I’m generally the last person to focus on the race of a model, but while perusing the Halston Spring 2011 photos on Style.com I realized how distracting it was to have five black models walk the runway one-after-another wearing the only black garments in the collection.

Though I know the initial implication is slightly scandalous. I am not attempting to make some statement about Marios Schwab’s morals though black models in all black will insight waves of revolt, I’m writing about this to show why we shouldn’t always jump to conclusions when the question of race is at hand.

In my mind, the distraction had nothing and everything to do with race. If Schwab had sent five black models in completely different looks down the runway one-after-another, I would have been taken by surprise, not being used to seeing such an abundance of black models walking a runway. However, it was the entire look, the shadowy figures wearing pops of gold that caught my attention. It was the odd, yet beautiful contrast of it all.

I’m not sure why, but quickly flipping through the images of lanky, highly-oiled black models— all different shades of cocoa— wearing black outfit after black outfit gives me chills. It’s like staring at a haunting image at an art gallery. It also made me wonder what other patterns were hiding in the runway arrangement.

It seems there was a bit of a pattern going on: brunettes with hair slicked back wore shades of blue, while the blondes, hair long and flowing, wore blush tones. The models with ruddier toned hair wore gold, and the Asian models wore white. The brunettes with long, straight hair finished the show in oranges and reds.

What does all of this mean?

Honestly, I couldn’t tell you, but had I not been distracted by the sudden juxtaposition of a parade of umbral beauties, I wouldn’t have noticed in the least. Though it may be sad that having more than a couple black models in a row is attention grabbing, I think it’s what the collection needed for people to take a second look. It’s a collection I will remember not simply for the magnificently crafted and luxe-looking garments, but also for the thought behind the entire presentation.

I can’t lie, Tim Gunn is the only reason I still tune into Project Runway every week, and apparently, he can’t lie either— not that I mind.

After publicly outing everyone’s favorite Vogue-editrix-to-hate, Anna Wintour, about being carried down the stairs after a surely hellish escape from a fashion show, Gunn has decided to get gossipy about Taylor Momsen.

He calls her a diva and pathetic in an interview with E! News because she spent most of her time on her phone instead of looking at the lines she annoyingly couldn’t remember.

As refreshing as the honesty is, I’m a little surprised, not because I can’t believe Wintour would result to being carried down a flight of stairs or that Momsen could, in all her teen-angsty glory, believe her job was less important than whatever is on her phone. I’m shocked because I wasn’t aware Gunn had it in him.

It’s one thing to be brutally honest to reality show contestants about their lackluster designs, but to knowingly place yourself outside the celebrity inner sanctum because the truth is necessary and often more interesting than fiction may prove quite dangerous in the celeb-circles— however, it does make me want to read his new book, Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work.

Though reporting on the fashionably elite’s maddening behaviors may strike fear in celebrities whilst in his presence, Gunn is definitely winning the love and allegiance of the masses, not that parenting a catchphrase like “Make it work!” wasn’t worship-worthy to start.

When I was little I was playing around in an aisle with my younger brother when accosted by a lady of a certain age who commented on hope cute the two brothers were. From then on I vowed never to resemble a boy and my bangs were born. They’ve covered my forehead for most of my life and are sort of the fame whores of the body— but I think Spring 2011 will be season I truly let my forehead come back out to play.

The bare forehead trend started with Tyra (doesn’t it always?). She went through the entire TK season of America’s Next Top Model while sporting a chic chignon, showing off her self proclaimed “five-head.”

Then, after watching the Cynthia Rowley Spring 2011 runway show and being utterly uplifted by the Garden of Eden-themed Spring 2011 Monique L’Huillier runway show, I realized how inspired I’d become by the sporting slicked back buns showing off all of the models’ beautiful faces.

Later, while looking at Spring 2011 shows ranging from Diane von Furstenberg to Alexander Wang to Wayne, I started to see more of a trend than just personal inspiration. Even Erin Fetherston whose models usually sport the designer’s signature blunt bangs had a slicked back, forehead-exposing look/.

I can’t wait to feel the sun warming my entire face, though I’ll surely be apply my fair share of sunscreen— safety first!

So braid, clip or brush those stray hairs back, and let your forehead shine— er, use a mattyifier, but definitely show it off.

