MEXICAN FLOWER FARM TOWN

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Le crystal ...Owl! a wishlist item from Judith Leiber

So it's no secret i'm utterly obsessed with owls.. I own owls in every thing from accessories, to random soft toys and even a wooden statue (purchased in Bali).. i love them as a creature and have been obsessed with them since i was young, mainly because of their ability to rotate their heads.

So when i saw this bag by Judith Leiber while browsing Net-a-Porter i almost died! Is it too much of a girl to just want to have a crystal encrusted 15000 Dhs bag? It's just too cute, and it's only 6"x6" and has beads for eyes and an engraved gold-tone base! I love and i Want are the only two things i have to say.

FRIDA II

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Fur Shure

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer

Fur Shure by Bridgett Elise Rangel-Rexford featuring a check coat

The fashion gods have spoken: furs are once again acceptable to wear in public. And yes, you can pull of furs! Dare to wear! Wear a leopard printed fur coat for a more rockabilly look, a sleek black coat for a bohemian look or a long brown coat for classic flair.

Fashion front-runner Karl Lagerfeld's opinion falls in line with many of the current fashion designers:
""In a meat-eating world, wearing leather for shoes and clothes and even handbags, the discussion of fur is childish."

Us college students don't really have to worry about that though! Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe have glamorous faux fur jackets that don't cost a years tuition.
Ready or not, here they are!

ANGEL IN WHIMSICAL LAND

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Ralph Lauren Polo Jeans Co. announces the launch of Art Stars

Ralph Lauren Polo Jeans Co. announces the launch of Art Stars – an exhibition of 42 works from a group of Europe’s emerging contemporary artists to be auctioned in London at Phillips de Pury Howick Place on Saturday 4 December through Monday 6 December. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Teenage Cancer Trust - a charity dedicated to helping young people fight cancer. Throughout the three days, visitors will be able to place silent bids on the Art Stars and the event will conclude with a party on Monday evening in which Simon de Pury will personally auction a selection of the Art Stars live. The Art Starts project is inspired by the iconic American Star Spangled Banner and is synonymous with the philosophy of the of the Polo Jeans Co. brand. The brand commissioned up-and-coming European and Middle Eastern contemporary artists to customise a canvas by creating three-dimensional stars made from the finest American denim. The artists can choose an assortment of materials unique to their specialty and materials ranged from denim and replicas of the American flag to dyes, bleach and embroidery. The stars have been displayed in select Polo Jeans Co. stores in cities across Europe before culminating in the exhibition and auction at Phillips de Pury. For more information please visit the Art Stars website here or see event details in DIARYdates.

Chica Chica Boom Chic

MONDAY MUSE
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
The Portuguese-born Brazilian Carmen Miranda is famously known as "the banana lady". Miranda was the Brazilian Bomb Shell of the 1940s and 50s, singing and dancing and acting in 14 different Hollywood films including The Gang's All Here where her fruit hat gained world fame.

Miranda has become a style icon. She is everything: ruffled, fruity, bold floral and topical. Her wardrobe is alive with creativity. Juicy red delicious beads, banana colored sleeves and a sweet smile are things to incorporate if you want to dress Carmen-esque.

Winter Cream and Cocoa

Addie Designs created this {Winter Cream and Cocoa} as an Etsy Treasury with our design {Flake} included : 

Now, I have posted a few treasuries on this blog already but have failed to discuss what they are with newer members to Etsy.  Here is the quick answer from Etsy to help clarify:

Treasury is an ever-changing, member-curated shopping gallery comprised of lists of items. Lists contain 16 items. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or whatever they like. Any Etsy member can create a Treasury list, and there is no limit to the number of lists you can create. You can edit your lists as often as you desire, and post comments to other members' lists. The number of views your list receives as well as the number of clicks the items featured in your list receive are displayed in the list's Stats section.

Let me know if you have created a Treasury or have a favorite one to share - Enjoy!

Ormonde Jayne opens London boutique

Following a successful year with an exclusive launch in Harrods and a award nomination by The London Magazine for Great Little Shops 2010, later this month London based niche perfumery, Ormonde Jayne will open its new London boutique just off Sloane Square. This will be the first Ormonde Jayne store outside of its flagship store in Old Bond Street, London. The new perfumery is part of the existing old General Trading Store on Pavilion Road, just off Sloane Square. It will have the same design as the flagship Mayfair store designed by Caulder Moore, who created Ormonde Jayne’s London store in October 2006.

