the Fashion BLOC: Kohl's and Aldo partner to make shoes FAB!

Today it was announced that beginning Spring 2011, Aldo Group International will design and produce exclusive footwear products to be sold at Kohl's and Kohls.com under select private and exclusive brands. Since 47% of Kohl's sales were as a result of its successful private and exclusive brand strategy in the first quarter of 2010, this team up is just taking the brand one step further. Especially, with footwear being a key growth area (no pun intended). 


According to Don Brennan, senior executive vice president at Kohl's Department Stores, "Kohl's is incredibly excited to announce this unique collaboration with Aldo, who is globally respected for its design expertise and leadership in the footwear industry."


I'm looking forward to what both brands have to offer. Besides with Aldo's Fashion and Kohl's prices, you know a maximizing shoe fashionista such as myself will be present front and center. What do you think of this unique partnership???

Courtesy of Market Watch

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the Fashion BLOC: Madewell to Open up 3 more Storefronts!

Of course, you know by now that J Crew's baby, Madewell is online as of this month (GO NOW www.Madewell.com!). Some of my fave lines (H&M, United Colors of Benetton) are still not online meaning you can only go into a store in order to get their glorious things. Hopefully, they will join Madewell in this new journey.


But for Madewell, it wasn't enough for them to make their FIRST online debut, J Crew clearly doesn't just want to stop there. In fact, they are planning 3 more storefronts for University Village in Seattle, Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, and Georgetown in Washington D.C, to bring the total count of Madewell boutiques to 20 in the U.S. 


Is this the New World Madewell takeover?! I think so. Do I like it? Yes, I do. 

Courtesy of WWD

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the Fashion BLOC: Dolce & Gabbana join forces with Martini to lift "spirits"

What's better than shopping while having a drink? I'll answer that for you, not very much can beat that combo. If you feel the same way I do, you are gonna jizz at the very thought of this new partnership. None other than our fave Italian designers, Dolce & Gabbana have partnered up with Bacardi's vermouth brand, Martini for a rare but much needed match-up which includes bars at their stores in Milan and Shanghai and the launch of a menswear line. Its said they have tasted and will unveil this glorious drink during Milan's Menswear Fashion Week. What I love is that D & G is taking a non-conventional route of wine and spirits with this partnership unlike other groups who have done jewelry, perfume, hotels, etc.  It takes innovation to sustain such a brand and I can't wait to see (taste) this new venture! I'm sure we will see Madonna taking a sip in campaigns for D&G all over. 

Happy Early 20th Anniversary Dolce & Gabanna Menswear!

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the Fashion BLOC: 5 things I love this year.................... so far

From Atlanta, Miami to Tampa, I realized there are a plethora of things I love and now can not live without:


1) All the shades of juicy RED lips! Red lipsticks and glosses have been an old fave but one I have never tried. Well, with a little nudge I got inspired. Some suggestions I have are: Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme in Fire, Wet N Wild Hot Red, Rimmel London Sienna Red and New York Color Sheer Ruby Lipgloss

2) Floral and striped. I know it sounds crazy but is a huge hit this year especially when its done right. It gives that quirky yet polished look, at least to me. While shopping for my vaca, I saw a girl with the assemble and immediately had to switch focus. **The key is blending the two pieces with one color from each piece. 


3) Chunky and Charm accessories. Usually I hate chunky accessories for the summer, but this year they are all too hot to resist! From chunky necklaces to charm bracelets, the look brings a layered look to a light clothing time of year. Check out Jackson's Runaway!


4) Short shorts. For a while there, I had given up on short shorts because I thought I had outgrown them or that they may be a little too much. But I have come to realize that as with anything, there is a science. Obviously, you don't want your butt cheeks to come out to play and you don't want them to be too tight; avoid the "wrinkle effect" in the front. As with everything, yet again, the short shorts have to be flattering and for me, they have to be fly. Lots of pockets, cool design, random color, etc. Its too many to choose from and we shouldn't shy away from it....in other words, show off those legs!


5) Lucky's tips to fix the most common FIGURE roadblocks. We all have those areas we need to work on and while we work on them or NOT why not find ways to still make them all look amazing. Hence, their tips. Check it out: Flatter Any Figure 


I'm sure there are more...but for now, these are my faves :D what's your's?

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fashion BLOC: All Hail McQueen!

Fresh out of retirement and a new model at IMG where she got her model beginnings, Tyra Banks is paying homage to her late friend, Alexander McQueen. So in order to pay tribute, Tyra wore head to toe McQueen in an over the top fashion spread for her online magazine, www.tyra.com. "McQueen was considered royalty in the fashion community," she said on her site. "I would like to think that he would have loved these photos." She also plans to continue this tribute on the latest and final season of "American Next Top Model". McQueen took his own life in February. Great job Tyra!

