Best stylish workout apparel of the season

It’s that time of year when the gyms are overcrowded, empty workout machines are nowhere to be found and cute guys are in plain site. It’s hard enough to keep your look up when surrounded by sweat, but fashion is taking over those bland and unflattering workout clothes and turning them into hot new workout wear to get you noticed while getting fit.

ASU freshman Sierra Oshrin uses LuLu Lemon’s clothing line for all her workout needs.

“LuLu Lemon has the best workout clothes ever! They are expensive, but last forever,” Oshrin said. “They have accessories and clothes for every type of workout activity.”

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In September 2004 Stella McCartney launched her joint venture line with Adidas. While you might not have heard about this collaboration recently, it’s worth looking into. The collection consists of clothing for every form of exercise from yoga and gym wears to skiing and hiking clothing.

Stella McCartney is quoted on the Adidas site saying, “I wanted to make sports clothes for women that didn’t look like an afterthought. The key is these clothes enhance your performance, they look good but they also do a job.”

Another great trending label for work out wear is Gap Inc.’s Athleta.  Athleta has active wear for women for every workout. With reasonable prices and a wide variety of items its no wonder that 2012 has become Athleta’s year.

They recently released their first ad campaign with the slogan “Power to the She”.

"Athleta customers want to do it all 一 they lead extremely active and busy lives," Tess Roering, Athleta's vice president of marketing and creative, said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times. "Their desire to keep reaching for more is what 'Power to the She' is all about."

So who knows, maybe all you need is a new outfit to find that little bit of motivation to look good, feel good and hit the gym!

Kathleen Etzel

Jason Wu for Target Collaboration

Get ready fashionistas, February 5 Jason Wu will be coming to a Target near you.

Yes, you heard right. Designer Jason Wu collaborated with Target for his first mass-retailer project which will offer signature Wu dresses, feminine tops, handbags and scarves for just 20-60 dollars.

Someone pinch me, this must be a dream. I, like many other college fashionistas, will finally be able to afford some Wu.  The NY based designer who designed first lady Michelle Obama’s iconic white off-the-shoulder inaugural dress has quickly become a household name, making him an easy choice for a Target collaboration.

“Jason is one of the most influential designers in the fashion industry today,” Trish Adams, senior vice president of apparel and accessories at Target, told the NY Post. “We knew that guests would love finding his chic signature style at Target. His designs are perfectly suited for a springtime collection.”

The best thing about this collection is that it will probably live in your closet longer than just a season. The collection offers classic timeless pieces that definitely don’t scream “Target”.

The collection plays on classic Wu with feminine silhouettes, sophistication and elegance, also taking inspiration from films.

“My inspiration came from the French new wave films — in particular the women who defined this movement, such as Anna Karina and Jean Seberg,” Wu, 29, told the NY Post. “I wanted the collection to have a sophisticated voice with an American sportswear spin.”

The 53 piece collection will be available online and in stores Feb. 5 but after what happened with the Missoni collection back in September, don’t delay getting your hands on some Wu.

Wu told the NY Post he was flattered by the collaboration and I know fashionistas everywhere are just as grateful and excited as he is.

Haley Buntrock

Vice President

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Rachel Zoe to launch two new lines

The Rachel Zoe Collection, which currently has shoes, bags and ready-to-wear, will have two new lines added to it in February, although designer Rachel Zoe is keeping them under wraps for now.

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“I can’t say what they are yet. I’d have to kill you if I told you,” said Zoe in an LG promotion video.

The celebrity stylist turned reality star turned fashion designer is known for her “easy glamour” and although there is no word on what she is adding to her line, most are speculating it will either be in the denim, lingerie or eyewear category.
 

“I’m on my constant mission to create a lifestyle brand,” continues Zoe in her promotional video. “I want everything to be Rachel Zoe, head to toe.”

With the addition of her two newsletters, Zoe Beautiful and AccessZOEries, some are also thinking that the designer could be launching a beauty or accessories line.

The beauty newsletter consists of basic make-up and hair tips while the accessories newsletter showcases shoes, handbags and lots of jewelry.

We all know we wouldn’t mind effortlessly glam make-up and jewels from Zoe.

Zoe’s first collection was hugely successful. Fashionistas, critics and celebrities everywhere are looking forward to the new additions to her line this February.

Haley Buntrock

Vice President

Fashion from the Golden Globes' red carpet 2012

The stars truly shined as they hit the 69^th annual Golden Globes red carpet on Jan. 15. Seeing the guests arrive at the Beverly Hilton Hotel is almost as thrilling as wondering what quips will come out of host Ricky Gervais’s mouth!

“This is always the most fun night of the year," said Stacy Keibler, girlfriend of George Clooney.

So let’s dive right in. Here are the fashion hits and misses of the most amusing night in Hollywood.

The Hits:

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Charlize Theron in Dior Couture. Theron looked stunning in this pale pink masterpiece by the French fashion house. From her jewel-encrusted Cartier headband to her strappy Givenchy heels, this elegant look was a far cry from Mavis Gary’s outlandish style in her Globe-nominated performance in “Young Adult”.

