Announcing PursePage.com's Passion for Fashion Giveaway!

No matter how strange or wacky a style may seem, it always seems to reincarnate sometime in the future. Who would have guessed that colored leggings, a former trend in the 80s, would become a modern fashion staple? Who could have forseen the return of the funky-patterned 60s minidress? Chanel's quilted handbags with gold-chain straps recall the years of dixieland jazz and speakeasies, and yet are some of the most coveted items in the fashion world. Styles from decades past are reappearing every year, so why buy brand-new designer imitations (now that's an oxymoron) when you can own the real thing for less?

Vintage stores, unlike malls and boutiques, have a certain aura about them. Perhaps it's the old music they play, or perhaps it's the quirky personalities of the employees. Maybe it's the exciting notion of generations of clothes coming together under one roof--or maybe it's the combination of all these things. Vintage stores are to fashionistas what coffee shops are to college students: they foster fresh fashion ideas and inspire new combinations. Why not pair this vintage minidress with my chunky amber necklace and that white floppy hat? says the seasoned vintager. Why not mix elegant with radical? and so on.

Every vintage trip I take inspires in me new ideas and provides a happy alternative to expensive designer clothes. What more could a poor, fashion-obsessed girl want?

[kitsch_k]

Blonde, beautiful and breathtaking. Barbie was my first style icon. She was everything I wanted to be as little girl. Who didn’t want her long locks, her perfect bone structure and her hot toned body? To top it all off, she had one perfect man by her side – Ken. Sometimes I realize how idealistic I was growing up, that I’d have that perfect life too with the perfect clothes and the perfect partner. If you loved Barbie that much, you’d get that disillusioned too. And then you get past six or seven years old, and you realize that Barbie is a fantasy and her world is a fairy tale that doesn’t exist in real life. And though you might not realize it at first, we real girls are much better off than Barbie. She may never grow old and have wrinkles, but just imagine just having one set of clothes and one pair of shoes forever? For us fashion followers, that will never do. I’d exchange that for Barbie’s perfection, anytime.

[angelthelson]

rafe totengco: philippines' pride

i admire rafe's designs and uniqueness. i really love his handbags, small leather goods and shoes. his styles are edgy but elegant, club-worthy but classic. his styles are always coveted by celebs such as: eva longoria, jessica alba, sandra oh, carolyn murphy, vanessa minnillo, fergie, giselle bundchen, adriana lima, paris hilton, mischa barton, kristin davis and much more. he is a true blooded filipino who moved to new york to fulfill his dreams and eversince that, he became one of the most acclaimed designers of our generation. he was recognized as a designer and also awarded as one. his awards includes:
Finalist for CFDA, Perry Ellis Accessory Design Award, in 1999
Rising Star Award,
Fashion Group International in 2000
and also as Best Accessories Designer
Accessories Council in 2001

rafe also teamed up with TARGET along with other designers. his designs as soon as it hits the stores, it was all out of stock! i was a fan of his target line too and soon will branch out to his mainline designs. i like it that his bags are not pedestrian but it is very chic and stylish. i love how his accessories are so versatile from work to weekend, to simple jeans and shirt ensemble, to clubwear then to evening wear. his bags are sophisticated and very current with the latest trends. he is creative with his work and what i like about it is that he has his own sense of style and he wants to deliver individuality with his bags and accessories. i sure know that rafe will make more waves and will remain as one of the best in the industry for he is talented and passionate with designing.

[KylesArmyWife]

In just about every current magazine issue the latest trend is thick, chunky plastic jewelry. I don't understand it & find it distasteful.

When I think of thick plastic jewelry, I remember my childhood days and getting plastic jewelry from the 25cent machine at WalMart. This fashion is tacky and tasteless. Who wants to walk around looking cheap? In my opinion, little kids should be wearing it; Not adults.

This is one trend I will not give in to.

[CinderellaGirl]

A Fairytale Ending…

Stepmother: Well, Cinderella, I see no reason why you can’t go to the ball…if you get all your work done…
Cinderella: Oh, I will.
Stepmother: And, if you can find something suitable to wear.
Cinderella: I'm sure I can. Oh, thank you, Stepmother.

Stepsister: Mother, do you realize what you've just said?
Stepmother: Of course. I said, "IF."

This excerpt from Cinderella really captures how I feel about fashion, and where I’m headed in life. I have all the skills to get the job (the prince) but I haven’t got anything to wear. It’s as if some evil stepmother is keeping the confidence out of me, it’s all just a great big ball that I’m missing. I’d be better off to just stay at home and never go out where I won’t fit in. Its not too hard to dress in west central Pennsylvania, but anywhere else, I’m just in tattered rags.

Cinderella: Oh, I wasn't... I mean, I do, but don't you think my dress...
Fairy Godmother: Yes, it's lovely, dear, lov... Good Heavens, child! You can't go in that.



And by the powers of her magic wand she dresses Cinderella for the ball, supplying the last thing needed for her to live a dream. As a college student, I have no money for clothes, no money to dress the part. I’ll be heading to the ball soon, and when I get there, introduce myself and try to get that job, it sure would be nice to have a little glass slipper, to be that mystery girl that wows them all. To me, even just one designer piece would be magic enough. All I need for my fairytale ending is a fairy godmother.



Ref:
Cinderella. Dir. Clyde Geronimi and Wilfred Jackson. Perf. Ilene Woods. Disney, 1950.

