LOS ANGELES, Jan 31, 2012/ — Two-time Academy Award®-winning actor Tom Hanks and singer/actress Jennifer Lopez will present at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer announced this …
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Jennifer Lopez and Tom Hanks to Present at 84th Academy Awards …
It’s a horrible cliche that some women spend their pre-married years knowing exactly what they’re going to wear to their wedding, even buying bridal gowns before they’ve met their future husbands. Well, I’ve never given that particular subject much thought (wait: maybe that’s why I’m still living in sin?), but long before I was with child, I contstructed a highly romanticised image of my pregnancy, flickering ahead of me in nostalgic super 8 film. In my imagined version, I lolled around in all my expectant glory, wearing playful, colourful yet somehow still effortlessly chic outfits.
I’m showing my age here but, in 1988, I thought Neneh Cherry was just about the coolest pregnant woman ever. Of course when Cherry stretched fabric revealingly over her protruding tummy, and showed it off in a crop top on Top of the Pops, she was breaking a taboo, and I loved the fact that she in no way looked like a boring grown-up parent. Fast forward 21 years, and MIA performed at the Grammy’s on her due date in this House of Holland sheer and polka dot ensemble. While it was an undeniably out-there look, in 2009 the only shocking thing about it was her amazing stamina for working on her due date. Either way, as much as I hate to consciously aspire to celebrity fashion, and in any case I would hardly prance down my high street in stage wardrobe, I love how these ladies celebrated their baby bumps.
When I became pregnant, I was thrilled that my time for being a little bit outrageous, for making it my own, had finally come. However, life is never how you imagined it. After my initial amazement and joy settled down, fear crept in, of miscarriage, giving birth, the baby’s health, parenthood, diminished career prospects, financial woes, the Loch Ness monster. I sometimes felt as though pregnancy was swallowing me up, like I was being completely taken over by something that had never been part of me before (motherhood). And, likewise, the jolly maternity shopping spree of my dreams, in reality, ended up being rubbish. I was exhausted, constantly needed to pee, and was still way too small for full-on maternity wear, which all looked despressingly meh in the shops anyhow.
It wasn’t until a little later, when I had a proper bump to hail, that I discovered the real fun comes in the making do – which everyone does to a certain extent. Few sane women have the funds or inclination to buy a whole new temporary wardrobe, so you poke around in the backs of drawers and see what will work. Stretching old clothes over your new bump sort of joyfully helps to join yourself up again. There are good times to be had in the freestyling that inevitably goes on when your body is in flux.
My favourite pregnancy item when I was enormous (other than my mother’s kaftan which was just too hippy wizard even for me to wear outdoors), was a purple patterned trapeze dress. Even before I was pregnant it made me look like I was hiding twins in there, but I always loved being enclosed in its comfy cotton reams, and it was short and strappy enough to show a good ratio of me to provide balance. When I was heavily pregnant, however, I started to resemble Violet Beauregarde – the girl in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory who turns into a giant blueberry, and it just felt so right.
Even when dressing for work, I embraced the silly side a little. I loved hearing about my civil servant friend’s tactic of dressing up her smart black jersey maternity dresses with hilariously coloured tights and matching cardis, and I sometimes did a similarly mock prim matching thing with a red tunic top I already owned, over a stretch black dress, with black tights and shiny red shoes. It felt comically co-ordinatated, like how the characters in the film Heathers dressed (woah, that’s another cultural reference from 1988. I must have been some sort of style sponge when I was 14).
Coloured tights will forever be identifiable with the girls from Heathers. Who says croquet and blazers can’t work with a bump? Photograph: c.20thC.Fox/Everett / Rex Features
Harriet Vine, half of the jewellery design duo behind Tatty Devine, is pretty much the queen of fun maternity outfits. When she was pregnant with her daughter, who is now three, she says she mostly wore “crazy old smock dresses or stretched old clothes. I had a dress with a playing card on the front (and the back of the card was printed on the back of the dress) which was made of jersey, and just stretched over my bump.” And she would “take the bump out for a walk on a Saturday in a terry-towelling dress with diagonal stripes on it.”
