Whirlwind Week

After a week full of castings and fittings, Ali walked in 14 Paris shows and 1 in Milan:

Prada
Isabel Marant
Undercover
Balenciaga
Dries Van Noten
Givenchy
Barbara Bui
Celine
Chanel
Rue du Mail
Kenzo
Chloé
Nina Ricci
Miu Miu
and Louis Vuitton

Check out her photos at style.com and elle.com! More to come (including some travel photos) soon!

Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks

I am in Europe for the Spring/Summer 2008 fashion shows with my family, because my sister, Elite model Ali Stephens, walked for Prada and we are now in Paris! More to come on my European travels... including my (first ever) visits to H&M and Zara, fabulous French cuisine, the Champs Elyssés, and counterfeit Gucci.

Jovovich-Hawk Hits the Bullseye

Maddie Jayne's got the latest on Target's Go International line... and it's turning out to be quite pretty. The retail giant has nabbed the cool girls of Jovovich-Hawk to collaborate for a slew of sweet dresses and pretty shirts for a collection following Erin Fetherston's turn. Would you wear it?

Sweet Sneaks

I am not a sneaker girl. I adore flats, especially if they are made with red patent leather and make me feel like a chic French girl. However, after seeing model Ali Michael's shoot in the September issue of Teen Vogue, in which she wore a cream pair of Converse All-Stars, and managed to still look feminine, I decided to give the shoes a try. I found these crackled copper All-Stars on the company's website for $86.99, and they ended up at about $101 with tax and shipping. I love them. They add just the right amount of tomboy cool to any outfit... definitely a change for the lover of ballet slippers.

Photo: converse.com

MJ's Behati: The New Stam?

A new Marc by Marc Jacobs tote bearing the name 'Lovely Behati' begs the question: Was it named after easygoing model Behati Prinsloo? Several designers have named bags after famous fans, celebrities, and model friends. The 'Stam' bag by Marc Jacobs has become a major hit, and was named after supermodel Jessica Stam. More of a school tote than a status symbol, the 'Lovely Behati' bag is found at nordstrom.com for $458.

Gap's European Adventure

I know I've expressed my love for the Gap, but I'm even more in love after viewing their European Collection. Classic, pretty, and unmistakably chic, they have imported some of their European designs in slightly more luxurious fabrics... cotton-cashmere blend anyone?

Photos: gap.com

Urban Outfitters bag? Soooo MJ

This fall, quilted bags continue their reign as one of the season's best accessories, updated in sleek patent leather. Marc Jacobs and Chanel, as well as several other designers, continue to make quilted bags that are coveted by the fashion set. But at prices upwards of $1000, they can be hard to get your hands on. It was with a sigh of relief that I found this adorable, yet sophisticated, quilted tote at Urban Outfitters' website for $38. It comes in four shades: ivory flat, periwinkle blue, potent grey, and patent berry; my favorites being the patents (grey and berry). The colors are a little deceiving (my berry one turned out to be more purple), but I like it all the same. And if tote bags aren't for you, check out the quilted barrel bag ($48) or the Gabrielle quilted clutch ($18).

Photo: No. 252 Diamond Quilted Tote at urbanoutfitters.com

September Fashion Mags Arrive

The best issue of the year for fashion magazines, September, is finally on newsstands. Vogue's cover features British trendsetter Sienna Miller, Harper's Bazaar has a smiling Kate Hudson, supermodel Sasha Pivovarova wears a pink gown on the cover of the U.K. Vogue, and Lindsay Lohan takes over Elle. For many of the issues (included Bazaar and Vogue) it's the biggest issue ever, and for Vogue that's huge (over 800 pages). Although you have to flip through endless ads, the magazines save the best articles and features for the major fall fashion issues, making the nuisance of getting to the actual magazine features all the better.

Hairspray!

Yesterday I saw "Hairspray" (the movie), and oh my goodness, it is fabulous! It was also incredibly hilarious, which I was not expecting. During "Without Love" I was crying and literally shaking with laughter. It was way better than I was expecting it to be... and I expected it to be great! To top off all the comedy and amazing music, the actors were all perfectly chosen. I can't imagine anyone else playing any of the parts. Four stars!

Doo.Ri for $6.97

Yesterday I was shopping at Gap (one of my favorite retail chains), when my mom pulled a familiar looking shirt out of the sale racks. I rushed over, practically hyperventilating, because she had found one of the limited edition CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund shirts by designer (and eventual winner of the award) Doo-Ri Chung. It was on sale for $6.97!!!! (after originally being sold for $68) The designer shirts were nearly sold out in one day on gap.com... which was disappointing, as I loved every one of the Rodarte shirts. The updated classics were also featured on the May 2007 cover of American Vogue, which was the World's Next Top Models issue and my personal favorite of all the Vogues I've ever read. (The one my mom bought was worn by fashion darling Agyness Deyn on the cover and is worn by Liya Kebede on the far left in the photo on the left) Needless to say, my mom scored a serious deal with that purchase.

