Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A Decade Of Unforgivable Fashion

So as a professional Fashion Stylist and Consultant I will be the first to tell you, make a statement and standout in a crowd. Well these celebrities did but in a not so stylish way. Here is our pick of the decade’s most unforgivable fashion moments.

Jennifer Lopez is a mom now with 2 adorable kids but in 2000 when she showed up at the Grammys with a watercolor teal Versace dressed that was cut down to… well you know what, everyone gasped. I actually loved it, my first thoughts were ”you go girl.”


I truly do love Bjork’s music and her style is parallel to none but when she arrived at the 2001 Oscars dressed in the now famous “swan dress” we all thought to ourselves “what on earth.”


Remember when Justin & Britney showed up at the American Music Awards OD'd on denim.


The return of “Swan Lake”, no it’s Laura Flynn Boyle at the 60th Annual Golden Globes Awards dressed in this crazy costume.

This was the decade of the retro look but Alice Evans took this look even further in this 70’s inspired mumsy-looking dress at the Oscars.

OMG, remember the Jessica Simpson mom jeans.


When Tilda Swinton showed up to the 2008 Oscars in this horrific black velvet one-sleeved Lanvin dress I remember thinking this is a terrible use of good black velvet.



And my crowning unforgivable fashion moment of the decade goes to my girl Sarah Jessica Parker, now don’t get me wrong I love Sarah with all my heart and soul. Sarah has fabulous fashion sense and a sexy style but arriving in London at the premiere of “Sex And The City” with green roses, yellow butterflies, twigs & branches mounted atop an acorn base on the top of your head was a bit much.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Bloggers Take Over Front Row At Fashion Week


So when an unknown 13-year-old blogger was sitting front –row at Marc Jacobs, Rodarte & others – long time front row socialites and Journalist feathers were completely ruffled. A 13 –year old, yes and her name Tavi Gevinson, the author of a blog called Style Rookie. This little lady is in high demand filming promotions for Target and flown to Tokyo for a party with Comme Des Garcons.

Old media -vs- new media, the traditional style of Fashion Journalism are being tossed out of the window and replaced by bloggers. Every day fashion enthusiasts are reporting at the shows with strong opinions. Insidethetents.com is the home of over 80 independent Fashion Journalist reporting at the New York Shows. In 2010 expect to see more Bloggers sitting next to you on the front row!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Patrick McDonald The Dandy of New York, a Contestant on Bravo's Launch My Line

It's always fun to see my buddy Patrick McDonald at New York Fashion Week. He is the sweetest guy you could ever meet and he is one of the contestant's on Bravo's new fashion reality show Launch My Line. My guess is Patrick will win the competition with a fabulous fashionable finish!



Saturday, November 7, 2009

Love Me Tender…Love me Choo!

As if I didn’t already have a crazy obsession with Jimmy Choo: the shoes, bags and THE SHOES. I now have a bigger reason to love him even more now that they are teaming up with über trendy and budget-friendly retailer H&M to release a new collection of shoes, handbags and accessories to accompany a women’s clothing line! The collection will also include options for guys as well in the form of shoes, accessories and more.

The web has been buzzing with news of the collaboration for some time and you can find a preview of the collection on any number of Web sites and blogs.

Jimmy Choo for H&M is a limited collection and will be available in select stores beginning November 14th.

BY: SITRA STAR

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Just a girl with opinions on fashion…strong opinions.

Do I consider myself a fashion expert? Eh. I do keep up with the latest trends and have a plethora of famous designers that I love but my fashion sense is ruled by simple every day concepts: know what you like and what looks good on your body. These two things should go hand in hand, but in a lot of cases they don’t. My contributions to this blog will focus on how one can make these concepts marry as a reality.

There will also be discussion about fashion on a budget as I am a single mom with two kids, part-time student and BILLS, BILLS and MO’ BILLS. Don’t let this frighten you(especially the use of slang for more), but instead intrigue you. I’ve mastered the art of finding clothes and accessories that are ridiculously reasonable and can go with different looks: from day to evening, boardroom to the boardwalk at the beach. I’ll share with you my tips on how to shop smart and make wise investments. Say “yes” to the black pencil skirt, it will take you a long way.

