Capris Trends Spring/Summer 2005

Despite the changes in fashion every year, capris will always be around for those uncomfortable with shorts but still want to look the season or just want something different. For clarity purpose, by capris, I mean 3/4 pants just below the knee, because otherwise it IS a bit confusing when pants come in all shapes and lengths these days. This season, the capris will still be around-but with a lot more attitude!

The absolute KEY to this season's capris is loose and stylishly tailored too. Like this white capris by Ralph Lauren and this orange striped capris by Marc Jacobs, both are loose but emaculately cut. The contrasting colored belts on each model serves to emphasize the slim waist despite all the looseness, giving it some shape. Also note how the Marc Jacobs capris are folded up to give it some layer and dimension.

Color and embellishment are also important. Color like this multicolored Cacharel capris. And embellishment like this Anna Sui capris with its heavily decorated charm belt.

For a more daring style, there is also the slimming but scruched up like this white one from D Squared 2. Or this loosely done but tight at the bottom capris by Emma Cook. When properly matched up, perhaps with something of a more street-like material like denim and heels, I am sure this won't look like a part of your pajamas.

Off the runway, this loose but very well tailored white capris by Robert Rodriguez is perfect. They are even folded up already!

Or these pink striped capris from Anthropologie, they too are folded. The pink also gives it a more feminine and ladylike quality.

Most importantly when wearing capris though is that unless you are a super model or are super tall, PLEASE don't wear capris with sneakers. They make you look short and stumpy. Pair them with heels to look glam or flats and sandals for a more casual look.

Royal Wedding: Charles and Camilla

First, congradulations to Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles!
OK, now back to important business- the oh so important wedding dress of course. Apparently, Camilla had six outfit fittings and 10 hat fittings, and a final dress rehearsal before settling on the final dress.

Hat by Philip Treacy

Outfit by Robinson Valentine. The color is described to be oyster, and the dress is soft. We think this is the perfect outfit for this wedding, and she looks beautiful.

The now Duchess of Cornwall has had many outfits made by the label, Robinson Valentine in the past five years, so they are familiar with dressing Camilla.
"It's very elegant. It definitely suits Mrs Parker Bowles and she feels relaxed in it. It's been quite easy because we've made clothes for [her] before and we know what suits her," said Valentine.

Label History of Robinson Valentine
Antonia Robinson and Anne Valentine met at a pattern cutting course in 1985 and established the label, Robinson Valentine in 1986. In 1990, they created their first collection, which consisted of 10 pieces. In 2002, they launched the first Robinson Valentine wedding dress collection. Now that they have designed a wedding dress for a ROYAL WEDDING, the label will be heading for a greater global presence.

Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson, also known as Summer from the OC, has always been shadowed by Mischa Barton both in and outside the show, character wise or fashion wise. But I think its time we paid some attention to this star. Character wise, I've always liked her better then Marissa because even though her family life is not perfect either, she does not whine about it like Marissa and do stupid things, but just takes it as it is. Fashion wise, I think she has a quirky and fun style, which not everyone might like. In fact, sometimes her style is on a very thin line between being a hit or a miss.


On screen she always looks gorgeous and feminine in a quirky sort of way. Like this beeeeautiful BCBG dress she wore to the Newport Magazine launching party. Or this lovely printed jacket she wore at the airport about to go to Sicily from Marciano by Guess. And one must not forget the red Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Blazer she wore when they were stuck in the mall. I LOVE the scruched up sleeves and the short cutting of it.




She looks just as gorgeous off screen, but in a more fun and quirky way that I think reflects her own personal style more. With her ripped jeans and layered clothing and bag, she reminds me of the typical LA celeb look so popular these days. That striped short blazer she wore over her long purple cami and jeans adds layers and pulls the outfit together to look casually chic. And the gorgeous billowing patterned skirt paired with a simple black top is definitely a hit-in a gypsy sort of way.



Although not ALL her outfits are a hit. Some are in fact on a fine line to becoming a miss. Like this white dress she wore to the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Or this printed dress she wore to the Teen Choice Awards 2004, although I do like her jacket. . and perhaps the dress is not ALL bad. Or this overly frilly black dress she wore to the 57th Annual Writers Guild Awards. What do YOU think? A HIT or a MISS?

Ps. In respect of the late Pope John Paul II, we will not be posting tomorrow.

Orla Kiely London Bags

While shopping in Urban Outfitters (yet again) yesterday, I noticed a few Orla Kiely bags. I haven't actually heard of Orla Kiely before, but I realised that I had actually seen them in posh department stores such as Selfridges, so I decided they must be worth investigating.

