The Bright Orange Pout

Come summer, I’m usually pretty good about retiring my usual winter beauty routine in favor of experimenting with bright makeup colors. There is just something about balmy weather and a tan that makes me especially keen on taking bold beauty risks. This year, however, due to the particularly sticky weather we have been experiencing, my only beauty concern has been not looking gross post morning commute on the New York City transit system. I think it’s about time to step it up though, and the first hot new look I am dying to try is the impossibly bright orange lip. Seen first on the Prada Spring 2010 RTW runway, many Hollywood "It Girls" are currently sporting the look. With this super bright pucker, you won’t need much else in the way of makeup besides a quick swipe of mascara, thus all but eliminating the possibility that you’ll look like a melted popsicle by the time you get to the office. To replicate this shocking hue, try MAC Lipstick in Morange ($14). It will add instant glam to your look and perhaps even make you forget about that armpit in your face on the 6 train.


By Jessica Best

Bar Refeali X Rampage

Off the popularity of her Sports Illustrated cover with her strategically placed triangle bikini top, Bar Refeali is the spokesmodel for Rampage Spring 2010 Campaign. The Spring 2010 campaign is Refeali's second season with Rampage.

Of the contemporary brand, Refeali comments, "Rampage’s spring collection is amazing. The flirty dresses, fabulous swimwear and great shorts are perfect for warm weather, parties and weekends. I can’t wait to wear all of the new styles!”

Why a second time as a spokesmodel? Dari Marder, the Chief Marketing Officer of Rampage, says, “Bar is the ideal Rampage woman; she is warm, sexy, fun and free spirited. We are thrilled to have her in the campaign for a second season.” Beside from the fact that she is hot to men and women alike.

The campaign launches in March and can be seen in national fashion magazines including Marie Claire, Glamour and Lucky.

-Tamera Blair Darden

Lovely Lindsey Wixson

At the barely ripe age of 15, Model Lindsey Wixson has a new after school activity to add to her resume: the face of Miu Miu.

The Wichita native began modeling at the age of 12 by attending as many castings as possible, and had her break when she was personally selected by Steven Meisel for an Italian Vogue shoot. This comes as no surprise when you see the willowy blonde's full, heart-shaped pout.

Wixson has landed exclusives walking for Miu Miu and Prada for the Spring 2010 shows. Quite an accomplishment when you consider what you were doing at 15!

-Erin O'Hara

Dior: Spring '10 Couture

The Spring 2010 Couture shows are underway in Paris, and so far they are quite impressive. In particular, Dior's variety from equestriennes to fabulous ball gowns truly were inspiring. John Galliano out did himself with a gorgeously feminine collection presented on a backdrop of 3,000 over-sized pastel roses.

Impeccable riding gear including long skirts and dresses, jackets, gloves, and even crops opened the show. Frilly and veiled day wear in light pastels led into silken evening wear, but the true breathtaking moments of the collection are the ball gowns. They are so extravagant and beautiful, with crystals, bows, and full skirts, that I believe every girly girl will fantasize about parading them in front of their mirror.

-Erin O'Hara

Chanel and Her Tattoos

Chanel's temporary tattoos, an emblematic ode to their most classic designs, is the must-have accessory for spring. They will be available March 15th at Chanel boutiques and counters across Canada and the US.

The tattoos will sell for $75 for a pack of 55 tattoos but is it really worth it? It's a pretty cool idea but they only last two or three days at best.

The Chanel tattoos feature various Gothic designs with the traditional Chanel logo on them. They are definitely a great substitute for jewelry. But unless you have a disposal income it's not a very practical look.

You be the judge, are Chanel tattoos on the top of your Spring wardrobe list?

- Erin Jones

Bringing Back Wide Legs

After a few years with the skinny jean, it seems fashion is restoring to the 1970's by bringing back the wide leg jean. It seems that this spring season more and more of us will turn to wide-leg jeans, not as a substitute for skinnies, but as an addition to our denim collection.

If worn probably and with the correct upper half pairings wide-leg jeans can be both figure flattering and fashionable. Wide-leg jeans can be very easy to wear you just need to remember a few tricks.

First in order to counteract the bottom-heavy pant legs try pairing them with a fitted, tucked in blouse. And second since most wide-leg jeans are made with a higher waist becareful of the style and fit you choose because the wrong fit can result in a long bum appearance, and lets face it who really wants that? To avoid the long bum syndrome untuck your top and belt it up.

Spring is shaping up to be a great season, keep checking back here for more Spring fashion must haves.

-Erin Jones

Making Her Claim to Fame

Fashion is always looking for the next big thing. And after last nights CFDA and Vogue Fashion Fund in New York, we may have found it.

Sophie Theallet, winner of $200,000 to help fund and develop her collections, as well as a year-long mentorship with fashion professionals, has a new collection that even the First Lady, Michelle Obama, has taken notice of.

Theallets signature is bohemian luxe seen through the eyes of a sophisticated couturier. Her clothes have a strong French accent, but exude a freedom of spirit that transcends all borders.

Theallet was first noticed by magazine editors in 2009 when she presented her Spring 2009 collection using only African American women. Since then she has made a name for herself on the New York fashion scene.

