Men's Fashion Friday: Shaping Undershirts by Spanx

Hesitant about the idea of shaping undershirts? Don't be. Ask your lady how fabulous SPANX has worked for her when a non-surgical nip/tuck is needed. In exchange for "sucking-in", get a garment that is slick and snug (not to mention comfortable and sustainable) that will do all the sucking for you! It's time to turn your undershirt into a compression party!

Each style is packed with intense power promising all-over compression from your waist to your pecks and more. It's ergonomic structure will reduce fatigue and strain by providing lower back support which leads to improved posture. Not to mention, Spanx is known for their precision in production, resulting in long-lasting products. Every style is composed of ring-spun fabric*, has tapered shapes and is finished with flat-lock seams*. (*learn more below)

The Cotton Compression Crew Neck has a classic undershirt design. You can see how it's sleek in nature and won't show under your other clothing.

The Cotton Compression V-Neck offers another neckline option. V-necks are also a big trend this season.

Sometimes you just need a 'wife-beater'! The Cotton Compression Tank replaces the WB with high-quality aesthetics. This will last you a lot longer than a pack of ribbed-cotton tanks...

 

*Flat-Lock Seam: the fabrics are butted together at the seam and sewn so there is no seam allowance (additional fabric) inside the garment along the underside of the seam. Doing this requires a more technical and timely stitching process, which adds additional expense to the garment. The plus side is the quality of the stitch. The result is a strong seam that is flat and "padded" and merely impossible to pull apart.

*Ring-Spun Fabric: a fabric process which spins the roughness of raw cotton into soft, comfortable fibers. Fabric that is ring-spun has a slightly finer thread and is known for being more compacted which results in a higher strength fabric.

Shape Up with Zella

Need a little "umph" to keep your New Years resolution of hitting the gym exciting?  If so, Nordstroms private label activewear line, Zella, offers comfortable work-out clothes you will want to wear all day long. Maintain moisture control and comfort while looking fashionable at the gym.

Zella's Skinny Booty Pant (left) offers a lean fit with a wide waistband for ultimate comfort. A slight flare at the hem provides a great fit over your shoes.  If you prefer the tighter legging look, which is great for yoga and pilates, try the Live In Leggings (right) cut from thick and stretchy fabric. 

If you prefer capri's to keep you a little cooler at the gym, try the Live In Capri's (left) or the Skinny Boot Capri's (right). Both are constructed from comfortable fabric that works and moves with you. 

Get a feminine fit in the slimming Cherish Tank (left) with curved seams and ruching at the goreline. Tucked inside is a shelf bra equipped with removeable cups. If you are one for more coverage, the Z Tee  (right) is a great pick. Its shaped silhouette is cut from breathable fabric for extra comfort and breathability. Then, it's finished off with cap sleeves for the more conservative gym-goer.

Warm up an outdoor jog or walk with the Fresh Breeze Jacket. This lightweight, yet protective jacket, is shaped for a superior fit. The stand collar offers more structure and coverage while mesh inserts keep you cool as you work up a sweat. 

Karl Lagerfeld's "Clog Rehab"

Clogs made their first appearance when beauty and fashion wasn't even a prerequisite to stepping out in public. They were simply built to lift British pauper's from the rocky surfaces beneath their calloused feet. As time passed, clogs advanced to serve as protective platforms in hobbies and industries for gardeners, dancers, orthopedics and factory workers.  Then, more famously, clogs became Holland's staple and, to this day, they are still desired by the duchess, however, they continue to lack merit for fashion front-runners.

Clogs are perceived to be as unattractive as their name and never make the "must-have" list of shoe-collectors. However, we all know how popular Uggs became despite their disparaging absence of aesthetics. So, in an Ugg-like event, perhaps there is a chance for Revival of the Clog.

Chanel's' Carl Lagerfeld is one fashion designer who dismisses clog critics of the past.  His Spring 2010 runway show was a naughty interpretation of 'country coquettes' emerging from haystack mayhem.  Each model entered with a stagger in her step as though she tousled some trouble in the barn. (more below)

 

The infamous Chanel suit was regurgitated into skirts with thigh-high slits and mini's that might-as-well be missing, while thoughtfully paired with rustic tweeds, transparent fabrics and blouses with frothy and agitated textures.  Then, each look was meticulously finished at the feet with chunky wooden clogs adorned with studs, flowers, and suede. Mediocrity? I think not.

