Fashion & Style Daily News Digest

Filed under: Fashion, Stylish Living, How to Wear

Author, designer, and environmentalist Natalie “Alabama” Chanin’s namesake company focuses sustainable one-of-a-kind products that are created in and around her hometown of Florence, Alabama. A Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund finalist, Chanin’s organic cotton clothing and home lines are recognized for their signature embroidery and appliques, which fans of the technique are able to learn in the “Alabama Stitch Book.”

Her latest book, “Alabama Studio Style,” is a creative continuation of the original with new stitching, beading, and stenciling methods as well as directions to make everything from skirts to woven chair seats. And in case you’re wondering what to serve during your social sewing gathering, Chanin has also provided three different party menus.

Today the do-it-all, DIY designer is guest-blogging (as opposed to being a guest judge) about her thoughts on “modern women’s wear.”

The most important thing to me in how I dress - or what I choose to wear - is how comfortably a piece fits into my life. I am a modern woman…I run a business, I am a single mother, and I like to garden, explore, and live my life with gusto. This means that I am demanding on my clothing. I wrote this in the introduction to “Alabama Stitch Book” and it still holds true today: You can say my work harkens back to time-honored stitching traditions, but I’m still a modern woman who wants versatility and freedom. I need clothes that move with me, not clothes that determine my movements.

For me “modern women’s wear” means that:

1. The garment becomes a part of my everyday wardrobe. That means being able to wear it to my daughter’s school or be able to dress it up for a cocktail party.

2. The garment MUST be sustainable in the materials it uses, how it is manufactured and how it comes to me.

3. The garment must be easy to care for and easy on the environment in that process.

4. The garment must be sexy and beautiful.

5. The garment must be comfortable. For example, if I have to take my coat off to drive my car or pick up my daughter, it is not comfortable for my life. I need a coat (or any piece for that matter) were I can drive my car, dance with my daughter, cook dinner, etc., without having to remove the garment to do those things.

This is a demanding list but in the modern world that we live, this list should be completely doable with every garment in our closets!

Are you addicted to DIY design? Find out how to make your own handbag here.

“Alabama Studio Style” Author Natalie Chanin on Modern Women’s Wear originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cuts & Style, Hair, Hair Color, Celebrity Hair

After being cut from American Idol back in Season 8, 24-year-old Lacey Brown is back this year with a new look to accompany her new edgy, punk rock shtick.

Singing the Rolling Stone’s hit “Ruby Tuesday” last night was fitting for the Texas girl with the bright red hair. Or was it magenta? Either way, it stood out far more than her performance which the judges said was “sleepy” and “50/50″.

Regardless of her reviews, Brown’s funky, edgy cut combined with the bold color may have inspired the inner punk rocker in many of us. But take warning fellow punks, this look is not for the faint of heart — or hair.

Referred to as “fashion red” by stylists, Brown’s color is part of a series of vibrant dyes, like blue, violet or bright red, that are not naturally occurring colors. They may not be found in nature, but shades of soft pink, hot pink and red-pink have been spotted in Hollywood with celebrities like like Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, Lily Allen, Pink and Duffy sporting these hues in the past. It’s a strong, bold and playful color choice for people who want to express their inner rebel or rock vibe.

While drugstore brands of these electric shades are available, the result can often lead to a bad hair month until it washes out — or several months if it’s a permanent dye. Better to leave this one to the professionals. Experienced stylists know how to apply beautiful fashion colors densely and evenly. Not that it will look natural, but at least you won’t end up with the wrong shade or splotches of color in the wrong place.

If an all-over fashion color is too bold, you can always try extensions or highlights in one of these shades. They will still add a hint of punk while being easy to take out or change before that big job interview!

Want more ways to feed your inner punk rocker? Check out these looks!

American Idol ‘Do Review: Lacey Brown’s Pink Punk originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, News

Who you callin’ Granny?

New research has found that older women are embracing fashion more than ever, taking inspiration from fashionable, “mature” celebrities like Susan Sarandon and Meryl Streep, the Daily Mail reports.

