Designer Spotlight Week # 1

Bonnie Young is certainly a force to be reckoned with and a fashion powerhouse!  As an American designer best known for her unique philosophy and artistic spin, Bonnie Young's creations reflect glamour in every way, while infusing artistic and soulful undertones.  With over sixteen years of experience serving as the Senior Creative Director of the Donna Karan Collection, Bonnie Young was more than ready to take the plunge and start her own brand in 2006, and has since given new meaning and possibilities to children's luxury and couture.  With her first freestanding store in Aspen, Colorado, in addition to countless honors in top international publications, websites, as well as television appearances, Bonnie Young has been able to build quite the empire; gaining footprint in the women's fashion space with her first women's couture and ready-to-wear lines making their debut in 2013.  In addition to being a designing genius, Bonnie Young's impressive accomplishments extend into her humanitarian efforts, particularly, with the founding of "Fashion Fights for Children's Rights," an initiative which seeks to align her brand with countless children's charities.

For more on Bonnie Young, including access to her latest look books and much more, please visit bonnieyoung.com.

  

Product Applause Of The Week # 1:

Handbag Shaped Soft Cover Case For iPhone 5

When I first introduced my latest purchase to my family, the show and tell experience was immediately met with laughter and skepticism, followed by an instantly apologetic "That is actually a great concept!"  What could have possibly spawned such a whirlwind of reactions you might ask?  Why none other than a PHONE PURSE of course!

As females, we rarely have pockets, and when we do, the last thing we are looking to do is put things in them.  The PHONE PURSE is a fantastic solution to remaining hands free whether in the office or on the go.  Too often we find ourselves in a bind where we don't want to be lugging a purse around and yet we don't have anywhere to put our phone.  The PHONE PURSE remedies all of those worries because the product's sleek design is not only trendy and stylish, but functional too, providing the ability to loop the chain around your wrist at a moment's notice.

What's even better are the endless styles, colors, and designs to choose from.  Check out the sites below and order your PHONE PURSE today!!!

AMAZON  http://www.amazon.com/Pink-Handbag-Shaped-Cover-iPhone/dp/B009AVWEA4

FOCALPRICE  http://www.focalprice.com/IP3569P/Silicone_Handbag_Shaped_Floral_Protective_Case_for_iPhone_5_Pink.html

PURSECASE  http://pursecase.com/products/pursecase-pink-iphone-5-5s-5c

QVC  http://www.qvc.com/Pursecase-Smartphone-Case-With-Storage-By-Lori-Greiner.product.H202128.html

ROLF BLEU  http://www.rolfbleu.com/shop/avana-iphone-5-casepurse-in-hot-pink/

SHOP STYLE BY POPSUGAR  http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=cell+phone+purse


I would love to hear from you!  Comment below or send me an email at 50shadesofpinkandglitter@gmail.com.

Marilyn Monroe for Chanel No. 5

Fashion Marketing Campaign: Marilyn Monroe for Chanel No. 5

Coco Chanel needs no introduction.  Simply hearing the word “Chanel,” brings along with it countless implications, the most prominent and glaring being; perfection.  Not perfection in the classical sense, because as we are constantly reminded time and time again, no one thing is perfect, but perfection exuded by the standards of timelessly relevant, classy, and sexy in the most sophisticated and elegant ways imaginable.  The launch of the fashion marketing campaign of Marilyn Monroe for Chanel No. 5 is the epitome of two powerhouses; a legendary designer and the ultimate sex symbol coming together to form a perfect union; a marriage made official not by the exchanging of rings, but by Chanel No. 5.

