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.

Guido Maria Kretschmer introduced his newest creations with made up models that looked like a mix between Geisha and Animé.  Although the models were made up with gusto, Kretschmer’s designs maintained a similar down to earth look – he used warm and simple fabrics with dark muted colors – the perfect recipe for a busy New Yorker.

Perhaps the most anticipated event of the night was StyleNite, hosted by Michael Michalsky.  The night invited designers, models, and fashion world’s elite to sip champagne and mingle down the red carpet dressed in their best.  The show itself was made up of beautiful and bold colors with a mix of eccentric and practical looks at the same time.

By Kosha Patel

http://stylecheckup.com

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?

Wanda Julian(WJ): I started designing purses in June 2011 when I started my fashion line Contessa’s Court. Yes, I do design other things. I have added scarves and infinity scarves to my line. I also designed some headband scarves. I am working on adding jewelry soon as well.

SC: What inspired you to become a designer?

WJ: I love being creative. I get to express myself when I design. I am so passionate about fashion and I am happy to be a designer and living my dream. I also love old Hollywood and vintage styles. My favorite print is paisley. It is so pretty. I love working with lovely fabrics and unique fabrics. I think that makes me stand out as a designer.

SC: Did you pursue fashion education in school? If so, what school did you go to?

WJ: No, I did not. Although I do take sewing lessons from a professional seamstress.

SC: Do you have a favorite designer? How do they inspire your designs?

WJ: I really love Kimora Lee Simmons. She is a mom and has a fantastic career. That really inspires me that she can have it all and so can I.

SC: Do you plan on adding different lines to your collection such as clothing?

WJ: Yes, I plan on adding clothing to my line. I will specialize in clothing for plus sized women but will make clothing for any size when its ordered.

SC: What keeps you passionate about fashion design?

WJ: I find inspiration in so many places. I want to always be able to create beautiful things to wear. I want to make women feel beautiful when they wear my pieces.

SC: Do you have favorite fabrics or materials? Are there materials that you won’t use or ones you always use?

WJ: I really love using satin, chiffon and velvet. I do not have any materials that I would not use at this time. I will always use satin, chiffon and velvet. The fabric is so elegant and it feels so luxurious.

SC: Have you collaborated with anyone?

WJ: Yes, I am currently working with Ali Levine. She is a wonderful stylist. She is my personal stylist as well as the stylist for the line.

SC: How can our members contact you or purchase from the Contessa’s Court fashion line?

WJ: You can contact me or make a purchase on Twitter or Facebook.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Contessas-Court/209985065714902

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Contessas_Court

SC: Show us some of the items in Contessa’s Court fashion line.

WJ: To start with…

Rainbow bag with a leopard print lace overlay

Red satin bag with handmade flowers

Red paisley scarf

Green satin paisley scarf

Black velvet bag with hand painting

Blue and white chiffon infinity scarf

Pink satin oriental flower infinity scarf

SC: Thank you so much for sharing your experience of being a fashion designer with the members of Stylecheckup.com. We all wish you success with Contessa’s Court!

By Erin C Higgins,
Editor of Stylecheckup.com

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!

Before selecting your thigh-high winter boots, it’s important to get the right the look.  Models and designers will often opt for a thicker material and a defined heel.  A great example is the Over-knee Stiletto Boot by Gianmarco Lorenzi – and the best part about these boots is that they can be found in various colors and fun materials.  These money-makers can be purchased for anywhere between $400 and $2000 so make sure save up for these boots!

You can also find great deals at DSW.com where you’ll get to select over-knee boots made by Steve Madden, Chinese Laundry, and Nine West.

And don’t you worry girls, these deals can be found for anywhere between $70 and $200.  My thigh-high boot of choice can be found at Macy’s for $99 – it’s the grey Ikey made by American Rag, and it’s the perfect flat boot that goes well over a pair of blue skinny jeans or even under a denim short skirt.

Don’t let those winter blues get you down.  Put on a pair of sexy boots and pair them up with a short cocktail dress or some winter stockings.  You can rock them with a leather jacket for a date with your new bad boyfriend, or you can match them with a plaid jacket for study session at the library – either way you’ll be turning heads wherever you step!