Thanks to the “Twiggy effect” (a reference to the 60-year-old model, who is now launching her own Twiggy London line), women in their 60s and 70s are buying more clothes and taking an avid interest in how they dress, according to the paper.

After analyzing data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics from 1961 to 2006, Professor Julia Twigg reportedly found that though women had spent roughly the same percentage of their money on clothes and shoes as their ’60s counterparts (about 5 or 6 percent), they were also buying more clothes for their money, thanks to the advancements that make clothes more affordable and accessible today.

“Women over 75 are now shopping for clothes more frequently than they did when they were young in the 1960s,” Professor Twigg told the paper.

“In the 1960s buying a coat, for a woman, was a serious matter. It was an expensive item that they would purchase only every three or four years… Coats can now be bright and you wear them for only one season.

“Fashion is a lot cheaper and people get tired of things more quickly. Everyone is buying more clothes, but in general, we are not spending more money on them.”

The influx of stylish senior-citizen starlets also reportedly plays a role. After all, if sixty-something Helen Mirren can rock a bikini, why can’t her fellow baby boomers?

“In past years, people have ‘dressed their age,’” fashion designer Laura Dawson tells StyleList, “wearing things people designed for an ‘older woman’ and not designed as something one would want to wear. Some clothes for ‘older women’ only succeed in making a healthy, beautiful woman look dowdy when actually she’s just as beautiful as she ever was.”

Dawson, who says her own mother raids her collection, adds, “Some of the more fun silk dresses can shave 20 years off a woman’s appearance in a few minutes flat, which shocks even me to watch it happen, and I designed the dress!”

“I have seen a definite rise in the number of more mature clients wanting our services,” Lisa Maynard-Atem of the UK’s Stylisa Fashion Styling Consultancy tells StyleList.

“Many of them reference Helen Mirren, Sophia Loren, and Twiggy. They are looking at these women and realizing that age is just a number and not a barrier to being stylish and beautiful.

“One of the women I feel is having a major influence is ["Absolutely Fabulous" star] Joanna Lumley. A number of women have come to us, requesting that we create a style for them that encapsulates her sense of inner beauty and passion.

“Style is a state of mind, it has no concept of age or time — it is simply of state of being.”

Word. And so long as Mom (or Grandma, for that matter) doesn’t start raiding our wardrobes, we’re totally cool with this new trend of glamazon grandmothers.

Meanwhile, check out Sigourney Weaver’s sexy-at-60 style.

Twiggy, Helen Mirren Inspire Women Over 60 to Go Glamorous originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Fashion, Shopping

This weekend marks the official start to spring and you know what that means - the time is now to stock up on fun new frocks and accessories. Have fun perusing the sales below.

Banana Republic - 25% off all full-priced items. Try this Scala tote for the spring season. Perfect for work as well as a weekend of shopping, the bright white color screams “I’m embracing this warm weather!” For those who favor black, this all-purpose Goa 4-pocket hobo is fun too.

Blue Heaven Boutique - Take 20% off entire order over $100. Celebs like Rachel Bilson love this Addison Arrow Print Skirt by Myne. Channel your inner “O.C.”

Lord & Taylor - Signature Sale: 30% off all spring coats. Down from $215 to $149, this DKNY Hazel Ruffle Walker Coat is a classic spring jacket. The ruffle trim is a simple and fun accent.

Emmy’s Boutique - March Special Sale: 15% off entire purchase. Shield those peepers from the hot summer sun with these square frame tortoise shell sunglasses by Gucci.

Sale Rack - Banana Republic, Blue Heaven Boutique and Lord & Taylor originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hair, Celebrity, News, Celebrity Hair

Grammy-winning singer Estelle definitely keeps us guessing when it comes to her hair.

Whether her tresses are in a sleek pixie or a smooth chignon, the English “American Boy” songstress’s strands are ever evolving.

Taking a break from promoting her latest single, “Freak,” Estelle talked to StyleList about bringing her flavor to season 3 of “Shear Genius,” crossing continents to get her hair styled, and surviving a haircut gone bad – real bad.

