Once again, I’ve migrated and returned unscathed.  I thank you for patiently awaiting my arrival back at my computer.  Needless to say…. I’ve come back with the cold weather and the rain!

Me, I don’t need rainboots.  I have these waterproof webbed feet and flippers that do me just fine.  But you…. you need rainboots.

If you’re someone who pushes your fashion to the limits and has the purse weight to do it, feel free to drop $225 on the Burberry Large Check pattern [left] in beat blue with a sturdy black sole.  For the equally fun-at-fashion but fainter-at-pocketbook, check our the Pelican Tall Boot Lug from Sperry Topsiders [center].  Available in tons of color combos and pattern options, this is a great boot… and at around $70, you might just snag 2 or 3.  Last but certainly not least, I’m gonna recommend the classic Hunter Original Gloss Tall boot [right]. With a company history leading all the way back to the mid 1800s, the Hunter rain boot is available today in at least 7 colors that I know of, and for only $125.  Because I’m a wild and crazy penguin, I’d go for the teal or turquoise, the violet, or the red…. but you can make the black, brown, navy, or gray work with just about anything.

So…. boot up!

… and go to your public library!  We’ve all seen trends come and go in a few months span – but one that we just can’t seem to shake (nor should we) is reinvention of “cool”.  It’s clear that our current generation of designers is somewhat apathetic – designing with the notion that everything has been done already, so there is nothing they can try that is truly original, just reinvention of past looks.  But think about this… in 1899 (yes, almost 20 years before the Ford Model T and 14 years before the Wright Brothers airplane) the Commisioner of the U.S. Patent Office made the claim that “Everything that can be invented, has been invented”.  Ha!  This leads me back to “cool”.  It’s not a trend – its an aspirational way of living that will never go out of style.

Classic Rock Cool

A note to all you designers (and fashion savvies), stop looking at the monthly trends in your fashion magazines and go check out a few books at your local library.  The collage of images here is ‘classic rock cool’ and it typifies a 1960s and 70s era in the flashy world of popular music, butyou takeaway should be… this is what “cool” was at that time.  Its much looser than the cuts and colors of the clothes – it’s the feel and the energy of the look and the time that we, as designers,  should be looking to reinvent… and you, as clothing aficionados, should be looking to wear.  Maybe this is all too ethereal for a penguin on a Friday morning, but I’ve been beak-deep in designing my new spring line (hence my 2 day absence) and this is what I’ve been thinking about.

So, before you rely on the minute-to-minute trends for your next fashion buy… see if what you’re getting/wearing fits in to your personal, modern, today version of “cool”.  Forget the hot colors of the summer for a moment and decide if those skinny jeans you’re looking at have the right energy, ON YOU… an energy you feel good about and connected to.  That’s all fashion really is or should be.

Like it or not, big chunky jewelry (namely necklaces and chokers) are IN for Fall.

Chunky Necklaces And Chokers for Fall

Mrs. T

Personally, I tend to feel like these chokers are about to come alive, grow limbs, and start swatting the pretty girl in the face.  That’s honestly what I think about when I see a woman walking down the street with a necklace on that looks as though she needed the assistance of a man… with a forklift… to put it on and clasp it.  But that’s just me.  I’ll accept the trend like a good little penguin and keep my mouth somewhat shut to any designer friends who may be jumping on the chunka-chunka choochoo train with their accessories this season, as long as they stay away from too much gold.  Girls, realize that you can stay on trend here without “icing” out your collarbone until your friends feel the need to give you a rapper name and you join the likes of ‘Lil Romeo’ or ‘Weezy’.  Or until you’re forced to buy a cargo van and start the next A-Team, Mr. T.  Go easy at first and see what’s comfortable for you… and start with browns, earth tones, and soft colors – not metallics.  Also, keep your size and shape in mind.  We don’t want any of you 5’1″, 98 pound, tiny tots developing back problems because of a Fall 2009 fashion trend.  If that should happen – send your chiropractor bills to Sandra Bullock, she wore just under 1 ton of necklace to the premiere of ‘The Proposal’ and got people buzzing early on.

Last night was the New York premiere of ‘The September Issue’, the new documentary about fashion mogul, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and the entrance doors to the screening may as well have been a catwalk.