Celebrities are time and time again chosen to endorse products because their public lives play a pertinent role in trendsetting.  Not to mention, what more is to be desired when one has money and fame?  The rich and famous form an elite social circle that the rest of the world admires and desires to be like.  The fascination with emulating the “it” crowd provided celebrities with the opportunity to shed light on new products, as well as light a fire under existing products.  Arguably, the success with celebrity endorsed marketing campaigns in beauty, cosmetics, and beyond, has been due to the silent yet powerful takeaway messaging, self-imposed in the form of an “if” statement.  The conclusion is always the same, “if I use product X, then I will be Y,” where “Y” could represent a particular person, being skinnier, more beautiful, sexier, etc.  In the case of Marilyn Monroe for Chanel No. 5, Marilyn gave new meaning to celebrity endorsed market campaigns, and was single-handedly able to establish an unmatchable frenzy over a classic perfume, thereby taking its popularity to new heights.

Marilyn Monroe had a sensational following.  As a sex symbol and icon, everyone wanted a piece of her.  Men wanted Marilyn, and women wanted to be her.  The image of Marilyn in her bedroom suggestively and seductively posing with Chanel No. 5, left viewers wondering is she dressing or undressing?  An answer to the question was not necessary as viewers could not take their eyes off of her and were entranced.  Now more than ever the world wanted their piece of Marilyn, and that piece came in the form of a perfume bottle titled, Chanel No. 5.  For men, this perfume provided a real-life, tangible association, where they could feel as though the sex-symbol herself were before them.  Additionally, the perfume allowed women to channel their innermost Marilyn, exuding confidence, and seducing those around them.

The fashion marketing campaign was so successful in fact, that Marilyn and the perfume eventually became synonymous with one another; arguably the fault of Marilyn.  By simply being herself and living her life in the public eye, the world realized that Chanel No. 5 was in all actuality, a part of her everyday life.  In photo shoots, Chanel No. 5 would consistently be included in the frame with Marilyn, whether as a prop in her hand, on a nightstand, etc.  The perfume’s most famous incorporation was in Marilyn’s response to an interview question she had repeatedly avoided answering in the past.  In a candid interview, Marilyn was once again asked, “What do you wear to bed?”  Marilyn finally replied by saying, “What do I wear to bed?  Why, Chanel No. 5 of course.”  The world’s most iconic sex symbol could not have provided a more perfect answer, and even better, it was genuine.  Further clarification on Marilyn’s part showed that she didn’t want to lie, didn’t want to admit she slept in the nude, and it was the truth.  With this, demand for the perfume continued, fueled by the confirmation that Chanel No. 5 was a part of Marilyn’s daily regimen.

 

In November 2013, an updated Marilyn Monroe marketing campaign was launched for Chanel No. 5, reminding the world of the necessity it served to the icon, as well as its timelessness.  Throughout the years, other household names have endorsed the perfume, but none have been as successful as Marilyn’s campaign.  Marilyn Monroe never grew old in the public eye, so in essence her legacy is much like that of Chanel No. 5, timeless, classic, and sexy.  Coco Chanel was quoted as saying “A woman who doesn’t wear perfume has no future.”  While arguably harsh, look at all that Marilyn Monroe has achieved with Chanel No. 5 by her side.

Please reach feel free to comment below, or send me an email at 50shadesofpinkandglitter@gmail.com!!!

Are You A Greek Goddess Or An Egyptian Queen?

Are you a Greek Goddess or an Egyptian Queen?
Project Runway's Tim Gunn, author of the New York Times Bestseller, "Fashion Bible," is a driving force in the fashion space.  In his most recent publication, Gunn describes the importance of silhouette, proportion, and fit.  According to Gunn, dressing in accordance to these three elements, will undoubtedly lead to success in the dressing department.  Particularly when it comes to finding the perfect outfit for a special event, there is an important question every female should be able to answer without hesitation; "Are you a Greek Goddess or an Egyptian Queen?"  Personally, I wouldn't mind being either as long as there is a royal connotation associated with my title, however, for exercise purposes, I myself, am an Egyptian Queen.  Hopefully, through a discussion of silhouettes, proportion, and fit, including a background on the "Greek Goddess" and the "Egyptian Queen," you too will be able to classify yourself and determine which title is more fitting for you.