StyleList: How was your experience as a guest judge on “Shear Genius”?
Estelle: I had no idea what to expect, but I wanted to be myself and be honest. Growing up I did hair by force of having little brothers and sisters. I think every black girl has done hair. I’m very specific about what I want and like. I wanted to see the contestants take the looks somewhere completely different. And it was very entertaining [laughs].

SL: How does your hair reflect your personal style?
Estelle: It’s very eclectic. It’s whatever it is at any given moment. I like it simple because my hair is very thick, and when it gets wet it tends to go very wavy versus real tight. I keep it as straight as possible by not putting in a lot of products like gel.

SL: You’ve recently worn the bowl cut. Why that look?
Estelle: That was a wig [laughs]! I just like the hairstyle. It’s a good alternative when you’re having a bad hair day.

SL: You’re from England. How long did it take to find a hairstylist in the United States you felt comfortable with?
Estelle: About a year. I was coming back and forth for a while. I had one lady who did my hair exactly the way I liked it, but she lived too far away. I found someone closer based on a recommendation, and I’ve been going there ever since.

SL: Are there any hair products from England that you still use today?
Estelle: Well, it’s kind of all over. Paul Mitchell’s Foaming Pomade — it’s the greatest! It just holds it down. When my hair has a frizz moment, I put some of that in and it sits real quietly.

SL: Any past hair experiences that have stuck with you?
Estelle: When I was about 17 and had just started cutting my hair, I let this lady do my hair. Imagine that bowl cut I had, but I didn’t want that haircut and it came out crazy dry. It looked like all of the oils were sucked out. It just looked terrible! I had to be nice and polite and just leave. I went home and put powder and grease onto my head to slick it down and hoped for the best.

SL: Who are some of your beauty and fashion icons?
Estelle: Audrey Hepburn, Diana Ross and The Supremes… that whole era. When I first came out, I had the white eyes. And people were like, “Oh, you’re dark skinned. Why are you wearing white eyes?” It was because I loved it, and I could do anything I wanted! It’s different and just gorgeous.

SL: What beauty products are always in your handbag?
Estelle: Lip gloss, face powder, and ChapStick.

SL: Is there anything you feel naked without?
Estelle: Lashes! I love good lashes. Mine are pretty long as they are, but I put on the falsies and I’m like, ‘Wow!’

Catch Estelle on tonight’s episode of Bravo’s “Shear Genius” at 10/9c.

How long can you go without washing your hair? Professionals weigh in on how often you should suds up.

Estelle on Judging ‘Shear Genius,’ That Bowl Cut, and Traveling the Globe to Get Her Hair Styled originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Fashion, News

It’s the “Return of the Jedi“!

Well, sort of. Only instead of battling Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers, our Jedi hero has taken down… a UK job center. (Next stop: the Death Star.)

The JobCentre Plus in Southend, Essex, England has issued a formal apology after throwing out a “Star Wars”-obsessed job-seeker because he was wearing a Jedi-style hood, The Sun reports.

Chris Jarvis, a 31-year-old member of the International Church of Jediism (yes, it exists), reportedly refused to remove his hood at the center on the grounds that it conflicted with his religious beliefs, according to the paper.

“I was just standing up for my beliefs,” the wannabe Luke Skywalker told The Sun. “Muslims can walk around in whatever religious gear they like, so why can’t I?”

Fair enough. Unfortunately, the Empire job center struck back by reportedly calling security to escort Jarvis off the premises. Three days later, they wrote an apology.

“We are committed to provide a customer service which embraces diversity and respects customers’ religion,” representative Wendy Flewers told the paper.

Score one for the little guy! And by “little guy,” we mean, of course, Yoda.

But not all will necessarily get a free pass to wear whatever they like in the future.

“Customers may be asked by Jobcentre staff to remove their helmets and hoods for security reasons,” a spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions says.

Tough luck, Darth.

Meanwhile, check out David Beckham’s “Star Wars”-inspired film for Adidas.

‘Star Wars’ Fan Wins Apology After Being Thrown Out of Job Center for Wearing Jedi Hood originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Celebrity, News, Celebrity Style

Degree Natureffects is a line of body sprays and deodorants that are all about helping women join forces with nature. According to the brand, 77 percent of women say nature-inspired scents make them feel “transported to a stress-free place.” Amen to that!