Sophie Theallet is a designer to definitely watch out for. Take a look through her collection I'm sure you will find pieces that are must haves for your spring wardrobe.

- Erin Jones

Rumors of Retirement

I know by now most of you have heard the devasting rumors that Karl Lagerfeld is retiring from Chanel. Since June rumors have been flying around that Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz is being considered to take over from Karl Lagerfeld at the house of Chanel.

I think it's time to set the record straight and put everyones mind at ease. Karl Lagerfeld is NOT retiring! Over the weekend, Lagerfeld dismissed the rumors.

"Retirement is not one of the topics with which I deal. Why should I? I still have so many projects that I sometimes don't know where to begin. Chanel will still need some clothes when I'm 89," said Lagerfeld.

Lagerfeld has been creative director for Chanel for 27 years. He is a permanet fixure at the house of Chanel and has no plans of ever leaving.

Check out his Spring 2010 it's my favourite collection.

- Erin Jones

A Standing Ovation for Jackie Christie

Designer, Jackie, Christie, debuted her first line during the closing celebrations of Los Angeles Fashion Week last Friday night.

To say the show was a hit is a bit of an understatement. We all know how hard fashion critics are to please but Christie won them over by bringing classic lines and sex appeal to the catwalk.

"I have never felt so elated and so honored to show my line," stated Christie. "The audience reaction sent chills up my spine and I couldn't believe how many approached me for orders right after the show. With proceeds benefiting the Infinite Love Foundation for student scholarships, I can't thank Los Angeles enough for the warm reception."

Christie is one of the few new designers to experience a standing ovation following their show. Chrisite embraced the idea of everyday women. Her clothes represent designs for every woman from tall to short and slender to shapely. Her show sent a position message to women everywhere, allowing them to feel comfortable in their own skin.

- Erin Jones

Down On The Farm

Who doesn't love a good old fashioned hoe down? There is that little piece of country in all of us, whether we choose to admit it or not.

Chanel's spring 2010 show in Paris was transformed into a barn yard extraganza. Under the glass ceiling of the historic Grand Palais was an unbelieveable sight. Chanel's double CC logo stood out front on a wood post and upon entering you felt like you just stepped onto a farm with a barn equipped with a hayloft as the backdrop.

"The rustic, romantic romp was a rip-roaring blast even before a platform popped out of the runway with Lily Allen and her band already singing anf stomping their feet," commented the LA Times.

Thigh-high slits added sexiness to city skirts and sparkly tunics. Tweed jackets with sidestraps had sleeves and collars coated in feathery ruffles and there was short hourglass shaped dresses in classic black and cream, some with flirty lace insets.

Chanel's romp in the hay was a huge success. It made the collection more desirable and romantic. The backdrop only added to the beautiful made clothing and soft colours of cream, oatmeal and white. It brought forth a playful side of Chanel that proved to be just what we needed.

-Erin Jones

Milan Fashion Week

Today is the last day of Milan Fashion Week and there has been a strong emphasis on boudoir styles, which is a trademark of Italian fashion.

Once again we travel back in time into your grandma's closet where her old-school wardrobe is revamped and reintroduced.

Most of the styles shown at Milan Fashion Week have a old-fashioned feel to them. All the lace, knitting and cotton is straight out of the 1930's. Its old-fashion chic in its finest.

"Corset tops worn over a jeans bubble skirt, panties peeping out of a pair of short shorts and bra tops veiled in silk chiffon all combine to create a romantic rather than raunchy mood," commented Daniela Petroff for The Canadian Press.

That's right ladies, the corset is back!

-Erin Jones

Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun

Fashion Week is well under way in New York and the show that has everybody talking to Marc by Marc Jacobs.

It has definitely been the show to remember. The collection had a very 80's feel to it. The pieces were "bubblegum preppy," said Amy Diluna from NY Daily News. It had everything 80's from minidresses to jumpsuits and even the preppy schoolgirl sweaters.

Next spring is going to be full of excitement with Marc by Marc Jacobs. I can't wait to get my hands of a few items from this collection.

Hilary Alexander of The Telegrapgh commented on the show, "Bright florals, low-top sneakers, bow wraps in the hair and glitter-striped stretch belts cinching the waists of everything. The collection was a delightfully disarranged mix of High School Musical meets Clueless."

- Erin Jones

New York, New York

There is one week left before New York's most anticiapted event of the season. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, which is held September 10th - 17th, is the week where New York's fashion elite get dressed to the nines and become the envy of every girl who only longs to be invited to those shows.

The shows are a playground for designers, it's the place where their 6 months of hard work finally pays off. It's the week where everyone who is anyone in fashion comes out to bare witness to the Spring 2010 trends. The shows are held at Bryant Park and are easily identified by those glorious white tents.

I would love to be a fly on the wall inside those tents. I can only imagine how crazy it is backstage but at the same time how utterly fabulous it must be.

This years shows will feature designs from, Lacoste, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Phillip Lim, Ralph Lauren and many more. But this years show is also a special on, as it marks the start to iconic designer Betsey Johnson.

-Erin Jones