Sienna Always Looks Great

Imagine you’re walking into the premiere for a film about the most opinionated and judgmental person in fashion… and whose opinion may just carry the most weight in the industry.  You had to know Sienna was gonna stun ‘em, especially after a little tension between her and Wintour over a scene in the movie (and the trailer) in which Anna calls Sienna “toothy” and talks about her “unruly hair” in a photo for the cover of the issue.  Apparently they felt Miller needed quite a lot of photoshop work for the cover shot – I think using technology to make her look any better is just rubbing life in the faces of all the other women out there.  Rude.

Anyway, she looks hot.

Where did this girl come from? I just looked her up on on imdb and discovered that she has racked up 22 speaking roles as an actress in the past 7 years (though many of these are films/shows you couldn’t be less familiar with) so maybe I’m just blind.  I might have noticed her in ‘Troy’, but I stayed away from the ‘National Treasure’s because… well… Nick Cage as an adventurous hero? However I stumbled onto her – I’m glad I’ve found Diane Kruger now.

This Inglorious Basterd is GLORIOUS!

This pic is from the recent New York premier of the new Quentin Tarantino film ‘Inglorious Basterds’, the cast of which includes Brad Pitt, Mike Myers, and B.J. Novak.  The dress she chose is just great for her – with a retro styling fit for a silver-screen starlet, and the simple but bright hair and makeup supporting the era statement.  Transforming into an updated 1940s-esque sex symbol works in perfect conjunction with the plot line and period of the movie she is promoting.  The sequins and reflective detailing contribute to the antique feel, but the cut of the dress brings it into modern times just enough.  I love that her hair is nearly undone, and her eyes have only noticeable mascara – the lack of color all around the rest of her face makes her lips and eyes pop.   She’s hot, in a classic way, which is pretty rare and really hard to do.

Katie Holmes Cruise [does she even go by that?] is the latest addition to the rapidly growing list of actor/model/musician-turned-fashion designers… God save us.  “Kate” has had quite the busy few years.  Since 2006 she has taken on motherhood, married her childhood crush, accepted Scientology, and now she will start her very own fashion line.  I honestly can’t decide which of these decisions I think is the most questionable.  But Oprah’s couch aside, let’s focus on fashion:

Katie Holmes Clothing LIne

The girl from The Creek with the killer crooked smile became a fashionista extraordinaire right around the time that she started getting a reported $3 million per year of marriage, and $25 million per child she births for Tom.  This financial thing is purely speculative, but her move to couture fashion in 2006 is legit, and documented in photographs.  Last year, Katie teamed up with her stylist Jeanne Yang to design a dress for the premiere of ‘Tropic Thunder’. Seen above-left in the picture where it looks like she threw shades and a jacket on her teenage brother and brought him to the movie for juju bees and popcorn… Katie’s first piece was a silk halter dress with a tiered bodice out of black leather.  Interesting and unique – great fit – looked great.  Most recently, Kate and Jeanne collaborated on a white strapless silk jumpsuit with a black long sleeved sheer lace top underneath, which Katie wore to her Broadway premiere of All My Sons.  The retro Chanel-style look is said to be indicative of the line she is planning to release this fall, and it looks great on her tall, slender frame.

The line, which is yet to be named, will reportedly include styles for women as well as children.  Holmes has said that the inspiration comes from baby Suri and Yang’s two little girls, thought it’s unknown how much of the collection will be directed at children.  It is believed that the line will be sold exclusively at the very high-end and overpriced boutique store on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles.

It’s the age old question that’s been plaguing man (or woman in this case) for centuries… when the weather is hot, how do I keep cool while still looking great?  Ok, so maybe ‘for centuries’ was an exaggeration, but as we’re approaching the late August and September heat, it’s certainly on your mind now, ladies.  It’s relatively straightforward- the more articles of clothing you wear, the more interesting combinations you create… and the easier it is to play opposing or similar pieces off one another.  So, the scortching summer months that make you wish you had never stopped stripping after college so that your work attire would at least be comfortable and sweat-free… can have you screaming obsenities each morning and hastily serving your once-loved closet with divorce papers.  I thought I’d come to the rescue with some summer solutions that keep you cool while still looking put-together, stylish, and most important this time of year… carefree.

Summer Months - Keep Cool & Stay Hot

Since the option of layering waved bye-bye to you back in March, take the opposite approach and go head-to-toe with something great.  I’m talking one-pieces, they’re everywhere right now.  Whether they be retro, short, jumpsuits or overall dresses, pick a style and go with it.   A solid or print cotton dress (woven or knit) is always great for summer, but if you want to to express yourself a bit more this sizzling solstice, you’ll make the stretch into something that might be a new cut for you.  Let’s go left to right, shall we?

