Online retailers offer variety through mass expansion

JewelMint, an online jewelry membership company designed by Kate Bosworth and celebrity stylist Cher Coulter, offers one-of-a-kind intricate pieces at a low monthly cost.

Unlike other online retailers, this trendy company recommends jewelry items to fit individual style through a personal style quiz. The outcome is a virtual showroom filled with trendy yet timeless jewelry of the highest quality.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s T-shirt company, StyleMint, follows the same innovative technique as JewelMint.

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“StyleMint is the brainchild of fashion designers and style icons Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen and parent company BeachMint,” says StyleMint’s website. “StyleMint offers members a revolutionary online shopping destination with the unrivaled experience of a personal stylist.”

With shirts ranging in color, pattern, style and material, StyleMint provides an outlet for those searching for the perfect everyday top.

After the success of StyleMint, JewelMint has expanded with two other types of stores.

Jessica Simpson recently launched BeautyMint, a personalized skincare line, in late October.

“In BeautyMint, she discovered the value of personalized skincare that matches targeted solutions with specific skin issues and goals,” says BeautyMint’s website. “Now, she wants to share her discovery with you.”

Simpson paired with skincare expert Nerida Joy to create a line of customized lotions and washes with natural derivatives. Their “Skin Care Consultation” serves as the deciding factor on what products will suit individual skin needs.

For those prone to eyeing the shoe department of their local clothing store, ShoeMint is a dream come true. With designs from Rachel Bilson, an already acclaimed fashion designer, the store launched on November 25th.

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Similar to the other successful “Mints,” ShoeMint fits the individual’s personal style and budget!

Through these modern answers to efficient and costly shopping, fashionistas can reap the benefits of celebrity designs for less.  

Isabelle Novak

Phoenix Blogger Series: Global Runway

As many of us know, the fashion world is not confined to the depths of our closets, but instead is an endless runway of those who walk it, those who admire it and those who report on it.

Fellow Arizona Fashion blogger, Sarai Cervantes of Global Runway, took the time to meet with me to discuss a few of her motives behind creating her own online canvas dedicated to the fashion world. 

Having been an avid blogger since 2009, Cervantes has only continued to build up her portfolio, establishing a reputable name for herself among many other fellow bloggers. It wasn’t until just recently that she began posting anywhere from 6-8 times a day.  

“The comments push me to blog more. Whenever I hear back from readers, it helps me to keep going,” Cervantes said.  

Access to prominent fashion magazines and websites allow for knowledge of the latest trends; however this information is not limited to just these outlets. Today social networking has created a vehicle for anyone who demonstrates the tiniest flare in an area of interest, enabling them to share with others their ideas and opinions in an easily obtainable way.

Cervantes is not alone in the fashion blogging network, but she most definitely offers a fresh and innovative take on it.

“It’s usually always the same fashion shows - Milan, London, Paris, New York. I wanted to incorporate global runway shows that people might not necessarily know about such as Argentina, Brazil and the China Fashion weeks.” Cervantes said.

Hoping to further pursue her enthusiasm for anything and everything fashion, Cervantes continues to attract a following in the hopes of someday transforming her blog into an online magazine. Cervantes expresses the many rewarding opportunities she’s had.

“I think it has helped me to attend more events in person, which then helps me to meet more people and make more connections.” Cervantes said.

Not only does Cervantes feel that what she does is extremely self-rewarding, but is also extremely worthwhile.

In asking her the best approach to becoming further immersed in the fashion world, she said, “Contacting public relations of different brands are helpful because they are able to send information about possible events to attend.”

It is important to look outside our own personal spheres of influence and gain perspective through expanding onto other connections. Cervantes has allowed for this to take place in her own selfless efforts to create an oasis of information for others with similar passions to enjoy and appreciate.

We may just come to find that our ability to connect the dots within society is actually our most flattering accessory.

Avery Robrock

Best of: 2011 Red Carpet Style

Award shows are always a showdown of fashion, so I backtracked the past award shows this year and found some looks that truly stood out. I looked at the People’s Choice Awards,  Emmys, Academy Awards, Latin Grammys, Country Music Awards, Grammys, Golden Globes, Video Music Awards and the American Music Awards. While these were action packed shows, fashion certainly took center stage.

The pressure to find the “Best Dressed” within a group of stunning fashion is quite tremendous, but that is exactly what I have set out to do. I looked through red carpet looks from throughout 2011 and found the fashion statements that undeniably stood out!

 
Virginia Williams and Selena Gomez really shined on the red carpet for the People's Choice Awards. Williams’ dress was a great length, had sparkle and revealed her back. Gomez’ dress was a soft pink and featured a ruffle across one shoulder. Her hair was parted to the side which really showed off the dramatic sleeve.

Virginia Williams Photo Credit

Selena Gomez Photo Credit

During the Golden Globes Catherine Zeta-Jones, Robert Downey Jr. and Emma Stone showed off their style. Zeta-Jones’ dress had a dramatic sense, which in my opinion is perfect for an award show. I think she managed to stun without going crazy. The always debonair RDJ mixed his grey suit with a red tie and black shoes. Stone’s dress was simple yet stunning. She showed that it is not always about having the most dramatic outfit that can make an impact on the red carpet.

Catherine Zeta-Jones Photo Credit

Robert Downey Jr. Photo Credit

Emma Stone Photo Credit

Kelly Osbourne took center stage during the Grammys. Osbourne’s dress was the perfect length and featured a crafted one shoulder cut. The ribbon around the waist and ruffle on the top and bottom completed the faultless look.

