The concept of the internet has changed our lives in almost every aspect. It's like the invention of the zipper or elastic. It's hard to imagine how we ever got on without it. The great thing about the web is that it opens doors to new ways of communicating and networking. And we're only experiencing the beginning of what the web can do! It's such an exciting time to be alive!
It's through our enthusiasm for the creative potential of the internet that Vote In Style came to fruition. The web has the ability to affect and change traditional modes of thinking, and lots of avant-garde folks besides ourselves are beginning to take advantage of these opportunies.
One notable website that is leading the way is Fadmashion. Fadmashion's claim to fame is it's brilliant idea of fashion networking for retailers and designers. Up and coming designers are always on the look out for retailers to feature and sell their products and vice versa, retailers are on the look out for unique and fashion-forward products to introduce to their clientele. With the market's current obsession with boutiques, it's the perfect timing for a union between designers and retailers. Fadmashion's is also a great place for fashion enthusiasts and consumers in general who are interested in discovering up and coming designers and popular boutiques. You don't have to log in to browse through the profiles and almost all of the profiles have a link to the designer's or the retailer's personal site. There's also the option to do a product search and sort by price.
Check it out! We hope you like this find! Let us know what you think!
posted by voteinstyle on august 29, 2008
For many years, I've struggled with defining my personal style. Mostly, I followed trends or copied another person's style; I rarely knew my own style. This has always bothered me because following trends is a never ending chase, which leads to little satisfaction. The moment you think you've got an up-to-date closet, you're two seasons too late.
Part of the problem is that I used to narrowly define fashion as a materialistic and superficial endeavor. I thought garments were mere masks to hide who you are or to make yourself more beautiful than who you really are. Over the years and after keen observations of successful fashionistas, I've come to realize style comes effortlessly to some people because they are comfortable in their body and who they are. They do not need validation from others and is confident in expressing themselves.
Personal style does not begin with "the cutest thing in the store". It begins with what you believe to be your body's best asset and dressing to enhance that. Take for example the recent style post of the 80's model, Nadege. Overall, she has a great body, but one aspect which some might consider a bit of an imperfection, is her broad shoulders. A less confident woman would probably make efforts to de-emphasize her shoulders because she might consider an inverted triangle body type is imperfect. She might try wearing cardigans or growing a long mane to soften her silhouette. Nadege, however, wears one-shoulder and V-neck dresses, which proudly emphasizes her shoulders. Her dresses are also tight-fitting, cinching at the waist, again emphasizing the width of her shoulders relative to her waist and legs. Her hair is short, openly revealing her upper torso. Yet, the silhouette works. She looks both strong and feminine. She exudes confidence without overstating herself.
Too often women believe their bodies must be like mannequins, perfectly shaped to fit any clothes, however avant-garde and unflattering. Women want to look good even in a potato sack. Being an artist's canvas is great and fine, but it is not personal style.
The same outfit can look dramatically different on different people, and that difference can actually make or break an outfit. Surprisingly, not everything looks good on tall and skinny folks. Consider that perhaps models look good in everything because designers make clothing only to fit and flatter this body type rather than using their talent and creativity to design for the real varieties of bodies that are present in the general population. Looking at fashion as a business, it's really an industry which perpetuates itself through a fabricated sense of elitism. But the real great thing about fashion, which is often neglected, is that it is a two-way art, requiring both the participation of the designer and its wearer.
It's not about making your body fit the clothes; it's about making the clothes fit your body. It's always very refreshing to me when I see a real person with imperfections pulling off an outfit that works well with their body and who they are. They make the imperfection the part that is creative and beautiful. After all, we are unique because we are imperfect. This is a far worthier aspiration than hoping to look like a mannequin, with no inspiration and no sense of self.
posted by voteinstyle on july 25, 2008
Elegant and free-spirited, Holly Golightly (the Breakfast at Tiffany's infamous style icon played by Audrey Hepburn), embodies all the admirable traits of a modern woman. What is so attractive about Golightly, however, isn't her impeccable taste for Tiffany's jewels and chic Givenchy gowns, but rather her modest background as a simple, Moon River-strumming hillbilly, whose real name was Lula Mae Barnes.
