Portugal Fashion 2010 - Best of

As you know, I attended Portugal Fashion last weekend and I was very disappointed by the shoe show. However, and now that I have the official photos, I've decided to show you the beautiful looks that were presented at the three day event. Above is a beautiful creation of one of my favorite creators, Story Tailors. Is it just me or is this gown reminiscent of Cinderella? Anyway I think this is beautiful and I love it.


Lion of Porches brought wearable to the runway. They used their trademark colors (navy, red and white) to create looks that people can easily wear in their daily lives. A black cardigan with a red shirt and jeans looks good on anyone.

As many designers, Luís Buchinho presented a lot of black garments. A black mini-dress is not a new concept but there is something about the proportions and asymmetry of this dress that makes it different.

Talk about lady in red! Most designers showcased black and brown as fall/winter trends but Red Oak decided to spice things up and present a red look. I love red so no need to tell how I feel about this particular photo.

White outfits composed most of Diogo Miranda’s show but this particular beige garment, in my opinion, was the most beautiful ensemble. The draping of the blouse and the way the jacket fitted made this look special.

The only words I can think of to describe this blue mini-dress that you see in the picture are beautiful and stunning so I'll shut up and let the dress do the talking. Elizabeth Teixeira really got me with this one.

Excuse me, did you say bright? Carlos Gil certainly heard you. I have a really hard time describing this color so I’m just going to call it “petrol peacock blue with a twist” but it’s lovely. My subconscious is automatically linking this dress to a cosmopolitan city somewhere in Europe at a huge cocktail party. Maybe that’s why I want it – now!


So, to sum it all up; black was the main color in most shows but draping, asymmetry and innovative cuts were also stars. Other colors were either bright and added simple details or were used in a monochromatic look. Materials were lighter but comfortable and leather and satin were definitely trends. I think I’m going to have a lot of “fashion-fun” this fall!

Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration
Micky

Portugal Fashion Week- Collective Shoe Show

Portugal Fashion is a weekend where Portuguese designers show their creations to the public -much like a Fashion Week, only shorter. This year I had the opportunity to attend the collective shoe show. You know how much I love shoes, but I came home extremely disappointed. Knee high boots and short heels were most of what I saw. I understand that it is the fall/winter collection but, please, do I need to see chucky shoes again? Three winters in a row is a little more than what I can take right now. I was bored 10 minutes into the show and kept that way until it ended.

When it comes to designers, I love the creative kind – and we have plenty of that here so don’t ask me why is that I didn’t see their creativity show through today. I only took pictures of the prettiest shoes and boots so I don’t scare my readers (that’s how much I love you!) so take a look and let me know your thoughts. Quality and materials weren't bad at all and my disapointment is strictly due to lack of imagination.






Materials were mostly leather and suede and the colors were black and earth tones.

On a side note, and yes, I am aware that this was a shoe show, I was pleased not to see extremely thin models on the runway.

My heart gets sincerely broken when I have something less than fantastic to say about Portuguese fashion but I must be honest with my opinion and I have surely seen better from these designers. I hope to bring you pictures of much better Portuguese fashion really, really soon. Shoe Of The Week

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration "
Eventz Micky

Weekend Shoegasm- Blossom Shoe in Purple

Our shoes are an ever-present part of our lives and tell a lot about us. Sadly now as we say our last goodbyes to summer and head back to school or work, the one true constant for us all is the desire for great shoes. Work appropriate shoes are sometimes very tricky: we don’t want to look overly sexy and develop foot ailments from those over the top heels, but it’s not like we want to look kiddy or doughy either in mall rat looking flats. A good solution for these types of dilemas is the Blossom Shoe - Purple

They look classic but not overly dated. A purple leather upper is detailed with black patent pieces that go for a more tailored, luxurious look that is exactly what you want to show off your sense of style and professionalism without looking too masculine and giving up on comfort. The mini heel is there to provide elegance and also take care of your back since experts say that you should have a heel that’s between ½ and 1 ½ inch for your back’s sake. Pair with a big, structured patent (fake or real) leather bag and you’re ready to go. This shoe sells for $46.79 on Heels.com

