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Men’s velvet is by no means a new trend; it has been a fabric of choice for the most fashion forward gents for some time now. And yet so many still opt for the wool suit, or sports coat, over the velvet one. To their detriment. Wool, no matter the thread count, remains the safe option. Velvet is the sexualised one.

So here’s the challenge for the autumn / fall 2012 fashion season: don the velvet. Invest in it. Wear it with confidence. Stand out.

And don’t forget: if you want to keep up to date with all the latest fashion trends be sure to subscribe to our fashion newsletter or RSS feed.

If it’s standing out and dressing to impress that you want to do, then velvet is your fabric of choice for 2012 / 2013. And it has to be velvet of some proportion. While the velvet bow tie (featured below) is on trend, the coming seasons are about making velvet one of your key statement pieces.

But don’t for a minute interpret ‘velvet of some proportion’ to mean that you can get away with wearing anything made of velvet. Don velvet socks and I’ll be the first in line to tell you to take them off, and those standing behind me waiting to do the same thing are likely to be the very people you’re looking to attract or impress. Instead look to invest in two key takes on the trend: a velvet sports jacket / velvet sportcoat and, for those with the confidence to pull it off, a velvet suit.

How you interpret these two statement pieces depends on your attitude to life. For those with a penchant for the young-classics or school boy attitude there are those velvet looks below, while those who lean towards confidence of a more masculine or sexual kind will find the top looks, both from Tom Ford, more to their liking.

As for the colour, you’ll notice that so far I’ve only featured a sole black velvet jacket, think dark shades. It’s likely to be in the autumn / winter evenings that you wear velvet and dark hues will always sit best. But don’t feel that dark has to equal black. From navy to plum, the right colours will ooze confidence.

That said, the fall 2012 menswear runways did offer up some daring bursts of colour in the form of velvet jackets and pants. The most popular colour spectrum for this was vibrant, rich reds. A blood red velvet suit doesn’t have to be over-the-top flamboyant, however – think of it more as the menswear equivalent to the women’s Gothic fashion trend. The colour may be bright, but it lends itself to something thematically dark. Ironically, a sombre, mysterious mood fits this colour best.

Red velvet suit at Diesel A / W ’12

If full velvet suits and jackets aren’t for you then, fear not, there is a alternative: velvet lapels. Though an understated take on the suit and jacket element of the velvet trend, they can be as equally as eye catching as the full velvet look. Provided, of course, that they’re worn with the right lapel.

And that part is simple: avoid a velvet lapel that is cut into a shawl or notched lapels (unless it’s piped, as the Paul Smith piece above is) and invest in a jacket that sports peaked velvet lapels. You’re looking for a dominant, eye catching peak, moreover, a peak that is firmly cut and finished. One that says alpha-male.

If you’re after velvet outerwear, such as a men’s velvet overcoat, then you’re in luck: the cooler months of 2012 are definitely suited to the style.

Firstly, if you’re after something that plays it safe but still creates a point of differentiation, then consider using velvet as a fabric that adds flair to a wool or cashmere overcoat. An obvious, though eternally refined, detail will be a velvet collar. When we last saw velvet as a major trend several years ago it was all about an overcoat that married the velvet collar detail with a Regency-cum-military cut.

Because men’s trends move in slower cycles, and because it’s such a classic style, that type of overcoat remains a safe investment and ongoing on-trend piece.

Nevertheless, men’s fashion has since upped the ante and gotten a little bolder. So for autumn / winter 2012 and beyond don’t be too afraid to go for a full velvet overcoat if your confidence allows. A word of caution on the full velvet coat; an overcoat made entirely of velvet, particularly one with a a high sheen, can be hard to pull off. It’s better to be subtle and confident, than standout and be shy. So if you do wish to invest in a fully velvet overcoat and think confidence might be an issue, aim for something with a low sheen and in a dark hue, like black, midnight blue, deep burgundy or forest green.

Whilst velvet pieces can be liberally spread throughout a chap’s wardrobe in 2012/13, the appropriate cuts aren’t as wide ranging. Pick a cut too lose or a lapel too soft and you’ll end up looking like you’ve borrowed your father’s vintage velvet; yes, your father may have been cool, but it’s your job to be cooler. There’s a bigger risk of course: velvet now is, in part, about sexual confidence. Thus you’re looking for your velvet to convey more trim masculinity and less foppish dandyism.

So when it comes to the cut I’d recommend also reading our men’s suit trends guide, which goes into the depth that you need and doesn’t need repeating. Most of the tailoring cuts are suited to men’s velvet, though I’d personally recommend avoiding the neo-double breasted cut. I’d also be wary of a three piece velvet suit; velvet is not a thin fabric, and the dual layers of a velvet waistcoat and a velvet jacket may add too much bulk to even the most worked of figures. The velvet suit, below, from Dolce & Gabbana illustrates the point, with the trousers particularly highlighting why your velvet needs to be a trim, masculine cut.

In contrast, have a look at the shape created by Canali’s slim-cut velvet suit with matching waistcoat:

Partly the shape comes down to the body underneath, a reality simply worth baring in mind – but it’s also about a slimmer pant cut and more nipped-in waist to prevent the whole silhouette from looking bulky.

If you’d rather a velvet overcoat then many of the fashionable suit cuts will still apply, though my preference would lean towards a double breasted overcoat as a means of conveying a trimmer silhouette. I’d also lean towards a velvet coat that is cut well above the knee, preferably around the mid-thigh level.

To some they’re at once ostentatious and impractical, to others they’re elegance and luxury personified. Our own opinion sits with the latter. Though the first does have merit (quality, handmade velvet slippers aren’t practical to every environment), it’s undeniable that velvet slippers are at once louche and desirable. They also sit as the most predominant fashionable velvet that isn’t an article of clothing. Velvet loafers are another option in the same vein, though seldom carry the same visual impact.

If velvet slippers do take your fancy, and they should, look to the likes of Barker Black, Ralph Lauren, Shipton & Heneage, Stubbs & Wootton or Tom Ford for a pair. Opt for a pair without embroidery if the pair that follows strike you as gaudy.

Just as velvet can provide that much coveted extra detail on an overcoat, so too can it be used as bit of flair on an overall outfit. Admittedly, for chaps, velvet accessories are few and far between; so much so that the only one that springs easily to mind is the velvet bow tie.

The velvet bow tie has evolved over recent years. A little over twelve months ago velvet bow ties were attention-seeking pieces; not so much by way of their colour, but their size. They were large, overly so, and were best worn with a Windsor knot. Refinement and understatement have won out however, and with them have returned the subtle velvet bow tie. In 2012, the velvet bow tie is still a standout piece, but it should now standout for its rarity, the refinement it takes to wear one, and just how well the colour of the bow tie is suited to the rest of the ensemble; take the subtle hue of the Tom Ford velvet bow tie in the following picture as a key illustration of such colour cohesion.

You’re a fashioniser, so undoubtedly you’re after quality velvet that will last you more than a season. And if you’re not planning a season ahead, you should be: this is a men’s trend that’s going to stick around for some time to come. As such avoid a velvet made from synthetic fabrics, such as those produced in polyester and nylon – they’ll be better suited to potential water exposure, but their poorer quality will be obvious to the trained eye. Instead look for a velvet produced from silk or cotton. It’s the latter that’s the most common, and both will give you the best potential quality nap (the raised part of the finish).

Interested in other men’s trends for the autumn (fall) / winter 2012 season? Then follow the link. And if you’re after velvet for the fairer sex, see our women’s velvet trend guide.

Written 15.11.2012.

