Calvin Klein Old Models

I’m all for models looking like real women, I’m so sick of the nubile young sticks. So one would think I’d applaud Calvin Klein for bringing back some *gasp* old models for Fashion Week. (By old models we mean ones in their 30’s and 40’s – but still it’s something).

So out come these ancient relics of the fashion world and rather than proving that age can be beautiful, these women look horrible. They’re dressed in dumpy and basically shapeless grey dresses, they’re hair is slicked back and unattractive, and basically make up free. Washed out and haggard, these poor models aren’t doing themselves or the clothing any favors.

The only think to take away from the Calvin Klein’s old model collection is classic colors, classic cuts and nothing that really stands out and says WOW. It’s a sort of depressing idea, I’m 40 and I want to dress fun and funky and have a bit of edge rather than being draped in a grey sheath. The only highlight is that it appears as though platform shoes will be a staple again this year. Gotta love those platform shoes.

It’s as though Klein wanted to emphasize the classic and drab nature of this particular clothing line by using old models and making them look as washed out as possible rather than celebrating the beauty of age. Hopefully we’ll see more fashion icons walking the runways in the future but next time around I’d love to see some color and excitement.

Motostyle on The Hills

Okay maybe it’s not the latest trend, it’s actually been rolling out slowly for the past year but it think it’s just about to hit its stride and hit it hard. The latest trend is all about tough women.

First we saw the motorcycle boots come out with a pretty big vengeance this fall, they were often compared to the cowboy boots as women were trying to capture that strength and portray a more resilient image. I blame this on the economic situation, when finances start to tank people look for durable products that make them feel strong and secure.

So I guess it’s no surprise that we’d see strength starting to emerge in other accessories or pieces of clothing and the motocross jean or moto jean seems to be the early response to this. These oft distressed and super tight jeans look extra good on those who are starving because their finances are so bad.

And of course we can’t neglect the ubiquitous motorcycle jacket which seems to always be around in varying degrees of popularity. The motorcycle jacket hasn’t quite broken through as a true hit trend now but when we will probably see shades of it this spring and summer with it picking up steam in the fall.

So gals, if you want to look sexy I guess the key is dressing like you drive a motorcycle.

Tis the season to wear boots. Boots have never been more popular or hot than they are now. You can’t go wrong this year if you get your loved one a pair of boots to slip her stockings into. It seems like everything that is a boot is hot and happening this season from low riding booties to over the knee boots. From totally impractical cutout booties to totally practical cold weather boots. As long as it’s a boot it’s bound to be a hit this Christmas season.

So to give the gift of boots this season there are only a few things you really need to know. The first is obviously what size your significant other wears. This is obvious but can be tricky as a lot of women lie about their shoe size just as they lie about their height and weight. Talk to any clerk in a shoe store and they’ll tell you that usually the first size a woman says she needs is not the size she really needs, in fact many clerks will automatically bring out a larger size as well. So your best bet here is to check her shoes for the size and then when she gets them say that the clerk said the sizes run small so you thought buying her a little bit bigger size would work.

The other thing you’ll need to know is what sort of style she’d like, not what you think she needs. Sure she may need a pair of winter boots for shoveling out after a big snowstorm, but that’s probably not the pair she really wants. Many women don’t want practical gifts, they want gifts that make them feel pretty and sexy and special.

Halle Berry Suit

Trendy designer clothing is fun and exciting but not always practical. Many people have to work in an office that frowns on the latest skin exposing trends and towering needle stilettos so how do you stay stylish in the workplace? There are five pieces that every work wardrobe should have for 2010 to keep you looking on top of fashion trends but appropriate for the workplace.

A Suit 

Suits are not the unflattering work uniform that they used to be. Today’s work suits are well fitted and designed specifically with a woman’s body in mind. Look for quality construction and pieces you can mix and match and suddenly you’ve greatly expanded your wardrobe.

Silk Blouse

For 2010 you’ll want to add a silk button down shirt in a rich color to your work wardrobe. Deep jewel tones are flattering for the winter season and the soft silk give a feminine touch to work clothes.

Pencil Skirt

The pencil skirt is almost always a good choice for the office, the flattering cut and acceptable length looks great and is appropriate for the office. It’s also a versatile piece that can be worn often.

Flowy Blouse

Light and blousy tops that seem to have movement or flow are very trendy this season and can be perfect for the workplace. Look around for a blouse that has a lightness and air about it but one that doesn’t seem too risqué.

Medium Height Pumps

The safe work shoe is a medium height pair of neutral colored pumps and every working girl’s closet should include at least one pair. But if you want to boost your fashion quotient this season the menswear oxford shoe is very popular, select a pair with a medium heel and pair it with your silk blouse and play with the contrasts.