The always admired trendsetter, Sienna Miller might be the riskiest of these four ladies, so it’s no surprise she’s the one in the printed jumper and suede, heeled boots.  This look is fun with a capital F, but you must realize that you run the risk of being mistaken for a 4 year old… so do your best to accessorize with ‘grown-up’ goodies (ie. her shoes and watch).  Leighton Meester’s getup is actually two pieces, but it’s going after the same effect.  If you’ve never done a science experiment with your clothing to see how much colors actually effect heat on your body, it’s time to harness your inner Bill Nye and learn something.  You’ll be surprised what a difference this can make during a heat wave.  Leighton’s stone colored baggy, pleated shorts and sleeveless top are no doubt very comfortable.  Unfortunately they’re not right for her skin tone, but hey, that’s why she’s out there trying to get a golden tan.  If you are even a shade darker you’ll have no problem with this, or just go with white, white, white – I can’t say it enough this summer.  Rachel Bilson’s rocking the printed halter dresses… and a casper-like complexion.  I’m actually shocked she knows what to wear on a summer day because her skin looks as though she’s never been outdoors for one.  Nonetheless, a halter in solid or print is a can’t miss – but pairing it with laceless army boots and a cell phone is not advised.  This brings us to Rihanna and, more importantly, my favorite look of the bunch. This silk romper has a great color and pattern, and the neckline is cut just high enough that it runs no risk of looking like lingerie.  With retro fit and print, this outfit is spot on for this summer… and to me, it looks the most comfortable of these by far.  At first glance it looks like this piece has an interesting, halter-top + spaghetti strap neckline… but the halter strap is really a necklace with a similar pattern to the dress, and it works great!  Either way, I’d say you want to wear a necklace with this look.

There you have it – now go get dressed!

Nicole Richie is about to launch her new line of maternity clothing, creatively called ‘Nicole – by Nicole Richie’.

img - apeainthepod.com

The bohemian chic line is an effort exclusive to A Pea In The Pod online maternity boutique, for which Nicole will be creating and modeling her collection.  This is not her first move in the fashion world, Nicole’s House of Harlow 1960 jewelry collection is a favorite of celebrities like Madonna and friend Paris Hilton.  Currently pregnant with her second child, Nicole had an insiders perspective while designing the line.  She said, “(When you’re pregnant) You really feel like you have to change your whole wardrobe. And that’s the last thing a woman wants to go through. So I really tried to make this line to get women excited about wearing clothes.”  I think she succeeded.  The line is comprised of anything from tanks, to peasant tops, layering tees, flowing maxidress and braided details – and is priced from $48 to $148.

The line is officially released and available for puchase this Friday, August 7th – so you have less than 3 days to get pregnant!!!

Sienna Miller

It’s a given, Sienna Miller might have the best street-style sense of any female celebrity. She takes chances, goes out comfortably dressed, appears to have just thrown it (whatever she happens to be wearing) on and left the house, and it almost always works and looks amazing! Of course it doesn’t hurt that she’s really, really, ridiculously good looking.  If you don’t know Sienna and/or her style… crawl out from under your rock, pull your head out of that unmentionable orifice, and take notice!  She is the adorable, funky, British, blonde actress in movies like Alfie and Factory Girl – though she is arguably more famous for her broken engagement from Jude Law after he schtupped the nanny, or for being charged as a “homewrecker” in the breakup of Balthazar Getty’s marriage.  If you ask me, she must take her relationship aggressions out on her credit card because this girl has a wardrobe to be both feared and respected.  She’s got an inharent bohemian quality about her, but it’s a more put together, classic take on freeform dress.  She knows the trends and follows them, but she will spice up an “in” look with something unexpected and contradictory to the direction of the outfit.  Well, Sienna was chosen to be the star of Nylon Magazine’s August denim shoot… and I couldn’t be happier.

