Berlin Fashion Week Reviewed

While many of us have been trying to stay cozy in our winter wear, international fashion-forward trend-setters spent the past week studying up on the latest fashion trends at Berlin’s fashion week!  So channel your inner Heidi Klum and get ready to hit the project runway because I’m going to tell you which designs made the headlines.

The best thing about Berlin’s Fashion week is that it is an opportunity for up and coming designers to spotlight their latest creations – this is a great ticket to those of you who like to be ahead of the trends.  The show opened with Austrian designer, Lena Hoschek, who is known for her approachable and affordable designs.  Hoschek’s designs mirror vintage looks from the 40s and 50s.  Her dresses are the perfect for Lana Del Rey-loving hipster gals and as well as trendy baby girls on the scene who are simply looking for a simple day-look. Read more

Zebra print with pink lining

Interview with Contessa’s Court fashion designer Wanda Julian

One of the things Stylecheckup.com loves is new and upcoming fashion designers. Becoming a designer requires a lot of creativity, persistence, and hard work. Even the best designers find it difficult to get the exposure they need to get their fashion line off the ground. Whenever we meet a talented designer, we try to get to know them, find out what inspires them, and showcase their designs to our audience.

We took an interest in Wanda Julian’s design line, “Contessa’s Court”. She primarily designs  purses and handbags but has begun designing scarves and will soon we adding jewelry to her line. We recently spoke with Wanda to find out a little more about her fashion line and the inspirations she uses as a fashion designer to create the beautiful pieces in Contessa’s Court.

Stylecheckup(SC): When did you start designing purses? Do you design other things? Read more

These Boots Were Made for Walking!

Even though the holidays are behind us, let’s not kid ourselves: it’s only gonna get colder from here on out.  During the winter months, it can be tempting to wrap yourself in fuzzy sweaters and stretch pants that’ll help hide your mother’s traditional figgy pudding, but every fashionista should know better.  Although it may be too chilly out to show off your figure, any pair of thigh-high boots will sass up your look and add a little sexy to your winter step.  Thigh-high boots have dominated the fashion runways this year, and for those of you who can’t yet afford those Chanel must-haves, I’m going to tell you where you can find the best boots for your budget! Read more

How to Rock a Friday Night Like a Night at The Golden Globes

While it’s easy to watch E! and fantasize about what you would wear should you find yourself prancing down the red carpet, why not incorporate the glamour and fun of Hollywood starlets into your very own Friday night!  You don’t have to spend your entire college fund just to find the right look either; as long as you follow a few simple rules, you can look like a prima fashionista and no one will ever know about your secret budget!

First things first, make sure you pick a unique look!  Although most of us frequent trendy meccas like H&M and Forever 21, spice it up with some different accessories.  If you’re rocking a new dress, now is the perfect time to bust out that vintage belt you’ve been hiding in your closet.  You can also find a uber cute clutches from Aldo Accessories – my favorite is the Alexander McQueen look alike! Read more

The Peplum: Put a Little Pep in Your Step (Or Your Waist)

I know many of you are excited about the upcoming year and what that may bring to your  closets, but it’s important to know what fashionistas are rocking down the runway and how you can sport those looks to the office without looking like Lady Gaga.  One of the latest trends of the 2012, is the Peplum – a classic take on flared fabric.

Whether used in a jacket, blouse, or dress, the Peplum uses a flared look to create a feminine and bell shape, and let me tell you – that comes in handy for sneaking away those holiday pounds! As the Peplum can be such a statement-maker, I like to keep it simple. Read more

Give in to The Beautiful Winter Look

Winter can be an odd time of the year.  We’re all bundled up trying to keep our little bodies warm, our skin feels colorless against the bright snow, and our hair seems to rebel against any kind of control. But instead of giving in to the winter blues, it’s important to know how to rock a pair of lashes and a little bit of color.  You’d be surprised at how far a sassy coat of lipstick and a little bit of rouge can do for the spirit. Read more

How to Rock a Pair of Kicks

Thanks to Hollywood tough girls like Kristin Stewart and Demi Lovato, the tomboy look has become an easy go-to look for casual outings.  And everyone knows the one clothing item that ties the whole piece together is a solid pair of kicks.  This year, skip those painful platforms and opt for something a little more comfortable.  Whether you’re rocking a sexy party dress or a classic pair of blue jeans, strap on a pair of Converse, Adidas, or Nikes for a fun urban look.

If you’re rocking the plain t-shirt and jeans look, make sure to select a colorful or vibrant pair of shoes to go along for the ride.  If your outfit is simple, you want to pair it with bold shoes and accessories to give your look a little flavor.  My favorite kicks are the Nike Dunk shoes because they come in a variety of colors, and they project a rougher image with their high tops and thick laces.  These are the perfect shoes for when you’re trying to prove you can roll with the guys! Read more

Love, Zooey

While most of us love a good casual find, some of us have gotten it wrong a time or two.  And with today’s flux in hipster fashion trends, it is no wonder we have trouble finding a look that combines comfort with chic.

Los Angeles designers Grace Chon and Alice Heller have created the ideal combination with Love, Zooey – a fashion line that incorporates holiday knits with comfortable fabric like wool, silk, and jersey.  Love, Zooey’s spring line features ripe colors with neon accents.  Both collections include items that can be casually worn on a clear sunny day, or stylishly rocked on a girl’s night out. Read more