Fashaun

As I read this month’s gossip in OK! Magazine, I got to some really great fashion tips near the back! First, I loved it because every single thing on there I either have, or have on my near future “things to buy” list. Here they are ladies:

1. Shift Dress: timeless and flattering on all figures… it is a piece of clothing that you can easily dress up or dress down with the right accessories and shoes.

2. Cardigan: a must have for ANY season. OK! Magazine suggests “Select a cashmere blend that will let skin breathe on warmer days and keep you cozy when the temperature drops.” I absolutely love cashmere anything on my upper half, including hats and gloves. It is truly so soft and comfortable and perfect for the fancy dress or dressed down jeans. I suggest getting them in multiple colors as well, you will use them incisively!

3. Colorful T-shirts: I personally do not have many t-shirts, although I wish everyday that I had brought all the ones I had when I moved out of my parents’ house because I miss them dearly. I prefer fitted t’s of course, to the basic t-shirt. This piece of clothing can be paired with anything from jeans to shorts to skirts… anything really! Also seen around the city as of late is the look of the 90s… t-shirts with tanks on top!

4. Dark-Wash Jeans: Honestly… if you don’t have a pair of dark washed jeans… I should really question how in the world you have survived. I have no commentary on this one. Everyone I have ever known whether it be punk, chic, conservative, trendy or WHATEVER, has a pair of dark washed jeans. End of story.

5. Platform Pumps: Now this may be outer or hidden platform, whichever fancies you. I have a selection of both and I love both. Plus, I must admit the little bit of platform does make them more comfortable on the balls of my feet and a little easier to walk in. If you prefer to only have one pair, go for black of course. I have black and brown, basic and high usability.

6. Skinny Belt: I don’t own one. Every single belt I have ever bought has not been worn. Ever. I have never been able to pull off the belt, in my own eyes at least. However, I am thinking of jumping back in the belt “saddle” and maybe giving it another go around. I absolutely loathe belts with jeans, personally, but I am loving seeing everyone wearing belts high up on the waist with the dresses. I will try in the near future…

7. Bomber Jacket: It is a gorgeous thing to have in your closet and pair with many things. It can add instant edge to that cute outfit with the above t-shirt! Can’t afford the leather? Go for the pleather! Just make sure it doesn’t look TOO much like a plastic garbage bag…

8. Ballet Flats: I must contribute my love for ballet flats to my then-boyfriend, now-husband! I didn’t own a single pair of flats until he bought me my first, second and third pair. After that, I was in love and it was near impossible to get me back into heels! Flats are cute, sexy, and above all, COMFORTABLE! Girls, please get into a pair if you have been crazy enough not to yet! You’ll beg for more of them!

9. Flat Boots: I am on the verge of purchasing my first pair of flat boots. I was always against boots without a heel or a platform but I am warming up to the idea. Plus, I am sure they are as comfortable as the flats and a bit more edgy and chic! You can pair them with basically any wardrobe, any outfit. I used to be an equestrian so I am all for the flat boot in the ring… which was hard for me to think of me wearing them NOT stepping in horse sh… well, you know. They are beautiful, though. It’s on my wish list!

10. Clutch: Here we are at the end… The clutch. Every girl needs one, every girl should own one. Even if you think you’ll NEVER use it… you will. It is the perfect bag for those nights out on the town. Throw in your lipstick, cash, a couple cards, your ID and phone and you’re set to go. There are different sizes, depending on what you prefer: mini sizes to larger, small purse size. My advice? Get one with a little flash… you can never go wrong with a little flash accessory with ANY outfit, day or night.

Well lovely ladies, there you are! 10 essentials you must have, and should not live without. You can put together so many things with just these 10 basics. Way to go OK! Magazine editors. I absolutely loved this piece and agree with every single essential! If you do not posses one or more, off you go to your nearest favorite retail outlet. Ready… Set… GO!!

