Rihanna debuted her River Island collection last month during London Fashion Week – and it was a train wreck.
The Daily Beast called the line “tiresome, underwhelming and uninspired marketing exercise” and Huffington Post Canada called it a “wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen” Oh Riri…what are we going to do with you.
Conversely, in the issue with the star in question on the cover, ELLE reported said ”My perception of her style was squarely rooted in the raunchy stage wear and street style that are synonymous with her image, (but) aside from a nod to street style in the denim section, the collection is an ode to all things high fashion.”
…I’m sorry. What? Are we looking at the same line? The line that has been eloquently described as “porny?’
To each their own. We are all allowed to have an opinion – and mine is that Rihanna is a tad in over her head. The girl makes catchy music, but she stay away from things as huge in the fashion industry as the London Fashion Week where the big girls play. Maybe stay in the sandbox a little longer and try again – but with more fabric next time.
Calling it a clothing line is generous considering there is not a lot of clothing involved. In my opinion, artist lines are going to appeal to their fans – shouldn’t the line feature clothing that can be worn by said fans? Celebrity lines can be fun with great summer dresses and funky shoes that, while pricey, can be worn to events by all of our favourite celebs. No celebrity is going to wear mesh to an event – or none that I follow and respect. I conclude that Rihanna needs to go back to the drawing board and think of some unique and spunky designs that will flatter rather than expose.
The line is full of see through clothing that includes mesh – nipple bearing mesh. That is definitely what I am wearing my next night out on the town…not. The Huffington Post reported that Rihanna herself was an hour late for her 9 minute fashion show. Fashionably late, or just disrespectful, it’s up to you to decide. Would you wear anything from Rihanna’s clothing line?
See photo’s of Rihanna’s clothing line below
This column is the second of four installments hoping to inspire fandoms everywhere to wear what they love with pride (read the first here). Because why should you limit your fan experience to your home or the latest con? The answer: THERE ARE NONE.
But just in case you’re unsure on how to break out of the hoodie-jeans-tee combo, I’m going to show you a couple of ways to incorporate some of your favourite fandom-related items into every day life.
This week is all about the accessories because hey, sometimes it can be all about the details.
While most people refrain from it, it’s actually incredibly easy to incorporate fandom-related accessories into your wardrobe. Like anything in fashion, all it takes is confidence.
I find that the best accessories are always understated. That way you’re just slyly referring to your likes and interests, and it becomes a little inside joke between you and those who share those interests.
girlgonegeek’s Jamila
Take a simple bowtie for example. Wait, what? Girls can’t wear bowties? Blasphemy. Go and look at the wonderfully dressed women at any good menswear show because those ladies know how to work a bowtie. And like the Doctor say, “Bowties are cool.”
If you are a Doctor Who fan, I would typically suggest sticking to a red bow tie. It’s what the Doctor wears and it’s not a hard look to steal. If you are looking to get a little cheeky, Gallifreyan bowties do exist, they’re just a little harder to find.
Jewelry is always a nice touch, especially when they’re small and simple. Take these The One Ring earrings for example. They look like any other gold earrings except they have the Mordor inscription on them. Dope.
Remember when the Mockingjay wasn’t plastered on movie posters? Despite its popularity, sticking a Mockingjay pin on your backpack or shirt is a sly nod to the fandom as it’s small and still looks pretty need.
Want to get into the nail art trend but don’t have the steady hand for it? Try some some nail stickers! They’re really easy to put on and last quite a while. Here’s a trick: make sure to paint on a bit of topcoat over the decal. The design will last even longer.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll get some high fives from complete strangers on your way to class.
Shay Mitchell rocked a pair of hot pink pants for the Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2013 show held at the Lincoln Centre at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. This is one of my favourite ways to add colour to an all black outfit — so glam rock! Not only is it super simple, it’s got that professional element to it. And the matching pink lipstick is the cherry-on-top to completing this look.
