Ready for spring : Parisian Street Syle

In Fashion Biz News: American Apparel Continues to Tread on Thin Ice, J.Crew’s Investors Want More, More, More

It was a big day for fashionable retailers.

First up: American Apparel. Yesterday was the controversial and struggling company’s last day to prove that they are in a good enough financial position to pay off their $125 million and growing debt.

Obviously, they’re not. But the company was luckily able to strike a deal with its lenders to avoid default today. Dov Charney’s baby now has 10 more days of breathing room to hopefully negotiate a permanent waiver.

In other fashion retail news, J.Crew Group Inc. shareholders, who sued the company over the proposed takeover by TPG Capital and Leonard Green & Partners, are backing out of a $10 million settlement deal from the brand. J.Crew continues its plans to hold a shareholders vote on the deal in March.

Kate Spade's Love Letter, Gossip Girl Takes on the Fashion Industry, and Shopping with Kendall and Kylie Jenner

Charm school: Fall in love with Kate Spade's new video short by Kinga Burza. [Kate Spade]

Fact or Fiction? Fashionista goes to town on Gossip Girl's portrayal of a fashion industry internship. [Fashionista]

I Love Your Style author Amanda Brooks takes on retail as Barney's new Fashion Director. [Refinery29]

Rihanna's new color-packed music video is an instant afternoon pick-me-up. [Teen]

Looks like Kendall and Kylie Jenner share their older sis's passion for fashion--and shopping! [Just Jared Jr]

Get more fashion news from around the Web >>

Prada SS2011 Campaign

Fun, Fun, Prada, Fun

Found whilst perusing the wonderful Style Crusader and after watching, I’m feeling strangely giggly. Ready for a weekend away, and in a mood to pack all things bright (given that I own little matching that description this could be harder than I anticipated). Also in a mood to throw some crazy shapes dancing around my room safe in the knowledge that it’s not going to turn up in an ad campaign. Also rather interesting is the ‘making of’ video.

I can’t pretend like it’s got much to do with covering up but lets just take it as some inspiration for a weekend of fun, dress-wise and otherwise.

Closet Copycat: Irina Lazareanu

Romanian-born Canadian model, Irina Lazareanu, may have Kate Moss to thank for the huge spike in her career, however she is one who is not content to ride on coat-tails. With her lanky grace and sartorial stylishness, Irina carves herself a spot in the international fashion eye and today, we emulate her style of boyish-chic.

Born in 1982, Irina Lazareanu never intended to take up modeling, but a broken knee ended her dreams of studying to be a ballerina. At age 17, she attended a modeling open call in Montreal, which paved her way to international exposure, walking at multiple fashion weeks across the world.

It was when Kate Moss chose to feature Lazareanu in her specially guest-edited edition of Vogue Paris that her fame escalated. The two have actually been friends for a while given their shared dating history that includes musician Pete Doherty. Both girls were engaged to Pete Doherty at some point in their life, though thankfully there was little to no heartache turmoil that followed the breakup.

Since her jump in fame, Lazareanu has proven to be a firm favourite with acclaimed designers, walking for Karl Lagerfeld on the Chanel runway.

With her signature sense of bohemian boyish-chic, Lazareanu also counts herself as a style icon to many. Piled-on layers and vintage finds are some of the trademarks while Lazareanu navigate the dichotomy of androgynous dressing.

The model is currently exploring other endeavours - she will launch her debut album with Sean Lennon soon and she also has a clothing line, Rini by Irina, in the works too.

To steal her style, here are two looks that we put under the spotlight. They contain her signature of comfortable, casual cool, which can be easily achieved through the use of slouchy clothes and a structured blazer.

A. Structured Shoulder Blazer, Boogey-Boogey, RM42
B. Cole Hann Village Pocket Tote, I Want Bags, RM975
C. Ruffle Hem Dress, thepoplook, RM59
D. Dr. Martens, Tres Tresors, RM350
E. Sparrow Splendour, Miss OCD in Shopping, RM50
F. Tunic Dress, Flaunts, RM38

A. Structured Shoulder Blazer, Boogey-Boogey, RM42
B. Shirt, Zara, RM119.90
C. Double Buckle Belt, thepoplook, RM25
D. Chimpantsy, Miss OCD in Shopping, RM58
E. Very Awesome Pants, Miss OCD in Shopping, RM55
F. Balmain-esque Zipper Boots, Tres Tresors, RM190

[Image credit: zimbio.com, sarahmendohlson.blogspot.com, stylefrizz.com, pigtailsrock.blogspot.com, refinery29.com, hotelfashionland.com, anothermag.com,

thanks to : http://www.tonguechic.com/

Closet Copycat: Liu Wen

Having been recently appointed as one of the new faces of Estee Lauder together with Constance Jablonski and making history as the first Chinese face for the brand, Liu Wen seems to be successfully climbing the ranks in the global modeling industry. Not only does she have a fierce walk, she also has a mean sense of style.

At the MET Ball 2010 with Constance Jablonski

The statuesque Chinese beauty has been making waves in the past months with her strong showing at fashion weeks around the world, walking for approximately 70 different labels this Spring/Summer 2010 season. Liu Wen's even climbed in ranking at the industry website Models.com chart of the Top 50 models, coming in at a very respectable number eleven. Rather impressive given her initial dream of working as a tour guide in China!

Christian Dior

Madewell

L'Officiel China

With her dimples and high cheekbones as her best accessory, Liu Wen rocks a style that can best be described as layered-up street chic. Her lanky self is often tucked into leather boots, be it vintage studded or Dr. Martens.

