Talitha Getty’s Style Lives On Through Boho-Inspired Pieces

imageThe adage “live fast, die young” applies to few people quite as well as it does Talitha Getty. A victim of her own excessive lifestyle, the Dutch-descended Getty died in 1971 at age 30 of a drug overdose, yet left behind a style legacy that’s become a cultural touchstone: designers as disparate as Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Michael Kors, and Christian Dior are among the many who’ve cited Getty’s signature Marrakesh-meets-mod fashions as inspiration for various collections. Gamine, almond-eyed, and possessed of a confident style that drew on the twin influences of the Moroccan souks she frequented and the London-based Swinging ’60s crowd she ran with, Getty was immortalized in Patrick Lichfield’s iconic photograph of her and husband John Paul Getty, Jr., on the rooftop of their infamous home in Morocco dubbed “The Pleasure Palace.” The image captured not just the beautifully tragic air that surrounded the Gettys, but also Talitha’s groundbreaking boho-chic aesthetic. Flowing caftans, mounds of costume jewelry, fur-trimmed mod dresses, filmy silk scarves, and gauzy harem pants were some of the hallmarks of her repertoire but, more than that, it was her laissez-faire, creative approach to blending style genres that prompted designers like Yves Saint Laurent to declare, “When I knew Talitha Getty my vision completely changed.” Getty’s seemingly direct fashion descendants include Jade Jagger, Nicole Richie, and Kelly Killoren Bensimon, the latter having proclaimed her admiration of Getty openly. Talitha Getty’s casual-elegant style is perfect for the coming summer months, and I’ve put together a slideshow to show you how to achieve it– check it out.

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“One Life to Live” Prom Fashion Preview

imageThe hallways of Llanview High School are filled with excitement and anticipation as all the kids prepare for prom! This year’s event is not, unfortunately, entirely musical as it was a couple years back. However, we do get the Pussycat Dolls performing, so that’s some consolation. If there’s one thing we love about prom besides stolen kisses behind the bleachers, it’s gorgeous prom fashion! So we dialed up “One Life to Live” costume designer extraordinaire Susan Gammie to get some dish on what all the kids will be wearing on the big night. Susan says she’s most interested in how fashion “tells the story and how it reveals the character.” Click over to SoapNet for more style and entertainment stories!

Louis Vuitton Celebrates 3.0 Style With A Totally Monogram Tote

imageUntil June 1st, the new Totally Monogram tote will be available exclusively online at LouisVuitton.com – a chic, practical bag with comfy shoulder straps, pockets, and three sizes that are tailored for everyday city use. “We are thrilled to announce the worldwide exclusive launch of Totally Monogram on LouisVuitton.com,” adds Daniel Lalonde, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton North America. To celebrate its first ever online product launch, they are also starting to Twitter (@LouisVuitton_US), giving fans a look inside the world of LV, as well as keeping them in the know about product launches, collaborations, celeb sightings, and privileged deets from private events. “With this new presence on Twitter, we hope to provide our clientele with a unique look at all aspects of Louis Vuitton. This new forum will allow us to offer followers an exceptional experience with Louis Vuitton.” Check out Fashiontribes.com for more up-to-date fashion news and trends!

Margi Kent: “The Rock N’ Roll Doctor” Debuts Her New Collection

imageMargi Kent may not be a household name in your neighborhood just yet, unless your circle is comprised of A-list Hollywood and music personalities. Serving as a fashion designer and personal stylist for clients such as Meryl Streep, Demi Moore, Mariah Carey, Kim Cattrall, Teri Hatcher, Neil Diamond and the late Beatle George Harrison, Margi Kent is announcing her re-entry into the high-end retail market this fall. Her first collection in the late 70s brought contracts from both George Harrison and Fleetwood Mac leading to a partnership with the legendary Stevie Nicks. Kent helped define the much-imitated ethereal and romantic style of rock legend and is once again reunited with her on Fleetwood Mac’s 2009 World Tour. All her work with these rock gods led to GQ magazine naming her the “The Rock N’ Roll Doctor.” With all these celeb clients, she needed to offer them more than just the usual off-the-rack so she created one of kind pieces for her clients. Now the items once available only to the A-list are available to all of us too. The new high-end collection is comprised of daytime separates as well as some cocktail attire that stay true to her 70s and 80s rock roots. But where she really excels is in evening and bridal. Creating unique, conceptual pieces inspired by sculpture and architecture. Check out the slideshow to preview the collection.

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What To Wear: Casual First Date!

imageFirst dates are nerve-wracking in all kinds of ways. You’re stressed if the guy will like you, if your hair is going to do that weird flippy thing it sometimes does, and most importantly, if your outfit is just right. Well, have no fear, for I have developed a guide to dressing for the occasion. These outfits are perfect for casual restaurants, movies, mini golf — almost anytime! Remember to wear your most flattering jeans with this beaded tank from Banana Republic, and your outfit is sure to sparkle just as much as your eyes! Or for a cooler evening, pair this flirty ruffle wrap cardigan from Gap with white jeans or skinnies and boots for a great look! Personally, I think the best way to look cute and casually put together is by throwing on a cotton jersey dress and your favorite flats or sandals. Try this ruffle tube dress from Urban Outfitters, sure to hug your body in all the right places. Check out my slideshow for lots of casual first-date-fits!

