2011: A Thing of Beauty?

"Beauty May Be Skin Deep, but Ugly is to the Bone."


I don't know who said it, but as I have gotten older, I find it rings more true. This December is known for being the month that celebrates the ultimate expression of beauty: art, in all its forms. From ELLE's December issue devoted to art ranging from architects, artists, fashion, and acting, to the BAFTA Awards earlier this month, the limits of art were paraded and strewn about at a time of year where beauty surfaces and itself is constantly being contested in terms of meaning.


"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"


Kids jingle belling, carolers, and giving it seems have been replaced with parking lot fiascoes, rudeness, and anger. The most wonderful and what we associate as the most beautiful time of the year, the Christmas/Hanukkah season , seems to be getting uglier and uglier. It was only after reading Umberto Eco's just released On Ugliness, documenting the history of beauty and ugliness in art and society, did I myself begin to wonder about the term beauty, its level of subjectivity and what encompasses it.




When scientists try to 'truthify' beauty they place empirical borders on it such as symmetry and proportion. According to these standards Brad Pitt may be the most beautiful person in the world, and well, many probably wouldn't contest that. However, if we found out Brad Pitt beat Angelina, would that make him less beautiful, possibly even, dare I say, ugly?





"There is No Ugliness in Nature"


Then again, Marcus Aurelius contended that there was only beauty in nature because it was created in the image of its maker. That's an equalizer! I do believe there is no ugliness in nature, until humans intervene and try to play God. That is what happened to Adam and Eve and now why we find ourselves limited in brain capacity. We aren't meant to know all or be all, but many of us try to, this is where materialism and the ego go hungry and get fed, by money, greed, vanity, and well the rest of the deadly sins. This is what I see happening everyday as people compete for the biggest and best presents to give one another during the holiday season, and honestly, it's quite sad. However, this loathing and ugliness, which won Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now praise on Oprah, is not limited, but rather simply exacerbated by this time of year. The ego creates this ugliness that creeps into society and is displayed in the elements of the sensory eye: art, fashion, and therefore limits and at the same time obscures the meaning of beauty.

Perfection in the Imperfections

What Aurelius was really getting at when he said the thing about nature not being ugly, was that God was perfect, and since all of nature, including humanity was created in His image, it too was inherently perfect and as such, beautiful. We have come to associate perfection for beauty, and our computer-like minds always attempt to quantify everything, including these two synonymous terms.

Empirical research has yielded the mathematical formula that our perceptions seem to match. However, it can't account for the beauty we see with our hearts, like the perfect child who suffers from down syndrome or the child born without an arm. They are still perfect and beautiful not in the sense of the eye, but in the sense of the heart. And 2011 looking back was a year full of that kind of beauty, perhaps the truest form, and what God intended for us to see it with. Unfortunately, ego and vanity still got in the way of seeing the real inherent beauty and perfection in what is, and many kids were lost to suicides this year. Luckily, Gaga who fights for the LGBT community and wears gender bending garbs, alongside Adele whose voice is bigger than just her frame, have shown us that beauty starts within. Our hope for 2012 is that this trend continues and that 2012 yields more of these truly beautiful people. But what do we even mean by "truly beautiful?" We mean, people, untouched or airbrushed that do genuinely good and natural things because they want to and they want us to, too. We here at Chasing Pumas resolve this year to see beauty not with our eyes, but with the tool God intended it to be seen, our hearts and we hope you do too.

Happy New Year Pumas!

xoxo,
Pina and the chasing pumas family

The Nerd Heard

A Trend is Worn

Justin Bieber re-awakens a trend

Since Justin Bieber arrived on the scene, it seems haircuts have grown longer, pants have gone South, and even eye-wear has seen a shift. What was once considered social suicide has now replaced sunglasses as the fashion staple. Rather than throwing some shades on, Demi Moore and Selena Gomez alike have been spotted sporting black, thick-rimmed, eyeglasses. The idea started a year or so back, and since the 'Biebs' burst onto the scene, it has only spread like wildfire. Who would have ever thought boys would make passes at girls that wear glasses? Well, we decided to find out so we sent our chief blogger out on assignment to investigate this trend. After testing it out for about a month, we have compiled the pros and cons of this trend, and will reveal which outweighs the other.

*the following is GiusepPina, the chief blogger's, experience in her own words.

Geek C'Est Chic?

