2 year anniversary magazine entry!

I can't believe that I've been blogging about fashion for 2 whole years! Time sure does fly when you're having fun. :) Thanks for all of the comments, subscriptions and the support you all have given me as a readers!
♥ me

--STYLE BREAKDOWN OF OUR CURRENT(current as of yesterday) 10 BEST DRESSED CELEBS--

i regularly change the list of our top 10 best dressed celebs, usually twice a year, and it always contains a group of fabulous ladies that i believe look amazing on the red carpet, at press conferences, in magazine editorials and even on the sidewalk. there have been repeats, and regular newcomers (this time is no different). i hope that you love the list, and even if you don't agree with all of my choices i hope you enjoy the style breakdown of these ladies' impeccable style. say goodbye to these top 10 and say hello to your new top 10 by the time you reach the end of this magazine entry. :)

Zoe Kravitz

i absolutely love zoe kravitz! i love her name, i love her hair, i love her cute face, her cool parents, and her AH-MAZING style! zoe kravitz, wherever you are, know that i think you're so cool and also be aware that if i see you walking around anywhere...ever...i will totally geek out on you. so be prepared. anywho, zoe's casual style is quirky and cute, and that doesn't change when she steps out for glamorous events. zoe definitely knows how to glam it up but she never looks too polished, she always has an eclectic vibe to whatever she pieces together and definitely knows how to put her personal stamp on all the looks she wears.

in the day, you could find zoe in floaty tops or dresses, and showing lots of leg (whether encased in tights or bare). to get a zoe-esque day look you could try the mesa pintucked top, madison marcus anthem jacket and siwy camilla cutoff denim shorts (all from shopbop) with comfy flat gladiators and tousled hair.

for night, expect to see zoe in luxe fabrics, whether they're beautifully printed or tantalizingly textured. she would look great in this taupe 3.1 phillip lim sequin covered dress from netaporter paired with these lovely and unique wedges from miu miu. marni earrings add a bit more sparkle and a nice pop of unexpected yellow.

Leighton Meester

i've loved leighton meester's style for the longest while. most of the things she wears on the red carpet, i would wear. for day she loves to wear breezy sundresses and flat shoes. she's not afraid of color for day or night and often squeezes color into her ensembles through bright accessories.

i could so see miss. meester strolling down a sun drenched walkway in this t-bags stone embellished dress for $122.50 from theoutnet.com paired with a large tote (linea pelle dylan large bowler bag), a belt, and bright flats.

for a nighttime event leighton would be cute in this bright salmon confection from asos (although she'd probably be wearing a designer house). i really love the detail, cut and color of this folded silk front dress by asos. the dress would be paired perfectly with leg lengthening nude heels with complementary square frill detail on the heel: asos frill back patent platform peep toe shoes.

leighton isn't afraid to experiment, but also has a classic sensibility to her dressing and that's what i love about her.

Kerry Washington

i love kerry washington. she always looks beautiful, polished, put together, classy and never boring. she can look glamorous, simply chic and edgy. she can do it all. her daytime look is cute and classic, and she doesn't shy away from color (especially for day). i'd love to see her in the hushed hamlet dress from anthropologie. if you want to channel some kerry, i'm sure this dress would look great on you as well. i love the bright coloring of the dress and i know it would be a perfect match with the space between slingbacks and fir & finery drops.

for night, turn up the glam factor a la miss washington in a beautiful celadon js boutique ruched chiffon gown for $178 from nordstrom.com. this color would look great against kerry's skin. pair it with a fun, complementary cuff and sexy dolce & gabbana metallic strappy sandals and you are more than good to go. i absolutely love those dolce & gabbana sandals! look at those dainty ankle and heel straps!

Kate Beckinsale

kate beckinsale set my heart a flutter when she arrived at this year's costume institute gala in a beautiful, sparkling, dusky blue marchesa confection with a skirt that seemed to take up the entire red carpet. she really knows how to wear gowns well.

her daytime style is just as captivating as her nighttime event style. you can find her, more often than not, in floaty peasant dresses, or tops with slouchy pants, cute boots or sandals, and you can bet your life that she'll be wearing big sunglasses. i don't recommend you betting your life, but i'm telling you...she loves wearing big sunglasses anywhere that she goes and she's not on a red carpet. the breezy, summery outfit from revolveclothing.com would look great on her and on you. i love the combination of the minkpink portobello dress and the 8020 sophie hidden wedge thong in thunder.

kate beckinsale loves white gowns, and would look super angelic in this notte by marchesa chiffon column dress. if you want to be like kate, then wear this dress with equally angelic christian louboutin fortuna 120 platform pumps. get an other worldly glow by swirling on some NARS blush in nico for $25 from sephora.

Charlize Theron

charlize theron is such a fashion goddess! i'm sure she'll be on my best dressed celebs list again because she just always looks so dang good.

for day she keeps it relaxed yet chic with long trousers, a roomy blouse, a jacket and a soft scarf as well as a cute and roomy clutch. recreate the look with j brand love story shadow black wash jeans, nation easy scoop neck slub jersey tee, degaine shredded infinity scarf, and stella mccartney foldover patent clutch (all from intermixonline.com).

i am in absolute love with the little ensemble i put together for a look that is reminiscent of something charlize theron would wear for a night event. she wears gowns, cocktail dresses, shifts, whatever, for night events and she always rocks it. but i love when she shows her legs. her skin is always glowing, so the more that she shows of it; the better! she would look stunning in this amazing creation from the great designer graeme black. i love the little silver grommets and the lace up detailing, as well as the beautiful silver belt and peplum on the dress. pair it with the jil sander fringed clutch for 625 pounds from brownsfashion.com as well as mesmerizing dries van noten sandals with metal beads (also from brownsfashion) and you'll be in a look fit for a femme fatale.

