Pink Rock Candy – Top fashion trends, news and shopping of 2010

Though I am a PR major, I realize the best designer tip-offs come from other bloggers and not the designer’s individual publicists. To be honest, this actually helps the designer, because as you can guess, we’re more likely to pay attention to a brand if a peer suggests it rather than a gusher-for-hire— no offense to my, hopefully, eventual colleagues. Browsing other blogs is how I found accessory designer Ashley Watson.

While reading the blog Couture Salope in October, I stumbled across a post featuring some of the most subtly-beautiful leather handbags I’d seen in quite some time. I became even more intrigued after reading that all of Ashley Watson’s accessories were made of recycled leather. The recycled leather gives the bags the soft feel and perfectly worn look of your favorite, old leather jacket.

To me, recycled leather is something like vintage fur. No extra animals were murdered to make the specific bag so it is almost 100% okay. Plus, the bag is eco-friendly without being completely made of hemp.

Though you may not be able to get the Spring ’09 collection including the red version of the ‘Thrush’ Bag until February, you can get the ‘Thrush’ bag in black for $250 at shopfatal.com or for a bit more at their other stockists.

See all the sales after the jump. (more…)

Every so often I receive scathing comments about my anti-Hollister post. I wrote about never being able to find the clothes shown on the mannequins in the store, and for reasons unknown, some of those who have commented don’t understand why I don’t love Hollister or my frustration due to there lack of stocked items.

Some of those adding their two cents were quite informative, having worked at Hollister, they told me things on the mannequins usually sell out the fastest and the clothes on the mannequins are practically ruined because they are stretched, pinned and sometimes cut to create a certain “look”. Since I have never worked retail and am known to march to my own drum when buying clothes. I wouldn’t really know how drastically mannequins affect the sales of products though I do realize if they didn’t, mannequins would be obsolete.

Then there are the people who leave little comments, calling me stupid, telling me not to enter a store I don’t particularly like, and even one impersonating me and renouncing my disdain for Hollister because apparently “I am not as poor as I was.” Though, I accept that people don’t have the same opinion, I have t say insults are the worst way to sway anyway your way. I know there are some great Hollister shoppers out there so I’d like some real details. Sure some people shop there just to say they buy Hollister clothes, but what are some attractive and/or unique qualities of Hollister products, and what am I missing by not shopping there? Why should I pay $25 for a t-shirt with the Hollister logo on it and isn’t that like paying to become a walking advertisement for the company? What type of products does Hollister provide that I can’t purchase at another store for either less money or better quality but priced similarly? What exactly is the company’s aversion to the color black? According to Hollister employees I have spoken with, they don’t sell anything black, not even black flip-flops.

I truly want honest opinions. I understand how people can be defensive about their favorite store/designer, but I’m always open to shop at different places. I’m also not as frugal as I may seem— If I really want something, I could careless about price, and I’ve been known to make an impulse buy or two. Honestly, I used t have a severe aversion to shopping at any store in the mall. Now, I at least shop at Forever 21 or H&M for cheap, trendy clothes I’ll probably only wear for a season— a fact I’ve settled my wallet with.

What other stores do you shop at when visiting your local mall?

p.s. Though this is a personal blog— my opinion verbalized— I fully appreciate everything anyone who stumbles across my posts may think. However, if your intent is to insult me, you might want to do it using proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Not only does it help the comprehension experience, but also I’m more likely to take you seriously.

I was quite disappointed to see Paris Hilton on last month’s cover of Nylon. I don’t really have anything against the heiress, but there is nothing edgy or even uniquely stylish about P. Hilton. So, seeing Lily Allen looking freshly coiffed and extra-adorable on the cover of the December/January issue was a pleasant surprise.

I haven’t read the article, but I really, really want her new haircut!

See some behind the scenes photos at the Nylon website.

We all do it. As we go through old pictures of ourselves, we can help but think, “What the hell was I thinking?” or “Who decided this shit was trendy?” Pronto.com is giving you the chance to win a shopping spree off a fashion faux pas of yours.

The contest is called the ‘My Worst Fashion Moment’ contest, and the grand prize is a $2,000 Bluefly shopping spree. Also, people with the most votes in the first two weeks can also win ‘Early Uploader’ prizes like a FLIP Mino digital video recorder.

When looking for pictures of some of the monstrosities I’ve sported, I stumbled across this picture from a friend’s 13th Birthday party. A group of my friends went to here cottage and got all dressed up had a Clinique beautician do our make-up and headed out to a “fancy” restaurant. The make up was horrendous, but I didn’t have the heart to tell the make-up artist, and I loved that crush velvet top and Baby G watches were all the rage, but I had worn mine so much it started to turn almost green even though when I purchased it it was purple. Now, I just can’t help but cringe at the entire situation. I don’t even look like myself!

Head over to Pronto.com and ‘bomb’ the fashion moments you think are the worst, oh and mine too! Then, add your worst fashion moment to the mix. Good luck!

If you upload your picture, make sure to send me a link so I can ‘bomb’ yours too!