Style

Sweet Treats

December 10, 2007

The Simmons sisters are at it again. This time they’re cooking up tasty fashions to complement their already sweet line of sneakers – Pastry. The extended brand will now include a handbag collection with messenger bags, hobos, bowler bags and duffels as well as junior sportswear.

Ranging in prices from $13-50, the line is sure to be a hit with young girls and women who have a sweet tooth for Pastry.

Next up for the reality-TV stars – lingerie and jewelry. There’s apparently no stopping these entrepreneurial sisters.

The line will be available in stores such as, Against All Odds, Mony, Jimmy Jazz and www.drjays.com starting January 25, 2008.

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Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Time Out!

December 4, 2007

A watch can say a lot about a person. That’s why every BG should invest in a classic timepiece.

I must admit, when the battery dies in my watch, it might as well be broken or lost because I stop wearing it because I never seem to get around to replacing the battery. I haven’t worn my favorite stainless steel DKNY watch in over a year due to my inability to find the time to keep it ticking.

Due to the fact that I haven’t worn my favorite and only watch in so long, I now feel the need to have a brand new one. I’m not suggesting that you go out and buy a watch if you only need to get a new battery, but I am saying to treat yourself to a timepiece that expresses your personality. I’m hoping to find a beautifully wrapped watch under my Christmas tree this holiday season. Remember, a beautiful watch can act as jewelry and add pizzazz to any ensemble.

Here are a few that tickle my fancy!

Bulova Women’s 16-Diamond Bezel Watch $281 Available at Nordstrom.com

One of Oprah’s Favorite things, Toywatch in pink $150 Available at Nordstrom.com

Movado “Bela” Stainless Stee Diamond Bangle $495 Available at Nordstrom.com

Fossil Deshazo Watch $55 Available at Fossil.com

DKNY Women’s Slim Mesh Strap Watch $75 Available at Macys.com

AK Anne Klein Oval Dial Black Strap Watch $65 Available at Macys.com

Diesel Digital Watch $120 Available at Macys.com

Burberry Ladies’ Signature Leather Band Watch $325 Available at Nordstrom.com

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Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Meet Joan Vaccianna — A Fashion Icon In the Making

November 28, 2007

Stella McCartney, Diane Von Furstenburg, Donna Karan, Tracey Reese, yes we have all heard of these phenomenal female fashion designers, but some of you may not be as familiar with Joan Vaccianna, but that will soon change. Her sexy, sophisticated and ultra feminine line, Vaccianna, is sure to make all the true fashionistas and style mavens stand up and take notice. Her keen eye for detail, while keeping her silhouettes and color palettes basic is remarkable.

She’s already shown her line at the highly lauded Brooklyn Fashion Week(end) in New York City.

At the rate she’s going, her elegant designs will surely grace the bodies of some of our favorite BG celebrities as they grace red carpet events around the world. Look out because here she comes!

BGG: When did you start the Vaccianna Collection?

JV: My first season was fall 2007 and the collection was debuted in Brooklyn Fashion Weekend show in March of this year. That was the beginning of the Vaccianna Collection.

BGG: Where are you from?
JV: I am a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. I grew up in Canarsie, but lived in almost every borough. There’s no place in the world like Brooklyn, and that is where I live now.

BGG: How old are you if you want to disclose your age?
JV: My birthday was in October, and I actually forgot how old I was going to be this year, so … that’s how old I am; I’m at the age of forgetfulness (laugh).

BGG: Did you go to design school? If so, where?
JV: I am always asked this question and the answer is yes I did go to school for Fashion Design. However, I have a tendency to skip that question because I believe some designers are taught to become designers and then there are the rare few that are born designers … it’s innate.

BGG: Describe your collection.
JV: Sophisticated funk, Romantic rock and roll … these are the words I use to describe the Vaccianna Collection. The collection lends to the look of today’s trends but has many classic elements in the design.

BGG: What materials do you like to use the most? Why?
JV: I have a great affinity towards denim. I think denim has recently honed versatility in fashion that women are not giving up anytime soon. I love to use denim in silhouettes that are usually seen in high-end designs. It thrills me to see a fabric that is used for casual wear transition into couture pieces.

BGG: Describe your customers.
JV: My collection caters to women who are young in age, heart, and spirit. The woman that wears this collection is confident, sexy, and sure that she is a showstopper. The Vaccianna women’s contemporary collection is a beautiful addition to her already existing wardrobe that is fabulous.

BGG: Describe your biggest challenge breaking into the fashion industry.
JV: In one word … Finances. It costs to participate in shows, produce a line, and continue the business consistently. Money matters are always a challenge when getting a break in any industry.

My biggest challenge also was in believing I could do it in the first place. Many people never follow their dream and they live with the “what if” syndrome. I couldn’t live with the “what if “in my life. With that said, in all honesty there are many things that you could come up against in starting a collection in the industry, but isn’t that the same with everything in life … so if you dare to dream it … you might as well do it and don’t give up when you do Brown Girls, don’t give up. Every success story starts and ends with resilience.

