SHOP MICHAEL JACKSON’S STYLE NOW!

Yesterday, people of all ages from around the world celebrated and mourned the tragic and unexpected passing of the King of Pop. Radio stations filled the airwaves with the familiar sounds of MJ’s famous beats. Everyone listened to their old favorites with a new ear and deeper appreciation for the genius behind the hits. A grief counselor called a radio station that I was listening to on the ride home from work. She was surprised at how much Michael Jackson’s passing was affecting her emotionally and was close to tears remembering the time she got to touch the hand of the most talented entertainer that ever graced a stage. For so many, Michael’s name is a household one, and his death had fans feeling as if they’d lost a close friend.

I will always admire Michael’s signature style and the way he could pull off such over-the-top-looks so effortlessly, as if a jacket, pants, glove, and shoes completely covered in sequins were as ordinary as a t-shirt and jeans. But what I envy most was his ability to establish these looks as his own. The glove, the hat, the armband, the jacket. That’s Michael. He will always be an inspiration to those aspiring to discover and establish their own personal style. As a tribute to the iconic celebrity’s innovative flair, I created a style guide of all things Michael, with some literal and some more modern takes on Michael’s trademark adornments, which represent the self-expression of a beloved pop legend. I love you, Michael!!

A summer trend that I’m noticing popping up everywhere is the not-so-nautical stripe, in black, grey, and white shades. These summer stripes are often unevenly spaced, irregularly sized, and sometimes distributed over a garment in varying directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal). I like these stripes on loose, faded pieces that fall perfectly and nonchalantly, such as the Grey/Black Stripe Ripped Knot Tee by Obesity and Speed and the Border Tie-Dye Short Sleeve V-Neck by C&C California, shown below (L-R).

My Summer Stripe Trend guide contains tons of unique pieces (tops, dresses, purses, shoes, etc.) that take nautical to the dark side, which means these stripes will carry you from day to night and from summer to fall.

Also pictured (above, L-R): Striped Crop Top by Charlotte Russe, Lela Rose for Payless Brinley Ribbon Pump, and Varigated Striped Tight by Urban Outfitters.

I don’t know why, but it seems impossible to be in a gloomy mood when I wear yellow. Yellow’s said to instill optimism and energy while stimulating memory. No wonder I like it so much. Yellow is a great color to wear during the summer months and there’s a perfect shade of it for every skin tone. Yellow isn’t just a daytime color, either. It’s rare to see yellow rocked at night, but I think that’s what makes it even hotter! Pair some Canary Yellow Shoes from my buyer’s guide with a little black dress and some silver hoops and you’re good to go! Yellow Purses and Faux Canary Yellow Diamonds are hot too! I’m obsessed.
Shown: Cosa Sandal by Kelsi Dagger in Gold.

American Idol has brought Paula Abdul renewed fame from her days as a pop singer in the early 90’s. She has, as of late, debuted a new jewelry line, called Forever Your Girl, Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories.

Shown (clockwise, from left): Shimmer & Shine Versitile - Coin 40″ Lariat Necklace, Signature Pave Pendant 28″ Necklace with Signed Photo, and Finale Flower Explosion Ring.

I have learned that this is not Ms. Abdul’s first line of jewelry, as she released one in 2006, as well. The 2009 collection, however, features more modern, glamorous earrings, rings, bracelets, handbags, and more. One of the necklaces in my guide also includes a free autographed photograph of Paula.

Serena Williams also has a jewelry line out on HSN, called Signature Statement, which seems, in many ways, very much like Paula’s. I don’t know whose I prefer! See both jewelry lines back-to-back before you vote:
Click here for Serena’s jewelry.
Click here for Paula’s line.

Click here to vote on whose line YOU’RE  more likely to wear jewelry from, Serena’s or Paula’s.

Whenever I see someone wearing a top with a unique and sexy design or cut on the back, I always stop to ask her where she got it. The person usually replies with the name of a foreign country, to which I reply, “Figures. It’s super hot!” But I think these types of tanks are unique, sexy, and necessary additions to any chic chick’s wardrobe, especially for summer. So, I went in search for some Black Tanks With Sexy Backs that I don’t need to travel across the world to purchase. Check ‘em out.

Shown - from left: Kimchi Blue Lace T Back Halter, Silence & Noise Swirl Tank, and Silence & Noise Leather Back Applique Tank.