Nylon Magazine has been doing Nylon TV spots for a couple years now and some of them are fantastic.  It’s great that the directors of their video docs seem to give the actors/actresses/models a lot of freedom to be themselves in the shoots, and in Sienna’s case (I would assume), even have some input on the selected wardrobe.  If you take anything away from watching this, besides 2.5 minutes of entertainment, it should be that Sienna’s varied style of dress has made her incredibly versatile… and a bit of an enigma.  In the candid interview scenes she is dressed down in an oversized, cropped sweater with a stretched out scoop neck off the shoulder over a striped tank top, and baggy, over-pleated pants. Not sure what to call this look besides eclectic, but it’s loose and comfortable and thrown together – complete with her hair tossed up into small whispy buns.  This footage is interweaved with the denim photoshoot scenes in which she’s got a more edgy, rock-n-roll, sometimes biker, sometimes punk, sometimes 1980′s Poison video chick look about her.  Here’s the thing – she pulls off both looks 100%!  Again, this could be a result of her laughably pretty face… but I think her style of dress and daily fashion choices which are constantly mixing things up and shifting from prep to punk, has allowed her to be comfortable and look natural in anything she puts on.

image credit - people.com

Alicia Silverstone is most famous for playing a Beverly Hills high-schooler with no license, no real worries, and no clue, in the 1995 pop-culture phenomenom film, Clueless.  Today she’s taking on a different role, teaming up with environmentally-conscious beauty line EcoTools to design a line of earth-friendly beauty supplies, cases, and bags.  You know I’ve taken my clear stance in the past about the new trend of makeshift celebrity “designers”, but I think Cher’s stab at it is different.  Now she might disagree with this, but in recent years Alicia has become more known for her efforts and activism with the environment and eco causes than she is for her acting roles.  She posed nude for PETA in 2007 after winner the “Sexiest Female Vegitarian” award.  She lives in an eco-friendly home. She drives a hybrid car.  She does interviews where she slips in things people can do to help the environment, like reusing water bottles.  And she’s constantly doing invornmental charity work.  Point is – when it comes to environmental concerns, Alicia Silverstone has been walking the walk for quite awhile.

Alicia Silverstone for EcoTools

In my mind, the fact that her foray into the role of designer is entirely based on her eco concerns… makes it a-ok!  Don’t worry, no fun-making from this penguin, Alicia.  The line of beauty supply products will be 100% natural and non-toxic, and the bags will be made entirely of hemp with linings from recycled materials.  The keystone item will be a five-piece brush set with bag, but the line will also feature a cosmetic bag, a cosmetics brush bag, a train case, and an overnight bag.  The hemp bags are printed with a floral pattern of Alicia’s favorite flowers: rose, lavender, chrysanthemum, thyme, and cosmo.

The line is set to hit stores just in time for this holiday season.

Little Emma Watson (Aka. Hermione Granger) from the ever popular Harry Potter dynasty is “all growed up” as they say, and she’s making a shift from Harry’s muse to fashion diva.

Emma makes some good choices

Now that she’s of legal age, I feel fine admitting that I hypothesized early on that Emma was going to be absolutely beautiful when she grew up.  I was right.  With her 6th feature film hitting theaters today, this little Muggle has amassed enough wealth off the first 5 Harry Potter movies to dress herself in pretty much anything she sets her eyes on.  Smart lady, she’s taking full advantage of that – diving head first into the fashion world and glad-handing designers and stylists where she can.  Emma recently sat down with WWD to talk about her new passion, and how she may or may not participate in the industry herself.  Her response was actually refreshing to my penguin ears… when asked if she’d be joining the likes of celebrity “designers” like Lauren Conrad or Jessica Simpson she responded, “I’m really not interested in doing it for my own ego. I’m not a designer,” and when pressed she said “[It’s] gotten so ridiculous…. The idea of making my own perfume makes me want to vomit.” Here is one girl who gets it.  She’s fallen in love with fashion.  She’s wearing it well and making great choices – but she realizes that does not a designer make.

Can't win 'em all. PA Photos/Landov

In the pic above, Emma is wearing a vintage Ossie Clark gown with a deep neckline that extends all the way down to the high wrap band waistline.  The silver-purple color and textured fabric is great against her ivory skin, and the dress fits her perfectly.  Notice how the capped sleeves hug her shoulders and the sleeve length is just right, ending just at the elbow.  She looks amazing.

Now that I’ve built her up and complimented her choices and perspective, I feel the need to show you a slight misstep.  Sorry Hermione.  This choice [photo to right] just doesn’t suit her.  The color and shiny texture of the fabric washes out her fair skin complexion, and the cut is not flattering on her figure at all.  Emma is not a busty girl, and the halter top style dress with an otherwise strapless neckline really flattens her out.  The length of the dress feels awkward to me, and its bunched skirt looks like it has a tendency to ride up at the hips.  However, I do like the contrast black belting and strapped shoes.

For the most part, Emma does it right and has a great take on fashion.  She was recently named as the Fall ’09 face of Burberry.  This will be Emma’s first major campaign, and I’d have to say it’s not a bad start to her modeling career.

