Transitional Style: Summer Nights, And Fall Days ... 'The Cropped Pant'

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Crippen via Vogue

Talk Back! There's nothing better than a cropped pant and high heels; it elongates your body adding about 3 to 5 inches! And who doesn't want height? While reading Vogue's article, (Susie Crippen's) Ten Tips for Looking Good in Cropped Pants, I was pleased to read attainable style advice geared toward most of us cropped-pant-lovers. In the picture above, four (4) different cropped pant looks are featured -- tell me (I want to know), which is more your style? Personally, I love outfits with a little edge that says I'm in control, and would wear (from left to right) Look #2 and Look #4.

Re: Look #4 -- I heart a plunging neckline; it showcases a flattering silhouette.  

Hey, Stylistas! Want to Wear Cropped Pants? Read Susie Crippen's Ten How-To Tips:

When wearing skinny cropped pants . . . 

1. The leg needs to be short: I am five foot five and I get all my inseams hemmed to 25 inches so there is a good amount of skin showing. I am convinced this makes me look taller. 

2. The leg opening should be as narrow as possible. Have them taken in if necessary. 

3. On the subject of tops and shoes, a good heel, like my white Céline pump, works with an oversize men’s shirt. I like the contrast of feminine with masculine. 

4. With a simple T-shirt, I wear a statement flat sandal that has a bit of flash. 

5. In snow or rain, I love pairing skinny cropped pants with a short engineer boot, oversize sweater, and a good raincoat. 

When wearing wide-leg cropped pants . . . 

1. This is my new favorite shape. I am all about playing with the notion of clothes that are oversize and still sexy. It reminds me of pictures of Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn in the forties. There are so many great flats and booties out there right now that make it easy to create a really feminine look with a looser trouser or jean. 

2. Even more than with skinnies, the inseam has to be short enough to make them looked cropped—not just poorly hemmed. Above the ankle is my hard and fast rule. 

3. This fall, I can’t want to wear them with a fitted sweater to make the look a bit more sexy. 

4. The best choice for a tall ankle boot is one that hugs your ankle. That shape creates a beautiful silhouette and you avoid looking like the guy walking on stilts at the circus. Knee-length boots are also good under wide-leg cropped trousers if the boot is fitted to your leg. 

5. Wide-leg pants are also great with a midheel like Roger Vivier. 

Final Tid-Bits for Wearing Cropped Pants: If you're short and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels. Similarly, if you're tall and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels (maybe a kitten heel). However, if you're tall and don't want to look taller, wear cropped pants with flats. See? #StyleOptions for all. I like attainable style. xx :) -ns

 Video: Meet Susie Crippen

The Hook's Gregory DelliCarpini Jr. Chats with Celebrity Stylist, Ty Hunter

Style Notes! Ty Hunter went from window-dressing to styling THE HOTTEST superstar to hit the stage — Beyoncé (Knowles-Carter). Wondering how'd that happen? Ty tells all to The Hook's Gregory DelliCarpini Jr. (above) | Follow Ty Hunter on Twitter.

“I was working in a store in Houston and I met Ms. Tiny and we just clicked instantly,” He revealed to Billboard. “I had a day off and called her to see if she needed help. The rest is history. The next week I was at the Grammys.”

Source: Billboard 

Rachel Roy Launches Digital Magazine

Photo Credit: rachelroy.com

Boss Lady Inspiration! I love Rachel Roy's social media presence, and overall marketing strategies (Yes, I'm paying close attention to the folks that handle their online image, well.) Miss. Fashion Designer-Extraordinaire is owning it.

"Design the life you want to live." -Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy recently launched a Digital Magazine called, The Life; she is slated to discuss an array of relevant lifestyle topics from fashion, to beauty, to philanthropy and everything in between, a definite must-read. Roy is the "perfect" mentor and should be recognized and admired for many things—in addition to her talent for designing sharp clothing. Rachel is a polished businesswoman, a dynamic public speaker, a philanthropist, and wonderful mother. And, she gives great advice. Rachel, you seriously rock! 

