CHECK THIS OUT~

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/edible-dresses-2420301/#photoViewer=6

Spirit Week 2010

Usually, my articles are about what looks good in fashion. But of course, I couldn't pass and not give some pictures of the horrifying but fantastic outfits from Spirit Week 2010.

David's crazy layering on clash day!

Too many layers on, olivia?

Katherine's crazy hair!

Mr. T wins the award for best nerdy outfit!

Fall 2010 is an exciting time for menswear. New and innovative looks that males are embracing are hitting up the runway.

I posted this to my facebook a while ago. This outfit from Prada's fall 2010 collection is so amazing. This picture perfectly sums up a new fashion concept for guys.

Sure, guys might not like wearing a lot of print and colors. But just a hint of color in this otherwise simple outfit adds personality and vitality.

Probably the most distinguishing factor between male and female clothing, other than obvious differences like skirts and underwear, is color. Most guys' wardrobes are limited to blue, black, white, and grey. Girls, on the other hand, we wear all possible colors--from teal to magenta. Guys just simply love wearing neutrals for the same reasons some girls love pink.

But here's where the idea comes in. When wearing an otherwise monochromatic outfit, next time, add a sweater or vneck shirt with a splash of color. What color is up to you entirely.

Not All Guys Are Slimy and Gross

A few weeks ago, I was with the journalism class working on my blog in the library. A couple of guys had study halls during that period also and were next to me on the computers. A little fail advertising for my blog followed. The guys had some trouble spelling my blog (melody? melodie? huhhh?) but they finally got onto the page.

The response that followed was a bit pathetic.

First, their eyes lit up because they had finally figured out how to get to my page. Then, they took in the top header and noticed...clothing. Swiveling around to check if I was looking, they cautiously closed the window and nonchalantly resumed whatever they were doing before.

It's okay--I'm really not that offended. To most guys, fashion is super boring and something girls spend wayy too much time on. I can't stop yawning when guys talk about football. So I know what it is like to be in your shoes.

And, of course, I have to admit, girls are a bit prejudiced too. To us, the spectrum of male fashion is limited to dirty tees and holey jeans.

There has to be a happy medium--somewhere.

I know that a lot of guys who care about their looks are often shot down by their fellow men. But I feel like as long as you don't go totally overboard, and start staring into the mirror and screaming "I'm fat!" in dismay, you'll be perfectly fine.

So what I'm presenting is a perfect balance. It's not meticulous and totally girly. These styles are actually easy to pull off. I know you guys like throwing on a pair of jeans and zoop out the door. But just put a teeny more effort into it and you'll still look manly--just good now! The next few posts will be some pictures and new trends in menswear, so keep your eyes open!

"Christian Fashion."

When the phrase "Christian fashion" come into mind, I think of a whole lot of crazy things. The weirdest one would probably be a "Bible dress." Dont laugh, but I think of a ill-fitting dress made out of pages of the Bible.

But that's a little extreme.

There are some people I know who wear t-shirts that say "Jesus is My Lord, "Child of the King, "His Princess" "Abreadcrumb and Fish" and all those other catchy cliche Christian phrases. While I think those can be useful in showing your faith, who would wear them every single day? Is there even a way to honor God through fashion?

What was so phenomenal about innovative designers at the height of the fashion boom? They were able to convey ideas around them and streamline it into clothing. Chanel took elegance and put it into a LBD. Now, every time we see a little black dress, we view the wearer as sophisticated. Fashion was an expression--to show the wearer's mood and mind.

Take a look around today. Fashion is an expression of the wearer. When we see Vans or DCshoes on someone with floppy hair, they're totally a skater. Preppy girls walk around in Abercrombie and Fitch and well tailored cardigans. Gangstas swag around in jeans with waists that seem to like being around knees. Gothics only wear one color--pretty obvious what it is.

Have you ever walked in a room and noticed someone just by their clothing? People don't have to say a lot to "shout." What subtle messages are we giving through the way we dress?

If these people can express themselves in one simple statement, shouldn't Christians be all the more equal to do the same?

You don't have to wear "Christian" clothing. A simple cross necklace is refined and elegant. But I feel like Christian t-shirts and others should be worn among believers. To others in the world, they can be viewed as obnoxious and snobbish. Sometimes, the less we say and the more we do is better.

Instead, what you wear can be beautiful but worship towards God. God created beauty and loves it. Christians should radiate positive messages. Through creativity and awe for God's creation, we can really send out a powerful statement. Your fashion should reflect the wonder of salvation. "I was once worthless, but through Jesus, I am a wonderful creation."

So next time you leave the house, take a look into the mirror. Through God's eyes, "critic" your outfit. What is it saying about me? What is it saying about my values and what I stand for?

Interview with Sakura Rose's Jessica Rogers

This past week, I had a little online interview with the owner of Sakura Rose, Jessica Rogers. Sakura Rose is a great chic online boutique that sells beautiful but modest clothing.

