Recreate It!

Kristen Stewart is becoming somewhat of a household name. I personally really like her and appreciate her personal style, albeit sloppy at times. However, a recent photo has been circulating the web from a recent screening of her newest movie, "The Runaways". I absolutely love the bright pink dress she was wearing with a simple pair of black peep-toe pumps and sleek hair.

I have been hesitant to do anything related to "looks for less" because of all the magazines that already do it. On the other hand, I could not resist what I stumbled across while window shopping online. Here is what I found, which is very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal... Enjoy!

Arden B ~ Chiffon Tuxedo Ruffle Tunic Tank $39

Steve Madden ~ Tobbi $109.95

Urban Outfitters ~ Back-Zip Mini Skirt $38 --> $19.99 SALE!

OPI ~ Black Onyx Nailpolish $8.50

*Images: www.ardenb.com

www.opi.com

www.stevemadden.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

LTFH

Another link full of laughs. I cannot help but scroll, read, laugh and continue to scroll - it pretty much has to do with fashion, in a very amusing way. You must check it out!

Look at This F*cking Hipster

*Image: http://www.latfh.com

How to Make it in America: Money

Tonight's episode was a little better than last week's episode, however, it was lacking substance in the area of fashion. The plot thickened with Cam and Renee - his cousin or uncle - and their whole money situation. Rachel and her boss landed a huge gig with Rachel's boyfriend, Darren, the hotelier. And Ben's relationship with this new girl, Julie, really flourished.

The boys saw their vintage tees for Japan come to life, silk screen printing and all. The only downside was that Renee was bugging Ben and Cam for money they borrowed from him. Here's a huge spoiler... their shirts were stolen! Who knows if they will turn up and who knows where this will place them in the fashion world. Either way, everyone is in their own predicament.

I love this show, but I am getting anxious and I want to know what happens! It may only be the first season, I know there is a lot to look forward to, but I want it all to unfold right now! On an intriguing note, Ben and Rachel had a very interesting rendezvous which left me hanging and abruptly ended the episode...

*Image: www.hbocanada.com

White Wayfarers

Hilarious and Fashion, Friendly & Frugal! Do you like Ray Ban Wayfarers? Then follow the link below for some frugal laughs:

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2009/12/22/130-ray-ban-wayfarers/

*Image: http://v-style.typepad.com/my_weblog/images/2008/04/29/14dvd1650_3.jpg

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: Black or White?

Going to a Black and White party anytime soon? Need some ideas on what to wear? Above is a small handful of items that have caught my eye over the last few days, and for whatever reason I have been drawn to the always classic combination of black and white. After being forced to wear black at work in my last job, I am always hesitant to turn to black. However, all of these items incorporate white and/or black seamlessly into any wardrobe in a very appropriately edited fashion. This is black and white done the Fashion, Friendly & Frugal way.

Arden B ~ Striped Flutter Sleeve Top $29

Arden B ~ Lace Screen Print Top $34

Gap ~ Long and Lean Jeans $69.50

Gap ~ Havaianas $18

Nordstrom ~ French Connection Stripe Dress $78

Nordstrom ~ Trouvé Voile Shirt $78

Nordstrom ~ Shades of Couture $98

Nordstrom ~ Quilted Faux Leather Satchel $32

Steve Madden ~ Trikki Bootie $99.95

Steve Madden ~ Sandel Flats $89.95

Urban Outfitters ~ Black Pocket Zip Jean $58

Urban Outfitters ~ Chiffon Housedress $58

Urban Outfitters ~ Mani Pedi Kit $16

Victoria's Secret ~ Embellished Long-Sleeve Tee $39.50

What are your favorite color combinations? What color combinations do you stay away from?

*Images: www.ardenb.com

www.gap.com

www.oldnavy.com

www.nordstrom.com

www.stevemadden.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

www.victoriassecret.com

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: Spring Accessories

These are just some of the accessories I am absolutely head-over-heels for right now for Spring 2010. Put away your winter tights, leggings, gloves, and other heavy duty accessories, because it is time to make room for Spring accessories!

As the weather is slowly warming up, so should your appetite for HOT Spring accessories. Above are a few things that have caught my eye during this much needed change in weather. Finally, our toes can breathe in sandals and peep toes and scarves are not required - unless one is needed to simply enhance an outfit. So this season, broaden your horizons and take a chance on some Fashion, Friendly & Frugal Spring Accessories!