Terri Hatcher

a lot of people don't pay attention to terri hatcher's style, but it is rather good. it's a modern romantic style. she's trendy, but not too trendy, and she wears things that make her body look great. for day you can find her in long skirts and tank tops. this look can be easily recreated with pieces from old navy. keep it bright with a color top and a cute matching enamel disk necklace.

to get a teri hatcher inspired night look, shimmy yourself into what i like to call a hot tamale dress. this dolce & gabbana bicolor ruched strapless dress from bergdorf goodman is perfect. i love the look of those nude pumps from victoria's secret: they could really lengthen your legs. to get silky locks like terri's run some fekkai coiff perfecteur anti-frizz silkening creme through your hair before, or after straightening it.

Ashley Olsen

by now you should know that ashley olsen is my fave olsen twin. if you don't know by now...you must be very unobservative or a new reader. ashley can be tastefully eclectic and is always classy; whether she's stomping down the pavement during a starbucks run, after a meeting, or wherever or being photographed at a ritzy event. like mary-kate, she loves to wear vintage clothes rather than current designer creations and looks great in them.

to re-create an ashley day look all you need are some skinny jeans, a jacket (a leather one or a blazer), a loose shirt (preferably grey or white), a scarf and some awesome shoes. try a piece from the elizabeth and james shoe collection. i'm loving the elizabeth and james luella high heel gladiator bootie for $325 from shopbop.com.

for a night look go for a fresh, vintage look (like kate beckinsale, ashley likes white gowns) with this adam lace long dress for $425 paired with the stoned and waisted black leather laser-cut belt for $174 from farfetch.com and LOTS of rings. keep the makeup fresh and the hair tousled. for the day look you can use the bumble & bumble surf spray, and if you want you can use it for night as well.

Lucy Liu

lucy liu is such a darling. she always looks so pretty and cute. they should make a lucy liu doll, but it wouldn't be half as gorgeous as her! lucy, like the other ladies on this list isn't afraid to take risks but still has classic undertones to her style of dressing. yes she'll take a risk, but you'll never see her in an orange fleuroescent patent leather sculptural dress. because that's not a classy risk. you've got to keep it classy gals. it's just that simple.

i loved her when she dazzled in white giambattista valli, and i think she'd look captivating--as would you-- in a slinky zac posen dubloon knit dress and fun proenza schouler speckled pumps (don't you just love the heel?). the david yurman white mosaic drop earrings are gorgeous and pick up the light accents in this ensemble.

keep it casual like miss liu in black leggings, a colored drapey top and a cute necklace. the outfit from wetseal is cheap, yet comfy and stylish.

Eva Mendes

eva mendes always looks perfect and sexy. that's why i love her.

i would soooooooooooooooo wear most of the things she is photographed in. gosh, i love this lady.

i could so see her (and me) in the casual ensemble from forever 21. the lizbeth floral chiffon tunic would make such a darling, floaty mini dress and the celeste o-ring sandal and vintage faux leather tote are the perfect bohemian accessories.

for nighttime events eva mendes loves to show a bit of leg and wears lots of dreses that nip in at the waist. she would glow in the barneys new york strapless party dress in hot pink paired with scintillating lanvin pointed toe pumps in pink. get her glow with NARS bronzing powder in irresistblement for $30 from barneys.com.

Kate Moss

kate moss has been everywhere lately, what with her wildly successful collections for topshop, her renewed popularity as a supermodel, her much coveted street style and her appearance at marc jacobs' side at the costume institute gala. this woman has turned from just a model to a mogul and her style is envied and imitated by many women.

for day, try the kate look above. all items provided for from topshop. kate loves her aviators and the oversize metal aviator for $30 from topshop.com is a great finish to the casual ensemble.

for special events kate likes the simply elegant look. she looks great in long, flowing gowns in light colors. i could see her in this blue jersey knit evening dress by bcbg max azria from edressme for $378. as the current face of versace, along with gisele, i'm sure she has a sample of versace bright crystal (if not the whole bottle) somewhere. i'm sure it smells good, and the bottle is so pretty, no? for the subtle kate glow dust some pearl gold makeup forever star powder all over.

--GREAT AMERICAN STYLE--

every western society lady has a place in fashion. there are the french gamines, the london rebels and classic english roses and then there is the fresh faced american. pure american style is fresh, straight forward and simple. french couturiers of old scoffed at american women's "sporty" style, but this casual style of dressing is elegant and fresh and embraced by american women as well as women in general. american style allows women to be dressed comfortably and still be considered graceful and beautiful.

the collage provides an expensive and a cheaper alternative for the all american day look and an expensive and a cheaper alternative for an all american eveing look. for day, a white button up and crisp shorts are perfect. finish off with a pop of color that be found in red flats or a colorful scarf.

for evening the look to the left is super elegant, yet so simple. it consists of a beautiful red one shoulder column dress from calvin klein, silver sandals and majorca pearl drop earrings. finish off with a fresh, invigorating scent to match the essence of your look: origins ginger essence sensuous skin scent.

a younger, funner and slightly more detailed (but still all american) look for evening can be found in a short, strapless orange polka-dotted frock and nude heels with fun metallic accents. a perforated metal bangle finishes off the look.

do you dress according to classic american style?

