This Little Miss Piggy Went to the Market

OPI, the infamous nail polish company, is coming out with yet another fabulous collaboration. The latest colors will bring you back to your Saturday morning cartoon days as they are based on Muppet characters. What with the release of the new Muppet movie staring Jason Seagal and Amy Adams, I think these vibrant and outrageous colors will not only suit the Muppet love in all of us, but will pair perfectly with the upcoming holidays... How many Miss Piggy's will there be for Halloween this year? And can you honestly tell me you don't want this green color for a Christmas party? Swoon!

Model Behavior

Today is model Claudia Schiffer's 41st birthday. I say we all give her a big round of applause of looking so astonishing after so many years in the industry. Not only is Miss Schiffer aging gracefully, she is also booking ad campaigns and magazine covers galore! Hello Chanel Eyewear Fall 2011 and the cover of Spanish Vogue's September Issue. Cheers to you, Claudia and happy happy birthday to one of the most fashionable women alive!

Back to School Cool

I have said for some time I am an eternal student. Although I have not taken an academic class in over four years (sweet heavens above I cannot believe I have been out of school that long!) I still believe late August/early September is a time to do some "back to school" shopping. In the days of yore my besties and I would hop into the car, travel to the closest mall with a Nordstrom and spend our hard earned summer cash. In addition to loving back to school shopping, I am also forever in student mode as I believe in revamping not only one's style and closest come Fall, but also just taking time to reflect and figure out how to move forward.

That being said, I feel like this gorgeous necklace would help me move forward. Like so far forward I may not be able to afford rent for 2 to 3 months. But goodness, wouldn't it be worth it? Look at this thing!

Lady Gaga to Create Clothing Line

So umm, yeah. You read correctly. It was reported this week that Lady Gaga is going to start a clothing line with her sister. Allegedly the idea is to "remodel the styles of classic icons from the past, for example, Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Katherine Hepburn" but with a modern touch. This coming from the woman who wore this:

I mean, I guess if she put the head dress on first she kind of did get dressed in the dark and therefore the other mistakes are justified? No. Never. Not event close. Unless the Princess of Monaco and Norma Jean wore meat dresses, Kermit the Frog stuffed animals all over their persons or walked around pantless half the time, I do not believe this line will be a reflection of them. 

Madewell

The off shoot of J.Crew (I don't know if we would officially call it that, but they are owned by the same company and have a similar vibe) just opened in San Francisco, and since I have not been able to walk a city block downtown without seeing one of their adorable blue shopping bags!

Also, pleasing to the eye? Alexa Chung's Fall line for the retailer. In keeping with her Londoner cool vibe, Alexa has once again paid homage to her homeland as well as her style. Since I am not too keen on buying things full price, here is to hoping that her collection doesn't sell out before hitting the clearance racks!

Sasha Fierce

Alright, so I know I ragged on her BFF in the last post, but Beyonce really can do no wrong. (For those who don't get the reference, I guess Chris Martin/Gwyneth and Jay Z/B hang out all the time and do things very talented people do together like go yachting and eat amazing meals.. I am not too sure what it is they do, but if I were invited, I would 100% oblige).

Anywho, InStyle did a great thing by putting B on the cover because this woman can do anything. I, for one, am constantly thinking about our (very troubled) youth and how Pop Culture influences them, and I know that they are good hands with Beyonce. Classy, talented, poised and always put together, Beyonce is someone whose life I would love to emulate. She seems to be in an insanely happy marriage, loves to spend time with family, travel the world, work out and make music that represents the essence of her. I applaud InStyle for their cover girl choice and cannot  wait to read the article!

Country Strong

So I have mixed feelings about Gwenyth. I don't know for sure but I think I covered this topic somewhere else in my blog in the previous months. I mean, I think she is alright, but I don't really think she is an alright choice for the ELLE September Issue cover. I mean, she looks great, and the cover itself is fine, but I feel like ELLE could have gone with a more "fashiony" choice, ya know? Like, I totally get she has been all over the map this year. Cook book: check. Starring in a movie with the hottest fake country singer: completed. Sing and dance on a hit TV show: done and done. Look pretty in a sparkly sheath at the Oscars: well, duh! But I feel as though someone like Rachel Zoe or Rosie Huntington-Whitely would have been better choices. Women in fashion who had spectacular years.

I don't know, call me crazy but I just feel like someone else could have graced the cover. And it could be my ambivalence towards Mrs. Chris Martin, but I do like her, I just don't love her for this cover... No? Too strong an opinion about my least favorite fashion magazine? Probably. Sigh, back to the other issues...