BGG: If you could dress one BG celebrity, who would it be? Or if you’ve already dressed her, who is she?
JV: It would be an honor to dress the one and only songstress Sade. She is a Brown Girl (woman) who I would love to see back in the limelight and wearing one of my pieces. She is the epitome of the Vaccianna woman … Beautiful, Sexy, Classy, and Timeless.

BGG: Where can customers buy your clothes?
JV: At this time, anyone interested in the Vaccianna Collection can email me at vaccianna@vaccianna.com to purchase. Although my website is under construction at this time, I have a wonderful myspace page under www.myspace.com/dezinez4u that has both Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 collections. Feel free to contact me.

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Category: Fashion, Interviews | 11 Comments

A Feminine Touch on Oxfords

November 27, 2007

Because I take all of my BGG readers’ requests, questions, comments, etc. seriously, I’m dedicating this post to loyal BGG reader Yummy411. She inquired last week about the brand of Oxford shoes that were on display under my tights posting. Unfortunately, I was unable to find out the designer for those particular Oxfords, but here are a few others to choose from! Enjoy!

Jessica Simpson “Ramona” Oxford Available at Nordstrom: www.nordstrom.com for $108

MAXSTUDIO ‘Cooper’ Ankle Boot Available at Nordstrom: www.nordstrom.com for $198

Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B Oxford pump Available at www.shoes.com for $410

BCBGirls ‘Tosca’ Oxford Available at Nordstrom: www.nordstrom.com for $109.95

Marc by Marc Jacobs Perforated Boots Available at Saks Fifth Avenue: www.saksfifthavenue.com for $337

Nine West “Naso” bootie Available at www.ninewest.com for $79

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Category: Fashion | 8 Comments

Lovely Leg Wear

November 19, 2007

A few months ago, I stressed the fact that I love a great pair of tights. Ever since high school, I have always received compliments on my sometimes unique, but always fabulously fashionable leg wear.

Now that the air is getting nippy, it’s really wise to cover our gorgeous gams in style. Tights can range in style from opaqueness to texture. Whether worn with a cute skirt or dress, they can immediately add sophistication to your look. Keep in mind that tights look best when paired with mid-calf leather boots or this season’s booties or Mary Janes.

Also, a thick pair of tights can be worn as an alternative to thermals under your pants to add a layer of warmth during the winter months.

So head to your local department store and stock up on a few pair of trendy tights. In fact, while you’re there, pick up a pair or two for some of the fashionable BGs in your life and use them as cool stocking stuffers for the holiday season.
This pair is from Nordstrom: Available at www.nordstrom.com for $18

This pair is from JC Penny: www.jcpenny.com for $10

DKNY tights from Nordstrom: www.nordstrom.com for $12.50

Donna Karan silk blend tights from Nordstrom: www.nordstrom.com for $60

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Category: Fashion | 7 Comments

Ring in the Season with Style!

November 15, 2007

Nothing spruces up one’s look for the holiday season like an elegant cocktail ring. They are the perfect accessories to complement this season’s fashions. I must admit, I haven’t always been a fan of costume jewelry, but I’ve started to explore this trend in recent weeks.

I’ve learned that the key to looking chic and not gaudy is to keep your overall look minimal. For example, wear a beautiful onyx ring with a nice black turtleneck dress and stud earrings. It will add that extra flair that will make you look stylish and pulled together. If you aren’t a fan of onyx, there is an infinite variety of gemstones and styles that will suit your taste.

The benefit of purchasing cocktail rings is that they can make you look glamorous without breaking the bank. Of course, there are always exceptions, but generally you can find a great cocktail ring for $100 or less.

Trust me, flaunting fabulous fingers will get you noticed!

Check out some of my favorites.

Ariella Collection Oversize Cushion Cut Ring for $78 at Nordstrom

Kenneth Jay Lane Crystal Headlight Ring for $150 at Nordstrm

Xhilaration® Gold Ring with Large Pink Stone for $8.99 at Target

Xhilaration® Mod Square Fashion Ring – White/ Black for $8.09 at Target

Kenneth Jay Lane Pavé Ball Ring for $98 at Nordstrom

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Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Festive Frocks

November 5, 2007

Sipping seasonal martinis, mingling with friends & family and donning your favorite party dress – yes, it’s that time of year again – the holidays! Every BG should have at least two killer dresses that she can wear to various functions throughout the holiday season. Wearing a great dress always makes me feel beautiful and confident. That’s why I especially love the holidays because it gives me a justifiable reason to play dress-up and rock a pretty party dress. Whether it’s a dinner party at one of your girls’ houses, your company’s soiree or a festive family get-together, you should always look fabulous. Here are a few of my favorite fashionable finds. Enjoy!