I admit it, I’m jaded. The thrill of attending a fashion show is now lost on me.

First, you’re wrangled into a herd that buzzes like a swarm of coked-up hornets. Once you’re finally allowed to go into the venue, you have to push and shove your way through the crowd to find your seat or get a spot where you can barely see in standing.

At this point, your forced to wait for what feels like eternity— obsessively checking your phone so you feel busy— while photographers flock around some celebrity who may or may not be famous enough to make you stare and the Do-you-know-who-I-think-I-am people try desperately to get the attention of anyone moderately notable.

Once the show finally starts, you realize you’ve spent and hour waiting for a no-more-than 15 minute show and unless you’re sitting front row (maybe even the second row), your view of the actual looks are hindered.

Don’t get me wrong, I have an undying love for fashion and will always attend shows. But coming from the perspective of fast-talking (and walking) PR girl, nothing compares to the rush of being one of the proverbial cattle herders and seeing something you’ve worked so hard on come together.

Maybe it’s a power thing and maybe I’m just wired to appreciate those I’m connected to more than others, but one the one thing I know is true is that I miss the PR rush!

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Enjoy!

Das Racist’s upcoming mixtape Sit Down, Man drops September 14, 2010. For more info on Das Racist visit www.dasracist.net.

Last December, while contemplating the trend of sheer clothing and underwear as outerwear, I fell in love with the 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2010 collection, not because it was sheer and scandalous, but because it had the essence of being barely there without showing the world what ya’ momma gave you. Lo and behold. While perusing the Modcloth website, I stumbled upon magical a skirt that was more than inspired by the collection.

It has the same perfect broomstick pleats (or as Modcloth calls them “accordion pleats”), rarely seen in modern clothing— I’ve loved the way they flow since I bought my first and only 3.1 Phillip Lim dress on consignment for a whopping $300.

Yes, it does make me sick to think about paying that much for a dress.

To be honest, the Midnight Foil Skirt [affiliate link] might just be crossing the line from inspired to replica. I’m still unsure as to which side of the real/fake battle I’m supposed to take. On one hand I believe that fashion is art, and it being so, any recreations should at least be termed replicas. On the other hand, I’m in no way wealthy enough to afford most full priced high-fashion pieces of clothing and being able to find something similar at a price I can afford is wonderful.

All plagues on my conscience aside, I’m completely infatuated with this skirt and might just have to buy it before the holidays. It’s a perfect Christmas party/New Year’s Eve skirt, no?

Not only is Vivienne Westwood an inspiring designer who constantly pushes the bounds of fashion and art, but she is also known for encouraging every individual to find their voice and use it to make the world a better culturally and environmentally. On September 8, 2010 Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Lee are launching the “100 Days of Active Resistance” online installation.

Westwood and Lee are asking anyone and everyone to participate by submitting an original piece of artwork or photograph depicting the idea of Active Resistance.

“The principle idea of Active Resistance is that you get out of life what you put in and that real experience of the world involves thinking,” says Westwood.

A different piece of submitted art will be featured on the “100 Days of Active Resistance” installation website each day for 100 days, after which, the best pieces will be printed and displayed in an exhibition in London.

So grab your camera and pick up your paints or just scribble down an idea, but show the world what you want from it and that you care.

For more information on “100 Days of Active Resistance” visit www.ar100days.com. Learn more about Active Resistance on www.activeresistance.co.uk.

“Oh my God. Oh my God!” is the first thing that came out of my mouth after seeing the amazingly perfect bags from Travelteq— actually, it was more like, “uhmygahd. UHMYGAHD!”

I’ve yet to get a new bag for the beginning of school, and though I’m still in love with the MICHEAL Michael Kors Hamilton tote, the Trash Cougar in red may have just done one of those wrestling moves where you leap off the corner of the ring onto your opponent leaving him gasping for breath while you put him in a sleeper hold until he taps out. Yup, that’s how major this bag is!

I can just see myself hurriedly stuffing my laptop into this bag at the end of class after spending the entire hour and a half chatting on Facebook with friends (professors don’t, or at least pretend not to, know the difference). Then, as I rush out of class I’ll “accidentally” drop my pen (even though there’s a pen compartment) in front of the cute guy two rows over, inevitably starting a conversation and maybe even scoring a free lunch.

