A Target & Neiman Marcus Christmas

Picture from nitrolicious.com

If you just started Christmas Shopping, you have to visit your local Target store where you will find the legendary partnership of the century, Target & Neiman Marcus. Since December 1^st Target stores have been selling a collection of more than 50 gorgeous gifts designed by the top Designers in the industry such as Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta, just to name some. Amazing quality and design for a limited time only and for very attractive prices.

Oscar de la Renta Tote. Picture from target.com

This incredible partnership coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the furthering of the art and recognition of U.S. fashion Design. The impact of the CFDA extents to the work of some of today’s top designers including the ones contributing to this collaboration.

Diane Von Furstenberg Yoga Mat. Picture from target.com

Choose from apparel, accessories, home décor, travel, sports, outdoors and special gifts to die for for your loved ones and friends. Check them here!

Here are some of my favorite choices:

Marchesa Girl Dress $79.99

Diane Von Furstenberg Yoga Mat $49.99

Prabal Gurung Clutch $49.99

Robert Rodriguez Dress $99.99

Oscar de la Renta Tote $59.99

Designers participating: Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Tracy Reese, Altuzurra, Rag & bone, Rodarte, Lela Rosa, Dian Von Furstenberg, Robert Rodriguez, Marchesa.

Picture from vibevixen.com

Fall Fashion in 652 Page Mega Issue of InStyle

image from fashionloving.co.uk

image from mysticalvampiresvixens.com

FALL FASHION is here and so is the InStyleMagazine 652 Page Mega Issue, September 2012. The bible for the fall season with all the beauty tips and recommendations you’ll need for a fabulous end of the year. Jennifer Lopez is in the cover of the magazine with a beautiful lingerie-inspired red silk top and a black leather skirt. Check out the article about her “We (heart) Jennifer Lopez.” Also pay attention to the hottest trends in boots, bags and outfits in all the beautiful ads and latest campaigns. Revise carefully the extended version of “Hot Trends at Any Age” recommendations by Fashion Director Cindy Weber-Cleary and her assistant, Alexandra Michler…priceless! And aside from all the eye candy material have a good read with some interesting articles about Designer Tommy Hilfiger and the Missoni family. Don't forget to check out the MAN OF STYLE, Ryan Kwanten from True Blood. The best time of the year is here…enjoy!

Fendi Baguette, the Book

Picture from weeknightwandering.com

Picture from lvmh.com

With more than 1,000 styles to date, the Fendi Baguette has become a staple of chicness and elegance not only for Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), but for every stylish lady out there. Through the years, women have enjoyed the different transitions from sequins, to feathers, to beautiful fabrics, studs and the classic Fendi monogram. Today, the most luxurious loaf of French bread in the market can be seen in full-size images in the new 344-page book called by the same name: Fendi Baguette. Enjoy the different designs and history of the “It” bag. Explore the glamour of the small, shoulder-strap, fun yet sophisticated Fendi Baguette. 

Check out this video by ModaMob "Sarah Jessica Parker is Saving her Fendi Baguettes for her Daughters"

Summer Fashion in Spain

I just came back from an amazing summer trip to Spain where I visited the historic capital of Madrid, beautiful world heritage city of Toledo, the astonishing Roman aqueduct in Segovia, and the home of the famous Valley of the Fallen San Lorenzo del Escorial.

Aside from enjoying the great weather, unbelievable food, and rich history, I had the chance to experience the fashion sense of the Spaniards and Europeans at large.

Women wore lots of high-waist shorts and pants, an amazing variety of flat sandals, good quality leather messenger bags, plenty of dresses, and especially Aladdin pants with beautiful patterns. I noticed an overall bohemian, but at the same time very fashion forward feel on the streets.

Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

Interview with young designer Andrea Quintero

Model: Francesca Pintucchi
Photography: Andrea Quintero
Accesories: Andrea Quintero

I want to introduce Andrea Quintero, owner and creator of AQModa, a young designer with an eye for style and a pure heart. She recently graduated from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale and was named for best accessories for fall portfolio. I had the chance to talk to her and this is what she had to say!

Model: Lucia Craciun
Photography: Andrea Quintero
Accesories: Andrea Quintero

Tells us a little about yourself.

I’m a 24 year old girl who is very creative, analytic, and inspirational. For me everything has art in it. I am also very expressive. I express myself in every way. I am very generous. I like to help people. I try to show peace and love in everything that surrounds me. I like friends. I am also a very classic and elegant individual.

Since when did you know fashion was your first love?