Silhouette
Think of a silhouette as the shape, or contour of your apparel.  Fashion history has shown that there are three basic categories of silhouettes named; (a) bell-shaped or bouffant, (b) bustle or back fullness, and (c) straight or tubular.  As an expansion, there are variations of the straight or tubular group that include; (d) slim, (e) rectangle, (f) wedge, and the ever popular (g) A-line.

Looking throughout history, there are many silhouettes representative of some of the most defining moments in fashion.  Almost immediately, when looking at the diagram above, I am reminded of Audrey Hepburn who single-handedly brought the four variations of the (c) straight or tubular category to center stage, by wearing notable dresses, like who can forget the gorgeous black number from "Breakfast At Tiffany's."  Many of Audrey's dresses resembled either a (d) slim, (e) rectangle, (f) wedge, or (g) A-line silhouette. Gaining an understanding of silhouettes and how they have transformed throughout history will allow you to enjoy vintage ware and be able to pinpoint the period the fashion the piece is from.  Additionally, knowing what silhouettes frame your body the best will allow you to be amore affective and efficient as a shopper.

For centuries, women wore corsets underneath their daily fashions.  Over time, the corset loosened until it was finally done away with in its entirety.  The loosening of the corset is thought to be tied to the liberation of women, with it at its tightest during Victorian England, and loosest during the 1920s.  During the prime of the corset, an extreme version of the (a) bell-shaped or bouffant was considered popular.  It was during this time that the shapes of this type of dress were eccentric, with the corset further dramatizing the look.  Take for example the pannier (see left), which is the French term for "basket," this style was quite popular during the late 1700s, and required that architecture evolve to fit the wide contour, thus the introduction of "French" doors, which are still popular features in structures today.  Fast forward to the 1920s and the world of fashion for women is completely different.  At this time, Chanel has introduced the world to the "Jersey" dress (see right).  Notably, the "Jersey" dress is much less structured and offers a comfortable "hanging" look, representative of the (e) rectangle silhouette.  For women, the greatest strides in contour occurred during periods of war, where women were forced to adapt and join the workforce.  Between serving as the head of the household, and simultaneously performing domestic duties, women needed fashions that allowed for free, easy movement, and Chanel's "Jersey" dress was the perfect solution.

Proportion
This topic is a challenging one because it is extremely subjective, as much of the discussion is centered around the fact that not every style out there can be worn by everyone.  Proportion is a very different conversation from how an outfit fits.  Think back to the days of the "mini skirt" and the "micro-mini skirt," clearly aside from the obvious, there were so many things wrong with that style, but for the sake of making a point, this look simply cannot be worn by everyone.  On a similar note, "Daisy Dukes" as they are referred to, also cannot be worn by all.  But just as extreme short styles can't be worn by all, various longer looks are challenging for some too.  Knowing your body and what styles are most flattering on you will keep you balanced and in stride.

For me personally, despite the fact that I am tall with long legs, there are many styles that just don't work.  From a silhouette standpoint, my most flattering silhouettes are (d) slim, and (g) A-line.  The (e) rectangle drowns me out, with the boxier look making me appear bigger than I am.  A successful silhouette for my body type is one that hugs my waist to show my curves and does not drown me out.  Typically, the (e) rectangle is ideal for very slim individuals because it will create the appearance of curves, but if you already have curves, the look is simply put, a DISASTER!  When it comes to styles that don't work on me, long skirts are simply too much fabric with not enough leg showing.  The best styles of skirts for my frame are (g) A-line's that stop either at the knee or just above the knee.  I have similar challenges with dresses, where a hem that ends mid-calf simply won't work, even if the silhouette of the dress is an (g) A-line, which I have already determined is a flattering silhouette for my body type.  Simply having a dress stop mid-calf makes my legs look stumpy and disproportionate in contrast to my torso.