Gap ~ Braided Belt $24.50

Old Navy ~ Watercolor Print Scarf $14.50

Nordstrom ~ Roxy Fedora $26

Nordstrom ~ MARC by MARC JACOBS Drop Earrings $48

Nordstrom ~ MARC by MARC JACOBS Necklace $58 --> $37.90 SALE!

Steve Madden ~ Sannibel Sandal $49.95

Steve Madden ~ Daybreak $79.95

Steve Madden ~ Bclassic Navy Handbag $98

Steve Madden ~ Tatianna Sandal $99.95

Urban Outfitters ~ Chain Tote $58

Urban Outfitters ~ Quilted Checkbook $18

Urban Outfitters ~ Enameled Bamboo Hoops $16

Urban Outfitters ~ Cluster Ring $24

What are your favorite Spring accessories? What accessories are you looking forward to wearing in the warmer weather?

*Images: www.gap.com

www.oldnavy.com

www.nordstrom.com

www.stevemadden.com

www.urbanoutfitters.com

First Forever21, Now Perez Hilton!

Dear Mr. Perez Hilton, you are not the first to discover Forever21's lack of creativity... especially when it comes to Forever21 copying ArdenB. Case and point, my post "Quick Counterfeit" back on November 23rd of last year! Below is the link to perezhilton.com where I found yet another form of flattery. I just have one thing to say to Mr. Hilton: stick to what you "know" and quit blogging about fashion because like the Kardashian sisters, you have no fashion credibility.

I love it.

http://cocoperez.com/2010-03-22-arden-b-is-forever-21s-latest-copycat-victim/?from=PH

Here is MY post from November 2009

*Image: www.perezhilton.com

How to Make it in America: Eh...

It was bound to happen. I should have seen it coming. How to Make it in America is only six episodes into their premier season and I was finally disappointed with last night's episode. Even though last week's episode ended with so many possibilities, Ben and the boys were lacking something last night.

Rachel found out her new boyfriend is not secretly bi-sexual (the closing scene from last week was him making out with a guy). Ben hit on a girl that hooked him and Cam up with some 50/50 cotton, polyester blend, vintage t-shirts (for their ventures in Japan). Renee could not find his money, which was never his to begin with... I have a strong feeling all of this is going to somehow tie everyone together (especially since Renee is Cam's Uncle... or cousin, or something).

It may not have been the greatest episode to date, but I was still thoroughly entertained with everything else the wonderful show had to offer. I cannot get enough of how the stylists dress Lake Bell's character! She always looks effortlessly put together and relatively easy to duplicate in a Fashion, Friendly & Frugal way. Check it out!

Have you seen this show yet?! If so, what do you think about it?

*Image: www.hbocanada.com

Swimwear Splurge!

This Marc Jacobs one shoulder one piece is a must-have splurge. I am a firm believer in splurging on items that will last more than just a few seasons and this swimsuit will most definitely outlive this upcoming swimsuit season. Although it is $142, you can have piece of mind with the fact that you will be wearing it for more than just one season. The Fashion, Friendly & Frugal thing about this particular swimsuit is the cost-per-wear. If you wear this suit for a full two months this summer, you will be wearing it for just over $2.00 a day! The more you wear it, the lower the cost-per-wear will be. In only two swimsuit seasons (let us just say about five months) your cost-per-wear with this wonderful splurge will be a mere $00.94 a day. I may be blogging about my frugal adventures, but this Marc Jacobs swimsuit is a splurge I could not pass up.

What do you splurge on? How do you feel about a $142 swimsuit? Would you buy this one piece?

*Images: www.Bloomingdales.com

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: Blossoming

Stripes are oddly enough my go-to pattern and I have actively tried to stay away from them. In my search for patterns, I have found that it is difficult to fall in love with what patterns are created for the masses. Fashion, Friendly & Frugal prices do not always mean wearable and interesting prints and patterns. More times than not, I have found that the more expensive the brand and/or designer, the better the pattern.

Flowers are something I have avoided, but not in the way that I am trying to avoid stripes. Maybe Spring has brought out the floral designs for the masses, but the way frugal designers are doing flowers right now is perfection. Hence, the entire reason why my shopping bag is full of fresh flowers!

Stay away from small, congested floral patterns and try something on a larger scale. Look for vintage-inspired prints and interesting color schemes. Flowers can be very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal, you just have to know how to work them into your individual wardrobe and style. There is a flower pattern for every price range and until I can afford something as beautifully patterned as Diane Von Furstenberg, Blumarine, or Etro, I will continue to keep an eye out for frugal prints -other than stripes!