--WHO IS HANNELI MUSTAPARTA?--

i stumbled across hanneli's site a little while ago and loved her quirky style. she's gorgeous and fun and i love visiting her blog. you can visit her too at www.hanneli.com

here is an interview hanneli did with guestofaguest.com and a few images of her.

image from elle norway

How long have you been New York and what part of town do you live in ?
I moved to New York in 2004 and lived here for a year. Then I went back to Norway for a week just to see my family before going to Milan for work. While home I met the guy that a month later would be my boyfriend , and the love of my life. Now we have been together for 3.5 years, so I moved back home and took a break from modeling and started studying. Now we commute between Norway and New York for months at a time. I feel like we get the best out of both places. We rent for now, and I love getting to know the different neighborhoods in the city. My favorites so far would be the west village and the lower east. Least favorite would be Midtown.

What do you do for employment?
I used to model with Supreme models and later Ford models, but to be able to start a career with something else I found I had to quit completely, so I could use my time to start to pursue something for my future. Modeling in New York takes up so much time, castings take forever and it’s hard to plan anything else as work comes suddenly or in periods. In Norway I get direct bookings which makes it easier to concentrate on other things. Now I want to assist fashion photographers.I have assisted one already and I love it! It feels great learning something I have always loved and to actually get my fingers dirty. I’m used to being the first to leave a studio after work, now I’m the last, as assistants have to do back ups and collect the photographer’s equipment.

I was kind of thrown into modeling, it was never my dream to be one, but when I got my chance I really made myself deserve it. I have worked very hard and given it my all and have had so much fun with it. I think modeling gives amazing work ethics, cause you don’t go home before it’s perfect. I have a blog and I also write for a fashion web-site connected to my blog - lola.no. I’m a columnist for Norwegian Cosmopolitan, also I do styling jobs. I’m a true multi tasker. I guess that if you love something within fashion, the limits of it all aren’t that hard to cross, especially when I have worked for eight years as a model. You can pick up so much, cause you just sit there and get pampered and pick up tons of tricks and dos and don’ts.

image from fmd

What are your some of your favorite spots around town….restaurants, shops, clubs bars?
I love the food at Mr. Chow, I even think about their chicken sticks with peanut buttery gravy while in Norway and sometimes it hurts not being able to get it when I want it. I love the Shepards pie at Balthazar and the Papardelle they serve at Bar Pitti. I shop at Popette, the vintage store on the east side where my last purchase was a pair of vintage Jean Paul Gaultier high-high waisted suit pants.I love Number (N)ine in Tribeca, it’s a Japanese designer with a very cool store, I drink and dance at Rose bar and 1Oak.

How did you get into blogging and how long have you been doing it?
I was asked by the founders of lola.no if I wanted to fashion blog for them, we had the very same view on how we wanted to do things and what we wanted to write about and therefore I said yes. I don’t think I would ever have started a blog on my own. To sit at home and just feel like my life is so interesting, so I should share it with the world is far away from who I am. In Norway there is a saying/unwritten rule everyone is raised by and goes by, which is called “Jantelov” (Jante Law). It is a social attitude and a way Norwegians look at each other. It consists of ten rules which all go by the variations of “Don’t think you’re anything special or that you are better than us”. It sits deeply and it’s hard to run away from. That’s why as a Norwegian it feels so good to be in another country. Especially New York. This stupid rule makes most Norwegians very humble- too humble, and it often makes life more difficult. A half year back I wrote an e-mail to a broker about an apartment me and my boyfriend were interested in renting in New York. She wanted me to write a short bio of ourselves. It was so hard and it took me an entire evening to write it because it was so hard for me to “brag” of our achievements. I did it eventually and it made me think how crazy Janteloven is. It was easy to say yes to the blogging with the back up of someone who believed in me.

image property of hanneli mustaparta

Do you Model in the US as well as Norway?
I did it in the US until April 08. My last job before i decided to quit was an international TV commercial for John Frieda, brilliant brunette shampoo and conditioner. I rarely watch TV so I haven’t seen it myself on TV yet. Fortunately it’s on the directors web page, ChrisApplebaum.com, I would still model if I didn’t have to go to all the castings. I love being in front of the camera, I love cooperating with the photographer to get the best possible shot and to be able to meet and work with so many amazing and creative people.

What are your style inspirations?
Oooh anything really. I pick up stuff from old ladies, as you know Ari, older people are so creative and inspirational. Since I started blogging, I had to start to check out other blogs, it’s a big blogger world out there so I probably pick up inspiration there. An I love just entering a thrift store and for instance find a typical trashy item from the 80’s and style it with something unsuspected from a different era and make it something new and unseen. I adore Chloé Sevigny, her style is very unpredictable. She is quirky-beautiful and I love that she never fell into the temptation of getting sickly skinny even if she is in the spotlight. She looks radiant and healthy, and I’m waiting for the new season of Big Love.

image property of hanneli mustaparta

Can you name a few favorite new york moments?
This summer I passed a homeless person, she looked so warm, sad and dirty. I had a fresh and cold yummy apple straight from my fridge in my bag, so I turned around and asked if she wanted it? She looked offended, shook her head and made a face. Very New York! Ha ha. I love hailing cabs like in the movies, whistling loud and they stop in an instant, I almost want to do it without needing one.