Jennifer Aniston Sweater

Color 
Look for sweaters that are more drab in color. There will be a lot of neutral colored sweaters this season, things that match a lot of outfits. This may be a reflection of the economy in a couple of ways as it makes the sweater versatile enough to wear often and the bland colors reflect the economic depression. But if you want to be in style this season you’ll want to purchase a couple neutral colored sweaters. The only exception is the color purple, it’s so hot you need to have at least one purple sweater in your wardrobe.

Neck Line
The neck line for sweaters has changed dramatically from the standard crew or V-neck, this season the neck line is more elaborate and embellished. Look for deep cowl necks, ruffles, jewel necklines and asymmetrical turtlenecks. The color isn’t the shine through point this season but the cut of the neckline definitely is.

Length
The length of sweaters is just like the length of skirt hems, it’s always changing and can either date you or make you look trendy and cutting edge. This season the long sweater is still in style, the cropped sweater is definitely out. Look for asymmetrical hemmed sweaters with longer fronts so the sweater can double as a wrap on those chilly days.

In summary, the look for sweaters this season is neutral, warm, and full of interesting construction details.

Katie Holmes Boyfriend Jeans

The boyfriend jean started picking up speed before summer, especially when Katie Holmes was spotted wearing a pair. Oddly enough the look prompted people to assume they were Tom Cruise’s pants, which obviously doesn’t make any sense as the pants are cuffed in a comfortable boyfriend jean style and Tom Cruise is about six inches shorter than Katie Holmes. But anyway, she really kick started the trend and since then it’s gone a little nutty.

Kate Moss Boyfriend Jacket

The boyfriend jacket has become a staple for super model Kate Moss and many other noted celebrities. The thing is you probably actually can’t wear your boyfriend or significant other’s jacket and look good, you’re more likely to look like you’re drowning in herringbone wool. Instead, purchase a boyfriend jacket that “fits” your frame, meaning it’s a little big, a little long, and the sleeves roll up nicely.

Boyfriend Shirt

The boyfriend shirt has also become a fashion statement used by several stars. Here Heidi Klum wears it to cover her always pregnant belly. She pairs it nicely with some boyfriend jeans and shows off the rarely seen tattoo. Vanessa Hudgens is seen here wearing a boyfriend shirt and almost nothing else. I don’t know if she forgot to put on her pants or if her on again off again boyfriend Zac Efron wanted them back.

The boyfriend trench coat has even made an appearance on the market but I don’t see this one catching on as it just looks sloppy and ill fitting.

Penny Loafers

Another trend that seems to be picking up speed is the women’s casual loafer that looks much more like a men’s shoe than a woman’s shoe. The penny loafer is the first to make a comeback but when it hits can wingtips and oxfords be far behind?

So this fall it looks as though all of Hollywood will be dressing like men. Maybe the next fashion trend will be the girlfriend dress and we’ll see Hollywood’s elite men going a little feminine.

Sarah Silverman

For best lead actress in a comedy series the competition is Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Christina Applegate, Sarah Silverman, Tina Fey, Toni Collette and Mary-Louise Parker. The winner, based on shoes alone, is a hands-down Sarah Silverman. Seen here at the VH1 14^th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards Sarah Silverman shows her whimsical side by sporting a sassy pair of red Converse canvas tennis shoes (Chucks for those of us old enough to remember Chuck Taylor) under her beautiful layered black evening gown.

Steve Carell

For best lead actor in a comedy series Jim Parsons, Jermaine Clement, Tony Shalhoub, Steve Carell, Alec Baldwin and Charlie Sheen vie for the honors. And the winner is . . . Steve Carell obviously for his attractive and multipurpose shoes. A loafer that doubles as a high tech mobile communication device is funny and practical.

Sally Field

The top runners for lead actress in a drama series are Sally Field, Kyra Sedgwick, Glenn Close, Mariska Hargitay, Elizabeth Moss and Holly Hunter. This category is a little more difficult but it’s Sally Field who should take the top honors here. Sally Field is a diminutive woman yet she consistently opts for classic low heeled or medium heeled shoes rather than trying to wobble around in staggering high heels.

Michael C. Hall

The outstanding lead actor in a drama series is a competition between Bryan Cranston, Michael C. Hall, Hugh Laurie, Gabriel Byrne, Jon Hamm, and Simon Baker. And racing to the winner’s line in very practical pair of boat shoes (as his boat is a very important part of his “hobby”) is Michael C. Hall.

Jennifer Lopez

JLO is rocking a sexy pair of gold platform shoes that give her understated black outfit that little bit of bling that it needed. I’m not sure why Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony look so unhappy but you’ll be happy to know you can find a similar pair of shoes with the Seychelles Women’s Push Up. Wear your tip top gold sandals with simple outfits to give them some shimmery pop but not too much.

