Dare to be Ugly

As I watch new episodes of Ugly Betty, my heart pines a little. I have never missed an episode and it saddens me that this season will be the last. In my opinion this is one of the more wholesome television shows out there; it has a great message that resonates with many. For those of you who don’t know, this show premiered in 2006 featuring a young woman, Betty Suarez, played by America Ferrera, from Queens with the ultimate dream of being an editor of her own magazine. She unexpectedly finds herself working as an editor’s assistant at the fashion magazine, Mode. The irony of the show is that Betty is not your typical New York fashionista, actually she isn’t one. She is of a Mexican background, short and curvy, wears braces and glasses, and is criticized for indulging herself in her favorite foods. Despite the odds and with the support of her close knit family, Betty stays optimistic and moves up the ladder to the position of Features Editor at the very same fashion magazine where she is tantalized. Her success conveys to viewers that the unlikely can turn into the likely only when you stay true to yourself, not conforming to the expectations of others.

Through her challenging journey at Mode, Betty has been able to pick up a few things or two about fashion. Initially her selection of clothing was less than desirable. On her first day of work, overly eager to impress her new employers and peers, she donned an oversized bright red poncho emblazoned with Guadalajara across the front. She also mixed contrasting color patterns in her work attire and paired her heels with colorful socks. In addition, she subconsciously hid behind her bangs. Now that she in her new position, Betty has managed to maintain her colorful theme while exuding a sense of regalness. She incorporates complementary color shades in her clothing giving balance to her slimmer silhouette. I love how she also uses uniquely shaped handbags and colorful belts in each show.
Oh Ugly Betty how I will miss thee and the message you shared with us from day one: even the unfashionable can be fashionable. But before she leaves for good check out her style sense for yourself on Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time or on ABC.com.

Betty Before:

First day at Mode

Betty Now:

Love this clutch

What People Do For Designer Labels

Last week I came accross a Washington Post article by Stephanie McCrummen titled, "Labels hide the lies of the ‘sapeur’ lifestyle" in it she exposes the importance placed on name brand clothing in Kinshasa, Congo. She accounts how men revere designer clothing, such as Gaultier, Cavali, Gucci, and so much more, to avoid the reality of their dire lives and environment. These fashion conscious males are referred to as ‘sapeurs,’ a French slang word used for clothes.

These men are making efforts to revitalize a movement that began in the late 1970s by the well known singer Papa Wemba, who defied the then president’s ban on Western clothing. They want to advocate the ‘art of wearing,’ hoping to renew optimism in this country torn apart by warfare and lack of resources. Those who don these enamored labels are often given celebrity status; turning wrecked side streets in to fantasized runways. One would think these garments are only purchased by wealthy Congolese, but in truth many receive them as gifts from relatives living abroad in Europe.

One sapeur, mentioned in the article, lives in a small cramp room under his father’s roof. His father lives on a meager $20 monthly pension. Another one lives in an apartment that has no electricity or indoor plumbing. Despite their lack of monetary wealth and the necessities mentioned above, it is apparent that sapeurs in Kinshasa, Congo measure success according to the labels they wear. They feel validated by the way they carry themselves when wearing designer garments.

I thought this article was interesting because the opposite situation is occuring here in the U.S. Due to the current economic down turn, those who can still afford to wear designer labels are being modest about their purchasing power, unlike the usually limited fund, flashy sapeurs. After reading this article, one should question how much value should be placed on fashion, given his or her economic environment.

Trends at the 2010 Oscar Red Carpet

I always get excited to watch the red carpet coverage of major award shows. It enthralls me; making me dream that one day I shall too be the belle of the red carpet. Last night as I was watching the red carpet event at the Oscars I was dazzled to see what the new trends in silhouette, color and style.

There were was a plentiful variety of strapless gowns that were ranging in colors of red, light shimmering gold, shades of violet and pink, blue, gray and pewter. Though the styles were bold I was surprised to see the lack of varying color. This may be a reflection of the touchy subject of conspicuous spending as many opt for safer neutral and traditional colors. Despite the economy, I was hoping for more daring colors as a sign that this new decade will bring renewed hope.

A trend in silhouettes that I noticed was the one-sided cascading effect. Jennifer Lopez’s stunning iridescent pink Armani gown had this feature. This strapless, fitted dress folded over on one side continuing into oversized folds resembling that of curled rose hips. Her gown ended in a long train. Vera Farmiga’s Marquesa gown also had this dramatic feature. Her vibrant ruby red fitted strapless dress was outlined in an S-silhouette of cascaded pleated ruffles.