After much ado, we have finally arrived in NYC… our new home. My husband and I relocated here just one week ago from San Jose, CA. It is a big change to say the least. Although for me, I love NY so much that I feel like I’ve been done a dis-service by not being born and raised here. Everything about it is the epitome of me… The fast paced life, “so much to do, so little time”, everything that is important is within a 15 min ride on the subway, and here, you can always get what you want in one way or another. We got lucky, found an apt within days of being here. It was the first one we looked at and comparing it to others, it was “the one.” We signed away our entire savings for it but it was worth it compared to what we had seen that was a bit cheaper! SO… getting settled in now, and every day it is looking more and more like a home as we slowly get it furnished!

Being in the city has opened my eyes to the endless every day fashion that passes me daily on the street. I love being in a city where a girl can wear leggings, a short dress, boots and a fur vest and nobody looks at her funny and cars don’t stop to pick her up, thinking she is a hooker. As I get settled, I am going to get out there and see what kind of fun fashion awaits, and hopefully attend some events as well. In SoHo today, it was full of what looked like models or aspiring models… everyone dressed to the max and skinny as a bean! When I got lost getting off the subway, I just followed the posh-looking people, with their Versace and Louis Vuitton bags, talking about how Italy is so much better than Paris and they don’t know WHY they continue to visit Paris twice a year and Italy only once! My instincts were right, and they led me straight into SoHo. I realized its all about keeping your head up and eyes wide open in NYC. Paying attention is key. I spotted some great styles today, and hope to take some photos soon of what I see and like, even if only from the back. Being here for the last week also made me realize how much appearances matter. On many days, I dress casual and comfortable because of the moving of boxes, buying of items for our apartment and having to lug them home. Yesterday, I got jazzed up a bit, and wore a flowy tee, lacy tank underneath, jeans and boots with a matching scarf. I got LOTS of looks, and didn’t mind the whistles from the NYCFD! So THAT’S where they keep all the cute fire fighters!

Well, in the process of finding the “dream job” and working the connections I have to see if I can get something going in fashion in NYC. Gonna start from the bottom and work my way up… I want to do it the right way and get in and get my hands dirty, even work for free. I am going to do what I have to do to be able to finally do what I love! Will keep everyone posted. I will be going on my first personal shopping trip soon, so will post once I get my hands on some new digs! I love my husband right now for forcing me not to spend some of the gift cards I had, and to save them to spend in NYC. Even if I end up buying the same thing I would have bought in San Jose, there is still something else, something more gratifying about buying it in arguably the biggest shopping mecca in the world! Stay tuned!

Stay tuned… I have started looking at some of Anna Sui for Target’s line. Very cute, very stylish and absolutely stunning on the models, so I will see how they look on the average Joe… rather the average Afshaun. So far, my favorite pieces are “not available” online, so I don’t know if that means they are sold out or just “unavailable” online. I will mosey over to Target this afternoon to see what they have…

I am also a couple days away from attending Elle’s styling event at H&M this Saturday in San Francisco. I am hoping it isn’t SO busy that I don’t even get a chance to get styled. If not, I will post about the scene and talk to some girls who did get a chance to get styled. Photos also to come!

I am working on a couple ideas for my blog’s “niche”. I am tossing around a few ideas and am thinking I will ask my twitter community for some help when the time comes so stayed tuned and follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/afnaf. Or, feel free to post a comment on here as well.

Posted via web from Afshaun’s posterous

There are a few really cool iPhone applications for those who like to keep up on fashion, anytime, anyplace. I follow many fashion blogs as well, and there is a great application to check your RSS feeds too. Personally, if I don’t check up on my RSS feeds at least every few hours, I have a massive build up, so it’s great for those who have the same problem and aren’t stuck to a computer all the time.

First and foremost, I have the Style.com app. It is a more broad fashion app, and for most of you who have been on the site Style.com, it covers a broad spectrum of fashion events, runways, styles, looks and designers. The app is obviously more compact, and doesn’t contain everything on the site, however it does include many different facets. Included ares selection of various designers and their recent runway show looks, top collections by season, their Style File blog, Men’s fashion, their “Look of the Day” where you can vote on your favorite look, as well as style videos and posh party photos they have taken from various locations and social scenes. I check it out everyday to see what’s new and what has been added, especially during Fashion Week. Best of all, it’s free. If you have an iPhone, you are likely familiar with the App Store. Click on it and in the “search” section, put in style.com and there you go. Download for free! It kind of sucks, you can’t test apps before purchasing, but since it is free, it’s no problem. Knowing what I know now and having been on it, I would have even paid a pretty penny for downloading this app. A must have for the fashionista girls.. and guys!

