Spring Madness

Hola Fiends!!! So March is here and that can only mean one thing....Spring Fashion!!! Instead of March Madness it's all about Fashion Madness ......who cares about basketball anyway...well secretly I do. I love when new seasons embrace us...... because that can only mean one thing for Fashion Fiends....Shopping!!!! Besides the warmer temperatures, updating your wardrobe with the latest fabulous pieces is always a perk. Look below to see the fabulous pieces, colors, and themes you should be rocking this Spring.....

Living In Color

Much like last Spring, this Spring is all about color. The Brighter the Better baby, but the ultimate It color is Yellow. Yellow was all over the runway and is currently all over our favorite stores. I personally know that yellow definitely doesn't work for everyone so look to other brights like pink, blue, and purple as well. Pair your brights with white, denim,and neutral colors like gold or tan and stay away from black, it's just to dull. You can pair brights with each other but do it generously. Like adding a bright belt, shoe, or bag to your bright dress. The goal is not to be a walking rainbow a.k.a a fashion wreck!!!lol

La Damsel Frill Dress $116 Asos

Mat & Nat Kala Clutch $185 Neiman Marcus

I Salute You

Last Spring was inspired by the Navy and this Spring the Army Rocks!!! Now, don't walk around in Arm Fatigue...No-No!!! Think Army inspired pieces that are different shades of Army green and give a military affect. Most pieces will have brass hardware to give them a edgier appeal. I like the idea of rocking Army green...and I definitely will be saluting this style!!

Sergio Rossi Yvette Fringe Heel $850

Shopbop.com

Military Flare Mac $88.00 Asos

Girl Meets Boy

Continued from the Fall, you should continue to look to masculine pieces for trend inspiration. Think structured pieces like blazers, vest, shorts, boyfriend cardigans, oxford shirts, and slouchy pants. In effort not to look to masculine, rock these pieces with something soft, flirty, and feminine. I love this trend and you only live once so don't pass up the opportunity to walk in a man's shoes/pants!

Three Quarter Blazer $100

Topshop.com

Found Denim Gypsy Bambo Pants $187

Revolveclothing.com

Fashion Foot Prints

In addition to floral prints from last Spring, leave your fashion foot prints in pastel prints as well as ethnic prints. These are the patterns to be seen in. Some are chic and feminine while others are bright and bold. Since prints are so busy opt for neutral or solid color accessories that will blend well. Try not to mix to many prints together at once... I would hate to see the outcome. I'm not a huge fan of prints but I'm sure this trend will definitely work for some.

Marble Wrap Dress $64 Asos

Multi Strip Ribbon Skirt $57 Asos

Giuseppe Zanotti $650 Endless.com

Cut It Out
Shoes and booties with cut out designs are all the rage this spring!! They are hott and add a appealing design to the accessories we know and and love. I'm sure shoe fiends will happily embrace this style!!!

Pella Moda Metallic Kammi Bootie $209

Shopbop

Steve Madden Tantraa Bootie $169.00

Steve Madden

Of course there are other trends I didn't mention like: metallic, ruffles, lace, and cropped pants. Remember while you are shopping for the latest trends, embrace your own style and don't go trend crazy!!! Choose fabulous pieces that can take you into summer and that are definitely worth your buck!!! Happy Shopping and Stay Fabulous......

Smooches,

Chloe Elle

Double Dose of Style

Next to every dapper man is a fabulous woman. To be honest, every dapper man is probably styled by his fabulous woman!!! There's nothing I love more than a power couple with style... A double dose of style. I should have posted a picture of my boyfriend and I....um.....maybe next time.lol Anyway, the couples in this post are always looking absolutely fabulous... They define the meaning..."Next to every great man is a great and fabulous woman" I kind of tweaked the saying a little......






Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith


She took him from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to the Fly King of Hollywood. This couple has definitely grown style wise together, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Fabulous and Fly couple indeed!

David and Victoria Beckham

Victoria definitely put some fashion spice in David Beckham's life. She took him from a rugged soccer player to a dapper futbol star!!! Not to mention her style game is wickedly sick!!! Gotta love her for introducing her husband to style!!!