I personally love Sakura's camis! They're pretty but also helpful. I hate it when I constantly have to worry about bending down when wearing a low cut shirt. Her camis are high but at the same time long enough so they don't ride up in the back. Specially designed, you won't find them anywhere else!

Check out what Jessica had to say in her interview below and her site, http://sakurarose.com/.

She is also having a free shipping promotion going on too, so take advantage of that!

-Melody

i

images from sakurarose.com

Interview with Jessica Rogers, owner of Sakura Rose

Were you always interested in fashion growing up?

Pretty much. I evolved fairly early from the standard “cutting out paper dolls” and “dressing up Barbie” to drawing my own outfits and ballgowns. By the time I was 11, I was reading the fashion section in the New York times and creating full collections in my sketchbook. For our fifth grade career fair I sewed my own fashion designer outfit-- though the construction was pretty shoddy, looking back!

As a teenager growing up, what was your favorite fashion designer/icon/trend?

Hmmm.... that’s not a good question to ask someone who grew up in the grunge/happy punk era of the 90’s. Plaid, jeans, and construction/hiking boots were everywhere. I did wear a gorgeous deep lipstick red Jones New York dress to prom. On the runway, I always admired the simplicity and clean cuts of Karan, Klein, Beene, and Tam. Now I would say I’m a little more adventurous in my fashion-- then, I liked everything very simple and aesthetically pared down.

What was the catalyst that set off the wonderful business you now have going, Sakura Rose?

Frustration! I was having such a hard time finding clothes that didn’t look like something my mother would wear but didn’t look sleazy, either. I kept saying that someone should really have a store with just nice, young, clothes that were cute but still modest. Since I’d always wanted to own a boutique, it occurred to me pretty quickly that “someone” could be me!

What was the idea or concept behind Sakura Rose?

We’ve always been about providing young, modern, modest clothes: contemporary styles with a classic sensibility to them. They’re the updated classics: a cropped plaid coat, a slim-cut shirtdress, a button-down cardigan. Our best-selling item is our Cami that Covers, a basic layering cami that comes up a little higher in front and is longer on the bottom. It’s a great example of the way a modern staple can be reworked to offer a little more coverage while still maintaining the cute look that’s popular right now.

What do you hope to achieve with Sakura Rose?

Our goal is to bless girls and women, remind them that they are beautiful, and inspire them to show off their beauty in a godly way. So many of us fall into the trap of feeling like we can either be cute and trendy, or we can dress in a way that’s holy. Our goal is to show the looks that are both. Along the way, we also share positive messages with the girls we meet at retreats and our “Beauty and Blessing” fashion shows, and we have developed a great community of Christian women and girls who work together at Sakura Rose.

If you could change one thing about current fashion trends, what would it be? Or rephrasing the question, what is your most “un-favorite” fashion trend?

Hmmm... usually I can name one right away, but I actually like a lot of this year’s trends. I love the muted colors and the flowy shapes right now. The tough trims, like studs, zippers, and other metallic candy, are also fun. I wouldn’t say this is a high-fashion trend, but one item I would never stock for the store are tees with the words “Hater” or “LOL” anywhere on them. And one perpetual frustration for us is that a lot of the really cute skirts our manufacturers offer us are cut just a little too short. We’ve been making more and more of our own skirts as a result.

Inspiration is behind all great fashion! Who or what would you consider a great source of inspiration for you?

Art and fashion can be inspired by anything around me. Usually colors are what inspire me, though, whether it’s the piercing blue of an Alaskan stream, or the just-ripe yellow-green of a farmer’s market pear. I get a lot of ideas from colors in nature, but I also like to steal trends and patterns from home decorating-- trends often surface there first!

What would describe your favorite fall outfit that you will be wearing a lot in 2010?

Every year I have a special “fashion show” wardrobe that I wear to our events. This year so far I am wearing our cropped twill jacket over a v-neck ruffle tee and lace camisole, with skinny jeans and embellished flats. As the weather’s been cooling off, I’ve been swapping that out with our great Vanessa Vest, a loose grey sweater-knit vest that’s to die for. It’s warm and cozy!

Thanks Jessica for your time!

Review of Jason Wu's Spring 2011 RTW Collection

Gorgeous feminine dresses that still give a sense of strength. They say I'm graceful and elegant but you still don't mess with me. Boxy clean cuts and roses on the shoulders--what a contrast. It's like apple pie with ice cream! The power- business-woman-suit thrown into a blender and made into a cute outfit. All thes

e phrases describe Jason Wu's astounding Spring 2011 RTW (ready to wear) Collection.

The designer has clearly pushed himself in this

collection. Before the show, Wu said in a phone interview "Spring is going to be dangerous."

In the same sense, he encourages us to take a chance, to be innovative and creative.

Frilly and billowing blouses are tucked into smart and well tailored trousers. Wu explores colors that are luscious and fun. Pairing them with a neutral shade, Wu makes good use of his palette, while exercising wise discernment.