Kelly Osbourne Photo Credit

The Academy Awards sparked the attention as both Rhea Durham and Camila Alves took the red carpet. Durham’s outfit had the perfect amount of solid color combined with the alluring printed pattern. The crimson red really stood out against the beige and black. Alves’ dress was floor length and had a gapingly low neckline. The dress was form fitting at the top and then flowed at the bottom.

Rhea Durham Photo Credit

Camila Alves Photo Credit

Zoe Saldana and Kate Holmes went for unique twists on their ensembles at the Video Music Awards. Saldana wore a dress made from varying textures and the top had a shockingly low neckline and the bottom was plain black. Katie Holmes matched her dress with tan booties that added a different statement to her outfit.

Zoe Saldana Photo Credit

Katie Holmes Photo Credit

Aubrey Plaza and Aimee Teegarden went for a chic, glamorous look at the Emmys. Plaza’s dress was long and the top was looser and the bottom was more form fitting until the dramatic sweep across the floor. Teegarden’s dress was one-shoulder and was shorter in the front than in the back, creating a theatrical effect.

Aubrey Plaza Photo Credit

Aimee Teegarden Photo Credit

Shakira and Pablo Alboran dressed their best for the Latin Grammys red carpet. Shakira’s dress had a lot of details on the top though became simpler as the dress flowed down. Alboran’s look was classic but was worn well.

Shakira Photo Credit

Pablo Alboran Photo Credit

The Country Music Awards featured many celebrities though Tim McGraw and Faith Hill completely seemed to stand out. McGraw was wearing a black suit with a black shirt and a cowboy hat. The cowboy hat was a perfect touch to a sultry look. Hill wore a long, slim fitting white dress that was simple yet chic.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Photo Credit

The red carpet at the American Music Awards featured hot looks from both Selena Gomez and Jenny McCarthy. Gomez had a long dress with a low neckline and a deep slit. It featuring a great fit as well as had gaping material. McCarthy’s dress was above the knee and made from a plum toned material.

Selena Gomez Photo Credit

Jenny McCarthy Photo Credit

The looks we have seen this past year on the star-studded red carpets have certainly impressed all the fashionistas out there as well as they have served for a ton of outfit inspiration!

Cassie Castaneda

Men's Gift Guide

When it comes to men, we females all become a bit flustered- It’s just the way of life. But when it comes to exchanging gifts we become more flustered than ever. What in the world do we get our dads, our brothers, our boyfriends?! Buying gifts for the men in our lives isn’t an easy task. Men aren’t easy to figure out, but then again, are they ever?

Here’s what the results have yielded as the five most wanted gifts for the gentlemen we so dearly love:

1.     Gadgets

With gadgets we’re talking about iphones, ipad, ipods (pretty much anything apple) along with any other smart gadgets. With the busy schedules men carry in their lives, these gadgets will help alleviate some of that overwhelming stress and give them more time to show us love.

2.     Sports Game Tickets

Okay, we’re talking about men now. What man on this God’s green earth would not love this gift? You can’t go wrong here. And if he’s the one percent that doesn’t watch sport, then forget about the tickets and give him a good book.

3.     New Kicks

As women are so particular with our handbags, men are the same with their footwear; whether it is with their sneakers or with their loafers. There are a few things men care about when it comes to appearance, and footwear is definitely one of them.

4.    Gift Cards

So this one isn’t going to touch their heart like a hand made card would have but gift cards never fails to disappoint. If he likes music, get him an itunes giftcard, if he’s a foodie get him a free meal at his favorite itailan joint…etc etc.. 

5.     Video Games

Lastly, men love their video games. Especially with Modern Warfare just hitting the shelves, your brother or boyfriend will love you…or dad, if he’s into that stuff.

At the end of the day though, you know your man best. Have fun with it and happy holidays!

Nathalie Anaya
Photoset courtesy of Polyvore

Whitney Port speaks to students at Arizona State

Whitney Port, reality TV star from MTV The Hills and The City, came to ASU on Wednesday, November 30 to talk to students about her success in the fashion industry and provide insight on what working in this industry is really like.

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Whitney looked stunning in a Rachel Comey jacket and shirt, paired with shorts from her own Spring 2012 collection and a Lulu Frost necklace. 

When asked what designers inspire her personal style, Port said, “I’m not a label person, I just see something and I like it.”

Whitney then shared her story of success, starting from childhood to her reality TV days to becoming the fashion designer and icon that she is today.

She also emphasized her passion for giving back through a video of her trip to Liberia, where she partnered with Face Africa, an organization that seeks to empower local women by teaching them to sew and produce garments for American retailers. 

“I think charity is a really important aspect of what we do,” Port said.

After the video, Port encouraged a question and answer period. Students’ questions ranged from life as a reality star to her beauty regimen but most were interested in what advice Port could provide for those looking to break into the fashion industry.

Whitney repeatedly emphasized the importance of internships that could connect you to the people you needed to know. Giving examples from her internship days at Women’s Wear Daily and Kelly Cutrone, she encourages students to take risks and never give up. 

“Your goals CAN become a reality!” Port said.

Port doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. Fueled with enthusiasm and positive feedback from her fans, her future plans include getting her clothing line into a department store and starting a jewelry line.

Whitney Port acknowledged that although she didn’t have the typical experience breaking into the industry, her knowledge and experience gained could provide insight, as well as inspiration, for any college student looking to start their own company in the fashion industry.

Lindsay Viker