This bag would also pair perfectly with those, yet to be planned fashion week outfits. Imagine teetering out of Lincoln Center in your 5-inch heels, cropped pencil trousers and effortlessly chic top, looking oh-so-gamine, only to be tapped on the shoulder by some mysterious stranger. As you twirl around— in slow motion, of course— you see Scott Schuman behind you asking to snap you for The Sartorialist. You gladly oblige, trying to not to look to posed while smizing like Tyra taught you, and before you leave you pull out a business card from the easily accessible business card pocket on the Trash Cougar and hand it to him making sure to mention you write a blog as well. END SCENE.

You can replace Scott Schuman with any sexy stranger asking to do whatever you wish, but the point is, this bag is what dreams are made of. Oh, please Santa, come early and bring me the Trash Cougar! I promise I’ll stop flirting with guys at the bar for free drinks— ok, I’ll cut back, cold turkey is tough— and I won’t keep questioning why some of my friends insist on being trapped in middle America when they could move to either coast. Please, please!

To buy the Travelteq Trash Cougar, or any of the other Trash bags, visit www.travelteq.com.

There’s no denying, when it comes to jewelry, it’s all about making a statement. Lately, the general rule of thumb for necklaces has been go big or go home. From chunky collars to long layers and even knotted chains, gaudy pieces are up for grabs everywhere. However, many forget, sometimes you make the biggest statement by saying little to nothing at all.

In a transitional month like September when the strappy sandals and micro minis are turning into platform boots and below-the-knee swingy skirts, it more than makes sense that the jewelry should follow suit. It’s also fun to juxtapose the crisp lines of seasons past with soft, simple jewelry.

When looking for the perfectly-simple, standout necklace the key isn’t to find the thinnest chain with the tiniest charms— unless, of course, that’s what you want— the trick is to let the effortless nature of the piece make the statement.

Take the Tom Binns necklace for example. The necklace consists of a long strand of crystal pearls (that means fake) and a fun 24K bottle opener (hello 22nd birthday present!). The key to the entire look is the brilliant paradox of a classy strand of pearls and a frat-boy-badge- of- honor bottle opener. There’s also a less obvious juxtaposition in pairing natural objects with man-made objects as seen in the necklace from Shop The Look.

Other fantastic simply-stated necklaces give the big ‘ol finger to the statement necklace trend. The allure of the Topshop necklace is it’s just a long gold rope, while the simplicity of the Forever21 necklace only adds to the “it’s from Forever21” shock value.

No matter your age, style or price range, with beauties like these, you’ll be noticed without having to be, and look, over the top. So, here’s to all the understated and underestimated necklaces that are just screaming to be showcased.

Oddly, in fashion, these truths are terribly kept secrets, like Uncle Jim-Bob’s problem with the bottle (no, I don’t have an Uncle Jim-Bob).

Those in high-fashion, who consider themselves “style crusaders” will denounce the word trends and say they are true to themselves, only wearing classic pieces. However, the $300 leather leggings they’re sporting say otherwise. Magazine editors will gasp at the notion that their editorial integrity is even slightly compromised by the magazine’s advertising profits, but we all know the truth. However, the dirtiest secret of all is the most obvious— celebrities rule.

There was recently an article on NY Magazine’s Cut Blog— Has Reality TV Made Rachel Zoe More High-Fashion?— detailing Rachel Zoe’s ability to walk the line between elitist high-fashion and celeb-centric low-brow duds, but in this day and age, if you can’t balance the high and low brow, you’ll get nowhere.

Fifty years ago, celebrities were intangible. They were the epitome of class and maybe even decadence. They were high-fashion in every sense of the word. Today, celebrities are accessible. They strive to seem like your best friend. They have to make you feel as if you can relate, or we, the general public, bitch and tear them apart for being secretive and snooty.

What does this have to do with fashion?

I was once told by an internship employer, “We don’t do celebrities. They have nothing to do with fashion,” but through the years, I’ve realized how incorrect that statement was, or at least, the last half of it.