The Orla Kiely brand was born when Harrods first commissioned Orla Kiely to design a range of hats in 1993, right after her finale spot in her graduation catwalk. In 1994, the Orla Kiely range was presented in London Fashion Week for the first time, and in 1998, it was shown for the first time at Premiere Classe as part of Paris Fashion Week.

Part of Spring/Summer 2005 collection:

This is my favourite bag by this brand. I am definately considering to get it. Unfortunately, it costs 75 pounds.

This bag also comes in this lime green color and light blue.

The same bag but in a smaller print.

The bag if you notice more carefully, is a different shape and obviously different print. If you like more geometric prints, then this one is for you.

Orla Kiely bags are not only practical, but also colorful, happy and cute. It will definately lighten up a dull or too formal outfit. It is available at major posh department stores in many countries, so hopefully you will be able to find them!

C&C California

Below is an ad featuring 3 blonde models wearing literally the same thing in different colors. . . this is the C&C California ad.

I am sure all of you have heard of C&C California even if you don't live in the west coast, since its all over the fashion magazines and literally all over the nation. I don't understand WHY they are making such a big deal out of it and WHY they are charging such an outrageous price for something so ordinary and plain.

This classic tee is their signature item. And it is worth $46. I am speechless.

Granted they DO vary their products a bit besides the colors. Through tie-dying. . .

. . and widening the neckline. How fascinating.

The concept of C&C is to create the "Perfect Tee." It should be "easy and wearable, yet certain to exude a laid back appeal," and is especially designed to be layered and mixed. These tee's are certainly all those things stated above. But one can't help but think that this purpose can be similarly achieved with Gap tees, like this one here. This too is 100% cotton, plus it CAN be machine washed. That is an extra bonus. Who wants a plain ol' tee that has to be handwashed anyway?

The charm of C&C California obviously escapes me. . . . . .

Bag Trends Spring/Summer 2005: Retreat the Italian Way

No doubt the Italians know their fashion, and bags of course. With Miuccia Prada leading the league, she brings the world fashion on a 24/7 holiday this season. Follow her fabulous designs and other fellow Italian designs to travel around the world!

THE IT bag from Miu Miu this season: Geometric-Print Pin Satchel, as featured in ALL major fashion magazines.

Miuccia sings 'Under the Sea' with you with this Prada Canvas Sea Print Tote. Fantasitc to carry holiday stuff, like swimsuit and sunscreen.

Have a sophisticated picnic in the countryside with Prada's Straw Frame Bag. It's one of the best straw bags this season.

Another fantasically practical and stylish Prada bag, the Drawstring Handbag. I've held this bag in real life, and believe me, it radiates youth and Prada.

Speaking of Italian, one must not forget Gucci. This monogram backpack is perfect for the rich and famous to err... take on hikes and bring on road trips.

The D&G Printed Shoulder Bag is perfect for all the party girls who need to look tanned and gorgeous at celeb holiday spots like Miami and the Bahamas.

For the ladies who are less active and enjoy dinner parties and looking pretty in some exotic country, this Missoni Embroidered Handbag will look great on you.

After looking at these fantastic handbags, I'm sure you can notice that the dominant colors are white, yellow and orange. So go buy yourself a fabulous holiday bag to spend your summer with!

Spike-a-delic!

In honor of the tenth anniversary of the Andy Warhol Museum, leading designers, artists and celebrities have done sketches of shoes which is being auctioned of on ebay NOW! All proceeds will go to the Warhol’s educational exhibitions and programs fund. Participating designers include some of our favourite people like Manolo Blahnik, Nicole Miller and Ferragamo!!


Andy Warhol himself had a lifetime obsession with shoes, as you can see in this art work of his (which I actually studied last quarter) called "Diamond Dust Shoes" done in the 1980's. This is one of my favourite works by him, just because it seems to say shoes, shoes and more shoes to me.

Here are some of our favourite shoe sketches . . .


Ah the simple sexy red heels. I especially love that it contrasts with the black background. This is done by Paloma Picasso, the daughter of the oh-so-famous Picasso and the designer of the Paloma Picasso jewelry collection at Tiffany's.

And this one by Narciso Rodrigruez is SO professional that I feel like I am peeking into the process of shoe making!



But my absolute absolute absolute favourite, has got to be these printed oh-so-cool funky heels done by our favourite shoe maker of all-Manolo Blahnik. These are so cool that they are apparently not on sale on ebay, but will be auctioned lived at the Spike-a-delic gala fundraiser on April 9. So feast you eyes now!

FINALLY, art we can appreciate and love.