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

........Speechless....Let me find words..........The most influential and powerful couple in the world happens to be one of the most stylish couples as well. She brings out his swagger and he let's you know she is the reason he is where is today. Our First couple exudes the definition of class, style, intelligence, and sophistication....Pure Fabulousness....Gotta love them because I know I do!!!!

Smooches,

Chloe Elle

Fashion Market Watch: Gucci To Outlast Recession

The French luxury and retail group PPR that owns Gucci Group, which includes the brands Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Bottega Venata, Alexander McQueen, and Serigio Rossi, reported a 5.8% increase in sales for 2008 and 4.4% increase for the fourth quarter alone, mainly contributed by....you guessed it international activity. International sales made up 61% of PPR's activity for 2008, 21% from North America, and the star luxury brand that just about contributed to all of the companies success and staying power was Gucci . The Gucci brand is the largest of PPR's portfolio and continues to rank in the most revenue over the rest of the Gucci Group brands. PPR's revenue between October and December alone rose to $6.71 billion from a year ago, if that's not outlasting an economic crisis I don't know what is.

Gucci, founded in Florence in 1921, has obviously made it's mark in the fashion world, but there will always be critics. Fashion elitist are saying Gucci is only selling because of it's lower prices and it's availability to the masses. Once deemed a luxury power house, after saturating the market Gucci has struggled to reposition itself with the most luxurious high fashion brands. Gucci has changed it's target market and the old target isn't happy at all. It's a catch 22 though, do they keep their brand affordable to continue to have profitability; or do they reinvent themselves by increasing prices and product quality to re-establish their original namesake. It seems like PPR likes revenue in these struggling times, as they plan to open more Gucci stores this year and increase advertisement...Good idea right? Business wise yes!! Brand wise, maybe not.

The only people that are upset about Gucci's low prices and availability to the masses are those who can afford to pay $5,000 for a bag. I'm not complaining at all, but I do agree that the image of the brand continues to decline. In fashion we want to feel like what we have is exclusive and it's almost a sense of disappointment when you see everyone walking down 5Th ave. with the same bag or shoes. It definitely cheapens the image of the brand in my eyes. None the less PPR is enjoying making a profit is this horrible economy. I guess we will just have to wait and see if Gucci will ever re-establish itself among the high fashion houses in the future; but in the mean time they definitely are outlasting the recession and that's what matter most.

Look Below For Gucci Goodies......

New Jackie Shoulder Bag

$2995

Rampling Ankle Strap

$1475

Ladies Web Large Hobo
$795

Joy Medium Boston Bag

$730

Iman Ankle Strap

$1295

*Click here to find info on these products : Gucci

Smooches,
Chloe Elle


Sources: WSJ.com, bussinessweek.com, PPR.com

STYLE FIEND: KERRY WASHINGTON

The ultimate fashionista...Kerry Washington definitely owns her style and knows how to make fashion work for her.....This is exactly why she's Fashion Fiend's first Style Fiend....

Her sophistication is uber fabulous, she's talented, a humanitarian, and a huge supporter of President Obama.... Gotta love her!!!

Reigning from the Bronx, NY this talented actress first came on the Hollywood scene in 1994 when she debuted in the ABC telefilm Magical-Makeover. I first noticed her in 2001 when she appeared in Save the Last Dance but I really noticed how talented she was when she played Ray Charles' wife in the 2004 movie Ray. Thus a star was born!! She continues to strive to heighten her Hollywood success and has even began producing and writing movies as well. She has won numerous awards for her social activism and charity work.

Rocking every label from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Derek Lam, Armani, and Zac Posen, to only name a few, her style is flawless....and she never disappoints......I mean never. She understands that flawless hair and make up are accessories that are just as important as fabulous shoes. Kerry Washington is a beautiful Fashion Genius and her Style is undeniable!!! Take a look below...

This definitely will not be the last post on Ms.Washington!!! She's my Fashion Goddess....style, sophistication, and humility....A True Fashionista - A Poster Girl For Style!!!

Smooches,

Chloe Elle


Photos Courtesy of Style.com

Photos Courtesy of theybf.com

FASHION VS. STYLE

Let the battle begin... The thought of writing about this very article has been on my mind for almost a year now. I've realized that many people misconstrue Fashion and Style to be the same when they couldn't be more wrong than wearing white shoes in the winter. To understand the difference is understand how to define your "Style" in this fabulous world of "Fashion".

