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Guess the Fall Hue

FabSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 09:00:22 -0800

Fall presents a plethora of rich colors that we should incorporate into our wardrobes. Neutrals, browns, blues, greens, reds, yellows - jewel tones - are all part of the fun. Unlike Summer hues, these are moody and resemble the beautiful nature outside. Are you familiar with Fall's color palette?

Question 1 of 7

Can you guess this warm color?

eBay Find of the Week

FabSugar — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:13:22 -0700

Now that we've differentiated between Winter and Summer plaid, let's dig in. This Vintage Plaid Full-Skirted Dress, size xs/s, has fun written all over it. I love the color palette, as well as the girlie skirt. Now imagine how much cuter it would be paired with a cool tan belt and gold baubles. In a few months, throw on black leggings for Fall/Winter wearability.

The current bidding price is $9.99, and the auction ends on Thursday, August 20. Good luck and happy bidding!

The Donna Dish: "We've Got a Lot on Our Shoulders Right Now"

FabSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:00:22 -0700

Stella McCartney and now Donna Karan - looks like San Francisco is emerging as a fashion center.

When I think of Donna Karan, here's what comes to mind: draping, bodysuits, DKNY, womanly, classic, zen. When I met Donna Karan at a recent event at Neiman Marcus in SF, all those thoughts flooded me. But it wasn't overwhelming because Donna calmed me down with a (zen) fashion mantra: "Fashion is not all about what's on the outside. It's what you wear on the inside that also counts." I pondered that all day . . .

Prepondering, I witnessed an intimate runway show of her Fall collection. The charming senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman's, Ken Downing, served as co-maestro. Donna disclosed that she finds microphones "annoying. They're not genuine." And according to Downing, DK's collection was his high point at Fashion Week. "I love this collection," he said. On with the Donna!

Donna on her Fall collection: Her collection was a reflection of the past, present, and future. It's also empowerment for women. It's not just about designing. It's necessary to be intentionally thoughtful.
Donna on the resurgence of shoulder pads: "We've got a lot on our shoulders right now," DK said, referring to the economy. Ken said, "You can carry a lot more with those shoulder pads." Shoulder pads make hips appear narrower. Nobody gains weight on the shoulders, she said, referencing the cold shoulder dress.

To hear more Donna dish and to see more runway photos, read more

Donna on color: She favors a color palette that's effortless. Grays, black, navy are endless palettes of classicism. It's an inner feeling she can't explain. She is affected by color and light. It's an artistic expression. "Red is like lipstick. An accent that always works." She's also inspired by her trips to Africa, the wilderness, nature, pavements in the city.

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Photos courtesy of Drew Altizer

Fab Flash: Top 10 Fall Colors Revealed

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:00:08 -0800

Spring might be around the corner, but that won't stop us from looking even further ahead. After examining the Fall collections at New York Fashion Week, the Pantone Color Institute has just revealed what it thinks will be the top 10 colors for Fall. "The most popular colors for Fall really represent a thoughtful palette. That's a direct outcome of what's happening in the world around us," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, who also noted that somber yet hopeful colors reflect the troubling economy. The colors, seen below, are a sweet mix of subtle jewel tones along with varying forms of beige.

(Top Row, L-R: American Beauty, Creme Brulee, Purple Heart, Rapture Rose, Iron)
(Bottom Row, L-R: Majolica Blue, Honey Yellow, Warm Olive, Burnt Sienna, Nomad)

For a more in-depth breakdown of each color, read more.

American Beauty: This reddish tone is said to evoke a patriotic feel.
Creme Brulee: This neutral color is a softer alternative to white.
Purple Heart: This purple hue is predicted to be a popular color for accessories.
Rapture Rose: This refreshing new hue is said to emit hope and surprise.
Iron Heart: This color is said to be the new black. The brown cast makes it a warmer alternative to gray.
Majolica Blue: One of our favorite hues. This color is said to give off a smokey sense of calmness.
Honey Yellow: This warm tone is the Fall variation of Spring yellow.
Warm Olive: This exotic take on yellow is said to show designers' concern about being eco-conscious.
Burnt Sienna: This color is said to be Fall's interpretation of orange and the reddish tone makes it more versatile.
Nomad: This hue serves as an important foundation for pairing with rich and saturated brights.

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2009 Fall Paris Fashion Week: Louis Vuitton

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:00:22 -0700

As Paris Fashion Week bids us adieu, Marc Jacobs fashioned a feast of a finale. With an eclectic mix of baroque, volume, and - you guessed it - the '80s, Fall's Vuitton babe is divinely decked. This collection was not shy on color; crimson, canary yellow, salmon, and emerald created a robust palette, while nude and black balanced. Splattered and cosmic prints also tickled the eyes. Volume, i.e. folds, curves, loops, were festooned asymmetrically and in opposing colors creating flirtatious dimension.

This was mostly a runway of legs, as skirts and dresses reigned; however, boots were ultra thigh-high, creating the illusion of pants. The comic touch this time around was crinkled bunny ears fastened onto delicious Bardot chignons. In keeping with the French splendor of the house, where drama roams free, this was another high-inducing collection by monsieur Jacobs.