I’m not 100% sure where I heard the words “the librarian and the stripper”, but I think it was in a trailor for that new movie The Ugly Truth with Katherine Heigl.  While I love Katherine, and while she CAN be both to me… I’m going to illustrate my point with another celluloid diva who walks the tightrope between school teacher and slut – Scarlett Johansson.

Scarlett - a little less than wholesome.

Scarlett is a beautiful girl, there’s no denying that – gorgeous face with full pouty lips, flawless complexion, striking blue eyes, and a petite, voluptuous body.   That said, I’m not sure whether the more vixen, bad girl, slightly slutty look has come naturally to her… or whether it has been crafted by stylists and career managers.  Regardless of its origins, Scarlett’s style has clearly been more stripper than librarian.  I can tell you that myself and my penguin buddies are often thankful for this when we have Vicky Christina Barcelona playing in the background on poker night.  Even in a reasonably respectable, medium length dress [image above] Scarlett’s style has been to: 1. pull down the neckline to let ‘the girls’ work their magic, and to show off the; 2. contrasting darker colored demi bra; 3. Hike that skirt up if it’s even close to your knee; and 4. tossle that bleach blond hair until it looks like you just got romped in your makeup trailer.  She does it well and it works.  However…

Scarlett makes a gorgeous librarian. © Solarpix / PR Photos

Scarlett the librarian is pretty damn hot too. I love her as a brunette and the clean, simple, half-up hair with ringlets looks great.  The silk blouse not only comes all the way up to her neck, but covers the entire shoulder as well.  The high waisted skirt goes down to her knees and still hugs her God-given curves like a glove – a very attractive glove.  The sash style belt softens the look and keeps it from being Robert Palmerish. Very simple, darker colored jewelry keeps the look elegant and modest.  She looks amazing and respectable here. I don’t know first hand because Scarlett and I aren’t all that close, but I’ll bet you she just feels different dressed like this.  She likely carries herself differently and her interactions with people change a bit.

I think a very few select girls really are both the librarian and the stripper (ie. both come equally as naturally to them), but with the help of some clothing, accessories, makeup, maybe hair dye, and a slight attitude adjustment… I’m sure almost all of you ladies can fake it pretty well and make it work.  It feels like most people walk around thinking that their personality dictates their fashion and style, but it’s ok to let your fashion and style dictate your personality – at least for a night.  It’s only fashion – have fun with it.

Since it’s Friday and we’re heading into a weekend, I thought I’d send you guys out with a lighthearted story of a brands shift from legitimate purity to generic over-saturation.  Over it’s lifespan, Ocean Pacific (Op) of 1980′s corduroy shorts fame, has gone from head of the class – to absent from class – to barely auditing the class – to chewed up gum stuck to the bottom of the desks in the class.

Nothing beat 80s Op Corduroy

I know and love this O.G. surf brand very well.   In fact my father, The Style Penguin Sr. was a President of Ocean Pacific at one point during it’s heyday… and I got to watch the brand grow from the sidelines whilst wearing an unlimited supply of hightwaisted short shorts. When ‘Velcro Valley’ was popping up in Orange County, CA – Op was at the heart of it and really leading the charge. Nowadays, Op has kind of become a characature of what the brand once meant.  Something inately California coastal is now more of a middle America take on beachwear and surf culture.  There have been some attempts at a resurgence for the real brand feel, but nothing successfully captured the essence of what it once was.  And now… it’s gotten to the point where Op is sold exclusively at Walmart, the opitome of non-coastal, non-unique, made-for-the-masses, made with no ‘love’, consumer goods.  A clothing company that once sponsored legit surfing champions like Tom Curren and Kelly Slater is now sponsoring these people….

What a difference a decade or two make.

That’s One Tree Hill actress Sophia Bush, Malibu socialite Brody Jenner, 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord, Good Charlotte bad boy brothers Joel and Benji Madden, and some others.  Op’s customer has now become someone who may or may not have ever even seen the Pacific Ocean… but they are quite tuned in to the nightly lineup on ‘The WB’ Network.  All of this is not to mention the design asthetic of the newer lines themselves, which lack soul and creativity compared to the originals.  Granted there wasn’t nearly as much competition when Op came on the scene, but I have to think that the mentality of the brand at the time would have set their designs apart from the crowd.  This ad might as well be for [insert any active sports clothing company name here].  Where’s the love? And more importantly, where’s the corduroy?