[Marco]

Hi everyone,
Wow, there are some really good entries so far!


I just took some new pictures of the Coach bags we’re giving away in our Passion for Fashion Giveaway and wanted to show them so you get another look


First prize is this brand new Coach Carly bag in Chambray


Second prize is this brand newCoach Signature Stripe Top Handle Pouch


Third prize is this brand newCoach Soho Signature Wristlet

Thanks, and good luck!

[kitsch_k]

As a young girl in the 1990s, I used to obsess over Kate Moss, Helena Christensen, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Bridget Hall, and the rest of the original supermodels. I was still around thirteen then so my magazine collection was still limited to YM and Seventeen. I had no access to Vogue yet. So I had to satisfy my craving for my favorite girls through my monthly dose of adolescent magazines. Sometimes I miss those days, when supermodels were bigger and more exciting than celebrities. Of course they also had their own scandals (who could forget Linda Evangelista’s I-don’t-get-out-of-bed-for-less-than-ten-thousand comment?), but they had a mysterious aura because even though they were all over because of their advertisements, they were never quite as overexposed, reckless or as tasteless as Paris Hilton or Britney Spears. They dated rock stars, Hollywood hotties or famous businessmen. They lived the Barbie life and fascinated us with their beauty and appeal. Somehow, I just don’t see that level of sophistication and elitism with our present day models, aside from a few stand outs like Gisele Bundchen.

[elaine130]

Hi Angel and Philippe! Fellow Filipina here born in Makati now living in Pennsylvania. Everyone - I love all of your wonderful postings (so fresh and informative - especially for an unfashionable stay-home mom like me who wears mostly sweats and jeans). Altho I was a bit dismayed to see pics of that villain, Imelda Marcos I enjoyed reading that and all other posts! Keep writing everyone! -Elaine

p.s. I read somewhere that when Marcos was overthrown and government officials interrogated his wife Imelda about all of her expensive 1,000 shoes in her closet/room, she came up with the excuse: "Oh, they're not all mine...the maids keep their shoes in here, too." Ha! We all know the maids wear chinellas (rubber flip flops) and NOT designer shoes!

[sungoddess]

What do you like about the Queen?

No, I am not talking about the Queen, starring Helen Mirren.


I am talking about British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

Personally I have always found his designs to be extravagant and quite gothic, and not quite my cup of tea. But, lately I have been admiring some of his latest designs for Fall 2007 Ready to wear collection.

What do you think is this form or fashion or both?


Just what is it that makes great fashion?

Is it striving to be unique and daring. Is it color and shape? We all have our own sense of style and that is what I love best about fashion. We change and fashion changes with us. I think originality and freshness is as much a part of style and fashion as it ever was. This is why I have grown to love the designs by Alexander McQueen for they stand out and are daring. It is the outfits we create by mixing and matching various pieces that truly make each style individual and personal.

[sungoddess]

The Faces Behind Fashion Montage.






Behind each of these faces is something that they share with all of us which is a passion for fashion. They draw us in through the medium of clothes and accessories. They are inspired by their surroundings and share their art. Clothes embody emotions real and imaginary hope, happiness, loss, and grief. What is modern, vintage, grunge, rock, punk, classic, retro, funky, and country? Yes, they are embodiments of music transform into something tangible. What is most important about these designers is not just the legacy in which they brought us but a vision for fashion, bringing different regions of the world together.

[PhilippeK]

Originally Posted by elaine130

Hi Angel and Philippe! Fellow Filipina here born in Makati now living in Pennsylvania. Everyone - I love all of your wonderful postings (so fresh and informative - especially for an unfashionable stay-home mom like me who wears mostly sweats and jeans). Altho I was a bit dismayed to see pics of that villain, Imelda Marcos I enjoyed reading that and all other posts! Keep writing everyone! -Elaine

p.s. I read somewhere that when Marcos was overthrown and government officials interrogated his wife Imelda about all of her expensive 1,000 shoes in her closet/room, she came up with the excuse: "Oh, they're not all mine...the maids keep their shoes in here, too." Ha! We all know the maids wear chinellas (rubber flip flops) and NOT designer shoes!

haha hello there elaine! its also nice to have you here.... well i dont care about here political issues. haha.. i just love to love her thats it. haha.. even if she will become the villain-est of villains, i would still love her style! haha.. mabuhay. peace out girl!

[Marines_Wife06]

"My Perfect Fairytale Wedding Dress"