My hope is that readers will learn that looking fashionable is just not for people with six-figure salaries. The key is truly looking like a million bucks, even if you only spend $100 on the entire outfit, and yes it is possible.

It’s best that you know now that I don’t subscribe to the idea that just because you’re a Mom you have to dress like vagrant. Thanks to Walmart, Target, T.J. Max and other retailers that charge low prices for fashionable items, you too can be a fashionista. We all know that these are the stores that moms shop at anyway. I have found myself picking up milk, cereal and cute earrings on a trip to Walmart on more than one occasion.

I won’t ONLY discuss topics that relate to how moms should dress…although there is a lot of material available on that subject. I will cover a variety of issues, especially fashion happenings in the DC area.

So stay tuned if you’d like to be entertained, enlightened and somewhat educated.

Sitra Star

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Lacoste S/S 2010



A safe Spring with a lemon finish. The Lacoste collection was classic sports wear at it's best. Lacoste has mastered the art of wearable sportswear for the masses. We enjoyed the black and white and shades of blue. The yellow sunburst was a spectacular finale. We love Lacoste Spring/Summer 2010.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Julie Haus s/s 2010



Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We have to say that Julie Haus Spring 2010 definitely has great potential. The Circus there was quite a variety in fabrics and designs, and we assume that the “shoes” were to bring attention to the clothing, because it definitely turned our eyes upward! It was a tumultuous sea of emotions.

We are big fans of lace—truly we are. HOWEVER, the “Burlesque-inspired” came off as 80’s Madonna-inspired. This is the ultimate proof that history is repeating itself— Fashion Week is no exception. The Burlesque is being ruminated entirely too much to not have evolved into something great. We encourage innovation.

On the other hand, we love the idea of a Dark Spring. The Wheeler Trouser really complemented the tank. The jumpers and rompers caught our attention. In this portion, there was so much variety that it definitely brought a “wow” factor. When we saw the Hannah Romper, we couldn’t help but smile. It was something different. Everything thereafter had something to it. Within the Charlie Chaplin “Circus” spectrum, there was variety.

We left Julie Haus wanting more, and not because we didn’t get enough; we wanted more because we couldn’t get enough of what we saw. nyfw







Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Sneak Peek at Rebecca Taylor Spring 2010


The Rebecca Taylor girl for spring explores urban femininity. She works, lives and plays in the city. Towering printed sandals and architectural structured stretch dresses are softened with femme corset-inspired bustiers and flippy, fun, pull on printed skirts. Spring 2010 encompasses playful use of colors, prints and textures. The palette is intense with shades of big apple reds, shocking pinks, electric blues, and retro jades contrasted with desert tans and soft, peachy oranges. Sharper than seasons past, strong shoulders and a new, waisted silhouette enhance the look our girl wantonly craves. NYFW

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Sneak Peek At Tracy Reese Spring 2010


I'm really excited about the Tracy Reese show as I am every #nyfw. She really knows how to make a woman look beautiful. The collection is a study of juxtapositions: the contrast between architectural and relaxed silhouettes, hard and soft, sheer and opaque. I'm sure it will be yet another fabulous collection.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Full Figured Fashion Week


Fashion Week has grown into a prestigious event recognized worldwide for its success in presenting stunning couture fashion shows in upscale venues. For the first time in history, a partnership of independent fashion designers, retailers, event producers, models and plus industry businesses, will join forces to bring the fashion week experience to the curvy consumer. Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek) will proudly launch in New York City, June 25-27, 2009.