192 Pavilion Road, Sloane Square, London SW3 2BF

Finalists announced for ShopStyle UK Online Stylist Award

Fashion shopping site Shopstyle.co.uk has announced the shortlist for inaugural ShopStyle UK Online Stylist Award:

Corinne Rudd, 22 years old, fashion student from the University of Derby.
Katie Smith, 24 years old, trainee stylist from Evesham.
Leah Bateman, 25 years old, IT team-leader from Bristol.

The award has been set up in conjunction with The Clothes Show Live to find and recognise the hot new amateur styling talent online. The three young finalists were chosen after a series of styling challenges where they were tasked with creating fashion mood boards using the ShopStyle stylebook tool. The finalists had free reign over a wide range of fashion brands to create their entries available on ShopStyle including; Karen Millen, Debenhams, Aftershock, Glassworks Studios, A/Wear, Quiz Clothing, and Boohoo. They were chosen by judges, fashion journalist Fleur Britten, stylist Alex Longmore, and Pop Sugar celebrity reporter Laura Street, from several hundred entries for the Award. Their stylebooks containing fashion looks along the theme of “Magpie party” stood out from the competition for clever combinations, on trend looks and good product choices.

Giles Deacon announced as guest judge for Palladium Central Saint Martins Design Competition

Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design has entered into a partnership with Palladium Alliance to discover the next great talent in the world of jewellery design. The College has challenged students from its MA Design; jewellery course to create a collection of bespoke jewellery using the precious metal, Palladium. Palladium is a rare platinum group metal that is hard, light and naturally white and remains naturally white for its lifetime. The task is to design a two piece set of jewellery to be judged by a panel of industry experts including some of the schools most successful and established alumni. The five most inspirational designs, as judged by the panel, will each be created in a limited edition using Palladium and showcased at an exclusive and sparkling event in Central London in March 2011 where the overall winner will be announced. The competition will follow the process of jewellery design, from the initial ideas through to the final product, and will allow students to develop designs that are reflective of their personal tastes and inspirations. Palladium’s contemporary nature gives the future jewellers complete creative freedom and provides the perfect material to create intricate and modern designs. Giles Deacon has been announced as the guest judge for this jewellery design competition.

LADY FRIDA AND CAT

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LADY FRIDA

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ABSTRACT LADY SKULLY

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DAY OF THE DEAD PAINTING

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ANGEL IN WHIMSYLAND

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LADY CATRINA

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Interpret This - November Reveal

It was a struggle for me to get started with this one.  This photo of a cottage in Sissinghurst, England. features an idyllic setting that is almost too perfect ... too idyllic ... too pretty.

After much study of the photo and a lot of pondering, I found it was  the patina of the aged wood that very much appealed to me.

Narrowing my focus to feature just the door let me get "into" composing a piece to meet the challenge... let me enjoy the journey of interpretation.

"Door of Yore" - 13" x 17"

fabric, tulle, oil stick pastels,

water color pencils, pastels,

and yarns

Go here to read the details of the process and techniques I used to create this piece ,,,, as well as see the results of the other members interpretations.  There will be 3 reveals on 3 days beginning with today.

Ta Da!

http://www.thefeast.com/sandiego/shopping/FEAST-SHOP-SD-UCSD-Launches-Fashion-Mag-106980343.html

New Shop Love

the wheatfield is my new shop love today.  check out some of their amazing prints for sale. so full of color and personality!

Black Friday Savings

Use our BLACKFRIDAY15 coupon in the 5 Letter Design Etsy Store for 15% off any item at checkout!

Black Friday Sale

I'm having my first ever Black Friday Sale in my Etsy shop and you're invited!

Now through Cyber Monday, all items in my shop are 20% off when you use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2010.

Happy Shopping!!!

© Nancy Lefko

Gap and Valentino collaboration launches tomorrow

Gap and the House of Valentino have partnered to create a seven iconic piece collection, launching tomorrow (27 November 2010) in London and Paris, to celebrate Gap’s forthcoming arrival in Italy. Valentino’s Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli apply their house vocabulary to Gap’s neutral canvas of simplicity by taking pieces of quintessential American sportswear that are at the heart of the brand and re-interpreting them with Valentino’s unique vision of modern, unconventional femininity. The utilitarian parka, in heavyweight khaki green cotton, is re-incarnated in three styles – as a jacket with three dimensional frill detail around the neck; a multi-frilled long-length parka and, its most dramatic expression, a multi-frilled cropped jacket. A similar treatment is applied to cargo pants, with frills, worn low on the hips with a slouchy attitude. The bow skirt marries the functional, military-inspired spirit with the ultimate feminine signature – a flourish of a bow on one hip. The bow motif continues, to re-define a heather grey classic t-shirt, draping to one shoulder with a louche, relaxed refinement. The essential American hoodie sweatshirt is injected with the essence of Italian style, with a band of ruffles at the hem.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving!

