Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
The Best Collections of Resort 2014
As the Resort 2014 collections began over the past couple of weeks, naturally we were watching every collection exhibited to come up with the best looks we could find. From the runway shows we viewed, we surmised that the jumpsuit is staying for the meantime and could go on until the next. Mixing prints is still going to be the trend. If you are pleased with the comfortable pajama dressing being in fashion, then you will be happy to know that it will still be chic to stay in this style of dressing. Exaggerated silhouettes, graphics, and midriffs – they are all still trendy this season. So are perfect short suits, wide-leg pants and party dresses perfectly cut and styled. Here are some of the looks that caught our eye and which we would love to add to our wardrobe.
Narciso Rodriguez
Impressive were the line-up of shifts, tunics, layered pajama pants in black and white that has the look and feel of sheer comfort but with a definite air of style and chic from Narciso Rodriguez’ Resort 2014 offerings. A personal favorite, though, is the black and white striped and strapless maxi dress that has an effortless appeal and definitely shows off Rodriguez’ genius for technically challenging cuts.
Guillaume Henry for Carven
The 60s inspired collection of Guillaume Henry showed edgy and youthful sophistication which the house of Carven is famous for. Angular, structured separates, peter pan collared jackets, crisp hemlines on dresses and skirts marked the silhouettes of his collection. Girlish, flattering fits that is gleeful yet refined in autumn and spring colors with an occasional lacy overlay and frilled cups were deliciously on point for this transitional period. Definitely a collection that rich ladies will surely enjoy. My favorite is a satin off-shoulder puff-skirted dress which I would have loved to have worn on my prom had it been available then.
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Prabal Gurung
Show stopping prints and dazzling patterns have become synonymous to Prabal Gurung and his Resort 2014 collection pulls all the stops for this season. He reminisces his days with Bill Blass, the house where he first started, with this collection that is inspired by the classic American sportswear with a twist. Just take a peek at some of our favorite silhouettes such as the wrap dress, high-cut tulip skirts, and wide-leg trousers with flirty details. Unusual floral patterns, ladylike pleated skirts, silk blouses over peter pan-collared shirts, and athletic sheath dresses also took center stage in his collection. We cannot get over the red carpet selections that will surely be worn by celebrities in the coming months including three of our favorites among his collection.
Alice & Olivia
Their collection reminds me of boarding school girls vacationing in the English countryside. Whimsical stripes, dots and florals dominate the collection in youthful shades of red, blush and navy combined with pure white. Cropped tops paired with full skirts and fitted trousers and boxy jackets in tailored tweeds give the collection a more mature feel despite the contemporary attitude that creative director Stacey Bendet is known for. Flirty looks are the dominating attitude of the collection which is reflected in a favorite piece, an A-line shirt dress with embroidered lips all over the skirt and collar. Another favorite is another flirty dress with blue lace overlay. These are looks trendy teens would definitely go for.
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Yigal Azrouel
His label is best known for geometric cut-outs and second-skin leggings plus the body-con dresses that has become his trademark piece. His Resort 2014 collection reflected just that and more to include crop tops and graphic tailoring. The lines were sharp and the silhouettes sporty-edgy – a combination that is unique and inspired. Crisp athletic influences in black, cobalt, yellow and white were the dominant colors of his tops, motorcycle jackets, curve-hugging sheaths with geometric necklines and zippers for that edgy appeal. Second-skin alligator-leather leggings, bustier tops, tops with animal motifs, and double-breasted short suits completed his collection. A winning piece for me is the printed neoprene set with a long-sleeved crop top and flouncy skirts that give off the illusion of multiple layering.
Rag & Bone
The supreme craftsmanship of Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for their Rag & Bone label is what is showcased in their Resort 2014 where they chose to go theme-less. Daring and distinctive, the air of the “urban romantic” is carried on in each piece that they exhibited. Striking colors and silhouettes dominated their runway. Tailored, almost mannish yet still with a femininity that is hard to ignore is the underlying tone of their pieces for 2014.
Oscar de la Renta
Exquisitely pretty clothes are what I would use to describe his fashion. It almost hurts that without even trying hard he is able to create such beautiful pieces that will make any woman look absolutely gorgeous. The sense of embellishment, the silhouette – they are meant for Oscar moments, undeniably. A gorgeous lineup of day and night outfits walked down the runway of Oscar de la Renta’s Resort 2014 collection which undoubtedly emitted “oohs and ahhs” from those who witnessed them up close.
Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld spares no expense when it comes to his vision and the runway exploded with his power and influence when he presented his Resort 2014 collection in Singapore. The collection was a blend of French couture and Southeast Asian style which is typical of him. Easy to wear and vacation-ready designs dominated the collection. Blouses that were falling off the shoulders, drawstring waists and varsity-inspired sweatshirts were just some of his offerings for the transitional season. Barely-there woven dresses, embellished tops and classic white silk pieces with black lace overlays were also part of the collection. There was something for everybody in his body of works for the season.
