The 2013 CFDA Nominations - Honoring Our American Designers

Left to Right: Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCoullough of Proenza Schouler // Marc Jacobs // Alexander Wang

Being nominated for any CFDA awards is already a very important recognition for any fashion designer. There are many great designers out there, but these three designers above have proven to be changing the way women dress in today's era. To shorten things up, these three (4) designers above have won an award more than once. When it comes to choosing a winner for this specific nomination, I have to say things look quite tense in selection one. I feel a buzz going in between Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler. Who will win? We'll have to wait and find out on Tuesday.

Left to Right: Steven Cox & Daniel Silver of Duckie Brown // Michael Bastian // Thom Browne

Menswear designers must feel quite honored to be nominated in this type of field. It has been no secret as the years pass by, more men seem to be appreciating designer items to include in their wardrobe. All of these three designers above have also made some great changes in men's fashion in their own perspective. Thom Browne can be pleasing for his avant-garde work of arts, whilst Michael Bastian always finds some ways to make the modern man feel confident in what he wears. Duckie Brown has also been a brand that has done quite well over the past few seasons. For this particular nomination, I would give it to Michael Bastian.

Left to Right: Alexander Wang heels // Phillip Lim salmon bag // Proenza Schouler PS1 bag

Accessories are a quite a prestigious award to be nominated for. You know that without accessories, clothes just wouldn't have a story to be told or a touch of personality to your looks. Just as the womenswear nominations, this may be a tough decision to choose from. Phillip Lim has proven to be quite a tough candidate. Proenza Schouler has had a huge success with their PS1 handbags, while Alexander Wang has also had quite a success in the accessories market. In general, all have proven to be a favorite of many streetstyle fans.

Left to Right: Oscar de la Renta // Riccardo Tisci // Vera Wang

While these three designers may not have been nominated for any of the above nominations, they have gained respect in any of the above fields. Oscar de la Renta, nominated (winner) for The CFDA Founder's Award, is a very special recognition for any designer. But one of the most prestigious awards for any designer in my opinion is the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes a designer for all their hard work and dedication over the past years. Vera Wang will be this year's designer to receive the recognition. And if you didn't quite grasp what the CFDA awards are, they are mostly to recognize our outstanding American designers who all deserve an applause. That being said, any other designer being nominated for an International Award must be an honor for any designer, who this year's award goes to Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy. The CFDA couldn't have chosen any one better this year. 

Other Important Nominees

Swarovski Award for Womenswear:

Max Osterweis & Erin Beatty, Suno

Shane Gabier & Christopher Peters, Creatures of the Wind

Carly Cushnie & Michelle Ochs, Cushnie et Ochs

Swarovski Award for Menswear:

Tim Coppens

Todd Snyder

Dao-Yi & Maxwell Osborne, Public School

Swarovski Award for Accessories:

Pamela Love

Irene Neuwirth

Jennifer Meyer

Board of Directors' Tribute:

Colleen Atwood, American Costume Designer

AND A VERY SPECIAL AWARD

See who won here.

Running in the ruins of Pompeii

We arrived in Naples late on Saturday night. Kristin and I stayed at a hotel close to the Molo Beverello harbor, we just took it easy and she went out to get us pizza and wine and we talked all night.

The following day we took the train to Pompeii to see the ruins of the ancient city that was destroyed and covered in ashes when Mount Vesuvius erupted 79AD. I studied Latin for six years in school so for me it was a very big thing, our teacher was always so passionately telling us about it. I've already seen Rome and it's treasures so after seeing Pompeii my Roman history knowledge is satisfied.

It was a very nice day and before we entered the ruins we sat down at this nice and cool lemon garden for some really fresh sandwiches, true and pure Italian ingredients. It was amazing to walk in the ruins and see how modest people have actually once lived. It made me think if we really need all the stuff we have, times really have changed since then.

