Nina Garcia’s New Book Answers “What Should I Wear?”

If you love Project Runway like me, you’ll be excited to know Nina Garcia is coming out with a new book! The most recognized fashionista on television, who scrutinizes Project Runway contestants with brutal honestly and great one-liners, has announced Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What To Wear For Every Occasion, will be available on August 10, 2010. Oh, and she’s also the fashion director for Marie Claire. Like you didn’t know!

In the book, Nina Garcia answers the universal question all women at one point ask themselves when attending some of life’s most important events: “What should I wear?”  In her most practical—yet stylish as ever—project to date, Nina focuses her attention on what every woman needs to know when choosing what to wear to any life event—whether it be a job interview, a first date, or even a parent/teacher conference.  And let me tell you, lots of moms need help with this one.

The fun, flirty, illustrated guide features original four-color artwork by acclaimed artist Ruben Toledo, which compliments Nina’s trademark tone of voice. Whether you are already a fierce fashion diva or someone in need of  some couture advice, Nina’s book provides easy to understand, practical examples that will make you look and feel fabulous inside and out. Make a mental note in your stylish brain to get this book!!!

Bonnie Jean: It’s a Polka Dot Party

Does the name Bonnie Jean sound familiar? I’m sure it does. In fact, Bonnie Jean has been dressing little girls since 1935. Trends come and go, but traditional, feminine, affordable clothes always stay in style. Make that traditional with a dash of funky fun.

This cutie-pie outfit is a great example of why moms love Bonnie Jean. This 2-piece cotton set features a sleeveless top with a black & white polka dot pattern and sweet, red rosettes along the neckline. The coordinating Capri pants feature the reverse color combo. It comes in sizes 12, 18 and 24 mos. Retails for $18 at Jordyn’s Closet.

Chill Baby Style: What Did Sandra Bullock Buy for Louis?

According to the May 31st issue of US Weekly, Sandra Bullock spent some time in the Music Capital of the World – Austin, TX – and did some shopping for baby Louis. On Friday, May 14th, Sandra & friends popped in Austin’s Izzy And Ash, a hip baby and kid’s boutique in Westlake, and picked up some cute finds.

The store owner, Jennifer Mazuelos, said Sandra was an easygoing mom and really seemed to enjoy shopping for baby stuff. Her fave items were baby hats and tees. (Sandra happened to be wearing a hat that day too!) Jennifer said Louis was a big baby, so Sandra was buying 18-24 month clothes. Okay, let’s cut to the good stuff. Here are some items she bought:


Chaser Tees Peace American Flag, Vintage Black Tee
Retails for $25 at Izzy and Ash.


City Threads Striped Blue Polo Shirt
Retails for $20.25 at Izzy and Ash


City Threads Charcoal Plaid Jersey Shorts
Retail for $23.25 at Izzy and Ash.

Want to see more items she bought, including the most adorable plaid baby cap you’ve ever seen? Check out this blog post on Droolicious for more of Louie’s goodies!

Project Runway Season 7 Winner: Blogging The Final Auf

First of all, when I tuned in to the finale of Project Runway on our big HDTV, the Lifetime channel (26 in Austin) is NOT WORKING. Black, blank screen. What the freak? I run upstairs and start watching it on the tiny television in my kid’s playroom. Super crapola. Here’s a play-by-play of the show. It’s semi-liveblogging. 😉

-I tuned in as they were working out some makeup details with Collier Strong and let me say the “dark eye” is just fabulous. I wish I had the courage to wear that look. I applaud Mila for choosing that look because it’s stunning up close and from a distance.

– Emilio is freaking out because he’s missing models or a model.  Whatever. He’s such a priss.

– Watching a commercial for Sex and the City 2 and wondering why they would ever write a camel into the plot. Seems odd. I’m sure I’ll have to watch the movie to find out. I’m a marketers dream!

– The models are lined up and Seth Aaron says he’s “amped” and for good reason.

– Heidi welcomes the crowd, looking gorgeous as always, but the dress looks like something in the Kardashian collection at Bebe. I’m sure everyone else will love it. It not my fave.

– Seth Aaron goes first and was inspired by the German military. (Trying to get on Heidi’s good side, perhaps?) Sounds familiar. His collection is really stunning! All black and white with red accents and yellow plaid. It’s like Hollywood rocker meets Burberry prep. His final piece is a wild purple thing I’ve never seen before. Let’s call it a dress. Wow, his clothes are absolutely impeccable.

– Oh boy, now Mila is crying about how hard she worked for this. Blah, blah, blah. Every person on the show has worked hard, even the folks who got auf’d. Sorry, I’m not really a Mila fan. I was hoping Jay would have made it to Fashion Week instead. His clothes seemed more inspired to me, except that awful MJ jacket.

