The Mannequin

Post #119: Worst Dressed at the SAG Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:36:00 +0000

For as much as the red carpet at the Golden Globes continuously impressed me this year, the one for the Screen Actors Guild Awards made me grimace and cringe. Someone let Lea Michele and Mad Men's Teyonah Parris dress for the senior prom in shiny cheap-looking fabrics. Jane Lynch showed up in a David Meister gown that screamed bondage and Xena more than age-appropriate and flattering. Rose Byrne's flowy concoction made me think of grandma's curtains. And amidst all of the mess, a select few stood out. So, this time around I give you not the Top Five, but the Top Six worst dressed of the night.

6. Sofia Vergara: At the Golden Globes Miss Vergara was sequined and oh so va va voom. Last night's appearance in Donna Karan made me imagine Marilyn Monroe coming into contact with the two evil stepsisters from Cinderella before the ball.

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5. Julianna Margulies: Many a starlet tried for color-blocking in black and white...and this one was a swing and a miss. The skirt appeared heavy and sack-like and the waistline fails to flatter. And while I wish I could give her credit for pairing those shoes with this Chado Ralph Rucci gown, I wish she had made a more demure choice instead.

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4. January Jones: I can't quite tell what this dress is going for. Between the asymmetrical draping and the high (in the words of a friend: "lobster bib") collar, Miss Jones has missed the mark in this Prabal Gurung number. Can't she just go back to looking vintage Grace Kelly chic à la Mad Men?

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3. Anne Hathaway: Frumpy, frumpy, frumpy. So far Anne Hathaway is 0 for 2 with red carpet winners this season. On someone else, I might say that this Giambattista Valli gown is playful and fun. But for Anne's body type it is all wrong. First, the shoulders make her look broad, then it doesn't come in at the waist enough before tutu-ing out of control. And the sheerness of the front is more kitsch than class. Can we please go back to her looks from last year?

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2. Morena Baccarin: This Basil Soda dress looks like it's been dragged around one too many times. Or as if it belonged to a mermaid who's been swimming in some pretty dirty water. While I love the bodice and how it flatters Baccarin's figure, the skirt (especially with the center slit) is all wrong.

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1. Julianne Moore: You would think that after Michelle Williams and Sienna Miller people would stop trying the flower dresses. Somehow, they always fail. And Julianne Moore's Chanel Couture dress lives up to this poor reputation. Perhaps it would not have been so bad had the tailored body conscious skirt (with full flowers) continued up to the bodice and ended as a strapless masterpiece. However, the shoulder straps and chest area seem roughly thrown together. Does anyone think this looks like it fits?

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Agree? Disagree? Let us know and COMMENT!

Post #118: Jennifer Lawrence at the Golden Globes

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:19:00 +0000

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Gorgeous from the front. Gorgeous from the back. But then there's the side view...

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior Haute Couture. Discuss.

Post #117: Golden Globes 2013 Worst Dressed

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:06:00 +0000

It happens every year and it happened again. The mighty rose and the unfortunate fell. While I loved most of the wide plunging necklines on the runway, I hated the awkward just-above-the-ankle/not-quite-tea-length skirts that kept showing up. For some, like Anne Hathaway, I questioned whether they looked at how boxy dresses could affect a midriff. For others, like Rachel Weisz, only sheer beauty could combat a sheer polka dot-bottomed affair. Yet others (we'll get to you later, Jennifer Lawrence) still leave me struggling.

But for now, The Mannequin presents the Red Carpet Bottom Five:

5. Kelly Osbourne: The girl can pull off purple hair (love it!), but unfortunately this alien gray/green Zac Posen gown missed the mark. The deconstructed feel made for an unflattered torso and a less than polished look.

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4. Jessica Chastain: Seafoam waves could've made this red-head a gorgeously modern little mermaid...but her Calvin Klein gown just gave her a wrinkly and drooping chest.

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3. Giuliana Rancic: This black and nude lace Celia Kritharioti combo screamed antique funeral. I wish that Giuliana would skip the high black necklines for once, as they only serve to make this gorgeous woman look severe.

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2. Emily Mortimer: To take a line from Sassy Gay Friend: What, what, WHAT are you doing? This space age silver turtle neck managed to be both unfortunate and frumpy.

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1. Sienna Miller: The normally fashionable Ms. Miller apparently did not learn from last year's Michelle Williams Valentino daisy dress mistake. The two-piece Erdem ensemble was a huge floral DON'T. The top's construction gave the beautiful actress boxy shoulders and while the skirt hugged her curves, the stick-out flowers were more than a little arts and craftsy.

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Disagree? Agree wholeheartedly? Have an opinion? Comment!