Since I was a little girl I've always dreamed of my perfect wedding, and with that perfect wedding came the perfect wedding dress. I pictured a white dress with a poofy bottom like Cinderella, the perfect sequin pattern, white gloves, glass slippers, and prince charming in a blue suit waititng for me at the end of the aisle, It was every little girl's dream. As I grew older I became more interested in Fashion and began to notice that wedding dresses weren't seen as the typical "white dress" anymore, women started using dresses with colors such as pink, red, coral, rose, black and so on but I still had my same cinderella ball gown in mind, all I needed was my prince. Well the day I met my prince came sooner than expected and 9 months later I was engaged and planning my Fairytale Wedding, of course I came across all the negative aspects of getting engaged so soon and at 18 years old but i've always said that "You can't put a time on love". I went on with the planning and soon came the day I had been waiting for, when I get to look for my wedding dress, I wasn't looking for a specific designer or price, I just knew that when i tried on the Perfect Dress I would get that feeling that brings butterflies to my stomach knowing that "THIS IS THE ONE" and that I'd be wearing that when my Father Hands me to my Husband, when I go from a Teen to a Woman, and most importantly when I become a Wife. I had been to several stores and tried on various dresses and of course I liked them all but none of them gave me that feeling until one saturday morning we headed off to a few new stores and as soon as I walked in I saw a beautiful dress, it was by Allure Bridal, it was strapless, and gathered all around with the perfect sequin pattern on each gather, I knew I had to try it on and when I did, I got those butterflies I had been longing for and I knew it was the one. 4 long months went by and than came the Big Day, I woke up with the biggest glow of happiness on my face, first it was off to get my hair done, second it was my make-up, third I put on my new jewlery, my blue boy shorts, a borrowed pair of glass slippers, and old diamond ring from my aunt to incorporate the "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue", and lastly came my dress, I waited for that day for 19 years and it was finally here I felt so lucky. After that we took off to the church and it was the longest ride of my life with so many happy thoughts running through my mind I just couldn't wait to get there, as we arrived I was so excited to jump off but of course I couldn't so 20 of the longest minutes went by when they finally said "It's time" I got off the car and was accomponied by my father who was going to walk me through those doors where i'd take that long walk into marriage, standing there about to take the first step all I could think of was how my dream had finally came true, I'm in the most beautiful dress ever with my prince in his blue suit waititng to take me into his life. Ever since than I've felt like I'm living in my own Fairytale and I've been the happiest ever with my Marine and I got to wear my "Perfect Fairytale Wedding Dress".

below are some pictures of my Marine & I


I have also made up this little quote
"My Fairytale is No longer a Dream, Now that I Married My United States Marine"

I hope ya'll enjoyed my story

[PhilippeK]

wow that is so nice. Good entry. hope will come to that part.....SOON!.... thats the best part of your life, Wedding! congratulations!

[angelthelson]

Favorite Handbag

my handbag is nice and light
it is colored white
has a shiny buckles
quite roomy and wide
i call it a day clutch
also called a wristlet
i love using mine
and is necessary
for my everyday life
i will never part from it
and shall not lose it
because this bag is
my favorite handbag

[Marines_Wife06]

Originally Posted by PhilippeK

wow that is so nice. Good entry. hope will come to that part.....SOON!.... thats the best part of your life, Wedding! congratulations!

thanks so much, It's my true story and I thought it would be perfect to share for this situation

[angelthelson]

marines_wife06, wow! thats so lovely! i have yet to have my church wedding, only civil... so i am hoping to have mine real soon

[Marines_Wife06]

Originally Posted by angelthelson

marines_wife06, wow! thats so lovely! i have yet to have my church wedding, only civil... so i am hoping to have mine real soon

thanks so much, I really didn't know if anybody would like my story but 2 have so far so i'm glad. Having your church wedding will be the most amazing feeling and time ever, it's unexplainable but you'll get that feeling when it comes, if you need any help or ideas just let me know, i've planned several

[irish_clover]

These are the basics that belong in every wardrobe. THse are classics that go with everything and once you have them you can start buliding your wardrobe to add more trendy pieces. I learned this in fashion school and wanted to share it with you guys!

Every wardrobe should have these basic items in the fall and winter:

* Warm classic coat in a dark colour like grey or black. Peacoats are good. Depending on where you live a raincoat might be all you need.

* Dressy boots with a heel for days and nights out, or depending on your job, you can wear them to work too.

* Warm, flat bottom boots ( like UGGS) if you live in a cold climate. You can obviously skip this if you live somewhere like Florida.

*Jeans, get 3 or 4 pairs and vary the wash so it doesn't look like you are wearing the same pair everyday. Go for good fit and quality

*Sweaters 3or 4 sweaters in different colours. Make sure you have at least one really warm one if you live somewhere cold

* One little black dress

* One black skirt

*White button down shirt

*Black leggings

* Two or three t shirts

* A dressy top for going out. You can wear it with the jeans or black skirt




For spring and summer you should have:


* At least one pair of lighter coloured jeans ( the really dark wash denim is supposed to be for winter)

* Light coloured leggings such as white, light grey etc

* 2 pair of carpis or bermuda shorts ( or one of each is good)

*light coloured mini skirt( denim is good). How short you go is up to you, it doesn't HAVE to be a mini if you aren't comfortable in them.

* A light hoodie for casual days ( I suggest a juicy terry cloth zip up)

* A light jacket such as denim. You can dress it up or down.

* 1 pair of denim shorts

* 1 pair of cotton shorts

* 2 or 3 t- shirts
* 2 tube tops or halter tops ( I would get one of each so you have more variety)

*one dressy summer dress for going out at night

* one casual dress ( I like juicy terry cloth dresses)

* A dressy top

* A pair of dressy sandals

*Bathing suit

* A pair of flip flops

*Sunglasses

*Hat


For all seasons you should have 2-3 good fitting bras, enough underwear to last you a week, socks and of course a really great handbag that goes with everything!


PS note that you should always follow the rule " quality over quantity" when buying these basics, You don't need a million cheap pieces. these items are classic and don't go out of style so you want them to last a long time. They are what you are basing your wardrobe on, last thing you want is to look "cheap"

It is better to have a few nice items than a lot of cheap ones.