Fashion is all about trend, the here and now, the right now. Although trends are destined to fade, every season new trends are introduced and Fashion reinvents itself fabulously. Most get so engulfed in Fashion trends they forget how to identify their individual style. Hence..... style is timeless, it defines who you are and can't be bought like Fashion. A woman with Style enjoys Fashion but doesn't let it define her wardrobe. I've discovered so many Fashionistas fill their closets with the latest Fashion trends, and when the thrill is gone, they have nothing left but empty pockets and a closet full of clothes that are no longer in Style. A woman with Style intelligently diversifies her wardrobe by not only buying the latest trends but also buying ageless pieces that only get better with time..... So when it's all said and done and the trends have passed, a woman with style will always have something left to wear. She wears the labels but they will never define her Style!!!

It's absolutely no new news that we are in a recession and one of the biggest economic crisis of our lifetime and now even designers realize the importance of Fashion vs. Style. After Fashion Week and losing my mind over all the trends that were ruling the runway, I realized that designers were not going as trendy as usual. They are trying to give Fashionistas more for their buck and offer pieces with feminine quality that can go beyond one season. Although our spending habits have probably changed, it would almost be a crime to think are fashion sense has as well......NOT!!! We may be broke but we definitely still want to be fabulous and that's why it's now more important than ever to understand and identify your personal style and not be defined by just trends.

Fashionista Essentials- What I Believe Every Woman With Style Should Have

The Little Black Dress...A must have that can

be worn several different ways and will

never go out of style
Petal Backless Halter Dress $80.90

A fabulous affordable platform that will take you through

fall, winter (tights), and summer will always do
Majesty by Steve Madden $139.00

Mini Splurge Bag- The bag that goes with

everything and practically never goes out of style
*Hit your nearest vintage store for a older version

may be a fraction of the price* I Heart Vintage

Joy Medium Boston Bag by Gucci $730

Don't be afraid to drop some change

for a nice pair of jeans...They can last for years,

they learn all your curves and become your

very best friend.

Unknown Factory Skinny Jean $198

With jeans, a high waist skirt, shorts,

you name it and you can wear it with a

white beater. It's like a blank canvas and

you definitely need more than one.

Long Line Tee $14

Splurge!!! Every girl needs to splurge on a pair

of shoes whether they be Louboutins, Gucci,

Jimmy Choo or Giuseppe...It's all about mixing

high end with low end. They can make an outfit

from H&M or Zara look like a million bucks!!!

Cutout Wedge Sandal by Dior $925

So these are just a few of my fashionista essentials but I'm sure you can think of more that define your personal Style. The moral of the story is own your personal Style and don't let it be purely defined by Fashion trends. A Fashion fiend knows the perfect combination of Fashion and Style and that my lovlies is.......Priceless!!!

Smooches,

Chloe Elle

The Red Carpet Award Goes To.... Oscars 2009

The 81st Academy Awards aired last night and it was all about old Hollywood glamour and I loved it!!!! I'll honestly admit that this isn't my favorite award show, just not enough entertainment, but I absolutely live for the red carpet!!! It's the prom of Hollywood!! As always starlets showed up and out and here are some of my favorites....

The detailing on Marisa Tomie's Atelier Versace dress is fabulously insane!!! The all around pleating is to live for....she was definitely my surprise for the night and I can always appreciate a good surprise!

Old Hollywood glamour.... With love by her side and always in labels, Sarah J Parker looked fab is this Christian Dior Haute Couture gown...I wasn't in love with the color but hey you gotta love SJP


Melissa George wore Dolce & Gabbana and I loved how elegantly form fitting her dress was....it reminds me of a modern day bride....some may disagree but I like

It seems like it took an Oscar nomination to bring out Tariji's true fabulousness!!! She might not have won, but how can you lose win you look this fabulous in Roberto Cavalli. I loved how the bag brings in a punch of color...Hott!!!


Anne Hathaway looked simply fabulous in Armani Prive...I didn't love her make up but she's an all around pretty fabulous chick!!

