Links à la Mode: It Gets Better

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

It Gets Better

Edited by: The Sunday Best

As we head full on into the “holiday” season, with its unbridled consumerism, endless head-whacking charity pleas, and weird tie-ins, I expected the links list to be inundated with shopping guides. Instead, many dealt with what can only be considered harassment or, terribly, abuse; several looked at blogging as a cathartic experience, others as a rallying cry. I was lucky enough to be raised in an openly affectionate household with two strong female presences in my mother and sister, and this has undoubtedly affected my manner and attitudes as a married man. Since I can’t go around changing men and society, no matter how cool that superpower would be, I offer this reminder, in what I believe is the spirit of the season (when that spirit is allowed to express itself unfettered): respect is the bare minimum we owe each other, and the bare minimum we should expect from others. Respect is not necessarily agreement, but it is always acknowledgment. For those who are struggling this season–financially, emotionally, physically–I can only echo the words of Tim Gunn, George Takei, and others when I say, “It gets better.” Happy Holidays.

Links à la Mode: December 2

• Analogue Chic 1 step forward, ten steps back: Skinnygirl by Bethenny Frankel


• Be Fabulous Daily Women at work: An immodest proposal


• Crimson Rosella My safe haven



• Finding Tokyo Why Paris is no longer the fashion capital of the world


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: The Comment Challenge


• Melina Bee How to host your own clothing swap in five easy steps


• Mrs Bossa Friend Friday Guest Post: Size Matters


• My Heart Blogged Losing 40 lbs., and what I’ve learned



• Oranges and Apples An ethics code for bloggers


• Piewacket Hot off the press


• Statements in Fashion My Alex, My Dragonfly


• Style Eyes A fashion bloggers mini guide to psychology


• The Button Owl Control freak



• The Chic Curve From the author: “Fat Bitch”


• The Coveted Nicole de Carle: Subversive Architectural Lingerie


• The Demoiselles Can’t stand the hate: Cutting Bridalplasty down to size


• The Elegant Bohemian The sisterhood



• The Laugh Slut Giving thanks


• The Sunday Best Give him scotch


• Vogue Vintage The future of fashion blogging


• Wearabout Streets on the runway

Links à la Mode: When Fashion Teaches You A Lesson

When fashion teaches you a lesson

Edited by: Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista

As fashion bloggers, we are often the ones sharing and giving advice about fashion. But what happens when fashion turns the table on us and teaches us a lesson or two? From learning how to be thrifty, coping through a crisis, or the economy, these fashion bloggers took a cue from fashion's lessons and turned them into a delicious and delectable read- and I have rounded these up for you...

Links à la Mode: November 18th

• Almost Sober Mag: Pull It, Push It and Come Back When You Proved It: Direct experience from a newly established independent publisher: a week as a fashion editor.


• Beyond Fabric: On the relation between Body Language and Fashion Photography


• Dedicated Follower: To Write Love on Her Arms - I join the movement and write love on my arms in honor of a lost friend.


• Exiled from the City: Throughout the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift in consumer variables and the function of fashion.


• For those about to Shop: Society must take some responsibility for the dangerous obsession to be thin.


• Freeda Style: "Appropriate Attire" Are ALL the old rules of fashion dead? Or should some survive?


• Haute World: Grace Kelly Exhibition: How a royal style icon can teach us a lesson in thriftiness.


• Heathers Design Blog: Musings on fashion now and fashion then, based on the exhibit "Fashioning Fashion" at LACMA.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Self-Promotion 101: It's not about you


• LivLux Mag: ComfortZones: Even Fashionistas get insecure when trying new styles.


• Make the World a Prettier Place: History of Fashion: The New Look (1947)


• Miss Vinyl Ahoy: I've read some negative comments about the 30 for 30 challenge, and wanted to explain more of what it is and why people should care about it, from my POV.


• Modesty Theory: Welcome to Hijabi Fashion Week- showcasing the style of Muslim women for various occasions.


• Oh My Massila: Reflections on the crossroads between fashion and feminism.


• Previously Owned: The tale of the "00s" Vintage and the mockery of the consumer... Are we becoming victims of the mass media?


• RetroChick: Why Fashion isn't Frivolous


• Return to Sender: Sometimes life gets in the way of fashion. How I Survive A Crisis


• Searching for Style: Fashion 101: Who Owns What. The lowdown on the big fashion conglomerates and the companies they own.


• Socialite Dreams: Sparkly, glam shoes are a must have for the holidays! Twinkle Toes: The Holiday Shoe Guide


• Taste and Style: Keep Being YOU.


• The Curvy Fashionista: How to determine quality in plus size fashion

SPONSOR:

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@_IFB Links à la Mode: Costume Drama: A Break From All Things Outfit

Costume Drama: A Break From All Things Outfit

Edited by: Holier than Now

It's the Halloween season, when some of us choose to experience the thrill (or horror) of looking nothing like ourselves for a night. For those of you who blog or socially post your outfits, perhaps it's a chance to take a break from the judgmental eye of the spotlight (consider Love Brown Sugar and One More's pieces on the subject) - one night where you turn in "looking good" for looking scary, time period-accurate, or just ... a little sexier than usual. Inspired? Find last minute costume inspiration from Tickle Me Chic and more.

And for those of us who don't celebrate the witching hour, there's still a chance to step away from the closet and remind ourselves that great lingerie, shoes, bags, and jewels can make even a white tee and jeans look scary good.