Winter has its comforts. Those things that – even on the chilliest of days – alleviate the gloom, shining like a ray of light through the seemingly infinite cold, splintering our vision of its iciness with the warming cracks of romance. Those beacons of wintry positivity are things like big mugs of hot chocolate or spicy mulled wine, the perfect trench coat worn with wellingtons, the rain watched from the safety of a doorway, the smell of candles and log fires. The things that give winter something to look forward to.

It’s impossible not to count cosy knitwear amoung those things. Is there anything cuter on a cool day than padding around the house in warm woollen socks and an oversized knit? Anything better to soften the wind’s bite than a thick cable-knit scarf or pom-pom capped beanie?

If you agree then Roboty Reczne’s (robotyreczne.com) fall / winter 2012 look book of hand-knitted wares – aptly and sweetly title I WOOL LOVE YOU – will have you at hello. It not only showcases winter knitwear staples that are both cosy and covetable, it does so in a way that recognises, and perfectly plays to, that wintery romance.

Modelled by Aleksandra Steplewska and photographed by Monika Witowska, it’s as sweet an introduction to the Polish brand (for those who don’t already know it) than you ever could have hoped for. View the full look book at the gallery above.

Keira Knightley has always been such a stunner and we expected nothing less from the British actress when she showed up for her Tonight Show interview in LA. The Anna Karenina star looked gorgeous in an emerald green Burberry Prorsum dress. Fresh from the Burberry spring / summer 2013 collection, the dress features a mermaid silhouette and overall lace.

Paired with nude pumps and natural make-up, she was truly a sight to behold.

Photo courtesy Burberry.

The art of colour blocking can be tricky as one must need to know which colours go well together and which ones clash. The bolder the colours, the more careful you have to be in choosing which ones to match. No matter how fab your outfit is, if the chosen colours are wrong, then it can just ruin the whole effect. If in doubt, there are some guidelines you can follow.

The key to color blocking is choosing up to 3 colours you can use in your outfits. Choosing colours in the same colour family is the safest way for the colour blocking newbies. A great example for perfecting the colour blocking trend is this beautiful girl photographed in Milan. She is wearing a pink ’60s style dress under a blood red leather jacket, a printed scarf, a maroon Louis Vuitton bag and platform shoes. Her look can be loud and bright but the colours she chose are in the same family, and work perfectly well together.

Photo: Imaxtree

The protagonist of Dangerously Yours is what you might get if you rolled James Bond, Moneypenny, and Pussy Galore into one. Part secretary, part spy, wholly dangerous: she’s a timely lead in the wake of Skyfall, the latest James Bond film to hit screens and one that’s garnering much acclaim. But she’s one that was also inspired by other cinematic thrillers and spy adventures. With her elegant blonde hair, model Sand Van Roy could easily be a classic Hitchcock heroine, embroiled in some mysterious and heart-stoppingly dramatic affair.

With a Hitchcock biopic also hitting screens, perhaps that makes this shoot doubly timely. For your eyes only: view the whole of this cinematic shoot by Lorent K and Oanell – beautifully styled by Tara Ziegfeld – by clicking on the gallery.

The general notion of the “best gift ever”, especially from a guy’s point of view, wraps its concept around two main aspects that – once covered – lead straight to making someone extremely happy. The gift has to be manly enough to make him feel comfortable while receiving the wrapped package for one, but it has to also be personal, unexpected and quite useful, for it to not end up forgotten in the darkest corner of the room.

The missing puzzle piece from this scenario would make for that brilliant idea combining all of the right elements. And luckily enough, we found it already. A hip, high-tech but fancy set of headphones would definitely win the title of the most inspired gift idea this Christmas. Here are five of the most reliable headphone sets that will push the limits towards a one-of-a-kind sound experience.

Sometimes it’s all about what meets the eye, as Parrot and Starck’s first portable audio collaboration brings along the most dashing set of headphones, tweaked with an impressive audio quality and tech features, envisioned to make the sound experience as personal as possible. Investing a total of $400 in this particular set guarantees for massive comfort, an elevated design and some innovative features like active noise cancellation, the Parrot concert hall effect or the integrated sensitive touch panel. However, keep in mind that the batteries cannot be charged outside of the headphones, so they’re practically tied to the PC.

Another great choice in the matter would be the Bowers & Wilkins non-compact headphones, but we will further discuss the compact version of the set in the compact category.

For those guys who are completely serious about their sound options, the AKG-702 professional headphone set will reward them with the ultimate recording and live sound technology, crammed inside a high-quality design, with 3D-form shaped ear pads able to provide an ideal fit. The remarkable sound experience and the detail-oriented concept meant for monitoring, mastering and studio mixing, put the AKG-702 under the spotlight as the absolute best alternative in this category.

Skullcandy offers the top-choice when it comes to superlative sound quality, available at the most affordable price. The Hesh 2 headphones feature an array of funky color combinations, they are lightweight and above all, they make for a fantastic sound experience that could almost compete with some of the more expensive brands on the market. With a price ranging between $60 and $70, the Skullcandy Hesh 2 headphones are definitely ones to be taken into consideration.

As previously stated, the Bowers & Wilkins P3 compact headphones bring along a sharp and powerful design, while at the same time exceeding any of the expectations related to the sound department. The innovative concept mixes an improved audio performance, with a slimline design, meant to be wearable, comfortable and even more enjoyable on the move. The foldable design makes the headphones a lot easier to store and carry around, effortlessly fitting in a pocket.

The digital wireless RS 220 headphones feature an uncompressed digital audio transmission, matching the assets of the premium wired headphones. Manufactured out of highly qualitative materials, this particular set of headphones is conceived to offer new levels of sound particularities, while extending an extraordinary wearing comfort. The Sennheiser RS 220 headphones stand for a modern take on technology and audio performance. They’re certainly not the cheapest wireless option on the market, but many disciples swear they’re the best.

Ponytails will never go out of style. This classic hairstyle is always appealing because it’s easy to do and goes well with almost anything. When hairstylists do their thing and get creative, they update a classic look like the ponytail to give it a more modern twist. Ponytail updates are always something to look forward to, like this urban textured ponytail we spotted on the models of the Reed Krakoff spring / summer 2013 show.

The man behind this look is Redken Creative Consultant Guido Palau. Taking inspiration from the type of woman who would be clad in Reed Krakoff, this hairstyle is very confident and exudes a modern sophisticated vibe. Apart from being very textured, this hairstyle pays homage to the glossy wet look that remains on the list of hair trends for spring 2013. Check out the easy steps on how you can get this gorgeous ponytail after the break.

Start by applying treatment oil from roots to tips to damp hair. This will help you start building up that glossy or wet effect. The team at Reed Krakoff used Redken All Soft Argan-6 oil.

Create a rough side part. This look has one on the right but it really doesn’t matter if you choose to create one on the left – go with whatever best suits your hair and face shape.

Let your hair dry naturally for a few minutes and then re-apply the Argan oil for more gloss. Don’t apply too much: you only want a wet type of look, not a drenched or out-of-the-shower one.

When your hair has dried to about 70%, pull your hair back lightly with your fingers into a low pony tail. Don’t use a brush or don’t pull too hard on your hair because this will smooth it out.

Secure your textured wet ponytail with some hairspray.

Add more texture to this hairstyle by taking a few hair strands at the hair line and then pulling them lightly towards your forehead.

What’s great about this hairstyle is that you can wear it day or night. This look is a great alternative to the traditional ponytail and will surely spice up any ensemble.

Check out Reed Krakoff spring 2013 for how the hairstyle was worn on the runway, or for other tutorials visit our spring 2013 hairstyles page at that link.

Written 14.11.2012.