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Shoe Of The Week

Micky

Shoes That Makes a Difference: TOM

Most children in developing countries grow up barefoot. Whether at play, doing chores or just getting around, these children are at risk. When Blake Mycoski traveled to Argentina and saw that most of the children had no shoes to protect their feet he created TOMS. TOMS has a one for one policy which means that for every pair you purchase TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child. In this video learn how the purchasing power of individuals can benefit the greater good.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Suzanna

Reality Check: Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 3

On Thursday night's episode of Project Runway Mitchell proved that sometimes the third time isn't always the charm. For the third week in a row Mitchell found himself in the bottom two after, yet another mediocre performance.


This week Klum divided the cast into teams of two and challenged them to create a functional and chic surfer outfit and a second, avant garde look. In theory, it seemed like a relatively simple challenge. But no two creative minds think alike and this challenge was no exception. While some pairs seemed to be a match made in heaven, the bulk of the this week's drama came from mismatched pair Mitchell and Ra'Mon.


Mitchell, who was named team leader, lacked in focus and concentration, and quickly forced a frustrated Ra'Mon to take the lead. Ra'Mon managed to carry the team by creating a gorgeous, sea-toned dress inspired by a stray piece of seaweed at the beach and a hand-dyed batik. Klum was less than impressed when Mitchell admitted that Ra'Mon did most of the work. For the first time in Project Runway history, Ra'Mon was named the challenge winner while his partner, Mitchell, was sent packing.


These two weren't the only personalities that clashed. Qristyl, the team leader, picked Epperson as her companion because she admired his talent and creativity but quickly became irritated by his dominant nature. In the end, their inability to work together was almost enough to send them home.


The always stylish Californian, Rachel Bilson, was this week's guest judge, offering her opinion and critique of the surf-inspired looks. Max Azria also took a seat on the judging panel but where did Michael Kors go?? Will he be coming back?? Guess we have to wait (impatiently) until next week!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Erin

Reality Check: Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 2

I'll be the first to admit that I've developed an inexplicable pleasure in watching reality TV personalities. There's just something so satisfyingly entertaining in watching real people fight their way - tooth and nail, to the top. Why watch fictional drama when you can capture the real deal on camera for the whole world to see?

On last night’s episode of Project Runway, the intensity ratcheted up a notch when the designers were faced with a rather large challenge. They were asked to design a chic maternity look for supermodel and mom-to-be, Rebecca Romijn, while keeping in mind a tailored and elegant silhouette that would flatter her curves.

While weighing their options, the contestants looked slightly panic stricken, most of whom admitted that they had never created maternity clothing before. But as they buckled down to work, the individuality and creativity of each designer became quickly apparent.

Louise captured the understated glamour of the 1940’s with one of her signature cocktail dresses that the judges agreed displayed excellent craftsmanship and a great attention to detail.

Althea, the Southern Belle from Charleston, SC, used a dark, dramatic blue jersey to create a floor length evening look that was both accentuating and flattering, making her my favorite designer of the night.

And Shirin stole the night with her elegantly draped red dress and a well-tailored coat lined in a fun, complimentary print. With an interesting neckline and gorgeous pleating around the baby bump, Shirin proved that she knows exactly what every pregnant woman craves. The judges all agreed that her dress was the most wearable look of the night and named her the winner of the challenge.

However, the most entertainingly ironic part of the show by far was watching the stick thin models strut down the runway with a disproportionately huge bulge strapped around their waists. As if these women could conceivably carry 30 pounds of dead weight around their midsections as if they were nothing!

The judges finally narrowed it down to the two designers who managed to fall too short of the mark this week. Once again Mitchell found himself in the bottom two after producing a sloppy pair of shorts, in which the judges all agreed they would never wear. Malvin took the challenge a little too literally, using the concept of fertility to create an unflattering white top that was supposed to resemble an egg.

Personally, I was really torn between these two. On the one hand, Mitchell really should have stepped up his game after last week’s disappointment. However, Malvin’s outfit, complete with black feathers that supposedly represented the "mother hen," was just a little too bizarre for my taste.