Links à la Mode: October 28th

• A La Modest:7 Common Reactions to Style


• Best of Bklyn: In Favor of Knickknacks - How to Personalize Your House Into A Home


• Boheme Noir: The definitive IN/OUT list for Fall 2010 bags


• Closet Confections: Fashion Bloggers Take On Product Placement:A Video Response


• Cute and Little One: Product placement and blogger responsibility: a blogger's role in influencing product advertising.


• Daisy Dayz: Inspiring locally-designed headwear


• Fashion Cents: 3 Tips to Consider for Open-Toe Boots/Shoes for Fall


• Fête à Fête: YSL's new Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks


• Holier than Now: 11 Great Jewelry Sites You Might Not Know About


• Hunting and Gathering: Why Classic Jewelry Never Goes out of Style


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Want to be a professional blogger?


• Interrobangs Anonymous: On going grey in your twenties


• Love Brown Sugar: Why Don't You Love Me? A curvy girl's ode to outfit posting on fashion communities


• Miss Viki: AND_i captivating jewelry show coverage, with video


• OK, Bowtie: Underneath: why everyone needs pretty underwear


• One More: Does a bloggers dress size affect readership and is the blogging community becoming divided over it?


• Ruby-Eyed Okapi: A Modest Approach to Halloween Costumes


• Style Every Day: How to change that horrible mess of jewelry on your dresser to supreme organization


• The Lingerie Addict: How to Buy Vintage Lingerie for the Perfect Pin-up Figure


• Tickle Me Chic: Fashion-inspired Halloween Costumes


• Vogue Mornings: Ten Tips for Achieving Work/Life Balance

SPONSOR:

Shopbop bags: Clutches, Hobos, Satchels, Totes, Black handbags, Shoulder bags, Women's Wallets

IFB Links à la Mode: Fashion Blogger’s Delight

Fashion Blogger’s Delight

Edited by Jennine/IFB

After a small hiatus of Links à la Mode it was great to revisit all the wonderful links submitted to the community each week. As bloggers grow, so do concerns about growing pains. Sugar & Spice talks about bridging the gap between her online identity and real life one, Retro Chick ponders the pros and cons of niche blogging and Miss Vinyl Ahoy shares tips protecting your content with a Creative Commons license. But that’s not all… there are loads of interviews from Fasshionaburu meets Rachel Roy and M.I.S.S. interviews a vintage vixen for a stunning video (try saying that 3x). All a great mix, so grab a cuppa tea and enjoy!

Images via Poetic & Chic, Confessions of a Fashion Editor, Parker + Muse, and M.I.S.S.

Links à la Mode : June 10th

• 365 Fashion Rehab – Lookbook #1-White Blouse 4 Ways


• a la Modest – The Invisibility Cloak: The Desire to Be Noticed


• c u f f i n g t o n – Easy, inexpensive tricks in wearing your chic flats without socks and not succumbing to blisters and calluses.


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Playing ‘Dress’ Up


• Dedicated Follower of Fashion – Prized! – Win a T-Minx Cropped Tee!


• Fasshonaburu – Interviews the glamorous, yet down to Earth, Rachel Roy!


• Fete a Fete – iPad Leather Covers from April in Paris


• For Those About To Shop – Plus-size Fashion Good For Business


• Holier Than Now – Shoes You Can Use


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Are Bloggers Getting Stressed?


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Heather Martin of mono


• M.I.S.S. – Follow the Leader, Episode #1–Vintage Vandalizm


• mimosas in bed – SF indie mart


• Miss Vinyl Ahoy – Protecting your blog and copyright


• Parker Muse – Interview with Felice Lee’s Wabi Sabi


• Poetic & Chic – The Great Shoe Wake


• Retro Chick – Don’t Box Me In


• Return to Sender: A Fat Girl's Letters to the World – Urban Outfitters: Eat Less. Actually, just Shut up.


• Style Eyes Fashion Blog – Age Appropriate Dress


• Stylish Distractions – Ring Toss


• Sugar and spice and all things nice: – I write a fashion blog… And I’m proud of it.


• the Citizen Rosebud – the Bobby Burns


• The Coveted – Late Night Drugstore Haul

IFB Links à la Mode: Fashion's Bold Step Forward

Fashion’s Bold Step Forward

Edited by Ashe/Mischief Dramatis Personae

To be honest, I’ve been really excited about the content on the web lately…. because each week, it seems that fashion & style bloggers are making a bold step forward. In a niche that was once dominated by runway photographs and personal style posts, we’re evolving to include daring, thoughtful, provocative posts as well. I am continually shocked and amazed by the range of posts… from wearabout’s post on androgynous Indian men and Style Amor’s post on Arab women in fashion to posts about fashion blogging as a career at Style Eyes fashion blog.

Images via The Curvy Fashionista, The Coveted, Hello Beauty, and Wearabout

Links à la Mode : May 20th

• Awakened Aesthetic – Giveaway! Enter to win a hand-embellished floral top by independent designer Eliza + Axel and take the floral trend in a different direction.


• CMYKaboom!: – New York Fashion Week Coverage: IFB “Evolving Influence” Conference


• fete a fete: – Clarins Instant Sun Light summer makeup


• Guacamole & Toast: – What makes a good fashion blog? How can we avoid turning into one of the minority of superficial fashion bloggers that everyone stereotypes us to be?