Balenciaga
Alexander Wang brought his team to picturesque Basque in Spain to create this year’s Resort 2014 collection for the house of Balenciaga. There they studied the collection in the museum which held Cristobal Balenciaga’s body of work. The result is an almost monastic body of work in black and white that re-worked the master’s style but incorporated them with an elegantly contemporary sensibility that suggests that Wang has developed a firm hand on the Balenciaga style. Structured softness is what I would use to describe this amazing collection. My personal favorite is the midriff-baring petal bustier paired with high-waisted trousers.
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Christian Dior
Christian Dior was my favorite designer when I was a college student and the house of Dior remains one of my favorite fashion houses to this day. I have been watching Raf Simons closely as he took the helm for this fashion house and the collection he presented in Monaco did not fail to meet expectations. The choice of Monaco as the stage for the presentation is in part a homage to the heritage of the house of Christian Dior but at the same time it signals a new era for the label. Sheer fabrics incorporated with to create inspiring blouses, crop tops, modified coat dresses and relaxed sheaths form part of the collection. Romantic yet contemporary to almost edgy is the prevailing tone of the collection, a welcome breath of fresh air that entices fashion watchers all over the world.
Narciso Rodriguez
Impressive were the line-up of shifts, tunics, layered pajama pants in black and white that has the look and feel of sheer comfort but with a definite air of style and chic from Narciso Rodriguez’ Resort 2014 offerings. A personal favorite, though, is the black and white striped and strapless maxi dress that has an effortless appeal and definitely shows off Rodriguez’ genius for technically challenging cuts.
Guillaume Henry for Carven
The 60s inspired collection of Guillaume Henry showed edgy and youthful sophistication which the house of Carven is famous for. Angular, structured separates, peter pan collared jackets, crisp hemlines on dresses and skirts marked the silhouettes of his collection. Girlish, flattering fits that is gleeful yet refined in autumn and spring colors with an occasional lacy overlay and frilled cups were deliciously on point for this transitional period. Definitely a collection that rich ladies will surely enjoy. My favorite is a satin off-shoulder puff-skirted dress which I would have loved to have worn on my prom had it been available then.
.jpg)
Prabal Gurung
Show stopping prints and dazzling patterns have become synonymous to Prabal Gurung and his Resort 2014 collection pulls all the stops for this season. He reminisces his days with Bill Blass, the house where he first started, with this collection that is inspired by the classic American sportswear with a twist. Just take a peek at some of our favorite silhouettes such as the wrap dress, high-cut tulip skirts, and wide-leg trousers with flirty details. Unusual floral patterns, ladylike pleated skirts, silk blouses over peter pan-collared shirts, and athletic sheath dresses also took center stage in his collection. We cannot get over the red carpet selections that will surely be worn by celebrities in the coming months including three of our favorites among his collection.
Alice & Olivia
Their collection reminds me of boarding school girls vacationing in the English countryside. Whimsical stripes, dots and florals dominate the collection in youthful shades of red, blush and navy combined with pure white. Cropped tops paired with full skirts and fitted trousers and boxy jackets in tailored tweeds give the collection a more mature feel despite the contemporary attitude that creative director Stacey Bendet is known for. Flirty looks are the dominating attitude of the collection which is reflected in a favorite piece, an A-line shirt dress with embroidered lips all over the skirt and collar. Another favorite is another flirty dress with blue lace overlay. These are looks trendy teens would definitely go for.
.jpg)
Yigal Azrouel
His label is best known for geometric cut-outs and second-skin leggings plus the body-con dresses that has become his trademark piece. His Resort 2014 collection reflected just that and more to include crop tops and graphic tailoring. The lines were sharp and the silhouettes sporty-edgy – a combination that is unique and inspired. Crisp athletic influences in black, cobalt, yellow and white were the dominant colors of his tops, motorcycle jackets, curve-hugging sheaths with geometric necklines and zippers for that edgy appeal. Second-skin alligator-leather leggings, bustier tops, tops with animal motifs, and double-breasted short suits completed his collection. A winning piece for me is the printed neoprene set with a long-sleeved crop top and flouncy skirts that give off the illusion of multiple layering.
Rag & Bone
The supreme craftsmanship of Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for their Rag & Bone label is what is showcased in their Resort 2014 where they chose to go theme-less. Daring and distinctive, the air of the “urban romantic” is carried on in each piece that they exhibited. Striking colors and silhouettes dominated their runway. Tailored, almost mannish yet still with a femininity that is hard to ignore is the underlying tone of their pieces for 2014.