Arden B ~ Mint Bow Back Floral Tunic $39

Old Navy ~ Gray Floral Linen-Blend Skirt $24.50

Old Navy ~ Tule Flower Necklace $14.50

GAP ~ Mini Floral Dress $59.99 --> 30% off this weekend only

Nordstrom ~ Floral V-Neck Tee $55 online ($29.90 in-stores)

Nordstrom ~ Silk Floral Skirt $68 --> SALE $44.90

Steve Madden ~ Kristyna Peep Toe Pump $79.95

Urban Outfitters ~ Indiana Floral Dress $88

Urban Outfitters ~ Blurry Floral Checkbook Wallet $18

Urban Outfitters ~ Wildflower Necklace $38

Urban Outfitters ~ Floral Sandals $38

What are your favorite kinds of prints? How do you feel about flowers?

*Images: www.Ardenb.com

www.Gap.com

www. Nordstrom.com

www.OldNavy.com

www.UrbanOutfitters.com

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: Dive In

The color scheme above may be a little schizophrenic but I could not resist highlighting each of these swimsuits.

It is time to start really thinking about a serious workout routine because swimsuit season is just around the corner and will be here before you know it. And what better way to celebrate your bikini - or one piece - body than to show it off in something bright, patterned, neutral, or even something as retro as a bandeau top? This season, designers have finally seemed to dive in head first when it comes to the various styles of swimsuits and bikinis.

The list below outlines the Fashion, Friendly & Frugal prices of each swimsuit, starting at the far left and work clockwise around the top. I chose the pink, bandeau-top swimsuit because of its simplicity; it is a great, solid color with limited detailing (a few ties) and a fantastic spin on your typical one-piece.

The next one I found is the blue, ruffled, bandeau-top, two-piece with white polka dots. Talk about fun and flirty. The ruffles add shape and curve to your top and bottom, which is fabulous for ladies on the slender side of the spectrum.

On the other hand, the next bikini is perfect for anyone with a slightly more substantial chest (if you have to ask why I chose green, well then you must not be Irish). The straps give great support and also create a smooth, simple, and clean silhouette.

An updated black one-piece is a must-have for anyone looking to have fun with a classic, black, swimsuit. The chevron stripe design creates a thinning effect down the front of the suit along with the open v-neck, neckline. The best part, the back looks like a bikini!

Lastly, the white bandeau bikini, the geo print bandeau bikini, and the shimmer neutral bikini are all a hit. You cannot go wrong with white, especially if you are showing off your tan! The geo print is funky and bright and the shimmer neutral bikini is very sexy; my obsession with all things blush-toned lives on into swimsuit season.

If I could, I would purchase all of these suits, but I cannot and that is why they are simply in my shopping bag. Step out of your swimsuit comfort zone and if you are worried about odd tan lines, then invest in some inexpensive self-tanner or go to a tanning salon.

Nordstrom ~ Juicy Couture Beach Bandeau One Piece $98

Nordstrom ~ Seafolly Bandeau Top/Hipster Bottom, Top $73 Bottom $64

Old Navy ~ Mix-and-Match, Top $16.50 Bottom $16.50

Urban Outfitters ~ Insight True Colors Swimsuit $88

Victoria's Secret ~ Bandeau Top/Tanga Bottom, Top $34 Bottom $34

Victoria's Secret ~ Geo Print Bandeau, Top $42 Bottom $34

Victoria's Secret ~ Shimmer Triangle Top/String Bottom, Top $40 Bottom $38

What swimsuit(s) do you have your eyes on for this upcoming season? What is your favorite swimsuit in your wardrobe? What kind of risks would you take when purchasing a new suit?

*Images: Nordstrom.com

OldNavy.com

UrbanOutfitters.com

VictoriasSecret.com

How to Make it in America: Again, Again, Again

Another great episode of How to Make it in America aired last night and I cannot stop singing its praises. Last night's episode was all about the two lead male characters really getting their foot in the door of the fashion industry. With all of the money they have already sacrificed, they finally received their first sample pair of Crisp Denim. These jeans were five episodes in the making, but they came out very well, aside from the fact that they were extremely high-waisted, men's jeans.

Their concept is to channel the 70s silhouette in a modern way. However, they are still having problems finding investors because of the silhouette. On the other hand, their charisma and charm has gotten them very far. What I enjoy the most about this show is how relatable it is. Ben is young, has his creative college degree under his belt and is simply trying to achieve his aspirations, dreams, and goals.

