and stared at her. She looked so chic and young and she prob was like 40. Funny how it's so hard to find this vest when I feel like I used to see fur vests all over the place when I wasn't looking.

So that's my list for now, fashionistas. Of course there's more... But until then, here's my wish list for the month of June.

XoXo,

Kar

Us Magazine is posting false advertisement

http://www.usmagazine.com/stylebeauty/news/get-leighton-meesters-curve-hugging-bandage-dress-for-55-2010294

Us Magazine is saying that the dress Blair wears to the Brunch in the Episode she breaks down when she gets rejected from Yale is from Go Jane. First of all notice that the material is COMPLETELY different. The stripes in the purple dress are more triangular!

FALSE!!!! this dress is a Herve Leger Dress that was sold last year at Bloomingdales!!

Can't trick me!

XoXo,

Kar

(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

11 things you didn't know about Marc Jacobs until now

(from fashionista.com)

. He’s only worn jeans three times in the past two years.

2. Speaking of pants, Marc’s famous kilt was the result of a bad mood in the office. He was feeling uninspired and told his assistant Casey to go to Barneys and buy him a pair of funny pants to cheer him up. Thus the Comme des Garçons kilt streak commenced.

3. While at Perry Ellis he hired his best friend from Parsons, Tracy Reese, and other Parsons grad Tom Ford to design for the label. Tom and Marc together is every American’s dream, right?

4. The greatest American designer according to Marc? Ralph Lauren.

5. But Yves Saint Laurent’s his design hero.

6. The company started at 113 Spring Street with one pattern maker and two sewers. All three are still with the brand today.

7. Juergen Teller shot Marc’s very first ad, of Kim Gordon on stage in a Marc Jacobs dress styled by Venetia Scott. So not much has changed there.

8. The common thread between Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton is collaboration. Marc stressed the talent and passion of designers he works with at both brands, and that the end result is not a manifestation of his own vision, but the vision of each member of the creative team. Very different from the dictatorship Tom Ford describes, no?

9. The major difference is between MJ and LV is Marc’s personal conceptions of New York and Paris. Marc Jacobs is about New York, and Marc always needs to create a logical, credible collection for the brand. Paris, however, “is like a cartoon,” so Vuitton is always about flaunting what you have and suspending logic.

10. On the casting at his AW10 Louis Vuitton Show, Marc says it wasn’t about age, race, size, or shape. Instead Marc says, “iconic women are always Vuitton.” He worked with Katie Grand to pick out icons, and even lamented the lack of Daria and Isabeli saying, “we wanted them, but they were booked for other things.” Could you even imagine Isabeli pouring over a Vuitton corset? It’s almost too incredible.

11. All the design on all Marc Jacobs products is in house. That means every t-shirt, headband, necklace, glove, tsotchke you find at the Stuff by Marc Jacobs store on Bleeker was designed by the Marc Jacobs creative team.

reselling of used panties

WHAT?! This is so disturbing and gross! watch the video on cocoperez.com of the undercover story.

http://cocoperez.com/2010-03-03-retailers-are-selling-used-panties