Want to add some colour to your look? Here are three pairs of fun trousers:
Paisley Print Trousers, ZARA, $60
Tartan Cropped Trousers, ZARA, $60 Read more…
Everyone knows the 90s are back! Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year or have no sense of current fashion trends then I’ll excuse you for your lack of knowledge. However there are some 90s fashion trends that I expected to have stayed put in the 90s to be be never seen from again. Hair buns were one of those trends I assumed would be never resurrected. Unfortunately for us they are back, will they catch on? I hope not.
The Modern Interpretations
Here’s model Cara Delevingne (who’s practically walked every runway during this week’s New York Fashion Week) modelling for the new ad campaign for the DKNY and Opening Ceremony collaboration. Clearly the ad is going for a very 90s look with hair buns and all.
Here’s popstar Jessie J rocking the 90s hair buns on The Voice U.K. with her big hoop earrings and bright red lip she looks like she just time got out of her time machine.
Gwen Stefani is the queen of the mini hair buns. Someone as fashion forward as Stefani can no doubt (pun intended) pull out such an outrageous hair style. This modern interpretation is kind of tame compared to her wilder 90s hair days. You can be the judge and compare for yourself with the pics below.
The 90s Inspiration Read more…
Like, leave me alone please
Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone, especially those who much rather enjoy the single life. Some reasons why one is single is: they can’t date their favourite celebrity, they can’t date the internet, or they can’t date themselves. The media basically showered us all with high expectations that are almost impossible to meet. If you believe all of that, plus what you’ve seen in Disney films, good luck finding the special one. [heavens-1n-your-eyes]
Celeb-inspired Valentine’s card
Remember when you were little and Valentine’s Day was a huge deal because of all the fun classroom activities that were to come? You’d go to the store with your parents and pick up a box of cards of your choice — most likely relating to your favourite TV show or a bunch of cute animals. Throw all of that aside and give this Snoop Lion card to the boy of your dreams. [bunnyyears]
Bieber > Everyone else
Not only does he write and sing songs that make you wanna melt, Justin Bieber always gives his Beliebers the attention they deserve, especially when it comes to replying to them on Twitter. Justin even serenaded us all with a sexy Valentine’s Day message during his Saturday Night Live gig this week. All I can say is look at this YOLO moment one fan wrote, and the best part is that he agreed! [last-bye]
Make your mouth water
One of my favourite things to eat (and I’m being totally serious) is Nutella. But what would make a Nutella sandwich even better? Strawberries of course! Not fully covered but it’s kinda like Hannah Montana where you get the best of both worlds. [ohsweetbasil]
Play your way out of a text
Chances are: You once had a creepy guy send you a message like this, which then made you wanna gag a little and then not even recall giving him your number. Whatever you do, get out of it and quick. [makemestfu]
Spice up your wardrobe
Who really cares about lingerie when you can go on a spring shopping spree and buy cute skinny jeans and casual shirts to flaunt during the month of February? I know it might be a little cold but once in a while you can bare through it and look super cute! [yourfashioninspiration]
Or just walk around wearing this
I mean if you’re THAT desperate for a Valentine, wear this sweater in a public place (ie. at school, the mall) and see what options come up to you. Hopefully it’s not the same creepy dude who was sending you that late night, unwanted text! [instagram-lovely]
What the day is actually called
For all you single people out there, Feb. 14 is just another day alone. But don’t put yourself down too harshly. Buy yourself a box of chocolate and continuously eat them until you don’t feel lonely anymore. [ladieslaughing]
Curl up on your couch and watch a movie because what else could be better? You could get all hopeless-romantic and turn on The Notebook or go the other direction and watch a hilarious comedy. [attributive]
Lizzy Caplan, she of Mean Girls and Bachelorette and MY DREAMS, stars in a hilarious parody of a stereotypical Fashion Film called…. Fashion Film. Well, what did you expect? It’s a stereotype. The Matthew Frost-directed video has her prancing through fields while wearing a magical flower crown and showing off all her cool vintage/antique finds. She practically whispers in her poetic voiceover that’s basically written by the people at Pinterest.
While hilarious, they make an excellent point about how stereotypical “deep” fashion films can be and how people aspire to this aesthetic lifestyle just because we’re told to.