I’m not going to lie- the most I’ve ever seen of anything Star Trek is the preview for the 2009 version that came on before the movie I actually paid to go see. Just because I’m not a Trekkie, however, does not mean I don’t appreciate futuristic fashion! “Star Trek” premiered on the 8th of this month and Zoe Saldana looks like she rocked the role of Nyota Uhura (cute dress!). I created a Dress Like Nyota Uhura buyer’s guide with literal and non-literal versions of her style to inspire your everyday look or your Halloween costume (there’s an actual Nyota costume in the guide, if that’s what you’re in the market for). Have fun!

Shown: Charm Straight by TressAllure Hairpieces, Sterling Silver 9×17mm White FW Pearl Teardrop Earrings, and Urban Renewal Mixed Strip Knit Tunic.

SHOP SHORT DRESSES HERE.
SHOP LONG DRESSES HERE.

It’s prom time and I cannot be more jealous of high schoolers! Everyone knows the dress is the most important part of prom and I unfortunately abhorred both of mine. I wish I could go back and do it again with the amazing selection of dresses that have come out this year. (Though I’m tads concerned with the maturity of these garments that are meant to be worn by 17 year old girls. I’m pretty sure my dad wouldn’t have let me out of the house wearing some of these styles! . . .Basically, they’re hot.) It seems as though the long, sequined, brightly colored dresses have made a comeback in 2009, but this year, they’re backless, low-cut, and supes slinky. Check out some hot Long Prom Dresses that stood out from the bunch.

Shown (above from L to R): Terani Prom Dress 1599, Faviana Prom Dress 6231, Sexy Evening Gown by Faviana 6304.

Short dresses are just as hot. Prom’s your night to shine, so I say go big with a sequined dress. I’ve selected some Short Prom Dresses that I would’ve loved to rock at my prom back in ‘02.

Shown (above from L to R): Unique Short Prom Dress, Alyce 6364 Pageant Gown, and Jovani 10740 Prom Dress.

Some other potential prom dresses could be found in a few of my previous buyer’s guides on Kazowie. Take a look: Hourglass Dresses, Watercolor Dresses, & Metallic Dresses.

For some of us, swimsuit season has already begun. For those who haven’t found the time yet to pick out a new suit to strut around in, I’ve done the work for you! I’ve been keeping an eye out for hot swimwear for the past couple of months and have complied a number of different buyer’s guides that I hope will help you choose your perfect suit for this summer!

Free People Swimsuits are natural, colorful, feminine, and boho-chic.
Retro Swimsuits are making a comeback. Highlight your figure in a one or two-piece vintage suit.
Basic Black Bikinis will never fail you! I promise!
One-piece Cutout Swimwear is sexy and sophisticated. Pile on sunscreen to avoid awkward tanlines!
Sexy Swimsuits come in all shapes and cuts, so you won’t want to overlook this shopper’s guide.

Shown (from left): Sailor Jane Nautical Swimsuit, Solar Orbit Bikini, Monokini by Sauvage, Cheetah by Sauvage, and Melissa Odabash Wood-Link Halter Bikini.

Kidrobot, designer and retailer of art toys and apparel, has been around for 7 years and, since then, has collaborated with top international artists to create hundreds of limited edition, collectible toys that merge urban/street trends with fashion and pop art. Kidrobot doesn’t stop at toys, either. Founder, Paul Budnitz introduced vibrant men’s and women’s apparel lines in ’06, along with tons of Kidrobot accessories to choose from (keychains, books, backpacks, shoes, home décor, jewelry, posters . . . The list goes on).

That all being said, I love the unique aesthetic of the entire Kidrobot collection and have compiled lists of my favorite picks on Kazowie. You should definitely check ‘em out:

Click here to see Cool Kidrobot Clothes for Guys.
Click here for Girl Kidrobot Apparel.
Click here to check out My Favorite Kidrobot Toys.
Click here to view Random Kidrobot Stuff.

Today is the first day of Spring and I’m obsessed with the butterflies and pastels of Anuschka handbags and wallets. While shopping around for my fave Anuschkas, I couldn’t help but think that anything from this label would be a perfect gift for the favorite chick in your life (including yourself). No girl could possibly deny the uniqueness and prettiness of these purses and wallets.

Everything is leather and hand-painted, so your wallet and/or purse will only get better with age, after a little wear ‘n tear. The line carries laptop bags, backpacks, and passport covers, in addition to purses and wallets of all shapes, styles, and sizes. I love it!

See Pretty Anuschka Wallets and Hot Anuschka Handbags for more of my favorite picks.