[PhilippeK]

Yes we all know about fashion and its sensibilites but what about THE place where fashionable people hangout?! hmmm... do you even know what could happen inside? being with a crowd who has passion for everything? Now, we all know how fun it is sharing thoughts with people who appreciates stuff which we love! right? thats what FLUXXE IS ALL ABOUT! misshapes misshapes misshapes! fun fun fun! dance dance dance. It is where fashionable people in the Philippines gather for music.

They have Fashion Designer who Dj's and scratches, visual artist who plays as the emcee, Lomography Experts who does the bartending and Graffiti and skateboarders who does the dancing around the ledge. They play music like scissors sisters, bjork, cocorosie, bloc party, the shins, the sound, frou frou and even Kelly Clarkson. haha.... I tell you being with the fluxxe crowd is everything. From Neon handmade colored shirts up to chanel necklaces being flaunted. Its all about everything.

We have Gian Romano. He plays as the Dj of Fluxxe. He is a fashion designer here in the Philippines. He is also a former intern of THREEASFOUR in New York

Next we have here Otto Feraren. He is 18 and a graffiti artist and a skateboarder as well. He is good in illustrating robotic figures with stencils and silkscreening.

Along with Ms. Daryl Chang the one in pink. Showing here Chanel necklace. She is a Fashion Stylist in a very prestigious Fashion Magazine here in the Philippines. She has also worked with different fashion icons around asia.




SEE?! you can have everything! with artist-like people we have here, we also have a get together session to excrete our creative juices and whatsoever. It doesnt matter who you are as long as you have passion for art and other forms of Aesthetics, we will welcome you here at Fluxxe.

Fluxxe is Located at Absinth Bar, Greenbelt 3 Mall, Makati City Philippines. We party every thursday. No exception.

For further fun fun fun visit this website. www.anothernightout.com

TA DAH!

[angelthelson]

phillippek, are you also in the pic??? i miss hanging out in greenbelt 3 and guess what? i haven't been at embassy!! LOL!

[angelthelson]

Originally Posted by Marines_Wife06

thanks so much, I really didn't know if anybody would like my story but 2 have so far so i'm glad. Having your church wedding will be the most amazing feeling and time ever, it's unexplainable but you'll get that feeling when it comes, if you need any help or ideas just let me know, i've planned several

i sure will!! thanksie!

[Katiepie]

Every girl has a fashion icon. I'm not talking about the great fashion icons of history like Audrey or Grace, but a celebrity who's incredible sense of style that we try to emulate. Don't get me wrong, I think Audrey Hepburn is the epitome of beauty- but a black dress and elbow length gloves doesn't work everywhere.
I have two celebrities whose fashion styles I absolutely love- Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman. Before you presume that I'm wearing heavy black eyeliner and arm tattoos, please note that I am talking about modern day humanitarian Angelina, not vial of blood wearing Angelina. Angelina has gone from the wild girl look to a simple and sophiticated style that exudes sex appeal. Most of Angelina's clothes come from St. John, who she is the spokesmodel for. She has a penchant for black t-shirts, skinny jeans, and big sunglasses. Natalie Portman has a similar simple and understated look. She selects strapless tea-length gowns from desginers like Chloe and Zac Posen for red carpet events, and sports down to earth Bohemian gear for a casual look. Both Natalie and Angelina have a look that doesn't seem like a stylist put it together for them.
Whenever I go shopping for a new outfit, I ask myself - Is this something Angleina or Natalie would wear? Granted I know that these ladies probably don't shop at Express like I do, but I feel like it sends me in the right direction to have an idea of the imporession I want to give when I meet people. I guess I like to think that I give the impression that I dress well but my substance is more important than fashion.
A girl's fashion icon says a lot about who they are. Someone who idolizes Sienna Miller or Kate Hudson is probably a free spirit, and fans of Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson thrive on glamour and crave attention.
Let's face it, in a world full of Britney Spears' and Paris Hilton's, celebrities rarely function as role models in the traditional sense. They are better served as muses for how we would like people to perceive us.

So, ladies, who is your fashion icon???? And more importantly, what does it say about you?

[elaine130]

And now for something a little different. I was inspired to write this by my outrageously fashionable 2 year-old daughter who loves to sing, dance and most of all play dress up. My daughter is American first and foremost, but her background is Philippine/Spanish/Mediterranean (my side) and British/Sicilian (Dad's side). Hope you enjoy it!

-Elaine



EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Off she goes
A flurry
Of tulle, ribbon and rhinestones
Carrying her pink purse stuffed with glittery glosses and a spare tiara
Plus her brother’s “lost” pet rock and beloved marbles
My olive-skinned and exotic
Princess of a daughter

Here she is
Playing
Inside her brightly colored world
Dressed in magenta, silver, emerald and gold
At once a sugarplum ballerina and an angelic diva
My unique and spectacular
Fashion plate of a daughter

Way back when
I remember
Monochrome days when a brown immigrant Filipina girl
Would place high up on royal thrones and steep pedestals
All of her pastel Barbies, malibu Skippers and peaches and cream dolls
Plus her brother’s “lost” G.I. Joe doll with the kung fu grip

There I was
Surrounded
By images of blonde, blue-eyed and fair-skinned pretty ones
I was on the outside, looking in at their exquisite world
From my own black and white reality fantasizing and wondering
What would it be like to be a princess?

