Thursday, December 31st, 2009 | Celebs, Fashion, Haute Press, News, Web Vice
The Top 25 Stiletto-Stopping Bloggers of 2009
By Jessica
Fashion bloggers are having the best year ever. Once considered amateurs with little to no credibility, bloggers, like Bryan of Bryan Boy and Tavi Gevinson of Style Rookie, have enjoyed a meteoric rise to the forefront of the fashion industry. And the heavyweights are finally starting to take notice.
Last week, the New York Times reported that the popularity of fashion bloggers represents a democratization of fashion media coverage. Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue who shared the front row with bloggers during Fashion Week (above, pictured third from right), may feature several internet sensations in Vogue’s March 2010 issue.
This unprecedented notoriety comes as no surprise to POSHGLAM. We’ve known how important, and entertaining, fashion bloggers were all along. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best stiletto-stopping blogs of 2009.
From Simply Chic to StyleList, these blogs have entertained, intrigued and informed us daily while revolutionizing the fashion industry as we know it. Here are our favorites, in no particular order:
Loved by students, fashionistas and industry professionals alike, Fashion156.com showcases new emerging talent and the latest street styles from London, the UK and beyond.
2-UnVogue
Catering to the affluent trend-setting crowd, UNVOGUE is a viable source for everything new and exciting in lifestyle, fashion, beauty and pop culture.
From hot bargain/sale finds to trend reviews to frequent contests and giveaways, Shopaholics Daily is a savvy shopper’s dream.
The daily destination for the urban fashionista, The Fashion Bomb offers boutique spotlights, fashion show reviews, celebrity looks for less and a wildly popular column, Mail Bombs, where readers get priceless advice on all their fashion queries.
MSN.com’s Simply Chic offers simple and fun fashion and beauty advice for the everyday woman. The recently-launched site features runway to reality stories as well as articles on how to get the hottest makeup looks for less, how to photograph like a model and more.
If you’ve ever wondered the secret to smart and sexy green living, this is the blog for you. It boasts daily eco fashion, beauty, lifestyle and celebrity updates and gives away more than $100 in eco swag to members each week!
Born out of a mother and daughter’s fascination with style, Style Like U is an empowering take on fashion as self-expression, featuring inspiring individuals who are unafraid to be different.
Inspired by the style of West 3rd Street in Los Angeles, Blackburn and Sweetzer explores, and occasionally ventures beyond, this urban slice of the city—from fashion, retail and sales to restaurants, real estate and much more.
Everything you would ever want to know about fashion—from upcoming designers to new trends—from the informed point-of-view of an accomplished stylist and writer.
Former Ellegirl editors, Anne and Melissa, give the scoop on everything they love, from bands to emergent designers to their favorite lipstick color. Fans of the site have grown to love the twosome—who pride themselves on being nice bitches who work in fashion and still eat McDonalds—as much as the stuff they heart.
Sure they meet celebrities and frequent the NYC party scene, but the life of The Glamazons, former ESSENCE Magazine assistants, isn’t nearly as glamorous as it seems. In columns like Ask the Glamazons and Breaking into the Biz, the writers dish on everything from fashion trends and beauty products to career and relationship issues with wit, candor and a lot of sass.
Every fashionista wants to put together a runway outfit with affordable pieces, and Saucy Glossie shows you how. The popular site also offers an in-depth behind-the-scenes look at fashion events in NYC plus interviews with the best designers in the business.
13-StyleList
Dedicated to real style for real women, this popular fashion and beauty site is one of the leading sources for celebrity style news on the web. Fashion lovers will enjoy the addictive video series, Beauty Basics, starring Carmindy, and Hair Basics, starring Danielle Caputo plus “Ask the Editor” columns that address real reader questions and concerns.
Smart, sassy and sometimes racy, the writers at the Luxury Spot have an affinity for the nicer things in life. From a great nightlife scene to fabulous street style, the Luxury Spot covers it all with kick-ass attitude and biting wit.
Fashion lovers everywhere visit The Arriviste for fast-paced coverage of contemporary fashion, trends and beauty with a surprisingly in-depth and insightful twist.
