Sophia Bush’s Tote for a Cause

The lovely and ever talented actress Sophia Bush has created an adorable tote bag for a cause!  Teaming with Los Angeles menswear company Apolis, she designed a bag in support of the brand’s Defend Tomorrow initiative, working to fund a sewing academy and creating jobs in Bangladesh!

The One Tree Hill star said in a recent interview, “I own so many bags, and I’m not sure if there is a girl out there who isn’t bag-obsessed.”  Well we definitely are…. So we couldn’t agree more!

This adorable market bag is available as a limited-edition, handcrafted in Bangladesh and California, for $68.  Will you be grabbing one?  From putting groceries in, to a cute little dog, this bag does just the trick!

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photo: Jordy Cordy)

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Brooke Burke’s New Under $80 Lingerie Collection!

If you’ve ever watched her on Dancing With the Stars, you’ve probably caught yourself slightly checking out the always fit Brooke Burke-Charvet, wondering just how she does it!  Would it also surprise you to know she’s got 4 kids??!!!

Yeah, me too!  And this super mom is releasing a new line of lingerie, named intiMINT, available online in June!  In an interview with InStyle she said, “I’ve wanted to design an intimate line for a lot of years, a line by women, for women.”  Amen Brooke!

Her debut collection features a blend of both comfy and cute bras, bottoms sleepwear, and loungewear, all made with delicate lace and cotton.  She thinks like we do… that how you feel starts with the basics… so looking smoldering and sexy under your clothes should go a long way to feeling the same on the outside!

What do you think of her debut collection? Leave us a comment!

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photos:  intiMINT)

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Rachel Zoe’s New Pre Fall Collection: Video!

Happy Friday my fashion lovers!  Are you getting out for Memorial Day Weekend? 

Well before you whisk away for some needed R&R and BBQ, I just found a drool worthy video that gives a sneak peak into Rachel Zoe’s new pre-fall collection!  Can we just say, maxi lengths and tough leather accents galore! 

I’m in love  with the split thigh maxi skirts and dresses, and love the pairing with a harsh leather jacket.  This takes an effortlessly feminine look, and adds edge and a New York bite.  And Miss Zoe’s right, it’s a perfect look for a fashion forward girl who doesn’t have the time to nit-pik her style!

Posted by:  Spankie V.

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Looks We Love: Tangerine Jeans!

If there's one thing we know for sure, it's that tangerine is THE color of the year!  Not just according to Pantone, or to the gazillions of celebrities seen wearing the hue on the red carpet, but because it has popped up literally everywhere, from street wear, to children's clothing, to home decor.

So this week's lookbook is styled with one of my favorite new items, tangerine jeans!  At first, this color of pant might seem a bit intimidating to work into your wardrobe, but with some light color blocked accents, the hue comes alive in a refreshing, and gorgeous way.

I started off with a beautiful tangerine skinny jean.  They key to working a bright color like this in your pants is to keep it skinny.  The color already draws a lot of attention to itself, so wearing something baggy might just swallow up your body and wind up wearing you rather than the other way around.

Next I paired it with a semi-sheer white button down blouse.  Because it's sheer, I kept it clean and very tailored to balance out.  I added a pink bra to get a small pop of color up top, otherwise go with a nude bra.

I topped off the clothes with a lovely pale yellow blazer.  I just adore the look of a pale, sunny yellow piece to balance out the bold jeans.

Added some adorable, and alarmingly comfortable solid pink bow heels, and a neutral bag that has both a hint of tangerine, and the pink, and accessorized with some pink and bronze jewelry.

And that completes the look!  Perfect for a day out, or if the top isn't sheer, the workplace, a casual company event, or lunch with the girls.

What do you think?