Bright red lips and bare eyes? Or dark, grungy eyes and bare lips? Perhaps a dramatic black liner, or a haze of smokey metallic shadow. Fall 2012′s fashion trends take in a variety of eras and decades and themes, so there’s no reason your accompanying makeup looks can’t do the same.

Below you’ll find a round-up of the fall 2012 beauty looks to know this season. And if you don’t want to miss any updates be sure to subscribe to Fashionising.com’s newsletter and follow us on Facebook.

Rachel Zoe’s ode to the London rock’n’roll scene of the 1960s and 70s yielded more than just suitably rock-chic clothing. This mod-inspired dark eye makeup look will have you feeling like a retro rock goddess in no time. Find out how to create this mod rock chic beauty look at that link.

Bright red lips certainly don’t have to be limited to the warmer months. Keeping eyes fresh and bare and lips bold is a fall 2012 makeup look you can always rely on for day or night. Follow the link for steps on creating this red lipped beauty look.

Smokey eyes come in many forms, but one that particularly stood out on the fall runways was the pastel purple beauty look at Jill Stuart. Pretty and yet able to compliment fall’s darker colour palettes, this beauty look is worth mastering. Read more about the creating smokey lilac eye makeup at that link.

When we mention ’80s beauty you may have horror visions of over-applied shadow and big hair. But fear not. This beauty look takes the best of the 1980s – the magical, sparkling side – and turns it into something modern and chic. A mix of earth tones and molten metallic shimmer, you can recreate it for yourself by visiting the ’80s metallic makeup link.

Autumn / winter 2012 has been romancing all things Gothic. If you want to go for broke, add this vampish beauty look to your fall repertoire: it marries a deep velvety red with a bat-like shape. Find out how to create these bat shaped lips by following that link.

Noticing a theme for the colder months of makeup that feels a little lived in and grungy? Well this look pairs that makeup trend with a graphic double line. Altuzarra’s fall 2012 runway provides the inspiration for this grungy double eyeliner look.

If you want a fresh and dewy look to take you through the colder months you have several options. One is to forgo the makeup all together. Another is to use a subtle application of makeup to create a flawless, natural-looking complexion. If you want to opt for the latter, you can find out how to create a glossy natural beauty look at that link.

Michael Kors’ autumn runway showed us how to get a rosy-cheeked, flushed ski-bunny look without ever hitting the slopes. Wear it with cosy knits and a slightly tousled up-do to give off the impression of having just stepped away from the glowing fire of a remote log cabin. Romance abounds. Follow the link for a tutorial on creating this ski bunny beauty look.

When night falls and you want to make a dramatic entrance, this is the makeup look to do it. Strong, bold, dark and beautiful, Lanvin’s runway was inspiration on really upping the eyeliner ante. Learn how to master this exaggerated eyeliner by following the tutorial at that link.

Another makeup look that takes its cues from the days of grunge, this look is about pale skin and dark makeup smudged under the eyes for a smokey, tough-girl effect. The balance is in keeping it deliberately smudgy without it being too messy. Find out how by following our grungy eye makeup tutorial at that link.

After some hairstyle tutorials to compliment your fashion and beauty looks? Don’t worry we have those covered too: visit our fall 2012 hairstyles page for plenty of tutorials and hair how tos.

It’s hard to put a finger, or rather an adjective, on exactly what it is about Princesse Tam Tam that works so well. It’s a brand steeped in that typically French effortlessness, and yet there’s always a girlish whimsy at the heart of it. You get the sense that the Princesse Tam Tam girl has perpetually just rolled out of bed and is all too happy to lounge about in her underwear or pyjamas.

This preview of the brand’s spring 2013 collection conveys something of that. There’s the ease of it all, the unfussy cuts married with cute details like frills and subtle texture. The black ruffled set is a particular favourite: underwear and outerwear rolled into one.

View more of the spring 2013 Princesse Tam Tam collection at the gallery.

Written 14.11.2012.

In a midnight blue peplumed bustier and green sequinned skirt, Emma Stone was looking two parts mermaid one part forest nymph as she attended the 9th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards in New York yesterday. The Burberry outfit was in line with the kind of effortless yet glamorous style Stone is making herself known for.

Image via @burberry on Twitter.

Written 14.11.2012.

Sometimes the response to a campaign is far more overwhelming than a brand could have anticipated. Such is the case for the Simone Perele X BGM Models ‘Curvy Couture’ Model search, which had unprecedented support. Votes poured in for the five finalists and as of yesterday a winner has been announced.

In an exciting twist, and due to the overwhelming support and demand for the curvy-figured models, BGM has decided to offer representation to all 5 girls. Booking enquiries for the models can be made via BGM’s website.

As for the ‘Curvy Couture’ competition winner, there still could only be one. And that one not only gets a contract with BGM, but the opportunity to feature in Simone Perele’s editorial and parade work for all of 2013.

The title goes to 14DD blonde beauty, Cregan McDermott (pictured above), named the 2012 ‘Curvy Couture’ model search winner.

Keep an eye on the Simone Perele website and Facebook page if you want to stay up to date with news from the brand and follow Cregan’s upcoming campaigns.

They say a diamond is a girl’s best friend, but what if that girl doesn’t need to rely on a sparkly rock to rule the world, and what if she has a keen eye for the slightly edgier and far more unusual pieces of jewelry that undoubtedly are still iconic and fashionably relevant? Luckily, Cartier managed to put an end to this debate with their luxurious, yet astonishingly bold collection inspiredly entitled Juste Un Clou (‘Just A Nail’).

The deluxe collection built upon the unexpected, yet super cool nail bent design concept, brings along a selection of yellow, pink and white gold rings and bracelets that would make for the most fashionable and refined gift ideas this Christmas; either you carry a sophisticated lady or a dashing man in mind. The fine jewelry collection represents the posh and definitely more modern take on the iconic bracelet that Aldo Cipullo first conceived for the French brand back in 1971.

The intriguing pieces of jewelry that stand for the untamed spirit, drawing inspiration on the 1970s creative frenzy that took over New York City, carry price tags that for good reason, equal their precious and unique characteristics. If $2,175 would buy you the 18K pink gold ring, for $34,650 you could easily make a loved one feel beyond extra-special this Christmas, with the nail bent design placed upon a select 18K pink gold bracelet.

Beautiful gifts often make for the most memorable celebrations, being able to easily find their way straight to one’s heart, where they tend to stick forever. An iconic piece of jewelry usually unfolds in little bits of history, that’s exactly why Cartier’s “Juste Un Clou” collection is more than just a gift; it’s a full statement, and quite a grand one.

Check back with us for more unique Christmas gift ideas coming soon.

Twice a year, as the new fashion seasons begin, each of us has the perfect excuse to freshen our personal sense of style. But while we all tend to focus on discovering, considering and sampling the latest clothes and accessories, it’s our hair that will be making a statement each and every day.

For men and for women, from colours to cuts, after the break we’ll take you through the key hairstyles and trends that compliment spring 2013′s fashion trends.

As the season nears we’ll continue to expand this guide with more styles and how-tos. If you’d like to keep up to date with everything new, be sure to subscribe to Fashionising.com’s newsletter or to like us on Facebook.

The centre-part is in, provided you make a statement of it. And the half-tucked hairstyle lets you do just that. Readily styled for day or for night, from casual to formal, follow the link for a look at all the styling inspiration you’ll need, along with a few incidental accessory suggestions along the way.

It’s the hardest hair colour to maintain, but it’s also amongst the best hair statements to make. And ever since Ruby Jean Wilson went blonde and the fashion industry collectively fell in love with the colour all over again, platinum blonde hair has sat amongst spring / summer 2013′s hair colour trends. We’ll provide you more examples of how to style the hair colour as the season nears.

