Catherine Middleton Fashion : The Oatmeal Dress

It’s truly amazing to observe the watchful eye of the fashionable public, and to see how quickly they take action.  And Kate Middleton is definitely public muse #1 when it comes to looks of the day… and why shouldn’t she be?

Departing from her usual love of the color navy, Catherine Dutchess of Cambridge visited the Royal Marsden cancer center in lighter shade of neutral.  This dress, an above the knee, ¾ sleeve Amanda Wakeley design, was officially titled “oatmeal” in hue by the designer herself. 

The dress sells for $700 online, but no bother, as soon as Kate was spotted in it, the dress sold out in all sizes but 16!

What do you think of the oatmeal hue?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Taylor Swift’s Wonderstruck Fragrance: New Video Campaign

In case you didn’t already know, Taylor Swift is preparing to launch her new fragrance called Wonderstruck, in October.  And while noses everywhere are perking up with excitement and impatience, she just released a new video campaign to titillate your visual senses.

Set in a fairy tale setting complete with magical music and crystal accents, watch Taylor romp in wonderment in a stunning Christian Siriano ball gown!  It’s quite lovely.

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2012 Collection

Fashion Week is continuing on overseas and this week brought out the vibrant and bold Spring 2012 collection of one of the most illustrious designers, Salvatore Ferragamo.

On display was a lush array of vibrant hues and shimmering fabrics that took the viewer back to the disco days of the past.  From color block heels, colorful clutches and sashes, to animal prints seen in unusual colors, this collection is truly a visual masterpiece that doesn't appologize for stealing all of the attention in the room.  Have a look for yourself!

What do you think of the collection?  Leave us a comment below!

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Gwen Stefani Harajuku Mini Collection for Target

It’s almost here!  Gwen Stefani's new children’s line, Harajuku Mini, is scheduled to debut November 13^th.  And where will you find this line?  Why, Target of course!

After the massively successful launch of Missoni for Target, Target stores seems like the perfect place for mega fashion icon Stefani to release her first children’s line.  And with the anticipation building, Target released the first image of what’s to come for the line. 

Adorable layered tutus, cute cartoon t shirts, zip ups in 2 toned looks… what more could a fashionable kid (or their fashion savvy mother’s) want?  The sizes will range from 6 months to 16Y and prices will fall between $6-$30 a very reasonable price for the economist-a as well.

Will you be shopping Gwen’s line?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

Sofia Vergara for Kmart: Collection Launch

This week the lovely Sofia from the uber hit show Modern Family launched her new collection for Kmart stores.  Her goal was to “do a line that is for everyone,” and we think she managed to do just that.  Her aim was to appeal to any size, any ethnicity, and any woman, and being the lovely, voluptuous, ethnic woman that she is, I can’t think of a better face for a wonderfully accessible collection. 

Her line includes dresses, jackets and sweaters that are all priced under $60.

What do you think?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Alexa Chung for Madewell

The fashion world is all a buzz once again for the current it girl from London.  Alexa Chung just hosted a preview fashion bash by InStyle Magazine at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, delighting the visual senses of starlets like Elle Fanning and Kate Bosworth.

The party was a doozy, complete with fashion advice, looks, and airbrush manicure stations!  But what everyone was most chattering away about was the first look at the collection.  Check out a preview of the looks here!

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Fall Fashion 2011 – Fall Fashion Outfits from Urbanog.com - Spankie Valentine “The Fashion (Urban Remix) Music Video

Fall season officially begins tomorrow and we couldn’t be more excited because Fall Fashion has finally arrived!  We showcased over 8 hot and trendy looks from the Urbanog.com Fall collection!  Enjoy!

Get all of the looks here:

www.UrbanOG.com

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

Emmy Awards 2011 – What Everyone Wore – Red Carpet Fashion

While the Emmy’s may have been a whirlwind of bustling actors, nominations and trophies, I think the red carpet looks were the real winners this year. 