16-A.J. Crimson
It’s easy to get addicted to the new blog by A.J. Crimson, make-up artist to the stars and co-founder of lip gloss line, Kissable Couture. His musings on fashion and beauty are coupled with rare behind-the-scenes coverage of celebrity photoshoots featuring everyone from Estelle to Letoya Luckett to Love B Scott.
Conceived to capture the exciting life of the Single Girl, Imogen Lloyd Webber covers fashion with a NYLON (New York and London) slant.
18-Temptalia
Temptalia provides in-depth product reviews, make-up looks, how-tos and tutorials that make beauty accessible to all women.
The teen version of StyleBakery.com, this fun site features fashion and beauty advice, shopping deals, celebrity gossip and more from a youthful viewpoint.
20-A New Mode
A New Mode has one goal: to make readers feel beautiful from the inside out. The inspiring fashion, beauty and lifestyle website features articles on relationships, self-improvement and the secrets to feeling as fabulous as you look.
21-Ecouterre
Fans of sustainable fashion design will love Ecouterre. The site showcases designers who consider a garment’s social and environmental impact, from its creation to its use and disposal, while facilitating a conversation about why sustainable fashion matters.
Focus On Style is your fashion, beauty, and style guide to can-do chic. Founded by a former fashion stylist with over 20 years of professional experience, it offers scads of fashion tips, beauty hints, and priceless shopping advice.
23-Micah Jesse
Finally, a website with positive celebrity news! MicahJesse.com covers everything Hollywood with an upbeat, light-hearted twist.
To survive the economic downturn in style, fabuless shoppers look to the Recessionista Blog. Each post covers the best deals in fashion, entertaining and more.
The online equivalent of a glossy fashion magazine, GLOSS explores the substance of popular culture by blending underground currents of art and fashion with mainstream trends.
(Photo Courtesy of The New York Times)
Thursday, December 31st, 2009 | Accessories, Celebs, Fashion, Los Angeles, New York
Jewelry for girls (and their boys)
By Zoe
Jewelry can come in any shape, size or material. They can go uber girlie, rocker chic, Victorian bling, the list goes on and on.
But it’s near impossible to share your jewelry with the opposite sex. Well that is, until now. Mateo Bijoux is one the newest jewelry lines who tout themselves as androgynous, and dual-gendered.
His pieces are nothing short of interesting, with dangly pendants from anchors, machetes, nails monkey wrench rings and just about anything Bijoux can put on your neck or fingers. For founder, artists and president Mateo Bijoux, jewelry takes on this definition: “Mateo Bijoux is not just jewelry as I like to say. It’s my expression of art. It’s a piece of my heart.
Celebs such as Rihanna, Mischa Barton, Vivica Fox, Joy Bryant and others have been seen wearing Mateo Bijoux.
Mateo Bijoux is currently sold in New York at What Goes Around Comes Around, Operations New York, NYC Motorcycle Federation and at Roseark in LA.
For more information on Mateo Bijoux please surf to www.mateobijoux.com and to check out Mateo’s blog go to www.mateobijoux.blogspot.com.
Thursday, December 31st, 2009 | Fab Events, Haute Press, News, Social Diary
MateVeza the Best Beer to Bring in the New Year.
By Samantha
While some are popping champagne and others are drinking oddly colored mixed drinks, have a casual, yet totally fun New Years Eve, and don’t worry about being the first to pass out while drinking MateVeza Beer. MateVeza (yerba mate + cerveza) is a true unique beer, as it is organic and the first naturally caffeinated to be made with yerba mate, the South American herbal tea. Yerba mate gives a fabulous herbal tasting finish to the beer, and gives you just the boost you need to make it through your night. Yerba mate is to South America what a “cup of Joe” is to America. Yerba mate provides the same amount of caffeine as is in one half cup of coffee, per twelve ounce serving, but isn’t as harsh as the caffeine found in most coffee, and is longer lasting.