Source: VIBE Vixen | Follow Me on Twitter: @nikkistyle

Project Runway Season 10: Sonjia Williams Makes It To Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Designer: Sonjia Williams

Exclusive! Well. The cat's outta the bag. Oh yeah ... spoiler alert, I'm just sayin'.

Project Runway's Season 10 cast member, Sonjia Williams made it to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (New York, September 7, 2012).

Major! But no surprise here, darlings. As I said before, the girl's got something special -- and totally refreshing for the urban market.

Congrats, Sonj. 

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 

-Spring 2013 Collection-

And now, watch a short video clip of Sonjia's [Spring 2013] Runway Finale. Very cool =)

Photo Credit: Zimbio  |  So, what do you think about Sonjia's collection? Tell me on Twitter.


More Project Runway-Realted Posts:

• Project Runway (Ep 5) - The Winning Look: Professional and Transitional
• The Winning Look: Project Runway Season 10, Episode 4

How-To Build a Knockout Wardrobe With Lucky Magazine's Brandon Holley

Photo Credit: Source

Style Notes | So, I just finished watching a quick video clip featuring Lucky's Editor-In-Chief, Brandon Holley as she shared invaluable fashion tips, specifically, tidbits that I personally live by in which inspires me to build a knockout wardrobe. 

Ready? Here we go.

1. Before you make a trip to the mall, start in YOUR OWN CLOSET. 

• You might find several hidden gems -- and probably clothes you forgot you had.

2. The Golden Rule: arrange your closet by color.

• Each week after doing (my) laundry, I spend a few hours re-arranging my closet by color. This very simple and fun task makes it easier for me to pull together outfits for the upcoming week. And, I feel so much more organized. 

3. Always rely on basics.

• So true. Some of Brandon's "basics" consists of flats and boater shirts -- some of my basics are scoop neck t-shirts (in black, gray, navy blue), a waist-length denim jacket, black pumps, and a solid color hobo in green. 

4. Make a fashion statement by mixing "the basic" with signature pieces. 

• For example, I would wear a basic t-shirt and a pair of jeans, and then spruce up the outfit by adding arm candy, such as my gold bangles with pops of color.

5. Shop, Shop, Shop. 

• I know. Many of us are conservative with money these days (and rightfully so). Therefore, if you don't have the funds just window-shop for ideas. I do this this all of the time, and PIN pics of looks I'm loving on my inspiration board.

Video: Fashion Tips By Lucky's Brandon Holley

 

Lastly ... To Photoshop, or Not To Photoshop

MediaBistro states: Lucky Magazine's Brandon Holley says a magazine without photoshopping would sell "10 copies." I think Brandon makes a valid point.

I am not certain that I would purchase a fashion magazine with some random individual on the cover, because truthfully, I want to be kept abreast of the latest celebrity gossip and spy on what they're wearing. Also -- the many pages of ad porn is visually stimulating.

Frankly, if I want to see that "everyday girl" I can click on a fashion blog and browse FOR FREE (there are literally thousands!) Just being honest. Besides, pretty much all fashion magazines have blogs in which they spotlight "street style," like ELLE's Street Chic.

So anyways, if there's a little photoshopping in print mags ... eh oh well ... no tears here.

What do you think? Tell me on Twitter.

The Newly Launched: DVF for GapKids

Glamour asks: What do you think of DVF for GapKids? Will you be shopping this collection?

The featured video displays an age-appropriate collection of  mixed prints and vivacious colors—inspiring all little girls to look and feel fun. I heart DVF for GapKids!

Photo Credit: ny.racked.com

Response: So, would I shop this collection for a family member? Though a bit pricey, ranging from $20 to $120, I would certainly purchase an item, such as the espadrilles in ming jade for $45.

Would you shop this collection? Tweet me.

Nicki's Must-Haves!