Another favourite was a pink needlechord dungaree frock which was 1970s or 80s maternity wear, though she had worn and loved it long before pregnancy. “You have fantasies of what you’ll look like [when pregnant],” she continues, “and mine involved the natural birth guru Janet Balaskas. I had a 1970s book of hers from the library, full of black and white photographs of naked, hairy people giving birth everywhere.”
Accessories-wise, again, Vine wasn’t shy, wearing a collection of vintage broaches that said “baby”, and “big sunglasses, anything which said ‘look at me, I’m pregnant, look at my bump, I love it.’” Even when, in the first trimester, she didn’t want attention drawn to her developing mound, she couldn’t resist “hiding” it behind a theatrical wrestling belt with a vast metal plate on the front. (It didn’t work – one of her friends guessed.)
I’m now hurtling into the second trimester of my second pregnancy and, after talking to Vine, and looking at the series of joyous pregnancy pictures on the blog Pacing the Panic Room, I’m feeling all inspired. This could be the last time I do this, and there will always be plenty of time for dressing like a grown-up, or a wallflower later. I intend to enjoy this.
So I would like to end this final Mother of all column by thanking all the women who have shared their tips in the comments threads over the past six months, and asking you all to tell the world about the most hilarious, brilliant, crazy, silly things you wore, or are wearing right now, over your bumps.
Article source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2012/jan/31/fun-maternity-clothes?newsfeed=true
View full sizePrepare for the 2012 carnival season by getting wardrobe ready with plenty of accessories. Metallics are a must-have for any party wardrobe. This gold sandal, which features a rhinestone T-strap is suitable for any of the season’s fancy fetes (Pierre Dumas, $29.99). All accessories are from Shoe Station in Mobile. Photos by BILL STARLING/Press Register
MOBILE, Alabama — Carnival season is here! For many of us, that means managing a wardrobe of ball gowns, luncheon suits, party dresses and fabulous accessories.
It can be overwhelming. And in recent days, I’ve heard from way too many fashionistas who are in a panic.
Just breathe and embrace the revelry. You CAN do it in style without breaking the bank.
My first tip: think accessories.
The right bag, a chic chapeau and a stunning evening sandal can have you camera-ready with little effort at all — even if you are re-playing a ball gown or dress.
Mary Nell Partridge, accessories buyer with Shoe Station, says you should always think options.
“A basic black hat with a multi-colored floral accessory on front, means you have that many more options in your wardrobe.”
View full sizeTiny totes are all a girl needs for a fancy night on the town. Colors and dainty details run the gamut this season. These are priced from $15.99 to $34.99 at Shoe Station.
Partridge says every color represents an option. She suggests you pick a hue from the hat and play it up. Or, match the chic chapeau with a solid dress that is one of the colors from the hat.
“You will look stunning in beige, pink, green, etc., and all these colors can be worn with this one hat,” Partridge says.
Another great tip: Wear a simple black dress with the black hat, but choose a handbag or shoes in one of the bright hues from the flower, like hot pink or green. You will certainly cause a few double takes when you make an entrance.
By the way, this is Shoe Station’s second year offering magnificent millinery for the Mardi Gras/Easter season.
Partridge says she saw the need and wanted to offer customers more choices.
“Our price points are unbelievable, and the selections have been outstanding. This is our first year offering a designer brand that’s priced at $79.99, and these hats are marvelous,” Partridge said. “I’m talking sculptured with lots of bling.”
Shoe Station also has a selection of fascinators for the fashion-forward fashionista who wants something a little different and trendy. And they are only $19.99.
View full sizeComfy covered platforms will keep you on the dance floor all night, like this pair of silver sequin platform pumps by Heat in D ($29.99).
