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Do You Give Fashion Advice?

FabSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:00:22 PST

Nina Garcia Answers Our Fab Questions, Part V

FabSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:00:22 PST

Alas, all good things come to an end. I just want to extend a big thank you to Nina Garcia for answering all our Fab questions. Hopefully you've found them helpful and insightful. Here's the last batch of answers from the ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge. Enjoy!

How can I look trendy, but still appropriate for my size?

The best way to look trendy but still appropriate is to play up accessories while keeping your wardrobe classic and what looks good on you. Incorporate a colorful statement necklace, like from Tory Burch or J.Crew, or a cocktail ring or decorative cuff to play with trends. Chandelier earrings and a vibrant scarf are also great accents on any shape or size.

Are there any ways to predict a trends longevity?

Trends are often fleeting no matter how long they remain in fashion. But when there is a design or silhouette that favors a broader scope of women that will help ensure a longer presence in fashion.

To see the rest,

What, in your opinion, is the most fashionable city? Where should I go for the best fashion inspiration and the best shopping?

Personally, I think Paris is the most inspiring city for fashion because it combines a great progressive street culture with a historically preserved backdrop, offering endless options for culture and style. I also could not forget my home, New York.

Often magazines will profile new designers or mention either clothes or accessories that they really like, how does an aspiring designer get mentions magazines?

In a celebrity driven culture, I think an excellent way for a designer to garner exposure that would capture the attention of ELLE would be for them to align themselves with an It girl who can wear their clothes for press junkets, premiers and other events. These girls are tastemakers that our readers are interested in so when we see these young ingénues wearing an underground designer we take notice. I get an extraordinary amount of mail daily; mostly lookbooks from young designers. When going through them, I find that the ones that stand out the most to me are not ones that are overly styled and artistically photographed but clean, straight forward photographs where you can see the product and the design speaks for itself.

I am a short and athletic, 5'3" and a size 4 to be exact. Is there a way I could create a look that would make me appear taller during the day without wearing high heels?

Try to keep you silhouette very lean and tailored to create the illusion of height without the aid of heels. Also, make sure to stick to one color.

What are your thoughts on celebrity fashion lines?

I think celebrity fashion lines are incredible and have proven themselves to be a legitimate force in the fashion industry. I particularly love Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line. SJP is a lover of fashion and saw the need for a great line of classic pieces that were affordable to all.

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Nina Garcia Answers Our Fab Questions, Part IV

FabSugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:00:33 PST

She's just full of fashion advice for us. If you missed them before, be sure to check out Nina Garcia's tips and insights for dressing fabulous. But it doesn't stop there. The ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge has more answers to your questions. Without further ado . . .

Can you name some great lesser known brands which might be more affordable but still stylish?

Some favorite lesser known brands that I love are Madewell and Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls. Madewell is a very well priced and terrific look that is well priced and with great pieces that are excellent additions to update your wardrobe. It is similar to J.Crew but younger in spirit and significantly priced less. Simply Vera is unbelievably chic at an almost shamefully low price. The collection is full, including shoes and handbags, classic knits, romantic dresses with charming embroideries. It is really well made and very fashionable without breaking the bank.

We all love a little luxury in our wardrobe but don't always have the means to indulge, that is why I love Uniqlo for their cashmere sweaters. They come in every color of the rainbow and style, all at an affordable price. A little more expensive but worth the splurge is Rugby by Ralph Lauren. Classic American sportswear with a twist, Rugby has an incredible selection of classic peacoats, tweed jackets and varsity sweaters. Not lesser known but a sure thing for both affordability and style are Zara and H&M.

To learn more,

What skills do you really need to make it in the fashion industry?

I think it is important to posses creativity, organization, hard work ethic, practicality, humbleness, attention to detail and above all, a sense of professionalism.

Who are your top designers now and why?

My top designers of the moment are Raf Simmons for Jil Sander, Nicholas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga, Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs. There are countless designers that I admire but these particular designers are the true trendsetters in fashion. Their collections are what instigate the industry and set the tone for what editors will be talking about for the season and what women will be wearing. We consider them trendsetters because their designs are always copied by other designers and price points. These are the people who I look at keenly.

What's the stockings and shoes rule? Can I wear hosiery with peep toes?