MateVeza has two fabulous beer offerings, Yerba Mate Gold and Yerba Mate IPA, both of which are brewed with organic yerba mate, Cascade and Centennial hops, alongside other fabulous ingredients. Yerba Mate IPA was just recently released and is an organic India Pale Ale that mixes earthy, herbal tones with bright hop flavor and aroma.
MateVeza was founded in 2006 by home brewer, Jim Woods after he had a cup of brewed yerba mate followed by a hoppy pale ale, and realized he had a fabulous idea on his hands. Woods learned about yerba mate from his cousin, but then experienced the yerba mate culture in South America when he traveled to Argentina to learn more about the herb. Woods’ beer is brewed and bottled in Ukiah, California by the Mendocino Brewing Company, and it USDA certified, you can rest assured with every sip that you are supporting both organic farming and local business. Woods’ was working in San Francisco as a real-estate broker for Deutsche Bank, and found himself promoting his beer on nights, weekends and vacation days. With the recession on the horizon and numerous changes taking place at Deutsche Bank, Woods’ politely asked his boss to lay him off, so that he could use his severance, unemployment and time to put toward making MateVeza a success. Days later, he was laid off, being one of the few people to thank his employer, and he took the opportunity to build MateVeza, and bring naturally caffeinated beer to the masses, both casual beer drinkers and beer connoisseurs alike.
MateVeza is available in single 22-ounce bottles and 12-ounce four packs nationwide at Whole Foods and BevMo, as well as throughout California, Oregon and Washington and select local retailers, co-ops and natural food stores. Visit MateVeza.com for more information.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 | Celebs, Fashion, News, Shop
Boxing Kitten: Fashions for your Inner Feline
By Jessica
Combine boldness, history, and verve and you have the recipe for the latest celebrity obsession: Boxing Kitten. The one-of-a-kind fusion of West African prints and modern silhouettes is the brainchild of designer Maya Lake, who created her first work of art on her mother’s sewing machine at age 10. By 15, Lake had a rapidly growing consumer base of family and friends that would eventually earn her boutique placements and a small celebrity following.
The idea for Boxing Kitten came during the designer’s term at Wesleyan University, when she explored the revolutionary ideals of Black Power leaders and the demure cuts worn by the women of the Civil Rights movement. Inspired by the feisty, fearless Boxing Kittens of the past, Lake aimed to capture the rich legacy of African-American culture and the energetic spirit of the everyday woman in one unique brand. 
Boxing Kitten is a mélange of bold print combinations, juxtaposed with the conservative shapes worn by women during the Civil Rights era. The dichotomies don’t end there. The look, which Lake calls “ethnic rockabilly,” is at once vintage and progressive, sophisticated and playful. Her experimental approach to fashion has made her collection of dresses, shorts, blouses and jumpsuits a favorite among celebrities like Fergie and Solange Knowles, and earned Lake a legion of fans worldwide.
For more information and to shop the collection, visit Boxing Kitten.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 | Celebs, Fashion, News, Shop
Parisian Chic Meets Eastern Style with Manoush
By Samantha
European style is emulated often, and with good reason. European designers tend to be fashion risk-takers, creating the coveted trends that end up in closets around the world. Such is the case with the Parisian-created line, Manoush.
Manoush means “gypsy-like in my soul,” and the designer, who goes by the same name, was fascinated as a young child by the ever-moving lifestyle of gypsies. She would dress in bright colors and romantic fabrics, creating outfits for the dreamer inside of her. After she traveled to Morocco, the clothing line, Manoush, was born. It was there that the designer was captivated by the colors, fragrances and lifestyle of the whimsical, free-spirited bohemian. She found herself designing handbags while on holiday in Marrakech and on her return to Paris, she decided to bring the lifestyle she loved back with her.
The inspiration behind the line is not merely from Manoush’s trip to Morocco, but also from her travels to the Orient, India and Africa, where the designer was enthralled by the natives’ phenomenal way of dressing. Manoush took the Eastern style of dress and added a Parisian twist, creating a line full of bold color, ornate fabrics and fantastical design. Since its inception, each collection of Manoush has become synonymous with boho-chic. In fact, Manoush was on the boho-chic wagon long before it was considered to be en vogue.