Being snapped by Scott Schuman aka The Sartorialist and Bill Cunningham during NY fashion week.
One time I was at a party downtown, It wasn’t long after arriving to New York for the first time. There were no cabs and it was so late that no car services picked up the phone. I had no idea on how to get home. I asked a guy that exited the same party if I could borrow his phone cause mine was dying,. He turns around and shouts to his friend ” Hey! Milla! Give me your phone!” She throws it to him, he gives it to me and I realize that I’m using Milla Jovovich’s phone. She is the most beautiful woman and I have loved her since I saw “Fifth Element”. No one picked up, so I hung up and told her I adore her while I was jumping and giggling,that she’s amazing. She asked me if I got a car, since I didn’t she asked where I lived,.At the time I Iived in the Meatpacking area, so she said they could take me there with her limo. It was my first time in a limo which was pretty cool and to be in one together with her made it insanely cool.

--MY FAVE THINGS FOR SUMMER--

as many of you know, everytime a new season comes i put together a little grouping of things that i am loving for the season. this summer is no exception!

if you can't tell from this little collage, i'm loving ruffles, color and a relaxed fit in clothes. i absolutely love the beautiful blue color, the ruffles and the stud details on the shay todd neilhead ruffled bikini. it's $200 from netaporter. yes...$200.

the marc by marc jacobs day lily cotton dress is so fab. it's very well made and i love the asymmetric shoulder work. it looks like dark denim but it's really a navy cotton eyelet overlay over a lighter sheath. this dress is so fancy for day and great for night. ohhhh it would look so good on me.

lanvin makes such pretty things, and this beautiful tangerine/melon mini pop bag is no exception. i love the shape, the fabric, the closure and the strap on this bag. it's so perfect! it's small and beautiful.

rompers and playsuits are so fun. the safest choice is in black, so i think if i get one it'll be in black or a darker color. the theory ardenia cotton blend playlist from netaporter is a nice option.

i love tulip skirts. i don't think i have one though...this thread social silk tulip mini skirt belongs in my closet. it would look so good with a white top and a blazer. can you imagine it? just imagine....just imagine...

diane von furstenberg makes such fab floaty tops and dresses. i love her esperanza silk chiffon top. bright teal gladiators are something you don't see too often. be original, pick up these cute dolce vita sandals. instead of opting for dark sunnies try out something bright, these look marni inspired: butterfly sunglasses for $5.80 from forever21.com.

i have veryyyy few eyeshadows and i'd love to jumpstart my collection with the widely loved and greatly pigmented 2nd edition 120 color palette from bhcosmetics.com. everyone who gets this palette loves it. high quality by far!

lastly i really want the dolce & gabbana light blue fragrance. i heard it makes boys go wild. ;) hahahahaha!

--FASHION NEWS--

- gucci and versace won't be doing big resort presentations like chanel. the people at gucci and versace say that resort collections are strictly commercial and donatella says that a big production ruins the commerical moment. donatella also says that she'd like to do a virtual runway show because versace needs "to find a new formula".

- agyness deyn wants to quit modelling and become an actress! hmmm...let's see if it works.

- alexander wang's star is still rising. he won the swarovski womenswear award at the CFDA awards and is being discussed as a good investment among financial gurus.

- natalia vodianova is on a 3 year contract to design lingerie for etam and is also designing for lutz & patmos's pre-spring 2010 collection. we know natalia is a good model, is she a good designer too?

- are platforms a thing of the past? carine roitfeld was spotted at cannes in flats (she wears heels 97% of the time it seems!), and many designers have featured flats in their collections. i like flats AND platforms. i don't want to see either go out of style. especially platforms since i haven't worn all of mine yet....

- vera wang may be dancing with the stars! you might be seeing vera wang shake her groove thang on the september 21st premiere. i'm excited to see her! you knew she was/is a figure skater...so this isn't totally impossible.

--OUR NEW TOP TEN BEST DRESSED CELEBS!--

are you excited to see who is now on the list as our top ten best dressed celebs? oh you don't have to scream, i know you are. ;]

Molly Sims
this is her first time on the list but she so deserves this spot. she, like so many ladies who have been on this list in the past, always looks so impeccable. she is very consistent with her style and she is not praised enough for looking so good everywhere she goes!

Carine Roitfeld
i love this lady: she always takes fashion risks that pay off. and for her, they are not fashion risks--the pieces she chooses to wear are just part of what she loves to wear. she also has such an infectious smile!

Michelle Obama
Her style is timeless, innovative, and most importantly...interesting!

Selita Ebanks
She is one of my favorite models. she is so beautiful. in this picture she's not wearing any makeup and yet she's able to match the dazzling beauty of her balmain dress. i feel she doesn't get enough attention for her style choices, and hopefully people will start paying more attention to her.

Kerry Washington
Congratulations Kerry! You are a repeat! I think this is just her second time on the list...it's either the second or the third...but anyway, she more than deserves to be on this list. she is so beautiful and has great style. she's able to wear elegant, classic glam pieces as well as more edgy ensembles. she's totally rocking her louis vuitton top in this picture.

Annalynne McCord
i don't watch 90210, but i have been watching annalynne! she has great style and she's captivating and so sexy on the red carpet. i hope she keeps it up.

Thandie Newton
thandie is always dressed well. it's just a given that she's going to look beautiful everytime she steps out.

Evan Rachel Wood
Evan has just recently become stylish it seems. i love her new sophisticated (but never boring) style of dressing. it really becomes her.