Let’s take a look at some of my personal favs:

I have to start with Gweneth Paltrow, as this dress was extraordinarily bold and sexy for the traditionally conservative star. "My dress is a little see-through," Gwyneth Paltrow said of her Emilio Pucci gown. The dress features a bare midriff and very sheer peek-a-boo details over the bustline and legs.  She matched the dress with a sleek blowout more than 100 carats of Neil Lane diamonds.

I thought Kate Winslet dazzled in a striking Elie Saab red hued gown with a neckline that plunged to there. "I like it a lot," Kate Winslet said of her gorgeous look. She paired the dress with a simple clutch, teased updo, and diamond drop earrings.

The lovely Heidi Klum showcased the winner of Project Runway, Christian Siriano in a ruffled cocktail dress, complete with colorful Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and super high Louboutins.

Julianne Hough appeared in something a bit more unexpected, and for that, I like it. This lovely Carolina Herrera gown featured a soft pink skirt and black/nude bodice. "I'm digging it" said Julianne.  She complimented the dress with a low bun and large diamond ring and earrings by Forevermark.

Who was your favorite look?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Are You a Shopaholic? Reasons Why You’re Shopping

Most of us find ourselves out shopping for the biggies, like Fall, Winter, Christmas, Spring and Summer seasons.  But have you ever just stopped and realized that you might actually be shopping quite a bit more often than just 4 to 5 times a year? 

I’m not necessarily talking about full blown, hundreds to thousands of dollars and 12 stores in one day shopping… but some seemingly “casual” grab and go’s. 

Well there might just be a precise reason for all the wallet workouts.  According to the Wall Street Journal, shopping is always in season.  Always.  Retailers reportedly roll out merchandise for 13-20 different shopping seasons.  Each.  Year.

That’s a lot of bags to hold!  Here is a list of some of the seasons that us shoppers are often all to eager to swipe credit cards for:

1. New-Years/Organization Season (Early January)

2. Health and Wellness (January through February)

3. Super Bowl Season (January through February)

4. Lawn and Garden Season (April)

5. Allergy Season (Late Spring)

6. Back to School (Going on now!)

7. Fall Party Season (October)

8. Women’s Health (October)

9. Halloween (October)

10. Early Entertaining (October through November)

10. Cough, Cold and Flu Season (November)

11. Black Friday (The day after Thanksgiving)

12. Entertaining for the Holidays (December)

13. Holiday Gifts (November through December)

So how about you?  Are you (justifiably) hooked on shopping year round?  Comment below!

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Starbucks Debuts Designer T Shirts for Coffee Lovers

Your morning commute and lifeline pick-me-up just got a lot more fashionable.  For those of you who can’t seem to function in the AM before having your tank filled with whatever Starbucks delight tickles your senses, you’ll probably be happy to hear that the crowned goddess is celebrating her 40^th anniversary in coffee! 

As a way to honor the caffeine Saint, Starbucks has teamed up with ledgendary designers Alexander Wang, Sophie Theallet and Billy Reid to release a limited edition T-Shirt line inspired by the brown oil. 

And what inspired the designs you ask? “The first thing we thought of was what everyone tries to avoid—spilled coffee on a T-shirt,” Wang said of his design. 

The T-Shirts hit StarbucksStore.com today, priced at $85 a shirt.

What do you think?  Will you be adding one to your wardrobe arsenal?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Watch Live Stream of London Fashion Week Runway Shows!

I have some pretty exciting news… that is if you’re anything of a fashion and runway junkie like I am!  For perhaps one the first time ever, you can now feel a part of the glamorous London Fashion Week, which begins today, right in the comforts of your own home!  If you've been watching the live stream of New York Fashion Week via Maybelline on YouTube, then you know what I'm talking about!

Labels like Burberry, Topshop Unique and Issa are scheduled to livestream their Spring 2012 collections directly from the catwalk to your computer!  So now you can feel part of all the excitement and action, whether you’re donning your own designer duds, or lounging around in PJ’s eating potato chips!

