Nigeria’s Duro Olowu Makes US Debut With Fall 2011 Line At NY Fashion Week

Nigerian-born designer Duro Olowu debuted his Fall 2011 collection as part of New York’s Fashion Week. It was his first-ever show in the United States and featured contrasting colors and textures, as well as a mix of prints.

The “Urban Gaucho” collection was inspired by Harlem’s Renaissance era and included silk print dresses, swing skirts, tweed jackets, cropped pants and wide-leg trousers.

“I’m always very inspired by women. I want to make clothes that woman can wear. And I hope that’s what I’ve done,” Olowu said. “I design for an independent spirit who want clothes that make her feel alluring.”

The collection debuted at Milk Studios on February 13, 2011.

via New York Fashion Week – Duro Olowu’s Fall 2011 Collection Pics | Hello Beautiful.

How To Get Salon Nails At Home

With the creation of Minx nails, it seems that every female I know has become obsessed with having “cool” nails. Add a couple rhinestones, different colors and designs and you automatically have celebrity looking hands. Recently, I’ve jumped on the “cool nail  frenzy” as well, and have become obsessed with Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects Nail Polish. Unlike Minx nails which is similar to a sticker, Salon Effects is real nail polish, without the drying and the mess. The kit comes with nail strips, a nail file and a buffer and if you follow the instructions exactly, its so simple to use, and will last up to 10 days. The designs range from neon colors to lace print, and my personal favorite, leopard.

The Salon Effects kit is found at most drugstores, and cost about $9.99. I think this is exceptionally cool if you have short nails, like me, and can’t ever keep nail polish on to save your life. A little something cool to add to your beauty collection this upcoming spring!

via How To Get Salon Nails At Home | Hello Beautiful.

FANTASY FRIDAY: Mouawad’s “1001 Nights Diamond Purse”

We all fantasize about owning an expensive designer handbag, but this “1001 Nights Diamond Purse” from the House of Mouawad is totally out of our reach. The jewel encrusted clutch, which is valued at $3.8 million, was recently named the world’s most expensive by Guinness World Records.

The heart-shaped purse, handcrafted from 18kt gold, incorporates 18kt gold and 4,517 diamonds (105 yellow, 56 pink and 4,356 colorless) with a total weight of 381.92 carats.

These guys know a thing or two about extravagance, they’re responsible for teaming up with Victoria’s Secret to create the $11 million “Very Sexy Fantasy Bra” in 2003.

via FANTASY FRIDAY: Mouawad’s “1001 Nights Diamond Purse” | Hello Beautiful.

Hannah Holman: Grey S/S ’11

via Hannah Holman: Grey S/S ’11 > Photo Shoots > fashion pictures.

Would You Wear… Floral Print Shoes?

While scouring my favorite online shopping locations for spring wardrobe inspiration, I noticed floral print shoes everywhere. While floral prints seem to be a perpetual trend for spring and summer, we haven’t seen them on shoes to this extent in a very long time.

This ’70s-retro look is versatile and can be worn many ways in the months to come. Since mixing prints will continue to be popular through Spring 2011, these shoes could be fun to wear with a cute patterned dress or a polka dotted blouse. If you’re in the mood to try another trend, the furthest right look above displays the high heels and ankle socks trend worn with floral wedges – and they couldn’t look any cuter!

Personally, I think floral print shoes can pretty much work on any girl. When worn with flowy spring dresses or cropped cardigans and vests, these shoes would help channel the perfect boho vibe, but a pair of floral oxfords worn with cargos could create an edgier look – it’s all in the styling.

via Would You Wear… Floral Print Shoes? – College Fashion.

Tips to Choosing and Applying Eyeliner

Eyeliner is a big part of makeup. It defines eyes and gives your look an instant lift which you can use to turn back the clock or make sexy feline eyes and use it for many other makeup tricks. Eyeliner can go alone with mascara-coated lashes or it can become a base for your eye makeup with various shades of shadows. Here I will tell about types of eyeliner, things to consider when choosing eyeliner and some useful tips on applying eyeliner right and without much effort.

via Tips to Choosing and Applying Eyeliner | Ourvanity.com – Beauty and health secrets for everyone.