Marc Jacobs has just released his Resort Line for 2010.  For the most part it’s a straightforward, modern, collection with a lot of floral prints and opposing bright color choices… sort of what you’d expect from him for resort.  Let’s get one thing clear – I love Marc Jacobs.  In past years, I have called some of his womens collections “the best this penguin has ever seen”, or gone as far as to claim that some men should consider crossdressing just so they could get to wear the line.  This line is not that – but it’s still Marc Jacobs.

I’m very torn on the collection.  I’m honestly pretty split, 50/50, down the middle, even stevens, on this line.  What do you want first?  The good news or the bad news?  Ok, I’ll give you the good first.

Marc Jacobs Resort 2010 - Now These I Like

This is textbook Marc Jacobs freshness, mostly characterized by the pairings and combos chosen.  Nowhere in here are there two different, strong prints opposing each other… one trying to push out another for attention. If he uses a pattern piece, he lets it sit alone and stand out. Great.  The high waisted gold print shorts with seafoam top is casual and comfortable chic.  I like the similar top lines on the pieces, with the same darted pleating at the cinched waistline and neckline.  I love the black, wrap dress with the colorful parrot print – and matching bag.  He throws all of his models in platform heels for the shoot, but this would relax down easy with some basic flat sandals.  The third look is simple – large print spaghetti strap dress in a pop yellow.  The pairing is special – I think we might start seeing contrast tanks and halters making appearances as outer layers all over the place.  The first time you try it you might feel like you’re wearing your bra on the outside, but you’ll get the hang of it. Finally, the short ruffled cocktail dress paired with fitted leather jacket.  We’ve been seeing this for awhile now but mostly with black leather and denim outerwear. Great way to dumb down an otherwise formal look, and style out an otherwise standard dress you had in high school.

Now the bad news…

Marc Jacobs Resort 2010 - Not So Sure

These looks I’m not so sure about.  I hate to hate on Marc but I’m not a fan of the patterns and prints he chose to mash up with these looks.  Color pallet is great on all three pieces, but the combinations are the downfall for me.  I have trouble finding anything I like about the first outfit here – maybe the jacket works paired with a solid pink skirt he showed, but not with these peacock pattern high waist capris.  Maybe it’s this pant cut that has me skeeved out, but I think the middle pic looks like she stole her outfit out of Mrs. Ropers closet.  You Three’s Company fans know what I mean.  The color is great but the print is too much in that bright orange with hot pinks… and did anyone really expect it to work head to toe?  It’s resort.. which in this case means a trip to Ft. Louderdale to visit Marty and Esther Bernstein for some shuffleboard.  Oh, and the plane lost your bag so you had to borrow Esther’s jumpsuit.  The pants bug me just as much in the third look, and this time I definitely blame the pants because I think I actually like the shirt.  He nearly ruined it with the giant embroidered flower, but it still plays.

All in all, I think Marc Jacobs pulled it off again.  It’s not my favorite collection of his at all, but I think some of it can end up in your closets… and you can wear it well.

This weekend is the 4th of July… the day when (at least in my area) guys and gals dress down in their trunks and bikinis, hop on a bike, and head down to the beach or pool for a good ol’ fashioned barbeque to celebrate our American ancestors.  For many of you, this may be the first time you don a bathing suit for the year.  You’ll have to fish it out of the higher-up drawer, dust it off, and test the fit to see what works and where.  For those of you who make it a point to stay “in fashion” when it comes to your aquatic ensemble, I have some good news… you may not have to buy anything new this year.

Retro Bathing Suits

The look in womens suits (and for some ballsy dudes, mens too) right now is retro cut and prints.  If your mother was Jackie O or a Jane Smith with impeccable, ahead-of-her-time style, you may bypass the mall and go shopping for your Summer 2009 suit in mom’s closet.  One-piece and skirt cut styles like the Michael Kors shown here [photo above] are popping up everywhere from Rodeo Drive to Target Stores.  If you’re concerned that you can’t look good without showing more skin, you’re wrong.  I for one think one-pieces are smart, sexy, and very underutilized… and I love it when the lady penguins pull them out of winter storage.

1950s Summer

Retro swimwear means colors and prints from yesteryear just as much as it means fit and styling.  The bright yellows are hot for summer, and I think I might be blinded by polka dot prints by September.  The Kors piece above is touching on a more carefree 1950s feel [small photo above], but the current trend isn’t really limited to any particular era.  We’re seeing one and two piece suits mimicking the 1970s and early 1980s look that tacked Farrah Fawcett’s poster up on every guys bedroom wall (or igloo wall).