Final days with the family in Nice

The last two days my family was in Nice were rather chilled. We spent time at the beach and went shopping, my mum finished writing her post cards and we tried to pack as much of my stuff away with them as possible. It was only my mum and my siblings who helped me with some stuff, mostly clothes and some shoes. On Saturday before leaving we even went to buy a new suitcase. Well that one will be for my dad then if he ever travels! ;)

Sisters

Seven cousins...remember who belongs in which family? ;)

Up in the air

Greetings everyone from up in the air somewhere in Europe! Else, Moona and I managed to get to the airport with my two gigantic suitcases and one I had for the cabin plus their own suitcases and our smaller hand luggage. Boy was that a journey. It started raining right before we made it inside the bus. We also met a nice woman from England on the bus. I am also surprised how all my hand luggage made it clean through the security check and that I hadn't forgotten about anything. Only Moona had a full can of coke there, and she was forced to throw it out.

I felt sad at the airport also, last time at Nice Côte d'Azur for a while. But I will return soon I promise.   A bit over 2 hours more and we'll be back home. I can't wait to see our dig Oliver even if I miss Nice already. I was so busy with all last minute details today so I didn't have time to start telling you guys about our trip to Italy. Tomorrow I have a real pampering day ahmed of me at my friend's new Day Spa she just opened this year in my hometown.

Now I'm just gonna enjoy the rest of my flight. Later!

Mango dressing room

Today I closed my French bank account and tomorrow I'm gonna send the announcement about ending my French phone. So it is almost bye bye France and hello Finland! But not quite yet! I stopped by at one of my new favourite stores, Mango. I found a cute shirt I just had to show you guys, it made me think of all my new beloved friends from my exchange period! :D

Black and white always go together! ;)

Monaco Grand Prix

Okay, since I've lived here almost half a year and all the grand events occur in the border of the summer, Monaco Grand Prix was also a must. We didn't go on the actual Grand Prix day but the first day of rehearsals on Thursday. You couldn't really see much since everything was covered, but hear even more. We stayed at different spots watching the cars drive by and headed to Café de Paris to have lunch of course.

Just as our food arrived so did the drivers. They continued their rehearsals so earplugs during the meal would've been nice. Now I understand why they sold them everywhere. At some points around the casino you couldn't walk without covering your ears. I really would've wanted to celebrate the weekend away in Monaco but I was going to go to Italy, which was also fun! ;)

Differing from the day before the weather stayed more perfect than ever so we headed to the pebbled beach in Nice all nine of us, followed by a nice quiet evening at home.

Cannes Film Festival

Sorry for being absent for a while. My time in Nice is almost up and I've been traveling and taking care of things. Anyways back to my current post.

My Cannes Film festival experience didn't turn out exactly how I had imagined because my friend bailed on me. But fortunately I got to experience it anyway. Our plan with my family was to rent cars and drive to St. Tropez for the day, but all the small details made it a little complicated and the traffic would've been crazy. So we took a little day trip to Cannes. After all, it was the film festival. The weather couldn't have been better. We were outside the Palais and I was lucky enough to get offered an invitation to the festival, to see the movie Only God Forgives by Danish Nicolas Winding Refn. The movie was also starring Ryan Gosling. As a true movie fanatic it was an amazing experience for me, walking by the red carpet even if I'm not that familiar with the director. I got to watch it from the front row. I know you're going to watch the movie Lukas so I'm not gonna spill any details! ;)

I have a rather large movie collection, more about that later. Since Cannes is a rather small city we left quite soon after the movie finished. The weather was changing so we girls spent a few more hours shopping back in Nice.

Raf Simons' Floral Prints are Masculine

Raf Simons' floral prints may take some time to incorporate into men's wardrobe.

What is wrong with a man wearing a floral print shirt? Only that he has the confidence enough to pull it off.  And that's what fashion has been all this time in menswear. This season, it was Mr. Simons turn to design a 13-piece capsule collection that will only be sold exclusively at online luxury men's retailer, Mr Porter. The collection consists of shirts, t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, high-top sneakers, and a bomber jacket, all of which are designed in vivid floral prints any men could actually wear. 