• hello beauty!: – we have a new makeup lesson video with Guerlain’s top makeup artist and a review of the Guerlain Summer 2010 Collection.


• Holier Than Now: – How to fall in love with last year’s summer essential, all over again.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Skills Bloggers Can Use to Get Hired


• Jewelry Whore: – Designer You Should Know: Elsa Schiaparelli


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – An exclusive interview with Amanda deLeon, a fabulous avant garde designer from North Carolina, and personal favorite of Kat Von D!


• M.I.S.S.: – TV: Follow the Leader: A New Style Series Promo! | M.I.S.S.


• Pretty Shiny Sparkly: – Exploring the trend of resin-coated black denim, with a best of the best roundup!


• Shoe-a-Day: – How to Shop for Shoes when you’re living ohsofaraway from civilization.


• Style Amor: – Celebrating the Beauty of Arab Women & Our Diverse Culture


• Style Eyes Fashion Blog: – A career as a fashion blogger – have you considered a career as a fashion blogger? Here are my experiences.


• Stylish Thought: – The Dressing Dilemma: Who do women really dress for?


• The Coveted – Anica boutique is the place to experiment with avant garde


• The Curvy Fashionista: – Curves in the USA? A Question… The Elite of fashion magazines across the pond are fashioning the most fabulous spreads of full figured fashionista, bloggers, and models, will the US follow suit?


• The Recessionista: – Jeans: We’re Spending More and Shopping Longer Does anyone recall the moment when jeans became a luxury item?


• The Thrifty Poet: – “Why Should I Be Ashamed of My Shape” — why I think classifying women into only 4 different body shapes (two of them fruit) isn’t right


• wearabout: – The luxury of not caring – a look inside an androgynous indian male’s wardrobe.


• What 2 Wear Where: – After the fab opportunity to preview the Met’s exhibit “American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity”, we looked at each of the perfectly portrayed eras and paired them with contemporary looks.

IFB Links à la Mode: Beauty is Truth

Beauty is Truth

Edited by Thom Wong

Beauty is truth and truth is beauty, but what happens when fashion enters the mix? Several of this week’s links tackle this thorny question with gusto, teasing out the various layers of meaning behind the term beauty and what it means to feel or be beautiful. Ethics and the material nature of style emerged as another dominant theme. The Laundry Narrative wonders if she can enjoy fashion blogging without dealing with the BIG ISSUES. Then there are longer form posts where I felt the writers stretched their narrative legs, some new voices in the game who could use your attention, and, since this is still about fashion, some lovely outfit pics of girls on bikes. Finally I’ve included the only two men who bothered to post (seriously, what up men). And meggings – nooooo!!!!!

Collage images via: Brachman’s Sparrow, évoluer, The Sunday Best, and Oranges and Apples

Links à la Mode : May 13

• 365 Fashion Rehab – Notes from the closet: Day 357! Building better future buying habits by way of a major wardrobe investigation.


• 39th and Broadway – The Fall of Designer Denim.


• Bachman's Sparrow – Saturday Advice column: develop your personal style into something amazing by learning how to take risks and not dress for others.


• Chrissy Styles – I create an outfit inspired by a painting. This time one by Luc Tuymans:


• D e f i n i n g B e a u t y – Pass it On – What do you do with clothes you don’t want?


• DailyDivaDish – True Cost of Disposable Fashion: You may be paying more than you realize.


• Debutante Clothing – Are you Lying? Why Do You Wear Vintage? A response to 5 Lies Women Tell About Vintage Dresses.


• Emerald Dandy – Meggings: Meant to be?


• Evoluer – 7 girls : 7 bicycles : 7 unique & adorable outfits


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Finance & the Fashion Blogger: Ignore-ance


• Journey to Fashion – From Undergrad Slob to Graduate Fashionista? An introduction to my quest for fashion.


• Missemmamm – How the internet has changed & woman are now more empowered.


• Oranges and Apples – On Beauty.


• Retro Chick – Are you ethically fashionable or fashionably ethical?


• Return to Sender – What do you do when your old insecurities rear their ugly heads?


• Shrimp Salad Circus – Ten things to smile about right this very second.


• Style on a String – The Insatiability for Logos, not Luxury.


• The Coveted – The Coveted launches a new blog dedicated to real women wearing denim.


• The Laundry Narrative – Fighting the urge to justify criticism of fashion blogging as superficial, anti-feminist, and materialistic.


• The Sunday Best – The Best Time of the Year for Menswear


• The Thrifty Poet – How to Feel Beautiful.

Links à la Mode: The Business and Beauty of Style

The Business and Beauty of Style

Edited by Debutante Clothing

This week, the links were especially thoughtful. With all of the buzz about fashion bloggers and how (or if) we make money, it was great to see some insightful posts about fashion and the almighty dollar. Grechen of Grechen Blogs discusses blogging for money, while Style On a String takes an in depth look at the dark side of logo chasing. But let’s not get too bogged down with the seriousness of fashion. Perhaps Simply Luxurious can convince you to indulge in the beauty of fashion with her collage of gorgeous, backless gowns. Or maybe you’re more interested in a catwalk down memory lane, via celluloid, with Old Fashion Love Story’s stills of unforgettable 70s costumes from the film Mahogany (costume designed by Miss Diana Ross!). After all, in the sarcastic words of Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada, “Yes, that is what this billion dollar business is all about. Inner beauty”. Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : May 6

• Blog To Be Alive – Plus Size London Shopping Guide


• CakeNotCoke.com – Greg Lauren Alteration


• Debutante Clothing – Vintage Inspired Finds From Marshalls


• Dedicated Follower of Fashion – DFOF TV: Nosey Parker – Chelsea Rebelle


• Denim Debutante – How to Stretch Jeans


• grechen blogs – why shouldn’t fashion bloggers make money blogging?