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Enter To Win A Pair Of Shoes From PF Flyers!

imageI’ve said it time and again, but in case you didn’t know, I’m all about classics. I own them all, from dark blue straight leg jeans and white t-shirts in all cuts and styles, to, of course, canvas sneakers. While many of us may think of Converse All-Stars when it comes to canvas sneakers, there’s another name in town that has a very rich history of its own! PF Flyers first began in 1933 with the development of the Posture Foundation (now you know what the PF stands for) insole technology. Then in 1937, they started making their own shoes, many of which we still see today. In fact, they recently re-released a 1947 classic, the Sumfun tennis sneakers! Available in iconic black and natural canvas, you can wear them with a floral sundress or skinny jeans for versatile styling options. We’ve paired up (pun intended!) with PF Flyers to give away a pair of Sumfun sneakers, your choice of black or natural. Read on to see how you can win!

Anna Wintour Responds To Being Called A “Cold Bitch”

image“60 Minutes” devoted a 13-minute segment to profiling Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue, this weekend. Journalist Morley Safer described Wintour as “a name that strikes terror in some, loathing in others, and transforms some into obsequious toadies.” Not that his observation is incorrect, but, geez, what a way to introduce someone. But it didn’t stop there. If the “60 Minutes” profile didn’t have you both squealing at the high-profile cameos (Karl Lagerfeld! Andre Leon Talley!) and getting just a little bit hot under your Chanel jacket collar, maybe you’re a bigger ice queen than this supposed queen of the ice queens herself. Anna Wintour has been editor-in-chief of Vogue for 21 years. She’s an A-lister’s A-lister. She dominates the gossip pages and hosts the star-studded Met Ball every year, which most celebs would kill to attend. She makes– and breaks– careers in fashion and entertainment. Yet the question that opened her TV profile? Morley Safer of “60 Minutes” asked Anna Wintour if is a bitch. Seriously. Watch the video to see it all and head on over to The Frisky to read about their thoughts on the interview.

Influential International Style: Emma Watson

imageKnowing full-well that she could take advantage of an Invisibility Cloak at any given moment, Emma Watson’s status as a rising international style icon is even more impressive. The Harry Potter star is all grown up, and as the new face of the House of Chanel, is rumored to also be replacing Keira Knightley as the face of Burberry. How does a wizard rise to a style queen seemingly overnight? By choosing classic shapes, flattering neutrals, and always looking age appropriate. Whether it’s a risk of length or a gorgeous backless gown, there is always a little something extra to Emma Watson’s red carpet looks. Also catapulting her into success? Refusing to follow makeup trends and instead choosing flattering shimmers, and backing it all up with a classic updo or soft waves for a hairstyle. Check out my slideshow for ideas of how to Hermione-ize your wardrobe! Photo credit: PR Photos

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Hippie Headbands: Boho Chic, Or A Recipe For A Bad Hair Day?

imageI’m all about headbands. They save us from bad hair days and add a bit of preppy flair when needed. Yet there is one headband trend that has some people as divided as Red Sox and Yankees fans. That trend is the horizontal hippie headband look. We saw this trend starting last spring, and it still seems to be going strong. Repeat offenders include Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie, Whitney Port and Mischa Barton. Barton has even struck up a partnership with headband designer Stacey Lapidus, making, you guessed it… bejeweled hippie headbands. They have the unfortunate effect of making your hair look like a mushroom cap and make even the coolest hipster look they are trying too hard. Clearly, I’m not a fan, but what do you think of the hair-raising trend?

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How To Make A Bangle From A Vintage Map

imageDanielle West is a contributing member of CraftStylish, a site dedicated to do-it-yourself art and design projects. Below she shares a how-to on turning recycled maps and photos into a chic jewelry piece (and a wearable souvenir from your travels)!

I absolutely love the look of images from old encyclopedias– with a special weakness in my heart for old maps. I love everything about them– the colors, the font, the bordering– they’re just perfect! These bracelets are rad to commemorate a meaningful location, to celebrate a faraway hometown, or for the restless traveler who is always wistfully thinking about elsewhere. The way I do this may seem a little daunting, but it’s actually quite easy once you get into it. You need to cut the paper into strips or else they won’t lie flat on the domed surface of the bangle. This leaves a little overlap near the edges, which we like to refer to as “that handmade character.” First off, you’ll need: a vintage map, a blank bangle (I get mine from diybangles.com, all sorts of shapes and sizes!), scissors, a foam brush, glue, a ruler, and some clear protective coating.

Click on over to the CraftStylish blog for the complete step-by-step instructions, and other fun fashionable crafts!