Disco Back from the Dead

Madonna, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

With stars like Madonna sporting the Farrah Flip
hairdo and off the shoulder tunics coming back in
style, it appears that disco has made a revival.

This comes as no surprise…after all the 80’s look has
been around again for nearly five years. Seems as
though stylists and fashionistas are hanging up their
day-glo brights and getting their groove on in gold,
platforms and furs.

Not ready to make a full-on disco expression?
Incorporate a few pieces at a time, and don’t
overload. African-American girls should go au natural
because ‘fro’s are hot again, if worn in the right
context.

Even if you can’t afford to buy a few trendy disco
inspired pieces, take a look at your wardrobe—you may
already have some key items. Look for:

Gold hoop earrings (large)
Bell bottoms
Platform espadrilles
Platform dress shoes
Gold Accessories
Fur-lined jackets
Tunics
Handkerchief tops


Tip: Dust off your curling iron and make like Madonna
for some hot flippy layers around your face for a new
look this winter.

“The Devil Wear’s Prada” Coming Soon

By: Wendy Owen

Fashion is always on the big screen, but coming in 2006, “The Devil Wears Prada” will highlight fashion in a whole new way. Starring Anne Hathaway, this movie is about a small town girl who ends up working for a big fashion magazine and well…I don’t want to spoil the plot for you. Based on the novel of the same name, this movie is guaranteed to be a must for every fashionista.

Silver screen fashion is nothing new. Movies like “13 Going on 30,” “Pret a Porter (Ready to Wear)” and “Zoolander” have already poked fun at or revealed some of the mysteries of the fashion world. Film and fashion have really come to rely on one another and actresses and celebrities have become our fashion icons. Many models cross over to acting such as Milla Jovovich and Gisele Bundchen, so they are invariably tied

What is your favorite fashion moment in film? Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”? Or how about Grace Kelly in “Rear Window”? Reese Witherspoon in “Legally Blonde”? Let us know!

Make Mine Magical

Russian Czarina, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

There is something so fun about the new Russian Czarina inspired styles that hit the runways this fall. From the luxe velour skirts and tops in plum, burgundy, black and chocolate to the billowy embroidered tops and fur-laden coats, I love it all.

This new Russian inspired styling is perfect for fall and a great look to segue way into the magical winter months ahead. No matter where you live or what you celebrate, winter is a fun time, and a signal of a new year. Not only do these Russian-inspired lines create whimsy and fantasy, but they are also designed to keep you warm with textured tights, tailored coats and sweet accessories like fur muffs and fuzzy hats.

Best of all, I think that these fuzzy Soviet styles are some of the easiest to transfer from the runway to the real way. In many cases, runway styles are just too over the top or unrealistic for everyday wear. However, most of these cozy Russian styles are fun but realistic and can be worn at the office, at school or for a night on the town.

One of my favorite looks comes from the Oscar de la Renta show and is very feminine and fun. Ruffly peasant blouse, detailed velour skirt and matching velvet boots—what’s not to love? The Russian Czarina look is hot right now, but also makes clothes fun and even a little magical again.

"reimagined, etc" by Jill Herlands

reimagined, etc "my O my" necklace, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

Art deco meets high fashion with “reimagined,etc” by Jill Herlands. And why shouldn’t it? Herlands is a native New Yorker, and fashion is just as familiar as walking down the street to her.

Herlands could never find the kind of clothing she liked in stores, so she would create her own! This kind of creativity has rubbed off onto her jewelry line, “reimagined,etc” and shows in her silver pieces.

Like something out of the Guggenheim museum, her earrings and necklaces offer stunning and unique styles you can’t find anywhere.

Perhaps one of the most innovative things about Herlands is that she takes custom orders to create individual pieces. Whether you have something already in mind or need her to create a piece that says “you,” she can create something special and unique.

Custom jewels aren’t just for the rich and famous anymore…now you can have a unique style all your own with “reimagined,etc.”

Kirsten Dunst: Bohemian Fashion Victim or Trailblazer?

Kirsten Dunst, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen

Since childhood, Kirsten Dunst has held her own against the Hollywood elite. Starring alongside Tom Cruise as a child and on and off again with actor Jake Gylenhaal, Dunst is constantly in the public eye.

In recent years, Dunst has been known for her care-free and dare we say now, bohemian styles. But lately, her ambitious efforts have done nothing more than backfire on her.

One instance is this beautiful pleated dress from Chloe. Very sweet and sophisticated, but topped with a vest and dark wedge shoes, it’s nothing short of a fashion disaster. My vote? Add a shiny brooch or low slung belt and some pretty flats for a more flattering look. Don’t mix your menswear and summer pieces with a pretty flowy dress!

Sienna Gets Shorty

Sienna, originally uploaded by leFashionista.