This look [see Farrah Fawcett, above right] worked as well for Daisy Duke in Hazard County as it did for Hef’s ladies at the Mansion throughout the 70s … and it’s back!  I’m excited, how about you?  Solid color one pieces, very few prints or patterns, solely relying on cut and shape for the sex appeal that a suit should have.  The suit here [see Urban Outfitters model, left] is a great example of this. The high thigh cut and leotard mid-section screams “Fame! I wanna live forever!” 1980… and the deep neckline and elongated triangle straps give it just enough exposure (or promise of the possibility for it) to be ultra sexy.  So, go diggin’ through the boxes in mama’s garage and find yourself a suit for summer!

Let me preface this post by saying that I realize many (if not most) women out there don’t feel comfortable going around without a stitch of makeup on.  I’m a firm believer in the idea that feeling comfortable and confident about how you look is the #1 factor in ones relative “hotness”.  So when it comes to fashion and beauty trends/products/looks… you ladies should push the envelope, but always stay within your range of comfort.  That said, for those of you who can leave the house without makeup on – do it!  More likely, take a page of Rachel Bilson’s book and leave the house wearing makeup that looks like you’re not.

What about makeup?

I know, I know.  I’m not telling you anything revolutionary here… that’s how your mother told you to apply it when you were 13.   But, you probably haven’t listened to her on that since the first day of high school.  Get back to it.

Underdressed to impress.

In these pics, Rachel is on a red carpet at a gala event for the Art of Elysium foundation – that’s hardly a trip to the grocery store.  The consummate under-dresser, Rachel wore skinny jeans and a v-neck tee with this navy, sequined, 3/4 length jacket, and a big dark yellow clutch.  Her downplayed makeup matches the look for sure.  She’s got some eye makeup on, which we all like, but her cheeks and lips have almost nothing.  She’s a natural beauty and the makeupless look really makes that obvious.  It’s an “if you’ve got it, flaunt it” kinda thing.

I have a little penguin crush on Rachel Bilson.  Could you tell?

Find me a man who thinks Megan Fox is not the most exciting thing about the Transformers franchise, and I’ll show you a man who either likes men, or who played with legos clear throughout high school.  She’s just got something about her.

I do what i want.

Maybe it’s the dark features/light eyes combo; maybe it’s the frequent use of bright red lipstick; maybe it’s the bikini line tattoo and the fact that she loves showing it off; or maybe it’s that she can’t help but bring her porn face to the red carpet while wearing an evening gown.  Whatever it is, she’s doing something right.  Last night at the LA premier of Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, Megan wore a white, toga-style, drop waist dress with a thin triple-strapped  black leather belt.  White is not something you see Megan try often (for obvious reasons), but when she does, it works.  The asymmetrical neckline and looser fit are also rarities for Maxim’s #1 on the 2009 Hot 100 List, but good golly miss molly you don’t hear anyone complaining.

Ok, you’re not interested in just hearing me gawk at the hot girls like a construction worker shouting cat calls on a city sidewalk… so i’ll give you my penguin fashion nugget here:  When you’re wearing an asymetrical dress (and any dress for that matter, but particularly an ‘asym’)… you have to know you’re good side.  Or at least know what side is what and be conscious of it.

"Hi. I'm sexy" ............................... "Hi. I'm elegant"

You can see from the pics above, Megan is conscious of how she looks from all angles, and she definitely plays those angles.  In the pic on the left, FOXy is throwin’ a ‘come hither’ glare at the camera and fans with tons of skin of her whole right side and maybe some side-boob exposed. Sexy. The other pic (above right) shows a more subdued pose and as innocent a face as Megan can make believable, with the thick dropped strap, and more elegant left side of the dress showing.  Both are great looks – but you should be conscious of what’s what from what angle.

Is it possible to dress to match a scent? The scent of your perfume to be exact.  Well at the release event, Faith Hill’s stylist managed for her to match the look of her new perfume, ‘Faith Hill Parfums’ (call the CLIO judges now for that creative name).

Faith Hill Parfums

I realize the tone in which I’m writing this sounds as thought I’m making fun of her for using the glass bottle of romance juice as a fashion muse… but on the contrary, I actually love the look here.  Her fair complexion and softer features work well with the light pink color of the dress.  The reflective satin or silk material is complimented by her now blond again hair (this wouldn’t be nearly as striking if she were still brunette) and her huge white smile.  I’m glad she wore the jewelry to put some girly charm into a neckline that is otherwise masculine, in cut and collar.