• Idiosyncratic Style – Fashion that goes Splat!


• In Her Stilettos – UT Fashion Show


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Read the Fine Print: Chictopia and Payless Don’t Need to Ask to Profit from Blogger Images


• old fashion love story – old fashion on film: mahogany


• Pink Dossier – What They Wore: Coachella


• Retro Chick – Review – Soap & Glory Sit Tight


• Searching for Style – Fashion 101: Where do Fashion Trends Come From?


• Simply Luxurious – Unforgettable Exit


• Snapshot Fashion – Prom 2010


• Style on a String – Luxury: Counterfeiting – The dirty secret of logo chasing


• style, substance & sutton – A TIE DYE DIY


• The Coveted – Behind the Scenes at Nasty Gal


• The Pink Peplum – The Green Movement


• Tog & Trappings – A hat, a hat, my kingdom for a hat


• What to Wear Where – The World of Yves Saint Laurent

Links à la Mode: Fashion Has Brains

Fashion has Brains

Edited by Ashe

Every week I am always surprised by the selection of posts we receive here at IFB. I think back to before I started my blog, the discrimination I felt working in retail and adoring fashion, because it was shallow and it wasn’t academic. Now I look at the community I am a part of and think– how could anyone accuse fashion enthusiasts of being shallow? Or fashion designers, lovers of style? Indeed, like any frowned upon medium or niche, fashion has brains; it has ingenuity, it has controversy, it has creativity, and it has depth.

This week I want to celebrate those putting fashion and intellect together, to show that there’s more than meets that glittering eye…

Oh, and if you’re looking for something to do this summer… IFB is looking for interns!

Links à la Mode : April 22

• Agent Lover: – On The Search For The Perfect Retro Bathing Suit!


• Alice in Stilettos: – Interview with Edgy, Up-and-Coming Designer Chelsea Sutrisno


• Bay Area Style File: – Interview with Model turned Eco Friendly Beauty Brand owner Josie Maran.


• Bobbins and Bombshells: – Fashionable History: Lilly Dache – A True Fashion Success Story.


• Denim Debutante: – Meet US-Made NAEM Denim and Win Your Own Pair


• dramatis personae: – Back to the Future


• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Cynthia Rowley for Roxy Spring 2010


• For Those About to Shop: – Crystal Renn’s inspiring story of transformation may make you think twice about modelling industry:


• krameymartin: – Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fashion sense. Check out this post to learn how to jazz up simple maternity pieces.


• La Chanelphile: – “The Allure of Chanel” by Paul Morand with Illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld


• M.I.S.S.: – The Rag Trade: The Sale Mentality. This week’s article looks at how we will get consumers to break the sale mentality and pay full price again.


• Night Watch: – DIY Tutorial: Burberry Prorsum F/W 2010-11 Inspired Blazer


• Oh, the Places You'll Go!: – ASOS Curve Models – Plus, or not plus enough?


• Oranges and Apples: – Some thoughts on weight, fat activism and health


• Poetic & Chic: – Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large for Vogue, visits the de Young in San Francisco to announce a new Balenciaga retrospective slated for spring 2011.


• Retro Chick: – Made To Measure – Dresses for those who aren’t a standard size


• shrimp salad circus: – DIY Spring Flowers Headband/Belt for Under


• The Coveted – Craving Miu Miu Clogs?


• the fashionate traveller: – Discovers the emerging Japanese fashion trend Dolly Kei, as seen through a visit to Grimoire, Shibuya’s premier vintage store.


• The Fashionista Lab: – I gave up shopping and gained a new perspective on using and building my wardrobe (hint: shoes are important)


• True Queen: – Warning: Men In Skirts – Examining a taboo trend that attempts to go mainstream

Links à la Mode: Fashion is Booming

Fashion is Booming

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily
Style cares not about the economy, so we continue on, falling in love with a fabulous pairs of shoes, lbd, and the perfect little cardie. New boutiques, designers, ideas, and innovative, avant garde concepts continue to emerge, and we can't help but start a new love story with our latest DIY project, amazing vintage find, department store score, or simply a fabulous floral umbrella. And so, as the title suggests, fashion is booming, creativity is soaring, and we can take a big exhale and shove our worries aside - it's time to allow ourselves to get excited about wearing some new or all-time favorite spring-weather garments and accessories.

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

[Note from Jennine] Oh, and if you're looking for something to do this summer... IFB is looking for interns!

Links à la Mode : April 15th

• 39th and Broadway - An Interview With The Person Who Really Determines How Your Clothes Fit!


• Chic Steals - What happens to a piece of clothing once it is donated to a charity such as Goodwill?


• Dedicated Follower of Fashion - Explores the new Spring/Summer Collection from Stylesmith:


• Denim Debutante - Three Things You Probably Didn't Know About Your Jeans


• Evoluer - My best friend & I came across mint condition vintage Chanel at the local thrift store!


• Fashion Pulse Daily - Discovers a new way to think about dress via Linda Grant's 'The Thoughtful Dresser'


• 
  
  Fasshonaburu - Need inspiration on fun color combination? Try looking at wedding palette articles!


