Forget NY, I heart LC.

I don’t care what anyone says, I dig LC. No matter if she’s wrong or right, I will always be a proud member of Team Lauren. She’s like the little sister I never had, but pretended my Cabbage Patch Kid was.

While her arch rival Heidi Montag resorts to stunt after pathetic stunt to boost her reality star status, LC is sticking to the same goals and dreams she had when she was a little itty bitty Laguna Beach baby making Barbie clothes on her kiddie sewing machine. She is using her celebreality to further her career and make a name for herself other than star of those Mtv tween soap operas".

Her new collection is California chic, youthful, and classy. Just like our girl. Tell me this dress isn’t adorable…C’mon, I dare ya. Apparently she's getting her tuition's worth at LA’s Fashion Institute of Design, the girl's got mad design skills and is staying true to her style while Heidi...well, Heidi has new boobs.

So keep on cutting demos and hacking off body parts Montag, by the time you're done Lauren will have her degree and will be well on her way to becoming the next Stella McCartney and you'll be this chick. Don't even get me started on Spencer.

*Keepin' it real.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Save it for a Rainy Day.

I have a girl crush on Rhianna. She is so hip and happening and always looks so sleek and put together. Plus, last I heard she's dating my Lucky Number Slevin Josh Hartnett who I've adored ever since he stabbed Jon Stewart's eye out with a pencil in the Robert Rodriguez flick The Faculty.

Back to fashion. April flowers bring May showers, and without a moment's notice you may find yourself drenched, your perfectly flatironed coif ruined. Chillax. Don't blame it on the rain. Get ready for spring and take a cue from our Trinidad lady of style. Go ahead and stand under this Coach umbrella (Ella ella eh eh eh). It's cuter than a basket full of puppies, fits neatly into your purse, and will keep you dryer than Dove Ultimate Clear antipersperant. I want what she's drinking.

Go ahead, rain on my parade.

*Keepin' it real.

sammy

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Onesie is the Lonliest Number.

I saw a girl on the street the other day, nineteen, maybe twenty. Let's call her...Kimberly. Why? I don't know. I've always liked the name, plus she was my favorite character on Diff'rent Strokes. So Kimberly was walking down the street in a cool i'm-so-not-trying-to-be-cool way and she was wearing what can only be described a....well, a onesie.

I thought to myself, whatchoo talkin' about Willis? Really, are we doing this now? Granted Kimberly pulled the look off with a confident i'm number onesie attitude, but in all honesty, she looked like she was on her way to a playdate at Gymboree. What's next? Will leaving my house in Wonder Woman underoos suddenly be acceptable? Next time Kim, wear a belt. It would at the very least add an old school seventies jumpsuit flair to the ensemble rather than a I'm a big kid look what I can do, I can wear big kid's pants too vibe.

Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks.

*Keepin' it real.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Cheap Trick Jacket

Confession. I online shop 'til I drop. I look for the latest bargains and rejoice when I find a designer item that i can actually purchase without having to eat ramen noodles for a month in penance for. I just found a pretty sweet deal if I do say so myself, and I'd like to share my find with all you lovely fashionistas...and my newest reader Bob. Hi Bob.

Check it- The Elie Tahari Caprice jacket. It's flirty, it's feminine, it's perfectly cropped, has an adorable mandarin collar, and it'll look pretty badass with my new skinny jeans. Originally you're looking at a $628 price tag, but now you can get it on super sale at Neiman Marcus for $220...and did I mention the jacket is tricked out? Yes my friends (and Bob), it is totally reversible. So in essence you're getting two count 'em two jackets for the price of one. Or $110 each. Any way you slice it, it's a fine piece of jacket pie.

Plus free shipping at any price with code NMAPR. Don't say I never gave you anything.

*Keeping it real.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 10:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Sock it To Me

Don't you just hate it when trends you hated the first time around come back to haunt you? You avoided them like the plague and waited patiently until the Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Punky Brewster rainbow socks went bye bye...only to have them become even more popular again. Like the mythological Hydra who grew two heads when you cut off one (my 8th grade English teacher would be so proud). What trend am I blabbing about? Tube socks.

You might have seen them plastered on dozens of suggestive American Apparel billboards about town featuring gorgeous, skinny models lounging about in their sockies and boyshorts looking like totally tubular. Beware. This trend is not for everyone. Sure they're cool and nostalgic in a Dazed and Confused kind of way, but they didn't work for me in 5th grade PE when I was doing squad thrusts, and they sure as hell ain't gonna work for me now. Seriously, I'll end up looking more like this than this. No offense Little Miss Sunshine. So the next time a trend you weren't crazy about rears it's ugly head again, heed my advice. sammy says relax...don't do it.