The rule is that there are no rules! All of your style inquires are on par with what is currently going on in fashion. I prefer to wear opaque hosiery with open toe shoes during the colder winter months. I would recommend staying away from nude hosiery, as it is a very dated look. Hosiery with open toe shoes can seem quirky so pair it with a more feminine dress to balance out the look.

What is the best fashion advice ever given to you?

Do not follow trends and always be yourself.

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Nina Garcia Answers Our Fab Questions, Part III

FabSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:00:22 PST

Nina is the gift that keeps on giving! The ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge has been answering all of our burning questions and here are some more! I am finding these answers helpful in many aspects of fashion so I hope you are too.

Why do you think the fashion world is so whitewashed? What will it take for runways and editorials to become more diverse? Do you think it will ever happen?

I do hope that fashion more willingly will embrace diversity. Unfortunately, fashion is going through a phase where there is a particular type and model look that is being cast. Mr. Yves Saint Laurent had a wonderful eye for African American models and they would dominate his runway shows. At ELLE, we are consciencious of our readers and celebrate diversity in our pages-through ethnicity, age, and body type. We were the first magazine to have an African American on the cover - Alek Wek - and just recently shot Miss Universe, Rio Mory, who is from Japan. Fashion is cyclical and I am sure that like any phase, we will evolve from this too.

To read the rest,

What do you think of how fashion blogging has affected the fashion industry?

I think blogging has made the fashion industry much more accessible. From broadcasting fashion week shows live and insiders posting their thoughts and finds online has not only garnered more interest in fashion and helped answer many misconceptions but is also an excellent platform for new designers to gain exposure. Blogging is also instant gratification and the trend will put pressures on established designers to turn around new products faster than ever.

Is it smarter to attend college in New York if I want to work in this industry?

Yes I think attending college in New York is an excellent choice if you want to work in fashion. The city offers endless cultural options -from art exhibitions, theater and the basic interaction between urban dwellers. Just walking out on the street you are bombarded with diversity that is endlessly inspiring and stimulates creativity and that knowledge with help you succeed in the fashion industry.

What Project Runway designer's clothing would you be most likely to wear?

Laura Bennett, Daniel V. Emmet Mccartney, Kara Janx and all of the past winners.

I am handbag obsessed, if I could choose only one handbag for day and one for night, which would you choose?

For day I prefer a beautiful soft leather tote or shoulder bag. If you want a designer bag, my recommendation would be to invest in the Chanel 2.5. It is a worthy investment and a bag that you can wear forever. For evening, it is all about the clutch bag. If you want a classic bag, I would opt for Nancy Gonzalez clutch in an exotic skin.

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Nina Garcia Answers Our Fab Questions, Part II

FabSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:00:22 PST

Ta da! Here's more fashion advice from Fab-favorite Nina Garcia. Seeing as how she's the ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge, we should be all ears to what she has to say. She is doing a blog tour and answering all of our fashion and Project Runway questions. As promised, Nina delivered and here's the second set of Q&As. Enjoy!

I would love to get your thoughts on accessory don'ts. Are there things, trends, etc. that we should not do when accessorizing?

I think It bags are an accessories don't. Season after season women become so enchanted with these of-the-moment fads and spend a great deal of money on a look that has the shelf life of 3–5 months. Instead, I think investing in a classic bag that, historically, has stood the test of time: Louis Vuitton Speedy, Hermes Birkin, Chanel 2.5. Another accessory don't is when women get too excited with their accessories and wear them all at once! Wearing the statement ring, statement necklace, and statement earrings all at once will not make a statement, but look too much. Keep it to two pieces, like a chandelier earring and cuff or a more dramatic necklace and cocktail ring to personalize your look.

To see the rest,

I know people still wear flares in a skinny-jean world, but do you think flares/bootcut jeans will ever make a comeback? Or should I go get all my Sevens tailored to a skinny fit?

Stop! Your prayers have been answered. As with everything, fashion is cyclical and what is old is almost guaranteed to be new again. The same goes for flares. Some of the best designers - Prada, Cavalli, and D&G - all featured flares down the runways for Spring. So save your money and rest assure that you are ahead of the trends this winter by wearing your flares before Spring hits the stores.