• For Those About to Shop - Breeyn McCarney's eco-conscious collection finds beauty in despair


• House in Tillford - An interview with two big blogs: learn from their experience on how to grow your own blog


• Idiosyncratic Style - Recycled Style Project: DIY paperclip necklace


• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Microsoft Launches KIN : The Social Media Phone


• Maple Sucre - The Women x Women Exhibition: Inspiring Young Women to get Behind the Lens


• M.I.S.S. - The Rag Trade: Wear it Now or Wear it Later


• Oranges and Apples - Ways of wearing vintage


• Retro Chick - Video Tutorial: Vintage style victory roll fringe bangs


• Some Kind of Style - Mr. Sartorialist In Town...


• Style Eyes - Couture: What's the Point?


• The Coveted - March Springs, April Showers.... Floral Umbrella for Spring


• TheWellAppointedCatwalk - Suneri on Newbury


• TheWorkingWardrobe - Battle of the Blazers: 25 different blazers for 25 different styles and body types


• TrueQueen - Can Sweat Pants be Sexy?


• Tweet - Simon Ekrelius: Chalk, Mirrors and Confessions


• Widespread - An Interview with a new SF based store who gathers inspiration from the world

Links à la Mode: Pretty, Pretty

Pretty, Pretty

Edited by Jennine Jacob

It’s official, Spring is in full swing… we’ve all shed our winter fluff and there’s a certain buzz in the air… well, other than the pollen count. Like every week, we have a wonderful selection of links, but the recurring theme here was making ourselves pretty, whether it be donning floral prints, DIY embellishments, watercoloring, even bunny ears or refreshing the ol’ makeup pallette with the new season’s colors.

Oh, and if you’re looking for something to do this summer… IFB is looking for interns!

Links à la Mode : April 8

• Bachman's Sparrow – Wing-Stop! DIY wing-sleeved shirt!


• Denimaniac – Denim Culture for the Modern Man


• dramatis personae – Fashion Consultation Giveaway at Style Therapy


• évoluer – spring flowers


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Avon Does Fabulous Jewelry?!? Who Knew!


• Fete a Fete – Guerlain 2010 Terracotta Collection


• hello beauty! – Bobbi Brown Spring 2010: Color Strips and Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation (with makeup lesson video)


• Idiosyncratic Style – I (HEART) Toronto Fashion Week!


• Intrinsically Florrie – DIY bunny ears


• Nicky's Rag Tales – Do you need to be a bitch in the Fashion Industry to succeed?


• Oranges and Apples – Dig for Victory – amazing vintage inspired dresses


• poetic & chic – Bang Envy Influences : Anna Karina


• Pretty Shiny Sparkly – A Touch of Vintage & Glamour


• Retro Chick – Video Tutorial: Mineral Foundation


• sfindiefashion.com – Punk Jock: Chatting with RosenMunns


• style, substance & sutton – DIY Embellished Tank


• Sugar and spice and all things nice – How to… give thoughtful presents for your girlfriends


• The Coveted – Poll: What do you do when your clothes don’t fit?


• The Demoiselles – A Glossy View: Ad Campaign Curiousity


• The Mod One – Fashion’s Future in 3D

Links à la Mode: DIY Nation

DIY NATION

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily
It seems that across the board, there has been a resurgence in DIY, as we are very much living in a world of 'Do it Yourself' everything; ranging from creating or updating or garments' silhouettes and decorative details to showcasing our own versions of runway looks, virtually styling with tools like Polyvore, tackling self-photography, and of course self-publishing via our blog platforms. We reign supreme in the DIY world on a daily basis, and I only see this trend gaining momentum. The roundup of this week's links is definitely an indication, directly and indirectly, of the incredibly creative, innovative, persevering, motivated folks that are part of the new DIY frontier, and of course, IFB!

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode : March 25th

• Alex Loves - The Chanel Tattoo Cast


• Alice in Stilettos - DIY Faux Fur Ankle Cuffs Inspired by Thakoon


• Denim Debutante - How Would You Change the Denim Industry?


• Despising Life is so Passé - Spring Cleaning: Detox your Space


• Fashion Pulse Daily - The DYI Glue-On Pedicure: Reviewing Revlon’s Perfect Pedicure Kit


• Fasshonaburu - Vyque & Alyssa review the "Project Runway" video game and give you a chance to win your own copy!


• For Those About to Shop - Designer NADA's Fashion future - how about a 3D film?


• Haute World - My real life encounters with Balmain and an exclusive tour inside the label's only boutique in the world.


• Idiosyncratic Style - The Personal Style of Fashion Designer, Breeyn McCarney


• Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence business, ethics, and the future of fashion blogging videos


• Inny Vinny - See No Evil, Hear No Evil: Jezebel exposes photographer Terry Richardson


• Lady Peach -The men that have shaped the fashion scene... 5 Male Style Icons


• M.I.S.S. - Interview with Gabriela Hernandez, founder of Besame Cosmetics


• Retro Chick - How Vanity Sizing is damaging your health


• Shrimp Salad Circus - What does color do for your life?


• Skinnypurse - Skinny Cargo Pants: Love Them or Hate Them?


• Style Eyes - The Wang Effect - A discussion about the phenomenal popularity of all things Wang


• Style Symmetry: Style Me Challenge! Wear an Outfit Styled By Someone Else


• The Working Wardrobe - Show this rainy season who's boss!


• The Coveted - Do you alter vintage?