In America alone, there are 40 million women over size 14, spending $25 billion a year on clothing, or a quarter of all clothing sales, according to American Demographics.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Akiko Ogawa Power Remix

Every season Akiko Ogawa delivers a powerful collection. Fall 09' was no exception. The stunning runway diva Chanel Iman opened and closed the co-ed show, where the lineup was carefully selected and full of feminine, youthful women and androgynous men. The designs are very downtown chic with a modern rock & roll edge. The collection included gorgeous woven and ombre-dyed jackets with a jagged cut out asymmetrical design at the bottom. There were satin jodfers matched with 7” platform leather belted boots with mirrored heels and topped off with a high waisted darted and well-tailored blouse. The styling was outstanding thanks to the brilliant Patti Wilson. Also the make up and hair were beyond chic thanks to Peter Grey and Kabuki. The gracious designer, Akiko Ogawa, was all smiles throughout the show.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Christian Cota Designs Philharmonic Style


Fashion Group International's 2009 Rising Star Award winner Christian Cota has been hand selected to design an outfit for orchestra conductor Alondra de la Parra, who at age 28 is the youngest woman to conduct in NYC. Alondra will conduct her orchestra, The New York-based Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas in Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall on Thursday, May 14th. Cota is also designing a gown for Alondra to be worn at the post-concert gala dinner at the Mandarin Oriental.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

In Love With Elie Saab


We love the luxurious Parisian spirit of Elie Saab Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 collection. When you think of Elie Saab you think of fabulous red carpet glamor, a serious couturier that dresses Hollywood in the most beautiful breathtaking gowns. Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston have be seen wearing fabulous gowns by this couture label. Elie Saab was one of the best shows during Paris Fashion Week. Held at Le Carrousel Du Louvre, this show was absolutely "Brilliant."

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Crazy for Nopooh Spring 2009


Noir Spring 2009 is the first limited edition tee shirt collection by Brooklyn based design firm Nopooh. These designs are hand-screened with bold, graphic images. Nopooh is the collaborative work of artist, Rob Tanner, and fashion photographer, Mark Babushkin. I feel in love with the black mum tee, view the entire collection at Nopooh's website.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Sony Vaio Manequins at New York Fashion Week

During New York Fashion Week, the Sony Vaio Manequins made there way to Bryant Park. Yoanna House, America Next Top Model season 1 winner interviewed fashionistas at the tents. Jennifer Love Hewitt is just adorable in this video. See the Sony commercial on youtube loaded with fabulous fashion faces.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Sioloonim Collection

I had the wonderful pleasure of interviewing designer Minoo for the Sioloonim collection at their New York launch and cocktail reception. It was a cold night in the Big Apple, we just left the tents at Bryant Park after viewing the Christian Siriano show. Crossing 5th Avenue we saw good looking men serving cocktails to a packed house through a huge window. We knew we were headed to the right spot for the evening. The event was packed with fashionistas whom we have seen throughout the week at shows and events. Models were mixing with the crowd wearing Sioloonim. After celebrating, we made our way upstairs to the showroom to speak with Minoo and I absolutely loved her spirit!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Basso Simply Beautiful



Dennis Basso showed a very luxurious collection for Fall/Winter 2009. Silk-satin, silk-crepe, silk-taffeta were paired with mink, alligator, fox and chinchilla for a breath taking presentation. Asymmetrical jackets, fitted waistlines and architectural shapes made the modern woman look devine. The show was one of the best of New York Fashion Week.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

The Tony Cohen Collection

Tony Cohen Fall 2009 collection show at New York Fashion Week was full of delicious clothing. Lot's of long beautiful hair on the models. I love that the print on the invitations was used for some of the pieces in the collection, very innovative and clever. The collection was fresh, fabulous and fun. Asymmetrical dresses, cashmere wool coats and my favorite those awesome leather stretch leggings.

Monday, February 23, 2009

Tim Gunn And Troy Artis


Diane Von Furstenberg's Autumn\Winter 09 show at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Akiko Ogawa Power


Pulsating beats, asymmetrical coats, Swarovski crystals, sculptured hair and gladiator platforms ruled the runway at the Okiko Ogawa show. Pre-show music reminded me of a Saturday night at the Palladium in New York city back in the day. Essence, Vogue and Zink magazine were in the audience. I knew it was going to be one of the hot shows at new York Fashion Week.