Now that Gossip Girl is over, are you wondering where you’ll get your weekly T.V. fashion fix? The end of Gossip Girl has left a big fashion hole in the land of television so we’ll be going through a couple of options for you to try. Some of these shows might fill the void, but only time will tell.
The Carrie Diaries
This is the most likely successor to fill the space Gossip Girl has left on our T.V. schedules. Probably because Gossip Girl was the show that succeeded the fashionable and iconic Sex and the City. So with The Carrie Diaries being a prequel to SATC, this new show has all the elements of being your new T.V. fashion fix. As viewers we’ll get to witness the young Carrie Bradshaw (played by the excellent AnnaSophia Robb) discover her voice and love of fashion and we’ll get to see how she became the style icon that we know and love (i.e. Sarah Jessica Parker).
Pros: Fun 80s fashion and a glimpse of a wilder, funkier, and grittier New York City that is long gone. Plus Carrie Bradshaw is back in our lives!
Cons: NYC = fashion and the city was a character in itself for SATC and Gossip Girl but The Carrie Diaries only partially takes place in NYC. Plus being stuck in the 80s means less chances for modern and fashion forward moments.
90210
The Beverly Hills 90210 reboot has somewhat lived in the shadows of Gossip Girl. The original 90210 was a major fashion fix in the 90s, making the Californian ZIP Code the most fashionably coveted place to live during its early run on television. The show put sunny Hollywood Californian style on the map but in the fashion world the West Coast is not actually the Best Coast. NYC is couture while L.A. is Hollywood glam. The new 90210 has all the elements of taking the fashion reigns from Gossip Girl but those are quite big shoes to fill and the window for viewers to get on board on already established show is small (you’re going to have to play a lot of catch-up).
Pros: Its young, beautiful, and stylish cast. Plus the show’s a fashion fix legacy (never forget the amazing shoulder pads of Brenda, Kelly, and Donna).
Cons: The shadow from Gossip Girl still looms, while The O.C. set the standard high for young Californian style in the new Millennium.
Girls Read more…
Remember back when we were all in elementary school and would go to school and feel so cool because we got a new jean jacket, or a slap bracelet, or new Pokemon cards to brag about? I think it’s time to sit back and think about all those things we wore that were actually pretty ridiculous. For example I don’t remember it ever been cold enough to wear fleece pants. I remember they came in different colours— and I think I had three blue pairs.
How about those Gap fleece sweaters that we all wanted but only the cool kids with money could afford? I think they were the TNA sweaters of the 90s come to think of it. Now, about the gaucho pants and tie cardigans… I am not sorry. They were cute and comfortable at that time, I SWEAR. My sister and I MAY have had matching gaucho pants. Just maybe.
In the 90s all we did was trade. We traded bracelets, cards, snacks, and I distinctly remember trading chokers and going home with a different one every day around my neck. I’ll take a classic Tiffany necklace over a choker any day, and I much prefer chiffon to fleece – but that’s just me.
See the 17 items you wore (and don’t deny it) below
Gaucho Pants
Cropped Tie Cardigan
Chokers
Army Print Clothes
Fleece Pants
Cropped Jacket Read more…
This column is the first of four installments hoping to inspire fandoms everywhere to wear what they love with pride. Because why should you limit your fan experience to your home or the latest con? The answer: THERE ARE NONE.
But just in case you’re unsure on how to break out of the hoodie-jeans-tee combo, I’m going to show you a couple of ways to incorporate some of your favourite fandom-related items into every day life.
We’re going to start a little easy this week with the novelty tee. You probably already have a lot of tees in your closet right now and I’m going to show you how to wear them in a more creative way. Just think of them in the way you would wear a graphic tee—you’re just going to be wearing your favourite band instead of some random illustration.
