Fashion

Fab Freebie: Fashion Week Goody Bag

Now that a winner is chosen for the last NY fashion week goody bag, here’s the second in the series of giveaways!

Winner receives fashion week tote bag , Daily fashion mag, sz M Spanx-like body wrap, spa slippers, water bottle, TresSemme hairspray, Conair brushes and mini crimping iron, glittery nail polish, mascara, gems for your nails and more!

All you have to do is:

be a U.S. resident (please confirm the state that you live in when confirming your email. see below).
supply your email so I can contact you to find out your shipping address if you’re the winner
state your age (or age range if you don’t want to be specific)

One entry for each:

Facebook wall post (must include link as comment here)
Tweet (must include link as comment here)
comment in another post

Good luck to everyone!

New York Fashion Week

in Fashion, Fashion Week

Let’s face it. We’re all checking each other out during fashion week. Step foot anywhere near the fashion week tents and you’re basically welcoming the once-over. New York Fashion Week took it one step further this year with the introduction of the Bumbys. Honestly, I had no idea who they were at first but found myself instantly intrigued as I walked over to their Fiji sponsored booth. I mean who wouldn’t be curious seeing this blue duo furiously typing away on their outdated typewriters? I mean,” hello, do you not see everyone else twittering away on their mobile phones and blogging away nearby at the press pit?” “And what’s up with the smurf-like disguise,” I wondered.

Then I read the sign which explained why they were there. “Fiji Water Presents A Fair and Honest Appraisal of Your Appearance.” I laughed out loud when I read that these two were positioning themselves as fashion authorities but like the rest of the fashionistas in line, I couldn’t resist a fair and honest appraisal of my appearance as I anxiously stepped in line. It was the most fun line any of us had stood in all week. I wondered out loud whether the Bumbys were more Joan Rivers or Giuliana Depandi.

I took it as a good sign that nobody left the line crying. What would they think of my outfit though? Had I dressed to their liking? Will they know that I only spent less than $150 on the entire outfit? Will I be booted out of fashion week? Panic shot through me as I nervously waited for the male bumby’s blue nails to stop typing.

Here’s my appraisal!

9.2! woohoo, I’ll take that. Here’s an excerpt from another fair and honest appraisal.

“You win hottest beard in the room. Dude, we’re in Dallas. You think we’ve slept together, but we haven’t. But just so you know, I WOULD totally give in, like totally on the first date. You should call my manager and take me out and let me use your hair products in the morning. Stop being such a total girl, Euroman. Overall: when silent, 9.4″

And yet another. I can’t get enough!

Jill and Gill. On behalf of all the New York Fashion Week fashionistas, thank you for your fair and honest appraisals.

To see more photos of New York fashionistas from inside the tents, check out my earlier entry. And come back for more pictures of fashionistas inside the tents!

FabCam and Fab Kids – Fashionable Kids from Fashion Week

in Fab Kids, Fashion

It’s not just the adults from fashion week that have heads turning. If you look closely, you’ll see some very cute mini-me’s dressed to the nines! How these kids snagged coveted fashion week tickets when adults can’t even sometimes figure their way in, I have no idea but check out what they’re wearing!

Isn’t she just a doll? And look at those perfectly curled locks! She left me wondering how I could achieve such perfection. hmmph. Jealous!

I love the clash of menswear pieces with girly frocks. This little one got it SO right. Tutu + tie necklace + vest = fashionista!

This mini-fashionista fit right in with her carefree locks and well-planned outfit. See how the tights, shirt and skirt are so well matched? I love the casual cool blazer and the little charm shoes too.

What girl can resist a little sparkle? This little one rocked her gold sparkly slippers with a girly pink dress. I wish I had asked her to take her coat off for the shot so we could see more.

It was a fashion week first for this lucky girl who scored her very first ticket through her dad (who worked with the designer). I loved her headband and couldn’t resist the fact that she chose her own outfit that day. Too cute, huh?

And quite possibly my favorite mini-fashionista of all time was Alexander Wang’s niece. Who says you can be too young for fur and Chanel? Photo from fashioncopius.typepad.com

If you haven’t already, make sure you enter to win a New York Fashion Week goody bag! I’m running a series of goody bag giveaways and am choosing a winner tomorrow so hurry and enter!