I already knew I was a nerd, and I embraced it. If my affinity for classics, poetry, or Calculus and engineering in college hadn't solidified that, my SAT scores and 4.7 gpa certainly could have. So when I first caught sight of the 'Biebs' and the clones his haircut and eye wear spawned, I, like any good nerd, asked first and foremost who was the Biebs, and why should I care? The truth was I didn't, and so I kept myself ingrained in my true passion: writing, reading, and a little bit of arithmetic, oh, and fashion. It was when the world of geek collided with the world of chic that I paid attention, and I must admit i thought we were headed for a fashion utopia. The Scors working it in his glasses

Thick-rimmed eyeglasses are nothing new. I mean the Scors (Martin Scorsese), sports them alongside some thick brows since he started decades ago. So why now? Why would these things once considered to mark a poverty level on the social status scale suddenly re-emerge as the symbol for first-class style? This was an assignment I willingly took on. In fact, I suggested it, and well, after picking my own brain and pair, I think I have some answers.

Getting My Glasses


I made my way into a local mall and headed straight for any teeny bopper trend store within a tenth of a mile radius. These included Hot Topic, H&M, and tween accessory heaven, Claire's, which ended up being where I made my first eye wear purchase. I must say I thought my first purchase would come from the optometrist's office, but Claire's would do (especially since I have had almost perfect 20/20 vision my whole life and never worn a pair before). Claire's was great because they offered a wide selection at affordable prices, and on top of that the lenses were all false.

Pina having fun trying on glasses

After trying on frame after frame, I finally found the square, black, thick-rimmed ones that fit my face and my mantra: geek c'est chic. I knew they were the ones because the instant I put them I didn't feel invisible. Sounds contradictory, right? Glasses are often the first marker of invisibility. Ho can you have a marker for invisibility anyway? Somehow society created one, and it includes braces, braids, and the holy grail: glasses. They are supposed to make features less noticeable and their patrons less attractive. I didn't feel that way though. I felt like Clark Kent right before he puts on the suit with the big "S." I was always smart, but now I felt more attractively intelligent. People would look at me differently, like they could trust in my opinion, seek my advice, and follow my wisdom, and guess what? They did.


The Perks of Being A Wallflower

Over the next few weeks, I received compliment after compliment not just from men, tweens, or old folks, but from attractive heterosexual men and women (or I could have been seeing things askew with the new glasses?), either way I got unsolicited feedback, and this time it was positive. People would not only stop to ask where I purchased them, but they were more polite, attentive, and empathetic towards me. They would open doors, ask me to watch their goods while they used the restroom, and tended to call me "sweetie," "honey," and "doll face" more than I think I have ever heard in my 22 years. I was getting attention, good attention, for doing absolutely nothing, but looking ridiculous. Between my Italian bushy brows lied two more bushy frames, and somehow people wanted to know me.

Without saying a word, I sat in Barnes and Noble typing this post, and at least 2 people approached me to ask if I were a stylist or fashion blogger. I had done this same task week after week, and the only thing I had ever heard prior was "Are you using this chair?" Oh, and occasionally, there was the, "Where did you purchase that notebook? It's so cute!" Now people automatically assumed I had knowledge or skill worth sharing. They wanted to try on my glasses, and find out more about the woman wearing them. (I think it helped that I look 16, too.) Yet, most astonishing to me was that I felt better about myself. How could something I and society had always associated negatively or as an invisibility cloak, have the opposite effect? I went from invisible to visible know-it-all. I have to say it felt good, and didn't look too shabby, either.

In addition to the attention, I also saw some facial pros. The shades acted as sunglasses that could be worn without the sun, and the thick rims masked my under-eye circles. They also gave me a more balanced profile, as they hid the bump on my nose I inherited from my Italian roots. I have to say the only con was that they didn't help my eyesight, but I didn't need it anyway, and if I did, I could have easily ordered them from the eye doctor.

All in all, It never felt so good or chic to be a nerd. Where as before I would have to whip out my College Board report to prove my knowledge, it was known. In a way, I guess Justin Bieber is partially to thank. So thank you Justin. I find myself no longer on assignment and still wanting to wear the glasses. They have become as necessary to me as underwear, and yes, I am still one of the few that still wear underwear (you heard that Britney?). And, if Tyra's recent Tweet, pictured above, sporting them is any indication, they won't be going anywhere soon. For the first time I can proudly say I am a member of the nerd herd, but this herd is now being both seen and heard.

Friend the Trend

If you think you have the face and wallet to pull these shades off, they can be purchased in your local mall at Claire's, Hot Topic, or Zumiez. You can also get prescription ones by Gucci, Prada, and Vuitton from your local optometrist. However, we warn you: they are going fast and many are on back-order. So, the only question left to be answered is by you. Will you join the trend or spell its end? If you can spell, that is ;) .