The best advice I can give when it comes to proportion, is know your body.  Don't focus on the styles that aren't flattering for you, because who cares, fashion is so dynamic that new concepts are constantly being introduced.  Instead, on the positives, particularly the styles that best accentuate your already wonderful features.  Remind yourself that just because a fad is a fad does not mean you need to be a part of it if it doesn't work on you.  Fads are what they are because almost as soon as they made their entrance, they are on their way out the door.  Beyoncé is a prime example of a celebrity who knows how to dress to accentuate her curves, and knows exactly what styles work for her and makes it a point to play up those looks.  Beyoncé simply won't wear styles she knows she can't pull off.  Trying to force a look that just simply is not right for you is never worth it.  The beauty of fashion is it is an art, and there are endless possibilities and variations to be enjoyed!

Fit
Determining your size and the appropriate fit for your clothes is the last piece of the puzzle, once you have determined what silhouettes and proportions are most flattering for your figure.  Whenever there is a discussion of fit as it relates to fashion, we all want to run for the hills and just avoid the topic in its entirety because particularly for women, a discussion on fit or size is like being asked how much you weigh.  In the fashion space, sizes and how those sizes fit are as inconsistent as the weatherman at predicting the severity of a winter storm.  A size six in one designer might fit like a size four in another designer or even a size eight at another.  With society's overbearing pressure to remain thin and shoot to be as tiny as possible, it is no wonder women struggle with fit and making sure we are wearing the correct sizes.  I often wonder if the numerical sizes and the XS, S, M, L, and XL were replaced with a more neutralizing system like symbols or shapes, if women would feel more confident when shopping and more apt to purchase the correct size.  Think about it, if I were to say I am a size "heart," for example, and my friend were to say she is a "square," it is a lot more work from a psychological standpoint to relatively compare each other's sizes.  If anything when you would hear about a size based off of shapes, you would just say ok great, and move on.  The shapes would take away the instantaneous ranking that occurs when we are looking at the size of clothes when shopping.  Once the clothes are on and we are going about our day, who cares, no one is wondering what size you are, at that point people are just thinking about how great you look!

Nevertheless, fit truly can make or break an outfit.  Simply by being too big or too small, can take a styled look from chic to EEK!.  There is a perpetual tendency to drop down a size simply to avoid reading the dreaded words of what it should be.  While the saying "bigger is better" is true for most things in life, fashion is the one area where acceptance of this phrase is challenging, and we seem to strive for smaller rather than what makes sense or works for each of us as individuals.  Inevitably, if you are an x-large you want to be a large, if you are a large you want to be a medium, if you are a medium you want to be a small, and even those that are small still want to be an x-small.  Next time you are shopping and you think about buying a size down, hold up the size you know you are, and the size lower you are toying with and take notice of how marginal the difference is between the two.  The point here is, the difference between the two sizes is negligible, so go with what looks best because while the difference between the two sizes is minimal, from a fit perspective, the additional fabric can completely make all of the difference.

The best way to combat the temptation to purchase the wrong size, is to go shopping with a friend that you know you can trust to be honest (in the nicest way) about how you look in the outfits you try on.  For me, my mom is my go to when it comes to shopping because she is always spot on and is not afraid to tell it like it is.  While it stinks when I thought an outfit would work and she has to bring me back to reality, the moments when she likes something I've tried on is priceless.  Not only will my mom provide endless complements (talk about an ego boost), but she will retell how amazing an outfit was to family and friends for days.  What is also amazing about my mom is she will never let me make a mediocre purchase which is great because really you only want amazing options in your closet.  Don't you hate when you flip through your closet and you remark how you have nothing to wear?  Stop making mediocre purchases and you won't have that problem!