The line has been followed by editors, tastemakers and celebrities alike because it is truly unique: feminine, funky, glittering and light as each piece dances into your wardrobe. Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato are huge fans while Mischa Barton and Olivia Ruiz are considered the “Manoush Girls.” From Alice in Wonderland to Aladdin, the clothing may look like something out of a fashion fairytale, 
and it is. Dreamy and ethereal, it is the perfect collection for the fashion-loving risk taker, full of femininity and edge, who wears her clothes and doesn’t allow them to wear her.
Manoush retails between $99 to $750. Starting January 1, 2010, the collection will be sold exclusively at Chic Little Devil. You can visit their Los Angeles location or shop online where they ship worldwide.
Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 | Fashion, News, Shop
JLee Silver Launches E-Commerce on Fashion Heist
By Samantha
Twenty-something career women want to buy fashionable garments without emptying their wallets in the process. The inception of basic fashion separates offered a solution by enabling women to mix and match pieces and create several outfits out of a few items. Now, in walks JLee Silver, a line launched by two career women who saw an opening in the market for moderately-priced separates that are classic and fashion-forward without ever sacrificing quality.
Jenna Lee Fowler and Melanie Manego have represented numerous designers in their showroom, Fashion Heist, and therefore, are no strangers to the world of style. The two ladies worked together composing a dream team of designers, pattern makers and more to help create their first line. Their diligence resulted in JLee Silver, a wallet-friendly line of stylish separates. Fowler and Manego created the line specifically for women like them and that passion shows in each garment. Every item retails for under $200, with a large selection of items are priced under $100.
From casual to glamorous, JLee Silver offers garments that cater to the working woman’s wardrobe, taking her fashionably from the office to a dinner date. And when people comment on her fabulous style, which they undoubtedly will, she can be a bit giddy knowing that her quality outfit was also a great buy. Now, Fowler and Manego have given every woman access to JLeeSilver with the launch of the e-commerce site, FashionHeist.com. The entire Fall/Winter 2009 collection is currently available on the site.
At the end of December, when the extra cash in your wallet has gone to holiday gifts, check out Fashion Heist’s offerings of JLee Silver, and give yourself some well-deserved, guilt-free retail therapy.
To shop JLee Silver, visit FashionHeist.
Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 | Accessories, Fashion, News, Shop
PF Flyers Makes Going Casual Major Fun
By Samantha
PF Flyers, a casual yet refined collection of sneakers based in Boston, has redefined their classic Sumfun for Spring 2010. For the past 70 years, the iconic sneaker brand has made a name for themselves reinventing casual footwear with unique tailoring and innovative styles.
The name stands for Posture Foundation as the company is devoted to comfortable shoes. However, they never let comfort sacrifice the need for a chic, fashionable aesthetic.
Inspired by the classic tennis shoe, the Sumfun is a versatile sneaker that works for both men and women. 
Available in black or white, the sneaker, which is being re-issued for the Spring 2010 season, has a durable canvas body and an espadrille-inspired outsole. The contoured ankle cut-out ensures that even while wearing sneakers, your legs will look long and lean which, let’s face it, is what every woman wants.
The Sumfun looks great with jeans, leggings and even a cute little sundress when the weather warms up. Take a break from your stilettos in these fun, chic and super casual shoes that are sure to be a great addition to any jeans-and-t-shirt girl’s wardrobe.
For more information, visit PF Flyers.
Monday, December 28th, 2009 | Celebs, New York, News
A conversation with Nora Ephron
By Zoe
Just in time for the holidays, ELLE Editor-In-Chief Roberta Myers and writer Nora Ephron invited shoppers for cocktails and conversation in New York City on December 17 at the Ann Taylor store on Madison Avenue.
Guests were treated to bubbly champagne, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as well as a copy of the latest ELLE magazine and 20% off all in-store merchandise.
Inside the packed boutique, Myers engaged in an entertaining dialogue with Ephron about her life, career and hit off-Broadway play: Love, Lost, and What I Wore.
The three-time Oscar nominated Ephron penned such iconic movies as When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle and more recently, the gastronomically inclined rom-com summer hit, Julie & Julia.