For now, happy hunting!

**Above photos courtesy of Twitter and Google**

A Night in Shining AMAr

Taylor Swift dazzles in gold Reem Acra

Last night's AMA's had its winners and losers, but the one common genre perhaps most evident on the carpet was metal, as in metallic. This is not only a genre of music, but the fashion theme of the whole evening. From Taylor Swift's sparkly gold Reem Acra gown that matched her AMA award for performer of the year to Jennifer Hudson's shiny mini, the stars were truly inspired to shine. So who shined the brightest and who was losing their luster?

J. Hud may have worn a shorter dress, but it didn't stop her shine

Shining Selena

J. Lo may have tried relentlessly to recapture the fashion title in her nude sparkly skin-suit and tight barely there numbers, but the look for her was nothing new. (In fact, it was a bit uncomfortable as a viewer to watch, from the over-the-top moves to hair extensions and ass-shakes, it seemed almost a desperate attempt by J.Lo to prove "Look at me, I've still got it." We know J. Lo, your ass didn't go anywhere, but up.) What was new was the sexy, demure look sported by a grown up Disney Starlet: Selena Gomez.

Arriving in a 1920s themed Rolls Royce with beau and fellow megastar Justin Bieber at her side (who sweetly carried her train), this 20 year old singer proved she is no longer a "Wizard" in training and officially a woman, and a stylish one at that.

Selena debuted a side swept wave with red lips and a satin pewter Armani plunging gown to match. She was every inch the star, but for others the same could not be said.


Falling Stars

While Selena nabbed our vote for best dressed hands down in her timeless, but not too sexy Armani number, stars like Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson didn't get the memo.

Christina may have gained a few, but she didn't have to let us know in her white ill-fitted Herve Leger dress.


Kelly Clarkson, who we usually adore, broke away from her roots and tried to take on the one and only Jessica Rabbit with a red cocktail number adorned in Neil Lane Jewelry. However, it came off a bit too costumed and both women fell short.

We don't like to be negative, so let's end this one on a positive note: there's always the Grammy's ladies...right?

*Photos courtesy of gossipcenter.com and justjared.buzznet.com. For more photos check them out!

Victoria Has More Secrets To Share

...And she shared (most of) them last night in NYC at the holy grail of all lingerie fashion shows. Yes, we are talking about the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. It is crazy to think that this creative tour-de-force that remains the highest viewed televised show is upon us once again already. Some of us are still recovering from the wings of last year, and had us wondering how could it be topped? The answer: of course it could.

Was there ever any doubt? This year's show featured not only Kanye, Minaj, and Jay, alongside Maroon 5, but the clothes, or lack thereof, spoke for themselves.

The Wings Have Landed

Miranda Kerr rocked the runway in a 2.5 million dollar bra just months after giving birth, while Adriana Lima who had gone on a 12 hour fast right before, sported a neon "incredible" superhero suit, looking every inch incredible as the below photo indicates.

Rising supermodel, 19 year-old Karlie Kloss, received her wings for the first time as she debuted on the VS stage in thigh-high gold boots (also pictured above). The themes included "Club Pink," "Ballet," "I Put a Spell on You," and "Super Angels."

What really stole the show however, were the 30 lb. diamond and Swarovski encrusted peacock angel wings Alessandra Ambrosio had to pump iron for weeks in advance just to keep from toppling over in when she wore them. The wings (pictured above) were not only a load to carry, but make. They took over seven years to make and cost close to millions! But, with a whopping $12 million dollar budget this year, the biggest ever, that wasn't much of a problem.

Some Secrets VS Unwilling to Share?

While the show had the usual bras and wings, beauties and curves, what was missing was not just Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and those lips (she said she was "filming that day"), but the holiday essence of the show. Are we the only ones that remember the first CBS televised VS Fashion HOLIDAY special, where Tyra, Heidi, Gisele, and Naomi, the original supermodels, cascaded down a snow-lined runway as toy soldiers, Mrs. Claus, and even Christmas ornaments?

The OG: Alessandro at the '05 show

Less and Less of a "Holiday Special"

It seems as years and shows passed, the fashion show has become less of an inauguration to the holidays just as Black Friday is regarded, and more of just a fashion show broadcast on CBS (at 10 p.m. the 29th of November this year, the earliest yet). This leaves us wondering why all the holidays were taken out of the show? Were religious groups protesting? According to ratings, the majority weren't.