Here’s the full schedule (EST)!  Will you be watching?

Saturday, September 17

• 3pm: Issa at IssaLondon.com

Sunday, September 18

• 12pm: Topshop Unique at LondonFashionWeekLive.com

Monday, September 19

• 11am: Burberry at Burberry.com

• 12pm: Mark Fast at LondonFashionWeekLive.com

Tuesday, September 20

• 4am: Mary Katrantzou at LondonFashionWeekLive.com

• 9am: Meadham Kirchhoff at LondonFashionWeekLive.com

• 3:30pm: Aminaka Wilmont at LondonFashionWeekLive.com

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Leather Jackets and Dresses – Feminine Rocker Chic

I was recently asked by several of our YouTube viewers how to style a leather jacket as I had mentioned last week that leather jackets were my #1 pick for must have items for the Fall season.  And since it’s now YouTube Thursday, I thought I’d highlight one of my favorite ways to wear your leather (or vegan leather) jackets… with soft dresses!

I love the mixture of the rocker/biker vibe that a leather jacket can bring with the uber soft, ultra feminine texture of a really soft, flowing dress.  In the examples pictured, I took a nude dress, as nude was the IT color of the Summer, and paired it with a deep brown leather jacket.  I decided to go brown as that would soften up the harshness of the jacket a bit, and really add an Earthy element to the nude dress… perfect for Fall!

Cinch in the waist with a skinny belt since the jacket will automatically add a little bulk, and you still want to highlight your curves.

In my other example, I actually found a pair of puffy cream shorts on www.urbanog.com and wore those with a black leather jacket, zipped up.  It’s the perfect balance of ballerina princess meets rock goddess.

Pair each look with some nude pumps or chunky sandals and you’re ready to hit the catwalk!

Want to grab the items featured:

Brown Leather Jacket
Black Leather Jacket
Nude Maxi Dress
Nude Puffy Shorts
Nude Pumps
Nude Sandals
Gold Earrings

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Sex and the City Part 3! The Carrie Diaries on CW TV

Well ladies, gentlemen and all those who’ve ever obsessed over Sex and the City fashion, it is official!  There will be a Sex and the City Part 3!!! … well, er… just not how you thought it might be…

The CW network has teamed up with author Candace Bushnell to bring the big fashion to the small screen.  The network will create a series that is adapted from Bushnell’s novel “The Carrie Diaries” which will center around our beloved Carrie Bradshaw’s high school years as they unfold in a small New England town. 

And ready for some more juicy gossip to be confirmed?  The rumors are true, Gossip Girl producers are on board for the show as well, making us instantly salivate in anticipation.

So what do you think Carrie will be like before the “Big” City?  And who would you cast to play Miss Bradshaw?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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J Lo Jennifer Lopez for Khol’s

Well this September has already started with a pretty fabulous fashion bang!  Missoni for Target, New York Fashion Week, and on September 7^th, the launch of the ever gorgeous Jennifer Lopez’s Fall collection for Khol’s. 

You may know her as a singer, as a dancer, an actress, judge on American Idol, mom to a lovely set of twins, or, ahem, as the recently titled “Most Beautiful Woman in the World”… But did you know this constantly busy powerhouse of a woman is also pretty fierce in the fashion design world?

Extra TV just caught up with the all around diva who kindly previewed her collection for the cameras.  I must say, not only am I impressed with the clean lines and attention to detail with the very tailored-meets-feminine collection, but by Miss J Lo herself.  She comes across as a very down to earth, fun, and genuine person.

Take a look at the video!  What do you think of the collection?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine 

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9/11 Memorial, Paul Simon Sound of Silence at Ground Zero, Patriotic Fashion

Realistically, there are no words that I could type out that would do justice the deep, unforgettable sadness that fills hearts and souls when it comes to September 11, 2001 the day that changed the world forever.