Penelope looked beautiful in this vintage Balmain Couture gown. She said she waited years to wear it and I'm sure she couldn't of picked a better night..Congrats to her

Smooches,

Chloe Elle

Photos Courtesy of Style.com

BET'S RIP THE RUNWAY 2009

Hey Fiends!!! So yesterday your number one Fiend Fabulously hit the streets of NY and attended BET's Rip the Runway 2009. For those of you who don't know Rip the Runway is an event that BET produces that combines fashion and entertainment in the most fabulous way!! BET recognizes up and coming and trailblazing African American designers, stylist, and models all to the sounds of the latest and hottest music artist. It was a fabulous event and yours truly had all the access....

The entertainment was great while the fashion was just OK. I wasn't in love, nor did I absolutely hate what came down the runway, but I always can appreciate the efforts and hard work of every designer, as I personally know how much work goes into creating something you love and hope everyone else will too. I loved the swim suit collection, as it was fabulously designed and added some chicness to tiny pieces of cloth!!! Love it!!! I may be bias but my absolute favorite part was called Fashionista Recessionista...The name fabulously speaks for it's self!!! My fashion fairy God Mother June Ambrose, I Absolutely Love Her...No Seriously, and a few up and coming stylist, mixed high end with low end, I live by this rule, to create budget conscious fabulous ensembles all under $200!!! Gotta Love it!!!

So.. I gave up my VIP seats to stand with the crowd, luckily I had on my Steve Madden boots they didn't hurt a bit, to get all my fiends a great view of the show!!! You love me I know!!! Look below to see pics and video clippings of the show... FYI I am no professional photographer so I don't have professional equipment!!! Work with your girl... I tried!! lol


June and Joy....check June shoes.....she told me they were seven inches... Gotta love her!! Definitely love her dress as well!!!! Joy's fitted leather pants are sick...I was confused about that top though...just wasn't fabulous enough

Cast of Harlem Heights... A new reality show about four girls and guys following their dreams in NYC, the story of us all. June Ambrose is the stylist so I'll definitely be watching!! Coming to BET in March!


Joy Bryant and Derek Luke....Derek announced he's introducing his own line, join the celebrity club, The shirt he's wearing is part of the collection...I got one!!!Can't wait to see how that unfolds...

Korto and I, finalist from Project Runway Season 5, showed her collection and I liked it!!!! She was definitely my choice to win the show that season.....and I'm still trying to figure out what happened.......um......anyway, she was a sweet heart!!!

OOH...That's just yours truly and my bff CME...thanks girl for your production skills!!

OK so I'm working on uploading the videos...I can't figure it out exactly...stay tuned and check back...

All and all it was a Fabulous event, lots of fun, filled with Fashion Fiends and you know your girl was networking like crazy!! After the show we hit the after party and after the after party.... I went home and went to bed!!! HA

Tune into BET March 2nd to see the entire show!!! Until next time..

Smooches,

Chloe Elle

Fashionistas Who Lunch

We've been going crazy, and I do mean crazy, here on the East coast over New York Fashion Week, the craziness will continue after this brief intermission.... While on the other end of the country some of our favorite fashionistas showed up and showed out at the 2ND annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. Essence has gathered some of the most successful and fabulous women of color to acknowledge their success and contributions to Hollywood.... and I love it!!! I take my Louboutin off to ESSENCE, for always thinking about us!!! While I will leave the luncheon to them, I will acknowledge just how fabulous some of the attendees were....

Taraji rocked Zac Posen and looked cute doing so...

I wasn't crazy about her shoe game though...would

have like to see her in a patent platform or peep toe

sling back.. just saying

Ms. Berry's fabulousness is insane, she

almost never disappoints...I loved this look

and her Loubs. Uber Sophistication at it's best!!!

...In the words of B.M. "just come and get

me right now"..... Ms. Washington is by far my

Fashion Goddess. Her style is so sick it's sickening.

She never ever let's me down, nope not ever!!! Who else could

rock Louis Vuitton like this and make it look so

effortless. I did this post purely to acknowledge her....
*Stay tuned for a Post all about her style

...Ok Pam!!! I liked this look on her.

Utter Sophistication!!! I love a woman

who dresses her age


...She's such a doll face.. I'm not in love with

this look but she can almost pull anything off


Looking Fabulous Ladies!!!! Now back to our regular scheduled program...NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!!!!! Stayed Tuned!!!

Smooches,

Chloe Elle