When it comes to shoes, the party crop is getting more stunning with each coming year. Of course metallics are hot — and that’s a great thing too, because metallics are your wardrobes best friend. Invest in a comfortable pair of metallic shoes with a matching purse and your festive wardrobe is halfway there!
While sleek, sexy sandals with lots of bling are hot, the hidden-platform pump has become a popular option, according to Tom Callahan, the women’s fashion shoe buyer for Shoe Station.
“You are always going to have the crowd that loves the sleek sandal, but pumps are on the rise. Platforms are popular and now this hidden-platform option makes it even prettier.”
Callahan says that when it comes to evening shoes, pumps are being offered more with the hidden platform or in the vintage sleek design — think Marilyn Monroe-inspired.
(My fashion tip: There is nothing more comfortable than a platform evening shoe. They offer a little more stability to keep you dancing all night.)
Callahan said neutral patent leathers and black patent are also popular choices for evening.
“The neutral evening pump or sandal has become very popular in Hollywood and it’s a great option when you want what you are wearing to be the center of attention.”
Think red carpet ladies. Notice how lots of Tinseltown’s beauties are wearing natural-colored shoes with eye-popping fashions?
That’s a great trend to follow if you plan to wear a multi-colored ball gown or floral dress to a luncheon.
Of course, you can’t forget about the all-important handbag. When it comes to these Carnival fancy fetes, tiny totes are best. From dainty clutches to satin wristlets, there is a multitude of colors to choose from this season.
These little bags are a great way to add a pop of color to your wardrobe. A black gown or neutral suit can gain new life by adding a bright little bag and shoe.
So, experiment with accessories fearlessly and you will never be tardy for the party.
Laissez les bon temps roulez.
Write to Debra Braggs at P.O. Box 2488, Mobile, AL 36602 or email her at dbraggs@press-register.com. Read more Fashion Conscious columns here.
Article source: http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/01/fashion_accessories_to_keep_yo.html
It’s the age-old question that has women digging deeply into their souls and pausing long before answering: “Are you a bag or a shoe person?” Not that they can’t be both — in fact, many women are and even before allocating space for clothes, they allot precious closet real estate to bags and shoes.
Most women I know, however, if they had to pick just one would rather have the bag. Bag ladies know that feeling of passing by a store window, seeing a leather bag with distinctive style from the corner of their eye, and making a swift U-turn to look at it again, feel it in their hands and try it on their shoulder.
A bag can define a woman’s outfit. She can be wearing the simplest dress or the most casual jeans and shirt, but when paired with a striking bag slung casually over her shoulder or on her arm — voila! — the outfit is complete.
Chloé, the French fashion house founded by Gaby Aghion in 1952, is famous for “it-bags” that Hollywood and fashion celebrities — and mere, mortal bag ladies — covet.
Under its new creative director, Clare Waight Keller, the spring-summer collection of Chloé just got a little more feminine. This is Keller’s first season for Chloé and for inspiration and mood, she looked at the Chloé Girl and discovered “a multitude of feminine personalities that define the brand.”
The British-born Keller says, “I looked at festival girls, girls on the street and David Bailey’s photos of Marie Helvin and Anjelica Huston on a beach, there’s a sense of feminine complicity, sensitivity and sunniness in this collection.”
Keller, of course, is referring to one of Vogue’s superstar photographers. Bailey married model Marie Helvin, one of the first models to be described as “super model,” when she was 19, while Huston — who started modeling as a teenager — became one of his muses. In what’s been described as “one of fashion’s great road trips,” taking photographer and model down the Riviera, Bailey photographed Huston in Corsica.
This season’s inspiration is not surprising at all. Keller once told a British newspaper that her favorite fashion era was the ‘60s and ‘70s, “when women were freed of the formal codes of the ‘50s.”