Yesterday was the 10^th anniversary memorial of the tragic day that left thousands of lives cut short, and thousands more with an empty void in their hearts, never to be filled again.  While memorials were held all around New York, primarily at ground zero, the fashion world was also honoring the tragedy as New York Fashion Week continued. 

Donna Karan appropriately showcased her DKNY collection that celebrated the American spirit, featuring a palate of red, white, and blues, and a sense of freedom in the cuts and draping.  And the streets were littered with fashion forward women wearing their own take of patriotic chic, some bold and obvious, others subdued and classic.

But most importantly, while I have nothing but respect for the visual fashion community, at the end of the day, I believe the most fashionable thing on Earth is found in unity and love, and that was what was accomplished during the memorial.  People gathered by the droves to hold each other up, support, and honor the pain that this devastation has scarred the nation with.  There’s nothing more fashionable than that kind of love.

I leave you with this:  Paul Simon’s beautiful and haunting solo performance of “Sound of Silence” at Ground Zero.

God bless.

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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New York Fashion Week Begins! Rachel Zoe, BCBG and More

Can you feel the excitement and smell the double sided tape in the air?  Fashion Week has officially begun in New York (along with Fashion’s Night Out in LA) and I can’t think of a better way for it to kick off then with the fabulous Supima design competition.

Rachel Zoe hosted, and the stunning model Coco Rocha was a judge. 

Other highlights included Max Azria’s show featuring his gorgeous new collection for BCBG with a star studded front row with such lovlies as Sophia Bush and Elisha Cuthbert.  His collection featured a lush mix of soft color blocking dresses and to die for jumpers. 

Who are you looking forward to seeing this Fashion Week?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Fall Fashion 2011 Staple Items – Leather Jacket

Today is our weekly YouTube Thursday, and this week, I took some time to answer a heap of questions that our viewers have been asking, primarily about me and who the heck I am!

Of course, I couldn’t resist splashing in some ridiculous humor to keep things light!  You can watch the video here:



http://www.youtube.com/urbanogcom

And I want to underscore something I covered in the video:  the power of the leather jacket for Fall Fashion.  I whole heartedly believe that a single jacket is this Season’s must have staple to dramatically chic up any woman’s wardrobe.

The beauty of a bomber jacket, isn’t just that it will keep you warm as the months start to cool off, but it is one of the most versatile pieces you can have in your closet or on your back!

Pair a leather jacket with jeans and a T-Shirt for a rocker look, throw it over a floral dress for an edgy feminine chic look, match it to a soft sheer blouse, or rock it with lace.  It really goes with anything you can shake a stick at, or in this case, a vegan cow at!

How do you like to wear your leather jacket?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

Leather Jacket:  click here
Dress:  click here
Jeans:  click here
Lace Top:  click here

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UrbanOG.com Featured on Good Day NY!

Back To School Fashion Show: MyFoxNY.com

This past week, UrbanOG.com was featured in a back to school fashion segment on MyfoxNY’s show Good Day NY.  They brought out the fashion director from Seventeen Magazine who showcased models wearing some trendy looks for girls going back to school!  For those still searching for the school must have items this year, this video gives you a great look.

You can watch the fashion segment in this video above.  UrbanOG pants are featured in look #4.

Are you ready for your back to school debut?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Venice Film Festival Red Carpet Photos: Madonna, Kate Winslet, Kiera Knightly

The 68^th Annual Venice Film Festival was this past week, and the red carpet was ablaze with some amazing fashion from the likes of Madonna, Kate Winslet, Victoria Beckham, Kiera Knightly, and more!

One of my favorite things about these types of events is that they are several premiers and photo opps all wrapped into one, meaning you’ll have a good chance of seeing your favorite Hollywood A-Lister in not one, not two, but sometimes 3 or more looks throughout the event!