• Tweet - Dark and intricately sculptural clothing by a young, Hungarian designer named Dora Mojzes with an amazing talent


• Ventures of Jenn - Vice interviewed Karl Lagerfeld; I broke it down

Links à la Mode: Spring Fever

Spring Fever

Edited by Jennine Jacob

Do you get spring fever? Oh man… the itch to run around outside in flowery prints and frilly laces gets greater and greater each passing day. To heck with chunky sweaters! This week we have a load of great spring style posts, Holier Than Now checks out cape coats, if you’re strapped for cash Out of Order gives the perfect 45min spring skirt tutorial, so cute! And girly clothes not your thing? The Demoiselles has a great homage to genderbending unisex looks. I’ve been thinking of doing a couple of days in menswear myself. Well, as soon as I learn how to tie the half Windsor knot.

There were so, so many great links this week, it really was hard to narrow it down to 2o. Check out the full listing of Links à la Mode here.

Links à la Mode : March 11th

• 39th and Broadway – Death By Over-Scheduling


• Agent Lover – Mad Crushin’ on Pebelle


• Bobbins and Bombshells – Shop News…Hand Recovery Sale AND Give-Away!!


• Denim Debutante – Denim Advice: Why Should I Buy Premium Denim?


• Diary Of A Girl Left Behind – Sorry We Don’t Have Your (Shoe) Size


• Fashion Pulse Daily – London Fashion Week: Vivienne Westwood, Mark Fast & Burberry Prorsum


• Fete a Fete – The Frye Company SS 2010


• Glossary – Sipping tea with Sandra Beijer


• Grechen Blogs – Isabel Marant, the Internet & Social Media


• grit and glamour – Return to pretty, please!


• Hello Beauty! – Shu Uemura Spring 2010 Égérie Collection: Sparkling, rock star chic (with makeup lesson video)


• Holier Than Now – Spring (Transition) Shopping : Caped Crusaders


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – What does your ideal workspace look like?


• M.I.S.S. – Women Making History: Elisa Palomino


• Oranges and Apples – Sustainable fashion part 1: conceptualising the issues


• Out Of Order – DIY Tutorial – Spring Skirt


• Previously Owned – a PREVIEW of Private ARTS la shooting for MINT mag!


• Retro Chick – Vintage Hair Video Tutorial


• SF Indie Fashion – Good Looks: Moody Winter-Almost-Spring


• Shrimp Salad Circus – how to rock orange lips


• Smiles Go With Everything – How to Search Effectively on Etsy


• The Demoiselles – Gender-Bending: Menswear

Links à la Mode: Project Beyond The Runway

Project Beyond the Runway

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily

Reading through the links this week, I realized that fashion week or no fashion week, fashion will most certainly go on! A winter snowstorm couldn't even slow down New York Fashion Week, and the links below are testament to the wonderful style that exists beyond the runway, such as Ode to Awe's jewelry discovery, how to look chic while lounging by Cafe Fashionista, and tips for vintage shoe shopping by Wicked Whimsy. Don't get me wrong, I love being 'in the know' on runway looks and trends, but how you interpret them and work them into your personal style is so much more important than remembering which designers showed one-shoulder looks this season!

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode : February 25th

39th and Broadway - A Side of the Industry Unknown by Most: Life as a Corporate Fashion Designer
British Style Bloggers - Cherish forever what makes you unique, 'cos you're a yawn once it's gone
Cafe Fashionista - A step-by-step guide to looking luxurious even when lounging
Clutch22 -Up close and personal with Vivienne Tam as she expands her fashion+tech innovations to a new category
CMYKaboom - Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) 'Tweet Up in the Tents' event
Debutante Clothing - Vintage Jewelry: Q&A with Lucite line Circa Sixty Three
Fabulous Finds Gal - Moonstuck at the opera with photographer Bersa
Fashion Pulse Daily - Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M; the debut and the review
Holier Than Now - New Take on Florals (5 Under $50)
Idiosyncratic Style - A Girl's Guide to Maternity Style
Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence Recap : Part One
Individual Chic: - Would you have wanted a Computer Engineer Barbie when you were smaller? Or would you love one now?
Night Watch - 10 Questions with Model Clara Zapffe
Ode to Awe - Denmark based Alidra Alic's Alice-inspired jewelry
Oranges and Apples - Rules for advertising and sponsorship on blogs
Retro Chick - The Ethics of Blogging
Smiles Go with Everything -10 Tips for Shopping on Ebay: How to find great deals on awesome duds.
The Coveted - Visits Nine West HQ for a sneak peak of AW10 shoe collections!
The Style PA - Gives Henry Holland a grilling ahead of his House of Holland show.
The Sunday Best - Do men get better service when they shop?
Wicked Whimsy -What to look for when buying vintage shoes
Workchic - Fall 2010 NY Fashion week collections: recreated runway to the office outfits

Links à la Mode: Style vs. Fashion

Style vs Fashion

Edited by Retro Chick

With the Fashion Week season in full swing and Fashion Pulse Daily live blogging from the IFB conference it can be easy to forget that there are other things going on in the world, where real women are shopping and dressing for real occasions.

There were actually surprisingly few Fashion Week oriented posts submitted this week. Possibly the Fashion Week attendees are still too busy to partake in Links á la Mode, but what I did find was a lot of posts focused on fashion, style and image in the real world. A Typical Atypical calls for a low fashion revolution and Idiosyncratic Style urges you to bring out your cocktail frocks for every day. Meanwhile, in the body image arena Intrinsically Florrie learns to love her specs, Sugar & Spice discusses tanning and Mariels Castle weighs in (see what I did there?) on the body size debate.