Not looking to make a colour statement of your hair? Then look no further than the side part, a styling element carrying over from fall’s hair trends into spring / summer 2013.

They never quite go out of style, but there are those times when a fringe / bangs are certainly the haircut to have. Returning for spring / summer 2013, we’re currently working on a guide to take you through how to cut and wear a fringe / bangs for the season.

Men’s hair trends evolve far slower than their female counterparts, but that hasn’t stopped us creating and evolving a guide to men’s hairstyles for 2013. Expect more from it in the near future.

There are plenty of ways to wear the side-part in summer 2013, though DKNY inspired a version of the hairstyle that gives an elegant, youthful interpretation that leaves room for volume and texture. Best suited to long hair, follow the link for our full how-to guide to the sleek side part.

While the sleek side part has the option of textured tips, the textured side part (obviously) depends upon it. Offering texture from the roots, read up on the textured side part for a guide that’ll help you make it work for long hair and adapt it to shorter haircuts.

It’s not just the half tuck hairstyle that is leaving spring 2013′s hair trends with plenty of ethereal options. Balenciaga followed suit, replacing the half-tuck with a half-up style all crowned with a regal gold headpieces. The headpiece is naturally optional but, whether styled casually or formally, there are plenty of ways to interpret this half-up hairstyle as your own.

Summer’s half-tuck hair trend meets a pared back interpretation of the wet look. Potentially a bit too flat for everyone’s tastes, though a look that will work for both short and long hair, it none-the-less gives you an idea of how to adapt the hair tuck to summer 2013 without needing to use any hair accessories. Our guide to the slick half-tuck hairstyle has all the step-by-step details.

You have plenty of styling choices if you want a fringe for spring / summer 2013. But while the indie fringe continues to entice, cutting a fringe is a long term commitment that not everyone is willing to make. Hence Prada’s faux bangs. Follow the link for a step-by-step guide through the evening hairstyle.

At one end of the spectrum you have Balenciaga’s embellishing hair piece and at the other end you have Alexander Wang’s ode to minimalism. We don’t imagine that many women will hit the street wearing duct tape as a hair accessory, but there’s still something to be said for the Wang’s summer interpretation of a slick ponytail. Follow the link for a complete how-to guide.

Written 14.11.2012.

Written 15.11.2012.

Written 16.11.2012.

Leaving the house without a wing of eyeliner – for me – would be kind of like leaving the house in my pyjamas. I’m underdressed and incomplete without it.

Ordinarily I stick to eyeliners that are three things: black, liquid, and soft-tipped. I go for pens rather than wet eyeshadows and brushes, unless I’m mixing up colour, because – well – they’re less effort.

That said I’m open to experimenting with anything I can paint onto my eyelids so to mix it up I recently got my hands on Estee Lauder’s Quick-Thick Eyeliner.

The byline reads eye-Liner impact instantané and what the product advertises in a few short lines proves rather true: it is indeed quick, thick and instantly impacty. Unlike the soft-tipped liners I normally give patronage to, Estee Lauder’s Quick-Thick is firm. It doesn’t glide along your eyelid like a soft paint brush, thus easily flicking out into a soft curve. It draws on more like a firm black marker.

Because of the firm point, the Quick-Thick turns out to be perfect for creating hard, thick lines. Bold lines. Hence the instant impact.

Saying all that might make it sound like the product is more extreme than it actually is, or that you can’t use it for softer looks. You can, simply use the fine point of the tip. But its main strength is in its ability to quickly and easily achieve that thicker, bolder eyeliner look.

Another huge plus for the Quick-Thick: its short, stubby size. I love anything that takes up minimal room in your handbag/travel case/bathroom cabinet.

Estee Lauder Quick-Thick Eyeliner in Punker Black is part of the new Pure Colour range for fall 2012, and if you want to give it a try you can pick it up from Estee Lauder counters nationwide.

Vivienne Mok‘s work is always pretty, always feminine; filled as they are with those objects of girlish fancy like tulle and chiffon, lace and roses. This is where it crosses over into the sensual, the sheer fabric exposing bare skin, the natural beauty of bed hair and no makeup.

Shot for S Magazine, this portrait of model Charo is one where Mok was behind the photography, styling, hair and makeup. You can view the full shoot by Vivienne Mok (viviennemok.blogspot.com) by clicking on the thumbnails and browsing the gallery.

It’s been announced that Lara Stone is indeed pregnant, with her husband David Walliams confirming the news in a tweet:

“Some wonderful news. My beautiful wife Lara is pregnant. We are having a baby! It is due next year and we both couldn’t be happier. Dx”

Whether that means a break for Lara, or some baby-bump magazine covers, we’re yet to see. Congratulations go out to the couple. Expect a child that’s both ridiculously beautiful and funny.

Those who have never set foot inside Melbourne’s House of Maximon could find themselves dizzyinly disorientated by this shoot: it could just as easily be set in the neon-lit bowels of Tokyo, or of some unearthly underworld, as the gritty laneways of Melbourne. And it’s a perfect backdrop, for a shoot that dives headfirst into all things nocturnal and experimental, for a shoot that mixes neon lights, religious iconography and skeleton bones with the edgy styling by Bianca Christoff.

Sara Phanekham stars as the fair-haired, dramatically made up muse (props to makeup artist Kate Blainey and hair stylist Frank Apostolopoulos for the looks). Behind the lens and directing the course of this underground trip is photographer Fiona Storey, who makes the most of every corner of the dark establishment in creating truly riveting imagery.

Appearing in the 29th issue of FASHIONTREND Magazine (fashiontrend.com.au) – which is on shelves now – you can get lost in the imagery of ‘Tokyo Voodoo‘ by clicking on the thumbnails. Press ‘play’ above for a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the shoot.

Written 15.11.2012.

This was announced before the shows began with Sonya Battla showcasing her Spring/Summer 2013 line with key sharp colours, zardozi, flowy silhouettes and block prints in a signature collection. Vertical panelled shirts in silks and handkerchief cuts were put on the ramp with embroidered panels featuring paisley motifs.

Deepak and Fahad put a collection on the ramp that featured the kiffayah weave as the inspirational element of design for the collection, also symbolising ancient Muslim architecture via bright colours and exclusive, easy to use menswear and women’s wear. The opening had a male model with his face draped in the kifayah that is symbolic of the struggle of Palestinian freedom fighters against the oppressive Israeli regime. The collection was sparky, exciting, charged, fetching and infused with young promise by the designer duo that is just what we need to infuse new, positive energy into the industry. Dubbed as the hottest thing to happen to fashion since Jazib Qamar, coming of age sleeveless jackets, hoodies, etc in cool winter hues topped this collection off with a great finish.

First timer Maimoona Arshad showed her Marlene Dietrich-inspired Last Night collection that featured mesh pants on Ayyan and draping.

The immaculate hair and make-up for all the segments was by Saba Ansari and her team at Sabs Salon.

Ayesha Hasan’s Keeping Secrets was all about deliberation and the hypocrisy found in our society coupled with questions about morality.

The collection could be defined as simple yet intricate, minimalist yet affluent and in contrast to norms in society as well as relating to it in more ways than one in its cuts, colours and embellishments.

It featured a wide array of designs with panelled long shirts and interesting draping. A vocal performance by Rubya Chaudhry closed the segment.

A short break later, Sultana Siddiqui of Hum Network, the event producer of FPW, gave away the best dressed celebrity awards to Rubya and Tapu Javeri. Minimalist and abstract art painter Frank Stella was the inspiration for Zahid Khan of Kuki Concepts’ inspiration for his collection that featured black and white with a shot of pink with yarn rolls as earrings. A yellow print line, a tie dress and Ayyan in an earth tone silk dress stood out here. Nabila Adeel for Nargis Hafeez showed bridal wear in patialas, churidars, Dhaka shalwars with Kashmiri embroidery in timeless cuts and period pieces in zardozi, threadwork and dori kaam.