Jeans:  http://www.urbanog.com/Color-Craze-Jeans_160_19382.html
Blazer:  http://www.urbanog.com/Sprung-On-Spring-Blazer_167_20935.html
Blouse:  http://www.urbanog.com/Darling-Delmy-Top_128_20951.html
Heels:  http://www.urbanog.com/Anne-Michelle-Dynamite-80-Bow-Round-Toe-Pump_112_20310.html
Purse:  http://www.urbanog.com/Neon-Nights-Satchel-Bag_118_20415.html
Bangle:  http://www.urbanog.com/Berry-Basket-Bangle_120_19583.html
Belt:  http://www.urbanog.com/Techno-Jam-Belt_119_20501.html

Posted by:  Spankie V.

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Cannes Film Festival Fashion Strikes Gold!

Yes, I’m still oozing over the gorgeous fashion proudly on display during the 65^th annual Cannes Film Festival in France!  I can’t help it! 

This past weekend saw a glistening fury of sparkling golds… a slightly unexpected, yet wonderfully awesome theme.  Stars like Jessica Chastain, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Diane Kruger looked like Greek goddesses walking the red carpet in their lush gowns.  I almost felt like I was looking at walking Oscars! 

Here are some of our favorite gowns from the festival!  Enjoy, and try to keep the drooling to a minimum : )

The lovely Jada Pinket-Smith in a stunning beaded Emilio Pucci gown.

Jessica Chastain in a flowing and elegant Gucci Premiere dress.

Take out the shimmer and you have a romantic, pale gold Marchesa gown that smolders on Naomi Watts.

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photos:  Rex, Pacificcoastnews)

Mark Zuckerberg Get’s Married!

Yes!  This was as much a shock to me as it probably is to you!  Mark Zuckerberg, creative genius and 28-year old billionaire behind Facebook just married his long time sweetheart Priscilla Chan!  They met 9 years ago while waiting in line for the bathroom at a college frat party!  Where’s a big “Like” button when you really need one?

The gorgeous bride wore a dress by Claire Pettibone that sells for an estimated $4,700 (pretty modest price compared to some of my non billionaire friends budgets for their dresses!).  The laser cut floral gown has a sheer back, illusion neckline, and is embroidered with matte sequins and jewels.

The wedding was very private, held in Mark’s backyard.  Actually, it was a surprise, even to their guests, who thought they were attending a graduation party for Priscilla.  Pretty darn romantic if you ask me.

Let’s wish the happy couple a long and lovely marriage!

Posted by:  Spankie V.

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12 Ways to Wear a Bra! Finding the Best Bra for Your Tops

Hey lovers!  So I normally don't post the videos we do on our YouTube channel over here, but I thought this week's video was just far too important not to share with our lovely bloggers!

As we cut through Spring, and quickly approach Summer (can you believe it's just over a month away???), our selection of tops and dresses seem to come in more skin baring options.  And sometimes, these pieces look more like jigsaw puzzle contraptions than tops!  While this makes for a stunning statement, typically on the back, it can pose some pretty significant challenges when wearing a bra with these tops.

I've received tons and tons of requests on bra advice for how to work with more complex tops like backless, strapless, one shoulder, halter, and racerback.... so I put together a pretty in depth how-to on wearing your bras 12 different ways to hopefully help with the dilemma!

Check out the video, and let me know what you think!  Did this help?



Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Cannes Film Festival Fashion!!!

Oh. Em. Gee!  That’s nearly all I can say after seeing some of the spectacular dresses lining the red carpet at the 65^th annual Cannes Film Festival.

Stars flocked in glamorous droves to Cannes France for a chance to celebrate, honor, and view some amazing films from all genres.  Cannes is particularly special in that it really gives filmmakers a chance to showcase their work to a global audience.  And not only that…. But the fashion is insanely fabulous!

Here are some of my particular favorite stars in some seriously killer gowns.  I’m nearly drooling as I write!  Which look is your favorite?

Hands down one of my favorite dresses.  Diane Kruger just looks breathtaking in this sea foam, one-shoulder gown by Giambattista Valli.  It's like a gorgeous sea creature whimsically coming to life.

Eva Longoria never fails to impress, and this Marchesa gown with stunning tulle train does just that.  It's timeless, elegant, and effortlessly feminine. 

