Monday, June 20, 2011

VIM Review: Pretty Little Liars Season Two Premiere


The liars are back this summer on ABC Family with their second season of secrets, suspense and stylish clothing! The premiere on Tuesday night did not disappoint. The episode picked up right where the season 1 finale left off—the town has turned against them, thinking that they lied about the death of Ian. After all there was no body? Or was there?

The elusive and all-knowing "A" is still taunting the girls as they try to come clean to their grief counselor. While Emily still copes with the news that her family is moving to Texas, Hanna gets a surprise visit from Caleb. And the big question still left unanswered from last seasons finale: where is Ian? The girls intercept a text message sent to Spencer's sister, Melissa, from a person whom they believe to be him. The premiere wraps up with that discovery and the edict suggested by the counselor that the girls are to spend time apart. Like every Pretty Little Liars episode, there are still more questions left unanswered than before. Overall, the episode was drama-filled, suspenseful and full of great fashion choices!

Pretty Little Liars airs on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on ABC Family!

—MANDILYNN KERR

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Giambattista Valli… At Macy’s?


No, we’re not kidding. In a recent effort to make high fashion more affordable, several mass-market retailers have teamed up with top designers to produce inexpensive, limited edition lines. Now, rumor has it that Giambattista Valli, a designer best known for his ultra-feminine cocktail couture, is next up to develop a capsule collection for Macy’s Impulse department.



Created for the young and fashion-forward, Impulse kicked off with a debut collection by London–based designer Kinder Aggugini in February. The series continued with a contribution by Matthew Williamson in April, and Karl Lagerfeld is set to launch his designs at Macy’s in September. While the partnership hasn’t yet been announced, sources at WWD say the Valli collection will be released in November as the fourth and final collaboration effort to draw excitement to the stylish Impulse department.

Assuming (and praying!) that the speculations are true, a new line of gorgeous and affordable Valli dresses will hit stores just in time for the winter season. So, if the collaboration even slightly resembles his most recent runway collection, we’re going to thank Macy’s in advance for allowing us to be the best dressed at all of our holiday parties this year.

—SAMANTHA MEUX

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Keep Calm and Sing Along


Stressed about what concerts to attend this summer and most importantly, what to wear?! Here's three of this summer's hottest concerts and some key pieces needed for the night.

1) Katy Perry — Quirky, bubbly and oh so girlie. Our favorite "California Gurl" will be traveling all across America this summer, bringing her over-the-top style to the stage. Dress in bright colors, candy accessories and swipe on a coat of Katy's own OPI nail polish collection for the perfect sweet girlie look.

2) Ke$ha Bringing the party to you this summer is the always crazy Ke$ha. Known for her unpredictable personality and "garbage-chic" style as she likes to call it, this concert is sure to be like no party you've ever been to. With lots of glitter, feathers, animal print and denim cutoffs, fitting into this party shouldn't be too hard.

3) Glee Live in Concert — McKinley High's New Directions are bringing their choir room to a city near you! The whole cast from the Fox show is performing their hit songs from seasons one and two, helping you remember to "Don't Stop Believin'!" Dress up in elements of your favorite characters, like knee socks and animal sweaters for Rachel, or in McKinley High's school colors of red and white.

—CARLY HILL

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Dress Like a Princess!

Catherine Middleton has not only recently become a princess, but a widely-watched fashion icon as well. We can't help but be extremely envious of her chic and sophisticated wardrobe. Here's a how-to guide to covet her style into your closet!

Boots— Throughout her relationship with Prince William, Kate has been seen wearing knee-high heeled suede boots, flat slouchy brown boots as well as leather boots. Kate is known to wear boots with skinny jeans for a day of shopping. She was also seen dressing them up for a visit to St. Andrews.

Dresses—Kate Middleton certainly knows how to wear a dress. From that particularly famous Alexander McQueen she wore as she said "I do" to her everyday attire, Kate knows what looks good on her. When shopping for Middleton-inspired dresses, look for prints, chiffon fabrics and halters. If you're looking for something less casual, focus on simple, elegant dresses with small details and an excellent fit that accentuate your figure.

Wedges—Since the day after Middleton's wedding, women everywhere have been clamoring to get their hands on L.K. Bennett's wedges (there?s already a waiting list). However, this wasn't the first time Kate was photographed wearing wedges. She's been seen wearing many different variations; peep-toe, sling-back, espadrille, cork, patent leather and suede.

Bright Colors—Kate may keep the silhouette of an outfit very simple but she adds color. She favors shades of blue, most notably her Issa dress worn to announce her engagement to Prince William and her Zara dress worn the day after her wedding.

Outerwear—On countless occasions, Kate has been seen wearing a jacket or a blazer. Make note: the fit is crucial! If you find one jacket that fits you well, it will instantly make you look more put-together. Middleton also likes cropped jackets and trench coats. After Kate was seen wearing this Burberry coat, it sold out within hours. Pair an equestrian-inspired blazer with boots and skinny jeans and you may just be mistaken for Kate herself!

—MANDILYNN KERR

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

TOMS's Launches "One-For-One" Eyewear Line



Looking for a new pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the bright summer rays? Consider purchasing a pair of TOMS sunglasses! The popular slip-on shoe brand has expanded their product line to include sunglasses. TOMS pioneered their “one-for-one” business model with their shoes by donating a pair of shoes to a child in need in accordance with each pair purchased.

TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie, recently announced that for each pair of eyewear sold, the company will help give sight to people in need through prescription eyeglasses, medical treatment, or sight-saving surgery. He further explains that each hand-painted stripe on the side of the sunglasses has meaning: the first stripe represents you (the purchaser), the second white stripe represents TOMS (as seen in their logo), and the third stripe represents the person you’ve given sight to.

There are three different styles thus far for men and women—aviator, oversized round, and wayfarer—which are available in many different color combinations and we love them all! TOMS sunglasses are available online through the TOMS website and in-store and online through Nordstrom. Prices range from $135 to $145.

—STEPHANIE WEBER

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Cut It Out!

We’re all for showing a little skin this season, but plunging necklines and shorter–than–short minis are so history. The newest way to flaunt your summer skin is in a slightly revealing and slyly seductive cut–out dress.


Inspired by the signature slashed–and–sliced style of Narciso Rodriguez, a handful of daring designers are now doing away with fabric in the most unexpected of places. The result is a variety of fitted frocks featuring sexy slivers, which were seen all over the spring runways and on stars such as Emma Watson and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Ready to incorporate this hot trend into your summer wardrobe? A celebrity favorite is the classic Herve Leger Bandage Minidress ($990). For inexpensive alternatives, Topshop features a Bandage Dress for $110 and Asos offers a variety of cut–out dresses starting at just $22. Pair this style with sky–high heels, and be sure to keep accessories to a minimum!

—SAMANTHA MEUX

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Beyond Blue


Denim is a staple in everyone's closet. Finding a way to update your jeans can be challenging, but celebrities have brought attention to this season's newest denim trend. Brightly colored jeans in every shade of the rainbow are being seen on celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Sarah Jessica Parker. These colored skinny jeans look best paired with neutral tees, ballet flats or heels.

Favored by celebrities, the brand Current/Elliott has bold colored jeans for $167 at revolveclothing.com. For a celebrity steal, delias.com has vibrant denim for $9.99! Who knew it was that easy to achieve summer's "brightest" trend?

—CARLY HILL