Fashion Radar: Shoulder Chains. Part Duex

Crystal Starr Knighton: Album cover photoshoot

Download her amazing album

Photography: Dylan Maddux

Make-up/hair: Daniel Chinchilla

Styling: Laurie B Style!

Date:  May 24th, 2009

What is this I see... Chained Shoulders?  Months before it starting hitting the fashion editorials....

Awesome.

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

ps... miss part one?  click here...

Links a la Mode!

The Happy Holidays Edition

Edited by Retrochick

Well, I suppose I shall start this weeks Links à la Mode with this:

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m sure visions of sugar plums are dancing in everyone’s heads as they trim the tree and sup mulled wine in preparation for tomorrows frivolities. All too soon it’ll all be over and brain power sapped from too many TV Christmas Specials you’ll be wanting some mental sustenance, and that’s where we come in.

Essentially that’s a long winded way of me saying that what follows are some lovely links to keep you busy over the Christmas period.

M.I.S.S and JeweleryWhore have D.IY ideas to keep your mind and body occupied, ID Style and Little Miss Make Up show you how to ramp up the glamour in your make up bag, whilst Daily Diva Dish and The Working Wardrobe will help you plan what to wear for New Years Eve and that dreaded day you return to work.

If you run out of entertainment here then you should always check out the full Links à la Mode thread for more yummy fashion goodness.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday and that Santa brings you everything you asked for!

Links à la Mode : December 24th

• Alice in Stilettos – Don’t Be Victimized By Fashion
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• DailyDivaDish – New Year’s Eve Fashion: Make an entrance without breaking the bank. Includes 2 looks + DIY ideas.
• Fashion X K8 – Bringing attention to an essay of literary criticism that provides the proper vocabulary with which we can converse about a new fashion paradigm.
• Fasshonaburu – An interview with Liu Wen, the first Asian model to strut her stuff on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show catwalk.
• Idiosyncratic Style – Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am – Indulge in a little glamour for the holidays.
• Jewelry Whore – HUGE Roundup of DIY Christmas Present Ideas! It’s not too late to make some fabulous jewelry for Christmas presents!
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – You’re only a couple clicks and a few stitches away from owning your own one-of-a-kind designer piece with free patterns from SHOWstudio
• La Société de Mode – A scream of an interview with stylist Brett Bailey
• Little Miss Makeup – Bold lips: This season’s hottest makeup trend.
• M.I.S.S. – Another simple yet attractive necklace by Pandora from Acessory Source in this week’s She’s Crafty.
• Previously Owned – To celebrate the [almost there] opening of the ONLINE store Previously Owned BLOG is giving away a Royal Blue hobo!
• Retro Chick – Vintage Hair Styling with Flamingo Amy
• Style on a String – Harem Pants: Yay or Nay? And some quick tips on how to buy and wear them.
• Sugar and spice and all things nice – 10 things I like…. no, LOVE… about FANTASY SHOPPING!!
• sweetarchivia – Review of the much anticipated launch of the Rodarte for Target line by the Mulleavy sisters.
• THE COVETED – Versace Pre-Fall returns to color
• The Demoiselles – Wing Tips: Your First Time…at the Tailor
• The Fashion Planner – The Fashion Planner is excited to announce the publication of The Fashion Planner’s Guide!
• The Style PA – I review the comfy, Cable Cosy by Isabella Oliver
• The Working Wardrobe – Learning the art of layering that is both fashion-forward and office-appropriate

Fashion Radar: Shoulder Chains.

Rihanna. (pic:fashionising.com)

Ah Rihanna, always a step ahead of the game.  Now that I have shoulder details on my fashion radar from before, I'm noticing the next evolution that is just grazing the fashion savvy and working its way towards the everyday fashion vernacular. As we've seen over the last couple seasons... with special thanks to Balmain, Michael Jackson, and now Rihanna, sharp shoulders have made their way back into our closets and are the "new" big idea in fashion.  An 80's revival of sorts.  Resonating back to the powersuits and shoulder padded jackets of yesteryear.  But this time, almost 20 years later, there is something shaper, sophisticated, futuristic and all powerful woman about our new shoulder details.   Most wearable being the plain sharp shoulder which has already trickled into into the mass market stores.   So after the Studded shoulder evolved out of the shape shoulder, what's the next update?  Shoulder chains.  Duh..  Just kidding. ( I can't expect you to know that! That's why you're here with me!)