Photo Credit: thatgrapejuice.net

Beauty Notes | Elle gave its readers the lowdown on superstar Nicki Minaj's beauty secrets, as well as her favorite products. And because I am such a huge Nicki fan (*ahem* Trinidad, please stand up!) — I had to put the spotlight on this fun-filled girlie interview. 


See it now! The World Premiere of 'Stupid Hoe'

Interview Excerpt:

What’s the most high-maintenance part of your beauty routine? 

My eyes, because they’re the one thing I need my makeup artist to do. I don’t have the patience, my hands shake, and I mess everything up. So my makeup artist has to do my brows and lids and lashes. Everyone knows I’m a lash girl by now. When I don’t have my lashes, I feel naked. 

Are they extensions or strips? 

Today I’m wearing strips. I used to wear the individual lashes, but those became so time-consuming. We needed to figure out an easier way, so my makeup artist has been experimenting with cutting lash strips in half and piling them on top of each other. 

What’s the best tip a makeup artist has taught you? 

I contour by using a lighter shade of foundation under my eyes instead of concealer. I take it down in a triangle by the sides of my nose, and then apply blush on top. I don’t do round, rosy cheeks; that’s for old people. It’s played out. I like the color to be like a diagonal line across the cheekbone up to the temples. It really changes the shape of my face. 

What’s always in your makeup bag? 

I can’t see myself without pink lipstick. I can go without it for a couple days, but if there was no more pink lipstick in the world, I’d be useless. Seriously. And a good white pencil for under the eye, just inside the rim. It helps you look like you’re on. [Source]

Nicki's Superstar Must-Haves!
Get the Deets Here

KANYE WEST -- Spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear: The Editor's Picks and Commentary!

All Photos via style.com

Mr. Kanye West recently debuted his highly anticipated collection at Paris Fashion Week—a women's line—and the critics sure have a lot to say: "Kanye should stick to rapping." "Kanye's collection is disappointing." Kanye should have done a men's line first." "Kanye's collection is ghetto and far from trendy." The harsh comments went on and on.

Personally, I think Kanye made a good first attempt. I will also go on to say that there is nothing wrong with celebrity designers, as they are just like us ... people with passion for an array of different things. And, what's wrong with that? But however, I will agree with style.com in which they wrote that "conquering his new medium [fashion] is a work in progress." Fair to say. Anyways, Kanye has a cool personal style with trendsetter potential; I am looking forward to what's next in terms of his fashion venture. Below, see my favorite looks from Kanye's collection, I find them to be hip & trendy and bondage-like sexy. All looks got attitude! 

Video Footage via Red Carpet Fashion

Got something to say? Feel free to email your thoughts to nikki@nikkistyle.net, or @ reply me on Twitter (@nikkistyle)!

Kerli.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Style Inspiration | The self-proclaimed "moon child" a.k.a. singer-songwriter Kerli born in Elva, Estonia is one word: intriguing. Kerli is totally adorable, yet spooky at the same time. Anyways, I've kept my eye on her since the debut of Walking On Air, where the song lyrics brings truth to my spooky assumption:

There's a little creepy house 

In a little creepy place 

Little creepy town 

In a little creepy world 

Little creepy girl

With her little creepy face 

Saying funny things 

That you have never heard...

A Stylish Way To Stay Warm: Check Out The "Lace Stitch Turtleneck Sweater"

Style Notes |  A sweater's just a sweater, right? Wrong. Featured today, is a totally stylish lace stitch turtleneck sweater; the stitching (and its placement) definitely gives a basic black sweater an instant upgrade. 

The sweater is designed by EDUN, a Fashion Clothing Collection launched (in 2005) by Ali Hewson and Bono. What is EDUN? Check out the back story...

Photo Credit: Oak NYC

Eva Longoria Covers ALLURE April 2011 - PHOTO & BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Allure

Interview Excerpt:

Longoria once told a magazine that she loved vibrators so much that she gave them as gifts to her girlfriends. "That was, like, seven years ago—premarriage," she says. "It's hard for me to censor myself, because I like to be honest and free and say exactly what I'm thinking or feeling. Unfortunately, so many things are taken out of context, and [now] I'm a little more cautious about what I say."  

