Though temperatures seem to be rising here in Southern California, it’s never too early to start getting ready for the cooler season of fall. While I do appreciate the sunny days, I am anxious for the temperatures to start to come down and for my sweaters, boots and scarves to start to come out of storage. Admittedly, I am even more excited for some new additions to my fall wardrobe. Check out some of the trends – straight from the runway – that’ll be making their mark this fall!
Sigh…seems like fashion designers are not the only people Forever 21 is stealing from.
Singer-songwriter David Choi was surprised to find lyrics from his song, “That Girl,” embossed on a Forever 21 tee-shirt.
“I’m disappointed that Forever 21 [because I felt] like they didn’t have to ask permission to use my lyrics in their commercial product, but I’m also flattered at the same time,” the Youtube star told Audrey Magazine.
Well, those are good lyrics. Check out the music video for “That Girl” below and see if you can spot the stolen words.
Forever 21, when will you stop?! We also wonder, how does hearing about these copyright issues affect your impression of the fast fashion mega-brand? Let us know below!
Fast fashion mega-brand Forever 21 is under fire again for producing designs a little too similar to original pieces by other designers.
Not all Asians look the same, not all shirts should look the same
Olivia Munn and Jamie Chung.
This summer take your style cues from ladies like Olivia Munn and Jamie Chung, and wear the cutest frocks featuring the big trends seen on the runways. Think polka dots, florals, stripes, tribal, orange — go bold or go home! We’ve compiled a list of shops where you can find your perfect summer dresses, but get them while they’re hot.
Runway Rundown co-founder and Korean American stylista Kim Halzle is back with spring trends to cash in on now.
I’m back to give you the wrap up on a few more key trends for Spring. Still not sure about what key pieces to buy for a fresh new Spring look? Not sure how to utilize your existing wardrobe and
incorporate it with the new trends? Fret not! The exciting thing about fashion is that you can make it your own. Don’t be intimidated by expensive price tags and statement pieces that don’t seem fitting to
your lifestyle. Mix and match these trends at a researched and affordable price and you’ll be feeling and looking like a million bucks before the snow melts!
Trend 1: Stripes
A standout pattern amongst a crowd of notables for the season will be stripes. Bold, chunky, skinny, vibrant, this list goes on and the multiple ways they can be styled is endless. Another thing we love
about stripes for the season, as they are traditionally known to give off a nautical look this season finds them more youthful and artistic. Mix and match and show your stripes this season!
Inspired from the runway: Jason Wu, Jil Sander, Fendi
Even though the celebration was 20 days after her real birthday (January 9), it was better late than never! Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP star Ashley Argota celebrated her 18th birthday at The W Hotel in Hollywood with her family, close friends and (like a true VIP) plenty of press.
Ashley Argota arrives at the red carpet wearing a splash of color on her dress and pink pumps. She says that she usually wears a lot of black, so she specifically chose colorful attire for her 18th birthday celebration.
Before the Filipina America debuted on the carpet, Nickelodeon and Disney tween celebs like Debby Ryan (Suite Life on Deck), Robbie Amell (True Jackson, VP) and fellow Filipina American Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Camp Rock 1 & 2) arrived on scene and ready for the lights, camera and action!
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle looks prim and proper in a drapey purple dress designed by Filipino fashion designer Oliver Tolentino.
Some of the younger stars included the witty Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family), the charming Maddison Pettis (Cory in the House/Phineas and Ferb), and singers Abi Ann Hoffman and Neenah Taylor. Even though these actors are still rookies in the field, they definitely had no trouble handling the bright lights and mic. At some point, Rodriguez even busted out into a dance move to entertain the press.
Maddison Pettis isn’t only a budding natural when it comes to acting, but also in fashion sense with this flowery, fresh Forever 21 piece.
Audrey reporter Jessica Jann interviews Hoffman just before she leaves the red carpet to go to the party room.
Three of Argota’s chosen favorite children from Starlight Children’s Foundation, including Brittni Hamilton were some of the special guests of the night. Even though the True Jackson, VP actress has so many followers (and it’s not just her more than 50,000 Twitter followers we’re talking about here), she remembers to also give back to the community.
Kathy Young (left) and Hamilton (right) of Starlight Children's Foundation were special guests of the night.
If a picture tells a thousand words, then can see the red carpet treatment Argota got on her special day.
For Argota, this was her one big celebration for the year, so curious as to what dazzling gifts she got for her birthday? Stay tuned for upcoming video clips and interviews of Argota and more of your favorite tween stars.
Want more teen stars? Check out our Spring 2011 issue and our Feature Story on Asian American teens on TV, out in early March!
Korean American Kim Halzle, co-founder of the fashion website Runway Rundown, gives us the shopping report on what to buy now (nab them at the sales!), wear now, and still be on trend come spring.
It’s a great time to shop as the New Year sales are in full swing. Be the smartest shopper you can be by buying clearance fall items items that will be on trend for spring 2011. Not sure what the key trends for Spring are? Fret not — I’ve got 5 must-have trends that you’ll soon be seeing gracing the blogs and red carpets. If you keep these trends in mind for your shopping and styling needs, you are sure to have a fashion forward, on-trend look to start off your new year!
Trend 1: Floor-Length Skirts
Retire your maxi dress until summer and take on a new, refined yet classic look of a floor-length skirt. With a variety of silhouettes like fit and flare, A-line and even a full skirt that resembles wide leg pants, the options to style this look are endless. I suggest keeping your top fitted and always tuck it into the skirt as to not take away from the grandiose effect of the skirt.