What I alway admire about Mr. Simons interpretation on menswear is that he always knows just how much to exceed and keep minimal. He seems to have a limit as to wear he'll cross the boundary, something that has gained him some more followers in men's fashion. Any type of feminine prints may be a subject of worry for other men, but Mr Porter knows exactly who they're selling too - the stylish and confident man who knows who he really is. As a customer, I particularly would be interested in purchasing a t-shirt or white button-down floral shirt to include into my special collection of designer pieces. One thing for sure is let the prints do most of the work and tone it down with neutral (black) shorts or trousers and cool shoes as Mr. Simons would have in mind - minimal. 

Yes, it may take time for most men to shift into this new type of era. Pink became a color most men got comfortable wearing over the years. But Raf Simons may become the greatest designer he is already, in giving men the confidence to pull of these floral print numbers. 

Links a la Mode #3: Once More

Blast From the Past

Ever since the cave people started wearing loin cloths and furs, we humans have had fashion history. This week's roundup delves into the past and how it has inspired our future. From the swinging 60's impact on sunglasses, to a look at Eurovision's pop music style evolution. For those of us who can't get to the MET one blogger shares her experience and for those of us who haven't yet seen the Great Gatsby, we have a look into Gatsby style in the mix there as well. So get your cup of tea, reflect on years gone by and check out these links!

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

• Attire Club: The Two Sides Of A Coin: Men's Body Image Considerations
• Beauty and the Budget: The Evolution of Bangs
• Caught in a Tale: Shopping in Marrakesh Souks: Top 5 Tips
• DressCode:HighFashion: Colour Trend S/S 13: Ink / Royal Blue
• Fashstash: Swinging Sixties | Sunglasses for SS/13
• Folio V: Denim Deco
• From Runway to Style: Dior's Cruise 2014 Sensual Freedom
• Jessy Dust: Photo Editing Apps for Instagram
• Jolly Caucus Race: Eurovision Style Evolution
• La Vie en Couleur: Grab Some Popcorn: 7 Must See Fashion Documentaries
• Le Simply Classy: Minimalism in Fashion
• Ms. Fabulous: PUNK: Chaos to Couture
• My Bougette: The Great Gatsby: extravagant excess
• Rising Colors: Maxi - The Classic Stunner
• Rose and Pine: My 5 Favorite MAC Shadows (and drugstore dupes of them all!)
• She's All Smiles: Friday Finds: Rings For Cat Lovers
• Stylonylon: Hair Tutorial With ghd Candy Collection Stylers
• Tangles and Chains: Promise Ring: Why, How and When to Wear it
• Frantic But Fabulous: The Core Wardrobe: Essential blazers for every occasion
• What 2 Wear Where: What to wear to the Royal Ascot (My Fair Lady)

SPONSOR: Shopbop style Flight001, Isapera, Graf & Lantz, Ileana Makri, Nu Bra, Deux Lux, Gorjana Clutches, McQ, Vera Wang Flats, Costume National, & YFB dresses

Carine Roitfeld and Amanda Seyfried Model for Givenchy Fall 2013 Campaign

Amanda Seyfried appears all high-end model in Givenchy's Fall 2013 Campaign.

Carine Roitfeld has practically become part of the Givenchy family, or more like a mother to the brand. Riccardo Tisci has always had a huge talent as the head designer for Givenchy, portraying that tough high-end semi-gothic look he's seen in the brand. This is why many of his special clients and celebrities like Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Rooney Mara, Amanday Seyfried, and much more have been a big supporter of the brand. 

Wearing a Givenchy item is like gaining confidence in who you are. There is something in it that makes you feel special, fashionable, and people questioning you, "Where did you that cool shirt?" "Oh, thanks, it's Givenchy," which sounds so much better when you say it in a tough french accent. Say it!

For it's Fall 2013 campaign, Carine Roitfeld (french accent) collaborated once more in styling Riccardo's collection, and being responsible for showing off a very different Amanda Seyfried. Doesn't she look all high-end model? I thought her physical edginess fit perfectly for this brand. She's already the model for one of Givenchy's perfume ad where she appears much more like an actress compared to this campaign. I personally think other models may have found another competition for a brand, because Amanda is really selling it here. Maybe, mama Carine was responsible for the magic shot as well. 