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The Fashion BLOC: And the Winner is....

Congrats to Seth Aaron for winning Project Runway's Season 7!

Looking forward to what Seth Aaron has to offer! CONGRATS!

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the Fashion BLOC: Style of the Week - "Sample Sale Love"

OURBLOC's Style of the Week: NickieSixx

Courtesy of StreetStyle.com

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the Fashion BLOC: Style of the Week - "Euro Cowgirl"

OURBLOC's Style of the Week: Effie

 

Courtesy of StreetStyle.com

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the Fashion BLOC: Style of the Week - "SLD"

OURBLOC Style of the Week:  Na2ta3zh4a

Courtesy of StreetStyle.com

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the Fashion BLOC: Style of the Week - "The Art of Layering"

OURBLOC Style of the Week: JunkGenius

Courtesy of StreetStyle.com

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the Fashion BLOC: Style of the Week - "Random Vintage"

OURBLOC's Style of the Week: Teresa Brown

Wearing: Vintage Dress, Vintage Bustier, Giuseppe Zanotti Design Heels

Courtesy of LuckyMag.com

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the Fashion BLOC: Beat Your Heels Before They Beat You!

Courtesy of Heels.com

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the Fashion BLOC: My Spring Wishlist

100% Cotton Broderie cup sundress with zip front detail, $70.00.

Courtesy of TopShop.

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the Fashion BLOC: Project Runway "Street Love"

Congrats to Emilio and Seth Aaron for winning Episode 9: 'Takin' it to the Street'! In this episode, the designers had to team up again to make 2 looks based upon some of NYC's well-known neighborhoods. 


Here are the winning Harlem-inspired looks:

PR is nearing its end and still no win from Maya but there is still time to prove. Check out the Scorecard on MyLifetime.com:


Project Runway Scorecard | myLifetime.com

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fashion BLOC: Style of the Week - "Effortless Chic"

OURBLOC's Style of the Week: Olivia L from StreetStyle.com

Wearing: Plaid from Urban Outfitters, Lace up boots from Buffalo Exchange, American Apparel black dress, H&M Briefcase from Goodwill, Nars Heat Wave lipstick

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fashion BLOC: Tarnished Hardware - No Biggie!

We've all went through it and probably gotten rid of some of our fave bags just because the hardware (clasps or grommets) get an ugly black tarnish or get scuffed. According to handbag designer, Heather Hawkins, "use a Krylon metallic leafing pen to draw over the area." Of course, try it out on a spot where no one can see to make sure the colors match but you should be good to go from there and your bag should look like new! 


Pens come in Gold and Copper Leafing Pens, $6.99 each at KMart or $4.25 on Amazon.

Happy Styling!

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the Fashion BLOC: INTRODUCING THE OLSEN TWINS' OLSENBOYE

Today is the launch of the Olsen Twins' affordable spring line at JCPenney's, "Olsenboye". They not only have a fab, cool pieces but they have also incorporated a design contest that offer future designers ages 13-21 years old a chance to make a piece that could be a part of the Olsenboye collection! They'll also get a chance to meet Mary Kate and Ashley in NYC and a $1,ooo JCP Gift Card.


If you're an up and coming fashion designer between the ages of 13-21, go to www.olsenboyedesigncontest.com .....and btw, GOOD LUCK!


Check out some of the cuties on this spring collection, which is said to retail at $20 to $50 and is available today online and in stores....

[Via JCP]


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the Fashion BLOC: Project Runway - Teamed Messery

Its obvious as the season goes on, the stakes are getting higher. Hence, this episode starts out pretty intense.

Challenge: Teams of 2 to create a high-end signature look with $500.

Teams:
Jay and Maya
Jesus and Amy
Anthony and Seth Aaron
Ben and Janeane
Jonathan and Mila
Ping and Jesse
Emilio and Anna

Ping and Jesse seem like they are gonna struggle off the bat. Jesse most likely had his fingers crossed behind his back so she wouldn't pick him but it was inevitable. Ping is driving him insane with her randomness while Mila and Jonathan are perfect for each other. Seth Aaron and Anthony seem to be good but not sure just yet.


At Tim's Check-In...
He tells them they have to make another look that is a "look for less" inspired by another teams look. It has to be under $50 and not to mention, the team has to trust one of their teammates to go pick up the fabric. YIKES!

Jay was not even trying because he has immunity and we all know how Klum and Kors feel about people like that. Anthony is determined to work with Seth Aaron despite him being an arse which shows a lot about his character. He really knows how to work with different people, I like that ! ...AND Jesse and Ping continue to bicker and even though, Jesse told her the fabric she chose looked cheap she didn't listen although, Tim agreed. Most of them scramble, sashay, and do nothing to the very end.....man this is really season of the SaSHAY?!

