Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are is not just a #1 blockbuster, nor is it just a book. We have our own wild things in the fashion world. And where they are is HERE, and definitely in the NOW! It should come as no surprise to some of you that I adore animal prints. This trend seems to revive itself constantly, making it a classic. This season, its all about the leopard. Sure, zebra has had its moment, and still continues in some pieces today. But leopard is overpowering and shredding the zebra to pieces this fall!

Leopard print can be seen in clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, even furniture! I've gone through many leopard pieces over the years--sweaters, silk belted shirts, scarves, gloves, even leopard pants. Yes, my fashion friends, I had leopard pants. But at this very moment I am all about the (sometimes) subtle leopard detailing on, well, pretty much anything! But for sake of making a shorter entry, we'll focus on shoes. When looking for shoes this fall, try taking a risk and focus on booties. These are ankle-high boots with a great heel. They are very much having a well-deserved moment in fashion right now. Couple that up with some leopard detailing and you've got yourself a predator on the loose. My favorite are pictured here:

Christian Louboutin, Leopard Bootie: $975

Neiman Marcus

Nope, I didn't forget to add a decimal point in there. They are really $975. But, if you can find a very similar shoe, please go for it! These booties are great with opaque black tights and that perfect LBD. They provide the perfect detailing to make your all-black attire POP!

Here's a bit cheaper alternative.

Beverly Feldman, Chaos: $299

Zappos.com

Still a bootie. Still with leopard detailing. Still over $100. Ladies, there are alternatives under $100 out there. You just need to be willing to bargain hunt. TJ Maxx. Marshalls. Filene's Basement. Any discount retailer should have some options.

So get in touch with your inner wild thing...and happy hunting!

*xoCHMxo*

Balmain is the Name of the Game

This is what I'm talking about! Here's an excerpt from the Balmain runway show. Balmain hails from Paris, headed up by artistic director Christophe Decarnin. Decarnin knows how to keep the brand sharp and edgy, coupling that hard-core look with exquisite details providing a pristine example of the look I described a few posts back. Though, I obviously cannot afford this collection, I feel that Balmain defines a big part of my favorite style right now. That tough look with a touch of femininity by adding sequins and amazing detailing. This designer inspires me to pull looks together from my own CC (closet collection).

Balmain Runway Show

Extra tidbit: Balmain is the designer worn by Pink and Shakira when they wore the same dress to VMA's this year. (Check out the exact dress at about 00:36 in the video).

Also, check out those boots...to die for!


*xoCHMxo*

Feature W.O.W. Factor

Every week, look for a Feature Wear of the Week. We'll call it W.O.W. for short--and because you can create a serious wow factor with it! I will pull together a seamless look that you guys can most likely create at home. Since its fall, you can have a lot of fun with this--fall clothes are the greatest and the most versatile!

Let's start with the top. This year it has become much easier to find the basics. For the top, we're going to go for a basic, white, long-sleeve tee. The tee should be almost a tunic length. It is OK for it to have a bit of a slouch, boyfriend-type fit. But if you are going for this type of fit, just make sure the arms are tight so it doesn't look like you just put on your boyfriend's actual shirt. This type of fit is very much hot this year. Get the neck in a scoop or v-neck--not crewneck. If you want to go the more designer route, James Perse has great (amazingly soft) tees for around $75. Cheaper route? I'm sure you can dig one up at Forever 21.

As for the lower half of this look, let's go with dark jeans. SUPER dark. These are the most flattering and should be in everyone's closet collection! Choose a leg that has a trouser, almost bell-flair fit--tighter on upper leg, then much wider nearing the bottom. Smooth pockets work best with this look, due to the longer tee coming over the pockets. You don't want those flap pockets poking through your tee making you look like you've got some extra oomph going on down there.

To top this look off, pair a very fitted leather jacket over the tee. The tee should be longer than the jacket. Slip a long, one strand necklace over your head for simplicity. Then pair some amazing heels with the look to pull it all together.

Lastly, wear it with confidence and make 'em go W.O.W.!

*xoCHMxo*

Fellow Fashionistas, Listen Up!

Ever feel like it would be so fantastically efficient to have apparel suggestions emailed to you daily based on your personal preference? Not only that, but to have these items be on sale??

Gals, let me introduce you to LuxGoddess.com, a neat little website that has gathered clothing and accessories from almost every designer you could ever think of (and from over 80 stores!), and has discounted the price for its members. The greatest part is that there is no cost to be a member! Just a quick little email sign-up. It even gets better, your emails can be customized for the website to pull apparel, not only by your preference, but also by your size! So every email you get will be clothes in YOUR size...no more clicking on the picture only to realize that there are no more size Small left. The emails can be sent daily, weekly, monthly, however you want. I, of course, chose daily!

Extra tidbit: There's over 30,000 sale items...

Get busy!

Now I'm off to a photoshoot! Stay tuned for another update tomorrow!

*xoCHMxo*

Pack your Bags at Saks!

This Friday must be the day for deals! And the weekendJust for being wonderful readers, I have unearthed a coupon for all you who love Saks. This coupon is for 25% off and WILL work at Off Saks at Opry Mills. It will work until closing on Sunday. So print it out, head to your nearest Saks, and pack those shopping bags to get the greatest deals!

Saks Coupon

You can thank me by rockin' your latest and greatest buy from Saks with great pride! So get busy shopping!

*xoCHMxo*

Tory Burch for CHEAP!

Tory Burch, one of my favorite designers, is having a GREAT sale today. Its private, but guess who has the link...

http://www.toryburchprivatesale.com/index.aspx

Go here quick! Items are flying off the shelf because this private sale does not happen very often!