Emanuelle Alt
if carine's on the list, of course emanuelle has to be on it. she is the queen of cool casual dressing, and she sure does look good in black.

Dree Hemingway
Dree is totally captivating and has just recently burst onto the fashion scene. i'm loving what i've seen and i want to see more of her!

that's it for the magazine entry! i hope you enjoyed reading it. please leave comments and continue to visit my site, i really appreciate all of the support!

Magazine Entry: Part 1

To commemorate 200+ subscribers on xanga here is fashionforwarddd's second ever magazine entry where i compile different aspects of fashion such as fashions news, ensembles with different price points, etc. into a huge entry filled with oodles of goodness. i hope you enjoy and thanks for reading my blog. make sure to tell everyone you know about it. you can also find me at http://www.fashionforwarddd.blogspot.com/. i'll be posting the same blogs here and on blogspot, so if the pictures don't load here you can go there or just read this entry on your subscriptions page. so if you prefer blogspot over xanga comment me there, or vice versa.

<3 me, the editor in chief of fashionforwarddd :)

FAVE THINGS FOR WINTER

first i started this every season tradition with my fave things for summer, then i did fave things for fall back in september and now that it's december and it's already started snowing here is my dish on my favorite things for winter! the goal for winter is to stay warm and look cute, and of course i wouldn't have any trouble doing that, just check out the goods!

all of these items cost a pretty penny, but are guarenteed to last because of the exquisite tailoring and fabrics they are made of, and of course they'll turn heads because they are the best of the best for this winter. you need a good coat to keep you warm when it's chilly outside--look no furhter than this marc by marc jacobs double breasted wool coat for $580 (from netaporter, as are all of these items). i am also very much in love with these giuseppe zanotti mirror embellished ankle boots. they look good coming and going and will keep all girls wtahcing you sashay down the street seething with envy because you have one fo the hottest shoes of this season. the shoes are so artistic, whimsical and sexy all at the same time. in winter at many events or outings many women opt for the trusty little black dress, try something different and be the girl in the little yellow dress with this nathan jenden miyamo organza dress for $2,750. you can wear it as is if you'll be partying in a warm building, or if you think you'll still get cold pair with a long sleeved top or turtleneck underneath (or even tights!). i love the deep green hue of the vanessa bruno flutter sleeve top and the luxe silk edging, along with the graham & spencer shrug and tank twinset. it's definitely an item that you could pull on, pair with jeans and look amazing for the days when you're feeling very uncreative and still want to look good. skinny jeans are great, but i love bootcut jeans and these true religions have a really nice cut and are heavy enough to keep you warm, but light enough not to weight you down.

moschino always makes great pieces and this fishtail skirt from their cheap & chic line is no exception. and it comes with a belt! last but not least are the fendi borderline satin clutch, which has been worn by celebrities already such as january jones, and the emilio pucci lapin earmuffs. the earmuffs add such a delicious pop of color to any outfit and i love the classic yet modern look of the earmuffs.

here are some cheaper picks for winter! less money, equal fab factor. i love rachel pally's natalie dress. it's so chic and i love that it's fitted, seeing as body concious dresses are definitely in right now, and it's a nice bright color. short sleeved turtlenecks are a must, they can really make you look sophisticated without having to try too hard. you can get a cute one from charlotte russe for $10. and you could even wear that top with this beautiful ruched skirt for $59 from mangoshop.com. black pumps are a must and the steve madden vivvaa is just what you need to fill the black pump gap in your closet if you don't already have shoes like this. stay warm in the feminine belted wool coat for $99 from victoria's secret. i love the preppiness of the amalia striped u-neck from delias, and the edginess of the kensie liquid leggings from dillards. those leggins are $39, but if you're looking for cheaper ones forever21.com has two great options to choose from. the jumbo pom pom beret and oversized downtown city bag tote in white are also great additions to your closet, and the white tote is modeled after the popular YSL downtown bag.

HAIR REHAB

during winter our hair goes through a lot, freezing into icicles when we walk out into the air with our hair freshly washed, or getting even drier than it normally would between washes and conditioning, and sometimes we just shove it roughly under hats. all i have to say is: be good to your hair and it will be good to you!

for those blondes out there sunsilk blonde bombshell color boost is a fabulous product to use. it will keep your blonde hair from getting brassy and you only need to use a little at a time. for our curly haired bellas tresemme touchable curls shaping milk is perfect. and it's only $4.99 for a super big bottle. and all tresemme products have such a terrific smell (i love tresemme). curls need a lot of tender loving care and tresemme will aid you in the process of caring for them. for all kinds of hair: thin, thick, curly, wavy, straight--you should try out pativa replenishing hair masque for strength and moisture (for purchase from hairproducts.com for $12.70). i've never tried the product, but its gotten good reviews and hair masques are necessary to prevent against split ends, unless you want to have you hair constantly cut (the only way to get rid of split ends if you already have them).

look at our beautifully haired celebs: (clockwise from mid left by the sunsilk tube): padma lakshmi, beyonce, lucy liu, mischa barton, mya, salma hayek, ashley olsen, and alessandra ambrosio. their hair glistens no matter the color because it's healthy. :) what do you use in your hair?