*Keepin' it real.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 02:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bangle crazy

Let’s talk trends. Some I love, some I hate, some I simply don’t get. Here’s one I’m McLovin’ right now. Bangles. Whether they're big/chunky/thin/gold or plastic...I want them piled up high on my arm like my 2nd grade graffitied armcast. I’m addicted. Thankfully it’s a trend that isn’t terribly expensive to try, and not crazy enough to risk ending up on someone’s worst dressed list. Have you ever heard the fashion police break out with a “Damn, would you check out the bangles on her!” Cankles maybe, but not bangles. Apparently other Hollywood A-listers are doing the bangle boogie…

Drew, J Lo, Marley Shelton...They love their bangles as much as Britney loves her Marlboro Lights. [*By the by, I have no idea what brand of cigarettes Britney favors, I’m guesstimating.] I digress…back to bangles. The bigger the better. They make a drab outfit pop, they add the perfect amount of visual interest, and they make me feel oh so tribal goddess. Forget a feeling, I’m hooked on a bangle.

Consequently, I also love the Bangles circa 1982. You remember the Bangles- the 80’s girls rock band fronted by Susanna Hoffs. They were cool in a bad girl bangle way, and I will always carry an eternal flame for all of them, and their big hair.

I don’t know about you, but next Manic Monday I’m gonna pile on some hot, hip bangles on my arm, blast up my Ipod, and when I cross the street, you guessed it…I’ll be walkin’ like an Egyptian.

*Keepin’ it real.

sammy

Posted by Samara at 03:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2008 Fashion Show

Fashion Royalty...Oscar de la Renta!

The king of Fashion, Oscar de la Renta, did not disappoint at his Pre-Fall 2008 Fashion Show held on December 3rd. The venue? Ultra-Glam Park Avenue of course. It is fitting (pardon the pun), as New York City is “Fashionista Heaven.”

The new collection features bold colors mixed with timeless elegance. Using a combination of fabrics and colors, de la Renta creates contrast, pairing basic gray and black with bold, bright colors and floral prints. The show included easy day separates, such as dark wool jacket with leather skirt and bold silk shirt, but this collection really emphasized SKIRTS, DRESSES & ACCESSORIES! The de la Renta fashion house has made major $$$ on accessories and he clearly gets it! The de la Renta accessories line was featured prominently throughout the show; sandals, clutches and jewelry were everywhere. In fact, de la Renta's own collection of jewelry done in collaboration with Loulou de la Falaise, will make its debut on the runway in February & he will also be opening his seventh free-standing store in South Coast Plaza in Southern California next February…does this man ever sleep?

The highlight was the evening wear collection. Moving away from de la Renta’s recent obsession with pants, and back toward classic, elegant gowns…finally femininity is making a comeback! The show-stopping finale featured this stunning royal blue silk taffeta pleated gown.

Bold & Beautiful..Oscar Wows NYC!

Well, I might not actually be able to afford Oscar but a girl can dream can’t she?

~ Cheers

Posted by Melody at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

OPI's Dark Nail Hues For Winter

J. LO in Black!

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Make sure you’re putting your best…hand forward this season. Your hands are your hallmark so let them make a strong statement. This Winter the trendiest nail colors are sleek, sexy and sultry with an urban flair. Think dark, rich and bold colors that definitely draw attention. Hollywood’s Hottest Trendsetters like Jennifer Lopez, Lauren Conrad, Hayden Panettiere and Amanda Bynes are all sporting the dark-nail hues.

The Russian Collection

The new Russian Collection by OPI has some of the most fabulous colors for the season. As usual, OPI is the nail polish de jour! Hues range from Bold Reds to Deep Burgundy and Indigo. The names are as clever as ever…the branding experts at OPI deserve an award for “tongue-in-cheek” originality. The Russian collections brings superlative colors and names like; BORIS & NATASHA (a deep raisin), SIBERIAN NIGHTS (onyx), KRÈME DE LA KREMLIN (terra cotta pink), AN AFFAIR IN RED SQUARE (deep shimmering red), RUSSIAN NAVY (deep-sea indigo) and many more!