Battle of the British Kate's

From the Royal Wedding in April, to the wedding of Kate Moss just a month ago, Britain has been on fire with their fierce brides. I for one, am not the biggest Kate Moss fan. Call me crazy but a cocaine using model who publicly said, "nothing taste as good as skinny feels," just doesn't really resonate with me. Because do you know what does taste as good as skinny feels? A nice glass of William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon and bowl of Rigatoni a la Carlissimo from Trattoria Contadina in North Beach... But that is just my opinion.

Anyway, that being said about Kate, I do feel she is a good choice for the September Issue cover of the most coveted fashion magazine of them all. I also think it is very fitting for the spread of Miss Moss to be of her recent wedding where she looked elegant and regal in a Stella McCartney gown. I for one, am looking forward to devouring this September Issue for my flight to Southern California this weekend!

Now back to the other Kate, since I took some time off of blogging during the Royal Wedding in April, I would like to make a few comments. One, Kate Middleton is a woman I am mildly obsessed with! Her beauty is truly something to be admired and I love how simple and pulled together she always looks. Her wedding day was no exception. Two, the ow Dutchess' choice of wedding dress was not only perfect for the time period in which she got married, but also for the family she is marrying into. She is now a royal, and that dress truly separates her from the "common folk" without being to pretentious. Mighty, mighty good choice I must say. And three, thank her for wearing things more than once. I have now seen her photographed in the same green DVF dress, JBrand jeans, and Ivory coat more times than I care to remember, and I think it is humble of her to keep things simple, knowing she clearly does not live a simple life.

Come to think of it, it may be a good thing I was not blogging during the wedding. I clearly have a lot to say about Kate!

And She's Back In The Game

Well, I am so sorry for the more than 6 month blog vacay, but I am back and better than ever. What with all the September Issues hitting the news stands, I felt compelled to get back online and write about what I love: fashion! Cheers to Fall clothing, a new football season, and San Francisco's Indian Summer. All things I truly adore. XXOO

Hermes Brings Out the Big Guns

In a statement released by their legal team the French retailer said the following:

Hermes created, manufactures and sells the iconic "Birkin" handbag. Through enormous sales, publicity and media attention, the appearance of the Birkin Bag has become immediately recognizable to millions of women. Defendant is selling cotton tote bags which bear on each of their surfaces, a color photograph of the corresponding surfaces of what appears to be a Birkin Bag, Defendant is simply riding on the reputation and recognition of the Birkin Bag to sell its otherwise generic tote bags. In so doing, Defendant is creating confusion among the public and is putting Plaintiff's reputation at risk.

So the real question remains, does this $35 reusable shopping tote really confuse the public? Can some people not tell the difference between the $10-15,000 bag worn by the likes of Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie and the image above? Does this fun bag from Thursday Friday really merit a law suit? I mean, I feel like I am biased on the mater. I know I will never own a Birkin, and since this is so clearly not a knock off, I would carry it a round as way to make a high fashion statement without the price tag. I, for one, think it is a cute idea and harms no one...

Jules and Talbots

Jullieanne Moore will be even more present in fashion magazines through the Spring as photos of her Talbot's ad campaign were just released. Some people have a problem with the red head bring involved with such a commercial retailer, but others are overjoyed (and how can you not be? Look at this photo? She is making Talbot's look current for crying out loud!) I for one - as I am sure you ventured to guess - am glad she has stripped herself of Ford, Bulgari, Lanvin and the like to shoot such a classy and understated campaign. Yay to Jules and big thumbs up to whomever made this happen on the Talbot's side of things. Can we say image reversal?

Love the Way Your Dye

To all things that are holy, I pray to you in hopes this will go away very soon. While I know I cannot pull of a Fraggle Rock inspired hair do, it makes me envious to think Rhiana actually can! I am not saying this is her best look to date, but if I am being honest, she rocks it pretty hard. Especially with an all white dress and turquoise nails. Hey! Perhaps she is just being patriotic...

New Material

Macy's exclusive line Material Girl announced there was a change in their leading lady. Move over Taylor Momsen, Kelly Osbourne will now reign supreme. After a much needed makeover/physical transformation, the daughter of Ozzy is somewhat of a fashionista landing front row seats at Fashion Week and doing the red carpet for award shows on E!. What do you think of the new face of Lourdes and Madona's line? I am into it; I think Kelly has some along way and I also really like her cute British accent!

That 70's Season

Last September the 70's were all over the Fashion Weeks catwalks. Designers like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Pucci, Diane Von Furstenberg and more have embraced the past, and are recreating frocks in invigorating and unique ways. With stripes, colors, maxi dresses and more, prepare to see a blast from the past on the women in a town near you.


With this trend you can certainly say bye-bye to your skinny jeans ladies, even GAP is on board with 70's vibe! Just check out their wide leg jeans. For only $70 the hottest look of the season can be yours.


