First a light bulb heel, now a vintage clutch inspired by music? Karl Lagerfeld has to be one of the most innovative men in fashion. I don’t want to totally give him that title though, then I’d be pushing it (hello, Valentino?) But Karl Lagerfeld is a style genius, nonetheless:

This lucite relic clutch is a vintage clutch and is a big hit for the Spring 2010 season, as Fendi made a similar clutch this season, just a little more simplistic:

The Chanel cassette clutch is going for $1,500 on Luxirare.

Prada has launched a new range inspired by the retro era, appropriately titled “Print Collection”. After all, there was no one rocking prints like June Cleaver (see: Leave It To Beaver)!

“Retro millenium” would probably be a good phrase to describe this collection, because that’s what it is. It’s a vintage style modernized to fit perfectly into society; a society where nothing is original, yet everything is new. The revival of era’s has been going on in fashion since forever, and who else but Prada to breathe life back into the home maker days?

Even celebrities are getting in on the action. Even though the collection just hit stores, Kate Bosworth and Carey Mulligan have already been spotted in the classic pieces:

According to InStyle, a source at Prada’s SoHo boutique says the dresses are “almost sold out.” This collection is DEFINITELY cute and right up my alley.

What do you think of Prada’s ‘Print Collection’?

I have always admired Lena Horne from generations away, but I never truly took an interest in her until recently (I’m more Grace Kelly obsessed than anything). It’s a shame that we choose to acknowledge magnitude’s of greatness, such as Ms. Horne, after they’re gone. But in honor of their legacy, their impact must be revisited. I have for you, the class, style and undeniable grace of Lena Horne:

Even as I check her record, and go through her style catalog, it was just classic! Every piece she wore in her prime are pieces I would search the ends of the world for, hoping they have my size. Nothing is outdated, nothing has faded, nothing makes you say “ugh, they wore that back then?” Oh how I would love to be a grand child anticipating the passing down of garments that no longer fit or tickles her fancy.

A woman of impeccable style! R.I.P. Lena Horne! Your legacy lives.

Oh, how we love us some Chanel! But with the original taste maker, Karl Lagerfeld, now finding himself trying to keep up with the Jones’ (or the Gucci’s), that fresh breath of what Coco started has sort of lost its breath. BUT, who the heck knew Shop Bop was reliving the good ole’ days of Chanel?

Vintage Chanel Pouchette Bag $2,750

Vintage Chanel Quilted Bag $3,850

Vintage Chanel Vinyl Bag $2,860

Vintage Chanel Gold bar Clutch $4,180

Vintage Chanel Cross Stitch Quilt Bag $4,180

With prices this steep, you may want to reconsider adding one of these to your collection! But hey, if you got it then get it. Can’t beat vintage Chanel.

At the devastating, sudden, and heart-breaking news of Michael Jackson’s death (I still can’t believe it!!), many people are remembering him for the  many things he have done, and contributed to pop culture and the world at large, through out his 50 years of life. I am a “youngin’”, so while I wasn’t around to experience and be apart of his BEST moments, I did become a HUGE fan of his! I mean HUGE. Any one who knows me, knows that I am a huge fan of Micheal Jackson, and get very offended when people say anything bad about him. What I remember most about him, is him bringing me through all the difficult times, the times when I felt alone, defeated and like I couldn’t do it, with “You Are Not Alone”. But besides remembering his musical influence on young stars like Chris Brown, Usher, Ne-Yo, Justin Timberlake, Ciara and so on, we can’t forget his influence on the fashion world. (Okay, I had to incorporate fashion into this!) Here are his greatest fashion moments:

This silver & gold suit, with the armor on his arms & legs has been a huge influence on how performers dress to hit the stage today. After seeing Michael live, there was no way that tank tops & slacks would ever cut it on the stage again! This look has been relived through people like Beyonce, when she performed at the 2007 BET Awards:

This simple suit and top hat look in his “Smooth Criminal” video, has went on to be imitated by Chris Brown and his performance at the 2007 VMA’s (where his whole performance was inspired by Michael, doing a dance sequence to “Billie Jean”):

Chris Brown’s Michael inspiration was obvious everything he did:

But it’s not only artists that was inspired by his timeless style…

His embellished military jacket has went on to be a classic time piece, even Balmain based their ENTIRE Fall 2009 collection on the King:

And who can forget his “Thriller” jacket?