– Mila was inspired by shadows for her collection. It’s black and white, just like Seth Aaron. OMG. It’s so similar to SA’s collection. Wow. It’s much more hip and innovative than many of the clothes she designed during the show. I’d say Michael Kors will like it because it seems commercial. Nothing really jumped out at me though.

– Emilio steps up to the plate now. His collection is called “Color Me Bad” and that is hilarious. The red dress is incredible for sure. I like the red pieces a lot – love those gloves – but not crazy about the blue and the brown pieces. I don’t get the color palette he chose, but what do I know. As Nina would say, it doesn’t seem cohesive. The final frock is way to gold. I’m not feeling these clothes as much.

– The judges are blown away by the show. Really?  Shocker. 😉

– Faith Hill is just adorable. What a fun guest judge! The judges love Seth Aaron’s stuff, but they also didn’t get the purple dress. Heidi is wondering why Emilio named it “Color Me Bad.” Oh, Faith loves Emilio’s coats. Heidi likes his prints – with his name.

– Michel Kors liked Emilio’s gold gown. Interesting. It is totally commercial. Nina thinks it was heavy on the suits. I agree with her. Emilio said he wanted to showcase his sportswear. Mila again with shadows. “Layers, textures, dimensions,” she says. Michael, Heidi and Nina are glad she made the style more hip and now. Heidi liked the white t-shirt with the black stripes – so 80s!

– Michael’s issues are no surprises with Mila, too much over-working with Seth Aaron and no drama (showmanship) from Emilio.

– And the winner of Project Runway, Season 7, is… NOT Mila. She just got auf’d.

– And the winner of Project Runway, Season 7 is Seth Aaron. Congrats!!!

Image: MyLifetime.com

Will You Be Boot Scootin’ Through Spring?

From the hip streets of Hollywood, to casual small towns, to booming metropolises, Ariat Boots are THE fashion trend this season. Stylish women are pairing these functional boots with summer sundresses, short flouncy skirts and long bohemian dresses. The best part about Ariat Boots are the more you wear them, the better they feel.

Ariat, the leading brand of performance footwear for equestrian athletes, have been spotted on A-list celebrities playing in the park with their kids, attending movie premiers and grabbing a bite to eat at the trendiest restaurants in town. These boots come in a variety of colors, styles and sizes, so you can pick the pair that best reflects your personality and enhances your spring wardrobe.

I personally love the Ariat Women’s Heritage Western Boot in Brown Oiled Rowdy. I think the color of the boot will match practically any outfit and the fashion stitching gives it a nice feminine touch. This boot is also features a full grain leather foot, a medium round “R’ toe, removable gel cushioned ATS footbed and Duratread Outsole. How could your possibly go wrong with this choice? Find them at BootCity for $149.

What else is hot for Spring? Check out my post about Mesh & Lace.

Spring Shoes & Accessories: It’s Mesh & Lace

If you’re wondering what the shoes trends will be this year, I’d say mesh & lace is making a comeback. The challenging thing about wearing lace and/or mesh is how quickly it can go from sexy & sophisticated to a raunchy what-not-to-wear moment. Knowing the difference between vavoom and “no she didn’t!” can be tricky.

Play it safe by wearing an understated outfit and let your accessories do the talking for you. So grab your crimping iron, your fingerless gloves and your leatherette leggings — it’s time to go shopping!

Ditch the fishnet stockings and opt to fishnet platform heels instead. This is the Coussinet Platform Slingback from Christian Louboutin. Go ahead, weave yourself some serious style. Find them at Saks for $1,400.

If you’re looking for a more playful shoe, try on the Candy Stud Pumps, also from Louboutin. You get a little lace and the added bonus of bling in stud-form. These babies are hotter than you might imagine as they are sold out. The last pair in a size 41 for about $965.

Lace is available in hand bag form too! Check out this blue beauty by Rebecca Minkoff. It’s the Lace Mab Satchel and isn’t it fun? It has a detachable shoulder strap and gunmetal hardware. Yummy! Find it at Saks for $325.

A Rhinestone & Lace Bracelet that would make Madonna proud. Thanks to Vera Wang, we can all be modern material girls. This gorgeous little number has sparkly gems and it’s easy to fit on even the skinniest wrist because you just tie it to fit. Retails for $250 at Saks.

Stepping Out In Style Like A Jolie-Pitt

Spotted in Italy  last weekend was Angelina Jolie and her sweet little girl, Vivienne. Vivienne is wearing the Nicolette in navy suede by Stride Rite, one of my favorite shoe brands for kiddos. This shoe is one of their classic mary jane styles, updated with a flower accent. Other colors and leathers in this style include pearlized & patent leather (for a little dressier look) and berry, dark brown and black tones. Beautiful!

And, as always, the shoe includes Stride Rite’s Natural Motion System technology, padded collar and cradled footbed, ensuring a comfortable fit for the little ones. Shop them at Stride Rite for $50.

Top Image: MatrixPhotos.com