Here I am
Admiring my daughter,
My real life Mediterranean Princess Jasmine and gypsy Esmeralda
Or maybe she’ll dress like a Mexican Dora the Explorer
Or a chic ebony Bratz girl
Pixie dust and a spectrum of hues color her world like an endless rainbow
She’s a dream come true,
My global beauty of a daughter.

[PhilippeK]

HEHE!! i know this would be nonsense but everyone is curious about the way i look. You may find my fashion sense weird but who cares, i just love mixing up things. I tried being different because everyone is just trying to blend with the crowd. I make myself different because i dont want to look like anybody. I started doing it fashion-like because of one unusual incident. When I was still on my simple CROWDY look, i used to love brands Giordano, Lacoste and H&M. I bought this stripe-y polo at Giordano which is some kind of a preppy shirt. It was a new arrival then. And the time I wore it in school, i was thinking "hey look at me! this is a new arrival...envy me" I was walking around the campus until someone laughed loudly looking at me. OH GOD, HOW FUNNY!!! YOU GUYS HAVE THE SAME SHIRT!!! when I looked at my back i was in big shock i wasn't expecting it until i saw the whole reflection of me. WHAAT?!! same shirt?! same pants?! same shoes but different color?! i just laughed it all out and pretended that its just a funny silly incident. Then after that, i tried wearing plain shirts with necklaces. I even wore my grandpa's vintage moccasins and my dads vintage top sider. Then everything??... history.

For some people that would wonder how i look like, this is me.

The First Picture is my recent one. This was the launching party of Philippine's Next Top Model at Embassy Bar
The second is one is from a pictorial for my friend's portfolio which features colored hand-woven bags.
Third pic is my Fluxxe picture last July 2006. I still have my short hair on me.
The fourth one is from the Halloween party of Fluxxe at Embassy Cuisine bar. I came as the depressed sailormoon with my matching Piglet headband. Therefore im SAILORPIG. hahaha



For those of you who are still afraid of being different, think twice. Youll never know? You might someday be the world's most sought after fashion icon! RIGHT? haha....

I want to tell all of you guys that if you want to be in THE SPOT, dont be such a coward on mixing up, trying up things because its fun once you tried it. And if people will ask for your outfit and criticize it, wear it again. Dont ever EVER listen to anybody when they try to discourage you, they try to bring you down because, they envy you. They do that most of the time. Believe me. If you want to play dress up with me. Then give me a message! Id be happy to help you out!

TA DAH!

xxx

philippe.

[elaine130]

You are so adorable, PhilippeK! Gutsy, original, fun and did I already say original? Cheers to you!

[PhilippeK]

Originally Posted by elaine130

You are so adorable, PhilippeK! Gutsy, original, fun and did I already say original? Cheers to you!

thanks elaine!!! thanks for appreciating my style and whatsoever. you are so adorable.! THANKS!

[angelthelson]

oh my?! are you carrying that uber-covetable mj stam? so cute!! you know what, you are exactly like my girlfriend tyn, you have the exact same taste when it comes to dressing up she's funky and unique like you

[irish_clover]

This trend is something I wear all the time. It looks good on everyone. I really like the way it shows of your figure in a subtle way. The cinching around the waist has a corset affect on most people. It makes your waist look thinner and your legs longer.
I have quite a few belts in different colors.
There are a few things to remember when wearing this trend though. Skinny belts looks best on skinny girls, and wide belts look good on just about anyone. Make sure you wear the belt around your natural wasitline. Wearing it too high in the hopes it will make your legs look super long isn't going to work and just ends up looking awkward. Wearing it too low makes your legs look really short.
You should also remember not to make the belt too tight. This can cause " love handles" and be really uncomfortable to bend over and move around in everyday ways.

I hope this trend lasts a long time, because like I said it works with pretty much everyone and makes everyone look good.
I have to admit it took awhile to really "grow" on me because I thought it was a little odd. Once I started doing it I realized how cool it is though

I highly recommend trying it if you haven't already

[angelthelson]

i am sooo into that trend too, irish_clover

[Genevieve]

I understand fashion is subjective, really I do. Can someone just please explain to me what warped sense of perception they have when they put together the ugliest purse or dress or shoes and the next thing you know, it’s the next big thing? Take for example the Prada fringe bag. Who wants a hairy leather monster on your arm? Or that new LV “Tribute” purse. Tribute to what? A garbage disposal? Because that what it looks like happened- you got your hands on a few really nice LV bags, then threw them all in a garbage disposal and voila. People, come ON. Just because you CAN do something, doesn’t mean you SHOULD! And while were on the subject, just because history repeats itself does NOT mean that fashion should. Certain mistakes we should learn from (I’m talking to YOU neon pedal pushers) and never make ever again. We always joke about the “fashion police,” but I really think we may be coming to a point in time where in a quest to be an “individual” (whatever that means in this postmodern world), we are talking too many liberties and bordering on the absurd, all in the name of fashion. I hereby nominate myself Chief Fashionista and will ask that anyone who believes in this cause as strongly as I do to take a stand and help fight the absurdity that has taken over. Who’s with me!?

[ilovelv]

Can we still enter tomorrow on the 19th or does the contest end tonight?

[Marco]

Originally Posted by ilovelv

Can we still enter tomorrow on the 19th or does the contest end tonight?