Ishtia Afzal in Desert Rose showed a palette of brown, green and pink denoting the richness of soil and an amalgamation of the modern and the classic in cuts.

Golden memories and folk play defined Wardah Saleem’s collection inspired by folk toys in vibrant chic that came to life in mesmerising colours, digital prints and cuts, embroidery and block prints. An impressive showreel with a playful feel of the collection preceded the ramp show that also featured toy horse motifs on the dresses by the designer.

Fashion enthusiasts were charmed by the collections of seven designers on Day 1 of Fashion Pakistan Week. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

KARACHI: Fashion enthusiasts and their friends flocked to the Pearl Continental Marquee on Sunday evening to be charmed by the collections of seven designers on Day 1 of Fashion Pakistan Week.

While the red carpet fever hadn’t really caught on and the absence of celebrities was certainly felt, the two people that stood out for being noticeably fashionable were Syed Rizwanullah – with his blonde hair and eclectic (or eccentric!) wardrobe – and model Saima Azher, who looked stunning in a floor length digital printed dress in turquoise which she paired with a chunky necklace.

As organisers scurried about relaying last minute instructions, the runway was prepared for what turned out to be an interesting marriage of ready-to-wear with resplendent colours and futuristic cuts.

Sonya Battla

With silks in ivory, black, teal and magenta, Sonya Battla opened Fashion Pakistan Week with her collection of layered one shoulder tunics. The silhouettes were fluid and the crepe silk looked lovely as the models sashayed down the ramp under dim lights. The lengths were refreshingly high, with some tunics ending above the knee and some just below. Next were her black block prints on teal and ivory chiffon; A-line shirts with pin-tucks and gathers on the neckline and slightly embellished black motifs on the sleeves. It was nice to see the variation in Sonya’s collection, as she introduced screen-printed silk ponchos with three-quarter sleeves and a sexy black chiffon shalwar. Rabya Chaudhry modeled a knee-length one shoulder black dress with the side tapering off into a wide border with intricate resham work that got a few nods. The same resham kaam was seen on the edging of a brilliant red shrug carried by Iraj and also on a shirt modeled by Ayyan that had longer layers at the front and a strap of kaam for the back.

Report: Sonya’s collection encompassed an interesting play on structure, albeit with a simple colour palette and fabric. There is no doubt that the designer is a master when it comes to neat and sophisticated cuts.

Kuki concepts

Zahid Khan’s Autumn Winter 2012 collection was inspired by the work of painter Frank Stella. Zahid played with geometrical designs, animal prints, pleats and capes in silk to perfection. His colour palette ranged from black and white with fuchsia pink, to lime greens and pale yellows. The silhouettes remained largely structured, with some dresses fanning out like tutu skirts. Sana Sarfraz modeled a flowy ivory silk dress which was played up by men’s ties draped around the neck. All the models wore thread spools for earrings, which gave a sense of the kind of avant-garde fashion Kuki Concepts prides itself on. Iraj stole the show with an ultramodern dress that started off as a halter and rolled and layered stiff silk in white and grey.

Report: Zahid Khan is confident of his masterful cuts and innovation, and he showcased that well by presenting a variation of fabrics and trends.

D&F

Deepak and Fahad made a fashion statement with their keffiyeh collection, adding a modern twist to a traditionally Arab accessory. The first model with his face covered was a representation of Palestinian freedom fighters’ against the cruelty of the Israelis. With black, white, fuchsia pink and bottle green as undertones, the designer duo used the scarf on its own as well as for edgings on men’s shirts. Button down shirts were played up with keffiyeh pockets and inner linings. There was a well-stitched men’s sleeveless jacket with keffiyeh trimmings that garnered interest. For the women, high-waisted tapered keffiyeh pants with a shadow of a fringe looked quite funky.

Report: Unlike what we usually see at menswear at fashion week, D&F’s collection was wearable and simple. They may not have been too innovative when it comes to structure, but it is definitely stuff you would want in your wardrobe.

Ayesha Hasan

Ayesha Toor opened the show for Ayesha Hasan as she walked from the end of the ramp in a deep green, flowy chiffon dress paired with an embellished belt and a bright, shiny crescent and star on her forehead. Hasan’s collection was largely inspired by Grecian draping, as her dresses started off structured at the top and gained volume with the skirt. A standout was a beautiful dress in light grey, crayon blue and bright red modeled by stylist Shazdeh Ali Akhtar, which had lots of layers and volume and a sexy peekabo slit at the knee. She intended to make a bold statement regarding Pak-USA relations, with Toor (as Pakistan) joining hands with Akhtar (as USA). Hasan had more form-fitting dresses which she paired with sheer fabric drapes as togas and capes. She also introduces Chinese raw silk pants under a kimono modeled by Nadia Ali. But the standout remained a crème coloured voluminous floor length dress knotted at the neckline, which was rocked by Iraj.

Report: Hasan’s colour palette was narrow, but her collection experimented with fabric and structure. She is not afraid to mix layers and heavily worked fabric together for an East meets West look.

Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan

Khan’s collection titled ‘Desert Rose’ was a display of camel brown and leaf green Western wear with a splash of hot pink. While the opening models Fayeza and Amna strutted their stuff in risqué hot pink bikini tops paired with camel coloured pants and hooded shirts, there were some other well-stitched coats, shirts and pants with a hint of hot pink. It was again Iraj that rocked a leaf green jumpsuit with a thin strip of hot pink fabric as a belt to break up the colour.

Report: Khan enjoys playing with flowy silhouettes and cuts and goes for a more androgynous than feminine look.

Nargis Hafeez

It was surprising to see Nabeela Adeel present a collection that had bridal wear pieces which relied on the revival of traditional gota work and sequins. Her Eastern wear brought forward fully embroidered shirt fronts with a fun version of patiyala shalwar in a brilliant silvery satin. Ayyan modeled a colourful halter shirt inspired by chata patti, which retained Adeel’s signature embroidery and gota. There was a little bit of everything in this collection, with one rillie-inspired shirt to another fully worked bridal shirt in black and silver.

Report: Adeel’s comfort zone lies in traditional work with some experimental cuts.

Maimoona Arshad

Maimoona Arshad presented ‘Last Night’, encapsulating dark moods of the night with some flowy silhouettes and a sober colour palette. Ayyan opened the show with silver high waisted pants and a corset top that extended into layered chiffon panels. A white, floor length dress was modeled with a sheer organza dupatta, while other outfits played on cuts and the criss-crossing of two-toned organza for shirts that were slit at the thigh. A full sleeved white lace dress worn by Sana Sarfaraz was the highlight of the collection, as it was both elegant and well-stitched. Another interesting piece was the part labcoat, part boyfriend shirt with a pleated front modeled by Abeer and another toga-like draping over a high collared shirt worn by Maha. Amna Ilyas looked ethereal in a beautiful shimmery white crop top with a toga-like draping.

Report: Maimoon definitely enjoys playing with structure and cuts, as was seen in her creative draping of dresses and shirts. Her cuts were more futuristic than most seen on Day 1, and could be pulled off at red carpet events by those with an experimental taste in fashion.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2012

Fashion Pakistan week 4 starts from Oct 21st and will end on Oct 23rd in Karachi, Many designers are participating in this 4th Fashion Pakistan Week Sonya Battla, Deepak Perwani, Sana Safinaz, Bunto Kazmi an so many more

Fashion Pakistan Week 2012 – Day 1

After the remarkable success of FPW-3, Fashion Pakistan Week is back!