I am a print lover, so for me, I am pretty pumped about this trend. The images at the left (from top to bottom) are from Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch, and I love the comfort and easiness they give off. I don't know how well I will do with bell bottoms, but I guess there is a first time for everything!

Natalie's Big Reveal

Looking smashing as ever, Natalie Portman's new Dior ads were released today. Miss Portman will be the face of Miss Dior Cherie perfume along with other products in the company's beauty line. I don't know about you, but if I were Natalie this photo would be all I need to get back to pre-baby shape (she is expecting her first child this Spring). What with the baby, this photo and what is looking to be a huge award season for her, I would say 2011 has treated her quite well so far.

Zoe Is So Major

Rachel Zoe is a guilty pleasure of mine. I love her reality show, I love her Facebook updates, and I always find myself thinking about her clients decisions on dresses come award season. With all that being said I am so excited to fill you in on this little detail: Zoe is designing clothes! That's right, at specialty retailers (department stores have not yet picked up her line) near you, you can find her pieces ranging from $300-700.  Zoe's clothes will be more tailored than her usual boho aesthetic, and she says fans of Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg will be running to the registers to purchase.

I cannot wait to see her clothes in person! Hopefully I can have a little Zoe in my closet soon!

Target Announce's Their Latest Collaboration

Yay! I love when Target announces the new brands they are working with. This go round it is Calypso St. Barth and launches on May 1st. In addition to doing specialty clothing pieces there will also be goods for the home. Jennifer Aniston and Kate Beckinsale are fans. I mean check out J.An in the photo below! Hottie!

I wish this was one of those times where I could say, "Wow "she" looks so good in that brand... I will too!" But a las, the "she" we are speaking of in this photo is Jennifer Aniston and I will never look as good as she does in anything. Just one of those plain and simple facts of life. Moving on...

Lucky Richie

Nicole Richie looks stunning on and in the February issue of Lucky magazine (in stores or your mailbox soon). The article is as cute and appealing as this photo as it reveals Nicole's love for family and fashion. Recently married to Good Charlotte front man Joel Madden, with whom she has two children with, Nicole showcases her huge transformation from her "Simple Life" days.

With a fashion line (Winter Kate), jewelry line (House of Harlow 1960), two novels and a philanthropic organization (The Richie Madden Children's Foundation) it is surprising Nicole even found time to meet with Lucky. For those readers who pick up this issue, they will be sure glad she did squeeze in time, as she comes off just as fun and spunky as she did on reality TV.

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful, Talented, Young, Country... CoverGirl

As I rode the bus to work this morning I opened my new Lucky  magazine (with Nicole Richie on the cover looking adorable) and much to my surprise (and delight) I saw the new Taylor Swift ad campaign for CoverGirl cosmetics. Once the shock of not knowing Miss Swift was going to be the newest face to join the likes of Ellen DeGeneres and Drew Barrymore for CoverGirl settled in, I was able to focus on how fabulous she looks in these photos. I am not sure who is responsible for the images, but bravo! And I know it may seem weird for a 26 year old to love Taylor Swift, but I do. I love her music, and the way she represents herself to the public, and most importantly how she is a good role model to the younger generation. When I was 13 Britney Spears was all the rage and let's be real, no parent wanted their children looking up to her. But with Taylor, I feel like she comes across as classy, smart, outgoing and most of all insanely talented.

The Beckham's New Addition

The gorgeous Victoria and David Beckham are expecting their fourth child this year and are reportedly over the moon about the news. With three boys at home, I would love to see a little baby girl Becks. Can you imagine if Victoria started designing baby clothes? Hello chicest children in the world! Congrats to the couple!

10th Annual No Pants BART Ride

So... Living in San Francisco there are many times throughout the course of the year where one might say, "only in San Francisco!" This could be referring to the ridiculousness that is Bay to Breakers. It could be when in mid July you have to pull out your ski parka to wear to work. One might even say it when they are watching the Blue Angels fly over the Golden Gate Bridge during Fleet Week. Good, bad, ugly, unsettling... it is a phrase San Franciscan's have used.

All that being said, I pray to the dear Lord above we are able to use this phrase on Sunday when the 10th Annul "No Pants" BART ride comes to town. Yup, that's right. There have been 9 other years when a bunch of Bay Area residents have thought, "let's all get together and ride BART today with no pants." Oh yeah, they even coordinate stations and times to meet. This whole little thing is not only a fashion crisis, but a life crisis. Are these the same people who participate in Critical Mass on the last Friday of every month? I hope so. Because if there are two separate groups of people who are that bat s$%t crazy, then well folks, I am moving.