You can enter tomorrow.
It ends about 22 hours from when I make this post.

thanks

[mattie]

Certainly there are a few in the world, like my Dad, who think that clothes are nothing more than something to cover your nakedness. And, the only necessary accessories are a watch to tell the time, a ring (or no ring) to say wether you're taken or available, and a simple wallet to put your ID in.

It's kind of sad that some, like him, have such a dim view of the fashion and style industry as it brings so much happiness to so many, and like it or not we're all involved in it.

Even my old Dad can take half an hour to forty five minutes trying on and modeling different fishing vests before he chooses just the right one, and then he'll spend another ridiculous amount of time selecting the right spinners and lures to hang on its fleece hook holders; all the while denying that he is trying to make a fashion statement by trying to make himself look just right to go fishing.

Clothing and accessories help us to define who we are and what we are all about. Whether people wear traditional clothing or something that makes them stand out, everyone likes to look good.

What can be more fun than looking at current styles and trends and then going shopping to find what looks just right for you. Something that makes you feel comfortably in style and at the same time subtly seems to say, "hey everyone look at me."

While the clothes are great, I have to say that the best part of making your style just right is choosing the right accessories to finish your outfit off. Whether it be jewelry, a scarf, a belt, or the right purse or bag; accessories are essential to making any outfit unique and complete.

Anyway, I am glad that I got to shop with my Dad when he bought his new fishing vest. The next time we are at the mall and he bawls me out for spending too much time choosing some earrings or a necklace, or says I am wasting my money on another purse, I'm just going to ask him it he needs another lure.

[PhilippeK]

How to dress like a beautiful gay man

Close enough to reality, men are known to have the least fashion sense when it comes to dressing up, but what about their soon to be counterparts? The Gay Community? Seriously, gays love to play with colors and shades. That is why we love Barbie dolls and poly pockets because we “somewhat” become obsessive compulsive with the design and its substances. We tend to base it in to reality so that we could adapt from its GAYNESS. Haha!!! We do love fabrics, construction and materialistic goods because it fulfils our fantasy over reality. We love we love we love. Dressing up one is very crucial in our part, because we want people to look at us. We tend to upstage each other because each of us wants to be on top. Also, I one factor I hate is that some gay people would dress up as a drag queen which I really hate. I don’t know. I just hate cross dressing, its like you are going overboard. But who cares, I love gays. And I’m proud to be one.

Let’s Play dress up!!!

How do you do it Nerdy Like – A perfect example of a nerdy look is not the usual law school gay look but somewhat very TED ALLEN of Queer Eye for a Straight Guy Cooking Guru. He is a perfect example of a gay nerd with such finesse and elegance. A little bit of this glasses, pink suit and a well framed hair PERFECT! It’s like having your own package of a perfect guy. But gay. Haha…loves it.

Next Case how do you do it Punkish yet Stylish – HMMM YUP! Got that one right its Jay McCaroll of Project Runway. He has a very colorful personality. He likes knits and whatsoever creating a wonderful drastic piece of handmade self-owned outfit. I also like the fact that he is very humorous just like other gay people. He is so cool! I love him!! VERY ME!

NEXT!.... How about Belle du Jour. Matches my own definition of happy day goes Elegant way. Who’s our perfect guy? Hmm Carson? What about John Galiano? Oh yeah did I forget? Domenico Dolce and Steffano Gabbana. They are so hunky-punky. They dress so unique yet stylish. A duo for a sexy runway fight. Every time they go out during their fashion shows, it just chills me up to the bones. Having that tangy feeling, seeing them with their gorgeous looks and outfits. I just love loving them.

Lastly case, how about poppish and rnb-ish? Cant think of one right? Me too… But maybe we can have here, hmmm Mike Furey of Dangerous Muse. I know! He is too sexy for two but he is so gorgeous. With his tight pants and Nike Dunks. Wow very awesome. Its so pop its so dirty look (which I really love) and it is so fashion ate music. Very idyllic, very creative.

That’s all for now guys. But as long as you keep it down low, people will give you respect. If act like a sassy one, people might give you a popper on the head. Just so you know, you will never know what life can bring as long as you keep it high and divine!! Haha SO GAY!

[CinderellaGirl]

Great fashions begin with great fabrics, which begin with great yarns, which begin with the tiniest of fibers.
Until recently I didnt realize how important the composition of a garment was to the overall quality of the clothes. With the experimentation on blends and new textiles being developed regularly, it is important to understand that the quality of that sweater extends beyond the color, cut, and style.
The question you really need to ask yourself is if that material is right for you. An angora sweater may seem beautiful when you buy it, but if you dont care for it properly, it will just shed away. If you dont have the patience to hand wash or dry clean your wool sweater, then dont buy it. I dont know how many shirts I've stopped wearing after one or two washes because they "didnt fit right" or "stretched out" but this kind of wastefulness can be avoided by just properly caring for our clothes, or buying the right materials to begin with.
My suggestions:
Buy cotton! Its not very expensive, which also hurts cotton because not many high quality garments are made of cotton, but it still has many benefits! Not only is it humane (no animals involved) but its easy to care for, lasts a long time, and is COMFORTABLE!
Buy cotton/spandex blend! If you are tired of your shirts/jeans stretching out after only a few wears, buy clothes with a spandex blend, all the benefits of spandex stretch, with the comfort of cotton!

