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!!

Since Victoria Beckham has been spotted on several occasions wearing basically the same travel outfit from head to toe, everyone’s accusing her of committing a major faux pas. She was spotted in New York on May 3rd wearing Christian Louboutin pumps, Balmain military leather jacket, Stella McCartney skinny jeans, a HUGE Hermes handbag, and the Loewe chauffeur hat and again yesterday at Heathrow in the same duds (too bad Coraline rocked the chauffeur look first! See: Dress Like Coraline).

Hmm, doesn’t seem like the most comfortable outfit to sit on a plane for 10 hours in, but she can pretty much do whatever she wants - she’s Posh Spice. And it’s not like she doesn’t have infinity pieces of designer apparel in her wardrobes. She could’ve easily rocked a different outfit, but she didn’t want to. I won’t hold it against her for wearing her fave clothes more than once. See my Dress Like Victoria Beckham style guide for Posh’s designer pieces and their affordable counterparts.

Disney-Pixar’s Up is less than a month away from premiering (May 29th in Disney Digital 3-D)! If you liked Monster’s Inc., brace yourself: Up is directed by the same guy, Pete Docter. I have a feeling it’s going to be absolutely hilarious and completely darling. How could it not be? Duh, I’m obsessed with the characters already and, as you know, I’m always looking for an excuse to dress up. If you’re like me and/or you’re just super-excited for a new Pixar movie, you should check out my Dress Like Carl Fredricksen from Disney-Pixar’s UP shopping guide. This outfit’s great for opening night at the movies, Halloween, a Pixar theme party, or just for fun. Obviously, the main character is MALE, but the products in my guide are all women’s apparel and accessories (i.e. a pre-tied bow tie). It’s really cute, you’ll see.

See my other “Dress Like” guides at the links below. There’s definitely going to be more of these in the future! If you have any ideas for a fun character dress-up, let me know and I’ll shop for you!

Dress Like Coraline

Tim Burton-Esque

Robin Hood-Esque Fashion for Women

Country crooner, Sheryl Crow’s clothing line, Bootheel Trading Co., named after Missouri’s “boot heel” region where she was born, is all about casual, vintage comfort.

Shown (from left): Printed Tee, Vest, ‘Nashville’ Jeans, and Tunic Blouse.

It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll, just like Sheryl. When I first saw the garments in the line, I must admit, I wasn’t too impressed. When I saw that the clothes are eco-friendly and supes afforable, I took a closer look. I picked out a few pieces that seemed to represent the collection as a whole and added them to my Sheryl Crow Clothing Line buyer’s guide on Kazowie. The (stretch!) denim jeans have piping on the rear and cute back-pocket accents that are sure to make anyone’s gluteus maximus look bootylicious. I think this line defines casual summer chic and would look great with a piece or two of Lucky Brand Jewelry. Don’t you think?

Shown (from left): Bootheel Trading Co. ‘Missouri’ Jeans, Lucky Brand Jewelry: Peace Cuff, Carved Hoop Silver Earrings, Double Gold Chain Necklace, and Carved Gold Bangle.

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.

SHOP PICNIC DAY NOW!

Poll: Will you wear a dress or shorts to Picnic Day this year? Vote now!

Every year in April, my alumni college town hosts “Picnic Day.” This all-day event is “designed to showcase the richness and diversity of campus life, as well as the community” of the small town and has been a tradition for the past 95 years. It’s super fun to walk around town and celebrate springtime with friends literally from morning ‘til night. Picnic Day is one of the major events of the city which everyone knows about and practically everyone looks forward to. You’re going to be seen, so you’ve got to look cute!

I will be taking a drive up for my 6^th Picnic Day this weekend and I can’t wait to see all my old friends! My Picnic Day Picks buyer’s guide is full of tops, dresses, shoes, and accessories that are perfect for a day in the sun, whether you’re going to Picnic Day, or you’re hosting your own picnic in the park! The key is bright colors, light fabrics, and comfortable fits.