It’s the same fashion philosophy of Chloé founder Gaby Aghion when she “rejected the stiff formality of 1950s fashion and decided to create a line of off-the-rack, soft, body-conscious clothes from fine fabrics.” Thus started what she called “luxury pret-a-porter” or ready-to-wear. And the Chloe Girl was born.
Vogue quotes Keller as describing the Chloe Girl in terms of her attitude and spirit. “It’s very much looking to the future with the brand and trying to bring my point of view. There’s always that personal side I’m trying to capture.”
Keller joined Chloé as creative director in May 2011, succeeding Hannah MacGibbon, and before her Phoebi Philo and Stella McCartney. Her career trajectory has been described as nothing less than phenomenal. Keller completed her BA in Fashion at Ravenbourne College of Art and her MA in Fashion Knitwear at London’s Royal College of Art.
Just weeks out of university, at only 21 years old, she began her career in Calvin Klein’s womenswear division, and four years later transferred to Ralph Lauren, where she worked closely with Lauren himself for the launching of the brand’s higher-end Purple Label for men.
Next, she worked with Tom Ford as part of his design team, which included Francesco Costa and Christopher Bailey, at Gucci’s design studio in London in 2000. Keller was hired on the spot and she stayed on at Gucci until Ford left in 2004. A year later, she was named creative director of Scotland’s Pringle, a heritage brand to which she gave a modern context and brought into the international fashion spotlight.
The spring-summer collection of Chloé has several new bag styles in neat constructions, which play on the softness of leather. A mini clutch with extra-wide strap, an oversized clutch, a new shoulder chain bag and a big tote in a large selection of beautiful textures, from sensual soft box leathers to very sophisticated exotics, enhanced by a siganture Chloé natural color palette with a twist in bright color accents.
For its overall spring-summer palette, Chloé gives in to powdery pastels, makeup shades with nudes and pinks and soft bright accents. Though Chloé’s bag division was started only in 2002 it has had a succession of “it-bags.” Its beloved Marcie bag (fans include Katie Holmes, Ellen Pompeo and Jessica Alba) and Paraty bag (seen on the shoulders or arms — it has top handles and a shoulder strap — of celebrities from Reese Witherspoon to Lindsay Lohan) continue to gain new following.
Its Paddington bag had one of modern fashion’s legendary debuts. For Chloé’s 2005 spring-summer bag collection, 8,000 Paddingtons were produced — and each and every single one sold out even before they made it to the store shelves.
That’s the stuff iconic bags are made of.
* * *
Chloe bags are available at Adora in Greenbelt 5.
Article source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=773245&publicationSubCategoryId=83
Posted on January 31, 2012 · 
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Filed Under Large Size Heels, Large Size Shoes in the UK, Large Size Womens Shoes, Young and Trendy Shoes
These are £120 at Long Tall Sally
At a time where most designers seems to think that excessive platform heel either exposed or hidden is the only way forward for the fashion forward ladies, it’s nice to see that some designers are also thinking of ways of creating something tasteful, conservative in design and still fashionable at the same time.
Take a look at Evelyn by Sam Edelman. It features conceal peep toe rather than the usual suspect of open toes, which is great if you prefer not to show your entire toes. Personally, not really a big fan of the super slim heel. Nevertheless it’s a pretty shoe!
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Tags: big shoes women, ladies large shoes, large shoes, large sized shoes, large sized women’s shoes
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SNSD are again headed to New York in connection with the release of their maxi-single “The Boys.” With their new out-of-the-country activities, fans and fashion-watchers alike are again anticipating how stylish the girls are at the airport.
Dispatch snapped photos of the nine young ladies of SNSD at the Incheon International Airport. A photo catches members Sooyoung and Taeyeon sharing a laugh. Sunny and Seohyun first emerged, then Hyoyeon, Yuri, YoonA, and Jessica were unveiled in turn.
YoonA, Sunny and Yuri were noted for being dressed in casual and chic outfits. Sunny, in particular, was noticed for her comfortable knit skirt and matching blue jacket, while Hyoyeon stood out with her black fur jacket. Taeyeon’s hooded sweater was practical.