This is by far the most duplicated piece from ANY one in popular culture! Not even Madonna’s “Material Girl” wedding dress is this duplicated, not the pink “Diamonds” dress from Marilyn Monroe, none! This Thriller jacket is timeless, a classic.

Check out a few more timeless Michael Jackson looks:

Unlike everything else in music and fashion, he wasn’t a trend. Nor a phase. Nor a fad. He was classic, timeless. You can turn on the radio any give day and hear “Off The Wall”, “Billie Jean” or “Thriller”. His videos were groundbreaking, and concepts he originated are still used in videos to this day! His concerts broke records, even his own! And his unique sense of style, a style all on his own, is still duplicated to this day. He was never afraid to step out the box, never afraid to try something that hadn’t been done. Every time he did it, it worked. He staked a reputation where he could do no wrong, musically and fashion wise. After all, he was the King.

Here is my all time favorite Michael song, “You Are Not Alone” (Live). This song has brought me through so much, and I listen to it whenever I need to hear it. I cried myself to sleep on my 18th birthday listening to this song, and I believed that truly, I wasn’t alone. This is for you Michael. You are not alone, and you will truly be missed. FOREVER:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9DDTiPzJCk]

]]> http://www.thefashionmanifesto.com/2009/06/25/r-i-p-michael-jackson-king-of-pop-and-fashion/feed/ 0 http://www.thefashionmanifesto.com/2008/11/10/when-in-doubt-wear-red/ http://www.thefashionmanifesto.com/2008/11/10/when-in-doubt-wear-red/#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:22:04 +0000 Tara Decoda http://fashionmanifesto.wordpress.com/?p=3282

I know most of you know that very famous saying by fashion icon Bill Blass. Well, it’s true. While my trademark color is black and I usually switch it to say “when in doubt, wear black” (I mean face it, you just can’t go wrong with black!), the little red dress is still very significant to a wardrobe and is very much considered a staple:

Mariah Carey, who’s fashion choices are usually a MISS, with most claiming she doesn’t dress her age, stuck to the little red dress rule while attending the World Music Awards that took place last night. Recently, for an event called “I Am C.H.A.N.G.E.”, a last call to get out the vote, I wore a red body hugging Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress much like Mariah’s. I mean, it’s scary similar. Since the holiday’s are coming up and red is a lot more family friendly than black is, I have some perfect little number’s for you:

Lela Rose Ruffle neck dress $1,150, Net-A-Porter

This dress would look particularly nice on a curvy body, someone with hips. Breasts in this dress would be understated, but with all that leg room– honey, it doesn’t matter!

Catherine Malandrino Ruffled hem dress $495, Shop Bop

This dress is great for the body conscious girl. (Don’t get me wrong, not self-conscious, body conscious. There’s a difference. Don’t misconstrue what it is that I’m saying). You can easily cinch this in at the waist with a skinny or thick belt, even throw a cardigan over it in anticipation of the cold weather. That ruffled hem also spices up a very plain, (and dare I say) boring dress.

Black Halo Classic Jackie-O dress $345, Revolve Clothing

This dress can be seen on many celebrities. From Kim Kardashian to Dawn of Danity Kane to Lauren Conrad, it is a favorite among many. For one, it’s a classic (which means never out of style!) and number 2, it works with so much body types. From the curviest to the stick straight. This just works. Worth your $345.

Mason by Michelle Mason strapless dress $253, Shop Bop

This dress is the most daring of the bunch I picked out. The fact that it’s strapless, it’s a mini and it hugs your body, ups the sexy factor. Face it, not many of us ladies are as toned down and conservative, so this is for those sisters.

Rebecca Taylor Rosette Charmeuse mini dress $156, Saks Fifth Avenue

This dress would be perfect for the woman who loves to show off her legs. While there is a lot of room up top for two, for the holiday season you want to keep cleavage at a minimum.

The little red dress is a wardrobe must have, just like the little black one. It’s simple, it’s classic and the color screams “Merry Christmas!” You can pair it with black opaque tights, an ivory cardigan or both. Red, black and white is a classic color combination, you can never go wrong with that. What shoes? Well, depends on the occasion and climate. For the holiday season, black closed toe pumps are appropriate. However, if you want to throw on the mini to celebrate somewhere else, you can let the toes see the city. But if we had to settle on a color right here right now, it would be black. Red is also a very versatile color so you can throw on silver shoes, assorted color sequence shoes, etc. to spice it up.