Some inspirations from the runway:
From left: Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera and Lanvin.
Get the look now with these easy buys:
From left: Slinky Maxi Skirt from Forever 21, $19.80; Desert Florals Maxi Skirt from Free People, $98; and Draped Wrap Maxi Skirt from Forever 21, $22.80.
Trend 2: Wide Leg Pants
This trend will kill two birds with one stone as wide leg pants and ’70s styles are both going to be big for spring. It’s almost impossible to not give off a ’70s vibe when wearing wide leg pants so be prepared to channel your inner hippie. This is a trend that continues to pop up across the runways from season to season so if you haven’t already, take this spring as your opportunity to invest in a great pair of wide leg pants. I promise you will get your money’s worth from them as it is a trend sure to repeat itself.
Inspiration from the runway:
From left: Marc Jacobs, Monique Lhuillier, Hermes.
Say goodbye to those exaggerated harem-cut pants and welcome a classic look that keeps repeating itself … wide leg pants. You can even rock a spin off of the wide leg pant with a flared trouser. Here are my top picks to buy:
ASOS Tailored Ponti High Waisted Slim Flare Pants, $51.72.
- From left: ASOS Tailored Extreme Wide Leg Wool Pant, $72.41; ASOS Tailored Flannel Wide Leg Pant, $36.20.
Sparkle & Fade Wide Leg Chiffon Pant from Urban Outfitters, $54.
Trend 3: A Pop of Orange
Every season has a few colors that stand out as a trendy tone. However, this spring it is all about orange. Seen on several runway shows for spring, this bright citrus hue is sure to be a huge hit for spring. And what better way to gear up for a warm summer than with a burst of color? Wear it as the only shade in your ensemble, mix it up in a fun print or color block your outfit with a solid chunk of orange paired with a subdued tone.
Inspiration from the runway:
From left: Halston, Prada, Yves St. Laurent.
Get the look with these pieces available now:
From left: Patterson J. Kincaid dress from REVOLVE, $168; Orange Fringe Bag from Topshop, $60; Richard Nicoll Color block tank from The Outnet, $85.50.
It’s December and winter is finally here! Though it’s still about 70 degrees here in Los Angeles as I write this, it’s bound to get chilly soon so it’s time to stock up on some winter clothes. This season, wear a coat to keep you warm through the cold days. There’s a ton of coats out there and that makes it difficult to choose which one to buy. Here, I breakdown the things you have to consider when choosing a coat.
Length: If you’re looking for something more mature to go with your formal looks, go for something longer, like one that’s down to your knees. Avoid going any longer if you’re not especially tall; you don’t want your coat to wear you. Coats that are too long for your figure make you look even shorter. For more casual outings, keep your coat at hip-length or above. Being only 5’1″ myself, I went for a coat that goes down to my hips, which is a very versatile length to dress up or down.
Color/Pattern: Normally, people go for black or dark gray because they go with virtually every outfit. This is a wise decision, but make sure you have your lint roller ready! If you’re feeling bold, try a sharper color, like red, teal or purple. Looking for something in between? Camel tone is a popular choice. There is also the option of going for a pattern, like houndstooth, tweed or plaid.
Buttons: Buttons are one of the main features of a coat. Double-breasted peacoats are the most common, but there are also single-breasted coats. There can be buttons down the whole front or just the top half. The types of buttons defer as well, such as plain, military or toggle. Buttons are really just a personal preference, so just choose what you like.
Detailing: The different styles of coats are expanding. If you like ruffles, some coats have ruffled bottoms or collars. This also applies to faux fur. Personally, I don’t prefer either because they make coats seem even chunkier, but do take into account that I am petite in size. But if you like them, I say go for it!
Who what where? Asian America in the news this week.
The First Asian American Attorney General in California
Attorney General-Elect of California, Kamala Harris, will be succeeding Jerry Brown. Check this: she’s the first female African American attorney general, the first Asian American attorney general in California and the first Indian American attorney general in the U.S. That’s a whopping three records in one title, but for her, it’s her civic duty to serve the state despite her views, which include major support for the LGBT community and little or no support for the death penalty.
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Cheap Chic Crosses the Pond
Forever 21 has invaded the malls of America, but now the clothing and accessories company has opened a store in the United Kingdom to engage in some friendly completion with other established European stores like Topshop from England, H&M from Sweden and Zara from Spain. Forever 21 was started in Los Angeles by South Korean couple, Dong-Won Chang and Jin Sook in the ’80s, but now it is one of the fastest growing retailers globally.
This megastore sells cheap fashion via garments that don’t last for too long, but that just may be the ideal deal since many fashion trends don’t last very long either.
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A Pageant of Their Own
Thailand has been holding its own international beauty pageant since 2004, but since when did anyone realize that it is a beauty competition for transvestites? It’s difficult to tell because the contestants look all too much like Barbie dolls. For the Miss International Queen 2010 competition, the 27-year-old Miss Korea, known as Mini Han, took the crown. Runners-up were Ami Takeuchi from Japan and Stasha Sanchez from the United States.
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Oops, They Did It Again
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Kazakhstan for damage control after WikiLeaks released more unflattering U.S. diplomatic documents. Recently, even more Iraq agendas were posted.
Do you think that WikiLeaks has gone too far, or are they just preserving our First Amendment rights?