Since I was five. Since I was born my mom had a boutique of clothing. Our neighbor boutiques were seamstresses and I used to go sometimes when my mom gave me dresses that needed to be fixed. They had millions of fabrics and they always gave me some so I could make dresses for my barbies. My family has an artistic background. My grandma and grandpa paint and my mom had the boutique. Mixing art and fashion all the time I noticed that fashion was my first love and fashion design my career. I used to paint also.

Model: Dija Phaire
Photography: Andrea Quintero
Accesories: Andrea Quintero

What are the new plans now that you have your certified degree of fashion design?

My goal is to open my own boutique and sell my own accessories and clothes.

What is your specialization?

I am more focused on cocktail and party dresses and I am also designing accessories. My accessories are made of crochet and embellishments (buttons, stones, and others). Trying to make women look elegant and making it possible by completing an outfit with an accessory is my goal. I want the accessory to be the final touch.

Model: Lucia Craciun
Photography: Andrea Quintero
Accesories: Andrea Quintero

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my accessories. I’m also working on personal project of a fashion event with a friend.

 Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself designing my own line.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to draw. I love having coffee with my friends. I like photography also. I also love being a stylist. I recently did an engagement photo shoot and I loved it. I also did the wardrobe for the cover of the cd of a band.

Andrea Quintero
Owner & Creator of AQModa

What advice can you give to people who want to go into the designing world?

Do what you want to do and work it to make it happen and it is going to happen. You have to have faith and be positive. It is hard. Nothing is perfect, but you’ll get there.

Fashionably-Comfortable Shoes

image from blog.kuzakscloset.com

image from fabsugar.com
Toms ballet flats

Fashionably-comfortable might be a profound concept for many out there, but a truly achievable one for women today. Style and a perfect fit are two things that can definitely coexist in this world and be the best combo made to order. Many women go through life wearing scratchy, itchy, and/or tight garments and accessories, especially shoes, which make them look fabulous while sacrificing comfort and overall wellbeing.  Other ladies don’t even mind surrendering stylishness in order not to suffer, which if you make some sense out of it, doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.

image from kenzieanabel.multiply.com
Crocs Santa Cruz

I know what you have been through…when you are in front of a mirror wearing a mouth dropping pair of designer label ballerina flats that are 50% off and the exact shade of taupe you have been looking for months, but they are extremely uncomfortable and of course the last pair in the store…and you get them …..and I ask you why? There is nothing like buying something you love that makes you feel great and that is soft and cozy…like cashmere. We can’t get enough cashmere, can’t we?

image from dsw.com
Steve Madden swirly flats

There is a great solution and not a happy medium to make these two things happen. There are many brands that offer a variety of solutions for happy feet. They have focused on crafting comfortable beautiful footwear to satisfy today’s women needs when working on their feet in long events, shows, productions, meetings, conferences, etc. This new world might not be a high heeled world, but definitely a stylish sophisticated era that you deserve to be a part of.

image from boatshoeswomens.com
Sperry boat shoes

I recommend checking out Toms ballet flats, Sperry boat shoes, Crocs Santa Cruz, Ombu Lifestyle eco-friendly shoes, Adidas Daria and the classic Keds. If you want to be casual and funky, try Steve Madden swirly flats or if you need something fancier try, my personal favorite, Sam Edelman’s Caper flats. 

image from www.ombulifestyle.com
Ombu Lifestyle eco-friendly shoes

Enjoy!

Hollywood's Most Glamorous Night of the Year

Image from movies.yahoo.com
Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Image from movies.yahoo.com
Penelope Cruz in Giorgio Armani

The most glamorous night in Hollywood took place yesterday February 26, 2012 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, California.  

Colors such as pale pink, white, off-white and nude dominated the best dressed list of the Oscars with the exception of 2 beautiful black gowns worn by comedian Tina Fey and actress Angelina Jolie who wore Carolina Herrera and Versace accordingly. 

The Red Carpet of the 84^th Annual Academy Awards celebrated one more time the beauty and elegance of the actresses of the spotlight who made girls thrill as they walked inside the theater for the most anticipated event of the year. My favorite choices of the night were (1 being the best):

Image from movies.yahoo.com
Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera

Image from movies.yahoo.com
Rooney Mara in Givenchy Couture

1.       Cameron Diaz (Gucci)

2.       Penelope Cruz (Giorgio Armani)

3.       Milla Jovovich (Elie Saab Couture)

4.       Rooney Mara (Givenchi Couture)

5.       Tina Fey (Carolina Herrera)

6.       Angelina Jolie (Versace)

7.       Gwyneth Paltrow (Tom Ford)

8.       Kristen Wiig (J. Mendel)

9.       Sandra Bullock (Marchesa)

10.   Maria Menounos (Maria Lucia Hoha)