Pakistan’s most credible, progressive and cutting-edge Fashion Week will present the latest men’s wear and women’s wear collections of Pakistani top designers and leading male and female models.

We believe in promoting both established fashion designers and burgeoning design talent in the global market, while supporting and strengthening Pakistan’s vibrant fashion industry.

A further objective of the Council is to show the world that the Pakistan fashion industry is a force to be reckoned with and was created to promote and support Pakistani fashion in the global marketplace.  “FPW members represent a major segment of the design fraternity working together to encourage”, promote and facilitate the development and growth of the fashion industry and make it competitive in international markets by building on relationships with both overseas and domestic buyers; establishing and strengthening ties with foreign designers and ensuring that designers who show under the aegis of FP and the Fashion Design Forum receive ample and the most pertinent Press coverage, both locally and internationally. “Chairperson-Fashion Pakistan Shameel Ansari”

Fashion Pakistan Week achieved their first landmark with the huge success of Fashion Pakistan Week 1, 2 and 3. These not only opened new vistas for the Council but also encouraged others to take the plunge and, as a result, Fashion Pakistan Week has precipitated a myriad of fashion weeks all over Pakistan.  Fashion Pakistan has grown exponentially with a steady flow of new and upcoming designers deciding to choose this credible platform. This has encouraged the Council to set its sights higher and has provided the impetus to organize another event that is even grander than the previous three showcases.

The designers slated to participate at Fashion Pakistan Week October, 2012 includes names like Sonya Batla, Deepak & Fahad, Maimoona H, Ayesha Hassan, Sanam Chaudhri, Arsalan Yasheer, Bani D, Maheen Karim, Emraan Rajput, Delphi, Rizwanullah, Kuki Concepts, Nargis Hafeez, Ishtiaq Afzal Khan, Wardha Saleem, Zaheer Abbas, Amair Baig, Adnan Pardeysi, FnK Asia, Misha Lakhani, & Debenhams, Nine West and Karachi 5.

This is one fashion week you won’t want to miss, as Pakistan’s most influential and fashion-forward designers will showcase their fresh new, well-edited collections. Fashion Pakistan Week is the ultimate platform for the industry’s senior designers and upcoming talent to showcase their talent amongst like-minded peers.  FPW 4 is slated to be the official event on the fashion calendar!

Welcome to the latest edition of Ask CF! Every two weeks, we select a reader fashion question and answer it here on the site. Do you have a specific fashion question for us? Scroll to the bottom of this post to learn how to send it our way!

Dear CF,

I’m totally loving all the fall outfits you guys are posting; it’s getting me so pumped for the cold! However, I’m in school in central Florida, and it’s still 85 degrees here, WAY too hot here to start piling on flannels and leather jackets. I was wondering if you could post some outfits geared towards fall in Florida? Thanks so much!

Sincerely,

“Fall” in Florida

Dear “Fall,”

I may not be in Florida, but I do live in L.A. and girl, I feel your pain. These past few weeks alone, temps ran in the mid 80s and even reached up to 100 degrees at one point. And coming from someone who is obsessed with knit sweaters, comfy jackets, and ankle booties, this weather is definitely cramping my fall style.

However, just because temps are warm, it doesn’t mean we need to miss out on these fun fall trends altogether. With a little creativity, we too can embrace the best of fall without breaking a sweat (literally). It’s all about adapting the trends. Too hot to wear a leather jacket? Try a pair of leather shorts or a skirt instead. Flannel shirts got you “glistening”? Try tying one around your waist or finding a similar pattern in some material other than flannel. To see some of these tips (and more!) translated into an entire look, keep on scrolling. Thanks for the question and enjoy!

Sincerely,

Jessica

If there’s one item I gravitate toward every time I go shopping, it’s sweaters. But sadly for me, my collection has been tucked away anxiously awaiting temps to drop. And so, I bring you this pullover. I love how this top has the pullover sweater feel without fully committing to long sleeves. To keep the look warm weather-appropriate, pair it with high-waisted cutoff jean shorts. Lastly, finish the look with the ever-popular fall ankle boot, and add key accessories like this pendant necklace, a snake ring, tortoiseshell sunnies, and a flannel-inspired backpack.

I’m not from a cold-weather climate, but if there’s one complaint that I hear most often from those who are, it’s that wearing tights day in and day out can get really old, really fast. So with that being said, why not go bare-legged since you can? I love this dress, especially its fall color scheme. Pair it with a jean vest that’ll add extra dimension to the look (like a jacket would) without adding on too much bulk and heat. To play off the school-girl vibe of this dress, I brought in some glasses and oxford shoes accessorized with ruffly socks. Finish the look with dainty jewelry and — my favorite fall beauty trend — a bright red lip.

The sporty look is another trend that has recently been gaining a lot of popularity. With a baseball tee-inspired top, a baseball cap with leather details, and oxblood studded sneakers, you will be well on your way to emulating this trend for yourself. And if it’s too hot to wear this camouflage shirt, try tying it around your waist. (We promise that this it is totally okay to do.) Bonus: if it does cool off in those lecture halls or after sunset, you’ll be prepared. Complete the look with some art deco-inspired statement earrings and a simple bracelet.

For this last look, I wanted to bring in a leather piece. I liked the idea of choosing a skirt in place of shorts in this instance because there is less skin-to-material contact. Pair the look with a top that demonstrates fall’s take on printed florals. Lastly, some dainty statement earrings, a stand-out cocktail ring, and burgundy loafers add feminine details to the look, while this metallic bag keeps that urban feel alive.

Is there something in your closet that you can’t seem to figure out how to wear? Do you have an event coming up and need an outfit idea? Do you have a specific fashion conundrum you need help with?

If you have a question you want to see answered in this column, just send it on over via email to askcf @ collegefashion.net and one day you might see your question answered right here on the site!

Please note: We get A LOT of email and unfortunately we will not be able to respond to every single question. However, we will read through each question and then decide which ones will be most helpful to the most readers. Thank you for your understanding.

What’s the weather like where you live? Is it warm like it is in Florida and Southern California, or are you already adding on the layers? Do you have any other tips to share?  For those of you in colder climates, how would you make these looks work for you? Which is your favorite outfit? Please leave a comment below to let us know what you think! 

Do you struggle with transforming your outfits from day to night? Don’t worry, CF is here to help turn that daily annoyance into a fun challenge. Class to Night Out focuses on one piece per week, and aims to help you take your look from study sessions in the library to dancing the night away.

Ah, peplum. It seems like ages ago that this trend was considered a bit of a fashion risk – as you’ve probably noticed, this sophisticated silhouette has been everywhere this season. It’s a total favorite of red carpet celebs and fast fashion stores alike.

However, it can be difficult to tell where peplum fits into a college girl’s wardrobe. It’s a little too dressy to wear to a house party, and it’s definitely too formal to wear to class, right?

Wrong. This week, I’ll be showing you how to style an ivory dress with a “mini” peplum for both a day of classes and a night out.

Keep your look casual but chic by adding unexpected pops of color to the dressed-down version of your look. Layer a lavender cardigan over your dress, cinching it with a studded, skull-detailed belt. This creates a stunning balance between the ultra-feminine peplum and edgy accessories. Add more contrast with an on-trend mint backpack. Keep your accessories simple and classic – black ballet flats with a subtle heel and rhinestone-encrusted flat studs tie look together.