Last night's episode ended on a very positive note for the two aspiring designers. A very powerful man in the fashion industry from Japan gave them hope for their product. They met with him to showcase their sample pair of jeans, he did not like the cut, but he did see potential in the brand. I cannot wait to see where these guys end up! Will they continue with jeans or will their ideas blossom into something completely different?

Have you caught an episode of How to Make it in America yet?! What do you think of the show? Can you relate to anything in the show?

*Image: http://www.hbocanada.com/images/series/howtomakeitinamerica/big.jpg

What's in MY Shopping Bag?: Next Best Bag

While stalking Nordstrom Racks throughout California for my next best handbag, I finally came to terms with the fact that I would not find the exact tan, leather, Juicy hobo I was hoping to "stumble" across. However, I did encounter a lovely purse, completely on accident. Although it was not what I originally set out to purchase, it was nearly flawless and still screamed Juicy Couture without being advertised all over the bag.

B. Makowsky is a brand that I was completely unaware of until last Wednesday. I was hesitant to spend over $150 on a handbag by a designer I knew nothing about. On the other hand, the bag was manufactured very well and had all of the higher-end perks at a very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal price (marked down from $230!).

You may be asking, "how is acquiring this bag Fashion, Friendly & Frugal?". I was always taught in school that the cost-per-wear for any item makes it worth purchasing or worth passing up. I also do not go through handbags very often because I hate transferring all the crap I store in my bags to different bags. Additionally, I not only invest in neutral purses - this particular one being the most gorgeous taupe with gold accents - so they can work with anything and I would much rather spend my money on clothing and shoes. This B. Makowsky handbag was something I knew I could not pass up.

So, if I use this $150 purse everyday for the next year, the cost-per-wear will be less than $00.50 a day! Definitely Fashion, Friendly & Frugal. Keep an eye out for your next best handbag and always keep in mind the cost-per-wear for any item you invest in

*Images: http://cn1.kaboodle.com

http://www.splendicity.com

Project Grown Up Wardrobe: The Transition Begins

Change is not always easy and the transition period is often times pretty difficult to make it through in one piece. However, I am very much so in a huge transitional period of my own, even though it is eight months after my last transition from college student to grown-up. I worked all throughout my time at CSUN and spent my time with one company. For four years I have worn a uniform consisting mainly of black. My boyfriend always told me to branch out and wear some color while outside of work, which was difficult because black is always so easy. My biggest challenge now, is something I faced in a school project: making someone over who is in transition - I just never thought that person would be me.

Ever since my post "Rent's Due: Project Grown Up Wardrobe" I have been browsing appropriate work attire in a very general sense. My time spent at Saks in Beverly Hills as an intern developed a good base for any kind of work wardrobe. However, I have no real passion to purchase garments for a job until I have a job that requires something more than an all black ensemble - plus, I think leisurely shopping for nothing particular is much more therapeutic.

I recently left my comfort zone of four years for a new opportunity in the job market. I also left my comfort zone of black pants, black shirts, black shoes and a ponytail. All the more reason to move forward with "Project Grown Up Wardrobe"! A few days after I received the good news, I decided to go shopping. My brother and I were texting each other when I told him what I was doing. He immediately texted me back with, "I'm assuming you're not planning on wearing black everyday". I do not know whether it was because he is well aware of my old work uniform or simply because he knows my love of fashion, but I got a huge kick out of that text message.

So here it is, the beginning of a new chapter in my life which will truly force me to get out of my must-have skinny jeans. Is it odd that I look at this transition from a fashion standpoint? Do other people stress about fashion during change? Either way you look at it, I will be experimenting with this kind of a wardrobe all while keeping it Fashion, Friendly & Frugal!

*Images: http://media.photobucket.com/image/michael%20kors/cutchabaldy/michael-kors-fall07.jpg

http://brightstarlights.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/michael-kors.jpg

http://www.momist.com/uploaded_images/Catherine-Malandrino--Gray-pleated-jesery-bubble-dress-785730.jpg

http://fashionesedaily.com/blog/2009/06/05/gap-design-editions-2009-the-khaki-reform/

http://iwantigot.geekigirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/20080321_gap.jpg

http://www.whiteapricot.com/_images/So%20Hot/banana_republic_cardigan.jpg

http://cm1.theinsider.com/media/0/441/44/banana-republic-heritage-collection-spring-summer-20098.0.0.0x0.450x620.jpeg

Calvin Klein Likes It Stacked

I got the only pair of size 8, black leather, stacked 4" heel, Calvin Klein, pumps for $50 at the Nordstrom Rack today. Need I say more? What could be more Fashion, Friendly & Frugal than investing only $50 in a pair of $97 Calvin Klein, classic black pumps?