To drive the point home, Degree is transporting Mary J. Blige to a, well, not so stress-free place — New York City’s Times Square. On March 22, 2010, Blige will give a special (free!) outdoor performance there as part of Degree’s “Dare to Join Forces with Nature” event.

Check the event’s facebook page here for details, as well as a recap of the event the next day.

And if you want more on Mary J. Blige, we’ve got it!

Mary J. Blige Parties with Gucci

Blige Launches T-Shirt Line with Catherine Malandrino

Blige Creates Gucci Watch for Charity

Mary J. Blige On Her Scent with Carol’s Daughter

Mary J. Blige to Give Free Outdoor Show originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trend:

In the world of fashion, Jill Sander, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, and other simply chic designers and avantgarde artists have paved the runway with flawless beauties styled from the waist down…in tights and sandals. The look is a romantic match during the spring transition  when your toes still need warmth, and sandals are making an introduction to the new season. Sandals are the new season must-have. Strappy sandal styles with the peep show of tights is the main look of this spring’s shoe style.

Do it Right:

Wear a strappy sandal style that features multiple straps with one half to one inch thick in width. Try to avoid thin straps or ankle straps, which can make your ankles look like “cankles” and your feet too big. Use sheer or opaque solid color stockings with a neutral colored heel. Wearing a light or bright colored heel with dark colored tights can be too much of a contrast, which makes you look shorter in height (this cuts your bottom half in sections: your feet and your legs should blend nicely and create a lengthy balanced look).

Make it Your Own:

Try to develop your own style! Take a pair of strappy heels, and wear some textured/lacy tights. For a mature sophisticated look, blend different fabric textures together such as knitted tights and a smooth silky dress. Or, try sheer tights matched with a twill blazer/coat. If your young and daring, go for a more edgy look, cut holes in your sheer tights (giving it a rocker grunge feel) and wear with heels that have embellished straps.

Try wearing similar color tights that match the strappy sandal look. The closer match of color for shoes and tights, the longer and lengthy look of the leg. Don’t be afraid to wear tights with a pattern, or a shoe with a decorative strap. The more unique,the more you can define your shoe style. Step into style: for this spring season, think nappy and strappy!

Check out more tips for wearing tights.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/helga/3184628812

Related posts:

1. Designer Shoe Trend: Floral Shoe Fantasies
2. Sandal Deal: Joan and David ‘Valailee’ Sandals
3. Gladiator Sandals Make a Comeback

Quelle party week for the Elle squad! On Monday night, Robbie Myers, Carol Smith, and slews of staffers went uptown for a fête at Upper East Side boutique Edit, while last night, the EIC hosted her own party at Soho House to celebrate the release of Laurie Abraham’s The Husbands and Wives Club: A Year in the Life of a Couples Therapy Group.

Filed under: Fragrance, Beauty, News

You know you’re hot when you’re pulling endorsements from Madonna.

Lara Stone - who replaced the Material Girl as the face of Louis Vuitton this season - has been tapped as the spokesmodel for Prada’s Infusion d’Iris scent. The 26 year-old Dutch-born beauty will take model Sasha Pivovarova’s place as face of the refreshing citrus-floral fragrance, reports Style.com.

And the ad campaign does not disappoint.

It was shot by renowned photographer Steven Meisel, who has crafted many of Prada’s sensual ads. The luxury backdrop is the marble check floor of the original Prada store in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Meanwhile, Stone is keeping a schedule chock full of exciting assignments. The rising star is also the face of the Versus by Versace fragrance, and has been spotted walking the runway for Chanel, Givenchy and Stella McCartney. Funny enough, Stone is known for her shaky runway walk; the 5′10 model wears an unusually small size seven shoe for her height, and often has to make due with the floppy size ten sample heels used at fashion shows.

And if you notice a glint on her finger, yes - the sometime-Victoria’s Secret model is taken. Stone was just recently engaged to Brit comedian David Walliams, which has maximized her name recognition in households across the UK.

We’re guessing it’s going be a great year for Lara Stone.

Model Lara Stone Is New Face Of Prada Fragrance originally appeared on StyleList on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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