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Stacy Keibler in Valentino. George Clooney’s better half sizzled on the red carpet in this form-fitting red number. The back of the dress was just as gorgeous as the front, with an unexpected bow adding even more glamour to an already lovely look. Keibler’s gorgeous ensemble reminds the world that you don’t have to be a nominee to win the approval of fashion critics. 

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Elle Macpherson in Zac Posen. The Australian beauty resembled a real-life Barbie in this flesh-tone creation by the American designer. The tight bodice, exploding into a sea of tulle ruffles, complemented Macpherson’s physique perfectly and reminded us of why she’s still nicknamed “The Body”. 

The Misses:

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Mary J. Blige in Michael Kors. Blige’s dress was definitely a red carpet worst. While the color matched the pale pinks and blushes worn by others, the overall ensemble came off as cheap. The stretchy bodice did not flatter the singer’s figure and the feathers at the bottom seemed both out of place and a bit dirty. 

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Michelle Williams in Jason Wu. Williams’ did not impress at the awards show with this dowdy, patterned frock. The color and cut aged the “My Week With Marilyn” actress and it would have been great to see her in something more youthful and bright.

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Jessica Biel in Elie Saab. Speaking of dowdy dresses, Biel’s gown reigned supreme as the drabbest of them all on the carpet. It seems that she’s taking her newly engaged status a little too literally in this wedding dress look-a-like. Her messy tresses add more mess to this already chaotic ensemble and it’s eerily reminiscent of Sandra Bullock’s wedding dress in “The Proposal”. If only this was a joke…

Overall, it was a good night for fashion at the Globes. While some stars clearly missed the mark, the majority of attendees were right on target—a promising sign for the awards shows to come!

Ellen Kuni

Critics' Choice Awards Fashion Critique

Hollywood kicked off their 2012 award season in a big way with the Critics’ Choice Awards Jan. 12!

The star studded show, which aired on VH1, was chock-full of hilarious presenters, award surprises, snubs and some truly touching moments. But we’re here to talk about what’s on everyone’s mind: the clothes!

Stars That Shined:

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Jessica Chastain in Balenciaga: The actress told The Hollywood Reporter  “I was supposed to wear something else and it wasn't finished. This [dress] arrived today, fit perfectly and all it needed was a hem. So ten minutes before I got in the car to come here, my dress was being hemmed!” 

Well that extra rush paid off. “The Help” starlet looked absolutely radiant. The dress fit her like a glove and made great use of this season’s hot bright color trend. The bubble gum pink accented her fair skin perfectly and the slicked back hair and berry pink lips add a fun sophistication to the look.

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Michelle Williams in Chanel: Williams went classic with a contemporary twist in this Karl Lagerfeld design. The panels add a modern feel to the gown while the contrasting black and white color scheme alone with a waist cinching belt keep the look timeless and oh so elegant.

Minimal makeup and jewelry made sure all eyes were on the dress. The color palette also complimented the actresses newly ginger locks perfectly.

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George Clooney and Stacy Keibler in Armani: Talk about a two-for-one special! The Best Actor winner and his gorgeous girlfriend both stunned in Armani on the red carpet. Clooney opted for the classically chic tuxedo while his leading lady kept it simple in this figure flattering ensemble by the powerhouse designer. The pair were definitely the star couple of the night!

Stars That Didn't Rise to the Occasion:

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Elle Fanning in Rodarte: While usually and inspiration on the red carpet, the “Super 8” actress dropped the ball in this Rodarte Spring 2012 gown. The clashing sunflowers and sea foam green print dress is ill-fitting and does not flatter the young starlet. The metallic booties and laid back ‘just got out of bed’ hair were also not appropriate for an A-list awards show.

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Carrie Keagan: The host of VH1’s “Big Morning Buzz Live” clearly wanted to make a big splash on the gray carpet but her patterned, feathered frock was all wrong for this award show. The gown was simply too over-the-top and too busy. 

From the alternating skirt layers of different feathers and geometric patterns to the bodice that was clearly too big for her, it was just a lot to take in at once. On a positive note, Keagan’s simply glam hairdo and natural looking makeup were still a hit.

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Cicely Tyson: The experienced thespian took away the Best ensemble award along with her costars from the “The Help” but her ensemble is anything but award winning. From the poorly fitted blazer, to the feathered skirt, to the lace and inappropriately exposed bra top, to the hat and the over-the-top teardrop earrings, this outfit had me crying out for her stylist. 

It’s one thing to embrace the lace, feather, or menswear trends; it’s another to try to combine them all in one thrown together mess. Here’s hoping the talented star makes a better appearance at the next red carpet.

And there you have it folks, award season is officially underway! What do think of our top choices? Who were your best and worst dressed of the night?

Get ready for the next big red carpet event - The 69^th annual Golden Globe Awards airing Sunday Jan. 14 on NBC!

Vanja Veric