What are your go-to heels? What is your idea of a classic, staple, or key shoe?

*Image: http://piperlime.gap.com/Asset_Archive/PLWeb/Assets/Product/736/736962/main/pl736962-00p01v01.jpg

F*ck Forever21

Here is a post I did DECEMBER 1st 2009 titled, "It's A Wrap". Here is what I found today on Forever21.com:

I am not sure if anyone at Forever21 has seen my blog, but I am pretty sure that they once again could not be creative on their own and knocked-off someone else; should I be surprised? All I can say is that I am published, this is considered published and they have no unique creativity. So if any of you employees at Forever21 maybe did not see my blog before you came up with this new slogan, I am hoping you catch this post: Thank you for copying me, because that is the greatest form of flattery.

*Image: Forever21.com

WHY?!

I am watching E! Television's "Fashion Police" and all I can say is once again what credibility does one of the Kardashians have to critique fashion? Khloe joined other fashion nobody's to discuss the red carpet at the Oscars last night. I just do not get the cast E! has continuously hired to cover the "Fashion Police".

(BTW, Khloe Kardashian hated on Sarah Jessica Parker and said, "who wears that much fake hair?"... YOU DO KHLOE - and so do your sisters!)

Frizzy is NOT Sexy

I have to say that last night's Oscars were fabulous. Everybody was dressed very well and surprisingly not very many ladies - or gentlemen - dropped the ball during this particular award ceremony. However, I have one huge bone to pick with the stylists... or the entertainers: what was with the sloppy, frizzy, messy hair?!

Nobody even attempted the sexy, Victoria's Secret, just got out of bed look. All the ladies hairstylists seemed to have crimped their hair, teased it, and then just threw it up into some sort of bun or ponytail. Awful, horrendous... I feel like Simon Cowell on American Idol critiquing obvious mistakes and the contestants that really believe they can sing, when in reality they are tone deaf.

So please do not follow in their footsteps. Use a blow dryer, straightener, the InStyler, or whatever else you can in order to avoid looking like any of these frizzy hair don'ts.

Whose dress did you like the most and least? Did you notice the terribly frizzy hair? What did you think of the actual show?

*Images: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/03/08/article-1256195-089D6E58000005DC-605_306x728.jpg

http://cdn.buzznet.com/media-cdn/jj1/headlines/2010/03/penelope-cruz-2010-oscars-red-carpet.jpg

http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/images/photos/jennifer-lopez-oscars-2010.jpg

http://cdn.buzznet.com/media-cdn/jj1/headlines/2010/03/miley-cyrus-oscars-2010-red-carpet.jpg

http://www.sunonline.ca/files/penticton/images/tn2_academy_awards_statue.jpg

How to Make it in America: Gold

I may have missed everything but the four most important awards at the Oscars tonight, but I definitely had more than enough time to catch my new favorite show, "How to Make it in America" on HBO. I will not give you a summary or explain the episode so you must check it out on your own, it is fabulous! Fashion + Emotions = How to Make it in America. I am finally excited again to watch a television show since "Sex and the City" went off the air nearly four years ago.

Have you seen this show yet? Are you interested in seeing it? What shows are you obsessed with right now and do any of them have to do with the fashion world?

*Image: http://www.hbocanada.com/images/series/howtomakeitinamerica/big.jpg

Scratched, But Not Quite Burned

I have been stalking a very specific Juicy Couture handbag up and down California. I ran into this fabulous purse at a Nordstrom Rack in Northern California but the almost gorgeous handbag was scratched to high hell. The very Fashion, Friendly & Frugal thing about this Juicy bag is that is was marked down form $220 to $180. Why did it have to be ruined?

This Juicy bag is not too big and not too small, it is just right. It is relatively square and is the chicest hobo I have ever seen. If you have a cup of coffee and added tons of milk to the cup, you would create the creamy, tan color of this leather bag. All of the hardware is gold and wonderfully tacky. The smallest hint of detail on the outside is a small round ornament with a little bit of fringe. The best part about this handbag is that it screams Juicy without saying it anywhere - and it matches my two month-old Juicy wallet!

I tested my luck and visited a Nordstrom Rack in good ol' Southern California. I walked in on a Saturday afternoon with my very patient boyfriend who took one look at the line and wanted to leave. My blinders were on, I streamlined for the handbag section and zeroed in on the one and only purse I was looking for. The tan confection was sitting on the lower shelf, sadly drooped over and lacking its stuffing. My step quickened as I dove for the bag. I picked it up, turned it over and over, and examined every angle of the

beautiful handbag.

