Fit Fashion

January is a time of holiday hangover, the return of monotonous routine, and when herds of guilt-ridden people flock to the gym to fulfill their New Years resolution. I am no different, but I always look on the bright side of this vicious cycle-new clothes! This Spring 2008 season, Stella McCartney has designed another gorgeous and practical collection for tennis, running, golf, and swim, as well as warm-up clothing and accessories. If this seems a little frivolous to you, I have a few arguments. These clothes have the best technology to improve your game, and can also be mixed and matched with other pieces of your wardrobe seamlessly. My view is when you look good, you will probably work out harder too.

One if not possibly the most chic sports is tennis. While being very classic, this outfit is also very fresh. The sweetly feminine detailing on the neckline is a retro take on the polo. The skort is also a tennis staple, and this one has just the right
amount of minimalism to balance out the preciousness of the blouse.

This outfit is my favorite, since I am a runner. This material is breathable and wicks away perspiration, while looking shiny and fabulous as well. I love the utilitarian vibe, the bright colors, and the satiny texture.

A very unique interpretation of the golf uniform. No polo shirts to be seen here! I could easily see the short jacket paired with jeans for a casual spring outfit.

A very glamorous maillot. Just a tad bit more modest than a bikini. This is for active people who love their two piece but don't want their bathing suit to be, um, as active as well.

Paris Fall Fashion Week 2007: Vol. 1

Chanel

Congratulations Chanel! You have finally broken out of your monochromatic phase! Although basic black was still well represented on the runway, Karl Lagerfield dipped his gloved fingers into the color box and whipped out acid shades and jewel tones to add life to the collection. One of my favorite details were the Grecian-disco hybrid dresses with sequin adorned twisted rope. Another interesting accessory were the bib necklaces, but will this trend catch on in the real world? Still, an altogether well-conceived collection.

Chloe

One of my favorite designers, and probably the first boutique I will hit once I invent the next equivalent to the Post-It note, impresses yet again with a reflective outlook for fall. As opposed to past seasons, the floaty fabrics were traded for sturdier, angular silhouettes, some even reminiscent of kimonos. Chloe's signature crafty ornamentation was interpreted as mirrors that carried the futurism trend into the fall. I can rest easily knowing that Chloe yet again created a look that I can take inspiration from.

Stella McCartney

No, I am not a spokesperson for Stella McCartney. I just love her aesthetic very dearly, down to the the sole of those ethically-produced, pleather stiletto soles. This collection further supports my adoration, with short hemlines and volume done in a very chic manner. One of my favorite trends from this collection is the beautiful mint hue of the last dress, which seems to be very strong trend based on the dresses seen at the Oscars. Clean lines, voluminous hemlines, and sleek layering were the key words for this collection.

all picture courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/

take good CARE of yourself

I have become quite the skincare geek. I am constantly flipping through my newest copy of VOGUE right to the beauty news section, where I ingest each and every article about the newest, trendiest complexion solutions available. It has become quite an obsession.

I recently became interested in organic beauty products, yet I never had the courage to try them. They just seemed too "crunchy" to me. I mean, a crushed almond scrub sounds amazing, yet does it really work? Is it just like slathering food on my face?

Before I was about to rule out all natural mystery products, I stumbled upon CARE by Stella McCartney. I am a huge fan of Miss McCartney; her runway collections are beautiful, her Adidas by Stella McCartney line actually makes me want to work out, and her perfume, Stella, is like meandering through a garden of English roses. And on top of that, her products are animal-cruelty-free, which makes me love them even more.

So when I heard that she was on the verge of pioneering a new outlook on natural skincare, I couldn't wait to try it. I recently read an article on McCartney, and in it she described the intensive process that her team of scientists went through to perfect the line. All of her products are Ecocert-certified, and according to Sephora:

"Ecocert, an internationally recognized certification program, takes into account not only the composition and the origin of the product's ingredients, but also covers the entire development process from conception to packaging. The Ecocert label can assure consumers of both the quality and sincerity of Care by Stella McCartney, making it one entirely trustworthy assortment."

This the real deal, a sophisticated skincare line that is both natural and beneficial to the skin. And did I mention the gorgeous packaging? McCartney's fresh aesthetic is evident through the beautifully simplistic design of the bottles, which would no doubtfully elicit "oooo"s and "aweeeee"s when gracing a bathroom counter.

Even though I try not to spend too much money on skincare, I will be saving up my money to try the Discovery Kit, which is a great way to find a powerful elixir to brighten your complexion.

Thank you, Stella McCartney, for satisfying skincare geeks everywhere.

The News on Neutrals

Why does it seem like neutrals always get such a bad rap? Many believe them to be the equivalent of fashion "vanilla." This season will prove the haters wrong.

Neutrals: This season, neutrals got a major fashion facelift. The colors ranged from blush to khaki to griege. The new incarnations were breathtaking in their simplicity and allowed themselves to become the backdrops of inventive accessories and superb details.

One of the designers who demonstrated this to perfection was Stella McCartney at her Spring 2007 show. In her collection, neutrals took center stage, looking crisp and fresh. The look to the left is one of my favorites for the entire season. I love how the delicate simplicity of the white sand dress complements the cold hardness of the metallic jewelry. Bold necklaces have been trendy for many seasons, yet seem new when pared with the lightness of this shift. The juxtaposition is breathtaking: one part sweet classicist, one part futuristic hipster.

Wearing neutrals is a great way to showcase accessories that you would otherwise think would be to overwhelming. I can't wait to rock this look for many different occasions this spring.

So be bold by going neutral!

photo courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2007RTW/complete/thumb/SMCCARTN?trend=&page=3