Carine Roitfeld (left), and her daughter Julia-Restoin Roitfeld (right) in Givenchy's Fall 2013 Campaign.

Also, not only did Madame Roitfeld style the campaign, she was also photographed for the campaign. Fair and square I would declare. Why not just help for the photoshoot, but be in it? Oh, and with her daughter too, Julia-Restoin Roitfeld. They both looked stunning in the campaign. A total perfect image of what a Givenchy lady looks like. It may be true, French women know how to work it better.

Fashion Note: If you're not familiar with Carine Roitfeld, which you should, she was once the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris from 2001 to 2011. She later resigned from her position due to some special projects she had in mind. In 2012 she became the founder and  editor-in-chief of her famous seasonal magazine, CR Fashion Magazine. She is also very well known for being an editor with a unique taste of style.

Family shopping and beach time

On Tuesday everyone wanted to take it easy so we went to the city to shop for a while. The guys didn't feel like it too much so they headed to the beach early while the girls continued shopping.

I finally found the new bikini I've been looking for, from Galeries Lafayette, they had opened a whole floor with swimwear and accessories. Afterwards we headed to the beach as well, the weather was perfect for the beach.

Bikini: Livia Monte Carlo

Gap Men's Colored Slim Khaki's Are Worth a Try

Spring is the time when you get to dress in more colorful outfits - not that you can't in the winter - but, more people are open to do this in the spring/summer time. Lately, I've been trying to search for a good pair of pants that won't break the bank. I was debating whether to purchase or not a pair of Gucci mustard colored pants, which retailed at $740. Not too expensive for a pair of pants, huh? I was just fascinated by the choice of colored trousers in Gucci's Spring 2013 menswear collection. The colors for me happen to be so vivid yet masculine.

I've owned a pair of men's Express chinos - various neutral colors - which I still happen to love for its slim fit and lengthening effect that I feel makes me look taller. The colors are fresh, and the pants are nice, but the Express man is more of a urban city guy who tends to keep his patterns and colors toned down. I wanted something more vivid. I am also a fan of H&M's pants, but I am the type of person who likes to experiment with different brands. I was seeking for something fresh in my closet.

I had been hearing great reviews by recent customers who had visited the Gap store at a near mall where I live. I decided to take a quick visit to the store and see what they had available. I was impressed by the various menswear colored pants (khakis) Gap had available in their store. I decided to try on a pair and was very amazed by how well they fit. The colors were the type of hues I was seeking forth in. Also, the fit felt slim-relaxed, which I refer to being comfortable, lengthening, fresh, and slim, not tight. I personally liked the pants, and I purchased it. 

I also went online to see if they had more colors available. And guess what? They happened to have a sort of similar pair of mustard khakis, but in canary yellow, as they named it. There are various colors of them available online. Immediately as I saw it, I came up with an outfit I could pair these pants with. What I love about Gap's pants is that you can go any way you want to - dress, casual, or semi-formal - for any necessary occasion. Put on a nice a blazer, jacket, or layering shirt, paired with any accessories, and your outfit is done and clean.

Gap mustard colored khakis // Levi's vest // Gucci horsebit white loafers // Luis Morais bracelet // Gucci sunglasses // Anderson's leather belt

In conclusion, I am not a regular Gap customer, but I also happen to like their assortment of shirts and polos, besides their khakis. I thought it was very casual and pleasing for the young and average male customer.  I might as well return soon to see what else I can get inspired by.

Are you a regular customer at Gap?

A Day at the Nice Chateau

On Monday the sun was shining so I thought I'd show my family around the chateau hill in Nice. We walked along the promenade and up the stairs to admire the view and take pictures, when my brother's hat flew away with the wind. Fortunately my cousin was fast and ran down some stairs and climbed over the rails to get it.

We continued up to the park, saw the beautiful waterfall and the unique cemetery, which is probably the most unique I've seen. We then headed down and had lunch in Old Town. I think everyone was pretty tired so we just stayed in for the evening relaxing and taking it easy.