10.31.2010

The Other Anna [Anna Dello Russo]

As you may have noticed, Shameless Swagger has upgraded to "Lifestyles of the Rich & Shameless." The brand is growing, and I needed a title that was more universal and more accurately represented the content. To kick things off, we have a styling lesson from the always shameless fashion editor of Vogue Nippon. Watch this video at your own risk. I'd recommend hiding any sharp objects because Ms. Anna Dello Russo will make you hate your life. She is shamelessness personified!



Don't forget to update your bookmarks and favorites! And if you want more Anna, check out her blog.

10.21.2010

Fall Trend [Furry Feet]

Fur continues to dominate the fall season and no accessory is taboo. While fur-lined boots have long been on the runway, pumps and sandals with fur details are one of the biggest trends to emerge this season. And designers aren't just sticking to the usual suspects like shearling and rabbit; they're also using goat hair and mongolian fur. I have one caveat: stay away from water! 
Lanvin python pump with Mongolian fur trim

10.19.2010

Good Girl Gone Bad [Willow Smith's Whip My Hair]

The music videos just keep on coming. Next up is Willow Smith with her highly anticipated debut video for "Whip My Hair." The clip was directed by Ray Kay (Lady GaGa, Justin Beiber) and has the nine-year-old disrupting a boring, bland school and transforming it into a colorful dance off. The comparisons to Rihanna are unavoidable but Willow's team did a great job of creating something tough and edgy, but still young and playful. But after all this hair whipping, Willow and all her dancers are sure to need some physical therapy. It will likely all be worth it once those iTunes checks start coming in. Class dismissed!

Throw It in the BAG [Fall Trends]

Fall is officially here so it's time to put those transitional items away and breakout the full fledged fall gear. This season's big bag trend is texture. Most designers stuck to classic shapes and created timeless, functional pieces, but they spiced things up by incorporating tweed, crocodile and fur in their designs. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!


Derek Lam

LBD [Alexander Wang]

This week's little black dress is brought to you by Alexander Wang. The young designer is well known for creating sporty, yet sexy and modern pieces worn by the likes of Rihanna and Solange. This draped number is too casual for black tie, but it's perfect for a fun night out on the town. I love the combination of loose shapes with a fitted corset. A pair of stand out booties and earrings will complete the look. 

10.17.2010

The Last Girl on Earth [Rihanna's Only Girl]

Video director Anthony Mandler creates a visually mesmerizing landscape for pop princess Rihanna's latest video, "Only Girl (in the World)" off her upcoming album LOUD. The Stargate produced track showcases Rihanna sounding better than ever over a pulsing Euro-pop beat. It's very reminiscent of "Don't Stop the Music" but with much stronger and polished vocals. Rihanna's made her career off of being a fashion plate and for her new project, it looks like she's softening the hard edges of her look (and sound) and opting for something more flirty and fun. The set-ups in the video are simple, but very dramatic, mostly due to all the lush, vivid colors. Overall, I think it's a great song and video. I'm not usually a fan, but she has my attention this time around.

Rock Star 101 [Burberry Prorsum Men's Spring 2011]

Christopher Bailey sends his soldiers on leave from military service and they are headed straight to the race track, decked out in biker jackets, motocross leather pants, and studded belts. They haven't completely forgotten their civic duty thanks to the leather epaulets and military shirts. The studded sandals, however, are all play and no work. Enjoy


Ayo Technology

Carry your laptop around in style with one of these designer cases from Net-a-porter.com. From a practical padded version by Fendi,  to the ultra luxe crocodile cover by Nancy Gonzalez, there's one for every taste and price point. Enjoy!

10.12.2010

Back to Basics [Ciara's Gimme Dat]

I'm not a huge Ciara fan but I do like this song and the video doesn't disappoint. "Gimme Dat", the latest single from her forthcoming album, Basic Instinct, is a fast-paced hip-hop meets techno hybrid, much like the single "Work" from her last album. I guess since the music is so similar, that naturally the visuals would be the similar also, especially since Melina Matsoukas (Rihanna's "Hard", Beyoncé's "Diva") directed both videos. The treatment must have looked nutz on paper though; all that dancing at the beginning makes no sense, but it sure does look good. Ci-Ci played to her strengths and as usual, her body is ridiculous and the choreography is phenomenal. The styling is OK, but it felt like she was trying too hard and I could have done without all the theatrics and sound effects towards the end. I was done when the sprinkler went off, but the first three minutes before the water were pretty dope. Check it out!

10.11.2010

Paris, Tokyo [Philippe Tournaire]

Fashion and architecture collide at Parisian jeweler Philippe Tournaire with a collection of rings featuring mini-replicas of homes, citadels and cities. Here is a small sample of his work. For more click here. Enjoy!




10.10.2010

Let's Play Dress Up [Fall Fashion]

Fall Weekends in NY

For a casual fall weekend look, a chunky knit sweater is perfect. It's comfortable and warm but still stylish. Pair it with skinny jeans, a bold scarf to add drama, a rustic cocktail ring and high-heel boots to give the look a polished effect. A militant trench and worn leather bag will finish the look perfectly.

Promiscuous Girl [Balmain Spring 2011]

Christophe Decarnin takes biker chic to a whole new level with his spring collection for Balmain. Gone are the ultra luxurious brocades and leopard prints from fall. In their place, Decarnin has fashioned a "Trash & Vaudeville" collection complete with hole ridden t-shirts, denim cutoffs, bleached cropped jeans, and biker jackets, all generously embellished with studs and safety pins. The house seems to be working the military trend to the bone, and this season the look is guerilla warfare. Surprisingly (and unfortunately), there wasn't a single dress, neither mini nor maxi, on the runway, and this rugged and tattered look is hardly new territory for Christophe Decarnin (see spring 2010), both of which made for an especially redundant collection. Even the shoes were mere subtle updates to the boots and pumps from 2 seasons ago. Repetition aside, my favorite moments were the pair of white unembellished blazers as well as a pair of black embellished ones. See below.

10.05.2010

Duffle Bag Boy [Trussardi 1911]

For those long weekend trips out of town or getaways to tropical locales, the duffle is the perfect bag. Avoid checking big luggage pieces and bypass the long lines, so that you can embark on your vacation sans delay with this classic bag by Trussardi 1911.  I'd tell you where to buy, but I'm debating if I should cop.




The Day The Earth Stood Still [Alexander McQueen Spring 2011]

Sarah Burton adds Taxidermist to her extensive resume creating a beautiful and ethereal collection featuring realistic leaf, wheat, feather, and moth motifs. Her fresh, yet continued use of  house classics (bold shoulders, full skirts, extensive embroidery) is a testament to how rich McQueen's legacy is, especially considering the house's youth. The models donned pale faces and long braids (that were actually a basket weave pattern), and there was much less emphasis on accessories than in past seasons. My one qualm: the shoes. The booties seemed too industrial and technical for such a "naturalist" collection. The shoes aside... Long Live McQueen!


LBD [La Petite S]

This ruched and ruffled dress will be an instant stunner at any cocktail event. It's bold enough to steal the spotlight, but subtle enough to avoid being obnoxious. I'd recommend changing the belt; this one is much too sporty. Also, the ruffle detail adds bulk, so this dress is best suited for slim hips. Finish the look with bold earrings, a small lacquered clutch, and, of course, sky high pumps.