Despite this important detail about her character, most images of and references to Golightly, and more famously, to Audrey Hepburn as Golightly, depict her as a classy uptown New Yorker. Also surprising is the fact that the fragile free spirit that Truman Capote captured in the character of Holly Golightly was supposed to be played by Marilyn Monroe. And most tragically altered from Capote's original text was Golightly's happy ending with Paul, which in fact, did not happen in the novella. Golightly remained a free-spirit and a world traveler.
It is with these often-omitted details that I try to envision Holly Golightly's style, which to me, is not simply high-fashion labels and expensive jewels, but a bit of wide-eyed innocence and mismatch of high-brow and low-brow. Style is an odd thing. It is never simply the clothes you wear, but also who you are beneath those clothes. When you think of the time of day when Golightly donned her full length black gown, tiara, pearls, and elbow-lengthed gloves (think why she had sunglasses on), it's apparent she was an oddball. The "normal" classy outfit of the time would have been a cutesy daytime Chanel suit.
Although we look to Golightly as the epitome of class and elegance, the irony is she was just a designer-groupie. (After all, Golightly couldn't afford anything at Tiffany's). But it is precisely this, the fragility of her dream, which endears her to us. Like so many of us, she was but a dreamer, dreaming the American dream.
posted by voteinstyle on july 9, 2008
Ever since Audrey Hepburn as the effortlessly chic Holly Golightly donned the iconic Givency black coctail dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's, the little black dress became every girl' wardrobe must have. But while the little black dress is an undeniable classic, it can be a bit stiff (though much depends on accessories), and not quite as versatile as everyone believes. For example, it doesn't really work well on a warm summer day. This is when a little white dress comes in handy. However, take caution, with a color that is so innocent, the shape is key. Avoid at all cost the night-gown look, which is easily associated with the white dress.
Take note from Kate Hudson, Sienna Miller, and Nicole Ritchie: go for a form-fitting, short off the shoulder or strapless dress and add structure by cinching the waist with a black belt. Tone down the girliness with a black leather jacket.
Put together right, this dress is much more versatile than a black cocktail dress. It can go from summer stroll (pair the dress with comfy nude or gold sandals) to classy dinner party (paired with heels and a clutch). However, keeping it spotlessly white is quite the challenge! Watch where you sit!
Where to find this style: Victoria's Secret.
posted by voteinstyle on june 25, 2008
With recent climate changes looming, gas prices soaring, and clogged arteries impending, we have become a little more conscious of the fragility of life. Going organic is now no longer just a "health nut" alternative but an accepted way of life. But while "ecochic" and "green" are now catchphrases on everyone's tongue, few are willing to utter the word, or shall I say, stigma, "hippie."
The cynicism of the late 90's may have tainted that word, but its increasingly obvious that its ideal still lingers. It is finding its way back into our collective consciousness as peace signs re-emerge on T-shirts, Native American-inspire headbands and feathers adorn tresses, and Navajo print-dresses, sandals, and jewelry show up on runways (see Anna Sui Fall 08 collection).
As we begin to brace ourselves to once again face the bleak reality of a smog-ridden, war-torn world, perhaps a little romantic nostalgia will do us some good.
Stores carrying this trend: Urban Outfitters, White Horse Couture, Free People.
posted by voteinstyle on june 18, 2008
Ok, so I am absolutely in love with Greek style sandals. I think they're a great trend right now and perfect for the summer! They make your feet look gorgeous, and instantly make an outfit so "Roman Holiday." However, I think it is a little ridiculous that these sandals go for $50 and up!
I've been on a look out for a decently priced pair for awhile now and I'd prefer one that has a little bit of heels (because us short girls are suffering during this flat-crazed season), but it's been a fruitless search. It seems almost impossible! I almost gave in and fork over the cash to own a pair, but then one of my coworkers showed up to work in an adorable summer dress and the cutest sandals! With heels!
I wanted them right then and there and would've paid whatever she told me they cost (and they looked expensive). But to my relief, they were actually from Target and they were under $20! I went to a nearby Target immediately after work and got myself a red pair. The picture here doesn't really do them justice. They're more of a fire-engine red than cherry red. They also come in white, black, silver, and pink. A stranger just recently complimented my shoes, and I was proud to say, "They're from Target!" I'm probably beginning to sound like a Target marketer. It's just that it really feels great to find a good deal that you've been holding out for! If you're a girl, you know what I mean!