Had Malvin been able to separate his concept from the construction and create something more relatable; both to the viewers and to the judges, he would have stood a much better chance. In the end, the judges decided to send Malvin home and give Mitchell a third chance... but not without a stern warning from Klum.

Tune in next Thursday at 10 pm to see if he can redeem himself before Klum gives him the boot!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin

Fashion Circle Sale Alert: eMODA- Sale 80% off Summer Sale Event

eModa.com is having a summer clearance sale of up to 80% off the original price. This Custo Barcelona Patchwork Sweater is featured in the sale, the original price was $240 and has dropped to a low of $48! This beautiful, light weight sweater features colorful patterns and abstract graphics, tied together with cocoa accent fabric and "wooden" buttons. It's just perfect for summer evenings on the beach and to add a spark of color to your waredrobe. It fits true to size.

The sale features many of Emoda.com's uniquely chic items from scarves to shoes and dresses to sweaters. Emoda.com also offers free shipping for orders over $100 throughout the US. Feel free to check them out and decover what you can find. Below are a few things I found featured on the sale for 80% off list price.

From left to right, the Sergio Zelcer High Heel Open Sandals in Black are on sale for $43.60, 80% off its original price of $218. It features a 4.25" heel with black and tan flecked strapped golden accent fabric and closures. It's perfect to pair with jean - rolled up or down, or with a sexy, casual dress - something not too fancy so as the sandals make for the "a la carte". The
Custo Barcelona Highland Flower Dress (center) is on sale for $88, 50% off its original price of $176. This sleeveless, turtle neck dress features a collage of abstract shapes and colors, with a grey skirt with blue metallic threading. You'll be sure to stand out of the crowd next to you go out to happy hour! This Crash & Burn Farrah Tunic Dress in Cloud Wash (right) is a perfect weekend dress. It's cute, sassy, and only on sale for $18.80 ( 80% off the list price of $94)! Pair this dress with a little makeup, cute pair of ankle wrap sandals, your favorite purse, and your good to go!

With so many great things on sale, you can't go wrong!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Monica

Shopping Guide: Backpacks for Back-To-School

It's time to go back to school and that always goes hand-in-hand with back-to-school shopping. Although updating the wardrobe is a back-to-school must; making sure you have the right backpack is a back-to-school essential. Not only will your backpack keep books, papers, electronics and school supplies in their place - some of the latest styles and designs have multi-purpose features to keep you organized and help you make the grade. Read on for an in-depth guide on how to buy backpacks for back-to-school and beyond that's sure to take you to the top of the class.

Durability: Look for backpacks that are constructed well and are from a recognized brand. You'll find zippers that come off the track and seams that fray are common problems with low quality book bags. Pictures and decals can crack and wear off so try to stay away from those if you're looking for a bag that's built to last.

Comfort: Wide, padded straps on backpacks help kids carry heavy loads. Messenger bags and one-strap backpacks are not recommended when it comes to back safety. Wheels are good for kids that have a lot of heavy books and/or must carry their bags long distances. But keep in mind that wheels add weight overall and the folding handles of rolling backpacks can be uncomfortable on the back.

Size: Size is probably the most important thing to look for when choosing a backpack. The bag should be no larger than the child's back. It should rest 1-2 inches below the shoulders and no more than 4 inches below the waistline (note: the waistline is level with the bellybutton). Many backpacks designed for preschoolers are not even large enough to hold a folder without bending it, and most preschoolers are sent home with big art projects. Messenger bags and laptop backpacks are often narrower and may not hold all the essentials. Look for backpacks that are roomy and have extra compartments for school supplies, electronics and other useful features.

Useful Features: Look for added extras that will actually be useful, such as pockets, key chains, lunch kits, water bottle holders, cell phone holders, etc. (But keep in mind there is such thing as too many pockets when a kid is looking for misplaced lunch money.)

School Specifications: Some schools have rules against wheeled backpacks while some require clear backpacks, so check your school supply list.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

- Yana Simone