Scheduled posts will resume Monday.

Shortlist for BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2011 announced

The British Fashion Council (BFC) today announced the shortlist for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. The shortlisted designers are; Charlotte Olympia, Christopher Kane, E. Tautz, Jonathan Saunders, Nicholas Kirkwood, OSMAN, Peter Pilotto and Richard Nicoll, have been identified as labels with potential for international growth. The eight shortlisted designers have been invited to present their collections and future plans to the judging panel chaired by Alexandra Shulman, Editor of British Vogue, comprising industry experts and Fund sponsors. The Fund, now in its second year, will provide one British based designer with £200,000 as well as a mentoring support programme. The seven runners-up will be allocated a mentor through the Fund. British Vogue will document the judging process and announce the winner in its March 2011 issue. The winner will demonstrate a clear vision for their business and how the Fund will contribute to their growth and their infrastructure, with a focus on creating a strong international brand.

Selfridges launches new skincare destination

Selfridges is launching a new Rejuvenated Skincare Destination. The new space provides experience and expertise from five innovative brands: Natura Bisse, Dr Sebagh, REN, !QMS Medicosmetics and Eve Lom. These brands have been handpicked to form the skincare destination with a central, private consultation and treatment pod. Each brand has a unique point of difference and offers customers specialist skincare treatments and offers, exclusively to Selfridges. All brands will be offering unique treatments in the consultation pod.

Opinion: Reinventing The Mannequin

Elena Miro's plus size collection has been established for 25 years. For the last five years, Miro's Plus Size Show has opened Milan's Fashion Week. Elena Miro's goal is “to “help real women to feel confident and at peace with themselves." The clothes don't bag the women in an attempt to hide curves, in fact, they accentuate and consequently emphasize the beauty of the woman.

Writing personally, I feel that the collection is monumental for offering high fashion in something other than a size 0. Although, I feel that it is a hollow attempt by Milan to change the way we see fashion and models. When looking at Miro's work as a sole collection, it is significant but not strong enough. The women presented are as unrealistic as the skinny coat racks: Amazon women walking the runway who obviously work out to get their proportions precise. It is true we need well proportioned models to advertise the clothing, but you cannot hide America's weight problem with clothing. The problem is deeper rooted.
-Bridgett
TREND Staff Writer

The scent of Anna Dello Russo

One of my absolute favourite women, Anna Dello Russo has launched a new fragrance called "The scent of Anna Dello Russo". The smell of the perfume, which comes in a Louis Vuitton A/W '11 looking shoe, is still unknown. But i'm sure soon we'll be smelling it at all around once it hits stores.

Check out the promo video

The Japanese Vogue editor at large and creative consultant, famously known for her fabulous and outrageous outfits is one of the most photographed women in the fashion industry. Seriously, who doesn't love  the fur and crystal clad lady, known for donning the latest runway pieces, which may i add she likes to conveniently store in their very own apartment in Milan.

Anna who also runs a blog, shared the video yesterday saying: "I'm so HAPPY to show you the VIDEO of my SCENT. I would like to thanks so many people involved in this incredible experience!" The list of thank yous included Kanye West from whom she borrowed the music for the video and designers Peter Dundas, of Emilio Pucci and Roberto Cavalli, Alan Journo and Giuseppe Zanotti for the gowns, headpiece and Swarovski chocker.

(Photo courtesy of Jak&Jil. Video courtesy of Anna's Blog)

Threads of History

UCSD's Best Dressed
Discovered by: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
Name: Marina
College: Revelle
Major: Microbiology
Year: Senior
Spotted Near : RIMAC

Outfit:
Feather Earrings: Random Vendor
Comfortable Colorful Sweater: "It used to be my grandmothers"
The Essential Black Shirt: Forever 21
Black Tights: H&M
Brown Boots: Steve Madden
Silver Watch: "Las Vegas!"