Midnight In Moscow by OPI

Posted by Melody at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Justin Timberlake's New Fashion Line For The Ladies

Justin Timberlake is “bringing sexy back”…again. Personally, I could live without it. This time around, the former Mouseketeer & current singer, dancer, actor, spokes model and overall renaissance man extraordinaire, will be unveiling a new women’s sportswear clothing line in early 2008. Yippee (Insert sarcasm here)!! The only good news here is that this sporty line will be done in collaboration with talented designer J. Lindeberg, and by collaboration, I mean JT will just put his name on it and rake in the $$$. Yup...a tad bitter!

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess (if you couldn’t already tell), I am not a huge fan of JT…he’s not my BFF (not that he cares…I’m sure he has enough A#%* kissers around as it is). But I digress.

So it is, that JT is yet another Celeb, in a long line, who feels the need to take over the world one clothing line at a time (Gwen Stefani, Hillary Duff, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, Paris Hilton just to name a few).

While I must grudgingly admit that his first foray into fashion with the hip William Rast Collection, done in collaboration with childhood friend Trace Ayala, was a success ($$$), isn’t it enough already? It’s not like he’s actually going to design the clothes…thank g-d!! Hopefully he’ll leave that to Mr. Lindeberg…you know, the one with actual fashion design talent.

Ok, I'm done ranting now. :-)

Posted by Melody at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lindsay Lohan’s Inspiring Accessory

Lindsay Lohan has been spotted wearing “inspiration” around her neck recently. Ever the trend-setter, she and other Celebs like Cameron Diaz have been showcasing the hot new style all around L.A. Love Quotes luxurious scarves have become the new “must have” in Hollywood.

Made from an Italian-linen blend, these scarves are lightweight but will keep you warm and looking cool all day long. Paired with jeans, pantsuits and dresses, they can be worn as scarves or wraps so they’re perfect for any occasion. Not only are they super-adorable; the best part about them is that each one comes with an inspirational quote. Quotes vary but one example of the inspiration you could be wearing is by Ovid:“If you want to be loved. Be loving.” The scarves are available in every color under the sun from Morning Glory and Cabernet to Lotus Pink and for just $74 these are the perfect holiday gift…for yourself and your loved ones. Plus 10% of the proceeds are donated to international children’s charities. These scarves are the gifts that keep on giving!!

Love Quotes Scarf in Cabernet

Posted by Melody at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

How to Update That Little Black Dress

If you're stressing about what to wear to that holiday party, you can relax, because the little black dress, otherwise known as the “LBD” is back! This time around the LBD is showing some skin with the super sexy, yet sophisticated Keyhole Neckline! Find some adorable updated LBD’s at Nordstrom, Macy’s and Guess or at Overstock.com. The keyhole is fashion gold this season, allowing you to reveal as much, or as little, as you’d like. I say keep the mystery alive. Simply slide into a pair of peep toe pumps, grab a small clutch and you’ll be red carpet ready!

BCBG Simple Stunner!

~ Cheers!

Posted by Melody at 01:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Designer Kenneth Cole's New Eco-Friendly Handbag

Designer extraordinaire, Kenneth Cole who is known for his dedication to social causes has created a limited edition, eco-friendly handbag. It makes “Reusable” fashionable and trendy. The bag, which sports the words “USE ME” scrawled boldly across the front, is meant to encourage people (you & me) to stop using so many plastic bags (FYI: 1,000,000 plastic bags are used and discarded worldwide every minute). Made of 100% natural canvas, this bag makes earthy look chic, it’s cheap ($20) and it’s perfect for all your shopping needs! Plus, $5 from the sale of every bag goes to the Awearness-Kenneth Cole Fund.

ANOTHER "ECO-FRIENDLY" OPTION!

From Russian with Love: New Handbag

Another gem this holiday season is from Russia with love! Up and coming fashion designer, Alyona Akhmadullina, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has created a hot, new, eco-friendly handbag too. Made from 100% RECYCLED cotton this is truly an affordable designer handbag. Unlike most designer brands that cost as much as most car or monthly mortgage payments, this bag, like the Kenneth Cole creation, is very affordable at only $40. The trick will be finding one… This one is also a limited edition bag (only 777 in the whole wide world) with the words “for a clean motherland” on large display and proceeds will go to WWF Russia. Alyona explained that she feels that this bag is a symbol of change…not a status symbol. It’s meant to replace plastic bags and/or leather bags that symbolize excess and waste. Sounds good…but the main point here is that this bag is a “must have,” the fact that it’s eco-friendly only sweetens the deal.

The only problem with these cute totes…the whole limited edition nonsense. They will be hard to find and demand drives up price. So, now that I’ve let the cat out of the “bag”…no time like the present. I’m off to find my earthy bag before everyone else does. Gotta run!

Posted by Melody at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)