Play up peplum’s classic, elegant vibe by pairing your dress with sophisticated accessories for night. Two-toned shoes with studded bow detailing give your look an Old Hollywood vibe, while a bronze snakeskin cross-body bag adds a modern touch. Try a spiked necklace embellished with feminine details for a look that’s both trendy and glamorous. Add another touch of sparkle with a pair of rose-shaped stud earrings surrounded by crystals, and complete the look by painting your nails a deep plum.

Would you wear a peplum dress to class? How would you style it? Be sure to let me know what you think of the outfits in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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 Dorothy Perkins is offering 25% off everything for students through Sunday, 10/14. Discount will be applied at checkout – no code is required. They’re also having a sale, with up to 50% off mid-season merchandise.

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 Wallis is having a sale, with up to 30% off selected dresses, 20% off select coats, knitwear, and jeans, and free shipping on all orders with code WAL30.

Do you struggle with transforming your outfits from day to night? Don’t worry, CF is here to help turn that daily annoyance into a fun challenge. Class to Night Out focuses on one piece per week, and aims to help you take your look from study sessions in the library to dancing the night away.

Want to make a bold statement without sacrificing warmth this season? A graphic sweater could be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. These trendy sweaters are both fun and a little edgy, and this contrast makes them perfect for everything from the finishing layer of a chic outfit to the ultimate in cozy comfort.

This week, I’ll be showing you how to style a cat graphic sweater for both a day of classes and a night out. (Not a cat person? Try a wolf, skull, or even an abstract shape to get the same look!)

Create an ultra-trendy daytime look by pairing your graphic sweater with a pair of deep red skinny jeans – any color from oxblood to wine to maroon will keep you looking fresh and on-trend. Add elegant touches to create contrast between edgy and feminine – try ballet flats with bow detailing, a cameo necklace and simple pearl studs. Complete the look with a structured satchel to hold your notebooks and pens.

Sweaters of all kinds can be tricky to pull off at night, but a graphic sweater with just the right amount of bold color contrast can make an edgy statement that’s the perfect fit for an evening out. Plus, did I mention the warmth factor?

Try styling your graphic sweater with an extra glamorous piece on the bottom like a gold sequined skirt. Amp it up with a sparkling collar necklace and a thick black waist belt. Keep your accessories feminine and elegant to give the rest of your outfit the spotlight. Beige heels, a matching studded bag and ivory teardrop earrings work together to complete the look.

Would you wear a graphic sweater on a night out? Do you like animal graphics or would you prefer something more abstract? Be sure to let me know what you think of the outfits in the comments, I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Every week, I scour the web to find inspiring outfits on your favorite celebs and help you recreate their looks! This week, I was inspired by Stacy Keibler, Olivia Palermo, and Karolina Kurkova. Read on to see how you can get their looks for yourself.

Stacy Keibler took to the streets of New York in a fun, colorful, and slightly preppy look, wearing light orange skinny jeans, a navy pea coat, a striped navy sweater, a turquoise beaded necklace, flats, and cat-eye sunglasses.

I love how Stacy combined a classic color like navy with a pop of faded orange, while trying out the colored skinny jean trend. Oftentimes, we see this trend produce more edgy looks, but as Stacy demonstrates, colored denim can create a modern take on a classic and conservative look. (Hello, J.Crew!)

I have to say that I am kind of in love with this outfit, inspired by Stacy’s look. I enjoy preppy looks that have modern and trendy touches, and this outfit embodies that idea.

To create a look inspired by Stacy, I took a navy striped boatneck top, a navy toggle coat, and tortoiseshell cat-eye sunglasses, all of which are classic pieces, and paired them with light orange skinny jeans and some fab leopard print flats. These trendy items give the otherwise classic outfit a fun, modern twist. For the finishing touch, I found another update on a classic – this monogram necklace has been done in bright turquoise, giving it a trendy pop of color.

Olivia Palermo is one of our favorite celebs to look to for outfit inspiration, and the look she wore while out in NYC this week has me totally smitten!

Turtlenecks are not a super popular choice among us college fashionistas, but with this look, Olivia proves that a basic black turtleneck can look ultra cool – just add a fur vest, skinny jeans, motorcycle boots, and classic accessories.

This look mixes “downtown” elements – like skinny jeans and rugged motorcycle boots – with more “uptown” elements, like a faux fur vest and cat-eye sunglasses.  By utilizing these modern pieces, a black turtleneck is totally transformed into a cool, fashion-forward piece. (Who’d have thought it was possible?) I added this black and gold studded bag for another trendy pop.

Supermodels know a thing or two about style, and Karolina Kurkova looked like a layering pro in an outfit ideal for a crisp fall day. She wore a beige trench coat over a black top and shiny red skinny pants, finishing the look with an olive green scarf and lace-up boots.

Like I said, this outfit is perfect for fall. Karolina’s classic trench looks eddy when paired with her red pants and lace-up ankle boots, and her look flawlessly combines a fall-perfect array of colors: black, red, beige, olive green.

A classic trench coat (which is a “forever” piece that every girl should own) is transformed into a more modern and edgy item when paired with red skinny jeans, a slouchy black sweater, an olive green scarf, and lace-up ankle boots. While these red jeans do not have a unique sheen like Karolina’s, they do feature a cool rubber side stripe detail, making them more unique than your average pair of skinnies.

Which celebrity’s street style look is your favorite? Which outfit would you be most likely to wear? Leave a comment and let us know!

It was recently announced that Taylor Swift signed a three year partnership deal with Keds that will encompass everything from footwear collaborations and multimedia campaigns.

For her first duty as the company’s new spokesperson, Swift designed a limited-edition sneaker that will be released later this month. Inspired by her upcoming album “Red”, Swift designed crimson-colored classic Keds adorned with the album’s logo.

According to WWD, the limited-edition RED Keds are priced at $50 and will be available to purchase online only at keds.com, taylorswift.com, nordstrom.com and journeys.com. Both the shoes and the album will be released next Monday, October 22nd.

What do you think of this collaboration? Are you a fan of Taylor Swift? Do you own any Keds? Would you buy these sneakers? As always, let us know what you think by leaving a comment below!

Ornate patterns are going to be everywhere this fall and winter, so for this week’s Fabulous Find, we’ve found an inexpensive and stylish printed piece you can rock all season long. This navy blue skirt with gold damask detailing can easily be dressed up or down, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe. The best part? It’s available at the ever-stylish Target for just under $17!

Simply scroll on down to check out the skirt as well as some outfit ideas on how to style this Fab Find for fall:

If you like this chic and budget-friendly skirt, you’re going to love the outfits we put together for inspiration. Read on to find out three stylish ways to wear this week’s Fabulous Find:

Dress down our Fab Find for class by pairing it with a fun graphic tee to create a cute and casual look. A berry-colored cardigan adds a bright pop of color, while lace-up oxfords add a menswear-inspired touch. Accessorize with some stylish jewelry — like these gold earrings and studded wraparound watch — and a roomy cross-body bag to complete this outfit.

For this next outfit, pair the skirt with a navy peplum top for a polished and fashion-forward look. A bow-shaped belt adds interest, while chevron pumps create a subtle take on pattern mixing. Add a blue wristlet and matching statement earrings for a stylish and perfectly coordinated look.

Our final look is the perfect mix between dressy and casual, meaning it can work for day or night. Start by pairing the skirt with a pretty dark green chiffon blouse, then add a pair of trendy wedged booties. A jeweled bib necklace adds a glam touch, while a printed skull tote adds an edgy vibe. For the finishing touch, paint your nails a fall-appropriate shade like this deep purple hue from Essie.

What do you think of this week’s Fabulous Find? Would you buy this Target skirt? Do you like damask prints? Which look is your favorite? How would you wear this skirt? Remember to leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

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Alloy.com will give you 20% off any order with code APR2.