FabCam – NY Fashion Week 2011

in Fabcam, Fashion, Fashion Week

Part of the fun of fashion week is simply admiring what everyone else is wearing. And you can bet that my FabCam was out in full force to document all the fabulous fashions as it has in the past. Usually, I blog about them according to some sort of theme. Fashionistas, if you see yourself here, it’s because I enjoyed your outfit and liked your look. Please leave a comment here with your outfit details and a little information about yourself. What / who were you wearing? How would you describe your look and what do you do in the fashion industry? For those of you who had your picture taken but don’t see yourself here, don’t fret. It’s only ‘cuz you weren’t wearing animal print. But if I shot you, you have my fabulous seal of approval! Check back soon because I’ll be posting more pics of fashion week fashionistas in my upcoming posts.

Here’s a roundup of some of the animal prints that I saw everywhere.

Which outfit was your favorite? And what do you think of the popularity of animal prints?

Want to win a goody bag from NY fashion week? Just click here!

Fab Freebie: Fashion Week Goody Bag

in Fab Freebie, Fashion Week

The Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show was a terrific way to kick-off NY fashion week today. I’ll write more about the actual fashion show soon. For now I’d like to present you the chance to win the goody bag from the show (note: I’ve stuffed it with even more goodies for my fabgabblog readers!)

___UPDATE. Dana has won. but you can check back because next week I’ll have another fashion week giveaway!

All you have to do is comment here + and again in 2 other entries. for an additional entry, add a link to this entry in your Facebook, blog or twitter and leave the link url as a comment!

What you’ll win:

a Carmen Marc Valvo designed, “the heart truth” canvas bag (also reads AOL)
thank you cards from Pear Tree
notebook from BRIDES
adhesive nails
a key favor
L’oreal infallible lipstick stars collection
lip gloss by Artistry
Pantene shampoo and conditioner
hand creme by Shima + Sahai
purse mirror by BRIDES
L’oreal sample hair care
Shopaholic mints
Mrs. Meyers liquid dish soap
Red Door perfume sample
Sferra linen
tons of coupons and promo booklets
Nicole Miller perfume sample

Good Luck and watch out for more goody bag giveaways this week!

Must be a U.S. resident to enter. Please leave a valid email so I can notify you of your winning!

Inspiration Board: Grey, Khaki and white

in Fashion

Here’s my latest inspiration board for a romantic, light, airy color theme. You can thank Nuage Designs for the beautiful custom linens. I love the vintage feel to this storyboard. Don’t you?

Style Diary: Skinny Jeans

in Fashion, Style Diary

When all bundled up over the winter weekends, I like to wear skinny jeans. It helps to balance off voluminous coats, sweaters and furs. My latest skinny jeans winter weekend outfit consisted of cheap and chic finds including:

Forever 21 black skinny jeans ($14.99)
H&M sequined ruffle tank (about $20)
green cardigan from the Limited (about $25 on sale)
blue/black tweed check chain purse from Top shop (can’t remember the price but maybe under $50)
fur stole (found at a thrift store for $2)
necklace – bought at a Korean boutique

I love that this fur stole costed $2 and that I can wear it on top of all my cardigans and blazers.

How do you wear your skinny jeans?

Kleinfeld Bridal Fashion Show part 2

in Fashion

As a continuation to my last post, here’s the 2nd half of Kleinfeld’s bridal fashion show.

Ballgowns are great for taller girls. They help create a waist even when you don’t have one which is why I chose this style for my very own gown. Of course, the model pictured here has no figure flaws but nonetheless this ivory ballgown by Rembo diminishes her waist which makes this taffeta gown worth every bit of the $2900 pricetag .

If fun and flirty is more your style, this next Ian Stuart one-shoulder cocktail dress could be for you.

$3100 may seem like a lot to spend on a secondary cocktail reception dress but I’m thinking that post-wedding you could even dye this and wear it again at another occasion.

This ivory mermaid gown pictured below had an interesting variation on the ever popular strapless styles that you see everywhere nowadays. They called it the “illusion tank” but I didn’t like the bottom’s mix of tulle and lace, two things I tried desperately to avoid when choosing my own gown.

This Olivia Couture dress was on sale for $2100. Pretty headpiece, huh?