And now that it is on my fashion radar, I've been noticing it in the most fashionable of places.  Would you rock the shoulder chain?  It's definitely an easier trend to grasp that the spike studs spawned by Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Adam Lambert.

Stay tuned for the follow up!  I'm brewing it as I type!

Fashionably yours,

Laurie  B

ps.. check out which stylin, stylist was ahead of this game...

(pic: style.com)

(Pic: becauseimadicted.com)

(Pic: Nitrolicious.com)

(pic: VMagazine.com)

(pic: fashionleaka.com)

(pics: outsapop.com)

Absolut(ely) Loving: Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsdale for Absolut.   (Pic:Trendnista.com)

Great way to start of the beginning of the week... with the mentions of Vodka.  Mmmm...delicious, tasty Vodka.  Actually it's Kate Beckinsale that is making my fashion taste buds salivate.  But on first sight, I never would have noticed her under the platinum blonde wig.  Well, Absolut Vodka has a new set of ads starring the absolutely stunning Kate Beckinsale.  Each ad personifies the delicious favorites of Absolut cocktails.   Here's the Absolut Tonic Twist (Mix 1 part Absolut, 3 parts tonic and garnish with a lime twist).  My personal favorite of all the ads, partially because vodka tonics are definitely a drink of choice. But what I love the most about this ad is the usage of color, saturation, graphics and details that takes the idea of Tonic Twist to the next level.   Also I adore the bright high contrast of Kate's super dark eyes and hot pink lips, against her very pale skin and matching hair.  Bottom line. It's Hot.   Wonder of those are American Apparel bandeau and tights...

Fashionably Yours,

Laurie B

Laurie B's Style: Rodarte for Target

Rodarte for Target hit the stores yesterday and I made sure I made it early to Target to snag some of the pieces I've been drooling over since the collection pictures were released.  While all the other bloggers, writers and fashion critics out there said that this collection looked "forever 21-y" at best...  I walked in not expected much.  And this goes to show... don't be a follower, fashion lovers!   Form your own opinions.  My expert fashion opinion? (And yes, I am a professional with almost a decade of fashion industry expertise...) While perhaps on the bow shoulder dress fit was a bit unusual,  I actually found the overall collection super cute and totally wearable. The denim was hot, the lace cardigans were not only chic looking they felt great on the skin, the silk cami's were like butter, the dresses were adorable and the chunky sweater was so yummy.  My purchases included: the tea cup blue dress that fit me like a dream, the mustard and black lace cardigans, the mustard with nude mesh skirt, and the denim jacket.  All great pieces and all fab additions to my growing wardrobe and repertoire of my continuing documentation of the Laurie B Style Files.

  So why wait to wear, right?  On the job last night, while styling the hot chick rock band Vanity Theft for their first LA show at the Viper Room, I rocked some of my new Rodarte for Target goodies.  A pretty bangin fashion confection if I do say so myself....  Frankly, I looked hot and I felt hot.  And feeling good is the best part. It's the best accessory.  All in all it was a fabulous outfit that ended my fabulous week and weekend.

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

  

The evolution of the white bandage body suit

From Frida to Jean Paul Gautlier to Rihanna to Bordelle's sexy lingerie.

I'm excited to announce that I am working with a new band!  The Broken Column.  They're badass, good looking, and their music just speaks to the rock n roll soul.  So I feel very blessed to help them style themselves as they build their music and artistic empire!  In doing some research, I uncovered something that if you've already seen my previous posts, has sparked my fashion interest.  The name The Broken Column was inspired by a Frida Kahlo painting... The Broken Column.  Is it possible that this painting sparked inspiration in our todays designers causing the fashion evolution of the white bandaged body suit?  From Frida Kahlo in the 1940s to Jean Paul Gaultier in 1990s to Rihanna in 2009 and now?  Bandaged lingerie can't stay on the shelves. Bordelle has designed the bandage corset dress and it is to die for!