So here are some of my favs:  Madonna came with a unique twist to the glam look, wearing a butterfly print Vionnet dress accessorized by a pair of fire red Miu Miu frames. Later, almost as if a complete chamillion, she was seen in a sleek, more tailored black and white L’Wren dress.

Kate Winslet was seen in a very sexy, super curve hugging Stella McCartney dress one minute, and rocked a gorgeous nude Victoria Beckham dress to the premier of her film Carnage.

Lastly, Kiera Knightly looked fresh of the runway in a gorgeous Mary Katrantzou multi print dreess from her Fall 2011 collection.

So what do you think of the stars looks? 

Posted By:  Spankie Valentine

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Simple Makeup Tutorial - Sultry Cat Eyes with Blue Highlights!

I just recently put together this really cute makeup look for one of our youtube videos, and wanted to share the steps on how to achieve this look!  It’s really simple to do, but has a huge sultry wow factor!  Hope you like!

Start with a primer base to achieve longest wear.  I like Urban Decay Primer Potion. 

Then, sweep the entire lid with a shimmery gold shadow.  I used a cream eyeshado, Wet n’ Wild Mega Eyes #193 Café au Lait, but a powder shadow will work as well.

With a black eyeliner, draw a medium line on the top lid, gently fanning it out into a cat eye in the corners.  My current fav eyeliner is Makeup Forever’s waterproof gel liner pot in black. 

Next, I used a blue/green eyeliner pencil by NYX #908 Seafoam Green, and drew a heavy line on my lower water line.  Using the same pencil, draw a line on the outer corners of your lower lid out to meet the black line from the upper lid.

Add a few coats of your favorite mascara (I love L’Oreal Voluminous) to the upper and lower lashes, and apply false lashes on top as desired!

Voila!  Prepare for some mega attention and compliments with this look!  Mine came non stop!

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Back to School Hairstyles – 5 Looks in 5 Minutes

As our last week of freedom comes to a close, bringing with it the start of a new school year, many girls ask me “Spankie! What can I do with my hair??”

Well, dear reader, I’m so glad you asked, coz I’ve put together 5 simple and adorable hairstyles that will take you 5 minutes or less!  So feel free to hit that snooze button a couple more times, coz these hairstyles got your late behind covered!

Look 1:  Romantic

With a center part, section each half of your hair into 2 parts.  Then take the ¼ section of hair and split that into two.  Twist each section until you have a long enough twist to reach the back of your head.  Pin each twist to the back of your head and repeat on the other side. 

Look 2: Updo Bun with a Twist

Create a side part, and with both hands combing through the hair, start to twist all the hair, grabbing new sections as you move down your face to the back of your head (much like a French braid).  Secure with a bobby pin, and tie all hair into a low ponytail.  Take the ponytail and twist around into a bun, securing with a bobby pin.  Add a headband as desired.

Look 3: Boho Chic

With a center part, section the top portion of your hair on one side and clip out of the way.  Take the underneath section that’s level with the center of your forehead, and braid it all the way down.  Take the braid and wrap across your forehead, and pin behind your ear.  Unclip the top portion of hair and lay over the side that the braid originates from.

Look 4:  Flirty Pony

Create a soft side part and pull all hair back into a low ponytail.  Loosen the hair around the bottom crown of your head over the ponytail.  Add a thin headband over the side part, and using a rattail comb, gently fluff out the bangs and crown of your hair creating a pouffy look.  Take  a side section of your ponytail, lightly twist, and wrap around the elastic hair band, and pin in place.

Look 5:  Triple Take Side Braid

Create a side part, and pull all hair over one shoulder.  Section hair into 3rds and clip the top 2/3rds out of the way.  Braid the entire bottom 3^rd.  Unclip the rest of your hair and section in half.  You should now have 3 parts including the pre braided part.  Braid all 3 sections together and secure with hair tie.  Add headband or bow as desired.

Want a video tutorial of all these looks?  You’re in luck!
http://www.youtube.com/urbanogcom

Enjoy!

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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