By: Wendy Owen
 
The reigning queen of bohemian fashion has shorn her locks much to the chagrin of fashionista’s everywhere.
 
Is this new hairstyle a sign of changing fashion? Will others follow suit?
 
For a long while now, long and flowy locks have reigned supreme in Hollywood. Everyone from Mischa Barton to Jennifer Anniston has worn their hair a little looser lately. Stars like Lyndsay Lohan keep flip flopping from one hairstyle to another, but most starlets have opted for longer hair.
 
Since Sienna usually has the final word on what’s hot in the indie-boho scene, do you think that others will follow her example? Is the era of sexy (but messy) bedhead a thing of the past?
 
Which celebrity do you think has the best hair of all time? Let your voice be heard!
 

Fall into Halloween

By: Wendy Owen

Tricks and treats are right around the corner…how
about a sweet bag to start the season?
Rust is a big color for fall, and everyone is wearing
this earthy tone on cable knit sweaters, scarves and
more.

The LeFashionista answer? Our Style Buzz Cleopatra bag
in brown is just what you are looking for. The
metallic braided handle and soft sueded fabric are
perfect for any look this fall. Pair it with boots and
a flowy skirt while the weather is still nice, and use
it to dress up a chunky sweater in the coming cool
months.

Need some ideas for a fashion-foreward Halloween
costume? Check out these original favorites:

1) Go as your favorite designer: I recommend getting a
long blond wig and a Grecian styled dress and going as
Donatella Versace. Remember to speak with an accent.
Wear anything outlandish and as long as you have a
black moustache, you can say that you are dressed like
John Galliano.
2) Be a gold digger: Wear all of your hot gold
accessories and carry around a bucket and shovel.
Remember to pay lots of attention to wealthy old men.
3) Be a fashion victim: Wear all of your pieces from
last season that just didn’t work (you know, that cape
and jelly shoes?) and attach a fake knife with blood
to your chest. Don’t forget to wear your “Mrs.
Federline” tank top.
4) Be a model: You know the clichés…do an inspired
look from this season (I recommend
Russian/Victorian/Goth) and do your best catwalk. Have
your little brother or sister snap pictures at you
like the paparazzi for special effects.
5) Go as one of your favorite stars: Get really
oversized accessories and baggy clothes and carry
around a Starbucks coffee for the Mary Kate look.
Carry around a Chihuahua and wear a skimpy silver
bathing suit while eating a cheeseburger for the Paris
Hilton look. Carry a really great LeFashionista bag
and wear your daisy dukes for the Jessica Simpson
look. Let your imagination run wild!

For a Pretty Pout

By: Wendy Owen

With all of this fall’s busy and bright colors, the
general consensus is that makeup should be kept to a
minimum. Whether it’s czarina-goth, military-prep or
any other fall look you are going for, simple makeup
is best. No matter what look you are after, it’s all
about rich and textured details this fall, and heavy
makeup would be too much. Bare faced is nice if you
have a sparkling complexion, but not everyone is that
lucky.

My solution for a polished look without going over
this fall? Lip gloss in rich, fall hues.

My favorite is L’Oreal Color Juice in Raspberry Smash.
It leaves a glossy stain and isn’t sticky like some
glosses, and will last you through winter.

Bag dark lips like Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani
usually sport this fall. Try more natural berry stains
like Mischa Barton and Kate Hudson usually wear to
complement your fall ensembles.

Shopper’s Remorse

By: Wendy Owen

You work hard all week; maybe you even have two jobs
or go to school. That fringed leather hobo bag has
been calling your name for weeks, and you finally feel
like you deserve it. But then once it’s in your
possession, you can’t help but feel a little tinge of
guilt for buying a purse that’s probably more than a
month’s car payment.

Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Some people get a
euphoric rush from impulse buys and overspending.
Others don’t know how to buy anything special for
themselves at all.

You can help curb your shopper’s remorse by making
detailed lists of things you want vs. things you need.
It’s much easier to justify buying a hot new pair of
heels for an interview or a graduation than just on a
whim.

If you are on a budget, the best way to keep yourself
in check is to always put your needs before your
wants. If winter is coming up and you need a new coat,
you’ll feel a lot better if you put your money towards
that instead. If you feel like you need a new bag or
shoes, buy a trendy new style that you love in a basic
color, like black or tan. This way, you will get the
most mileage out of something new.

If you aren’t on a budget, you can fend off those bad
feelings by buying things one at a time. And remember,
sometimes you can’t have everything you want. Or can
you?

Just remember that shopper’s remorse is normal, and
you shouldn’t let it stop you from getting the things
you need or deserve. Shopping can be addictive or
destructive for some, but if you know how to control
your spending and where to spend your money wisely,
your clothes and accessories can be hot investments.