A current trend running through is minimalist, which can get kind of sleep inducing. I can just imagine, come rainy spring days, whole blobs of khaki-trench-coat-covered-people moving on the streets. Yawnnn, can I start pulling out my pillow?

But some designers go all out and give us some color vomit. Some colors are just not met to go together. Purple and green might go together in

salad, but not on sweater, Mr. Designer. And please, how many different colors can you put on one strapless dress?

Wu gives us the perfect balance. Something beautiful for the eyes, his dresses and outfits are the perfect idea for Spring 2011.

GET THE LOOK:

Forever 21

Jason Wu Spring 2011 RTW

Jason Wu

H & M

Banana Republic

storytime!

Fashion is all about stories. The stories of designers, from their first stitch to their rise to fame, to the story of the girl on the street wearing an outfit that makes her feel beautiful. Ask anybody and they will have a reason for wearing the outfit they chose that day. Perhaps that outfit boosted their confidence, reflected their dour mood--even "I was lazy this morning" counts!

So here's my fashion story and what shaped my style over the years.

First of all, there is one significant person that definitely impacted me: my grandmother.

My grandmother was definitely a jack of all trades. While raising my father and uncle in Taiwan, my grandmother was always practical to look for ways to support her family. She took on odd jobs to save up more money for their education. From haircutting to being a tour guide, she was extremely versatile.

My father told me how she would take orders from factories for knitted garments. Then, she would organize the local neighborhood women to handknit the sweaters. Once they were completed, they were sent back to the factories--who sold them. Because of this, my grandma learned to knit at lightning speed with perfect and amazing accuracy. Thankfully, during my last visit to Taiwan, she was able to pass on some of her secrets to me.

She also set up her own business selling crocheted hats in the front of their house. In Taiwan, most homes consisted of two narrow stories. My grandmother would use the first story of her home and open it up as a store selling hats. She would set out a couple of different designs and people would custom order hats from her. Still remembering those days, my father told me about the gorgeous creations she produced--from beautiful birds on the chic hats to the most exquisite flowers.

So I guess after hearing such intriguing stories, I would obviously have to explore a little churning up some fashion myself.

I was never the fashion wunderkind and I will never be any fashion amazing person. But my grandma and those around me definitely taught me to explore and be creative.

First of all, something you should know about me is that I am a huge fashion of knitwear. The main reason is because I knit myself.

I picked up my first set of knitting needles at the age of 8. I taught myself from a book, with some help from my mom who knew a few basics. After the first few lumpy deformed shapes, I was soaring smoothly and loving it.

Anyways, my fashion story is getting super long, so the next parts will just be a little fast forward of what happened next.

I started making scarves for a lot of my friends. Soon I realized that people actually wanted to purchase them from me. So I created a website and sold my scarves.

When I was finally ready to take that big step, I ventured into sweaterland. I had a few, well fine, a lot of failures. But once I got the hang of it, it was amazing.

The idea that I can take something I want to see and actually make it and wear it was exhilarating to me and it still is. I could take whatever I was feeling and transport it into this medium.

I learned how to sew after that. I love making summer dresses with the machine and spent a lot of time doing that this past summer. My grandmother has always been along the way guiding me and helping me. From a couple of skilled and generous women, I was also endowed with priceless tidbits of advice.

Some of my designers and inspirations are Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Burberry and Sonia Rykiel's knit wear. Jason Wu's fresh innovative designs are like sunshine to me--I adore his dresses. Burberry's elegant collections are always a classic. And Sonia Rykiel does knitwear, do I need to say more?

Personally, my own fashion style is set on a huge spectrum. Honestly, it depends on my day and my mood. But most of the time, what catches my eye is a simple piece based around one idea. I love tops that are completely based off a tiny flower on the front. I love a dress that takes one idea of color and lines and applies it to the entire garment.

A big fashion issue close to my heart is to bring high fashion standards back around. These days, we pay $50 for a ripped t-shirt made with fabric costing less than a $1. The measures of quality have been replaced by cheap mass produced garments. That's why I love knitwear, no two garments come out exactly the same. The uniqueness of it is a breath of fresh air.

Also, the immodest fashions of these days destroy the idea of fashion. Fashion is not meant to showcase the body. Fashion is meant to highlight the natural beauty given from God. God designed clothing originally for covering and over the years, humans have learned to make more luxurious clothing. Today, fashion is an important part of society and shapes it. What is worn in society affects the entire mindset of society. Fashion isn't meant to be idolized, however, instead it is a gift from God that should strengthen our creativity while being safeguarded preciously.

I love quality clothing that is beautiful and well designed at a reasonable and fair price . Organic, free trade, you name it, I'm for it!

Well that's just a background about me. Fashion stories never have an end. The emotions and beat of fashion never die--long after the trends wash away and the designers fall out of favor. My journey is still not over--and I'm excited to see what will be ahead, each step of the way!