We are just saying each year it seems the "holiday special" has become: 1-no longer a "holiday," and 2- less and less "special." Do you agree or have any clue why?



*photos courtesy of google.com, justjared.buzznet, and gossipcenter.com

The Color Conundrum

The Million Dollar Question

Every time a new season approaches so do people approach us, with perhaps the biggest fashion question of them all. It is the question that serves as the ultimate foundation for what every man and woman will buy, wear, and adorn even their fingernails in. The question is, "What is the 'it' color for the season going to be?" The answer is strewn across every runway from NY to Milan, and we have gathered all the top pieces from the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week as well as the latest shows in London and Milan to bring you what are forecasted to be the biggest colors for the upcoming seasons beyond just this Fall.

Fall Foliage

Our last post on Fall fashion pointed out that this season is all about going green. This means getting back to roots and mother nature. Earthy tones like brown, military green, and crimson are always on point as Miu Miu showed earlier this year. However, beyond just earthy tones and this season, fashion week has left room for the other colors of the rainbow to shine in 2012.

Red, white, and Black?

Talk about a twist on American patriotism! The iconic American designer, Ralph Lauren, littered the runway with black, white, and red at Fashion Week like the one directly above, setting off a color trend followed by Fendi, who took on a mod metallic theme. With these colors, re-emerges the hounds-tooth pattern that we see almost every Fall. Not everyone followed Ralph's suit though. Then again, who can?

Taste the Rainbow

While some shows like Rag and Bone were exclusive when it came to color palette, many hitting the Fashion Week catwalk have been inclusive, taking us beyond this season into the spring/summer of the year ahead.Dolce & Gabbana kept it as colorful as their Italian culture, adorning the models in eclectic caftans and floral patterns that left little to the imagination, like the one above. While Fall may be all about earthy tones, this pair of designers set themselves apart, showing that beyond Fall and Winter, when it comes to the "it" color for the new year ahead, anything goes.

Pastels by Prada

Prada sets off a pastel trend

The next few seasons will be all about sea-foam if Prada's "desperate housewives" themed show was any indication. Preen and Gucci were also in agreement, showcasing pieces of baby blue and sea-foam that are on the fast track to being the top two "it" colors of 2012.

If your color conundrum remains as such, well, we send our condolences to your wardrobe. We, on the other hand, will be keeping our pinstripe pencil skirts on hand for Fall, and holding onto our vintage sea-foam ballet flats (that we once considered selling) for Spring.

The Biggest Emmy Winner of Them All

A Recount

So, yesterday we made our picks for what we then "saw" as the best dressed of this year's Emmy Awards. (Saw being the operative word) Our top pick was Sofia Vergara. However, since we placed our votes and were exposed to a certain up-and-coming TV actress on a certain TV show, we would like to ask for a recount, and seeing as we have that power, we will grant it.

Marilyn Versus Audrey

Audrey Hepburn in the dress she and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Made Famous

While Sofia was a modern Marilyn and still rightfully a best dressed finalist, due to unfair advantages (a.k.a.extended media coverage of her dress), we have had to reconsider and cast our vote for the true belle of the ball, who didn't give in to the red trend, which we were getting sick of seeing. While Sofia pulled off red the best and Marilyn, this woman pulled off another fashion and beauty icon of the same decade. This icon is Audrey Hepburn and a certain almost missed actress brought back this classic icon's sophisticated and timeless style, but updated it with her own twist. Drum-roll please...




And the Winner Is...



Lena Headey in Alessandra Rich stands out from the red trend

None other than "Game of Thrones" rising star and Audrey look-alike, Lena Headey. The brunette beauty with eyes of steel was ravishing and daring in a bold, black, long-sleeved, belted gown by Alessandra Rich. She gets our vote not only because she broke from the red pack and trend, but set her own with the cut of her dress. The long sleeves channeled old Hollywood and royalty bringing to mind Kate Middleton's recent nuptials. Sleeves in lace and simplicity are a huge trend this Fall.

From the color to the cut, her posh, tousled bob, and back nails, the look was close to being too goth,which is why we initially hesitated to give it our vote. However, it was the dress and the added pop of hot pink Brian Atwood shoes, which is right on trend, that made the look original and cutting edge, eventually sealing our vote.


Lena Headey re-captured the sophistication of old Hollywood with her Audrey Hepburn- style dress, but re-vamped it with bold colored accessories. This little known actress is rising faster than this summer's hemlines. Not only is she hot and on a hot show, but she has shown at this year's Emmy's, that she is a style star and trendsetter to watch. We will be watching because judging from the red carpet, we like what we see.