WHAT TO WEAR TO WINTER PARTIES

need to know what to wear to those winter parties whether it be at a friend's house or at a club/bowling alley/wherever? look no further than these options.

all of these sparkly numbers are from forever21.com and under $34. my favorite out of all of these is the sassy sequin & mesh dress because it's sexy and quirky at the same time. mesh doesn't always look tasteful but it does here and i like that the waist is accentuated with the sash.

you can't go shoeless or bagless to a winter party! all the shoes featured are from ninewest.com. the papoose is so chic because it's a peeptoe pump with a thick ankle tie, and the design is very original. i also love the color, and if you're wearing a black dress the red would be a great addition to your look. the lapel is also very nice because of it's inviting purple tones and trendy metallic detail and criss/cross straps. to keep your legs warm you can opt for the zarajoe boot which is leather at the bottom but has a buttery and velvety suede upper.

to keep your lipgloss, fragrance, gum or other necessities near make sure that you have small clutch that you can carry around without being weighed down and is made of something durable in case you spill something on it nothing will be absorbed. i love the options that target has, they even have a great white clutch by guest designer botkier for only $4.99!

winter parties are a great place to try new looks. try out a bright look at me pink for only $2 from sephora or sparkle packed eyeliner such as sephora glitter eyeliner that comes in many different colors to draw attention to your peepers.

for a party that will be packed with people opt for a bright, crisp scent that won't overwhelm but will invite people to talk to you. Fresh's Sugar Lemon to go is a great option because it has a nice subdued citrus scent. Aquolina pink sugar body spritzer has warmer and sweeter notes than fresh's option--but is a great scent to try because it is popular with young and old alike as can be seen by reading it's reviews on sephora.com.

INTERVIEW WITH A READER: XSOURAPPLEWHOREX !

this is the second time i've interviewed a reader, and i always love to do so because i find out even more about them! i'll be doing the same for my third magazine entry which will probably be out next year, tell me how you enjoyed it and go visit xsourapplewhorex and tell her how amazing she is! i'm sure you'll agree with me after reading her lovely interview.

1. What do you love about fashion?
I love the creativity that is such a large part of fashion. I love that fashion is not something simple, easy to categorize, or common; I love that it allows people to express themselves, or to find an aesthetic that makes them happy. I like having the ability to dress in so many different ways, to suit different moods and occasions. Sometimes I think people can take fashion almost too seriously – I don’t personally believe that’s the point of it ¬– but it’s incredible how an accessory or a garment can become so much more to you, help a bad day, boost your confidence, or remind you of someone or something meaningful. I also, of course, very much admire the incredible eye that certain highly gifted designers posses; they are absolute creative geniuses and understand color, shapes, details, etc. in a way that so many people just are not able to. Words cannot express the respect I have for the dedication of people in the industry and the fascination I feel when learning about the amount of work that goes into the construction of garments. Dresses can take weeks, months, as individual pieces of fabric are hand-sewn on round the clock until the optimum visual experience that the piece was intended to have is achieved – I love that, it shows such artistry. One other thing I love is the ability of fashion to reflect current culture, and the way fashion and music can be intertwined.

2. Who's your favorite designer? Why?
Well, I’m not much good at picking favorites in any area – food, books, etc – because I like so many, and the same hold true for this question. A few designers that I’m currently pretty taken with, though, are Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Philip Lim. I love Marc Jacobs for obvious reasons: his unabashed risk-taking, his interesting designs, his originality, and the way he can combine witty ideas with tasteful concepts, almost always in a coherent way. Both Zac Posen and Philip Lim I love simply because their designs are so fresh to me. Perhaps I like that all three men are so young and seemingly energetic. I find it very much shows through in their designs. I also love the label Marchesa. I don’t always tend to fall hard for entire lines that are overtly feminine, but I find that designs by Marchesa are always so enchantingly beautiful and absolutely impeccably constructed. I additionally really like Lanvin. The label Herve Leger seems to be quite trendy right now as well. I like the brand a lot, but I do think many of their designs only work when worn on certain people and in certain ways (to the right event, with the right accessories). I like Michael Kors because I met him once and like to pretend that that somehow qualifies he and I as acquaintances although I’m pretty much positive he has limited recollection of our encounter at this point. Also, I really like the labels Alice + Olivia, Alexander Wang!, and BCBG. And, while this is an obvious answer, I think as far as footwear goes, Christian Louboutin is unbeatable. I have a weird interest in John Galliano as a person, but I don’t quite know why.

marc jacobs
zac posen
philip lim

3. Who's your favorite fashion model? Why?
Ah, another “favorite” question. I suppose she’s perhaps “old news,” (relatively speaking) by now, but I think Gemma Ward is great. There’s just something about her! I’m a big fan of Chanel Iman too. Not only is she talented and wicked cute, I think a huge issue in the fashion industry is the lack of diversity, and she’s helping to improve that as her fame grows.

4. What would you change about the fashion world if you could?
Well, as mentioned, the lack of diversity in the industry is disconcerting to me. I do see it improving, and models of many nationalities have found success, but I wish that there wasn’t such a predominant aesthetic in the high fashion modeling world, or at least that it wasn’t one involving any particular race. I’d like to see models also, of any nationality, that are simply different from the most “popular” models right now get some more attention. I’d like to see some girls walk the runway who aren’t way too young for the industry, completely dead in the eyes, and perpetually unhappy-looking. It’s not that I mean to disrespect girls who may have those qualities and are working right now, I just don’t see why that’s become the indefinite standard.

5. What do you think about Anna Wintour?
I don’t have an incredibly strong opinion on her. I respect her success, and that’s about it. I find her a little intimidating also, not solely because of her fame but more because she just seems a tiny bit scary, but as I have obviously never encountered her personally I feel like that’s not totally justifiable.

