Controversial Swimsuits

There's been a lot of controversy lately concerning a modest bathing suit popular among muslim women, known as the Burquini. Recently in the French town of Emerainville, a 35 year old convert to Islam was asked to leave a public swimming pool for wearing the head-to-toe swimsuit. The woman, known only as Carole, believes that this is segregation, however the pool defends itself saying that it was only upholding the strict hygiene standards for pools in the region. Under these standards, baggy board shorts for men would also not be allowed. President Nicolas Sarkozy supports the pool's decision and commented that garments like burquinis make women prisoners.

(Image Source)

(For more information and a video on this story go here)

I response to the recent controversy, Elle.com has done a historical look on scandalous and controversial swim attire found here.

Rudi Gernreich's controversial 1964 monokini

Project Runway: Where have I seen that before?

Qristyl Frazier and Ari Fish were both put on the chopping block on the first episode of this season's Project Runway, and Ari Fish was sent home. Even though they were both critisized for their lack of taste, I had a feeling I'd seen it all before. Though their dresses were executed poorly, the following images show that the same design elements can be used in good taste.

Qristal Frazier's dress uses the same idea as this dress (inspired by Infrared satellite images) that I found on Threadsmagazine.com. The designer is Davia Rabinoff-Goldman and she pulls off this look and makes it something special.

Ari Fish's soccerball/space cadet look is certainly lacking taste, but how about this classy soccerball-inspired Louis Vuitton monogramed handbag from the FW2009 collection?

Tell me what you think!

Shoulder Pads- Thumbs up or down?

So this is somewhat old news, but shoulder pads have made a comeback. I've yet to see them much on Main Street, USA but they've definitely been revived on the runways and can be seen on many celebrities. The difference between the shoulder pads of 2009 and the ill-fated 80s shoulderpads, is the sharper silhouette with more structure. The shoulder pads of the Dynasty-era were akin to loosely fitted suits with boxy jackets. I think the shoulderpads of 2009 are definitely more wearable but we'll see if they catch on.

Here are some images I scrounged up.

Shoulder pads could be seen all over the Fall 2009 runways from Calvin Klein and 3.1 Phillip Lim to Louis Vuitton and Dolce and Gabbanna:

From Louis Vuitton's Fall 2009 Runway Collection (Source: InStyle)

Look from 3.1 Phillip Lim's Fall 2009 Runway Show (Source: InStyle)

The ubiquitous Balmain military jacket seen on everyone from Beyonce to Rihanna. (Source: Examiner.com)

Here are some shots of celebrities in shoulder pads:

Rihanna in a Balmain Jacket. You can definitely see the influence of Michael Jackson. These must be flying after the untimely death of the King of Pop. (Source: Uncle Sam's Army Navy Outfitters)

Another snapshot of Rihanna in shoulderpads. She seems to never go without them anymore. (Source: Sweet Fuzz)

Many believe that Victoria Beckham started the trend among celebrities. What do you think? In any case, she definitely rocks it! (Source: TheFind Buzz)

In case you are feeling crafty and want to update your own wardrobe with shoulderpads, here are some tutorials on how to make your own:

How to make shoulderpads @ Pattern-Making.com
Video: How to Make Shoulderpads

Origami Fashion

Lately, I've been in love with origami fashion and accessories, so I scoured the internet and came up with various current examples of the trend in the fashion world.

Andre Lima's SS2009 collection was inspired by "Geometric Effects" but defintely resembles classic origami animals. (Images were found on Trend de la Creme blog)

Also from the runway, we have Chanel's SS2209 Haute Couture collection. It took 40 people working 24/7 to create the 6000 paper flowers needed for the collection and the amazing headpieces were created by hairstylist and artist, Katsuya Kamo. The all black-and-white collection channels 1930s glamour, but with a modern edge. Bravo, Lagerfeld, bravo. (Images originally found from ViewOnFashion Magazine)






The Origami effect has also reached the red carpet:

Cameron Diaz at the 2009 Academy Awards. (Image originally found on Stylelist Blog)

Evan Rachel Wood at the 2009 Academy Awards. (Image originally found on Stylelist Blog)

Heidi Klum at the 2009 Academy Awards. (Image originally found on Stylelist Blog)

Rachel Bilson in Phillip Lim in March 2009. (Originally found on Origami Sightings- Fashion)

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And what about accesories?

Origami shoes by Dutch Designer, Marloes ten Bhömer (Image originally found on Coquette Blog)

Bottega Veneta origami bag. (Originally found on Origami Sightings- Fashion)

And now for something completely different! USAtoday challenged Isaac Mizraahi to create an elegant dress from a stack of old newspapers. (Originally posted on Origami Sightings- Fashion)

And now that you've seen all these amazing designer origami creations, are you you yearning for your own origami fashion statements?




Take a look at this origami headband! It was posted on Burda Style and the creator also included a tutorial. Perfect for all those little fabric scraps!

This origami necklace was actually inspired by the tutorial for the origami headband. I decided that I had to have a necklace like this for my own, so I actually crafted one for myself. Super easy! I also added little black crystals to the centers of the origami squares to dress it up a bit. (Originally posted on BurdaStyle)

And now, just for fun!

Get in on origami fashion with this kit found at Wishingfish.com.