Emmy Fashion

Our Top Three Emmy Looks

Katie Holmes breaks from the pack in a cobalt CK

Gwyneth goes back to black in Pucci

Ravishing in red: Our winner Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang

Ladies in Red

Lea Michele rocks red in Marchesa

Despite the trend towards shimmery this season, which we did see on last night's Emmy red carpet, the carpet wasn't the only thing that was red. The red trend seen at last year's Oscars was kept alive by Lea Michele's stunning red backless Marchesa, Nina Dobrev's couture strapless number, and our personal favorite, Sofia Vergara's one-of-a-kind curve hugging Vera Wang. These ladies may have matched the carpet, but they were far from blending in. While Miss Michele kept it simple and sophisticated with a simple front, the back of the dress was a cowl neck, exposing just enough skin without looking inappropriate. The best dressed of the evening however, was the Colombian knockout Miss Vergara, in a Vera Wang number designed especially for her. A one-shoulder, stretch silhouette accentuated her hourglass and the fire-engine red only added to her hotness.

A Close Second

Jayma Mays rocked the blush tones

The other trend was a return to sparkle and blush tones. Some people who rocked this trend included Sofia's "Smurfs" co-star, actress Jayma Mays, and TV's Eva La Rue. Kristen Wigg rocked the brown trend in a silk Zac Posen, and Katie Holmes and Gwyneth Paltrow tied for second in a cobalt Calvin Klein and Black lace Emilio Pucci, respectively.

The Take Away

From red to black, the take away from the evening was a return to monochromatic and simplicity in pattern. Rather than drench themselves in accessories and feathers or crazy patterns, the Emmy nominees and presenters played it safe, and we like that feeling. The actors like winner Guy Pearce, stuck to simple tuxedos and ties. Actresses like Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood in a simple black Elie Saab proved that the allure of Old Hollywood is far from old.

Advantage + Vinatage = "Advintage"

In fact, what's old became new again, and lucky for them, the vintage appeal made it hard to choose a worst dressed. We are looking forward now to the Oscars and hope that vintage remains to what we like to call, their "advintage."

*All photos courtesy of people.com. For more info on the real winners and losers, check out the upcoming issue of People, which will be out this week.

Lazy Days of Summer Ahead

A Year Ahead

I know what you are thinking. It's too early to talk spring/summer when we are just getting ready to head into fall, but fashion waits for no one. In fact, fashion always has to be one heel ahead. We are referring to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC, which is just kicking off the international September extravaganza.

Lazy Days Will Be Here Before You Know It

While it is early on, from what we have seen so far it seems like spring/summer 2012 will be a lazy one. If Helmut Lang and Rag and Bone's Spring 2012 RTW shows proved anything, it would be that the sport trend we have seen re-emerge earlier this year will return next summer even lazier.

Rags and Bones

Rag and Bone's take on the sport trend

This was the sentiment felt by Rag and Bone's Spring 2012 RTW show that debuted this weekend. We mean that in a good way. If that can be taken in a good way? Anyway, while it had a bit more color to it when compared to Helmut Lang, the look was simple in terms of color and pattern.

The look overall was layered with swimsuits under sheer cover-ups and baggy pants with color-blocked stripes down the side that dressed down the look, like the one in the photo above. Both designers maintained a trend of the coming fall season throughout, which is mod, shown through the simple cuts and colors.

All in a Day's Work


Helmut Lang's looks were very similar to Rag and Bone's

As for Helmut Lang, the palette was strictly black and white, with a few areas of grey in between. Parachute pants paired with crop tops similar to sports bras and high heels showed that going from day to night is a matter of accessorizing and not changing your entire ensemble. Some of our favorites from the show are featured above.

The patterns were missing for the most part, and the message was as simple as it appeared: hold onto your gym bag because it will come in handy next summer. Just make sure you wash it before then!

*All photos above courtesy of style.com.

P.S.-We are super excited to find more themes from coming shows and share them with you so stay tuned, please!

XOXO

PEACE AND LUV,

CHASING PUMAS

FNO: Iconos Jolie

We were inspired by this year's international Fashion's Night Out (Sept. 8-9) to create a polyvore set of our favorite fashion icon and source of fashion inspiration, Angelina Jolie. Not only does she have a new film coming out soon, but this month's Vanity Fair cover girl is also an activist, mother, peacemaker, UN Ambassador, and considered one of the most beautiful and powerful women in the world.