It would be impossible to leave this weeks links without mentioning the untimely and incredibly sad death of Alexander McQueen. There were posts submitted on this issue but I made the decision not to include them, not because they were bad, but because I felt that if I included one persons post I would need to include them all. There has been so much personal reflection on the life and designs of this amazing man in the fashion blogging world that to choose a small selection seemed impossible. If you would like to read these posts then, as ever, the full list of submissions is available in the forums.

Links à la Mode: February 18th

• A Typical Atypical – What girls really want to read about, and why fashion bloggers are changing the face of fashion


• Bonne Vie – Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Inspiration: What you borrow from another culture when it comes to wardrobe should be thoughtful


• Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Dear New Look; it’s over!


• Eternal Masquerade – Covering the Parallels Between Our Current Winter Wonderland and Under the Sea Fashions


• Fashion Pulse Daily – Fashion Pulse Daily blogs live from the Future of Fashion Blogging panel during IFB’s Evolving influence conference this week!


• Hot Beauty Health – Ready for Spring? Here are 9 Big Beauty Trends for Spring 2010!


• Idiosyncratic Style – Fashion Dare – Let your party frocks come out and play!


• Intrinsically Florrie – Making a spectacle of oneself: learning to love glasses and finding the right pair


• Mariels Castle – It’s not about been skinny or fat its about being healthy!


• Retro Chick – Love, Lust & Burlesque with the Bridewell Collective


• SFindiefashion.com – Spring comes early to Golden Gate Park. Showcase of spring 2010 looks from San Francisco designers.


• Stacie Blair – Show your Olympic spirit with fashionable gear from Aritzia!


• Style Eyes – The dilemma of a fashion blogger and why I’m taking Dame Vivienne Westwoods advice to stop shopping


• Style Symmetry – Fashion Blogger Interview Kingdom of Style’s Queen Michelle


• Sugar and spice and all things nice – Discussing the dangers of tanning and why the only safe tan is one from a bottle!!


• The Clothing Menu – interview with independent jewelry and clothing designer, Norwegian Wood


• The Fashion Planner – The Fashion Planner is hosting an eUndies.com Giveaway!


• The Very Subjective – very subjective (and therefore – very true) observations about style do’s and do not’s.


• Thread Style – Heel-wearing fashionistas also can be feminists.


• twentyteneightyfour – My thoughts on style vs fashion and how our appetite for fashion blogs is part of our quest for style


• ventures of jenn – The Great Vintage Debate: the ‘price’ of vintage both within and outside of the western world and what it really means.



Links à la Mode: The Anti-Fashion Week

The Anti-Fashion Week

Edited by Dramatis Personae

That isn’t to say that I’m against Fashion Week… but more that this week’s Links á la Mode just really isn’t focused on it. With amazing interviews from kaKofoniesOfsi(gh)lens, Fashion in My Eyes, and Eternal Masquerade to great features on vintage clothing from Retro Chick and Unfunded, there’s as much fabulousness on off the catwalk as on.

Maybe it’s bitterness that I’ll be missing out on NYFW for the 3rd season in a row or maybe it’s my gentle heart preventing you all from Fashion Week burnout too soon…which it is, I’ll never tell.

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: February 11th

• 39thandbroadway.com: – How Designers Really View Their Customers


• A Typical Atypical: – I chat about how hard it must be to love fashion and be blind, and I question whether there ought to be a charity dedicated to helping people feel good about how they look even if they can’t see it in the mirror.


• Cafe Fashionista: – Style Secrets: Symbol of Style. A how-to on creating your very own trademark/signature look.


• dramatis personae – How to Pack for Mardi Gras!


• Eternal Masquerade: – Interview with young designer, and Teen Vogue/CFDA/Target scholarship winner, Jennifer Huang.


• Fab Blab: – Even after all these years, we continue to differentiate between dark and fair. How does this affect the fashion industry adversely?


• Fashion Cents: – Seven Style Basics that EVERYONE should know! Make sure you are not committing these style “sins.”


• fashion in my eyes: – Fashion is supposed to be fun! Interview with designer Arina Varga


• Haute World: – A Mad Tea Party? An exclusive look at how 9 luxury designers interpret Alice in Wonderland for French department store Printemps.


• Instant Vintage: – Blood, Sweat & T-Shirts: Learning the true cost of that cheap and chic outfit you just scored.


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – Interview with Anna Osterlund of Ravishing Mad


• Model Max: – Are ‘respectable’ fashion writers insecure with ‘upstart amateur’ fashion bloggers?


• Oranges and Apples: – Is fashion oppressive or fun? some belated thoughts on Tanya Gold hating fashion


• Rags to Reverie: – Vivienne Westwood showed that fashion forwardness could be inspired by the past


• Retro Chick: – Top tips to on the spot dating of Vintage Clothes


• THE COVETED: – Devil’s Advocate : blogging and corporate seeding


• The Fashion Planner: – DIY: How to Make Naughty Granny Panties for Valentine’s Day!