Victoria Beckham

Love to hate her but love her shoes, Victoria Beckham knows how to rock out the platforms and here she’s adding pop to an all black outfit with pink platforms with wrappy ankle straps. You can create a similar look with the Pleaser Womens Lip-135 which feature a clear vinyl heel, a pink upper, and a wrap around ankle strap. You’ll love how “posh” you look in these heels.

Cheryl Cole

Cheryl Cole went a different route and decided to match her shoes to her outfit but picked two summer shoe trends to give them a little more pizzazz. Her snakeskin metallic platforms are the perfect way to pump up this summer white outfit. Emulate her look with the Naughty Monkey Women’s Whipped Me Around sandal with its tonal snakeskin textured trim and studded hardware. These shoes are actually great for several summer looks and can almost be your go to shoe for the season.

May Anderson

Kid Rock’s latest girlfriend, May Anderson, is proving my point about some platforms being nearly impossible to walk on. Her shoes featured a stiletto heel and a ball under the toe. I can’t find a pair of shoes that even compare to these and I’m not sure why anyone would want one. So, instead of those death shoes, how about the Women’s Ashley Wedge by Michael Michael Kors which gives you an unusual architectural heel a great platform height and a shoe you can actually wear.

If it’s comfort you seek without sacrificing the current fashion trends try on some Women’s Comfort Sandals from a retailer retailer such as Footsmart.com.

House of Harlow 1960

House of Harlow 1960

Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 jewelry line  is actually a pretty big hit as the first collection sold out through pre-order sales before anything actually hit the stores. Richie believes more is better and although this is probably not the case, some of the items in her line are actually better when stacked and the prices are so reasonable that the average person can afford to buy several and stack them together.

Jessica Simpson Shoes

Jessica Simpson Shoes 

The Jessica Simpson shoe line is really a great line with shoes that are wearable, made of quality material, and fun and trendy. They also come with a price tag that makes them not accessible to everyone (and I mean not a bargain shoe store shoe) but can be purchased by most. Her line has come up with the perfect recipe for trendy and semi-exclusive shoes which make them more desirable.

Jaclyn Smith Collection

Jaclyn Smith Collection

Former Charlie’s Angel, Jaclyn Smith created her own line of clothing years ago and may have started the celebrity clothing line trend, but her line is very successful and will most likely continue to be for the foreseeable future. Part of the reason for her success is that her clothing is practical, simple and very inexpensive. Jaclyn Smith clothing is sold in discount stores like Sears and Kmart and has mass appeal.

L.A.M.B.

L.A.M.B.

L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani is a wildly popular brand and its success seems to hinge upon the success of the singer herself. Gwen Stefani is known as a fashion icon and the looks she promotes have a similar feel, they’re trendy, fashionable, fun and a little bit exclusive. Recently a perfume has been launched as well and it again seems that as long as people like Gwen Stefani they’ll like her perfume.

Some celebrities that have not done so well recently with their fashion lines are LL Cool J, Sarah Jessica Parker, Amanda Bynes, Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag and scores of others. It’s actually quite rare for a celebrity to succeed in the world of fashion because quite frankly they don’t really know anything about dressing themselves. Celebrities have stylists select their clothing and their look and they get free clothing from top designers so they never really have to come up with a fab outfit for a big event with only $50 in their checkbook and a closet full of last year’s styles. But every once in a while you get someone who is a little bit grounded and totally surrounded by talented designers and the celebrity fashion line clicks.

Natalie Portman Vegan Shoes

Once upon a time Natalie Portman had an idea, she was going to promote her vegan lifestyle and create a cruelty free line of shoes at the same time. The then trendy and new Te Casan in New York was willing to hawk those shoes with a price tag of around $200 per pair. Unfortunately Te Casan didn’t last the test of time, in fact it didn’t last very long at all and now it’s hard to find Natalie Portman’s bland shoes anywhere, except hidden deep in the internet, but they are almost as rare as the Iberian Lynx.

So if you’re looking for a vegan style shoe you’re going to have to look elsewhere. LifeStride creates a shoe that is attractive, although not incredibly sexy, the LifeStride Women’s Flair which is made with smooth faux leather lining so it fits within a vegan lifestyle. If you want something sexier, try the Gretta Women’s Gatsby or Goddess, which also feature attractive faux leather. If you’re looking for something a little more durable or casual, Dr. Scholl’s Original Women’s Rave is a nice comfy sandal created with a synthetic upper.

For men’s shoes that are cruelty free you have fewer options unless you want flip flops like the Keen Men’s Streetside Flip although many of these flip flops are very attractive. There are a few sandal options like the North Face Men’s FUTALEUFU but they’re not specifically designed with the vegan shoe wearer in mind. For a dressier men’s vegan shoe you have to search a bit further but there are professional shoes such as the Vegetarian Shoes Office Shoe which is made with Vegetan, a substance still unknown to science.

So the Natalie Portman vegan shoe may soon become extinct, there are still some options out there for those who want to be well shod and still avoid using animal products.