The show opened with dramatic uneven hemline skirts paired with fine tailored asymmetrical jackets. The collection was full of cashmere, wool jersey and silk chiffon. My favorite was the gradation dyed wool jacket. There were a total of 36 looks for Autumn/Winter 2009

Hot Heels At New York Fashion Week







During New York Fashion Week we went on a quest to find "Hot Heels" and we found some great ones. I must say people were happy to have their footwear photographed.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Monarchy Brigade


Monarchy Fall/Winter collection at New York Fashion Week was a brigade of fabulous hats designed by Muehlbauer and Bictor Osbnorne, hoods, military jackets with strong lines and fierce tailoring. Designer Eric Kim created an architectural military inspired theme for his show. Trench coats, lambskin hooded leather jackets, asymmetrical cardigans and long wool double breasted coats. Monarchy are perfectionists at designing spectacular outer wear.

The Details of Verrier


It’s all in the details. Designer Verrier’s Fall/ Winter 2009 collection at Fashion Week showcased looks both ultra feminine and classic with great detailing. Pleating, ruffling and draping pulled together the common theme throughout the collection. Fantasy trench coats embellished with jewels stunned the audience. Her use of color and soft fabrics mixed with structured cuts made for a wonderful show. Ashleigh Verrier has built an incredible successful licensing partnership in Japan. Her first store opened this past year and she is slated to open 10 more. Verrier is well on its way to becoming an international fashion sensation.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Christian Cota Presentation 09


Christian Cota 2009 Fashion Group International's Rising Star Award winner.

Red Dress Success 09


The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2009 Fashion Show married entertainment and fashion in a much-anticipated event to raise awareness for women's heart disease. Timm Gunn gave a heart felt welcome message to start the show. The most fabulous moment for me was seeing Lynda Carter & Cicely Tyson, they both looked divine. I enjoyed the show with Imani Greene, Vice President Media Director of Ogilvy PR and Angelica.

Amanda Bines in Daniel Swarovski
Vivica A Fox in Jenny Packham
Kristi Yamaguchi in Vera Wang
Jennie Garth in Badgley Mischka
Lynda Carter in Carolina Herrera
Natasha Henstridge in Verrier
Tori Spelling in Betsey Johnson
Daisy Fuentes in Pamella Rolland
Nia Long in Tracy Reese
Brittany Snow in Marchesa
Amanda Beard in Cushnie Et Ochs
Cicely Tyson in B. Michaels
Hillary Duff in Donna Karan
Natisha Liukin in Max Azria
Patricia Arquette in Nichole Miller
Jane Kaczmarek in Michael Kors
Katie Couric in Carmen Marc Valvo
Valerie Bertinelli in Christian Siriano
Samantha Harris in David Meister
Susan Lucci in Gustavo Cadile

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Ecco Domani Brings Fresh New Talent To The Forefront


Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation kicked off New York Fashion Week with a fabulous breakfast to salute the winners of their annual competition. The foundation recognizes and supports the careers of talented emerging fashion designers. Each year, seven designers win an extraordinary opportunity to showcase their collection during New York's fall fashion week.Robert Verdi hosted the event in his gorgeous Luxe Laboratory on West 30th street. Zac Posen, a previous winner was on hand to inspire the winners. The foundation introduces new talent to the fashion world. My pick is the design team of Corpus out of LA.

Friday, February 13, 2009

New York Fashion Week again OMG!


It's New York Fashion Week again! Editors, press, buyers, bloggers, stylist all converge on New York City this week for the Fall/Autumn 09 collections. Although the tight economy has an effect on how some fashion businesses operate, it is not stopping the fashionistas from making this event fabulous. Retail sales are down, some designers are scaling back and finding cost effective ways to get their message to the masses. This week is sure to be an enjoyable one. Get it first with our twitter updates straight from the runways!