If any of you watch Say Yes to the Dress, you know that Pnina Tornai wedding gowns are for the brides with no budget – the kind of bride that wouldn’t blink at spending the price of a car on her wear-once-dress. So when I saw the designer’s name listed as the 14th look in Kleinfeld’s fashion show I literally held my breath as I waited for the next model to appear.

And then this dress came out and I started wondering, whether we were changing into the lingerie portion of the show. See – through lace, boning details, and a corseted top plus a lace headpiece straight out of the 80′s made for a tacky sheath, something only the most daring of (rich) brides would wear. And it got worse. Upon closer viewing, the chantilly lace reminded me of spider webs. Halloween brides anyone?

The next chantilly lace gown was trumpet styled and featured a tulle overlay and organza tiered skirt. What do you think of this one? It’s$3100 by a Kleinfeld designer exclusive, Alita Graham.

Above is a beautiful plaid taffeta ballgown that would look so fresh and unique at a summery country club setting. It’s part preppy, part classic given the silhouette and pattern. But it would take a confident rule-bending bride to wear the nontraditional plaid. I might not have chosen it as a bride but this was one of my favorites from the second half of the show.

Ian Stuart the designer also created a smart, detachable train. Pretty, huh?

Unlike the above dress, I thought this next dress was safe but forgettable. Olivia Couture’s $3400 pleated chiffon skirt and embroidered bodice looked pretty but a little plain if I must judge but to each her own.

Can’t you just see this dress swing on the ballroom dance floor? I think it is one of those dresses that looks prettiest in motion. I can see the waltz now.

Pictured below is the dress for the lazy bride. Don’t want to spend your day having to carry around a bouquet? Why don’t you just wear it?

Seriously though, if you’re choosing this dress, please don’t carry a bouquet when you already have half a garden already growing out of your waist. It would simply compete.

Sorry that I can’t tell you the maker or price of this dress but this look’s details were omitted from the program listing. You can blame Kleinfeld…

The last dress of the show, which is always the most important wow look was a dress by over-the-top designer Pnina Tornai. Not surprisingly, the price tag was listed as $24,000. What do you think? Is it at all worth it to you?

Going back to my earlier ballgown comment, see here how her waist seems itty bitty in relation to the width of her skirt? Granted, this is an exaggerated ballgown but it proves my point even more. But ladies, do not try this look if you are petite/short. It will absolutely overwhelm you and make you look out of proportion.

In person, this dress was totally over-the-top borderline ridiculous but in pictures I can see how it would make the perfect editorial piece. And this side angle is oh so flattering. What type of bride do you see wearing this? Would you?

Kleinfeld Bridal Fashion Show

in Fashion, WEDDING STYLE

Currently, about 5 episodes of Say Yes to the Dress are clogging up my DVR (as are Four Weddings, My Fair Wedding, Rich Bride Poor Bride and Bridalplasty). Can you tell I’m a little wedding-show-obsessed? Before you jump to conclusions, let me defend myself. I’m not a Bridezilla in the making. I’m just an event planner by trade who also happens to be a bride-to-be. So these event planning bridal shows are right up my alley and often a source of inspiration (not to mention laughter, envy and ridicule).

So when I heard that Kleinfeld was doing a live fashion show at the NY Palace Hotel (my wedding venue) I just had to say yes to the event. Besides, how can a “Say Yes to the Dress” fan turn down the opportunity to see Randy and the Kleinfeld clan? Here are my pictures!

As you can see, even though I arrived late and the open seating was half-full by the time I arrived, I still managed to snag a decent center aisle seat. I attribute this to being in a room full of amateur fashion show go-ers who mistakenly took any seat near the stage. (real pros know to take the coveted center aisle seat for best viewing pleasure!)

As you can see, the opening look was a fashion-forward stunner. You could literally hear the audience audibly gasp when the swarvoski crystals flickered towards them. What can I say? We girls are suckers for the shiny shiny.The off-white bejewled lace tank featured delicate cap sleeves and an organza ruffled skirt with feathered detail. I love feathers so that’s what caught my eye. Thing is this Pnina Tornai dress retails for $19,200. It made the complimentary Kleinfeld $400 coupon seem like pennies in comparison which made me wonder how many brides-to-be gave up their Kleinfeld dreams at this point and hastily threw their coupon favors away.