Buy high quality, but CARE FOR IT! If it says dry clean, make sure you dry clean it, they dont suggest that for no reason. If you care for your clothes, they can last for years!
Remember: Fashion begins with a tiny fiber which influences the entire make up of a garment, do not neglect to note the material, and care for it properly. Your clothes will last a lot longer, and you will save a lot of money!

[CinderellaGirl]

We all know what they are, and what they sell, they are discount clothing stores. But is getting a bargain worth compromising quality, or are we all paying big department store prices, when we could be walking home with much fuller bags?

Pros of Discount clothing:
1. Cost. For those of us on a budget this is 100% the reason we shop at discount clothing stores. Getting more for that dollar!
2. Different brands. Discount clothing stores feature brands that some of your local clothing stories don’t carry. For example, TJMaxx has Guess clothing, which I've never seen at my local mall.
3. More selection. You can look at a wide variety of brands in one location, where clothing stores may only carry a few sponsored brands.

Cons of Discount Clothing:
1. Over purchasing. With a lower price you can get a lot more. Right? But this might cause you to over buy, and excessive clothing consumption is harmful to the environment, so always remember, its cheaper to buy, but that doesn’t mean you have to buy 25 shirts.
2. Irregularities. Big brands for little prices comes with a cost, imperfections in your clothes. In most cases you can easily identify the imperfection, and decide if its a big deal for you or not, while other times you may not realize that a seam is crooked or misaligned, which can be very annoying later.

So for those of us on a budget, it’s hard not to stop in a discount clothing store every now and again. It’s a great way to get the look, and save your money for something like the movies, or maybe the rent!
Personally, I shop at both retail and discount clothing stores, and I believe that I have a good clothing collection. I only purchase shirts at discount clothing places, and save that extra money for my designer store jeans. Between the two, I can afford all that I want!

[CinderellaGirl]

To understand my perfect heels, you have to understand who I am. I am terribly informal, I’ve been a tennis shoe kind of girl all my life. But then it comes to dressing up, I do believe that I clean up well. My heels were bought for a winter ball. They had a very short heel, about an inch and a half. I am short, and not too graceful, so a small heel was absolutely necessary. They were also very simple, another one of my preferences. They were black, with a simple criss-cross toe, and straps. I really loved these shoes.
I don’t remember the brand, but I’m pretty sure I just got them at payless or something.
Anyway, these shoes were MY shoes, I wore them every time I had to dress up, until KC came along.
KC is a german Shepard, big, beautiful, and destructive. She got one, ripped it to pieces, threw the pieces all over my room. When I found it, I almost cried. For some reason I kept the survivor for a really long time, I guess I was hoping to find another just like it, and had to keep a sample. Unfortunately, it got misplaced in cleaning, and my perfect shoe was lost forever.
I haven’t had to buy heels in a long time, and I haven’t seen another short, black, simple heel that was as perfect as this one.

This shoe looks vaguely like perfect heel. Only my heels had thicker front straps, and a much much lower heel.

But I couldnt find anything closer!

[ilovelv]

Little girls, from the time they learn to talk and walk, are interested in clothes and fashion. When I was barely three years old, my mother bought me three new summer outfits and I immediately tried all three of them on, each one on top of the other! My sense of style needed a little fine tuning, but the desire was there.

Little by little, girls learn what they like in clothing and accessories. For a while, dressing like Mom or big sister or older friends seems to be their style, but by the time they start school, they have definite likes and dislikes. Baby dolls are replaced by Barbie dolls, as little girls become more interested in dressing their dolls than playing with them. It isn't long until they insist on picking out their own clothes and they want to dress like their peers. Gradually, though, they begin to develop their own style, and they start noticing not only what the other girls are wearing, but also looking in catalogs and magazines to decide what "look" they want.

There is no limit to what a girl can spend on clothes, accessories, and make-up, trying to achieve the style she desires. However, if the money is not available, some girls become very creative, and can obtain the look they want by shopping at thrift stores, discount stores, and online.

The typical boy, meanwhile, has little interest in clothes, and wears whatever his mom and dad pick out for him-until he "discovers" girls. Then he seems to realize that if he wants girls to notice him, he must be fashion conscious. Some teen-age boys become obsessed with style and fashion, and realize the art and talent behind it, but most males are content to let their wives take over where their mothers left off in choosing their clothes.

Rarely do women's or men clothes, but last season's line just won't do. It must be replaced with the latest style. The fashion industry thrives on this fascination, a trait that stays with most people all of their lives. It is so important in everyone lives whether they realize or not. It helps us to define who we are, whether we choose to care or make the choice not to care, it is something that affects every ones live and will continue to in the future.

[irish_clover]

I know a lot of people don't like her sense of style, but I really do. She has so much money her wardrobe is unlimited, and of course she has a lot of designer stuff. I like how she has FUN with clothes..in my opinion if you don't have fun with fashion there really isn't any point to it. You can tell that she enjoys herself when it comes to fashion because she almost always wears bright colors and looks flirty.
I think her fashion sense has improved a lot over the years. A few years ago she dressed in a really trashy way and it just didn't look good in my opinion. Now she is much more tasteful when it comes to the way she looks

I am a fan of her Diane von Furstenburg dresses like these ones she is wearing here. THe first one is one of the few times she has worn black for public appearances and I think she looks great. This dress isn't trashy in the least and I think it's gorgeous


The purple one is also by the same designer and I like it almost as much. The way she wears it with the white sunglasses makes it look even much cuter and casual enough for wering in the day



I love this sretsis dress she is wearing here as well.. it looks percect with the red accesories she has on



I also lover her striped Tiffany Alana dress and the green and purple missoni one





And of course there are her Louis Vuitton and chanel bags. I think my favorite on is the mirror bag.