Since it is a new year and I am trying to think of a positive to every negative, I guess I will say this. "No Pants" BART ride gives your footwear a great opportunity to have a shining moment!

Swank to Host Fashion Game Show

The CW is at it again with a new yet-to-be-titled reality show hosted by none other than Academy Award winner Hillary Swank. The show, which has not yet ordered a pilot, is said to be a Fashion themed game show. Now, call me crazy but are there a few things that don't match up here? For one, Ms. Swank and The CW are an odd pair. Something tells me Hillary doesn't get pumped up to return to her DVR to watch Vampire Diaries, I could be wrong though. And then Hillary and fashion... Now don't get  me wrong, she has made some excellent red carpet choices throughout her career (the above photo didn't chose itself, I am obsessed) but I wouldn't say she is necessarily a "fashionista." I don't know though. Maybe I am being too critical because it is 12 noon on the dot and I have yet to eat lunch. Am I right? Or am I just hangry?

Blake and Karl Sitting in a Tree

So I guess January is the time designers announce the faces of their Spring ad campaigns because here I am only 6 days into this year (and decade) and I have now written about 3 "new faces" for brands. This go round, Blake Lively (AKA Sisterhood of the traveling pants and Miss Serena Van Der Woodson) will be starring in the new images for the Chanel Mademoiselle bags. Following the likes of Lilly Allen, Kate Moss and Vanessa Paradis, Karl certainly knows how to pick his leading ladies.

Following the announcement, Blake was said to be overjoyed with the honor of representing such an iconic bag and designer. I guess this means no more Dior's, Balenciaga's or Gucci's for both Blake and Serena. Hello to the Double C!

WWD Rates Quarterbacks... What?

So, I don't know if you can really read this (click to enlarge) but it is WWD's lame attempt at judging NFL quarterbacks. Now being that I love fashion and the pig skin, you would think I would be down with a chart like this... Well, I am not. Why, you ask? Because these fashion reporters have no business mixing "looks" with "skills" on the field. Now, I will hand it to them that they got the #1 quarterback (I mean if he is not the MVP this season, who will be?) in the league correct, but do you think that has anything to do with the fact he is married to a super model? Umm, more than likely.

Also, I would like to add that there is one VERY important Southern Gentleman that is not on this list: Phillip Rivers. You know, they are probably right, Rivers had his 4th consecutive year of 4,000 plus passing yards and despite numerous injuries took his team to a winning record, but no WWD knows all... Rivers has no business on their good-for-nothing list. (f there was a sarcasm font, this is when I would have used it.)

Mercy me. Leave football to the people how know it, and the fashion to the people who live for it. I just to happen to fall into both categories, so if you do re-create this God-for-saken list next season, WWD call me :)

Starbucks Gets a Makeover

To celebrate it's 40th anniversary the most recognized coffee company has changed it's look. For the 4th time in it's lifetime Starbuck's is altering the face of their cup. By dropping the text from their logo they are hoping to gain a more sophisticated look like that of Nike and Apple.

In addition to the change in image, there will be a different company in the coming months. They are hoping to put into motion a order and pay my phone application as well as offering beer and wine at night in some locations.

Look for the new mermaid this March in stores! Won't be tough, there is a Starbuck's on every corner.

Speaking of Fresh Faces

In keeping with the above post, there has been another announcement in the realm of celebrity models in fashion. Badgley Mishka has named Rumer Willis as the face of their Spring 2011 ad campaign. Designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka described her as "glamorous, youthful, and fun."

Now call me crazy, but is this really how we describe Rumer? I saw her on the globes last year, watch her in 90210 and sneak peeks of her party hopping get-ups on GoFugYourSelf and let me tell you, I think she is none of the above! I mean I guess youthful is a correct assertion seeing as she is 22 years-old. But as far as glamorous goes, ummm, not so much. Take the photo below. Do we think this screams couture? Do those insanely short shorts make you want to buy something from a designer? And my main concern, is that a cumber bun? Because sweet baby jesus if it is, Mr. Badgley and Mr. Mischka are in serious trouble.

Kate Has a New Face

No this is not about Hudson, Bosworth, or Winslet. I am talking about none other than my favorite Kate... Spade naturally. To ring in the new decade Deborah Llyod has made Bryce Dallas Howard the face of her Spring and Fall ad campaigns. This will be the first celebrity model the brand has used and I for one could not be more excited. If this photo foreshadows the collections to come, I better start pinching my pennies and save up!

Happy New Year!

Here is to a lovely, happy, healthy and fabulous 2011! Keep in touch with all the latest fashion and style news at AJsStyleBubble. Even if you don't enjoy it, know I love writing so you are doing something nice for a charity case (me).