Banana Republic has the following offer: Shop BananaRepublic.com and save 25% off your purchase or save 30% off when you use your GapCard, Old Navy Card, or BananaCard. Use Code BRCREATE at checkout. Offer ends 10/21. Restrictions apply. Click here for the restriction list.

Calvin Klein is having a Friends & Family Sale – get an additional 30% off sitewide from now through 10/21 with code FFOCT2012.

Charlotte Russe will give you an additional 10% off your order until 10/31 – enter code NAUGHTY10 at checkout.

Costume Kingdom is offering 10% off any purchase with code CK10 through 10/31.

dELiA*s will give you 15% off any order with code DDR15.

e.l.f. Cosmetics is offering 50% off all items from their eyes category with a minimum $20 purchase – use code OHMYEYES through 10/22.

Express has the following offers: Save $25 off $75, $50 off $150, or $75 off $250 with code 1995 through 10/22; get free shipping on orders of $125+ for the rest of today, 10/19 only; and get 30% off all dresses, outerwear, and women’s accessories for a limited time.

Folica is offering 15% off their Top Ten lists through 10/21 – use code 15TOPTEN at checkout.

Gap.com has the following offer right now: Shop Gap.com for 30% off outerwear! Offer ends 10/21. Restrictions apply. Also, they have this offer: Shop Early, Save More! 30% off at Gap.com with code GAPEARLY through 10/18. 25% off on 10/19. Restrictions Apply. Click here for the full restriction list.

Hot Topic is offering everything in their store for buy one, get one 50% off through 10/22. No code is needed.

Lancome is offering 2 deluxe samples and free 2-day shipping with any order (an $88 value) through 10/21.

Levi’s is having a Friends & Family Sale, with 30% off sitewide plus free shipping on all orders. Use code FF2012 through 10/22.

Metro Park is offering 25% off your order with code MPFLASH, plus free shipping on orders of $50+.

My-Wardrobe.com has free global shipping and returns for a limited time! Enter FREESHIPAW12 at checkout.

Nine West will give you 30% off everything during their Friends & Family Event through 10/22! Also, all purchases get free shipping for a limited time!

oldnavy.com has the following offer: Starting 10/17, shop OldNavy.com and save 30% when you use your GapCard, Old Navy Card, or BananaCard. Use code STUFFSAVE at checkout. Offer ends 10/24. Restrictions apply. Click here for the full restriction list. If you don’t have a card, they also have this offer: Starting 10/17, shop OldNavy.com for 20% off your purchase! Use code ONSAVE20 at checkout. Offer ends 10/24. Restrictions apply. Click here for the restriction list.

Onlineshoes.com has extended their 20% off $80 promotion until 10/22 – enter code 2FALL4U at checkout.

Piperlime has the following offer: Shop Piperlime.com for up to 30% off coveted essentials! Offer ends 10/20! Restrictions apply.

Puma will give you free standard shipping on all orders through 10/21.

Saks Fifth Avenue is offering 20% off selections of apparel, shoes and accessories, plus 15% off jewelry. Use code AFF12 at checkout through 10/21.

Shoes.com will give you 20% off sitewide plus free shipping with code 20COOL through 10/31.

The Body Shop is offering 40% off fragrance and home fragrance, 40% off bath & body, 30% off makeup and skincare, and $10 select body butters (Blueberry, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Coconut Shimmer, and Body Butter Duos), all through 10/28. And get $20 off $60 through 10/31 with code OCTOBERISH (cannot be combined with other offers).

Tilly’s is offering clearance items for buy one, get one 50% off through 10/22 – no code is needed. Also, get free shipping on any order with code FREESHIPME through 10/24.

Torrid will give you 10% off your entire purchase with code 10AFF12OFF for the rest of the month.

Tory Burch is offering 30% off tons of items in their Fall Sale section!

Vera Bradley is offering $25 off any purchase with code VBFALL through 10/21.

Walgreens is offering Eucerin and Aquaphor Skin Care, and select Covergirl and Almay cosmetics for buy 1, get one free through 10/20. Also, Olay Moisturizers are 20% off plus buy $50, get a $20 rebate on Olay.com through 10/20.

Wallis is having a secret sale, with up to 50% off everything including sale items for the rest of today, 10/19 only!

Every Halloween, I always want to dress up without “dressing up”, especially since I’m usually out doing things where being in costume would not be appropriate.

In an effort to recycle another old t-shirt into something new (see past tutorials on making an inverted dye tee shirt, painted galaxy tee, and screen print college tee), I decided to make a skull cutout tee shirt. This is any easy way to turn an old t-shirt into something that is “Halloween-ish” without being a costume.

1. Lay out your t-shirt, making sure it’s flat. Using chalk (or a fabric marker if you’re using a different colored t-shirt), outline your skull’s face. Don’t try to make it too perfect; just make the basic outline of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Leave a few “strings” in the eye and nose holes.

2. Pinching your shirt, cut through the top layer. Make sure you don’t cut through both layers! Don’t worry about the edges being even. This shirt has an edgier vibe, so you can get away with some messiness. Continue cutting along the outline you made.

3. To add another effect to the shirt, you can try shredding parts. Do this by cutting a horizontal line below the section you want shredded. Begin pulling on the edge of the fabric so that the strings come out. The strings will become unraveled and leave a shredded effect. You can do this for parts of the nose and some of the teeth.

4. When you cut the teeth or any section that is going to be very thin once cut, be very careful to not cut the fabric too thin. Some of mine ripped after I wore my shirt because I cut them too thin. To help prevent this, you can also cut any thin sections into a “Y” shape so that the part connecting to the rest of the shirt is slightly wider.

That’s all there is to it! When you wear this, I recommend pairing it with a cami or bandeau, or rocking a front-only bra. Although I made my shirt for Halloween, this could be modified and worn anytime for an edgy look.

How do you dress up for Halloween without actually wearing a costume? What will you be wearing on Halloween? Have an amazing idea for a DIY? Tell us in the comments!

It’s a dramatic cover for Vogue Spain’s November 2012 issue, with Penelope Cruz wearing Armani Privé dress and an intense expression, photographed in back and white by Tom Munro.

When she’s not in a bikini baring rock hard abs for Victoria’s Secret, Doutzen Kroes can have all the softness of melted butter. It’s a rare chameleon-like feat, and it works wonders for the Holiday 2012 campaign for Tiffany & Co in which Kroes – in a diamond necklace and tiara – could pass as something of a modern day Grace Kelly.

The campaign also stars Grace Gao as photographed by Michael Thompson.

While models are suing agencies for withholding payment, the converse is also in the news today with an agency suing two models. Ford models is reportedly suing Alana Zimmer, 25, and Karolina Waz, 18, for jumping ship to a rival agency.

Alana Zimmer on the runway at Jean Paul Gaultier

“The suit seeks $2 million in damages from Women, and $1 million each from Zimmer and Waz,” the NY Post reports.

The more I know of love, the less I know… purrs Kitty Collins, played by Ava Gardner, in the 1946 film The Killers. That moment, and that seminal character of the femme fatale, were central to Nina Jarebrink’s dramatic fall 2012 collection.

You can see it in the fabrics; the plush velvet and luxurious furs, the sheer chiffon and glittering gold-flecked jersey. But with her wedged patent ankle boots and boldly geometric jewellery, Jarebrink’s fall 2012 woman is certainly the modern update on the film noir femme. In spite being decades apart and distanced by modernity, though, they share the most important, key attribute: they both know how to stand out in a room.

View all of Nina Jarebrink’s (jarebrink.com) fall 2012 campaign, which was beautifully photographed by Christian Bakstad, by clicking on the thumbnails and perusing the gallery.