Post #116: The Best of the Golden Globes

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:15:00 +0000

I'm more than pleased to say it, but this year it seemed like there were many more DOs than DON'Ts on the Golden Globe Red Carpet and stage. From our stunning hosts to ladies in red and stunners in black, I couldn't help but applaud actresses and stylists alike.
In honor of these fashionable ladies, I present you with The Mannequin's Golden Globes 2013 Top Five in their very own post:

5. Marion Cotillard: One of the great things about the Globes is that they give actresses some wiggle room to have a little fun. Cotillard took this cue and stood out by going short. It took me a few looks to get used to the asymmetrical draping of her Christian Dior by Raf Simons dress, but then I was sure that she just looked red hot.

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4. Tina Fey: While I wasn't the biggest fan of Tina Fey's awkwardly tea-length red carpet gown, I couldn't help but think she looked fabulous when she stepped out on the Golden Globe stage. The hair style and color were perfect. Her body looked amazing. And that blue dress was slinky fabulous. The only thing I can't find online? Who it's by! Not to mention a lack of pictures...

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3. Lucy Liu: Who knew that matte floral print could rock the red carpet boat so well? Another gown that took a few looks, Liu's blue Carolina Herrera number was silently stunning.

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2. Julianne Hough: Rock of Ages? Try Rock CHIC. Hough was a punk princess tonight in Monique Lhuillier. Harsher metallic pieces fell into dreamy layers of tulle in this white and gold gown. What made it even more special though were her accessories: a gold Ferragamo clutch, a very "natural" ear cuff, and a perfect updo.

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1. Kate Hudson: Hudson was simple and stunning in her black and gold Alexander McQueen dress. While I think it looked even better live, the picture speaks for itself.

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Have an opinion? Think someone else deserves to be on the list? Comment!

Post #115: Up in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 03:40:00 +0000

Burberry's all film noir, Guess is looking "innocent" for once, and Chanel's a darker Marie Antoinette...

And I'm one of those people who absolutely loves looking at the plethora of ads that starts off every magazine I pick up.

That being said, upon beginning my front-to-back read of the December/January 2013 issue of Harper's Bazaar, I couldn't help but notice that more than one design house was hit with the "travel ad bug." Based on the seasonal urge to beat the winter blues, the general concept is unsurprising. But this blogger was pretty shocked to see two ads that were more than a little similar.

Louis Vuitton's L'Invitation au Voyage campaign has dazzled me since I first saw it almost two months ago. The fashion film, starring Arizona Muse, was directed by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin and unexpectedly set to a tune from 28 Days Later (who knew horror flicks could offer perfect fashion soundtracks?). The print ads use an image of Muse with her Louis Vuitton bag in a hot air balloon.

After seeing Vuitton within the first few pages, I was shocked to flip a little further and find another hot air balloon. This one belonged to Carolina Herrera's CH ad campaign. While the differences between the ads include a couple and a purse-studded basket, I personally found the similarities a little too close for stand-out-potential comfort.

From Louis Vuitton:

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From Carolina Herrera:

What do you think?

Post #114: A New Year's Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 17:35:00 +0000

Let's face it, when it comes to most people's closets, there's the stuff that you reach for all the time. There's the stuff that you reach for sometimes (every so often, on special occasions, etc.). And then there's the stuff that you try to avoid reaching for. And hey, it's ok. Every closet needs its rejects...especially if there isn't a world of Narnian space inside that wardrobe.

So how do we go along with the whole "new year, new you" phenomenon while not losing our closet-focused minds?

In the past, I've always gone for the grand gesture. I make a billion resolutions without really writing them down. Somewhere in that mix the "Grand Closet Overhaul" rears its organizational head.

It normally takes a few weeks, during which time my bedroom becomes my new closet with piles of clothing big enough to jump into scattered around. Then I carefully put everything back in my closet, switch around my shelves, and somehow (almost) the same amount of stuff fits back in perfectly.

I always say that I'm going to get rid of/donate a bunch of stuff, but parting with even those reject pile pieces can be difficult. So this year, in an effort to really change, I'm taking a new approach to my closet.

Although I claim to have "actress style," meaning I like dressing for different "roles" à la Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (remember those good old days?), I am still going to make a concerted effort to reduce the amount of clothing I AVOID in my closet. The trick this year is this: instead of doing it all in one fail swoop, I'll go through my closet every couple of days in an effort to pair it down.

If I haven't worn it in forever: it GOES.

If I wore it in eighth grade and it's not a basic or from a special event: it GOES.

If I can't remember why I bought it and really hate it: it (sadly for my wallet) GOES.

If I won't wear it now and can't make it into something new: it GOES.

I know, I know. I'm being strict. And quite frankly when it's my closet instead of someone else's, each discard is a lot harder. Yet that's what doing it in little sessions is for...and at age 20, I feel like I should start making a more concerted effort to cultivate my personal (and future appropriate) wardrobe.

Wish List - Jefferson Hack

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:28:00 +0000

After seeing him outside of the Mugler show and then again after the Raf Simons show, I got up the gumption to introduce myself to Jefferson Hack. It was an absolute dream come true to be able to shake his hand and tell him how much I love his work. And as a fashionable detail, Hack was wearing skinny jeans, sunglasses, and a gray loose-fitting jacket.