I love Freida Pinto's strapless Michael Angel gown for it's beautiful crystal sweetheart bodice, gathered waist, and slit-to-there leg baring draping.  Just the perfect amount to highlight those killer Louis Vuitton silver strappy sandals!

Jessica Chastain went for an understated elegance in one of my all time favorite designers, Alexander McQueen.  The pale blush hue is a magnificent compliment to her porcelain skin and radiant hair.

Last but not least is the always fashion forward Tilda Swinton, who looks amazing in her architecturally pleated Haider Ackerman gown.  I love the pale bronze hue, and the sharp lines around the peplum inspired waist.  Awesome!

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photos: WireImage, GettyImage)

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The Independent Handbag Designer Awards!

It’s that exciting time of year again (man, time flies!).  Hundreds of independent handbag designers from all around the world have submitted their top notch, original designs for the 6^th Annual Instyle Independent Handbag Designer Awards.

The magazine chose 30 finalists, and now they’ve opened the doors for you to vote on which styles you see yourself toting in the coming seasons! 

See a bag you like?  Vote for it, and it can become a real bag you can wrap your hands on, and coyly tell your friends you had a part in this bag coming to life!  Which is your favorite?  And check in to InStyle to vote!

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photos: InStyle)

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Home Fashion Alert: Justin Timberlake’s Home Collection Now Available!

Some of you may be scratching your heads a bit, while others aren’t one bit surprised.  The ever talented, hands-in-the-whole-pie guy Justin Timberlake has lent his hand to creating home goods, and they’re finally available.

In collaboration with interior decorator and celebrity stylist Estee Stanley, Mr. Sexy Back himself has created HomeMint, a budget friendly collection of home goods which just launched last week. 

The line includes staples like dinnerware, rugs, pillows and more things to make your home look gorg.  They wanted to create a look that blended the masculine-feminine blend that they have as a team, so each piece in the home collection fits on a unisex palate. 

And if you wanted to feel even closer to the pop hottie, 2 of the art photo pieces of the New York skyline were taken by Justin himself… so go ahead… tell your friends, “Oh that?  Yeah, Justin Timberlake took that for me!”

Posted by:  Spankie V

(photos: HomeMint)

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Trina Turk Capsule Collection Lookbook!

It was recently announced that celebrity designer Trina Turk would create a capsule collection for Banana Republic.  The collection would include summer ready wear and a total of 60 pieces from dresses to jewelry to, of course, swimwear.

And we’ve got the first look at the lookbook! 

Famous for her bold use of colors and patterns, the collection doesn’t let us down as the perfect playful and vibrant go to styles for summer.  The collection will hit stores June 7^th!

Will you be shopping the collection?

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photos:  Banana Republic)

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Extreme Manicures! Metal, Spikes and Studs!

Ok, so this blog doesn’t actually require many words because the photos say it all!  You may have seen extreme manicures on stars and pop singers in music videos and movie events, but the metal mani has arrived for the everyday woman who wants to put an edge to her look.

An extreme edge.  And I must say, I’m in love!  But that may be the music artist side of me talking… what do you think?

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photos: Fashion Indie)

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Summer Nails! Essie’s 6 New Nail Polish Colors

Bikini season is nearly here!!!  And while some of us may cringe at that thought, we don’t have to when it comes to our nails, as most of the big names in lacquer are rolling out their Summer shades! 

And Essie is bringing out 6 fabulous and bold new colors that we think will bring the bikini to our nails.  I’m most excited about experimenting with color combos and nail art designs that will bring a fresh new fun to the fingertips. 

Take a look at the new colors, and their fun names.  What do you think?

This lovely orange hue is the color of the season!  Cutely named Fear or Desire

The sexy title says it all - Off the Shoulder

Cascade Cool - a lovely pastel pink that packs a punch

Bikini so Teeny - a gorgeous periwinkle hue with a hint of shimmer

All Tied Up - a sassy hue with a sassy name

Mojito Madness.  Who couldn't use a Mojito in the summer?

Posted by:  Spankie V.

(photos:  Essie)

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