Nothing Lagerfeld does is without pensive thought. Each detail is conceived with crafted perfection and every show is a masterful interpretation of an idea that started off as a blueprint from his imagination. His Spring 2010 show in its entirety might be perceived as a modge-podge of manic fashion, but the show was truly a balanced rendition of time-honored classicism and modern appeal, including the risk of properly executed clogs!

So, as his muse exits the runway, you can be the judge of whether or not clogs should only be reserved for those in certain professions. Or, you can trust that if these shoes are good enough for Karl in a way that he can make a controversial collection in itself look cohesive, then you can guarantee that quick-fashion houses will follow his lead.  As a consumer critic, I anticipate his looks on the runway will look just as fabulous in my closet!

Lapin Vilardi : Bags O'Plenty

Garment bags, shoe bags, dust bags and handbags.  In all the world, the one thing women aren't short of are....bags.  Some of us enjoy these special sacks for the convenience of them, while others crave a collection simply because they are pretty and quaint (the functionality part is last in line when it comes to importance!)

I happen to be one of those girls that puts the likes of trinkets ahead of necessity so when I came across Lapin Vilardi, my heart beat a bagful! Expand your carry-all wardrobe with any bag your blissful heart desires! Products include everything from lingerie, shoe, and cosmetic bags to jet packs, bikini sacks, jewelry rolls and train cases. Each piece is dressed in feminine prints or staple solids and finished with delicate designer details!

The St. Denis Lingerie Bag (right) is one of many prints and styles in their lingerie bag collection.

Bikini bags come in exciting prints and colors. It's waterproof composition makes it easy to stash your wet suit! Plus, it's machine-washable!

On-the-go laundry bags make separating your dirty from your dainty super easy! One of my favorites is the Naras style above, made of dupioni silk exterior and with satin charmeuse lining.

Keep your shoes snug when you travel with the shoe bag. Soft cotton interior lines the bags to prevent scratches and scuffs. If your shoes leave a little dirt behind, just throw it in the wash!

 

Keep your jewelry compact and in one place with a Lapin Vilardi jewelry roll. A cute graphic or solid decorates the outside, concealing compartmentalized sections to separate and organize your jewels!

Make sure to get a sachet set to throw in your sacks for a fresh perfumed aroma! Mix one into your laundry bag to keep your dirty clothes smelling as fresh as new or, toss one into your lingerie pouch to keep them smelling romantic! Available in a variety of scents and colors.

Can't pick just one? Get the Jet Packs which include a coordinating shoe bag, lingerie bag, laundry bag and a set of sachets.

Shop the extensive collection by visiting the Lapin Vilardi Website

Stella in InStyle + Special Discount Offer!

InStyle is crazy about Stella & Dot! The Sayulita Statement Necklace landed in the March issue for Shop It styles to love! This lightweight necklace is full of texture with wood, glass and silk beads, hand-sewn Swarovski Crystals and finished off with a grosgrain ribbon. But, what's even better.....

Send me an order for the Sayulita Statement Necklace through the end of March and receive 15% off .

PLUS, receive the coordinating Summer Soiree Bracelet for FREE! That's over $55 in savings!

Place an order by emailing me at ali.callitcouture@gmail.com

Men's Fashion Friday: Stellar in Stella

It's not just Hollywood's leading ladies wearing Stella & Dot as icing to their ensemble! There are a couple men who are doing just the same and looking just as fabulous!  

Track and Field Olympian, Maurice Green, races for style with the Stella & Dot Signature Cross Necklace ($79). Intaglios (Italian wax seals) are stamped into sterling silver for an antique look.

 

Heartthrob Twighlight star, Taylor Lautner, attended a Stella & Dot show and also purchased the Signature Cross Necklace. Not to mention, he did the thoughtful boyfriend gesture and picked up an Initial Charm Necklace for his girlfriend, too!

Email me your request to order the Signature Cross Necklace at ali.callitcouture@gmail.com and receive 20% off!

Stella Sitings Coast-to-Coast

Once upon a time, Stella & Dot was discovered by celebrities like Debra Messing and Giuliana Rancic. Then, as the line became oh-so-popular in the press and other celebs saw more famous celebs wearing Stella & Dot, the people we considered leaders soon became followers! And....we can all certainly understand why!

We love her Bubbly, but when she sings her new song "Fallin For You", I can't help but think she is serenading Stella & Dot. Colbie Caillat is pictured here wearing the new Spring 2010 Byblos Necklace. 

Her scores on Idol might be tough, but from the looks of it, Kara Dioguardi took the Cascading Chain Necklace to Hollywood! 

