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Nothing entrances me more than untraditional fashion. Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, the queens of all things untraditional, remain two of my biggest inspirations to this day. When fashion meets art, resulting in an explosion of color, texture, and/or intricate patterns, it simply takes my breath away. To be honest, I was speechless for quite a bit after seeing Mary Katrantzou's Spring 2011 collection.
"With this collection," she said, "I wanted to put the room on the woman, rather than the woman in the room." Without a doubt, Katrantzou's vision came alive on the runway showcasing her collection. The idea based behind the collection was to create architectural pieces in three dimensional art, making the pieces not only desirable, but a sort of story within an item as well. Style.com mentions two examples: one was a dress whose top half featured a swimming pool in an L.A. house above a view of the city from the balcony of that house. The other used a view of a dining room table as a skirt with a perspective of the room it stood in rising up the bodice.
It was not only these breath-taking pictures that made Katrantzou's collection come alive, but the fabrics she used, as well. Window frames were created, surrounded by bits of fluttering chiffon that stood for lifelike curtains. She even added lampshades with real, dangling crystals. Chandeliers and wall decor worn as oversized necklaces completed the look, along with shoes in dashing colors that brought out hues in Katrantzou's designs. The overall effect was just lovely; it captured the extraordinarily real look of an architectural masterpiece with all the every-day wearability of an item of clothing.
Mary Katrantzou shines a light on the way fashion should always be portayed: as an art. She brings back the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and something as simple as hard work and determination can create something reminiscent of magic. I will be anxiously awaiting Katrantzou's future collections, but until then, I'm sure her Spring 2011 collection will give me plenty to reflect on!
Well, Happy New Year's, I guess ... even though it's the middle of January. I can't believe I haven't posted since December! I've been so busy with college stuff and work that I just haven't really had time to do anything for myself lately. So sorry!
Because you all are so patient, I've got a giveaway to bring to you! I've partnered up with CSN Stores again, this time to bring you a $35 gift code for any of CSN's 200+ sites! The CSN websites are some of my favorites. They've got a little bit of everything, including this round chair that would be perfect for my laptop station. There's so much to check out ... head over to some of the sites and see what you can find!
As always, here are the giveaway rules:
1. Leave your name and email address on this post to enter.
2. For an extra entry, mention Take Me Out to the Runway on Facebook!
3. For an extra entry, mention Take Me Out to the Runway on Twitter!
4. For an extra entry, mention Take Me Out to the Runway on Tumblr!
5. For two extra entries, reblog this post and/or spread the word about this giveaway!
6. This giveaway is only open to residents of USA and Canada. I'm so sorry to my international readers ... I'll make it up to you, I promise!
7. Please do not comment on CSN's Facebook page, as it violates their company policy. Thank you!
The giveaway ends on Monday, February 7th @ 11:59 PM, so hurry to enter! Best of luck! More great posts coming soon ... stay updated!
This is awesome. A dress made out of Lindt chocolates? So basically, this is two of my obsessions rolled in to one: chocolate, and fashion. I must own this.
I'm a huge animal lover. I've got three cats and a dog that I love as if they were my own children. I practically have a standing invitation to all the local animal shelters. I pretty much like animals more than I like people. True story.
When I came across the up-and-coming Zoo Uniform brand, I was ecstatic, not only because the designs were absolutely adorable, but because of the cause as well. For every item sold, Zoo Uniform makes a donation to WWF (World Wildlife Fund). They pride themselves on being adamant animal lovers, the reason they chose to create the brand.
The brand itself is based around 36 animal faces, some including pandas, owls, koalas, and lions. The designers of Zoo Uniform themselves say it best: "We've been looking to create what we believed was missing in shops and magazines: a clothing brand able to mix multiple animal figures with a trendy and fashionable look. Animals are present all around us in life, so why can't we buy items exposing them in an enhanced and stylish way?" The animals depicted each have an evasive gaze that makes them appear dreamy and adaptable. The symbolism is impressive; looking at each animal brings the mind to focus on whatever you may dream, and you may even come across some features on the animals that remind you of yourself or others. Each of the 36 animals serve one purpose: they embrace the individuality and unique traits of each person.
The first animal designs to be launched will be the koala, the monkey, the owl, the panda, and the pig. Over time, Zoo Uniform anticipates adding many more creatures to the already extensive group of animals in their collection. Many celebrities and celebrated artists are already lining up to receive their own Zoo Uniform clothing ... which one will you choose?
Practically since the day I was born, I’ve used Mustela Baby Products. Quite obviously, the brand is intended for babies and pregnant mothers. Mustela uses ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter that are gentle enough to be used on the brand new skin of infants.
I’ve always had extremely sensitive skin. Popular brands such as Bath & Body Works and Dove give me severe break-outs and rashes. The only moisturizer I’ve ever been able to use liberally has been Mustela’s Hydra-Bebe Facial Cream. It is so mild and calm on my skin, and it smells absolutely amazing! The only problem I’ve had with Mustela is being able to find stores that stock it.