• the musings of ondo lady: – Back in 2006 Slave to Fashion, a three part documentary was aired on Channel 4 which took a really good look at the fashion industry.The aim was to make sense of the multi billion industry which everyone from the media to consumers seemed to be obsessed w


• The Recessionista: – an hour ago Rebecca Taylor & Milly: Fashion Week Inspiration


• Unfunded: – Photos and thoughts from the Vintage Fashion Expo in Santa Monica, CA.The

Links à la Mode: The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

The Love/Hate Relationship With Fashion

Edited by Debutante Clothing

I’m always complaining about going out to fashion events by myself – I just don’t have many friends that are into fashion. While some people think fashion is frivolous and contributes nothing to the world, others are curating museum exhibits featuring 20th century clothing. This week’s links made me think about the love/hate camps in fashion. Starting with Grit and Glamour’s post on bloggers getting backlash from fashion insiders, Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell’s refreshingly funny admission of Tavi envy, or Fab Lab’s hate of people who hate. But there is some love in sight – British Style Bloggers reminds us to look in the mirror and love ourselves. Enjoy!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: February 4th

• A Dress & A Bike – Why breaking the love of one particular brand has been good for my personal style


• British Style Bloggers – Some gems to remember


• Debutante Clothing – Going to a Vintage Show? Insider Tips & Interview


• dirty hems – lacroix by lacroix


• Fab Blab – Why I Hate People Who Ostracize Fashion


• fête à fête – Review of Guerlain’s Spring 2010 Cherry Blossom makeup & the new Rouge G Le Brillant lipstick


• Friend in Fashion – Luxe Vintage


• grit and glamour – Fashion’s Knickers are in a Twist


• hello beauty! – Benefit Stay Don’t Stray: An innovative new primer to lock down shadows AND concealer


• Houndstooth + Tortoiseshell – Young fashion blogger incites curiousity, envy


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Get Out There : How To Cover Events Without Feeling Like an Idiot


• Lillys Roses – How to DIY your own Chanel Jade nail polish


• Mariel's Castle – Haute Couture 101


• Model Max – MAT GORDON: The ModelWatch Interview


• Oranges and Apples – Top websites for ethical shopping


• Retro Chick – Ethical Design Spotlight – Junky Styling


• Styletastic – To fur or not to fur?


• Stylist Diva – : Are Fashion Bloggers taking over the world?


• Tatiana Supports the Arts – Etsy Window Shopping: Queen Elizabeth I Roundup


• the brooklyn posh blog – He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, red hot


• THE COVETED – Pretty Dresses at the VioletvilleVintage.com launch


• White Rabbit – The inspiration behind my Merlixa Designs millinery collection


• [the3st] – Interview with Amy Smilovic of Tibi

Links à la Mode: A Touch of Frivolity

A Touch of Frivolity

Edited by Retro Chick

It’s been a long time since pay day and this weeks Links à la Mode brings a touch of much needed frivolity as we crawl into the second month of a new decade. Idiosyncratic Style takes Scooby Doo’s Velma as her style inspiration, Dirty Hems is inspired by dolls houses and Ode to Awe shows off her leopard print nails. Want something for nothing? A few Goody Gumdrops has an Aspinall of London bag to giveaway and Retro Chick (that’s me!) has 2 Valentine goodie bags to giveaway worth over £100 each. We’ve also got some great designer interviews and some practical advice.

On a more sober note there’s some timely tips from Sway, Sway, Sway! on how you can continue to donate to Haiti without getting scammed, Shoe Daydreams discusses Tanya Golds “Why I hate Fashion” article and Ventures of Jenn shares her opinions on the body image debate.

Bring on February!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: January 28th

• 39th and broadway – 5 Questions To Ask Before Beginning a Career in Fashion


• A Few Goody GumDrops – A Few Goody Gumdrops and Aspinal of London are Giving away an ever-so chic and sophisticated beige patterned skin clutch!


• Analogue Chic – Looking good while doing stuff – braving the weather and the commute with a sense of style.


• Bonne Vie – Invest in Quality Denim; featuring How-To Tips from Denim Debutante


• Cafe Fashionista – Style Secrets: Cowboy Boots Made Classy


• Cindy Whitehead – The Modern Snow Bunny


• Denim Debutante – Aeropostale Gives Back with Teens for Jeans Campaign


• dirty hems. – In the Dollhouse – Miniature inspiration and a teeny resulting DIY


• Dramatis Personae – a feature & interview with the designer behind i am dorkas


• Fasshonaburu – I challenge myself to follow my own dress code regulations in order to wow up my day to day ensembles.


• fête à fête – Clarins debuts first certified organic beauty soap


• Idiosyncratic Style – Inspired by the sartorially underrated Velma Dinkley.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – IFB Presents : Evolving Influence Conference NYFW 2010


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Janeane Marie Ceccanti


• Ode to Awe – I review Minx Nails, plus my glamourous Russian Garnet cocktail ring


• Oranges and Apples – Vintage teenage hair inspiration


• Retro Chick – Valentines Day is on it’s way and Retro Chick has 2 goodie bags worth over £100 each to give away to help you celebrate!


• Shoe Daydreams – Fashion Influences (?)


• Style Eyes Fashion Blog – I have avoided eco and ethical fashion in the past because of the price but I have just discovered it is affordable and stylish.


• Style Symmetry – How to Choose Items at a Clothing Swap Party


• Sway Sway Away! – A passionate plea from a member of the global community to her fashionable brothers and sister: help Haiti!


• THE COVETED – Suzy Menkes, Facehunter, LeMads & The Coveted talk about fashion blogs


• ventures of jenn – on body issues