My heart dropped as I found scratch upon

scratch all over the Juicy bag. Before I knew it, I was leaving The Rack, I was leaving behind what should have been my baby. Although I did not buy the bag and I have not found it anywhere else, I am determined to find it somewhere or something else very similar... and soon!

Who is your favorite handbag designer? What is your favorite style of handbag? Do you like Juicy handbags (because I love their accessories)?

*Images: http://www.128goodbrands.com/productPicture/0903270500005290.gif

http://www.worldwidebeautystore.com/shopping/juicy-couture/juicy_couture_main_logo.jpg

I Must Confess

I have a confession to make. I went shopping today and bought something from Forever21. I simply could not resist the store I have not seen in a few years and all the other stores it has taken over. The original Forever21 store-front was a fairly small space, but now is the size of three or four stores combined. I needed to check it out.

I had a very difficult time finding anything because the entire store was a cluttered mess (kind of like my bedroom with clothes strewn all over the place), even though it is enormous. However, I encountered a sweater vest which says nothing but Juicy Couture - not literally. It was only $20 and manufactured pretty well.

I am still weary about my purchase there today, but it did not break the bank and it is something I will not wear everyday, so it should last more than a week. On the other hand, my visit to Forever21 today re-established my love-hate relationship with the brand. I love what they have to offer, in theory, but nothing is made to last, everything is knocked off from something else, and the shopping experience at the actual store is always horrendous. Shop at your own risk and I will let you know how long my sweater vest lasts!

How often do you shop at Forever21? If you shop at Forever21, how long do your clothes last? Are you alright with buying low quality clothing? - because it is unsettling to me!

*Image: Forever21.com

Vera Vang on Idol?

I am watching American Idol tonight, which does not happen very often. I saw the first season and that is pretty much it. Ever since the first season, I have tuned in for an episode or two and not paid too much attention to the never-ending series. However, tonight had me up in arms about what the female contestants were wearing. Does this show have a stylist? Does the stylist have any say in what the contestants wear before they reach the top ten? I just do not get it.

There were only two successful outfits that looked very wearable. The chick with the real short red hair had on a white, loose-fitting top with black feathery designs and rouched, fluffy shoulders. Another girl had on a one-shoulder, white flowy top with the cutest voluminous gold skirt. Love it. Some other girl had on a Vera

Wang dress that looked like a wedding dress that a fifteen year-old would pick out. Oh, and she had on a cropped leather jacket with cropped gloves that covered only her fingers, and a horrendous pair of jeans under her underwhelming Vera Wang dress.

Needless to say I was very unimpressed with the stylists and/or contestants' clothing choices. Having your own style is magnificent, but some of the things these people had on was just awful. On the other hand, these two ladies looked phenomenal and rocked their apparel. American Idol stylists: how were you hired?

Did you catch Idol tonight? If so, what did you think of the clothes?

http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/m3/may2008/2/1/F20484F6-9D8A-AED7-957D5CE0DB35C8DE.jpg

http://www.hipsterchic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/antique-gold-bow-skirt-1.jpg

Rent's Due: How To Make It In America

HBO turns out the hits, especially from my point of view. I love me some Sex and the City,Big Love was an unexpected hit, and now, How to Make it in America. I believe last night was the third episode of the premier season. The show is all about two guys in New York City trying to make it big in the fashion industry, primarily with premium denim. Could the show be any more tailored for me - pun most definitely intended?!

Mark Wahlberg is a producer and how can you go wrong with him behind a project? He may be quite cheesy in some of his roles, but the things he has produced have been pretty freaking brilliant. Aside from that, Kate Hudson's brother in Bride Wars is one of the lead struggling designers (gorgeous!). An his love interest is Blake Bell. I LOVE Blake Bells' character! She is blunt, determined, and sarcastic - and I could totally relate to her in last night's episode.

The most intriguing aspect of this show is the fact that these are two young men that you would never suspect of being interested in setting foot in the fashion industry. Granted, they are just attempting to launch a denim line; nothing couture.

My favorite part of this new show is that it is unexpected in many different ways. It is very entertaining, and at the end of the day, it is about fashion! So tune in, Sundays on HBO at 10:00pm for new episodes of How to Make it in America.

*Images: http://coedmagazine.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/2.jpg

http://www.hbocanada.com/images/series/howtomakeitinamerica/big.jpg