By Kosha Patel

http://stylecheckup.com

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!

When opting for a color, most people at the Golden Globes were going with traditional colors like white, black, and red.  I like to go with these classic colors when I’m in the mood for a sophisticated night out, but if you’re looking to have a some fun try a nude color.  Lace and frilly dresses in a tan or cream tone can be a feminine and fun look for a date with your new best boyfriend.

And finally, no matter what your plans are, I like to include a touch of jewelry just give a a dash of flash for the imaginary cameras.  A pair of sparkling earrings can add the glamour you need in order to feel your best.  For a night at the club you can opt for a pair of fun hoops, but when hitting up a trendy lounge, I would go for a the Cascade Chandelier by Guess.

Now that you’re dressed to impress all you need to find is your inner diva!

By Kosha Patel

http://stylecheckup.com

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.

Rather than hiding my shape with layered laces and satins, I try and find tops that are the same material regardless of the shape.  For example, my favorite top that rocks the Peplum is a grey blouse by Giorgio Armani – it’s a simple charcoal grey and it is made up of one fabric.  Tops like these are perfect for when you want to put on a pair of sassy bright stilettos or a vibrant pair of skinny jeans.

The Peplum is also utilized in dresses that are perfect for the office, as they maintain a professional look while giving you a feminine bell shape.  This cut is perfect for hourglass and pair-shaped hips.  And if you’re a vintage girl, you can find similar looks at thrift shops all over as this look was a staple in the late 80s and early 90s.  Remember when Christina Applegate made fashion history in Don’t Tell Mom The BabySitter’s Dead?  Well those days are back!

By Kosha Patel

http://stylecheckup.com

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.

First thing’s first – DO NOT try and replicate that summer tan you got after Spring break in Cabo.  If you’re not exposed to outdoor rays for a little color, rather than trying to artificially create the sun-kissed look, work with your palate in order to find the right the look.  For example, bring out your eyes by choosing deep earthy colors – a chocolate brown eyeliner or a deep-blue eye-shadow with extra-long lashes will make your eyes pop in the winter air.

For a night out, you can make a bold statement with a vibrant dark red lipstick like Kristen Bell.  Winter clothing tends to be muted and simple, so lipstick is a perfect outlet for color and expression.  If red’s not your thing, you can also opt for a girly pink or even a sparkly nude gloss.

Finally, I like to complete my winter look with a slicked back bun in my hair.  While long tresses can be sultry and sexy, the winter weather can sometimes wreak havoc on what took you hours to style.  Rather than brave through the rain and snow with your fingers crossed, why not do the sleek pull back.  You can even accessorize your look with a classic ribbon, a trendy headband, or a vintage feather-clip.

By Kosha Patel

http://stylecheckup.com

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!

Every hipster in town knows the best pair of shoes to rock is a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors.  These non-threatening and casual foot lovers go well with a rough leather jacket or a feminine taffeta dress.  Either way, you’ll be sporting an approachable yet stylish look.

Last but certainly not least, the best pair of jump-starters for a night out on the town is a pair of Adidas Gold Wings!  This modern twist on the classic sneaker look comes in a shimmering gold, making these shoes perfect for a Ke$ha night out or a high school dance party.  Just make sure to wear something simple.  Think of these statement-makers as drama queens – they want all the attention!

So the next time you’re heading out the door, before you opt for a traditional pair of pumps, have a little fun and put on your kicks!

By Kosha Patel

http://stylecheckup.com

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.

I personally love the collection because of its sex appeal.  Most vintage clothing is defined by simple fabric patterns, classic threading, or traditional designs, but Love, Zooey includes dresses, tops, hoodies, and pants that spotlight tiny feminine twists (such as lace cuffs, subtle back slits, and modern hemlines).

Whether you’re a college damsel in distress running late to Econ 101 or a Beverly Hills housewife on a walk with your poodle, Love Zooey’s line celebrates the casual look with comfortable bottoms that feature a modern take on sweats.  You can also spice up your look with a warm and fuzzy top that includes a flirtatious neckline or sheer fabric.

By Kosha Patel

http://stylecheckup.com