Happy Chinese New Year. February 14, 2010 marked not only Valentine’s Day but also the Chinese New Year. In keeping with tradition, this is the year of the metal Tiger. (How appropriate that Tiger Print was just launched!)

According to a wide variety of online sources, the metal Tiger is passionate, honest, hard working, brave and modest. (This is sounding better and better.) Those born in the year of the Tiger are thought to be naturally forgiving and dedicated to family and friends.

Therefore, the Year of the Tiger is meant to be one that is dynamic and powerful; full of changes and social disorder.

The start of the New Year is based on the lunar calendar, so the day changes from year-to-year. The Chinese calendar rotates on a 12-year basis. Each year follows a pre-determined order for the animals; rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon,… click here to read whole article and make comments

The apparent suicide of designer Lee Alexander McQueen shook the fashion world considerably yesterday. The London-based designer was only 40 years old and at the height of his career. Celebrities, like Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Rihanna and Lady Gaga, flocked to his designs and wanted seats at his shows.

While his designs usually incorporated macabre elements, people were shocked to hear that his life had ended. Fashion insiders immediately issued personal statements about their grief and the great loss to the world that McQueen’s death represents. His New York fashion show was canceled and his boutique stores were closed to mourn.

What I find so interesting about this whole story, and so sad, is the fact that the only thing talked about is his work in fashion. Scanning through articles on NPR, CNN, the Huffington Post, The New York Times, and elsewhere readers get a solid picture of his… click here to read whole article and make comments

While many of us would like an unlimited budget for fashion purchases, let's be honest we need to be frugal - even more so in recent years. Still, it's important to be current and look our best. The key to dressing current without breaking the bank is knowing the difference between a trend and a fad.

Here’s how to tell the difference…

Defined:

Fads – by definition are in and out almost quicker than you can purchase and wear the item. They last one season, maybe two if you are extra lucky.

Trends – by definition are the fashion mantras that tend to stick around longer than one little season. This does not mean however that a trend current now will still be ok to wear in 10 year (ahem, ladies with your jeans from the early 90s – I’m talking to you.)

Examples:

Fads – Remember those sweaters/pins/scarf’s that had your initial… click here to read whole article and make comments

If you are interested in fashion one of the things you’re always searching for is unique pieces to make an outfit really standout. This doesn’t mean the article of clothing has to be flashy, just a cut above the rest. It should have something that says I’m different, I’m one-of-a-kind, I’m unique. Usually this can be achieved through handmade items.

Looking for these pieces on a shopping trip can be a long and often fruitless endeavor. Or going to boutiques can mean a large chunk of your wallet gets left behind with a small purchase. Why not find these sought-after items from the comfort of your home or office and have them delivered to your door step, all at an affordable price?

Enter Etsy.com! This online portal is the home for all things handmade. You can buy coin purses, wall art, jewelry, baby blankets, candles, soap… basically if you can name it and it can be… click here to read whole article and make comments

I’m a big fan of fashion blogs. There is so much inspiration out there, so many places to look at and get ideas for your attire. Anyone who is interested in fashion knows the Sartorialist is the blog to visit – it’s the epitome of a well executed ‘man-on-the-street’ blog.

The pictures that appear on the blog are taken around the world. The pictures capture a slice of life and the look of a person. They are random women lunching at a café, men crossing the street, or children in a park. Young adults, middle age, elderly. All races, all colors, all fashion personas. It’s all there on the Sartorialist.

The mastermind behind this visual master piece is Scott Schuman, a former fashion industry insider who left a sales position in 2005 in order to take care of his daughter. His home base is New York City but he photographs people all over the world. According… click here to read whole article and make comments

Recently a post-it note popped up on a high school bathroom mirror. In simple script it read “When the world says ‘Give In’ stay strong. You are a fighter. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Have a great day.” This is just one of thousands such notes working to spread positivity around the world through Operation Beautiful. 

The tenets of the mini-movement are simple: Post a note in a public place that will help build others up. Stop putting yourself and others down about appearances. Believe and spread the word that everyone is beautiful; no change is required.

 It’s a message women around the world are craving and it’s having an impact. Here’s what some people have said about stumbling across these notes:

 

“I found a note in the stall at a Walmart in Tulsa, Oklahoma just after I had looked in… click here to read whole article and make comments

As the fashion weeks begin to happen in quick succession throughout the world, fashionistas follow the trends, the frills, the designers, the colors… and now everyone is watching a little 13-year-old girl. Tavi Gevinson (and her Style Rookie blog) is taking the fashion industry by storm. 

When her blog first popped up in March 2008, people thought a fashion insider or professional in the field was writing it. She had insights and offered analysis that appeared well beyond her 11 years. But she’s no insider. Tavi is a high school student. She lives in a little suburb of Chicago, IL. 

Her daily clothing choices look more she hopped off the runway at a Rodarte show than if she was headed to a high school science class. When asked, she describes herself as a “tiny 13 year old dork that sits inside all day wearing awkward jackets and pretty hats.” Earlier this month she dyed her short… click here to read whole article and make comments

I’m writing this post on my MacBook Pro, with iTunes playing a new album I downloaded. My iPod is charging nearby and I am secretly jealous of my friends who own iPhones.

I’m a Mac. Maybe you’re a PC, I find most people are. But whether you’re a Mac or a PC you’ve seen the rumors, reports, excitement and finally the announcement of the iPad – the tablet that is supposed to be game-changing. The whole world tuned in yesterday for Steve Jobs big iPad reveal.

Here are the basics: The iPad is going to be so much more than the Kindle or other e-readers. Of course it offers books and newspapers, to be downloaded through the iTunes store. But the iPad also has e-mail and internet capabilities. It will play music and video; and offers a full array of random and sometimes utterly pointless applications. Basically, it’s a large… click here to read whole article and make comments

We read and hear enough about the disastrous effect of text messaging. Of course there are those that text and drive (I’ll admit to being guilty of this). There are those that text during class and at the dinner table. And let’s not forget the astronomical cell phone bill everyone gets hit with at least once thanks to prolific texts by yourself or your children.

And while many bemoan this little piece of modern technology and the social implications, during the last few days the text message has come to represent something more. It’s been a chance for us to give to those in need. It’s been a way to send money to the victims of the disastrous earthquake in Haiti.

With the punching of a few simple buttons, people throughout the US and around the world have been able to donate $10 to the American Red Cross’s relief efforts.… click here to read whole article and make comments

The fashion industry has notoriously followed economic trends and, with the global economic recession hitting nearly every major market this time around, the industry has been heavily hit. Fashion houses have closed and downsized worldwide. This has pushed designers to be inventive.

And while I’m not attending Milan’s Fall/Winter 2010 fashion week (although I’d love to one day) I’m following the articles and viewing hundreds of pictures. According to these sources, the menswear fashion industry is headed back to basics.

Think preppy. Think classic. Think timeless.

Crew neck sweaters, classic sports jackets, loafers and casual pants lined the runways. Even the colors are elementary. Camel tones, black and navy were the colors of choice.

Frida Giannini, the creative director for Gucci, said earlier in the week that “the moment calls for timeless rather than seasonal fashions.”

… click here to read whole article and make comments