Do you think the fashion world helps or harms women's sense of self (especially about weight) in a size-zero-model world? This especially pertains to young women who aspire to this unrealistic body image. What can (realistically!) be done to change that?

At ELLE we have always made a conscious effort to work with models of different sizes that represent a healthy body image. We have always celebrated real women, and I think that the fashion industry has initiated awareness of the problem by certain designers having a weight requirement for models that are cast for runway shows.

I would like to know how being a new mom has affected your style?

I do not think that becoming a mother has really affected my style that greatly. I think that my approach is a little more organized because I have little time to do so.

Which do you prefer more, heels or flats and why?

I prefer heels because at 5'4" I was not exactly born at a supermodel height but love the feeling of being tall. Heels naturally give you a leaner silhouette, improving posture and elongating legs, and who wouldn't want that? I love flats as well! I have many Grecian sandals and ballerina flats in my closet when I want comfort.

Stay tuned for Part III and to see more answers from Nina on our blogger friends' sites check out Fashionista, BussBuss, Coquette and Fashiontribes.

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Nina Garcia Answers Our Fab Questions, Part I

FabSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:00:22 PST

The moment we've all been waiting for! Last week I announced that Nina Garcia, ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge, is doing a blog tour and going to answer all of our fashion and Project Runway questions. As promised, Nina delivered and here's the first set of Q&As for all of us to soak up. Nina answered most of your questions so I'm going to reveal them over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

What are the rules for mixing prints? And colors? Can you mix different shades of white in an outfit - such as true-white pants with an ivory coat? Or do they all have to be the same shade of white? As I keep seeing folks mixing bright brown colors with black I have to ask, it is now acceptable to mix these colors?

The rules are there are no rules! Mixing prints can be an intimidating and potentially have disastrous results if not done in a subtle way. I recommend looking at the Dries Van Noten Spring '08 show where he paired various prints together with beautiful results. Mixing solid colors is less daunting and I think that mixing various shades of white is a very modern and chic silhouette. Brown and navy are classic colors that work well with black. Although I still find that women are hesitant to put the dark colors together, I think by combining navy or brown with black softens the look and makes it more modern.

To learn more,

Your honest opinion about the skinny-jean trend.

I think that skinny jeans are a great style but do not necessarily work on everyone. Trends are a great way to be inspired but should never dictate one's personal style. The key is to wear clothing that works for you and only you, once you abandon that philosophy then you end up in the category that no one wants to be: under fashion victim.

I want to be in the fashion business, maybe in a magazine or as a stylist. I'm 16. How did you take your first steps? What do you think is important to know for someone who wants to take part in the fashion industry?

Education is the most important tool you need to succeed in fashion or any other industry for that matter. But I think that a background in art history or business will give you valuable skills that will help your success in the industry. Crucial when entering a career in fashion, the best advice I can give is to intern. Yes some of the tasks are monotonous and the reputation of professional Starbucks handler seem insignificant, interning is the chance for you to understand the way a company is structured and the demands you can expect when interviewing on the professional level. Also, interning gives you the chance to network and ask advice of seasoned veterans of the industry, which will only help you in furthering your career.

Have you ever regretted the things you've said as a judge on Project Runway?

No.

What was your worst fashion faux pas (personally)?

My biggest personal fashion faux pas came when I was invited to a party with a vague dress code. More inclined to dress up than dress down to an event, I opted for a frilly dress and high heels only to show up where all of the guests were in jeans and barefoot. Talk about embarrassing!

Stay tuned for Part II and to see more answers from Nina on our blogger friends' sites check out Fashionista, BussBuss, Coquette and Fashiontribes.

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Our Ultimate Summer Denim Guide - The Best Fit, Silhouette, and Prints For Your Body

Marisa Tom — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:17:20 PDT

Without a doubt, jeans are essential to any style-setter's wardrobe. But like any great fashion staple, there's a new batch of covet-worthy iterations and silhouettes to sift through every season. Thus, we've culled the latest and greatest, along with more classic styles, to offer up a well-rounded mix of cuts, prints, lengths, and everything else in between. But to make this denim rundown even sweeter, we called upon six seriously cool denim experts - the designers (read: masterminds) behind some of our favorite denim labels, including AG Adriano Goldschmied, Gap, Paige, MiH Jeans, and J Brand - to provide you with some pretty jean-ius advice. It's safe to say, we've got the tools and more than 50 pairs of jeans to help you find the best fit for your body. Our ultimate Summer denim guide is just a click away, so jump right in.