*xoCHMxo*

Riding Off into the Sunset

I am going absolutely ga-ga for riding boots this fall. They are not just for riding horses anymore, ladies. I have a pair of black Franco Sarto's and a pair of black Tory Burch, both from last fall; but I feel that I have truly reached riding boot bonanza with my new Frye (style: Dorado Riding) boots. Seriously, they make me sigh outloud in an undeniable state of bliss when I pull them on.

The riding boot is more or less defined as a flat boot (no heel or not much of one, anyway) that comes up to your knee. It can be pull-on or zip-up, depending on the style. Riding boots generally have more of an ovalish toe (no points here in riding boot territory). Think of all those Ralph Lauren ads I'm sure you've seen dozens of times. That man knows true riding boot style.

I'm literally in love with mine--especially for their endless versatility. They are a fabulous staple in anyone's closet. Take a ridic riding boot and couple them with a great sweater dress (with or without tights). I'm envisioning a hiphugging dress that has bell sleeves and a cowl-neck, hitting just right above the knee so you can show off your perfect shoes. Or dress-up a pair of super skinny jeans with the boots and a chunky sweater. If you're going slim on bottom it is so complimentary to choose a baggier, slouchier fitting top.

Frye Dorado Riding boots found on zappos.com. But check with Steve Madden for their styles-- SM usually does a great job in recreating great looks for an affordable price!

Happy Riding!

*xoCHMxo*

Skinny is Not Just for Minnies...

As anyone that is even only somewhat up on their fashion knows, skinny is in! You see skinny jeans and leggings everywhere for the girls. But skinny is now not just for women...it has embraced its male clientele!!

I'm lucky enough to have met my fashion equal in a male: my boyfriend. Though he says I didn't meet my equal, I created him. I strongly beg to differ. He has impeccable style. And he knows for a fact what I'm about to tell you.


Skinny, or slim-fit suits, are all the rage for the guys this fall. They provide such a clean, smooth silhouette that you men should jump on this flattering shape! The slimness takes away all that extra baggage of inches of fabric that is just not necessary. Walk into a room full of execs in those relaxed suits, and I guarantee you will be bringing down the house! Every guy will wonder just how you look so put-together. Neat. Clean. Flawless perfection.

If you are feeling extra daring, PLEASE jazz it up with a bowtie. On a guy, there is nothing that exudes more confidence than that clean suit tied up with a bowtie nice and neat like a present for your leading lady! LOVE IT! If you don't want to go the bowtie route, you can always go with a normal tie, but punch it up with a pocket square (the accessory that matches or compliments your tie, but goes in the side pocket of your suit). You will be to die for!

Keep in mind that a suit is an investment. You want it to look amazing. C'mon, you'll be wearing it while hopinig to close those big deals. So don't settle for the cheap suits, unless you are certain it is made of fabulous fabric. And believe me, there are some of those out there! You just have to know where to look. But even then, still expect to pay at least $200.


So fellas, push those relaxed suits and baggy fits to the BACK of the closet for when the fashion world chooses to raise these looks from the grave...if ever.


*xoCHMxo*

Leather & Suede...Tricks of the Trade

For my first report for Firing the Passion for Fashion, and hopefully for the next few, I'll be talking about Fall/Winter 2009-10 looks. This fall it seems like it is all about shutting it down with channeling your inner-biker girl and glamming it up to create the perfect combo of Glam Rocker. You'll be seeing tons of leather this season--from jackets to vests, and leggings to pants. There will be fringe, grommets, zippers, and tons of black!

Today, we're talking leather & suede...and wearing and pairing it right! Leather leggings were HOT on the runway for Fall Collections. So I have channeled my inner fashion fairies to take looks right off the pages of magazines and use contents of my closet to re-create the look. I just so happened to have some faux leather leggings. Amazing. I bought them last fall, as it seems I always tend to buy pieces right before they become key components for the very next season. I think its embedded in my genes...my mother has great fashion sense.

You'd be amazed at how flattering leather leggings can be; but make sure to buy them in the correct size...if you get them too tight they will pull and create creases that will bring attention to places you don't want, and if you get them too large, you will be in a constant battle of pulling the things up (as the fauxleather that these leggings are made from tends to stretch). I would recommend you buy the ones that go all the way down to your ankle. They are more suited for colder weather. I mean, seriously, would you wear capris in cold weather? You can find a pair of faux leather leggings at American Apparel for around $45. Or if you want to save some extra cash, keep checking at discount retailers like TJ Maxx for probably around $15-20!

For the next component of this look, let's talk about shoes! Leather leggings are awesome paired with gladiator heels or short, ankle-high booties. Find yourself a pair of suede booties and you will be to die for in your new look! I am crazy-in-love for leather and suede paired together!! For an extra biker glam oomph, find a bootie that has a fabulous extra detail. Mine have wrap-around ties. But you could go for zippers, bows, or side cut-outs. My suede booties are Nine West...so they are extra affordable!!

*xoCHMxo*

The Budding of a Fashion Idea...

After completing my MBA at the end of August, I have found myself on the job hunt. And in this economy, and as any of my fellow unemployed friends know, job hunting can be a very monotonous task that seems to never give hope...never have a substantial ending. But I'm really crossing my fingers that I will land a job soon!!

Though valuing an awesome education and trying to fulfill career dreams is a big part of me, there's also a side of me that has a burning desire for fashion. But being currently unemployed also means having zero spending money. No spending money equals ME not being able to fund this need to have all the key pieces to create all these looks that the fashion fairies create in my head. SO, I'm using this blog as my creative outlet. So, we'll see where this goes. Hopefully, I'll detail looks for less, key pieces for the season, and maybe I'll even pull looks from my head to write out to give you guys some ideas too!

*xoCHMxo*