What makes a Greek Goddess?
A Greek Goddess, or Helen, as it is referred to by Tim Gunn, is inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman times.  It is a style of dress that is best described by the attributes; Goddess-like flowy, hippie, wrap, and free.  Those that are Greek Goddesses typically prefer dresses that have a natural flow to them, and might wrap around the body. with either a belt or sash holding the ensemble together.  Tim Gunn's refererence to "Helen" is because in 1200 BC, Helen was considered the most beautiful woman of her time in Greece, and men were constantly fighting for her love.  In Greek mythology,  while Helen was married to the King of Sparta, Aphrodite, the goddess of love, promised Helen to the Prince of Troy.  Helen and the Prince of Troy ran off together which spawned the beginning of the Trojan Wars.  The origination of this look alone  shows
how powerful and seducing it can be when worn correctly.

Like anything, the Goddess look can be a disaster if the dress is not made with the proper fabric, and if the cut is not flattering.  Take a maxi-dress for instance, the way a dress of this type from Wal-Mart will fit is very different than how this same style dress will fit from Ann Taylor Loft.  The fabric and textiles used to make the Wal-Mart's version of the maxi-dress is potentially stiffer with a cut that can hopefully capture all sizes on the spectrum with only XS, S, M, L, and XL available.  The result, is that the maxi--dress boxy and stiff, making it look like there is too much fabric since the essence of movement is not there.  The Ann Taylor Loft version of the maxi-dress will differ in terms of textiles and fabrics, cut, and stitching.  The cut will be more flattering in comparison because the synch at the waste will occur at the ideal spot and wont hinder the fabrics ability to move and be free-flowing.  When it comes to the Greek Goddess look, it is best to not skimp on production quality, especially when the look is done properly you are definitely a sure fire knockout!

Typically, as Tim Gunn describes, those that are Greek Goddesses (Helens), prefer the "draped" look, and have the best luck with silohouettes from ancient Greece, the French Revolution, as well as American vintage from the 1920s and 1960s. 

Examples of current Greek Goddesses are Jennifer Lopez, Lupita Nyong'o, and Hannah Simone.

What makes an Egyptian Queen?

An Egyptian Queen, or Cleopatra, as Tim Gunn refers to it, is representative of a more form-fitting dress that can be characterized as sewn, structured, fitted, cinched, and corseted.  Those that are Egyptian Queens typically prefer dresses that have a more defining structure which hugs their frame.  Similarly to Jennifer Lawrence's look for the 2014 Academy Awards, her dress has a corseted-style top, and structure continuing throughout, which compared to the Greek Goddess style, is the complete opposite.  Tim Gunn refers to the Egyptian Queen style of dress as Cleopatra because during her rule, epitomized seduction and structure.  In 51 BC, seventeen year old Cleopatra began her reign as the queen of Egypt.  With the threat of Rome assuming control of her empire, Cleopatra resorted to using her beauty and power to negotiate with both Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony, along with the aid of a form-fitting and tailored wardrobe.


Egyptian Queen style dresses, as was previously described, are more defined structurally and tailored to accentuate the curves natural curves of the body.  Generally speaking, shoppers can have success shopping for this particular style at all price points.  From both a fabric and textile perspective, the quality and sustainability of materials used are relatively standard, particularly in the Ready-to-Wear (RTW) lines.  I personally have dresses of this type in my closet from a variety of retail stores including; Century 21, Express, Forever 21, H&M, Nordstrom, The Limited, and beyond.

Typically, as Tim Gunn describes, those that are Egyptian Queens (Cleopatra), prefer a much more structured look, and have the best luck with silhouettes from ancient Egypt, the French royal court, and America in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1970s.

Current examples of Egyptian Queen's are Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lawrence, and Reese Witherspoon.

So now it is time for you to decide for yourself.  Are you a Greek Goddess or an Egyptian Queen?



Bibliography:
The Dynamics Of Fashion. (2008). New York: Fairchild Books, A Division Of Conde Nast
              Publications.