Without a famous name or a famous face to wear the clothes and company will go under. Publicists fight to get their clients clothes on the backs of celebrities whether for the cover of Vogue, a scene in a mildly successful TV series, or pairing with Ugg boots while grocery shopping. If Whitney Port didn’t “work” at Diane von Furstenberg, non-fashion-obsessed, fourteen-year-old girls wouldn’t be half as intrigued and obsessed with the woman and her work as they are. If Michael Kors wasn’t a judge on Project Runway, making him a celebrity in his own right, he would just be another label in these same girl’s mother’s closets. And, if Rachel Zoe hadn’t been involved in an early-millennial scandal with Lindsey Lohan and Nicole Richie she wouldn’t be half as notable as she is now.

Of course, there is the argument many trends are being started by bloggers and street style websites, but these people are being idolized like celebrities creating a sub-genre of sorts.

“All too often, pure fashion is high-brow, and celebrity fashion is low-brow. It seems the more exposure fashion personalities like Zoe get, the more they’re likely to gravitate toward the more commercial and celebrity veins of work…But Zoe seems to be moving seamlessly between the world of high fashion, mass fashion, and celebrity… So Zoe is in a rare position, but one that is fascinating to watch, where elitist and mass fashion exist in harmony,” writes Amy Odell, but what is that saying about the fashion industry? Is it moving towards a lower standard of artistic expression— the public’s interest in procuring couture is almost nonexistent, and ready-to-wear has become more like wear-it-now with the influx of mass market knockoffs— or will we start to see more of what I call, the Wang-effect (i.e. $300 stretched out tank tops like those from Alexander Wang’s T collection)?

I’m not particularly a fan of the institution of fame. I believe that idolizing a person for their closet is pointless because I live a make due kind of life. Idolizing a person for their talent and passion is a completely different situation and a different subject all together. I feel the most exhausted by the clout of the famous and infamous around fashion week. I’ve ranted about the excessive amounts they are allegedly paid to sit front row at shows and constantly scoff at their attempts to create fashion lines, but I also understand their strange necessity. I don’t have answers to any of the questions, but I do know that celebrities will have a giant influence in the future of the industry, whether we like it or not.

These shirts touch on my love of literature by featuring the covers of notable and often out of print novels. The Catch-22 tee would be my ultimate ironic statement, while most hipsters (and Mark David Chapman) would go for the Catcher in the Rye shirt.

As interesting as the concept is, Out of Print Clothing also likes to help out society by taking initiatives to bridge the international reading gap. For every shirt sold, a book is donated to underprivileged children through their partnership with Books For Africa— an organization dedicated to ending “the book famine in Africa.”

With a tee from Out of Print Clothing, you can’t lose. Not only will you look smart by sporting the cover a famous literature on your top, but you can also feel good about helping others experience the pure bliss begotten from reading a good book. Shop the shirts at Out of Print Clothing, outofprintclothing.com. For more information on Books for Africa visit booksforafrica.org. ]]> http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/08/30/dot-your-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9ds-and-cross-your-tees/feed/ 0 http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/08/09/grade-a-school-bags/ http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/08/09/grade-a-school-bags/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:06:06 +0000 Chelsea Rae Simmons http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/?p=1974 MICHAEL Michael Kors; michaelkors.com. Simply Vera; kohls.com. Modcloth; modcloth.com [Affiliate Link]. Forever 21; forever21.com. Hilary Radley; endless.com.

I’ve spent the last 10 years avoiding a normal backpack. At this point, I couldn’t tell you the appropriate way to walk whilst two straps are latched to your shoulders. I have, however, become an expert on the perfect non-backpack school bags. Kitschy totes are always fun, but as you get older, a more professional bag for lugging around books at school and to carry extra shoes to an internship becomes necessary.

When on the hunt for the perfect school/work bag, I look for the following attributes:

Spaciousness - Bags have to be wide enough to fit my laptop and tall enough to hold folders and notebooks.

Structure - I love hobo bags just as much as the next girl, but a bag with too much slouch becomes bothersome when digging for pens or a cell phone carelessly tossed in the sack.

Universality - I never expect my bag to match perfectly with every outfit, but I do like them to “go.” Choosing neutral colors (dark hues and metallics count) enables me to wear almost any outfit without having to change my bag.

Durability - I plan on throwing lots of books, and the like, in my school bag, so finding a handbag that won’t fall apart at the first sign of stress is a must.