As for the matchy matchy with the eau de toilette, with which she no doubt posed for pictures all night… I think she could have gone over the top and had a great time with it.  The black labeling on the perfume and black ribbon could have influenced her to do a dark hat, or at least a headband or ribbon in her hair.  Maybe a black sash waistband/belt around the high-waisted dress? With the glamor and old world grace of perfume marketing in general, I think playing it up in an Audrey Hepburn sort of way could have suited her well.  Here, you be the judge…

Better? OR Worse? What do you think?

Famed london-based shoe and handbag designer Jimmy Choo, whose Crocodile Ramona Bag sells for $14,000, is now collaborating with fast fashion retailer H&M, whose product mix makes it difficult to assemble an entire outfit for over $100.

Jimmy Choo for H&M

Fast Fashion seems to be getting a face lift recently, as couture designers continue stepping in to design for the $0.99 cent stores.  With the economy in a Kansas twister, the trend towards “fast fashion” that’s been growing over the past few years has reached an all time high.  Not only has that meant our malls filling up with the likes of Forever 21, H&M, Heritage 1981, Zara, etc… but the customers strong response to the value pricing at these retailers has made top couture and fashion designers snap to attention.  These discount manufacturers/retailers came on the scene as a copycat operation, taking successful stylings from top boutique brands and knocking them off in droves.  Now, the same fashionisto designers who once complained about the imitation are signing up to collaborate and mass produce their new creations.  H&M has already done successful co-branding projects with Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Viktor & Rolf, and Matthew Williamson.

Love it or hate it, I think this movement toward guest designers for value brands and retailers is here to stay, at least for awhile.

Choose your shoes... wisely.

Kate Walsh is the striking red head in the Cadillac commercials asking what turns you on.  The marketing ploy is that the brains of men watching are supposed to be stuck between “you do” and “fast cars do”.  Well, in the case of the pic above the answer is Kate Walsh turns me on.  Partially because she’s hot like wasabi, and partially because she makes great fashion choices.  The high-waisted dress on her tall thin body gives her the kinda legs that keep ZZ Top singing to this day. The asymmetrical neckline works really well on her, and looks amazing here contrasted by her hair parted stick straight down the middle.  All that said, the shoes are my favorite part of this look… with the help of photoshop magic, I’ll take the liberty of showing you why.  In the first photo (the real one) your attention is immediately drawn to her shoes because it’s set off by the red carpet background.  The white shoe draws your eye first, and then sends it up her body following the side-slit exposed leg all the way up.  If she had worn shoes to match (2nd picture), the  dress would still have looked great but you would see the outfit very differently.  Nothing would have really pulled you in and told you how to see the look.  In the 3rd pic, I gave her a white accessory [in this case a watch (Chanel J12, or for $5,000 less get Obviously Counterfeit)] just to give her another pop spot with this look.  I think it adds a slightly more relaxed feel to the look, which plays well with the fun funky hairstyle.

Basic takeaway:  Next time you find yourself saying “I need to go get some shoes to match my dress”… pause, breathe, remember Kate Walsh, and see if “matching” your shoes is really the best way to go.

Hollywood or Halloween?

Of course it’s true… ‘keep something in your closet long enough, and the style will undoubtedly come back around’.  That said, trends resurface in a “pastiche” sort of way [if you're unfamiliar, please look up pastiche. it is my favorite word in the english language] which means that newer designs and style choices will echo or allude to past fashion, not as much just repeat it.  It’s also about the contrast of some retro pieces paired with the modern standards.  Jessica Simpson is walking from her car to lunch on an LA street, but looks like she’s on a backlot walking to the Brady Bunch set.  I’d say it’s too much, a little too much.

If you’ve entered a boutique or a department store in the past 6 months and paid even the slightest bit of attention, you’re well aware that plaid has been quite “in”. Perhaps you deduced that from the wall-to-wall cotton button downs in every madras and plaid under the sun… or maybe from the line of Nike shoes with plaid accents, or cotton woven dresses for women in every color combo. Regardless of what tipped you off, it’s good that you know now.

Patterns & Plaids for sale. [image © details

Point is – go ahead and wear the crap out of all the pattern fabrics that are in the market right now, but don’t get carried away all at once… and don’t neglect your solids or your textured fabric pieces in the meantime.  If you do, they’ll be pissed at you when you go to grab em outta the closet after summer ends.