Military, Suede & Olsenboye. What a Joy!

Today (well, practically yesterday...) I went on a holiday shopping spree at the mall.  I shopped for my mother, and of course myself. I'm sure everyone else in the world will at some point during this holiday season if they didn't already!
I am absolutely stoked about all of my purchases. Not a regret ran through my head when I swiped my plastic through the machines each time. That's how I knew I made some good choices.
My first stop (not to mention favorite stop) was J.C.Penney. I don't usually shop there, but I only went in for one specific reason... Olsenboye. Olsenboye is Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen's less expensive line for teens that they made exclusively for J.C.Penney. Even if it is targeted for teenagers, I obviously had to have my share. Age is just a number, right? If you have read my previous posts, you would know my love for these girls and what they have contributed to the fashion world. The shoes I purchased are shown below. Not only are they black booties, but they are covered in sequins. They scream NYC. I can't wait to rock these in the city.

Olsenboye sequin booties

My next stop was Charlotte Russe to find some simple black suede boots, but it was unsuccessful due to none in my size. I decided to try DEB. Although their shoes are of much lesser quality and have a distinct, semi-gross smell of material to them, they have some pretty cute designs. I ended up spotting some knee high black suede boots.. exactly what I was looking for in the first place. For only 20 dollars, I had to get them. I am hoping the pro of spending that little amount outweighs the con of having my feet smell for the next year that I wear them...

My last shopping stop was a new shoe store at my mall (yes, more shoes!) which was absolutely huge and eye-catching. My friend David (who purchased the Olsenboye shoes for me for my Birthday) was in search of Blowfish shoes for his sister, when another pair caught my eye. Right in front of me were the most gorgeous military boots I have ever seen. Being the shoe-a-holic I am, there was no way I was passing up 20 dollar Unionbay boots that I have wanted for months. The military look has been "in" for quite some time now, and it is unfortunate that I just bought a pair of these classic boots. I see many girls wearing them in the city, and each time I get jealous. Not anymore! I haven't been able to take them off since I got home. Here is a picture below:

Unionbay Military boots

I have learned throughout my hard-working years that it is always a good idea to indulge in something that makes me happy once in awhile. Shopping is that indulgence for me. (Although I once spent $150 on previously owned movies...) Whether you enjoy holiday shopping or not, I hope you had/have a splendid Christmukkah! (As Seth Cohen on the O.C. would say.) Make sure you keep warm!

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: Dynamic Duo

Normally I write about specific trends that occur in the fashion world and on the streets. But this time, I am awing over two of my absolute favorite people. Anyone who knows me personally would have guessed who the "people" are, not by the title, but by speaking to me on a day-to-day basis.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been seen as legendary fashion icons to millions of people worldwide. The actresses-turned-designers have been recognized by big time magazines, such as People and Elle. Mary-Kate seems to get more recognition for this fashion icon "title." She makes "skinny girls in baggy people look cool," according to People magazine in 2005, when Mary-Kate was only 18. Now that the twins are 24, they have a lot more knowledge and interesting outfits under their belt. They have grown to become true names in the fashion industry, and are now the designers for three different lines; Elizabeth and James, The Row, and Olsenboye. For more information on these lines, check out my previous update about MK&A from October.
Although they both are known for layering and oversized outfits, it isn't ever overdone. They aren't afraid to ever push the boundaries of what styles are acceptable to society. The twins do their own thing when it comes to fashion, and that's what makes them stand out and become icons. Here are some pictures of their different styles:

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will always be an inspiration to me in many ways, especially as I move with my studies into the fashion industry myself. I will forever be fond of the dynamic duo.

credit: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,.html
http://itsinspiration.tumblr.com/

Fashion's Night Out 2010

The evening of September 9^th, 2010 at 6 o’clock P.M. was the kick-off for the second annual shopping event called “Fashion’s Night Out.” The event was started last year in 2009 by designer Diane von Furstenberg and “Vogue” magazine Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour.

The event is where designers and other fashion industry leaders come together with customers to raise awareness of the fashion industry. Stores all around the world kept their doors open late for one night only. Some cut down prices to get customers to shop, and can even get the chance to meet their favorite designers. The event was only held in New York City last year, but this year it went global.

Due to the recent recession that the world has been through, the fashion industry has been hit hard. On a CBS news interview, Von Furstenberg told the reporter that Fashion’s Night Out was started due to the economic crisis within the world and in the industry.

"So, to create a real big event in stores is to have the designers go to the shops and meet with the people. To create the excitement of what you can buy now makes so much sense," she said.


Top leaders in the industry all joined together to make Fashion’s Night Out an exciting start to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Celebrities took place in events, made appearances, or just walked the streets as they celebrated this exciting event. Icons such as Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie made appearances at Bergdorf Goodman’s. Tim Gunn also promoted his new book “Gunn’s Golden Rules” at Kate Spade, and other celebrities hit the town.

I went over to Barney's at 5:45 PM and then was told that Mary-Kate and Ashley weren't going to arrive until around 9 PM. So then I headed over to Bloomingdale's to see Michael Kors, and thankfully I did, since he just arrived as I did. Michael is an amazing designer who has become even more famous through the show "Project Runway," which I watch religiously. He's such a nice person, and even complimented my bracelet. Here's the picture of him and I from that night:

designer Michael Kors and myself

After Bloomingdale's I headed down to SoHo to see if I could get a chance to meet Rachel Zoe at Piperlime, but that line was absolutely outrageous. I took a picture of the long line:

massive crowd waiting for Rachel Zoe

While waiting in this massive line, I met a boy named Peter who has a great love for Mary-Kate Olsen like I do. Him, myself, and my best friend here, Kathryn, all decided to head over to Barney's to see Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, since they were going to judge karaoke. Upon arriving, there was THE biggest crowd I have ever seen. I was caught in the middle of it, as well. Fights broke out, people were obnoxiously singing, lots of pushing, it was extremely hot, and it was becoming hard to breathe. It was practically an ant farm with everyone piled up on top of each other. The Olsen's came out about an hour after they were supposed to, so everyone was becoming frustrated. One by one, "celebrities" would come out, such as Jaslene from "America's Next Top Model" and another model, Karlie Kloss.

Jaslene Gonzalez, from "ANTM"

Karlie Kloss, model & ballet dancer

then, finally, came THE Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Everyone got excited, of course. Here are pictures I took of them throughout the night:

My night then concluded with walking around midtown with my favorite friends.

Fashion’s Night Out 2010 was a complete success, raking in sales for stores as expected, while customers had a great experience. I know I did. Cannot wait for next year's FNO!