Black coats were anything but boring on Jessica, Sooyoung and Seohyun. Each member chose a distinctive style that served as accent pieces and made each one look mature and put together.
Another point of interest were shoes and accessories. As they stepped out in the early morning sun, SNSD wore sunglasses with big frames. Killer-heeled boots were also left out in favor of ankle boots with colored edges on the toe and other such accents.
Like usual, even in airports in Taiwan, China and Japan, fans have gathered to see SNSD off with well wishes and cheers, to which the nine members responded with waves and smiles.
While in New York, SNSD will appear in “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Live! with Kelly,” as well as conduct a fan signing in Best Buy Union Square. “The Boys,” out on January 17, made it to #2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart.
Article source: http://www.soompi.com/news/snsds-airport-fashion
Star: Charlize Theron. Trend: Her ballet pink headband was a bold hair accessory to her already dauntless Dior gown. (WENN.COM)
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‘Tis the season of bold looks, designer dresses and the inevitable fashion flop.
With the Critic’s Choice Movie Awards, the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards behind us and the Academy Awards and Grammy red carpets stretching out ahead, critics and fashion lovers alike will have their eyes peeled and tongues wagging over who wore what, who looked best, and which hot new trends will transcend Hollywood and make their way into closets.
“It’s not often we all go to award shows and red carpets, but picking up themes and trends that you feel comfortable with, and that suits your style, adds a certain life and vitality,” says Anthony Casalanguida, general manager at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto.
Some of the themes that have stood out for Casalanguida so far are the bright colours, dresses with mermaid and fishtail shapes and an overall look of sophistication.
“It was very consistent so far this year, sometimes you see over a dozen things people are doing, but they fell into four categories that I saw … I think we’ll see a continuation of this throughout the season,” he says.
ACCESSORY TO STYLE
Little details in accessories — such as the headband Charlize Theron wore to the Golden Globes — makeup and clutches add to overall looks, says Kimberly Newton, image director for Celebboutique.com, a site that offers fashion inspired by celebrity style at discounted prices. Newton says accessories can be a girl’s best friend when trying to re-create a star’s style.
“Accessorizing is the key to making any red carpet look your own,” Newton says. “Jewelry, clutches and hair accessories can give an outfit an entirely different dynamic.
“Choose a focal piece, such as a bejewelled necklace, attention-grabbing shoes or stacked bracelets and create your own unique Hollywood glamour.”
BOLD AS BRASS
The pops of colour seen on red carpets is a sign that designers and stars are moving away from the dark hues seen at a lot of formal events. Reds, nudes and pastels were popular choices by the stars thus far and they’re also popping up in stores, Casalanguida says.
“I would say at almost every store there are blouses (and) shirts in these colours, even for guys,” he says.
“You’re seeing those colours coming into play everywhere, the reds are in turtlenecks at J.Crew, polos at Burberry, purses at Michael Kors,” says Casalanguida. “At Holt Renfrew you’re seeing mermaid-style dresses and jewelled tones as well.”
Casalanguida recommends working the colours into your everyday wardrobe, whether that means a red tie or polo for the guys, a jewel-tone headband, coloured blazers or a vibrant shade of lipstick for ladies. A little colour can brighten up your typical winter-wear.
Melissa Evans-Lee, Bayview Village’s marketing director and resident fashion expert, says bold colours may not be for everybody, but it doesn’t mean you should be afraid of it.
“Start small with the addition of a colourful accent. A very popular colour combination on the red carpet was the pairing of a gorgeous, classic black gown with emerald earrings, as in the case of Debra Messing (at the Globes),” says Evans-Lee.
GO FOR GLAMOUR
Whether it’s the influence of Oscar-nominated films “The Artist” or “My Week with Marilyn,” or fashion’s recurrent cycle of old becoming new again, experts agree that sexy sophistication is back.