Oscar de la Renta
Exquisitely pretty clothes are what I would use to describe his fashion. It almost hurts that without even trying hard he is able to create such beautiful pieces that will make any woman look absolutely gorgeous. The sense of embellishment, the silhouette – they are meant for Oscar moments, undeniably. A gorgeous lineup of day and night outfits walked down the runway of Oscar de la Renta’s Resort 2014 collection which undoubtedly emitted “oohs and ahhs” from those who witnessed them up close.
Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld spares no expense when it comes to his vision and the runway exploded with his power and influence when he presented his Resort 2014 collection in Singapore. The collection was a blend of French couture and Southeast Asian style which is typical of him. Easy to wear and vacation-ready designs dominated the collection. Blouses that were falling off the shoulders, drawstring waists and varsity-inspired sweatshirts were just some of his offerings for the transitional season. Barely-there woven dresses, embellished tops and classic white silk pieces with black lace overlays were also part of the collection. There was something for everybody in his body of works for the season.
Balenciaga
Alexander Wang brought his team to picturesque Basque in Spain to create this year’s Resort 2014 collection for the house of Balenciaga. There they studied the collection in the museum which held Cristobal Balenciaga’s body of work. The result is an almost monastic body of work in black and white that re-worked the master’s style but incorporated them with an elegantly contemporary sensibility that suggests that Wang has developed a firm hand on the Balenciaga style. Structured softness is what I would use to describe this amazing collection. My personal favorite is the midriff-baring petal bustier paired with high-waisted trousers.
Christian Dior
Christian Dior was my favorite designer when I was a college student and the house of Dior remains one of my favorite fashion houses to this day. I have been watching Raf Simons closely as he took the helm for this fashion house and the collection he presented in Monaco did not fail to meet expectations. The choice of Monaco as the stage for the presentation is in part a homage to the heritage of the house of Christian Dior but at the same time it signals a new era for the label. Sheer fabrics incorporated with to create inspiring blouses, crop tops, modified coat dresses and relaxed sheaths form part of the collection. Romantic yet contemporary to almost edgy is the prevailing tone of the collection, a welcome breath of fresh air that entices fashion watchers all over the world.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Foam Memory Mattress for total Comfort and Support
Price doesn't really matter if comfort and pain relief are what you are after. A foam memory mattress may cost more than a springform mattress, but more people prefer it than the latter. That's because the foam contours to a person's body and it provides good support, you'll never wake up with an achy body because of wrong sleeping positions. And unlike beds with springs, foam memory mattresses are quieter; they don't squeak or creak. Memory foams are available in different densities. The higher the density, the more support it offers.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Kandoo Giveaway (ends July 1)
Kandoo is a flushable baby wipe moistened with lotion to ensure thorough cleaning. Unlike other wipes, Kandoo wipes are moistened enough to get the job done. Stephanie Life With Two Kids is hosting this Kandoo giveaway. To join: Just fill up the rafflecopter below.
Summer Bash Giveaway
Welcome to Mommy Lesson Plans Summer Bash!
Hosted by Mommy Lesson Plans
I cannot forget my wonderful co-hosts!
This is HUGE giveaway and we have a lot of awesom
e sponsors. There will be 16 winners! You heard that right! 16 winners for everything from food to swimsuits to sunglasses for the kiddos.
Our sponsors have been VERY kind so please stop by and show them a little love or purchase a product that piques your interest! Mommy Lesson Plans has reviewed most of the products listed so feel free to head to the site and read up on all of these wonderful prizes!
Crane USA ~ Drop or Adorable Humidifier (winner's choice of style and color)
Toysplay ~ Capri Pool Lounger
YumEarth ~ Organic Lollipops (delicious!)
Waxelene ~ 2oz jar of Waxelene
Hapari ~ $95 gift code from swimsuit of choice
Survival Straps ~ 2 bracelet and key fob sets (winner's choice of color)
My Simple Clean ~ $10 gift code for products of choice
My True Nature ~ Tubby Time bath set
Begin Again Toys ~ Lemonade play set
Mommy Lesson Plans ~ $80 Swimspot gift code
Saffron Road ~ 2 winners of FREE product coupons!
Namaste Foods ~ Namaste Prize Pack (TONS of awesome products!)
Bee Alive Spa ~ Balanced Petite Collection
Real Kids Shades ~ 1 pair of kids shades (winners choice)
Gfreely ~ 1 month subscription box
Please use the giveaway tools form below to claim your entries. Must be 18 or older to enter and win. Giveaway is open to US residents only. All entries are OPTIONAL! Giveaway begins 6/15 at 9pm and ends 7/15 at 9pm. Good luck!