Photo courtesy of Lookbook.nu

"I'm Afraid of Turning Into My Mom"

Tres Community — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:05:17 PDT

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

Someone please help me. I have some family issues. Let me start off with my mom. I love my mom, but I can't stand the way she is. Her thoughts are very old fashioned. Let me give some examples. She said I can't move out until I'm married (which is totally not going to happen, I plan to move out when I'm 25 married or not). She doesn't let me or my brother go to clubs because according to her people put drugs in your drinks and start fights with you (I know both of these two things happen but I mean come on I know better) so once my brother went and she practically disowned him for like a week.

She shows me off everywhere saying that I could do this and that and that. She is very judgmental of other people, and when I don't agree with her she gets mad. She could find any excuse to fight with us, if a fly passes by she could pick a fight about it. Her facial expression is always tired, sad, angry. I'm tired of it, I love her but I can't stand her ways. I'm scared that I'm going to end up being like her. I know I could choose the way I live my life, but monkey see monkey do. I'm already starting to notice some things that I do that she does. But then again she's practically all I have in the country we live in.

I do have a brother and a stepfather but my stepfather prefers to be with his family and my brother prefers to be with his girlfriend's family. So I'm left alone with her, since I don't have a boyfriend or that many friends and I feel bad if I leave her alone.

Speaking of my brother I'm so disappointed in him because today we came back from a little gathering his girlfriend's family had. And oh my, he was so loving and social at the gathering and everybody loved him and knew him. Then I think of the times he's home and he's so different it's like he prefers to be with that other family. He doesn't like the way my mom is either. When he's home he is so distant from us and is out practically the whole day everyday with the girlfriend. He gets mad/irritated when we talk to him. But no when he's over with her family or just his girlfriend he's a completely different person and my stepdad does the same thing when his with his family.

So I'm left with my mom and her negative attitude, and I don't want to be like her I'm trying to see things I do the same as her and change them but ughhh it's all genetics and habitual behavior that it's practically now natural to act the way she does. I'm just so sad at this whole situation. I love spending time with my mom and love her to death and I'm thankful of everything she's done for us both, but her negative attitude, prohibitions and old fashioned thinking make me have resentment towards her. Then my brother, I have never seen him act so loving with us or any body of our family when they come to visit. Please help me on both situations. Thanks. Oh, by the way I'm 21 and he's 23.

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice, and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

Link Time: Vogue's June Issue Celebrates the 2012 London Olympics

Marisa Tom — Mon, 14 May 2012 07:41:04 PDT

Vogue's June cover celebrates the 2012 London Olympics - HuffPost Style
See the street style outside the Met's Schiaparelli and Prada exhibit - The Cut
The NYC play that mixes Macbeth with fierce 1920s fashion - Olivia Palermo
Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast's collection for Urban Outfitters is shoppable - Lucky
Dolce Vita's Soultrain-inspired lookbook for DV8 is pretty awesome - Racked
Coming to terms with LA's poignant place in the style landscape - Style.com
Kim Kardashian gets her Vogue debut . . . in Italy - Fashionista
Who says laptop totes can't be chic? - Bag Snob
Eight designers dish the best advice their moms ever gave them - Styleite

Photos courtesy of Annie Leibovitz/VOGUE and Getty

Get Natural-Hair Inspiration From the Stars

Jessica Cruel — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:46:45 PDT

See 23 celebrities with beautiful natural hair - Stylelist
No more tanning allowed for the infamous tan mom - Styleite
Go nautical with this mermaid braid how-to - Refinery 29
Hillary Clinton does the no-makeup trend - HuffPost Style
Check out photos from an East Village Maybelline ad shoot - The Cut
View the Nars and Andy Warhol collection . . . or the logo, at least - Racked
Get ready for Summer sun with these brand-new product lines - The Fashion Spot
Everything you want to know about Katy Perry's 3D floral nails - InStyle
Mother's Day gifts chosen by a mom - Beauty Sweet Spot
Get the best advice from mothers: the makeup edition - Beauty High