 There is something so beautiful about tracing an idea back to a surprising beginning.  Wonder if there is something prior to Frida's painting?   All good fashion questions to ask and for now... to give me sweet fashion, always inspired dreams.

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

Laurie B's Style: Sunday Night Chic

It's blurry I know!  But it's my first attempt at a photo timed self portrait!  It has occurred to me that in order to catch a glimpse into my fashion madness I need to keep a record of my outstanding outfits.  And since I don't have a mini me ...yet...to follow me around and take really cool pictures... I am forced to improvise!  And not so bad for a first try!

Last evening I had a fashion predicament.  Going to a holiday party that is casual but then going to a birthday party at the Roger room. (side bar:  The Roger Room may be my new favorite bar!  Reminds me of NYC).  So what to wear?  How to look holiday festive, but not over done, and also still appropriate for a sunday night bar romp?   I started with my new black flat boots and black tights.  They were going to dress down anything I wore. And yes, I did tear a bunch out of my closet but end up settling and loving my newest fashion concoction.   Black crew neck sweater, Anna Sui for Target Red plaid skirt, Betsey johnson leopard belt, a tux jacket that I've had in my closet since 2005.   (It has outlasted the sands of time and I love the snake print lining!) and my chiffon floral necklace from Anthropologie.  I did top this off with a new NYC purchase from my trip last week,  but that is a surprise...so you'll have to wait and keep checking back in to see what sparkly item is my newest fashion staple....

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

AMAZING: Natalie Portman on the cover of Marie Claire Jan 2010 issue

pic: marieclaire.com

Great way to bring in the New Year huh?  Natalie Portman is rocking my world on the cover Marie Claire's January 2010 issue.   She's wearing a Lanvin Dress and David Yurman bangles and frankly, I'm just jealous! Forget the pink jacket!  Let's all chip in and spring for this Lanvin Dress? Okay? Done.

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

the actual Marie Claire cover...

The Lanvin gorgeousness from Resort 2010

Loving: Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2010 Collection

Pics from Elle News Blog

Somebody has been working overtime!  Oscar de la Renta sent down a subtly spanish inspired 49 peice collection down the runway for Pre-Fall 2010 presentations.  Like Resort, Pre-Fall is the time in between the big seasons.  It’s when the seasons are changing and you end up wearing half Spring, half Fall garb.  And as each year we as consumers are craving more and more newness in the stores, the designers have been feeling that fire and have stepped up their Resort and Pre-Fall presentations.  Well, Oscar de la Renta has officially raised the bar for the in between seasons to come. Most designers design smaller collections put into lookbooks and with only about  20 pieces each...with the exception of the always lavish Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel of course!  And since the last runways were only in September, that's gives a mere 2-3 months to produce a full collection.  Pretty incredible!  Brava! Oscar de la Renta!

Hanukkah starts tonight... anyone want to chip in and buy me the pink feathered coat?  It’s completely practical for Los Angeles weather and in my tall stature of 5’1, I will be the cutest and pinkest Ewok around...  What could be better than fashionably swimming in pink fluff? Right? 

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

See a Pre-Fall 2010 review of all the collections by your's truely...click here! 

Fashion mention by Mom: Sam Edelman "Dawson" studded flats

Sam Edelman "Dawson Studded flats at Bloomingdales

My mom knows me SO well.  I'll admit there was definitely a time where she said "black" and I yelled  "white".  She said "scoop neck" and I yelled "Vneck". And of course she said "medium length skirt" and I screamed "short".  But as I have really come into my fashion own, my mom and I are now on the same fashion page with my style.  Or at least she accepts what I prefer and understands my creative process for it all.  And with, that she's always looking out for me.   The shoes above were today's fashion mention by mom.   Thanks Mom!