And I just find this hilarious:

Everyone loves a clever t-shirt. (Originally found on Origami Sightings- Fashion)

Necktie "Trashion"

Ever since I saw a skirt made from neckties in a small boutique in Annapolis, MD, I've been in love with the menswear accessory. Who knew that it was so versatile? One of the current trends in fashion is sustainability and creating fashion through "upcycling"--taking a used garment and refashioning it into something even better.

Years ago, I bought a box over 250 neckties off of Ebay for a steal and ever since I've been crafting skirts, purses, pins, etc. Most of these items have been given away as presents, but I'd like to share various necktie fashions/crafts I've found on the internet.

Let's start off with some more traditional necktie crafts:

The necktie skirt! Every crafty fashionista has tried their hand at this one. It's easy to make but is always a conversation starter when you go out. This one was found here.

This necktie shoulder bag is so stylish and fun and you can learn how to make it too, because the creator has included a tutorial here.

And, of course, the necktie d-ring belt! I remember these gaining in popularity earlier in this decade. You could even find them at Old Navy. This one was found here.

Necktie flower brooches! So cute! I love this idea and it looks pretty simple to recreate. This was originally posted here.

Neckties can also look very couture...check these out!

I love love LOVE this! There is also a tutorial on how to create the feathered/ruffled technique with the neckties if you go here.

And here's another necktie gown, but with a totally different style. Originally posted here.

And, now, just for the cuteness factor:

A kitty in a necktie! Found it here.

Project Runway: Season 6: Episode One

So, I'm in love...with Project Runway. I think it may be a requirement of all designers/design students to be love with the show. Project Runway has made the move to both Lifetime and Los Angelas, but our favorite judges (Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Michael Kors), our favorite mentor (Tim Gunn), and our favorite fabric store (Mood) are all there. The season kicked off with a red-carpet challenge...kind of unusual for the first challenge of the show, but I was pleasantly surprised, because I feel this really allows the true style of the designers to shine through and not be confounded by use of bizarre materials (but I do love these challenges too!).

Lindsey Lohan was a guest judge, probaby because she can't get any other work than the straight-to-tv movie, Labor Pains, which I couldn't suffer all the way through. She did have some interesting insights however and I was more impressed with her than I thought I would be.

Let's go through each of the styles one by one:

This week's winner was Christopher Straub. Though not my top pick, it was in my top three. This could've easily have become too bulky but it works. I'm kind of happy to see him win, because he has no formal design training, which just goes to show you that schooling isn't everything and talent can't be taught. In the episode he admitted that he is not totally up on all of his design terminology such as "godets" and "smocking".

Shirin Aksari's satin dress left me unimpressed and confused as to whether or not the uneven hemline was intentional.


Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman's red carpet look received second place, however I wasn't all that into it. The pleating just looked strange and the color was unfortunate.



Nicholas Putvinski's design obviously looks nothing like his sketch. I feel mixed. I'm usually a fan of woven bias strips on dresses, but the angle and the silvery-gray color just reminds me of seat belts. Buckle up!



Qristyl Frazier's acid-trip collision of two different dresses. Hideous, however I like Frazier's feelings that it's not "plus-size" but "plus-sexy". As a plus-sized girl, we need more of that attitude in the fashion indistry. I hope her designs improve.



Mitchell Hall's sheer victorian, smocked caftan. I thought he would be the one to go home. I imagine a seventies, middle-aged housewife lying on the couch, popping bonbons, and watching soap operas when I look at it. A lining was sorely needed. I can understand some of the difficulties he had though, because it sounded like his model lied about her measurements. Not cool. He was literally sewing her into the dress at the last minute. If I really look at it though, I can kind of see Kirsten Dunst or Maggie Gyllenhall wearing this.




Malvin Vien's dress is non-descript with more strange pleating.



Louise Black's vintage-inspired two-toned dress was one of my favorites. Very classy and I love the drape.



I can't quite understand why Johnny Sakalis' look was in the top three. It is very contemporary and creative, however, let's be honest...it is totally unflattering. Who could wear that? Johnny totally freaked under the pressure early in the episode but was able to pull it together after a pep talk from Tim Gunn. He kept mentioning the fact that he was a formal crystal meth addict. I'm glad that he was able to produce something though instead of giving up before he started.

Logan Niettzel's two-tone gown was so-so, but I prefer the two-tone look of Louise Black's dress better.

Irina Shabayeva's gown is GORGEOUS! It was very romantic with a bit of sexy appeal because of the slit in the skirt. This was my top pick. Why wasn't this in the top three?

Gordana Gehlhausen's dress was interesting. I like the origami-effect but I don't feel it was styled correctly. I look forward to seeing more from her.

I like Epperson's gown, except for the crazy tulle at the bottom, It could've done without. I love the draped fabric around the neck though!

Carol Hannah used some interesting techniques but I would choose a different color.

Disco-meets-Space Cadet-meets-Soccer Ball. Ari Fish's look was somewhat innovative but was ill-conceived and, I believe, poorly constructed. She was the first designer to be kicked off the show.

The hexagonal-pieced look was executed much better in Louis Vuitton's Fall/Winter 2009 handbag collection.

Althea Harper's satin and chiffon gown was also in my top three, however not in the judges. Maybe I'm just a sucker for romantic, feminine designs. I love the sweetheart neckline and the vintage appeal.

Well, that's it! I can't wait to see what the next episode offers up!