POSHGLAM caught up with ELLE’s Myers to find out the secrets to her impeccable style. “Buy what you like, but collect pieces,” says Myers. “But don’t be afraid to swap out some of this year’s for last year’s pieces.”
Myers also confessed her adoration for the military look with straight cut jackets in bold colors, big brassy buttons and gold details. With two family members serving overseas, she has a personal connection to the ubiquitous trend.
Photos courtesy of Alex Oliveira/startraksphoto.com.
- Barbara Leung
Saturday, December 26th, 2009 | Accessories, Shop
Chic Jewels That Don’t Break the Bank: Alexandra Beth Designs
By Samantha
At a mere 22 years-old, Alexandra Beth, is a true young jewelry-designing entrepreneur. The recent college graduate’s fashion-forward, super luxurious jewelry collection is being sold in over 20 stores. A collection full of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings with intricate leather and bead-work, Alexandra Beth hopes to bring happiness to each woman wearing her hand-crafted pieces. She personally creates each piece, making the jewelry not only special, but truly unique works of a young artisan. She sources materials from all over the 
country, and world. Her combinations of leathers, stones, zippers and so much more have created a jewelry line that is fashion-forward, funky and wearable. The best part is that her pieces are affordable, with her leather rings starting at $20 and all of her pieces retailing for under $100. For the accessory maven, this line is chic, fun and full of conversation-starters. Only a year into this venture, Alexandra Beth is a jewelry designer to watch.
For more information, visit Alexandra Beth Designs, and shop her collection at National Jean Company.
Pictured (from top to bottom): Leather Studded Bracelet, $66; Leather Ring with Turquoise Bead, $20; Lion Leather Bracelet, $66.
Saturday, December 26th, 2009 | Fashion, Los Angeles, Men, Shop
Mekayle for Apliiq: A Rich Boy Collaboration
By Samantha
Apliiq is a phenomenal clothing company based in Downtown Los Angeles that uses unique patchwork as the signature trademark on their garments. At Apliiq, shoppers enjoy designing their purchases, by choosing elements like the textile and color of the clothing. Now, with the limited edition collaboration between the store and Mekayle Reynolds, there are even more styles to choose from. 
Reynolds is an Atlanta native and a true up-and-coming design talent. The inspiration for his designs with Apliiq, titled “The Rich Boy Collaboration,” came from the moods and cultures surrounding Reynolds. Reynolds is an ideal fit for the clothing company as Apliiq prides itself on its urban identity, and Reynolds used his Los Angeles surroundings as a muse when creating the line. Full of men’s hoodies and t-shirts, this is a fabulous line for the man in your life, or for you.
For the men, Mekayle Reynolds’ line 
is a hit; however, for the ladies, Apliiq has plenty of offerings. Everything they sell is environmentally friendly and handmade in their Los Angeles warehouse. Also, they give the customer the chance to step into the role of designer, giving every shopper a chance to be the design god of their dreams.
And the best part, when you shop on Apliiq, you can get 5% off of your purchase by using the code “POSHGLAM” at checkout, click here to shop.
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Trina Turk Spring 2011- Palm Springs Eternal 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Tadashi Shoji Spring/Summer 2011 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Diego Binetti Spring/Summer 2011 
POSHGLAM Fashion’s Night Out Event with Lena Erziak 
Natalie Portman in Rodarte 
Go Vintage With Patricia Nash Handbags 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Kaelen Farncombe Spring 2011 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Yoana Baraschi Spring 2011 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Tracy Reese Spring 2011 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Rebecca Taylor Spring 2011 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011 
Verbatim Inspiration NYFW: Georges Chakra Edition Spring 2011 
Jessica Alba in Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010 
Stay Warm With Adrienne Landau This Fall 
Tweet this Giveaway | A Boudoir Collection Set from Brulee 
Emmy Awards 2010: Get the Look – Emily Blunt’s Sophisticated Updo 
Chloe Sevigny Rocks Ippolita Jewelry 
Emmy Awards 2010: Stars in Oscar de la Renta 
FOLLOW POSHGLAM TODAY!