To the Runway...

Judges Kors, Nina Garcia, Matthew Williamson and Klum announced that 1 or more may be getting cut. hmmm...

Nina told Mila she "really loved her signature" but they hated their look for less.

Kors calls Anthony's dress a "southern cotillion party from hell".

Despite a major diss to Seth Aaron and Anthony, Seth confronted them and said it was a 50/50 decision and he stands behind it 100% which was quite commendable. I don't know how many times I have watched people throw other people under the bus but he stood up to them. YAY AGAIN and about time someone stood up to them!

Despite the judges distaste for the look for less, Mila WINS with her signature look that was fun yet elegant and cool. A fab suit that separated her from the rest. On the other hand, Ping FINALLY got the boot and her poor execution finally bit her in the arse. This episode was filled with ups and downs, I'm sure that was only half of what will we see for the rest of this season. STAY TUNED....

Written by Autty
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the Fashion BLOC: Project Runway - "Farm Love"

'Season of the Sashay' continues with a not too far fetched challenge but still interesting, nevertheless.

Challenge: Dress the models in a party dress made from Burlap Potato sack; The Catch: The models are the clients and they get to pick their designer.

Immediately, Emilio is excited to have immunity and I have to say I can't blame him.

Tim checks in early which I suspect its because last week they were ALL struggling. I mean, literally struggling and it looks like its nothing new for this episode. Needless to say, I'm right because yet again, they are twiddling their thumbs at his check-in. I die when Tim says he is flabbergasted by Jay's coolness of all the work he has to do (dye and still sew on the details the model wanted). Im excited to see Ping's creation - It has a modern feel to it at first glance. Amy did a nice dye treatment so far, so I'm excited about her dress too; AND Jesus attempts to make a skirt minus the potato sack material? He is wrapping ribbon over the burlap and not even showing just a hint of it. I hope they roast him since he has decided to go against Tim's suggestion.

Pre-Runway...
Everyone looks frantic at this point, running around like chickens with their heads cut off....Literally, still sewing at the very last minute ...even after Tim comes Mila is still rushing to grab everything.

The Runway...
Judges: Heidi, Kors, Nina, and the legend, Lauren Hutton

My Faves are: Anthony, Ben, Mila, Seth Aaron, and Jonathan.
Amy used the potato sack and took the organic route by dipping it in dye and making it very cute and playful. I actually wanted to wear that burlap. You will never hear me say that again, cherish it :0). Emilio's was cute too, but he concerns me because the dress looked JUST like the first dress -IS THIS ALL HE CAN DO? hmmm....


Mila's peek-a-boo boobs dress pulled out! Which makes me think she only did great because she felt like she had something to prove to Alexis (her model) since she chose Anthony over her...Needless to say, Kors called her dress "edgy and hot".

Ping's was awful. I was extremely disappointed in the final look. I mean, WOW her butt cheeks were out and it was poorly constructed. Pamela dyed her dated dress a faded denim look which was wonderful but it also didn't look appropriate for the event. Jesus got called out for not following the rules (CLEARLY) and besides, green and brown were your color choices? really? My opinion is if you are going to have to face the judges about violating the rule, then make sure the dress is hot, but I digress.

Jay wins with his feathery cute number...AND Pamela gets the boot for her DDD (Denim Dated Dress). However, Jesus better get it together. He is showing his true colors and they are green and brown; neither cute or flattering together. Truly a lot of hot messery on this season - Can't wait til next week!

Written by Autty

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the Fashion BLOC: The HOOK UP

No, I'm not hooking you up with a cutie or anything like that; you wish. This my friend is a different hookup. How many times do you have to find a place to put your purse when you go out to eat or when you go to a cafe? Do you sit it on the floor or in the chair next to you (if its available)? I know I do...so when I heard about this little dohicky, I was naturally geeked! The Hook Up solves that issue and it keeps your purse off those dirty floors, yet in plain view. The Hook up is a clip in the shape of a heart that clips to the purse strap and twists open to hook your purse to a table or even a door {see right}. Its made from metal and designed to hold even the heaviest purses up to 30lbs; almost like a purse hanger but it doesn't have to be just for your purse; it can be your portable hook for everything you have. Your umbrella, coat, hats, bags, and the list goes on and on. Awesome must-have accessory for any woman! I can't wait to get mine.

Your Options:

Platinum Hookup
Price: $36
Finished in Platinum
Dimensions: 4"x 3" (101.6mm x 76.2mm)
Weight: 1.5 oz (42.5 g)
Embroidered pouch and gift box included


Gold Hookup
Price:$36
Finished in 22K Gold
Dimensions: 4"x 3" (101.6mm x 76.2mm)
Weight: 1.5 oz (42.5 g)
Embroidered pouch and gift box included


For more information please visit www.thehookup.com


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