Her inner and outer beauty combined with this Fall's "return to roots" motif led us to piece together velour, burgundy, gold, and maroon preview pieces from the latest Ralph Lauren and McQueen collections. Together, they call to mind the Spanish conquistador within and highlight the sex appeal of this icon. Angelina Jolie is a classic beauty and an elegant, timeless icon that we hope to catch wearing this Spanish passionate, sexy, lover trend on Fashion's Night Out. Who is your favorite fashion icon that inspires you to get your fashion on in honor of Fashion's Night Out?

*Set courtesy of Polyvore. For more info and details on how to obtain pieces found in the set check out below or Polyvore.com.

iconos jolie by levacasa featuring gold clip earrings

Alexander McQueen shoes
$1,645 - couture.zappos.com

Elie Saab woven leather handbag
$899 - boutique1.com

Chanel gold clip earrings
atelier-mayer.com

Dior Vernis 'Fall 2011' Nail Lacquer Massai Red 853 One Size
$22 - nordstrom.com

Viva La Vintage

The latest trend in fashion in the midst of a flailing economy is vintage. It's recession-proof and the pieces are already proven to last the test of time and trend. The hottest vintage pieces for the coming season will be fur and large, heavy handbags. However, shopping for that leather Chanel handbag or those Gucci heels is easier said than done, and not every vintage piece is created equal. Here are some tips when venturing out for vintage:

1. Venture past the corner. Local consignment shops may not always do the trick when it comes to classic vintage finds. Guess heels or Abercrombie sweats from last season are not exactly a gold rush, and usually that is what you'll find at your local place. Instead, try venturing outside your comfort zone. Get a map of NY, the hottest spot for vintage, grab a friend, and spend the whole day visiting shops in Soho and elsewhere to find true one-of-a-kind items.

2. Think outside the box. You may not be able to find a current trend such as a fur vest, but that doesn't mean you can't make one. If the coat fits, consider ripping the sleeves off to make it a vest. Add on an orange leather belt, and you have taken a 70s trend and made it applicable to today.

3. When in doubt, web it out. If you can't find what you are looking for in an actual store, considering visiting online sites, such as eBay, or even searching "vintage" on google. Nasty gal, and us trendy are some great online shops as well that feature vintage pieces at reasonable prices.

4. Never Look Back. It's kind of ironic when you think about it, because something vintage is essentially something from the past, but when it comes to buying vintage, you always have to shop a season ahead of what you want. When you shop let's say, in Fall for summer looks, you are almost always guaranteed to find more of what you want.

5. Lastly, it's quality not quantity. So, you didn't grab a whole ensemble or season's worth of wardrobes? When it comes to vintage, it's not about the quantity, but the wear and tear of what you've found. You want to find a piece that you can hand down for generations. You want something that lasts. Check the items you find for fatal flaws like a broken heel or deep rips and stains. Some can be removed, others cannot. That being said, this rule also applies to the shops you visit. The better shops are not necessarily the largest. In fact, some of the best shops are small, and are located in pricier neighborhoods. One great shop for example, is Green Street, located on Nassau Street in Princeton, NJ.

Always remember, if you aren't having fun, it's not worth the time, and Viva La Vintage!

Fall Fashion Forecast: Fall for Foliage

The "It" Colors in General

When it comes to the coming Fall season and fashion trends, the colors to think of are inspired by mother earth and its fall foliage. That includes military green, crimson, orange, mustard, cobalt blue, and the biggest fore-casted color of all: brown. This Fall, 70s retro vibes will be the rage when it comes to clothes, and all shades of brown, ranging from beige to deep brown will be the fall back color.

Ralph Lauren's take on the Lady in Red as photographed above.

Painting with the Palette

Once you've figured out the palette it's time to get painting with it. Fashion is art after all, and this season's art is based off the earth and the western environmental movement. For the working woman, A Burberry trench in khaki, a red Dior wide-leg pantsuit, and brown velour scrunch boots will have you office and fashion ready. However, the blue boom sparked by Princess Kate's engagement ring isn't going anywhere as the photo below from Phillip Lim's Fall 2011 RTW show proved, and is great for an accessory or added pop of color, just add to that list power red.

If you are a single lady working towards the weekend, large orange circular shades, a Balmain jacket in military green, and dark jean wide-leg bell bottoms will have you ready to go.

For the business man, a brown Halston turtleneck paired with some velour straight pants, a leather or suede vest, and square tipped dress shoes will have you ready for the job.