Below is a photo of Style.com’s iPhone app, in this case Anna Sui’s runway looks - photo courtesy of appcraver.com

A few different designers have their own apps also. They are great for if you’re infatuated by their clothes and looks and must have them at the tip of your fingers. I have downloaded a few I know about and love the designer.. more than many things. Chanel, D&G, and Ralph Lauren are a couple. The Chanel app is really cool… It shoes the latest looks and accessories, and you don’t have to go anywhere else to get a good look at the accessories! Holding your phone vertically (normal upright), you see the whole outfit, with accessories. Flip your phone horizontally, and you get a nice, up close look at the accessories of the look! It really is cool. Love it. I mean Chanel, who doesn’t LOVE Chanel anyways? You are silly if there isn’t SOME part of Chanel you don’t love and/or covet. So far, bags are it for me, all I can afford rather. I just drool over the clothes and shoes. Someday, husband… I will drip in Chanel. I will ooze Chanel! Ok, back to the app… It also covers “Chanel News” as well as a store locator, in case you are in desperate need and need to find the closest store to anywhere you are. You can also watch full runway shows! I love this app.

Check out Chanel’s app, here is a shot of the cover page photo courtesy of http://media.photobucket.com/image/Chanel%20iPhone%20application/yasmineharema/chanel-1.jpg

View of the D&G iPhone app photo via http://www.01design.it/images/portfolio/visori/DGsdk.jpg

D&G and Ralph Lauren are the same in the aspects that there is the latest news, shows, and latest looks. D&G has an awesome section D&G world where you can look at all men’s, women’s, accessories, jewelry, watches, and eyewear separately. It dazzles you, D&G is many times the epitome of art to me. I love the look.

Here is a look at the RL iPhone app photo courtest of mobilewhack.com

Ralph Lauren gives you a look of the Fall 2009 and Spring 2009 collections. It takes you into a brief fashion show peek, the photos of the looks, and a backstage glimpse. Ralph Lauren has always been timeless pieces, for younger and older generations. I remember when I was a young girl, my aunt Azzi was obsessed with RL (that was over 20 years ago) and she is just as obsessed now. That is saying something.

Anyways, take a looksie at the apps. They are truly worth downloading, and for a more broad spectrum into fashion, remember Style.com’s app. ENJOY!

Posted via web from Afshaun’s posterous

Prada’s runway at Fashion Week 2009 consisted of class, sophistication and strayed from the eccentric we saw on many other runways. Miuccia Prada filled the room with outdoorsy wool coats, and a look of sexy, old school 1940s style. Prada always appeals to any woman… whether you’re looking for sexy, sophisticated or a bit more curious, Prada will lead you to it. When I review the runway photos, I realize it is always a place I can put myself into the clothes I see. It is clothing quite fit for the everyday woman, living a life loving clothes, but not quite accustomed to some of the more erratic styles in that of Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs or Betsy Johnson (some of my FAVORITE designers, might I add). I do LOVE many individual pieces, paired with something more simple (see my post below about Alexander McQueen’s styles).

Anyhow, my props go out to Miuccia Prada. Brilliance once again. I adore and vie for many pieces I saw on the runway. I attached some photos I loved, in my opinion, is the epitome of a look for the  sophisticated, chic, sexy, and quirky girl.  Check out the complete show at Prada.com. Photos courtesy of Style.com

SOPHISTICATED STYLE

Posted via web from Afshaun’s posterous

A quick FYI I just heard about! Get to alexandermcqueen.com and register… in turn, you get an Alexander McQueen Twill Skull Scarf. Looks like it is a “subject to availability” kind of thing, so hurry! I just submitted my own registration, so we’ll see what happens. Also, check out my most recent post below and shop on alexandermcqueen.com for his latest Fall and Winter 2009 Collection. It is all about houndstooth patterns and black, white and red; from clothes to bags and other accessories. Everything is amazing ladies and gents… and for those of you who are McQueen queens like me, do the Twitter follow: @mcqueenworld. Brilliant designer, FABULOUS collection. Trust me. See below for photos via alexandermcqueen.com.