Disclaimer: The previous post may contain affiliate links. If these links are clicked, I may receive monetary compensation. If this is a product review, I received a free sample to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was provided. All opinions are completely my own. My participation is voluntary. I am disclosing in accordance with FTC 16 CFR Part 255.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Five Finger Tees Giveaway
Want to win a fab shirt from Five Finger Tees? Then hurry and join this giveaway. Winner gets to pick any shirt he/she fancies. Giveaway runs June 16 to June 30.
Sponsored by: Five Finger Tees Hosted By: Life With My Two Kids You can read the review here. You will get to pick any shirt, any size (in stock) from their site.
Good Luck!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Coach Handbag Giveaway
I definitely love Coach but having a new one is not in the budget so I decided to join this giveaway. If you like Coach too, I invite you to join this for a chance to win a fab purse.
Welcome to the Summer Coach Giveaway
Hosted by
Co-Hosts
Pink Ninja Blogger, Simply Shawn N Jenn, What’s Up Giveaways, Coupon Hauls, Thrifty 4 NSIC Gal, Reel Mama, and Moms Vacation Spots
Who loves Coach? If you love Coach than you’re going to love this op art chain-link print fabric with leather trim handbag. It has an inside zip, cell phone and multifunction pockets, sip-top closure, fabric lining, hand with 5 ¾” drop, as well as longer strap for shoulder or cross body wear. It’s a nice summer handbag, and one of you will win this amazing handbag.
If you haven't heard of Sweepstakes Max you're missing out! Bloggers it's the best way to list your giveaways, and if you like to enter giveaways you will find TONS of great giveaways at SweepstakesMax.com.
This fabulous giveaway will begin on 06/15/2013 at 12:01am EST and end on 07/16/2013 at 11:59pm EST. Open to Worldwide, use the Rafflecopter below to enter! Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
disclosure: This blog is not responsible for shipping prize to winner, Jenns Blah Blah Blog will be shipping the handbag to the winner. I was not compensated for my part in this giveaway. If you have questions or need help with running a campaign please feel free to contact Jenn at [email protected] or [email protected].
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Saturday, June 8, 2013
CFDA Fashion Awards 2013: The Winners
The Council of Fashion Designers of America presented the winners of the CFDA Awards for 2013 last Monday, June 3 and as expected, the event did not disappoint. It is, after all, one of the most awaited annual fashion events in the industry. Held in New York’s Lincoln Center, this year the event was even more highly anticipated because Hillary Clinton was lined-up to present the Eleanor Lambert Founders Award to her long-time friend Oscar de la Renta. In her speech, she praised the designer saying, "His style and personality have permeated our culture and shaped the industry for decades. His name alone evokes elegance and timeless beauty, and his designs give each of us a chance like we're special too."
Big winners of the night were Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler for Womenswear Designer of the Year, Thom Browne for Menswear Designer of the Year and Phillip Lim for Accessories Designer of the Year. Vera Wang was presented the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award while Riccardo Tisci received the International Award as was presented by his favorite muse, Jessica Chastain.
Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez with award presenter Kerry Washington for Womenswear Designer of the Year
Menswear Designer of the Year, Thom Browne with award presenter Dan Stevens
Accessories Designer of the Year, Phillip Lim
Vera Wang with Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award presenter Ralph Lauren
International Designer of the Year awardee, Riccardo Tisci with presenter Jessica Chastain
Emerging talents, Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty for Suno were given Swarovski's Womenswear Designer of the Year Award. Dai-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osbourne were awarded the Swarovski’s Menswear Designer of the Year Award for their Public School line and Pamela Love won the Swarovski’s Accessories Designer of the Year Award. Supermodel Linda Evangelista presented the Media Awards winner to Tim Blanks. The Board of Directors Tribute went to Colleen Atwood for her work in the films Snow White and the Huntsman and Alice in Wonderland.
Swarovski Creative Director, Nadja Swarovski with Swarovski Award for Womenswear Erin Beatty and Max Osterweis for Suno
Public School’s Dao-Yi Chao and Maxwell Osbourne with presenters Hailee Steinfeld and Douglas Booth
And here are some of my choices for the best dressed attendees of the event.
Miranda Kerr in blue and green dress by Proenza Schouler
Kerry Washington was a ray of sunshine on a rainy day on June 3 in this yellow gown by Jason Wu
Rooney Mara in a Calvin Klein black laser-cut silk dress
Nicole Richie is all Hollywood glamour in this slinky gold dress by Marc Jacobs
Victoria’s Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio was rocking in this white off-shoulder Kaufmanfranco dress
Hilary Rhoda in a Helmut Lang dress
Olivia Palermo in a playful Dennis Basso number
Edgy but elegant is how I would describe Vera Wang in her own creation
Monday, June 3, 2013
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