For a more casual look in the men's department, think leather. A motorcycle jacket with fur lining, a plaid shirt, baggy jeans, and combat or construction boots tie the look together and keep you warm to boot.

It's All in the Wrist

If you really want proof that Fall foliage is the color palette for Autumn 2011, look no further than the wrist, in particular, the hands attached to those wrists. No, don' jut scour for hygiene or dirt, check the fingertips for the shades of polish. The must-have polish of the season is often a clear indicator of that season's palette. Here are a few tips we are feeling for Fall:

1. Just as nude heels elongate the legs, so does a simple nude nail polish. The look is classic, clean, and appropriate for work. This classic shade never goes out of style or flattery.

2. Essie and OPI are releasing new crimson-brown shades like the one above that are sure to be the rage this season.

3. And, if you want to be different when it comes to your nails, make the crackle rage sensation a thing of the past and try a reverse manicure in brown and nude or brown and gold.

4. Finally, metallics are not going anywhere. Instead, Sally Hansen and Dior are adding new bronze metallic shades and some sparkly greys to the mix this season.

All in All, It's a Draw

All in all, the theme for Autumn 2011 is a return to nature and roots. These roots are a cross between the dusty and dirty browns of the west and the imperial and regal reds of the east. In a clash of the titans, the common bond throughout is a connection and foundation in mother earth. Like God said, honor your mother. Lucky for you, fashion is just one of the ways.

*All photos featured courtesy of style.com and google. For more info, check out style.com.

VMA Review

The Fashion

The carpet at this year's Video Music Awards brought less than we expected in terms of trends. The major trend was color and metallic. There were a few buns both literally and figuratively between Selena Gomez's higher up-do to Beyonce's low set bun. They were also the stunners as Beyonce wore an orange caftan, and Selena Gomez had several couture costume changes.

There were the extremes such as Gaga dressed as "Jo Calderone" and Miss Minaj in a stuffed animal, cone get-up. All in all, the stars literally dazzled in some bizarre get-ups and we kind of expected that from a show all about artists. It wasn't so much the fashion that set the trends this year as it was the show itself.

The Show and the Performers

This year's show had no host. Instead, the stars were almost birthed out of an alien-shaped cone. It was bizarre to say the least. Katy Perry won an award for "E.T." with Kanye and even joked when he came to share the award on stage saying, "I think this is where you interrupt me." We all know what she was referring to here.

Gaga opened the show as her alter ego " Jo" a N.Y. man who rambled on into a five minute monologue that sounded more drug inspired than theatre. Then she proceeded to blast off "You and I," during which she took a tumble.

The performances of the night however went to Adele who showed true talent and even drew a few tears from Britney Spears.

The ultimate show-stopper and belly-popper was Beyonce who announced her pregnancy on stage, well, not exactly announced. Instead, she opened her costume to reveal a baby bump.

Each year the show seems to be less about the music and even fashion, but more of a mockery. This year it was a bunch of performers trying to do performance. At some point we felt like we were watching the Tony Awards on a Comedy Central Roast. Maybe there shouldn't be a next year. Thoughts?

A K-Doll Ties the K-Not

Kim Kardashian, I am sure you heard, took the plunge this weekend. She finally made it legal with Kris Humphries. However, it wasn't the marriage part that we were interested in. It was the fashion.

Doing it In Style

Mrs. Kardashian-Humphries, who appropriately kept the "dash" in her last name, made her way down the aisle in her one-of-a-kind design by her go-to designer, Vera Wang. While the diamond drop headband was trendsetting when it came to the couture gown, this usual trendsetter was a trend ender when it came to the rest of the look.

A Fashion Flop

While Kim's diamond headband is sure to set off a new wedding trend, that is where the setting end. Although full gown photos won't be seen until People magazine hits newsstands August 26, the preliminary glimpses show a poofy tulle and lace gown with a strapless cut bodice. The strapless cut was nothing new and not entirely flattering to the curvaceous star who is top heavy. The tulle bodice usually adds pounds to the hip area, but she managed, and the cut looked more like a prom gown than wedding dress. The design was nothing new, but the glow the bride wore was.

The makeup was okay, and the low-set bun was a little blah for our taste. Luckily, the starlet switched into two body hugging reception gowns that were breathtaking. All in all, of course she looked gorgeous, but we just feel that the dress didn't do the beauty justice.

A Fairy Tale Ending

In the end, it's all about the fairy tale and the smile on Kim's face as seen above by US Weekly showed that no matter our opinion, she still felt and looked like one. That's all that matters, and we respect the black and white theme and the blushing bride enough to end the fashion commentary here.