This ivory scoop neck sheath by Koscanyo Couture confused me. It had a matronly silhouette and conservative cut which reminded me of something an older bride might wear for her 2nd wedding but then upon closer inspection, you realize that it would have to be a slutty older bride. Check out the see-through lace!

This Olivia Couture simple ivory strapless A-line gown was made of tulle and sparkled with its bow bling. It’s great for that simple, girly bride who just so happens to have $3600 to spare.

If you like the romantic look and want to incorporate lace, then something like the below ivory strapless, dropped-waist trumpet gown might be a pretty purchase.
To me, this look is just too saccharine. But here’s a close-up for all you sweet brides.

That’s a velvet bow that you’re looking at. The whole Johanna Hehir dress is $5900 which to me sounds like a lot, given I’ve never heard of that designer before.

When this blondie came out, I couldn’t help staring at the beautiful necklace. So much so that I didn’t even notice she was wearing pants! It was only after I checked our event program, and I read “white strapless chiffon over silk satin skinny pant by Le Spose Di Gio $4100″ that I had to take a double-take. What do you think of this unusual bridal getup? Are pants the new wave of the future? I think not… that is unless maybe you’re Ellen DeGeneres. Here’s a better shot of that necklace. I love statement jewelry!

The fashionista in me is drawn to asymmetrical shoulders but this one pictured below just didn’t excite me. Look at the model. The dress even makes her sleepy. I certainly got a shockwave of excitement though when I saw that the Amarildine dress costed$4200. $4200 for this organza piece? Really?

Next came an unexpected surprise that both delighted and fascinated me. Check out this blue and white seersucker sweetheart neckline ballgown.Have you ever seen such a thing? I mean a seersucker blue/white gown – who does this? The concept seemed borderline outrageous but I loved the fresh take. Take a closer look.

The guy wore a white linen suit with blue and white seersucker dress shirt. And they both looked absolutely adorable together. I can see this looking perfect at a summer southern wedding. You can be sure to cross off “something blue” with this dress!

It doesn’t hurt that the model was flawlessly beautiful, right? And look below. the back is beautiful and elegant. I just love the draping. It reminds me of some Maggie Sottero and Kenneth Pool gowns that I’ve tried on.

If you’re not sick of bridal gowns, then read on tomorrow when I upload the rest of the pictures from the 2nd half of the show. Say yes to tomorrow’s post!

Fashion’s Newest Faces

in Fashion, News

Fashion is fickle. It’s constantly changing and so the same goes for fashion’s faces. Kate Moss who just turned 37 by the way, famously became the face of Calvin Klein, Burberry, Chanel, Dior, Topshop, Rimmel London and many more. And with the change in times (and with Kate’s erratic behavior), brands have both run towards and away from her when carefully considering who would best represent them.

The fashion front has some exciting updates. Firstly, Leighton Meester is now officially one of the faces of Missoni. Check out her adorable photo here proving once again that nerds are in vogue.

Though she is not the sole star of the campaign, ( Margherita Missoni, Camilla Al Fayed, Eugenie Niarchos, Tatiana Santo Domingo, Charlotte Dellal and Jacquetta Wheeler were also photographed for the ad campaign), she certainly looks like she is enjoying her model moment.

Another queen B from gossip girl that is the new face of fashion is Blake Lively. Possibly, the luckiest of all fashion faces, she just got appointed as Chanel’s ambassador for their new Mademoiselle handbag!

I think Karl made a fabulous choice. She is as he praised, the “American Dream Girl” with her effortlessly sexy locks, model figure and charming smile.

Following the trend of using celebrities as the new faces for fashion, Ann Taylor, a brand that I’m currently intrigued with, chose Katie Holmes to debut their Spring 2011 collection. I barely recognized those steely eyes in this photo. And who would have guessed that figure came from a recent boy-jean wearing mom?

Lastly, I’m excited to see that finally, an Asian model has signed such a high-profile cosmetics contract with Estee Lauder. This is sort of old news (2010) but I can’t help celebrating Liu Wen, who is the first-ever Asian to land the EL contract and also the first Asian to also walk the Victoria’s Secret runway.

Who is your favorite model of the moment or fresh face of fashion?