6. If you could have Anna Wintour's job/trade places with her for one day what would you do?
I’d like to think I’d do something really interesting and substantial, but more than likely I’d just flirt with male models, go through her entire closet, and steal every item I could find at the VOGUE offices.

7. Talk to us about your personal style, what do you wear on a day to day basis?
My personal style is ever evolving. I’m not lofty enough to think I’m the best-dressed person ever or anything ridiculous, but I can happily say I find my style to be indefinable. I don’t dress to fit a single persona, label/stereotype, or image. I really don’t think about those things when I shop, and I buy what I like and can get my hands on – those two are my main criteria – not what fits into a certain category. I of course am drawn repeatedly to certain things, but in general my style is drawn from many different concepts, ideas, interests, and occasionally trends, which I then try my best to blend in a way that is coherent and wearable enough for high school. As I’ve gotten older my interest in the industry has increased very dramatically, and I’ve also started much more to simply wear what I want unselfconsciously. At the same time, I try to stick to things that I feel are flattering and not too avant-garde (especially for my age) as opposed to just things I find interesting conceptually but have zero use for. I’m quite lucky because my body type is easy to shop for and I can wear a lot of different things, so I just look for things that are cool, for a lack of a better word, and that I’m going to be comfortable and confident wearing. I like to grunge down a more “girly” outfit a little with certain small touches, or soften up a more hard outfit slightly. Because I feel my personality is complicated and has many layers, I try to express that with fashion by wearing outfits that incorporate different aspects of my personality and interests. I don’t want to give off a one-dimensional vibe. I try to get creative and find ways to use items other than just how they were intended without it looking like I did so. One of my belts is black leather with subtle but interesting faded-brass hardware, and it’s actually the long strap of a purse I took off because I didn’t use it. It’s adjustable and convenient, and I always get compliments on it ¬– people can never tell it isn’t actually a belt.

8. What do you think the biggest trend for 2008 was/is?
You know, I don’t really know. If I’m speaking not about runway trends but more common ones among people not in the industry, I think it very much varies based on the area. Despite predictions that it would be a brief trend, I think that the skinny jean style is looking like it’s going to stick around for a while. A number of people have been playing around for some time now with high-waisted jeans. At the same time, I don’t know if either of those are the absolute “biggest” trend of the year. I guess gladiator sandals have been pretty popular. They’re not really new, but have taken a while to trickle down and become more common, and then they sort of became a craze upon hitting that point. Where I live, big scarves worn tied behind the neck have become really popular amongst various groups of people, because the style can be, depending on the specific scarf, the wearer, and the outfit, both polished or sort of “indie”-looking, but the trend also is prevalent in the hip-hop culture, so it’s often worn a la Lil Wayne with some dark wash jeans and fresh kicks.

9. What stores do you recommend shopping at?
I don’t like the idea of having a favorite store, but I do – Urban Outfitters. I’m kind of (and by “kind of” I mean “really”) obsessed with it. I also love Free People, Anthropologie, American Apparel, and Nordstrom. J.Crew is really nice; it took me a while to give this store a chance, but now very much I’m in love with it. Bloomingdales is another good one, and Forever 21 can be a good option sometimes. I tend to be a proponent of online shopping, and I shop at all the stores I previously mentioned online, but the best site that’s online-only is probably shopbop.com. Depending on your budget and the item it can get pricey, but they have a huge selection of apparel and accessories that are fantastic. I really like to shop while on vacation a lot too; I love finding stores that are either not chains and have a single location, or just that don’t have a location close to home (but that’s harder to find). Aside from just having a fresh selection of clothing and/or accessories, I think everybody likes to be able to get something with the absolute knowledge that nobody else they know has it. My last tip would be to just broaden your options – go to the thrift store, shop in the boys’ section (I’ve been known to do that one a lot!), try somewhere new, accept a hand-me-down, or even make something or alter something you’ve purchased.

10. What beauty products do you use?
My only beauty essentials are SoftLips chapstick and mascara. I usually wear more than those, but I am very comfortable leaving the house in just mascara. I’ve changed the one I use a number of times, but right now I use an Estee Lauder one called MagnaScopic. Honestly, I don’t really know what the “best” mascara is, but I tend to just stick to a decent one in black when I find it until it runs out. As far as other products, I like Bobbi Brown and Urban Decay a lot for eyeshadows. My mom has beautiful clear skin, and I’ve been fortunate enough to inherit that (although hers is still better than mine). Because of that, I don’t ever use foundation or concealer. Instead, I sometimes use (but I usually forget or don’t have time to put on) Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer, which I would recommend to absolutely anyone. It’s very light, protects your skin against sunlight, and matches your skin tone so that it evens it out without being thick or acting as a foundation. However, it generally won’t hide something like acne, because it’s not a foundation, just as a warning. When I use bronzer, it’s Urban Decay Baked in Toasted. If I wear lipstick, it’s always stolen from my mom or older sister. In terms of gloss, it varies, but my nicest ones are a Chanel in a sort of nude shade and a subtle Bobbi Brown one. Outside of those, I have a few cheap ones that I actually like just as much, mostly in pinkish-clear shades. As stated, though, I often just use chapstick – I’m maybe a little bit unhealthily attached to mine (during fire drills, the only things I take with me are my cell phone and my SoftLips). When I use eyeliner, I often just get it from the drugstore and look for one with a narrow point that I usually sharpen (with a basic eyeliner sharpener) and use until it’s gone before getting another. One good hair product I would advise is a hair mask, which is something you use either once a week, two weeks, or a month (just ask someone who knows what they’re talking about at the salon or wherever how often they recommend) in place of your normal conditioner but is left on for longer before rinsed out (again, it depends: some people say 30 minutes, but you can leave it in overnight, especially if you only use it once a month). It’s really beneficial to the condition of your hair and works to replenish it and lock in moisture, so it helps to counteract damage, prevent split ends, and just improve your hair’s overall health. And for people who use hot tools, always use a protecting product first!