Q: What is your general type of style? How would you describe it?
A: "A comfy, relaxed style. A style that doesn't require too much work, but still looks good. I would say I like to keep it fresh!

Marina does an excellent job of esablishing her own unique style that's relaxed while still, "keeping it fresh". Especially as finals are looming overhead, we all could care less about what we wear we just hope we can get to class on time with assignments successfully in hand! Through the simple act of putting on matching earrings Marina effortlessly dressed up her look. Instead of a plain o' sweatshirt, she chose a colorful piece to cheer the gloom of the skies that hovers above us. Additionally, what is more comforting than having an article of clothing your very dear grandmother wore!

Valentino for Gap : Cargos meet Ruffles

Valentino x Gap

So we've heard about this collaboration for a while and now we can see for ourselves what Valentino has created for Gap's signature pieces.. yes we're talking parkas and cargo pants coupled with ruffles and bows. The 7 piece collection will be launched on the 27th in London and Paris.. and twitter rumors tell me they maybe in our Dubai stores soon.
This collection looks so well structured and i would LOVE to get my hands on those pants..

Liquid Gold

TUESDAY ACCESSORY
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
Today you must ask yourself... Is all that glitters gold? In this case...

Yes.

One of Deborah Lipman's two luxurious new nail polishes contains 24carat gold dust while the other contains Virgin Diamond powder. Ladies, you are not dreaming, and better yet, they are 20 dollars each. Yes, one bottle of nail polish with precious materials for only 20 dollars. I think it's time for a little splurge.
Which one would you don?

Dune launches exclusive designer collaboration with Olivia Rubin

Footwear and accessories label Dune has introduced the limited edition Olivia Rubin for Dune collection for SS11. Featuring three of Olivia's signature prints, the capsule collection will include 12 shoe designs ranging from the timeless Mary-Jane pump to the on-trend 70s inspired wedge, as well as three totes and clutch bags. Available from early March 2011 in selected Dune stores nationwide, dune.co.uk and Selfridges London, prices will start from £45.00 for a multi-coloured pashmina scarf to £110.00 for the statement raffia platform sandals. The exclusive collection is the latest initiative in Dune’s affordable luxury retail model.

Winners announced at the 26th British Hairdressing Awards

Last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane, the winners of HJ’s 26th British Hairdressing Awards were announced. Angelo Seminara was honoured with the top prize of 2010 British Hairdresser of the Year. Angelo is pictured here with his award, presented by Jayne Lewis Orr (editor of Hairdresser's Journal) and Colin Sillery (MD of Schwarzkopf). Previous winners of this accolade include Trevor Sorbie, Anthony Mascolo, Irvine and Rita Rusk, John Frieda and Andrew Collinge.

Each year hairdressers from all over the UK prepare entries for one of the sixteen categories. There are nine regional categories covering all areas of the UK, six specialist categories, which include Afro, Men’s, Newcomer, Artistic Team and Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year, along with the Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year, and British Hairdresser of the Year. The evening was compered by Jonathan Ross. The Winners of the 2010 British Hairdressing Awards:

HJ’s British Hairdresser of the Year 2010 – Angelo Seminara

Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year – Efi Davies, Toni & Guy, Covent Garden

Men’s Hairdresser of the Year – Jody Taylor, Toni & Guy, London

Afro Hairdresser of the Year – Kim Johnson and Michelle Sultan, Hype Coiffure, London

Artistic Team of the Year – RUSH Hair

Newcomer of the Year – Dan Spiller, Marc Antoni, Fleet

Schwarzkopf Professional British Colour Technician of the Year – Christel Lundqvist HOB, London

London Hairdresser of the Year - Skyler McDonald, seanhanna, Putney

Southern Hairdresser of the Year - Seung-ki-Baek, RUSH Epsom

Eastern Hairdresser of the Year – Christopher Appleton, George’s Hairdressing, Leicester

Midlands Hairdresser of the Year – Lewis Moore and Jacky Crosby, Francesco Group, Streetly

North Eastern Hairdresser of the Year – Alexander Turnball, Alexander Hair and Beauty, Hull

North Western Hairdresser of the Year – Sharon Peake, Ethos Hairdressing, Manchester

Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year – Scott Smurthwaite and Will Eagles, Cream, Gloucester

Scottish Hairdresser of the Year - Kay McIntyre, McIntyre’s, Dundee

Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year – Keith Kane, Keith Kane Hair International, Belfast