Whether or not singer Audry O'Day saw Giuliana Rancic wearing the Sayulita Statement Necklace on E! News just two weeks after it launched, doesn't matter. What matters is that she's another celeb who craves style from Stella! 

Carrie Ann Inaba is tough on the stars when judging Dancing With The Stars. However, when it comes to style, she knows how to give a high score! Pictured here wearing the Adele Cuff in sterling silver. 

She was hot when she ate Doritos and now, Ali Landry is even hotter wearing Stella & Dot's Happy Flowers Necklace!

Shop ALL of these fabulous styles by going to www.stelladot.com/aliwright

Cool & Compact

There is nothing better than fashion that fits your on-the-go lifestyle! With a quick, yet functional fix, to any style situation, you can be compact without compromising your polished taste. Here are some fun finds to crunch any recurring crisis!   

Roll up your Footzyroll flats for any stiletto rescue!  In the unworthy event your new stiletto's might be a blister or if you're going straight from shopping to sipping cocktails with the girls, these compact and fashion-forward flats are great to stash in your satchel! You can see from the image above how easy they go from flat to fold.  Carry them in the quaint Footzyrolls bag, but bring along the stiletto sack to stash your heels in when you make the switch.

It might look like your passport, but it's actually a Passport Panty set! Passport Panties are a fun way of carrying a spare set with you when you travel. Your panties come housed in a faux-croc embossed "passport" to camouflage its contents.  Passport Panties are offered in a variety of "ER" sets. Pick your panty package with silhouettes like thongs, boyshorts and even camisoles and then pick your theme, such as the "Primping Panty" set which includes your undergarment as well as body lotion, breath mints and cleansing towelettes.

If you want to go lightweight for your night on the town,  J.Crew's Studded Card Case is an ultra sleek way to ditch your dense wallet and carry compact. The decorative studded exterior makes this more than a container for your cards!

Keep your feminine products disguised with these discrete carrying cases. Avoid secretly switching your goods from your purse to your sleeve in hopes no one catches you. Instead, take your case to the ladies lounge like you're going for a "make-up primp."  No one will ever know!

Pretty in Pink

Pink is the color with many faces. It's "sugar and spice and everything nice."  Aside from cotton candy, bubble gum and little baby girls, pink can represent a pop of fresh vibrant color, or serve as the sweeter side to your bolder reds. Paint yourself in the happiest hue of the season! 

Stella & Dot's pink Silk Base can be wrapped around your wrist or neck. Wear it alone for a splash of color or string on a collection of charms for a fresh way to wear your sentimental expressions. 

Anthropologie's Medina Poncho is a lightweight cover-up great for your spring and summer vacations or lounging around the pool. Accented with touches of shimmering gold appliques - great for the gold trend! 

The Uma Silk Wrap Necklace is oh-so-dainty! Pretty pink hues paint this silk-wrapped necklace presenting an ombre effect. Attach the fuchsia Uma Flower as shown on the model for an extra feminine touch!

This shoulder chiffon top presents a fresh pop of fuchsia. I love the delicate ruffled detailing just on one shoulder. The execution of this design presents an asymmetrical look that is well balanced.

The Priya Flower Pendant Necklace with Drops in Gold is dainty, delicate and perfectly rose-petal pink! This piece adds a great backdrop to a printed top or flowy silk blouse.

Zac Posen Launching Z Spoke

We have all heard A-List celebs answer "Zac Posen" when asked the ultimate question on the Red Carpet, "Who are you wearing?" His name might not be the average household name but he is known and he is known for his infamous Red Carpet glamour. Zac is nothing less than superb, classic and defining. 

At just 21 years of age he was littering the Red Carpet in couture gowns.  Now, at age 29, he's stepping into ready-to-wear and is preparing to launch a line at Saks Fifth Avenue under the label, Z Spoke. Posen's mentality: cocktail dresses and gowns reserve the right for a higher, more expensive price tag.  Sportswear lends itself to a more affordable retail price. So, Posen will deliver to exactly that.

Z Spoke will focus around a much anticipated sportswear line with prices starting at $78, significantly less than his haute couture prices which average a starting retail of $900 and can quickly climb to over $20,000! A collection of T's, knits, blazers, shorts and dresses will present itself in the launch.  Basic colors will be livened up with pops of retro greens and pinks.

As the consumer anxiously awaits and the press craves media coverage of this launch, Posen and his team continue to work hard for this Spring 2010 debut.  Posen stresses that this line should not be considered his 'couture looks for less.'  This is not the "little sister collection", but rather an American Sportswear line created to exist around a more subtle price point.