11. What do you like about fashionforwarddd, what would you like to see more about?
I like that fashionforwarddd appeals to people of different styles and budgets. I enjoy the fact that the site is acutely in tune with high fashion, but doesn’t give off a snobbish air and finds interesting ways to translate runway looks and trends to options for people that are more accessible or practical, but not at the cost of the original aesthetic or the sophistication of it. I found the Fashion Week coverage phenomenal, and the comments on each collection mentioned to be articulate and sharp. I don’t think there is one area where I have a particularly great interest for fashionforwarddd to expand upon. I like the variety in the posts and the way the site functions at present.

12. What do you think will be different in the fashion world 10 years from now? Will we all be wearing spacesuits?
Honestly, it’s possible! It’s very difficult to say how the industry will evolve and what will be the most popular trends. I think that fashion, like other art forms, is always in motion. Designers are constantly crafting new concepts and the world itself is continually advancing, developing, and changing, so the industry will always be doing the same. As much as fashion changes on a day-to-day basis, it is supported by a fairly solid, stable infrastructure that I feel is based on tastefulness and certain immortal fashion innovations. Though trends pop and fade out at an incredible rate, most every designer’s ultimate aspiration is to be able to produce garments that are timeless both literally (the specific garment itself always being seen as beautiful) and conceptually (the idea behind the garment). So in ten years, of course we will all be dressing differently from the way we are today, but I also think that certain constants will withstand the test of time and carry into the next decade and many decades to follow. I’m not going to wake up in the morning ten years down the road and put on the same outfit I will tomorrow, but I feel style is not something comprised of the newest trends, but is something that is able to stay current as trends change without following them or fitting into a mold. I like to think of style as something that evolves more than just changes rapidly. So, to make a long story short, I think fashion will be totally different in ten years, but I also think people may be more surprised by the ways in which it stays the same than all the ways in which it does not.

13. What's your favorite color?
Yellow.

14. Who are your top ten best dressed people (celebs, it-girls, normal people, w/e)?
I guess this is kind of a boring answer, but I really don’t have a top ten. One of my best friends is very knowledgeable and creative when it comes to fashion, but I don’t know whom I would consider the best-dressed person I know. In terms of celebrities, I don’t have one celebrity that I feel always makes perfect choices. I don’t love Mary-Kate Olsen’s outfits half the time, but she wears a lot of individual pieces I really like, and I think both she and Ashley Olsen, though their fashion choices have been criticized, understand and appreciate the industry very well. I think their projects in the industry have also been fantastic and they show that they understand fashion, unlike some celebrities who are more eager just to put their name on a product they have little to do with to gain money. I tend to be inspired more by individual looks or pieces than by one person in particular. I admire the style of many people, both famous and non, but of course I’m going to like certain things that other people do not and vice versa, even if we both have generally similar taste. To me, the best-dressed people out there are just people who love fashion and the fashion industry not for reasons that are pretentious but because they appreciate it as an art form. I love anyone’s style who can pull off something unusual, who can put things together effortlessly, who has an open mind, and who enjoys fashion simply because it’s fun! I wish people didn’t think fashion was exclusive to a certain label or way of dressing. The website lookbook.nu is one place where I find a lot of inspiration and is a melting pot of fashionable people from all corners of the world. It’s filled with self-submitted photographs of young people that display their favorite outfits and allow them to both connect with other fashion-conscious people and express their own idea of what looks good. The website is selective but displays photographs of all different people dressed in all different ways. I could easily find ten amazingly-dressed people on there!

15. What are your fave fashion magazines?
I subscribe to Teen Vogue and Nylon. I don’t always get to read it, but I like the magazine i-D. I also often read VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, or Glamour.

16. Do you think music influences fashion?
Absolutely. I love being able to see art forms work together and play off each other in such a way. I also think fashion draws influence from and is influenced by so many other things, but music is a primary area with which fashion interacts.

17. Alexander Wang won the CFDA vogue fashion fund award, what do you think about that?
I’m happy about it. Many designers and aspiring designers posses a lot of potential, but I feel Alexander Wang is one who has consistently proved he has the ability to transfer his potential into tangible results with sophisticated execution. I think he’s an inspiration because of his immense success at such a young age – success I feel is the deserved product of raw talent. I have confidence that he will be able to make the most of this prestigious award and surpass expectations.

18. Are leggings pants?
Haha, this one made me smile. Uh, no, they’re definitely not. I think leggings can work with a lot of outfits and look good, but they are such an abused item! I constantly see leggings worn in such odd and unflattering ways, and while they can sometimes look good with an outfit where pants could be worn in their place, that does not mean they can replace pants in any outfit.

19. Anything else to say?
Just to thank you for asking me to do this! I’m really flattered, and as a disclaimer I just want to say I know that I don’t know everything about fashion and I don’t claim to have written the book on it – it’s based far too much on interpretation for there to be set rules. I hope people enjoy reading this, and thank you again!

look forward to part two of the magazine issue soon!