She's not one to shy away from colours, though she never lets wild prints and bright colours overpower her frame. Liu Wen's signature piece of closet item would be a blazer which she wears to utmost perfection. She shows how a simple outfit can be dressed up with an additional layer of cool.

To steal her style, we used one blazer from Gossips Boutique and worked it to deliver two looks - one slightly formal and the other oozing with street chic.

A. Andy Denim Studded Shirt, Stylesofia, USD$27
B. Padded Strong Shoulder Blazer, Gossips Boutique, RM89
C. Fitted Shirt, Oh Dearie Me, RM45
D. Skinny Slacks, Flaunts, RM42
E. EUG 028, It Is My Fashion, My Style, My Heels, RM140
F. Cardigan + Stripes, Oh Dearie Me, RM40

A. Navy Pocket Drape Vest, Dorothy Perkins, £10.00
B. Padded Strong Shoulder Blazer, Gossips Boutique, RM89
C. Lady Spots (Thick Cotton Legging), Black Milk Project, price not stated
D. The Chuck - Sleeky, Tres Tresors, RM320
E. Dr. Martens, Tres Tresors, RM340
F. Leopard Print Leggings, Topshop, £22.00

If we are to take away anything from observing Liu Wen's style is to always have fun with clothing, pairing unlikely prints together with each other for an unexpected colourful effect. Also one must never underestimate the power of a good blazer and boot combo!

What is your favourite aspect about Liu Wen's style?

[Image source: thefashionspot]

thanks to : http://www.tonguechic.com/

Closet copycat : Zoe Kravitz

She calls rock music icon, Lenny Kravitz, "father" and counts Carrie Bradshaw and Jimi Hendrix as her style icons. With such an impressive rock-and-roll upbringing, it's no wonder that Zoe Kravitz boasts such an impressive and fluid sense of style. Whether it's boho babe or punk rock chick, Kravitz works each look to her patented sense of comfy perfection.

Many might point their fingers at Kravitz's parents (actress Lisa Bonet makes up the other half of her parental unit) and chant angry whispers of nepotism, but the fact of the matter is that while they may play a part in casting Kravitz in the spotlight, it's not the reason why she continues to stay on in the limelight.

With father, Lenny Kravitz

As the face of Vera Wang's Princess fragrance

The petite Kravitz has proved her acting chops in films like The Brave One against Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard and No Reservations with Catherine Zeta Jones and Aaron Eckhart. She also has four other acting roles in films and an upcoming recurring role on Californication.

Elevator Fight is the indie rock band Kravitz fronts on the side. Proving that she's a chip off the old block, she swaggers and performs in the vein of her famous father. Having performed on stage at the South by Southwest music festival, the band looks poised for a meteoric rise.

While Kravitz has her hands full with her budding career, she rocks a mean sense of style. Most of the time she subscribes to a boho-esque rocker aesthetic and her patented looks include headgear - headbands or hats, as well as fur.

She adopts a very casual approach when it comes to beauty - made-up lips, blush and mascara are her beauty go-tos even when on the red carpet. The natural beauty is reflected in her dressing, prefering fuss-free looks that exude comfort. Layering is de riguer in her daily style, whether it's apparel or jewellery.

In this look, Kravitz channels a young school girl though with a slightly edgier aspect.

A. Glitter Black Stones With Golden Edging Jacket, Miccaz, RM72
B. High Waisted Skirty Pants, Miccaz, RM54
C. Union Jack (Off-shouldered oversized tee with diamente), Black Milk Project, RM48
D. Supre Elastic High-Waisted Skirt, Yellow Cab Trappings, RM50
E. Knee High Socks, Asian Avenue Sunway Pyramid, RM8
F. Bowler Hat, Topshop, price unavailable
G. Vintage Oxford Flats, Strawberries and Tea Shoes, RM70

Kravitz contrasts a sweet floral dress with a studded belt keeping true to her rock-and-roll roots.

A. Supre Aquarelle Printed Singlet Dress, Yellow Cab Trappings, RM59
B. Plain Satin Pumps, Yunique Paradise, RM175
C. The Golden Reptile, No Plain Days, RM25
D. Tie-Dye Peeptoes, Yunique Paradise, RM175
E. Riviera, Versatile Chic, RM48

How do you feel about Zoe Kravitz's style?

[Image source: zimbio.com, thefashionspot.com, runwayhippie.com]

thanks to : http://www.tonguechic.com/

Shopia Loren

We often dub relatively new celebrities with icon-status though the ones who have been with us the longest are the ones we keep closest to our hearts, like the never-fading beauty Sophia Loren.

There are many influential fashion icons of the moment, but we bet there are very few that we will turn to for inspiration in 50 years. Genuine style icon, and talented screen legend, Sophia Loren started making movies back in the 1950’s. Since then she has gained every award worth mentioning and made a countless number of dollars. We see her as the model of classic beauty and sultry sexiness, with an unforgettable face, luscious, jaw-dropping curves and infallible style. She is truly a timeless fashion icon that will never cease to inspire.

Asia

This season, the Asian look seemed to be on every designers mind. A strange strategy one might think, now that Asia has become a huge market for fashion from all over the world, why do the western designers concentrate on the stereotypical Asian look? We’ll tell you why! The contradictions of east meets west in cuts, patterns and fabrics has brought us a whole new look - a dash of disco, some grunge and the ancient western philosophy. That Little China Girl David Bowie sings of has never been more in style!

Miu Miu Women's Tale

Zoe Cassavetes is first in line of the female filmmakers to make a videos for Miu Miu's Women Tale project. Notable filmmakers will explore the female love affair with Miu Miu, in "The Powder Room", Audrey Marnay looks lovely in Miu Miu's opening look for the season. Luckily we have it on Looklet too, for your styling pleasure.