I like the looks of this bikini in the picture but I'm not sure if it's authentic or not.. I heard that it could be a fake. It would be a shame if she was still wearing fakes as she was rumored to do in the past..I'm sure someone knows if this is an actual fake or not



I also like how she wears Hello Kitty accesories.. so cute and quirky and she is able to pull if off without looking sillly




THe only complaint I have about her fashion sense is that she seems to miss-match patterns a lot and sometimes wear stuff that doesn't go together, like this outfit.





These pieces are all great on their own,but I think she used s too much of a good thing with all the leopard print. The primp top also doesn't match.

Overall though I think her style has improved a lot over the years and I hope she keeps up the good work!

[ilovelv]

I have one more entry that I wrote today at work, but I don't think that I will get home on time (I had to stay late for work )

[ilovelv]

I just got home from work, so I will type up my last post now, but if it is to late than don't worry.

[PhilippeK]

haha thats so cute irishclover! i saw Lindsay Lohan striking a cigarette . haha..! but i love Sienna Miller more and Kate Moss and IMELDA! haha.

[ilovelv]

We wear clothing for many reasons the most practical being to cover and protect us from the environment, and climate around us.
In a fashion wise sense, our clothing choices serve us in a more creative way to allow us to portray ourselves to others to others and let them picture unique aspects of our inner selves.
A teenage girl who dresses in light, bright blouses and dresses may wish her classmates to view her as friendly, fun, and not too serious about life. Tens years later, as she enters the workplace and chooses a career, she may have changed quite drastically her style, and now dresses herself in tailored con versatile suits, which influences her co-workers to perceive her as serious, disciplined, and responsible. This same woman will likely confirm to transform her style several more times, and will continually develop more fashion sense and sophistication. However, as she matures into her 50's she might become limited in her fashion choices. After menopause, a woman's body typically changes in proportion and she may require clothes that are sized especially for the 50+ woman.
Also, she may become less physically able to manipulate some of the buttons, snaps, and zippers on clothing pieces, and cannot wear clothing pieces that she can no longer put on easily and comfortably. This mature, fashionably skilled and typically financially stable, can no longer project herself as attractively she deserves, and this make her more vulnerable to depression, and social isolation.
The fashion industry has not seemed to have made a serious attempt to create a new line of clothing to be marketed to this segment of fashion consumers. Perhaps if even noticed, profit promise or potential has not been sufficient enough to be worth the effort. The fashion industry leaders should look seriously as the need for them to target this market and put forth a new line of clothing appropriate and accessible to not only the more mature customers, for the profit, but to benefit and improve the quality of life for this important group of woman.
(I hope this isn't too late)

[Marco]

Ok contest is now closed to entries. Kitsch, Erin, Tanya and I will read through all the entries and decide on first, second and third place.
Good luck everyone!

[Marco]

Update: still deciding. Some of these posts were great and we're having a hard time judging the winner.
We're down to our favorite 7 posts. I wish I had 7 prizes.

I'll take a break from reading and revisit it later tonight. Should be able to announce the winners late tonight or early tomorrow.

thanks

This is haaaaaard

[irish_clover]

Originally Posted by PhilippeK

haha thats so cute irishclover! i saw Lindsay Lohan striking a cigarette . haha..! but i love Sienna Miller more and Kate Moss and IMELDA! haha.

thanks! where did you see her and what was she wearing and doing? ( besides smoking )

[PhilippeK]

irishclover, there i saw her with the pictures you posted. paris is wearing the black nd white stripey dress, laughing. you can see at the back lindsay lohan! hihihih....

[irish_clover]

cool^ where was this? a party or something?

[elaine130]

Hi Irishclover - I think Philippe is referring to one of the pictures you attached to this PursePage thread post wherein you wrote about "Paris's Fashion Sense." In the 4th pic you attached, Paris was photographed wearing a black and white dress and Lindsay is standing behind her in the same pic wearing a black tank top, mini skirt and smoking a cigarette! Hindi ba, Philippe, pare ko...?

[elaine130]

Originally Posted by Marco

Update: still deciding. Some of these posts were great and we're having a hard time judging the winner.
We're down to our favorite 7 posts. I wish I had 7 prizes.

I'll take a break from reading and revisit it later tonight. Should be able to announce the winners late tonight or early tomorrow.

thanks

This is haaaaaard

Marco and judges... we ALL beg of you.... pleeeeaaaazzz end our agony and let us know who won already!

There are so many wonderful entries, it's amazing how you got it down to just 7 (I honestly don't think I could have!)

Truthfully, I think EVERYONE's a winner. I really mean that. I learned soooo much about fashion from all of the wonderful writers in this thread alone!

This was a phenomenal idea of a contest and a great way to get more bag collectors to join this forum. Which ultimately makes YOU the grand prize winner! And by the way, thanks for doing all of this for us bag lovers