The wedding, which took place around 6:37 pacific time, mandated that all guests, including her godmother Kathie Lee, and Eva Longoria wear black or white and included favors adorned in the same colors. From heart-shaped Krispy Kremes to scarves inscribed with the wedding date, the party was far from a disappointment. Not only did it have celebs like Mario Lopez tweeting compliments and well-wishes, but it had a few on the dance floor into Sunday morning.

While the bride's look may have been classic and cliche, the feeling it left everyone with was original. We wish the newlyweds the best and the brightest as they begin their new life together. No honeymoon reports yet! We are sure however, that their own reality show is just around the corner. The four hour wedding special starts to air on E! in October. For now, this affair is To Be Continued...

TCA All the Way

These Teens Are Growing Up

From Ashley Greene's couture and sleek black and white pairing to Emma Stone's Christian Dior dress of the same colors, last night's Teen Choice Awards proved that when it comes to style, these teens are growing up. So, who rocked it and who socked it?

The Hits
Some of our favorites from last night's awards included Taylor Swift's sophisticated, but somewhat safe white Rafael Cennamo dress. Taylor wasn't the only teen that dressed sophisticated and sleek. Selena Gomez wowed in a gold Erin Fetherson mini and Rachel Bilson lived up to her unique fashion icon status by pairing a white Chloe mini with bold nude heels. Maggie Q kept it simple and chic in an all white pencil skirt and ruffled blouse by Max Mara, and Cat Deeley showed she's a true fashion blogger in an on trend teal lace mini by Matthew Williamson. While these were all hits in our opinion, they also made it a tough choice to pick a winner.

And The Winner is...

It was a close call, but we had to choose Kim Kardashian's Fall (trend alert!) forecasting black and white feathered ensemble as the winner. From the chic chignon to the figure accentuating black feathered mini and white halter, this soon-to-be-bride proved she'll be walking down the aisle in style. Not to be outdone the always stylish and daring Kat Graham of "Vampire Diaries" tied for most daring and fashion forward with her fringe, white mini by J. Mendel. While most would have passed on this daring mini, Kat stayed true to her on-the-edge style and we think she rocked it. Her fashion confidence gets our vote of confidence as well.

The men didn't disappoint either. Taylor Lautner's laid back leather ensemble got our vote for best dressed male. It wasn't all a win-win situation however when it came to the fashions. In fact, it seemed a night full of curious reversals, as the adults in attendance like Kourtney Kardashian pulled a Cher and tried to turn back time. Some, like Kourtney in an electric blue mini did succeed, others...not so much.

The Losers

We hate to use that word, but Tyra's leather Mugler ensemble and Fergie's neon yellow and black star-studded (literally) attempt as passing for teens were failures. While Tyra and Fergie were no surprises when it came to fashion misses, the usually stylish Zoe Saldana took a leap and fell when it came to her metallic Lanvin tube dress, which was just unflattering to her petite frame and hard to make out. Zooey Deschanel also was a miss in her matronly black and white flower dress by Miu Miu. Overall, it seems the teens dominated these awards, not just in surfboards, but in fashion as well, showing that maybe next year it'd be best if the adults stayed home.

Fit For A McQueen

"Burton Shines Bright"

Sticking to a clean color palette of black and white, Sarah Burton, lived up to the legend of her predecessor, Alexander McQueen. As poof, sparkle, and fur lined the runway of the FALL 2011 RTW Collection, the theme was grandiose, opulent, and bright. Reminiscent of Marie Antoinette with powdered dos and makeup, the show was as royal as its label, proving Sarah Burton is still fit for not just Princess Kate, but even more so for McQueen.

"Ice, Ice, Baby"

It was not just the white powder or fur lined gowns that brought to mind the Vanilla Ice tune, but rather the whole atmosphere created by the label. From the music to the whips and chains that adorned the solemn faced models, the show was icy from start to finish.

"PETA Beware"

While the show may have had fashion lovers and bloggers like us jumping for joy in the opulence of it all, the wealth and grandiosity of it all, also sent PETA up in arms. This may have been due to the fact that ones featured above on style.com, came drenched in fur lining. Even more, wolves at one point made their own debut on the runway. Even though it seemed they were treated well, when it comes to PETA who can tell?

PETA may be ready to brawl, but we are in love and entranced by the grandiosity of it all. In fact, the four featured photos up above are our favorite picks from the FALL 2011 RTW Collection. They are courtesy of Style.com. For more photos check out the site.