For more lavish Louis Vuitton, read more.

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009: Derek Lam

FabSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:00:08 -0800

Is it me or is model Anja Rubik constantly in a fur chubby this season? In any case, if a hefty fur coat is what you're seeking, you've climbed up the right tree. Derek Lam's Fall '09 collection was filled with fur coats and vests in an array of colors - white, black, brown, tan, gray. But luxurious fur coats aren't Lam's only forte. Anti-fur readers will appreciate the designer's other well-made, sharp coats.

Moving on from the outerwear department, the designer also delivered sleek suits, leather pants, and gorgeous dresses. Frocks and tops received a heavy draping treatment, but in the most laid-back, nonchalant manner. Gold in the form of skirts, dresses, and tops provided just enough shine to the rather moody color palette. One of the most innovative pieces was this fancy outlined tee. I like it.

To see more from Derek Lam's Fall line, read more.

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2009 Fall Paris Fashion Week: Givenchy

FabSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 02:00:22 -0700

No matter what Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci serves up, it's always bound to be ahead of the curve. His latest Fall '09 collection, however, is also simultaneously beautiful, thanks to feather-infested gowns and romantic draping. But it wouldn't be Givenchy if it didn't throw together a mumbo jumbo of anomalies: studs and feathers, sheer and draping, asymmetry and power suits. The color palette is minimal, per usual - black, white, cream - but the silhouettes are anything but.

Pant suits were decked out in plush feathers, draped blouses were more interesting via rope details, LBDs were characterized by crazy draping, sheer blouses were given leather arms. You get the picture? There's more. Draped dresses bedazzled with studs, military style coats covered with fur, and strong shoulders. That's the world of Givenchy in a nutshell - so simple, yet painstakingly complicated.

To enter the world of Givenchy, read more.

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New York Fashion Week, Fall 2009: Alexander Wang

FabSugar — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:40:01 -0800

This season, I'm judging the collections by hearts. I love Alexander Wang's Fall '09 collection so much, on a scale from one to five hearts, I give it five. Plus, SJP was in the house. Once again, the designer stayed true to his rock 'n roll style but delivered a fresher than fresh line that's more - dare I say - put together.
The color palette was intriguing - black, white, with sprinkles of plum - but it was the silhouettes and cuts that spoke loudest. Asymmetry played a big part. In particular, one-shouldered body-hugging mini dresses, some with large keyholes. Speaking of keyholes, they were found in the oddest but coolest places: on rib cages, legs, center of the chest. Since Wang loves menswear, oversized collared button-down shirts were tweaked, more avant-garde. Like Prada's resort '09 line, biker shorts were also thrown into the mix in the most non-sporty way possible. Sheer, tweed (not your grandmother's!), and fur were also Wangified. On behalf of cool girls everywhere, thanks for working your magic again, Wang.

To see more from the collection, read more

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Fabulous Full Face Palettes

FabSugar — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 10:36:23 -0700

When the fall full-face palettes hit cosmetics counters, it always gives me a rush. And my favorite face palette ever is Nars Artist Palette in Rapture. I use every color, and they last forever! The shades are perfectly color-coordinated for your eyes, lips, and cheeks, and the oversize mirror inside is crystal clear. All you need are a couple of makeup brushes, and you're good to go. The Artist Palette comes in six varieties-including Cool, Fame, and Lust for Life-and each one contains four eye shadows, two cheek shades, and four lipsticks. Buy it here for $70.

To see two more fabulous face palettes, read more

Another one of my favorite face palettes is Lorac Cosmetics Greatest Hits CD 1. Shaped like a CD case and sure to make you dance, it's filled with warm neutrals: five eye shadows (including black for evening and eye lining), a reddish brown lip/cheek tint, a blush, and a pewter-colored lip gloss. This is the perfect blend of colors, and it's just the right amount of product for a full face of makeup. Buy it here for $48. Also available is the pink-and-mauve Greatest Hits CD 2.

Sephora Message Palette has its own little twist to it. You can personalize your compact by writing your own message on the lid-how fabulous! This palette includes a rose blush, ivory highlighter, a bronze eyeshadow, and three lip glosses. Buy it here for just $15.

Three Fabulously Exclusive Palettes

FabSugar — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 09:35:17 -0700

Palettes, palettes everywhere! They are almost as addictive as lip gloss! These three new palettes, exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, are fun, colorful, and so well packaged they're hard to resist. Buy them now while supplies last.

Yves Saint Laurent Want It Palette is an amazing face, lips, and eye palette in a chick black case. It includes a pressed powder, blush, three eye shadows, and three lipsticks. Buy it here for $65.

The Bobbi Brown Exclusive Shimmer Brick Lip & Eye Palette is new for the fall season. Bobbi has chosen her best-selling Bronze Shimmer Brick and matched it with exclusive lip shades that can be found only in this double level compact. Buy it here for $55.

One more, so read more

Givenchy Prisme Technicolor Eye Palette is the best way to create magnificent metallic eyes. The palette includes four shadows: polar white, frosted pink, nordic gold, and arctic blue. I love how the little applicators are so neatly tucked away for convenience. Buy it here for $45.