My dream school bag is the MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton bag, but I’ve yet to decide whether I want to spend almost $300 on this bag or on a potential plane ticket to visit friends in other states. I really love the bag, though!

Yes, I get to see new beauty releases months before they hit stores, but I also have realized how little I cared about makeup until now. I’m a changed beauty.

When I read the article “What Beauty Products Would You Splurge On,” on the Allure Beauty Reporter Blog, I started to think about how my beauty budget has changed in the past few months.

No longer do I simply shop the drugstore aisles with indifference, I’ve expanded my makeup cache to products that actually work no matter where they’re sold. I’m still religious to my cheapo eyeliner pencil and MAC has had my blush business for as long as I can remember, but when it comes to the rest of my face, let’s just say, my taste has greatly improved.

So, what would I splurge on, now? Mascara, fragrance, and lipstick.

Right now, my mascara is a Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara ($22), which doesn’t come out until the fall. It volumizes wonderfully, but still looks natural and clump-free. For extra drama I use, Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara ($15).

My fragrance is Marc Jacobs Lola, but I want to get Christian Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette. I love fragrances with a little musk and vanilla. Do you know any scents I should try?

Last, but certainly not least, is everything that has to do with lips. When I want a bit of shine, I sport Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick ($26), while my go to red is Rimmel London Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in Temptation (under $5). My daily lip routine usually consists of applying a sheer layer of Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lively ($24) and swipe Jane Be Pure Mineral Lip Balm (under $5) on top.

Talk Back: What are your favorite beauty/makeup splurges?

Some days, my outfit is inspired by my mood, others days it’s inspired by the weather, but today, my outfit was inspired by my hair— which was quite unremarkable, might I add.

On Friday, I’m scheduled for a Brazilian Blowout at my local hair salon, Hopscotch (Editors Note: Check out Hopscotch on ELLE’s “Top 100 Salons” in the August 2010 issue). Until then, I’ve decided to do as little as possible to my hair, which unfortunately means it will be in some form of an updo until Friday morning.

Today, I tried an easy bun I saw in the Beauty & The Blog post, “The Art Of The DIY Updo: Only 8 Bobby Pins Required.” It required me to separate my hair into two sections, twist and pin. For extra flare, and in an attempt to keep my the bangs I’m trying to grow out out off my face, I parted my hair on which ever side it wanted to be parted and French braided the front.

The end result looked like some sort of lazy ballerina hairstyle, and I knew my outfit had to match.

So, for the first time this summer, I threw on my favorite pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a black Twinkle by Wenlan top, and my perfectly high, black Calvin Klein platform pumps.

The end result was relaxed, comfortable, and work appropriate— if you work in a casual environment.

Only three more days until my blowout. Let the countdown begin!

Goody; walgreens.com. Forever21; forever21.com. Floreat; anthropologie.com. Steve Madden; zappos.com [Affiliate Link].

When picking dresses, I have three criteria:

1) The dress isn’t so short it exposes butt cleavage.
2) The fabric quality is directly proportional to it’s price— I’m not paying over $30 for a polyester dress no matter who makes it.
3)  It has some waist-defining quality— including but not limited to: an empire waist, ruching, a drop waist, a detachable belt, or the ability to easily add a belt.

The Rachel | Rachel Roy Matrix Dress fits all my (dress) desires and so much more.

On the model, the hem looks at least four inches above her knees. I, however, am not a model, so through a very scientific formula, I’ve deduced the dress should hit me just above my knee. This means, in no way, shape or form will my tush be exposed.

The dress is made out of modal. Meaning, with a $99 price tag, this soft, wash and wear dress isn’t a bad deal. Not only that, but it will also be easy to pull on, no annoying back zippers necessary.

Last, but not least, it comes with a very cute belt to cinch the waist and further accentuate its lithe nature— if you got it, flaunt it! I’m very picking about dress-belt combos, but I’d buy this belt sepreately, so I have no worries.

Overall, the Matrix Dress gets a perfect score and bonus points for the fun heart print, and it will come in time for the first day of school.

Rachel |Rachel Roy Matrix Dress, $99, available at www.rachelroy.com (ships 8/4/10). ]]> http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/07/22/making-the-grade-rachel-rachel-roy-matrix-dress/feed/ 2