1. The well-fitted jacket
It’s important to note the t-shirt’s slouchy nature and the fact that it will inevitably stretch out and no longer fit your body perfectly. This quality makes it easy for any outfit to look shabby and the best way to counter is with a well-fitted jacket. That jacket could be a leather jacket (see Ryan Gosling above) or a blazer. You could even try pairing it with a varsity jacket but just be aware that this kind of jacket typically has a baggier fit to it so don’t be afraid to go a size down.
2. The Cardigan
via Alyssa Lau in lookbook.nu
The best kinds of cardigans are the ones that aren’t made of the same material as your t-shirt. I find jersey cardigans to be a little too flimsy nor does it provide enough visual contrast between the tee itself and the cardigan. Try and find a cardigan that has an interesting detail—whether it’s a shawl collar or interesting buttons. You could also try an oversized cardigan but just remember to keep your bottoms fitted as well (a.k.a. if you look like a skater from the 90’s, you’re doing it wrong).
4. Tuck It In Read more…
Nina Dobrev
What she’s wearing: The Vampire Diaries star was a stunner in this hot pink Elie Saab gown at the 2013 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Why we love it: It was so refreshing to see such a bright and bold colour on the red carpet, which is why Dobrev stood out from many of the other stars that night. This sleek gown shows off her killer figure and conveys elegance being a crewneck floor length dress. She cinches the waist with a matching pink leather belt The cutouts keep the dress modern and interesting but doesn’t take away from the overall refined look that Dobrev is sporting.
I can’t even handle how good she looks in that dress!
Takeaway: The colour of your dress can be a very important choice to make– especially on the red carpet. Never box yourself in when it comes to colours as you would be limiting a lot of dress options for yourself. Just because you may not like a certain colour doesn’t mean that colour will look bad on you. In fact you might look stunning!
Cory Monteith
What he’s wearing: Monteith was very dapper in this light grey Calvin Klein tux at the 2013 SAG Awards, where he was nominated alongside his Glee cast-mates.
Why we love it: This was also another look that stood out on the red carpet for its bold colour choice. The light grey tux was hard to miss in a sea of black suits and was a welcome change of pace for men’s red carpet fashions. Not only was it in a great colour but the black contrast lapels are on trend and gave the suit its wow factor. Plus there are a neat black piping detail alongside his trousers which helps elongates the already tall Canadian actor.
Unfortunately we didn’t see Cory do a dance in his Calvin Klein suit.
Takeaway: When looking for a suit always try to get it tailored so it fits your body like a glove. With Monteith already being a tall guy it’s important that his suits works well with his taller build and longer proportions. Same goes for guys on the shorter side. The cut and the fit of the suit need to be just right otherwise it would look very junior, as in a kid wearing a suit for the first time and feeling and looking uncomfortable in his growing and changing body.
Taylor Swift Read more…
It’s funny that when you watch an interview with a celebrity the one thing you take out if it is something silly like: “Valentine’s Day plans.” OF COURSE the Nylon Magazine had to ask Selena Gomez about her plans — it’s an easy way to get the scoop on her and ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber without actually going there.
What we took out of this video? Selena is growing up!! Despite being in the spotlight for so long, she still seems pretty grounded and hardworking. Along with her new OPI nail colour collection, she’ll be celebrating the release of Spring Breakers on March 22. We were lucky enough to go to the TIFF screening in Toronto and loved it!
See photos of her shoot below
The temperatures have dropped immensely in Toronto this week and Dakota Fanning’s LAX attire was the perfect look of bundled-up fashion. Fur is one of the best ways to stay warm. And one of the most stylish accessories one can possess during these harsh weather conditions. I love the combination between the leather boots and the fur; two must-haves this winter season.
Want to bundle up with style? Try these pieces.
Combined Leopardskin Parka, ZARA, $80
Oversize Maxi Sweater, ZARA, $20
Kaatz, Aldo, $100 Read more…
Hailee Steinfeld
What she’s wearing: The young actress made the smart choice to wear a Chanel argyle cardigan, black leather skirt with a yellow Chanel clutch to the 2013 Spring/Summer Chanel Haute Couture show during Parish Fashion Week.