“Can’t leave modeling alone, the game needs me….”

Tyra Banks covers V Magazine and joins forces with Sessilee Lopez to recreate the 70’s Diana Ross classic, Mahogany:

I see Tyra hasn’t hung up her hat yet. I don’t think she will ever fully, officially come out of retirement, but I definitely expect to see her getting in touch with her fashion roots here and there. Fab shoot nonetheless.

Magazine clutches are becoming one of the season’s must haves. It’s very funky, fun & fashionable and everyone is getting in on the action- especially Rihanna:

At first it confuses you. Is that a rolled up magazine? But if you look closer you will definitely notice that it is the HAUTE Magazine Clutch. I know I am about to get my hands on one- or 2, especially for only $80! To see some styles and where to cop, read below the cut…

Barbie by Patricia Field Magazine Clutch $80, Patricia Field

Barbie by Patricia Field Magazine Clutch $80, Patricia Field

House of Field Plastic Clutch $80, Patricia Field

House of Field Plastic Clutch $80, Patricia Field

House of Field Plastic Clutch $80, Patricia Field

Ladies I HIGHLY recommend this. Get it while it’s hot, and I don’t want to hear any excuses because it’s not an arm, leg, 3 camels and a mule. It’s $80! Must Have for Fall!! Or Summer even, it ain’t over yet.

Little Known Fact about Patricia Field:

*Aside from being a designer [a good one at that], she is also the stylist for Sex & The City- the “fashion movie”. Google her to find out more.

FM Reader Les recently requested Amerie’s Sunglasses: “Do you know where those sunglasses are?”. Here you go Les:

These sunglasses are Vintage Cazal, made in 1986 and they are called the Cazal 865. You can have it for $237 at Vintage Sunglasses Shop. It’s not the EXACT same one though.

Hope I helped!

Today’s fashion is all recycled, nothing’s new. The trends, the styles, everything! The era with the largest impact on fashion that to this day, people are still recreating is- you guessed it, THE 80′S! Leg warmers, colored leggings, bamboo earrings, acid wash jeans, hi-top fade, rope chains, Kangol hats, 3-finger rings, Adidas, bob’s, high-waisted everything, classic Reeboks and hi-top Nike’s. Bold colors were born in the 80’s. And you know you can not talk about the 80’s with out mentioning the boom box! Hip-Hop was born in the 80’s right here in the Bronx, the 80’s produced a lot of the latest and greatest in music, movies, fashion, culture, etc. It all started there. So here’s to all my 80’s baby who is still trying to revive that era:

Then there are the Leaders of The New Skool that’s still kickin’ it in the Old Skool:

I found the perfect 80’s items for you…..

Lux Marble Skinny Jean $24.99, Urban Outfitters

Lux Acid Wash Jeans $49.99, Urban Outfitters

Unisex Lightweight Taffeta Emergency Jacket $52, American Apparel

Zebra Print Nylon Tricot Leggings $42, American Apparel

Long Leg Warmer $16, American Apparel

Reebok ‘Freestyle’ Sneaker $69.95, Nordstrom

Betsey Johnson Jewelry Gold Bamboo Hoop Earrings $38, Bellabacci

14k Yellow Gold Solid 3-Finger Ring $627.99, VistaBella (you can personalize this ring, put whatever you want on the knuckle)

Run DMC 30MM Gold Dookie Chain $60, Dr. Jays

Kangol Classic Bucket Hat $59.99, Dad’s Hats (I had to use a throw back pic because the site wouldn’t let me save the pic on display. FYI Kangol Bucket hats are everywhere!)

This doesn’t cover HALF the era, but these are just a few of my favorite things. The things from the 80’s that I love the most! Like I said, it’s definitely being recycled and breathed into the fashion of today so that means this stuff is “trendy”, so you can find it anywhere! I live in NY so SoHo is definitely a good place to shop. It has a lot of boutiques, vintage stores and family owned businesses so it’s not stuff you can get anywhere. Cheers to the 80’s!