“The ‘Old Hollywood’ starlet really knew what she was doing … they all possessed a certain level of sex appeal that seemed to be effortless,” Lee-Evans said.
Michelle Williams in Chanel at the Critic’s Choice Movie Awards, Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace and Kate Winslet in Jenny Packham at the Golden Globes all channelled this look perfectly.
“Their dresses were all very classic in their silhouette and styling, while their hair and makeup was very streamlined. The overall effect was glamorous without looking like they tried too hard,” Lee-Evans added.
Whatever your red carpet event is — even if it’s just dinner with friends or a night on the town — don’t forget the final touch.
“Wherever you go and whatever you wear, accessorize with confidence because that really is what people find most alluring,” says Lee-Evans.
Just because you’re not a famous actress doesn’t mean you can’t work it like one.
WHERE TO SHOP
Though you’re favourite celeb may be dressed in haute couture fashion or designer duds that come with high-end price tags it doesn’t mean their styles are out of reach.
Websites like CelebBoutique.com offer celebrity-inspired dresses at discounted prices and ship nearly everywhere. Other sites such as Rentfrockrepeat.com are popping up as well, where women can rent a designer gown for less than half the price — meaning those who desire designer labels won’t have to wear the same dress to multiple weddings and parties to balance the price they paid for it.
Often, you don’t have to look further than a nearby shopping mall, says Anthony Casalanguida, general manager at Yorkdale Mall in Toronto.
“If the look is something tremendous on the red carpet, you’ll see a continuation of that in stores,” Casalanguida says. Twist our well-accessorized rubber arm.
Article source: http://www.lfpress.com/life/fashion/2012/01/30/19314136.html
The 2012 SAG Awards, held in Los Angeles on January 29, 2012, was a night to remember, for all the talent, the speeches, and most importantly, the killer fashion.
Not only did the Modern Family cast win the award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, but we must say, the ladies of the show were on point with their fashion choices.
Julie Bowen (Claire Dunphy) shined in a Temperley dress, Martin Katz jewelry, Christian Louboutin heels, and a Judith Leiber purse, Sarah Hyland (Haley Dunphy) sported a Temperley dress and Casadei shoes, Sofia Vergara (Gloria) rocked Marchesa, and Ariel Winter (Alex) sparkled in a Collette Dinnigan dress and Miu Miu shoes.
We know it might be the hardest decision you’ll have to make all week, but which Modern Family actress had the best look for the awards? Vote in our poll below!
Catch the next new episode of Modern Family on Wednesday, February 8 at 9 pm ET/PT on ABC.
For more on Modern Family, Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter.
Article source: http://www.wetpaint.com/modern-family/articles/fashion-faceoff-which-modern-family-lady-looked-the-best-at-the-2012-sag-awards
Concession Manager Chelmsford £15k per annum
CONCESSION MANAGER CHELMSFORD
£15K PER ANNUM GENEROUS BONUSES!!!
The opportunity has arisen to become a Concession Manager with this Leading Ladies Fashion Accessories Brand in Chelmsford! This company have been making women look gorgeous for the past 70 years and retail across more then 60 locations across the UK.
To be successful in your application you must be able to:
- Meet sales and cost budgets
- Recruit, develop and retain a highly motivated team
- Motivate staff and deliver excellent customer service at all times
- Meet operational expectations by implementing and maintaining high retail standards
- People/Time Management
Experience Needed
The ideal candidate for this position will have experience at Manager or Supervisor level within the fashion industry. You will be passionate about offering excellent customer service and about achieving targets. A love for shoes and handbags would be a bonus also 
)
If this sounds like you please send your CV with a breif cover letter explaining why you would be ideal for this position.
Please send your CV to: fashretail02.88142.4130@freedomrecruit.aplitrak.com 
Article source: http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/index.php?option=com_jobline&Itemid=66&id=5054&task=view