Full Skirts – The Feminine Side of Spring

2011 spring does its best to conquer the hearts with amazing signs of feminine grace. As the 70’s are back to remind us of the delicate textures and fluid lines we loved so much, the full skirt is also back to compliment the female silhouette.

Long, midi or short, fluid, delicate or ruffled the full skirt is out to prowl the streets this spring. We find this lovely and elegant fashion piece in the collections of all the significant designers.

Salvatore Ferragamo proposed the long oversized ruffles with elegant embroidered fabric and neutral colors. Proenza Schouler and Vena Cava introduced delicate lines, mid length overlaid fabric and contrastive colors while Marc Jacobs brought back the Lolita air.

The full skirt is all about underlining the beauty of the female shape. The layers of fabric make the legs look longer while the narrow waistline delicately underlines the torso.

The beauty of this item is that it fits perfectly high heels, platforms but also comfortable flats. You can wear it at the office, on a shopping spree or on a date.

Versatile and most of all delightfully girly, the full skirt is something ladies should not miss this upcoming season.

via Full Skirts – The Feminine Side of Spring | The Fashionables.

Fashion Challenge: Wear a Pashmina

Whether you picked yours up for $5 on the streets of Manhattan or at a fancy boutique, I’d be willing to bet that you have a pashmina somewhere in your closet. These large, fringed pieces of cloth are silky soft and surprisingly warm, making them clear winter staples, but how to style them isn’t so obvious.

With only a few weeks of winter left, we’ve all come down with a bit of spring fever! Infuse some color into your cold-weather wardrobe by taking this week’s challenge: work a pashmina into an outfit. Before you change clothes, take a few snapshots — YOU could be featured here and provide inspiration for other CF readers!

Tips and Tricks for Rocking a Pashmina:

Wear it as a scarf. This is probably pretty obvious, but it bears repeating. Pashminas make ideal scarves – they’re full, not the slightest bit itchy, and long enough to wrap around your neck a few times.

Bring it with you while you travel. Pashminas are lightweight and fold easily, so they’re great to bring along with you on long road trips on on flights.

Wear it as a headscarf. Pashminas can easily be knotted, pinned, or draped, making them perfect for going incognito – just add a pair of sunglasses for a very Jackie O. look.

Try it as a shawl. A wide, lightweight scarf like a pashmina looks great draped across one’s shoulders on a chilly night. Knot it in the front or pin it with a brooch to hold it in place.

Wear it around your hips. Depending on its weight and length, a pashmina can work as a colorful belt or just for a little extra warmth on your backside if it’s super cold out.

Make it into a funky top. Pashminas have enough fabric to offer you coverage – so why not take yours and get creative? Try to pin, tie, or wrap it to make a unique top. This IS a fashion challenge after all!

via Fashion Challenge: Wear a Pashmina – College Fashion.

Heart Truth Fashion Show Kicks off NY Fashion Week

Since 2003, the red dress has been the symbol of the Heart Truth Awareness campaign to promote women’s heart health, and the accompanying fashion show has become an event in its own right during NY Fashion Week. Celebrities came out in droves for the event, including Anne Curry, Taraji P. Henson, Garcelle Beauvais, Audrina Patridge, Julianne Hough, Natasha Bedingfield, and Denise Richards, all sporting designs from top designers. Many of them have been touched in some way by heart disease, others were just there to support the worthy cause. Although the show itself lacked energy at first, it picked up towards the end and the gowns spoke for themselves. All styles were represented – long, short, embellished, minimalist, full and swingy, and form-fitting. We loved Cat Deeley’s strapless, floor-length, floaty confection by Alberta Ferretti. Gorgeous! Our least favorite?  The Ina Soltani strapless taffeta party dress was a poor choice for the 64-year-old Suzanne Somers…

At iFashionNetwork, we applaud both the cause and the kick-off of fashion week; check back for more runway coverage…

via Heart Truth Fashion Show Kicks off NY Fashion Week | Reviews.

Limited Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 Shoe Collection

Want a pair of interesting shoes for Spring/ Summer 2011 fashion season? Try Louis Vuitton’s creations! Despite the fact the number of designs is pretty limited, those that are available look amazing!

Quirky platforms attract attention and would finish your every look just perfectly. Besides, such an addition to the wardrobe will be very valuable, don’t you think?

via Limited Louis Vuitton Spring 2011 Shoe Collection – MillionLooks.com.