SHOP MORE PICNIC DAY PICKS HERE!

Pictured, from left: Not Rated Women’s Jammin Jelly Flat, Simple Woven Dress, Elastic Lotus Bracelet, Dark Wash Bermuda Short, Embroidered Flower Plaid Top, Petal Earring, Cavalry Twill Patch Pocket Pants, Stripe Boy Tank, and Stuart Weitzman Women’s “Cleopatra” Gladiator Sandals.

I’m obsessed with the Forever21 and Wet Seal pieces I found today. These items definitely need to be part of my wardrobe, STAT! They’re mix-and-matchable and so versatile that each individual piece has the potential to become a Spring/Summer staple, no doubt about it.

Each top can work with each pair of pants to create any type of look that you’re going for. (And the skirt was too adorable to pass up. Any type of solid black, white, or 2-color colorblock tee/tank will go with it.) Save the cut-out leggings for nighttime frolicking. I’m thinking they’ll look great with a pair of heeled strappy or open-toe ankle booties and an understated, solid loose-fitting tee. They’re hot. I’m obsessed! Placing order now. To snag these items, click here: Wet Seal + Forever21 = Affordable Sexiness.

Reading the “color issue” of my beloved InStyle magazine really inspired me to branch out from my everyday blacks, browns, and greys, especially when it comes to makeup and nail polish. And WOOHOO!, the fashion pros even gave me permission to “go ahead and clash my nail polish” with my makeup and clothes. So that’s exactly what I’ve been doing! Yesterday was yellow eyeshadow and gold Keri Hilson earrings. Today, green shadow and lavender nail polish (with glitter, duh).

Color really does affect your mood, so if you’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately, I highly recommend some shimmery Diamond Powder makeup, a colorful Jeweled Cuff Bracelet, or some Oscar de la Renta Embellished Espadrille Wedges to cheer you up. Hot.

Also pictured, Lorella Satchel by Guess Handbags and Emilio Pucci Blue Napa Lame heels.

Here are some of my favorite color/mood associations:

Red: Passion
Orange: Creativity
Yellow: Joy
Green: Ambition
Blue: Tranquility
Purple: Wisdom

Check out my Colorful Spring Trench Coats buyer’s guide to see some bright, sexy trench coats that are popping up everywhere in the city this Spring! I want a RED one!

SHOP NOW: Check out the RVCA Art, Accessories, and Apparel for Women Buyer’s Guide first.

After taking no more than three steps into a hip-looking new store on Haight in SF, I promptly walked out. Today, upon seeing the store featured in a spread in the March ’09 issue of 7×7 Magazine, my initial impression that RVCA carried only menswear was proven inaccurate. This self-proclaimed “lifestyle brand,” sits pretty on a platform “which combines art, music, fashion and a modern lifestyle in an original way,” according to its website.

At first glance, some of the clothes at RVCA may seem a bit basic-looking, but upon closer inspection, you’re sure to find, as I did, that art and fashion are of equal importance to this company. The featured artists from the Artist Network Program have designed some pretty detailed and unique pieces for RVCA.Take this “Opposites SS T,” for example:

At first glance, it’s just a yin yang symbol. But zoom in,

and you’re in for a gruesome awakening!

See some of my favorite comfy-looking clothes and cool artwork from RVCA on the RVCA Art, Accessories, and Apparel for Women buyer’s guide.

Bet you can’t guess where these tops and dresses are frommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Okay, you’re right. They’re from Forever21. But it’s sort of hard to tell, right? You’ve got to hand it to Forever; they’re always trying to stay edgy and on the hip tip with the new fashion and accessory trends. They’ve been able to keep their prices relatively low (at least since I’ve been shopping there) and I’ve somehow managed to convince myself that the quality of their clothing is better than it used to be. Check out other fresh Forever21 looks that somehow don’t look totally “Forever21” at my Foxy Forever Finds buyer’s guide on Kazowie.