(I put up pics of other Target shoes in store right now too because they have a pretty good selection and in case you feel like picking up more than one pair)
posted by voteinstyle on june 5, 2008
Classic trends never go out of style. They may reincarnate with a small twist, but rermain basically the same.
Take for example, bell-bottoms, which were revived in early 2000 as low cut flares, then were briefly overshadowed by skinny jeans, and now are making a rave comeback as high-waisted "wide-legged" jeans.
Timeless pieces can usually be recognized by one simple rule of thumb: they flatter the figure. These pieces are the best to own, and are basically the holy grail of any wardrobe, because when "casually" (meaning many hours of deliberation to look casual) matched with trendy items can make an ingenious outfit.
Couple an old pair of flared jeans with a striped shirt, a gray cardigan, and a pair of peep-toes wedges, and you've got instant hip!
Check out what voters thought of jeans trends
posted by voteinstyle on may 28, 2008
The best style advice is always to wear what makes YOU look good, not what looks good in a magazine, in the store window, or on a model/celebrity. But finding what looks good on you is a difficult task fraught with many trials and errors.
Women are always marketed to a lot, which is great because we are given many options, but at the same time, not everyone can pull of those runway outfits. It's so tempting to buy into trends, but the more I spend and the more I waste by throwing away clothes I can't wear, the more I learn to be choosy before forking out the cash. Now, I look for timeless outfits, rather than fall for passing trends. I have spent countless hours analyzing, criticizing, and researching (in other words, shopping) the best clothes. Good style sure takes a lot of effort (and money)! Hopefully, my hard-learned lessons can benefit you as well.
Summer's here and this season's style is all about bright colors, from deep ochre to vibrant reds to sultry purples. I'm glad that the warmer shades are in (as opposed to harder to wear tones like neon colors). With every piece looking so bright and gorgeous, it's very tempting to grab whatever is in the store window. But before you spend lots of money and find out too late that cute number didn't look so cute on you (speaking here from unfortunate experience), consider if the color will go with your skin tone.
Take for example a silver-gray dress on Jessica Alba, who has beautiful tanned skin. In fact most of her outfits that you see online are gray-toned. Jessica practically shines in the gray dress because her tan stands out. This is because a cooler tone will emphasize and brighten warm-toned skin. A great outfit will make you look good by emphasizing your good qualities.
I am also tanned skin and I've made the mistake of buying bright yellow, orange, and red, thinking that it would compliment my skin. Those colors didn't look terrible on me, but they tend to make me look a little more tired and grayish, unless I pile on some bright colored make up and lots of foundation (and I'm not a big fan of wearing so much make up, I'm no longer recognizable). Red and orange, especially, tend to make my lips look purplish.
I believe the opposite also applies (warmer colors will go better with cooler tones). Emily Rossum, for example, looks terrific in red.
My observation is of course not a one rule fit all. It takes some experimenting to really nail down what looks good on you, and to consistently find affordable, cute clothes that look good on you. I also insist on taking risks with style (especially when you shop at Forever 21 and more affordable, trendy stores) because it's fun and life's too short to be shrewd all the time and because sometimes, an odd looking outfit can really surprise you by how good it looks!
posted by voteinstyle on may 22, 2008
Fashionistas fasten your seat belts. We just got done updating the user profiles area of Vote in Style with tons of new features. Now there are more ways to show off your style in your profile and with your new image albums.
Tell us who you are and what kind of fashion you like. If you have a fashion related website, link us to it! Show us images of your favorite styles, designs and outfits. Tell us which designers and labels you enjoy.
And now you can also add juicy gossip on other fashionistas' profiles. Tell them what you like about their style and fashion picks, or just drop a note to say hi!
Click here to start editing your profile
Click here to update your images
We hope you like these new additions to the website and we'd love to hear what you think! Thought of something else you'd like to see in the profile? Please let us know.
posted by voteinstyle on october 19, 2007
Talking about fashion just got better. Now you can attach a photo to your comments when you are discussing a style report. Sometimes words just can't describe what you want to say, so use a photo instead!
Follow up on someone's style posting with a similar style that you were reminded of. Comment with photos of your own style in relation to the main style report. Or comment with photos to help make your point.
Go ahead and try it and let us know what you think!
posted by voteinstyle on october 7, 2007