There was a fair amount of structured pieces as seen in Miley Cyrus’s champagne gold gown, and Kate Winslet’s light pewter gown. The satin bodice of Miley Cyrus’s Jenny Packham gown had a lot of visible boning, outlining her bust and neckline resembling that of a short bustier. This hardness was countered by a pleated flowing tulle skirt. Kate Winslet’s Yves Saint Laurent gown also had a structured bodice. The dress fitted her like a glove, similar to that of Christian Dior’s signature New Look molded bust line.

Crystal embellishments and curvy silhouettes were all common denominators for three shining ladies at the Oscars. I was very pleased to see that these women chose gowns that flattered their bodacious figures. Mo’Nique donned a light royal blue Tadashi Shoji silk jersey gown. The neckline had a slanted v-neckline that was embellished with crystal appliqués at the point of the neckline. Crisscross ruching accented her bodice and hips, leaving a straight skirt with soft pleats to fall to the ground. This dress was set off beautifully with her pulled back high bun. Queen Latifah wore a light rose-pink, one shoulder Badgley Miscka gown. Crystals were used to accent the shoulder strap and an S- shaped band that wrapped around her bust line. The skirt of her dress, which fitted over her hips, ended in a trumpet silhouette adding to her regalness. Lastly, new comer, actress Gabourey Sidibe wore a night blue Marchesa gown. The dress had an off the shoulder sweetheart neckline with capped sleeves. One side of the neckline was outlined in a crystal vine-like design leading into the crisscross bodice which was also embellished with the same crystal design. However, nothing she wore could outshine her refreshing sense of confidence and boldness.






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Getty Images North America


Getty Images North America



AP Photo/Matt Sayles

A Time to Stay and a Time to Leave

I am saddened to hear about the recent resignation of Desirée Rogers as Social Secretary for the White House. Though it is speculated that this comes as a result of the White House State Dinner Crashers incident, it has been insisted that she is stepping down by her own free will. During her time she has overseen and planned hundreds of White House events ultimately making it a People’s House. She has been a role model of mine ever since her appointment to this position in 2009. A Harvard MBA Graduate and a the first African American Female to become president of the Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas in Chicago, she too has broken down racial walls associated with previous White House administration. She symbolizes the principle that even against the odds with hard work you can prevail. In addition to her achievements and work ethic I have admired her fashionable flair. The following are pictures of Miss Rogers during her tenure at the White House.

Photo: WSJ Magazine

Photo: Getty Images North America

Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Learning from a Pro

Blogging about fashion has never really interested me. In fact, the very idea has intimidated me. I’ve often wondered who would care about my thoughts, why would people listen to my ideas, and what would make me unique in an unending sea of bloggers. However, after exploring various blogs I learned that you have to be fearless and express what is meaningful to you, even if it is contrary to the mainstream. With that in mind I’m ready for this new experience, of course after I scout out some pointers from well established blogs.

My search has lead to me to the four year old Garance Doré blog, the namesake of its 34 year old writer. She is a French illustrator that provides her readers with international scoops on what is hot in her native Paris, New York, London, Milan, and even on occasion Barcelona. Her blog is refreshing to me as she sometimes gives an “outsider’s” perspective on American trends and practices. For example, while at a fashion show during New York’s fashion week, she couldn’t understand why Mary-Kate Olsen would hide behind large black sunglasses. She believes that when in such public environments, you are meant to be recognized.

In her blog, Doré also conveys a down to earth vibe, nothing is pretentious. She cleverly intertwines her personality and daily activities in her posts about new finds and trends. In one entry, for example, she begins by stating “In New York I was seduced by the Rag & Bone show. So I went and took a stroll through their showroom…..” Her posts fall into different categories including Beauté, Dressing, Illustrations, and Street Style Photos. There are several more, but the one draw back to some of these entries is that they are not updated routinely, sometimes leaving readers in the dark. Though I am just starting out I know the importance of the timeliness.

In Beauté, Doré discloses popular street trends in hairstyles, hair colors and make-up. Similarly, in Dressing she reports on unique dress practices she encounters on a daily basis. In Illustrations, Doré provides her readers with a window into her creative mind displaying her youthful fashion sketches. The Street Style Photos is my favorite category because she skillfully captures the mystique of street style in the fashion capitals of the world. Whether it be of a woman on her way to work in London, a friendly encounter with a native Barcelonan, or a fashionista taking a walk in a Parisian Park you can somehow decode their story through their clothing, which underlines her theme: free expression.

Here is a link to Garance Doré's blog http://www.garancedore.fr/en/