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Posted via web from Afshaun’s posterous

Hello all,

I am back from a hiatus due to my recent marriage! Very exciting and a stressful year, but now back to business as usual… and at such a perfect time. The week all us Fashionistas wait for is currently under way, in the form of Fashion Week 2009! So far, we have seen some beautiful and exciting collections from the likes of Max Azria (showing his BCBG, Herve Leger and Max Azria lines), Charlotte Ronson, Nicole Miller, Christian Siriano and Vivienne Tam to name a few. Tomorrow, I am looking forward to seeing Anna Sui’s show stoppers, especially since she just debuted her new line for Target (blog post to come, still doing my review).

Anyway, just a quick post but it looks like we can expect prints, prints, prints for the upcoming season. I have posted some pics below of a couple of examples thus far…

Here we have Alexander McQueen- photo courtesy of Elle News Blog via Elle.com

-What we always can expect from McQueen is sophistication and class. For me, it works. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t be caught wearing the ensemble… unless of course I was walking a runway… However the pieces individually, for the average woman, are spectacular. Enough to give a little edge to what would otherwise be a more simple outfit.

And next a little print for a night on the town… a fun, flirty and sexy dress by BCBG MaxAzria- photo courtesy of Elle News Blog via Elle.com

-The BCBG dress is so adorable yet completely sexy; showing a lot of leg and a shoe that begs for attention… but not too much attention away from that amazing mini dress. I am in love with the entirety, the dress, shoes and clutch.

Be back to write more… Just a little taste for now. Up next, more fashion week and Anna Sui for Target. I think I must go shopping in order to get a REAL feel for what her line is all about. I mean it is all about testing the merchandise, right? Now someone explain that to my husband! Also upcoming is a look into Elle styling from H&M, which I will be attending this Saturday in San Fran. We’ll see what is in store and how long I have to wait to be styled!

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To all my fashionistas who are into twittering: MAC cosmetics will be doing live twitter updates as they go through shows during fashion week! They’ll be updating everything from what they’re doing in the shows, what they’re using on the models, to make-up secrets and tips for your own make-up mornings and fashion weeks =) check it out! To follow them, you have to be a member to twitter.com (a site where you update your status, what you’re doing, photos etc). Sign up at twitter.com and/or if you’re already a member just search cosmetics and MAC cosmetics will show up. Then you know the rest, just click “follow” and you’ll soon be receiving updates! Also remember to follow me… Screen name is @afnaf. Happy tweeting!

Many of you may have heard of this site and/or used it. If not, you MUST check it out! It’s called shopittome.com. I signed up not knowing details or what I’d be getting myself into if I did give away my coveted email address ( I usually never sign up places I have to give it b/c of spam. YUCK)… But I was blown away and pleasantly surprised at this fantastic site!

You sign up by making yourself a profile giving all your fave fashion and shopping brands (almost every great brand from the normal faves to designer names). You also input what kind of items you are most interested in hearing the latest deals/sales on (ex: handbags, shirts, skirts, pants, jeans or all of the above and more). You even put in your sizes so they can make sure they HAVE your size before sending you an email of what is available! Don’t you hate it when you love something and your size is nowhere to be found? This is your solution b/c they don’t inform you of anything in the stores that doesn’t fit your size requirements!

So… They inform you of stores that are having sales on brands and items you put in your profile. They are A-list stores too: the likes of Nordstrom and Bloomingdales to name a few. Also a selection of online dealers as well! Reputable places, trust me. This site has been featured in some pretty reputable places including NY Magazine. I am by no means a online shopper. But this site is amazing. The very best part? You don’t have to keep visiting the site to check on deals! They email you as often as you want to be. From daily to weekly or
whatever! They suggest to you twice a week on certain days of the week b/c that’s when the best sales come in.

I attached some pics so you can see some cute stuff on the site. A Moschino bag and also a couple dresses from BCBG and Nicole Miller. Extremely reasonable prices for what you’re getting ladies and gentlemen. I will use this site and I will love it! Online shopping, here I come! Thanks shopittome.com!