Lo and behold, I just had written an article for Examiner.com about Turquoise being the "it" color for the Year 2010 and she was right on the mark.  White, "LA year round", T-strappy, gladiator style Sam Edelman Sandals with Gunmetal beads and turquoise stone accents.   Cool.   Buy those now?  Wear them during the LA Spring time: January and Feb.  Take that New Yorkers...

Time to get Spring shopping already!  Resort is already in the stores!

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

NYC: forever keeping a piece of my heart

Mott street with the Empire State Building in the cloudy distance

I love Fall in New York City.  The winter brisk air, the damp cobblestone streets, the last of the colored leaves, the farmers market, and the ever constant hustle and bustle of the sidewalks.  I just love it. Having lived there for 7 years, New York truly holds a piece of my heart.  And after this trip, I've realized that I need to start working on this bicoastal life....

This trip in particular I took as a real vacation.  And while I was in the fashion capital I made a point to shut down my fashion senses and just enjoy my surroundings, my city romping and of course my best friends.  Yes, I did some shopping.  I couldn't help it. But Instead of taking pictures of the fashion.  I took pictures of the nooks and crannies that make this city so beautiful in my eyes.

I hope you enjoy my Fall New York City photo montage.  I'll have to get some pictures from my friends because I do not have one picture of me. I didn't take one shameless self portrait!  Which is surprising because, if you know me... that's my thing...

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

Cheers!

New York City: where anything is possible.

Tomorrow I am leaving for a fabulous whirl wind trip to New York City to see my New York family. (read: my bestest bestie friends!!  Inside jokes will ensue and impromptu singing sessions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch are imminent.)

Last time I was in New York back in May 09 the most amazing, "never has happened to me before"experience commenced.  A friend and I arrived for dinner in the EXACT same outfit!  Both Jenn and I were wearing a Banana Republic printed, high waisted skirt, a white top, elongated necklace and a black cardigan (not seen in picture).   Hilarious!!  I love that this happened.   So I wonder on the eve of my next trip? Could this happen again?  Possibly. But probably not.  Just a fashionably fabulous, completely random occurrence and wonderful memory to share with you all.

Today I pack.  Tomorrow I fly. Tomorrow night I martini it up in the west village.  No driving means:  I'll have that second dirty martini please...   Working on some fabulous New York outfits to brave the cold weather in.    Stay tuned for my first of, I'm sure many, New York based Laurie B Style Files.

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

Fashion Radar: Studs. Tracing the trend back to Christian Louboutin for Rodarte Fall 2008 Collection

Alicia Keys looking edgy and dangerous thanks to the studs (pic: Concreteloop.com)

This 80s revival meets metal rock thorn stud trend is currently about to hit the tipping point.   About 2 years ago Rodarte's Fall 2008 runway collection debuted the most killer of shoes:  The thorny, strappy, platform.  Designed in collaboration with Christian Louboutin, this was the day the trend was revealed to the masses. And it took almost two years for it's trending cycle to expand, elaborate and hit the influencers of today. ie: Lauren Conrad, Rihanna, Adam Lambert and now Alicia Keys.   What does this mean?   It means that the tipping point is upon us and will we will now be seeing this trend hit the masses.  Shoes will be the most wearable and mark my words... you will now be seeing them everywhere.   But I imagine we'll be seeing the studded shoulders on jackets.  You know Zara is totally on top of this right now...   Regardless.  Sign me up!  I think it's cool and you've got to be one tough cookie to rock this look with the right confidence and a whole lot of feminine glam...

Please turn your fashion radars on.  And while you're observing this fashion idea.. I'm working on the next one to bring to you!

Fashionably yours,

Laurie B

Christian Louboutin for Rodarte Fall 2008 Runway 

Presented in February 08 (pic: Style.com)

Lauren Conrad in Aldo pump studded by stylist Britt Bardo

 (pic: wireimage)

Louise Golden for Topshop.  AW 2009 collection (pic: Refinery29.com)

Adam Lambert, For Your Entertainment music video

Adam Lambert portrait at the AMAs (pic: wireimage.com)

Rihanna portrait at the AMAs (pic: wireimage.com)

Rihanna at the R-Rated Album Release party (pic: wireimage.com)