Then, I came across Apothica.com. Much to my delight, Apothica carries the full line of Mustela products, along with dozens and dozens of other amazing brands. I ordered my Mustela products right away, and I knew immediately that I would be a satisfied customer for life.
Now you have the chance to shop at Apothica.com … for free! Take Me Out to the Runway and Apothica have teamed up to give one lucky reader a chance to win a $25 Apothica gift card to use on any product of your choice. As always, here are the rules:
1. Leave a comment on this entry stating your name and email address.
2. One extra entry for becoming a fan of Apothica or Take Me Out to the Runway on Facebook! (2 extra entries for both!)
3. One extra entry for becoming a fan of Apothica or Take Me Out to the Runway on Twitter! (2 extra entries for both!)
4. Two extra entries for a re-tweet on Twitter!
5. Two extra entries for opting in for the Apothica newsletter (found at the bottom of the website)!
6. Seven extra entries (wow!) for a blog post with a link directed to Mustela and/or Apothica! (Must have a minimum of 100 words and use a link to Apothica.com)
Please let me know if you do any of these extra things so I can mark down your extra entries! The giveaway ends on Tuesday, December 7th, so hurry to enter! Good luck!
Alright, I'll confess: I have an obsession with Harry Potter. I always have; I've read the series since the very first book came out, and I've pre-ordered every new release. When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first came out, I finished it in four hours. I wouldn't put that book down until I had absorbed every last detail of "The End". I cried for days after.
I'm sort of a psycho about the movies, too. My sister and I were one of the first in line for the midnight screeing of Deathly Hallows, and I begged my friends to come see it with me again the next day. I plan on seeing it again Friday in the IMAX theater ... don't judge!
Before I go any further, I just have to thank Jo Rowling for everything (and I mean everything) she's done. Jo, your books changed my life. They made me want to become a writer from the moment they hit the press, and I can never thank you enough for teaching me so many life lessons through the eyes of Harry Potter. My life ambition is to meet you ... I hope one day I can shake your hand and thank you in person.
Anyways, the movie was FANTASTIC, wasn't it?! I won't spoil anything for any of you who haven't seen it yet, I promise! I love how, no matter what, fashion is always apparent in everything. One of the first things I noticed during Bill and Fleur's wedding scene was the striking resemblance Fleur's dress had to one from Alexander McQueen's 2008 collection. Check it out!
Seriously, Emma Watson looks ridiculously amazing in everything, even when she's playing Hermione. Hermione is supposed to be plain, book-smart, and most importantly, extremely practical. I love how Emma can make Hermione look beautiful even during action scenes. This red dress (unknown designer) looked gorgeous on her; I love the matching heels!
Emma's hair looks awesome, too. I know she recieved a lot of tough critique because of it, but I think she looks fierce. She has the most beautiful face I've ever seen. By the way ... this girl deserves an Oscar for her acting in this movie! The scene with Bellatrix (I promised, no spoilers!)? I was blown away. I actually cried in the theater because she was so good. Both times. Ahem.
I fell in love with Hermione's expandable bag immediately. The colors are so rich, and the fabric and intricate design reminded me of the Renaissance era. This would look fantastic with evening wear, don't you think?
Only 233 days until Part 2! I can't wait! What did you guys think of the movie? Please post ... I'd love to know!
Have you all heard of Threadless? Recently, I had the pleasure of discovering this amazing clothing company. As many of you know, no closet is complete without a full collection of graphic tees. I have plenty, myself; they're perfect for cozy days, goofy days, normal days ... you name it! Threadless specializes in designing some of these tees. The designs are seriously fantastic; some of the patterns are so unique that it boggles my mind.
Threadless's new line is gaining popularity fast. The Select Line is original in the fact that the designs are created by the community. They are printed with water-based inks on finer cotton to be softer and more eco-friendly. The women's collection includes tees, racerback tanks, and tunics. Threadless is also unique because it also offers a men's collection, rarely seen now-a-days. The men's collection includes tees similar to the women's, but with slimmer cuts and different materials.
My very favorite tee is emblazoned with a large bird feather. Upon looking closer, you can see that the feather splits off into a dozen tiny birds in flight. The design itself is so ingenious. It is almost opposite from what we usually see. Usually, it is the feather that sprouts from the bird rather than the bird from the feather. I absolutely adore designs with a deeper meaning!
Recently, I did a small photoshoot wearing my own Threadless tee. My sister, an aspiring photographer, is in dire need of a new camera, so please bear with me through the slight imperceptiveness of the following photos!
Tee: Threadless "Birds of a Feather" ; Jeans: Express ; Heels: Madden Girl ; Scarf: Fratelli Talli
Check out more Threadless tees here! Have a great week, every one!