Longoria hopes that, in the very near future, she'll get to accomplish one thing that she's been wanting to do for a long time: curl up with a good trashy novel. "I'm in a transition stage, settling into a new routine," she says. "And I welcome it."

Allure magazine's April 2011 issue is on newsstands now.

Gwen Stefani Covers ELLE UK April 2011 - PHOTOS & BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO

Photo Credit: Elle UK

"My style is always evolving." 

-Gwen Stefani

REVEALED - Kelly Osbourne For Material Girl

Style Notes | I am having an 'oh-em-gee' moment. Love this campaign!

Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2011 Ready-To-Wear: It's all about the outwear!

Style Notes | (New York Fashion Week, Feb 2011) Fashion designer and member of the CFDA Bibhu Mohapatra did an exceptional job with outwear for fall 2011. I love the length of the coats—with hemlines at or just slightly above the knee. 

Photo Credit: style.com

Black Swan's Milena "Mila" Markovna Kunis Covers W MAGAZINE March 2011

Photo Credit: W

Style Notes | Did you see Black Swan? I did. The moral to the story is breathtaking—in an unexplainable artsy way. In addition to Natalie Portman doing a phenomenal  job as the lead, the Ukraine-born beauty, Mila, rocked her role as well. 

Mila chats with W magazine in the March issue, on newsstands later this month.

Interview Excerpt:

Lynn Hirschberg: In Black Swan, you play the wild-child devil girl. You’re both seductive and scary. Had you danced before you took the part?

Mila Kunis: I had never danced in my life. I trained for four months, seven days a week, five hours a day. I had one day off on my birthday. I lost 20 pounds. I tore a ligament. I dislocated my shoulder. I have two scars on my back. And it was worth every minute.

But I will never dance again. I’m a strong believer in mind over matter, but I didn’t fully understand what that meant until this production. I was like, Well—I wear heels; I can do this. I was wrong: Christian Louboutins are uncomfortable, but I screamed the first time I put on a pointe shoe.

VIDEO -- Manny Norte Interviews Nicki Minaj

(FASHION/BEAUTY NEWS) - JUST IN! Gwen Stefani is the 'Newest' Face of L’Oréal Paris!

Photo Credit: People magazine

Style Notes | Honestly, I don't really use L’Oréal Paris products, but the news just broke that one of my favorite style icons, Gwen Stefani, is the newest face of  L’Oréal. HOORAY!

Beyoncé: New L'Oreal Paris "Feria" Commerical 2011 - VIDEO

Raise your hand if you're a woman of color and use L'Oreal hair products. Seriously, I want to take a headcount...

Yokoo Scarves & Accessories ™

Style Notes | I recently stumbled upon Yokoo—and just in time for winter! Seriously, whoever says knitting is not a specialized talent after seeing Yokoo's work, is crazy. I'll smack you. These designs are bananas!

Sharing: I grew up watching my mom knit things like socks, scarves, sweaters and blankets. And she tried so hard to teach me, but I simply was not interested. Knitting is not only time-consuming, but numb on the fingers ... my fingers.

Besides, my attention span is slim-to-none. I remember knitting being mentally painful when I couldn't see instant results. Do you have any idea how long it took me to make a baby blanket? Years and counting, and I still didn't finish. 

I know first-hand how talented someone has got to be in order to produce such fabulous knitwear. So you go, Yokoo! Cheers to your wonderful work and patience!

Shop the look! All featured items can be purchased here.

Photo Credit: Yokoo Etsy

THE ICY [SCI-FI] PRINCESS

Photo Credit: Elle; Courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Style Notes | This look is completely fierce. And as Elle magazine recently said, "Sci-fi looks are off the grid" — I couldn't agree more. 

TRON: Legacy (2010) now playing in theaters.