Why we love it: Steinfeld is newsboy chic in this Chanel look, making me want to rock a newsboy cap even though I can’t pull it off (I have a large heads and hats never fit! Woe is me!). The argyle cardigan is classic Chanel preppy-chic, while the black leather skirt adds some va-va-voom to the entire outfit. She works the yellow accent colour well with her choice of a bright yellow Chanel bag. Steinfeld finishes off her look with Laboutin pumps, where you get a hint of some bold red colour from the brand’s signature red bottom heels.
A snap with the Kaiser himself! From Hailee’s Instagram account.
Takeaway: Hats can be a great way to accessorize your entire look and can be very functional too as they keep your head warm. So whether its purely functional or fashion, don’t count out hats since they can make some major fashion statements. Plus figuring out how to do your hair can be such a pain, so hats are a great option when you’re having a bad hair day!
Sasha and Malia Obama
What they’re wearing: The Obama sisters brightly stood out at their father’s second-term Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. Sasha braved the cold in this periwinkle Kate Spade wool coat, while older sis Malia opted for a lavender J. Crew coat.
Why we love it: The bright bold colours were such a welcome sight to see in the sea of blah coats and jackets during the Inauguration ceremony. Plus it was cool to see the sisters match as neither sister stood out over the other. However each sister got to rock their own colour and each worked the monochromatic trend well from head to toe! Sasha had matching periwinkle knit scarf and knit gloves with charcoal tights (not pictured), while Malia worked the different shades of purple from her knit scarf, wool coat, and tights (not pictured). Plus I want to steal Malia’s dark azure leather gloves– gimme now!
Malia shows offs her fly moves– a good way to keep warm.
Takeaway: Coats come in an array of colours nowadays so you can actually have a lot of fun with them. Since coats can be quite expensive try shopping for coats in January when most stores are starting to switch out their Winter apparel to make room for their new Spring apparel. Some coats will be considerably priced down so it’s a good opportunity to snatch a jacket now when they are cheaper.
Katy Perry Read more…
Yes, someone actually went there and re-imagined what Taylor Swift would look like at the Golden Globes if she was a kid. The result is some creepy Toddlers & Tiaras version of the Red singer with too much makeup and too extravagant of a gown.
ToddleWood Photography also imagined what Anne Hathaway, Halle Berry and Lucy Liu would look like as doll-like children at the Globes. These days celebrities are getting younger and younger, but I think we’ve crossed the boundary when it actually becomes weird…
What Taylor actually looked like
Another shot of Taylor as a kid Read more…
Jessica Alba is probably one of the most stylish moms in Hollywood. She was spotted with her baby at F&S Fabrics for the Home in Los Angeles earlier this week donning this two-tone jacket with leather sleeves paired with Dr. Martens boots. This look defines comfort and style; both of which Jessica is often seen doing while she’s out and about!
Want the look? Try these pieces:
Two-tone zip jacket, ZARA, $70
Skinny jeans, ZARA, $20
Dr. Martens 1460 boots, Urban Outfitters, $130 Read more…
If you were looking for some major Golden Globe FASHAWN then my girl @Britt_Mahaney has got you covered here! Awards season has officially begun and, just like Fashion Week, I’m already suffering from major fashion overload. But that’s a good thing! It just makes my job harder to narrow down the best celeb fashions to a top 5 list, but I enjoy the challenge. So bring it!
Bring It On! Not only a great movie but a great line for a pep talk!
And if you were wondering who my fav Golden Globe look was from then I got to say Jennifer Lawrence was a stunner in that red Christian Dior Couture gown. She had the flu, have you ever looked that good whenever you had the flu? I didn’t think so.
Selena Gomez
What she’s wearing: Gomez was a golden glam goddess in a Versace Atelier dress at the InStyle Golden Globe Awards After Party.
Why we love it: Ladies and gentlemen behold the transformative power of the breakup, add a sexy Versace dress and you’ve got magic! Gomez is no doubt a beautiful young lady but this dress shows how grown up the Disney starlet has come along. The structured bustier dress has a lot of nice intricate design details and golden embellishments which is a perfect fit for such a ‘golden’ event.