Shirts by Thakoon Panichgul...

Gorgeous creations by the Mulleavy sisters, who design Rodarte

Photos: dexigner.com

Leather Jacket

I love the style of model's backstage or on the street, where they incorporate all the little tricks they've learned into their style. There are a few basics that they continually wear: skinny jeans, sophisticated flats, grandpa cardigans, lightweight tees... and then there's the perpetually cool leather jacket. I have fruitlessly searched for one on the cheap side, to no avail. At $656 this S.W.O.R.D. jacket at shopbop.com is hardly a bargain, but it should suffice for those who don't wake up for $10,000 a day.

Model Irina Lazareanu with Lily Donaldson, looking chic in her black leather bomber

Elena Melnik goes for contrast, pairing her edgy jacket with a sweet frock

Gemma Ward, backstage at Lanvin, goes for the unexpected, wearing her jacket with leggings and a pop of red

Also backstage at Lanvin, Daria Werbowy, the queen of model-tomboy style, holds on to her bomber while wearing a loose tee and chain necklace

A slew of models (Carmen Kass, Lily Donaldson, Freja Beha Erichsen, and Irina Lazareanu) pal around backstage at Karl Lagerfeld while showing off their unique takes on wearing the leather jacket.

Photos: shopbop.com, style.com

More Trousers!

This photo was part of the heavily advertised campaign for the boyfriend trouser... I just love the nonchalance required to wear them!
Nina Ricci's 2007/2008 resort collection featured a pair of tailored khakis...
For fall, Proenza Schouler showed several pairs of dark, baggy trousers.
Supermodel Caroline Trentini shows off her khakis backstage. Fabulous!

1st Photo: Gap campaign ad
All other photos: style.com

Boyfriend Trouser

I saw the Gap ads for the boyfriend trouser and I immediately loved the pants. After waiting for months for them to go down in price, they got lowered to $19.99 on gap.com and I just couldn't resist. After getting them, they are even better than I imagined! Wide-Leg jeans and trousers had a significant presence on Fall 2007 runways, too. The Gap version is a great casual alternative to the versions above, and can easily take you from summer dressing and into fall.

Surf Spray

I recently heard about Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray being a fabulous hair texturizer. I decided to give the product a try, so I went to a local salon and bought it for $20. I was a little hesitant to spend so much money on it, but after using it, I love it! It contains sea salt and other ocean-derived ingredients to achieve the "just back from the beach" look.

Photo: lilysapothecary.com

Libertine for Target

Yesterday I went to Target and checked out the Libertine line, which was the most anticipated one (for me) behind Proenza Schouler. Much to my dismay, the cardigan lacked pizazz, the embroidered shorts weren't too special, and the scralled blouse was a little off. And even worse, the blazer that got me so excited was ill fitting. Nothing shouted, "You must buy me!" (unless I had unlimited funds, and if I did, I would have bought the shorts, sweater, and the blouse) Fortunately, I have no regrets that I didn't buy anything, which is much better than buyer's remorse.

Statement Heels

Fall shoes are edging onto higher ground as platform heels continue to reign. It is with open arms that fashion editors and stylists alike are welcoming the more decorative styles that can stand alone as statement making accessories. Although I prefer flats to heels any day, I am fond of quite a few of the ones shown here. (Above, the lego-look at Balenciaga)

Quilted heels at Chanel...
Studded at Burberry...
Prada's bejeweled statement...

Alberta Ferretti 's heels...
At Miu Miu...
Nina Ricci's ballet look

Photos: style.com

Ombre

The fall collections featured several looks with ombre, an effect that resembles shading as one color blends into another. Most notably found at Louis Vuitton and Prada (where it was incorporated into everything from bags to shoes to skirts), the look can be either subtle (as seen in the Alberta Ferretti dress, below) or attention-seeking (as in Prada's heels).

A Prada bag with the shading effect...
Autumn's "it" shoe: Prada ombre heels...
More fabulous ombre at Prada...

Alberta Ferretti's ombre dress...

Marc Jacobs' approach at Louis Vuitton...
One of my favorite looks of the Louis Vuitton show, complete with ombre skirt...
From green to tan, ombre takes an unusual (but beautiful) turn on a Prada skirt

Photos: style.com

Fire and Black Tulips

I know I'm a little obsessed with nail color, but my new favorite colors are worth obsessing over. The first is Fire by Chanel, a fabulous bright red. The second is Yves Saint Laurent's No. 34, Black Tulip. The YSL color is a deep, dark purple that is perfect for those who love the look of black nails, but want a new alternative for fall. Two coats of each polish delivers great results; the Chanel color lasted one week and the YSL lasted about 5 days with few chips.