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History Of Everything In Your Closet. (2012).
              New York: Gallery Books, A Division Of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Please feel free to reach out with any comments or questions by emailing me at: 50shadesofpinkandglitter@gmail.com.

Cinderella, Proof That A New Pair Of Shoes Can Change Your Life

Cinderella, proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life: All throughout my life I have stressed the importance of finding the perfect outfit for each and every thing I do because it is my firm belief that what you are wearing, and how you feel in what you are wearing, drives an undeniable level of self-confidence and inner-strength that simply cannot be achieved in any other way.  There is something to be said about being able to walk into a room full of people knowing full well that the last thing you need to worry about is your ensemble.  Particularly in situations of "firsts," we are constantly advised to "put our best foot forward."  Which, while fabulous and on point advice, is often misinterpreted, with the literal connotation often overlooked entirely.  Think for a minute about the story of Cinderella; while notably, the primary audience of this classic fairytale is young children, there are certainly takeaways and key themes to be derived from the story that individuals of all ages can benefit from.

For starters, Cinderella lived an extremely sheltered life where she was held back and shielded from the world by her step-mother and step-sisters, despite their obvious wealth, and privileged existence.  Yet, when the Prince was in search of his Princess, it wasn't the wealth or status he was drawn too, rather, it was something much more extraordinary than that.  Cinderella's portrayal of herself along with staying true to herself, allowed her to easily win the Prince's heart, and nab her happy ending.

Leading up to the Prince's ball, Cinderella was well aware that she had one chance to make an everlasting first impression on the Prince.  As a result, it was not enough for Cinderella to simply put her "best foot forward," but instead, required the perfect shoe, which of course turned out to be a pair of glass slippers.

There are many parallels that can be drawn between Cinderella's preparations with her Fairy-Godmother for the ball, and that of a job interview, for example.  Cinderella's Fairy-Godmother is much like the network of connections from both a social and professional standpoint, and the ball itself, can be thought of as the job interview itself.  Between the advice of Cinderella's Fairy-Godmother, her show-stopping ensemble, and Cinderella's ability to be poised to let her personality and endearing qualities shine through, the Prince's choice for a future bride was a no brainer.  Blame it on the glass slippers for sure!

Society is inevitable going to draw an initial judgment off of the first thing they see, so with that comes an immense amount of pressure.  But just think, channeling your inner-style sense will alleviate all of that stress allowing you to focus on the next hurtle which will be even easier now that your confidence is at an all-time-high.  Think of the intimidation and sense of awe that filled the ballroom when Cinderella showed up sparkling in a breath-taking ensemble.  The "WOW" factor put all eyes on Cinderella, most importantly the Prince's, which allowed her to let her true colors shine through and immediately get noticed.  Cinderella was able to perform at her best because her outfit was able to inject her with a confidence that was able to outweigh any nerves or insecurities that existed inside.  To the Prince, it didn't matter how much money Cinderella had or didn't have, where she went to school, how many trophies she had at home, or anything else of the sort.  What mattered, was that Cinderella was able to stand out by looking her best, by being  herself, and not conforming to what society and the rest of the attendees at the ball, thought the Prince was looking for in "The One."

At the end of the day, Steve Martin's words of wisdom drive home the point best that you want to, "Be so good that they can't ignore you!"  Cinderella's happy ending is symbolic of going after and achieving what you want in life while simultaneously staying true to yourself.  It's not about trying to be status quo, but rather, about embracing who you are and marketing the truest part of yourself to the world, beginning most importantly, with your style sense.  The same way a picture says a thousand words, so too does the perfect outfit.  Coco Chanel said it best, "In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."  Being anything but yourself is an act that will take a lot of work to keep up with, and certainly a role not worth playing.  Everyone should have the leading role of their own life, which of course starts with dressing to look the part.  And remember, the next time you think about whether or not it makes sense to purchase those Christian Louboutin's, remember Cinderella because she really is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life forever!