— Olivia Paxson (@OliviaPaxson) January 14, 2013
— I Love Pac ? (@kisssMeKidrauhl) January 15, 2013
Takeaway: Gomez is working the monochromatic look even with such a standout metallic dress. She’s keeping all her accessories in the same colour range which helps focus the attention on the intricate dress.
Taylor Swift
What she’s wearing: Swift walked the red carpet at the People’s Choice Awards in this white slinky Ralph Lauren gown.
Why we love it: What a show-stopper! Here’s proof #2 that a breakup can do a person good. While Swift may love to be in relationships, as fans we all know breakups do Swift well in the music and fashion departments. Can we talk about that sexy plunging neckline?! Not only does it show another side to Swift, but I have a feeling a certain British boybander might be kicking himself in the butt right about now. This look is the perfect mix of sex appeal and refined class. Swift pops with her chunky turquoise drop earring.
Don’t worry Taylor, I’d still give you a hug.
Takeaway: Showing cleavage is obviously an easy way to add some sex appeal to your look, but you need to make sure it’s not the only reason why people are talking about your dress. You wanna be remembered for a bit more than just your chest. So while a plunging neckline does give that wow factor, make sure the rest of your dress has enough class to balance out any potential sleaziness.
Chloë Moretz Read more…
Our beloved Amanda Bynes went off the bandwagon a couple of months ago. The former star of The Amanda Show asked Obama’s help for a DUI, smoked pot behind the wheel, and ran from cops. Now? After quitting acting for the fashion business, Bynes got a dimple piercing as seen in the photo above, which she posted on her tumblr blog. You don’t see a dimple piercing everyday but you gotta admire her for mixing things up a little. Would you ever get one?
Anne Hathaway is a dedicated follower of fashion but it appears she has taken some inspiration from Les Misérables co-star Hugh Jackman as she donned this very foppish-sleek Saint Laurent black tux with gothic nails. I am loving the dark attire Anne has been wearing these days on the red carpet. Opting out of gowns and dresses for this chic look is definitely the way to go. This look is professional enough for the office yet dressy enough to wear to a party.
Emma Stone
What she’s wearing: Stone rocked this strapless red Lanvin dress at premiere of her new movie ‘Gangster Squad’ in L.A.
Why we love it: Stone is getting a head start on everybody and is rocking a dress from Lanvin’s Pre-Fall 2013 line, while most celebs are still wearing items from various Spring/Summer 2013 collections. I love how she’s working the monochrome look, from her silk and brocade red strapless dress, her red belt paired with a floral brooch, her fiery red pumps, and her ruby red crystal necklace.
My thoughts exactly!
Takeaway: Wearing something with a quite simple silhouette and minimal colour contrast allowed Stone to work some major statement jewels into her look. It can be tough to find the perfect opportunity to wear such large jewellery, but since Stone is going strapless with a sweetheart neckline she needed something bold to frame her face. Such big jewellery can sometimes go gaudy quite easily so be careful and make sure that it adds to your look instead of detracting from it.
Ryan Gosling
What he’s wearing: Stone’s Gangster Squad co-star not only stepped out in this coffee coloured three-piece Gucci suit, but he also showed up to the movie’s premiere with his mom.
Why we love it: Gosling also worked the monochromatic look in this surprising shade of brown, which takes the usual boring blah brown suit to a whole new level. Colour me impressed! I never would have thought this shade would have worked so well. The monochromatic colour scheme works well here considering the colour of Gosling’s hair and him parining the suit with dark brown perforated Lanvin shoes. He contrasts his look with a crisp whit shirt and bold black tie.
You’ve come a long way since then!
Takeaway: Well first off, if you ever become famous don’t forget to show your parents/guardians some love with the spotlight, it’s really endearing. Also have fun with your shoes! Sometimes you can get tied down with suits and can only have some sartorial fun with your accessories (think tie, shoes, pocket square, etc.). Plus they are a pleasant surprise whenever you pair a classic cut suit with some funky shoes.
Kerry Washington Read more…