Must-Have Summer Makeup

The new Bobbi Brown Stonewashed Nudes Eye Palette is a favorite with beauty editors and customers alike. The shimmery shadows, as well as the matte ones, create a light smokey eye effect. Perfect for those who prefer not to venture towards the classic smokey eye or want a pretty daytime option. Find it online at nordstrom for $50.

Photo: nordstrom.com

Chanel Sneaks

I officially love these Chanel sneakers! They are so chic! I saw this photo of Elisha Cuthbert (of "24" fame) wearing them while shopping with Paris Hilton, and the shoes were too cool not to share.

The Nanny Diaries

I can't wait to see this movie!

Absolutely Brilliant

I just saw the latest Harry Potter movie (Order of the Phoenix) and I was incredibly impressed. Since first reading the books in fourth grade, I've practically been obsessed. I was so glad to see that the film did justice to the book... the fifth book is my favorite and the movie was fabulous! I know I saw it a week after release, but I loved it! Definitely one of my new favorite movies... and I really enjoyed the maturing acting by the lead characters! Job very well done!

Emma Watson... the new face of Chanel?

It has been widely speculated that Emma Watson, also known as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, will be the new model for Chanel's ads. The seventeen-year-old actress wore Chanel to nearly every movie premiere for the new Potter film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, as well as to several interviews and parties. A good pairing? Absolutely! Chanel is known for being classy, elegant, and poised. These are rare qualities for a young starlet, but Watson has embodied these traits through her stardom... making her perfect for the job!

Photos: At the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix London Premiere (left) wearing Chanel, and at a gala in London (right) wearing Chanel Haute Couture

Le Magnetique...magnifique?

I just found out that beauty giant Lancome is launching a new nail polish called Le Magnetique. What's so special about it? Using the magnetic strip on the front, you can create a starburst design in the shimmery shade. Check it out starting September 1st; see pics of it at alllaqueredup.blogspot.com

New Nanette Lepore for Keds

As I was perusing the Keds website, I found that Nanette Lepore will continue her collaboration with the classic stylish sneaker company with some fun flats for fall. The use of dark satin and velvet makes them perfect for autumn's somber hues, and the shimmery, glittering designs make them even better. I especially love the ad campaign (starring Mischa Barton and handsome rugby players) at Oxford University. Find them online at keds.com starting in August!

Photo: nanettelepore.com

Eliza Magazine

The Salt Lake Tribune had an article in the Business section that profiled one-time Ford model (and member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints) Summer Bellessa's new magazine, Eliza. It was created for young women hoping to dress modestly but still remain fashionable. Find it at a Lolabella boutique near you!

Proenza Schouler at nordstrom.com

Proenza Schouler arrived at nordstrom.com in the Designer Collections today. Although I am far from being able to afford their beautiful clothing for fall, I can't get over their fabulous fall collection. Check it out at style.com, or if you can spend over $3000 on the outfit at right, visit nordstrom.com!

Photo: nordstrom.com

Erin Fetherston for Target

Okay, I know I'm a little obsessed with designer collaborations, but I just love high fashion at a low price! Next up on the Go International for Target roster? Erin Fetherston, whose floaty frocks and clouds of chiffon conjure sweet images of cotton candy and unicorns. I had a peek at the images on Target's online pressroom, and there are enough hearts to satisfy Cupid until Valentine's Day in 2017. Some specific pieces, however, would look great if paired with other items that aren't quite as frothy and, well, fluffy (which adequately describes a dress printed with bunnies). The collection will be available sometime around December, but until then, take a look at the adorable Libertine collection, available July 15th, and the sophisticated looks by Alice Temperley, available September 15th.

Photo: Erin Fetherston's Fall 2007 collection at style.com/Marcio Madeira

Models and More at the Shows

Vlada Roslyakova, backstage at Armani, takes a snack break. (Armani images: style.com/Greg Kessler)
Flavia De Oliviera, Olga Sherer, and Inguna Butane pose backstage at Armani.
At Armani, Flavia De Oliviera goes for the tomboy look.
A model backstage at Armani.

Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman at Dior. (Dior images: style.com, courtesy of imaxtree.com/Fabio Boraso)
Backstage at Dior, Mariacarla Boscono pairs a skull-printed tee with a blazer.

Kasia Struss backstage at Givenchy. (Photo: style.com, courtesy of imaxtree.com/Fabio Boraso)
Chanel Iman looking lovely backstage at Gaultier. (Gaultier images: style.com, courtesy of imaxtree.com/Fabio Boraso)
Milagros Schmoll looking cool in her biker jacket at Gaultier.
Linda Vojtova getting prepped at Gaultier.
At Gaultier, one model looking chic in her menswear and skinny jeans.