Blogger Hits Paris Men's Fashion Week - Raf Simons

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:20:00 +0000

Confidence having risen after attending the Christian Lacroix show, this blogger attempted to get into the Raf Simons show...and did.

With all of the hype surrounding Simons as the new artistic director of Dior, this was definitely a show to see. Located in an industrial space on Rue de Lappe, the show's setting was edgy and gave off a feeling of great importance. The strong white and black interior had seating on two levels. Once it began, each model's trajectory started on the balcony level and then moved down to the main floor where intricate choreography allowed the models to avoid running into each other.

If anything, this show demonstrated the genius of Simons when it comes to taking a classic piece and making it new again. With eyelet-detailed jackets, striking prints that you would not expect to see on a man, and a colorful use of shirt facing, this show produced one marvel after another. Overall, it had a grungy yet playful schoolboy vibe that was even present in the models' hairstyles.

Based on what I saw here, I believe that Simons will take Dior in a new direction, but definitely live up to its legacy. And because fashion is all about the look, some photographs for your knowledge and entertainment (click to enlarge):

A view of the space as the first model traveled along the balcony.

The collars on the button-downs and the cut of the suit jackets were two of my favorite aspects of the collection. Also, note the hair here.

A definitive view of that schoolboy vibe.

Note the blue facing in certain sections of the shirt.

An eyelet style jacket.

A print I would never imagine seeing on a man...but it works here.

This coat was the piece de resistance of the collection. While not fully evident here, the back involved a floral printed fabric that appeared to be pleated. The contrast of the two sides stuck in my mind well after the show was over.

A shot of the final line-up. Note the use of (more feminine) color.

(All photographs by Kristen Friberger)

Blogger Hits Paris Men's Fashion Week - Christian Lacroix

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:42:00 +0000

Finally, this blogger has gotten her very first intoxicating taste of going to a fashion show. From the people (including Suzy Menkes, Terry Richardson, Tommy Ton, etc.) to the side streets, from the venues to the style...the atmosphere is intriguing and brilliant.

The very first show that I went to was the Christian Lacroix menswear show for Spring/Summer 2013. Personally, I'm amazed by the amount of women in heels who survived walking the cobblestone path that led into Hotel de Brossier (located at 12 Rue Charlot). Once inside, I found a standing spot on the stairs right next to the pack of photographers.

While the house of Lacroix is often thought of as being more in tune with the world of costumes than the world of fashion, I found the show to be both inspired and wearable. Playful prints lit up closet staples such as the t-shirt (cut in a more square and billowing fashion). Classically puffy jackets were made refined in their detailing, including multiple zippered layers. Belts and banding were also used in an innovative fashion as they wrapped around sections of the clothing and torso, but were not a completely outside layer. Many of the jacket and skinny tie pairings were sexy, confident, and slightly reminiscent of Mad Men. Meanwhile, the continuity of the collection resided in the silhouette with variations on a few staple pieces (larger jackets, suiting, and billowy square t-shirts).

For your enjoyment, research, and entertainment please enjoy the following photographs (click to enlarge):

The venue prior to plastic being removed from the catwalk.

I truly enjoyed the bright colors that were sent down the runway. Clearly my obsession with yellow clothing isn't going away any time soon. Also, both jackets here have great classic potential.

An example of the prints seen at the show.

While not every man could pull off the pants on the right, I'd sure like to see some try.

Great interplay between a subtle pattern and an exaggerated puffy silhouette.

Every man should own an outfit like this.

Innovative use of banding as previously mentioned.

A slice of the finally line-up.

(All Photographs By Kristen Friberger)

Post #113: YSL - The Plot Thickens

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 22:48:00 +0000

Following up on Post #110, which discussed Hedi Slimane's move to L.A., this post is covering the latest drama going down in the house of Yves Saint Laurent. Today's news: Slimane is changing the name from Yves Saint Laurent to Saint Laurent Paris.

This blogger's views are that this is a poor decision. The house of Yves Saint Laurent has a large amount of history and the YSL logo has long been a part of their products. By taking away the Y and adding a P at the end, a disconnect is created between their branding and their company name. Secondly, Saint Laurent Paris does not have the same ring to it as Yves Saint Laurent. It does not sound nearly as expensive or high quality.

When newspapers and magazines attempt to justify the name change, they compare it to Chanel (which used to be the house of Coco Chanel) or MUGLER, which used to be Thierry Mugler until Nicola Formichetti changed it. However, the addition of "Paris" puts the YSL name change in a different category.

This is an especially key word choice in light of the fact that Slimane just moved to L.A. Maybe he's trying to show that the Saint Laurent brand will still be following its Parisian roots. Maybe he's trying to prove to his company that a move to L.A. does not mean that he plans to separate the brand from Paris. Or maybe it means that unless he moves back soon, Saint Laurent will be getting a new creative director.

All I know is that I can't wait to see how this story unfolds...

Post #112: To The Woman Who...

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 22:27:00 +0000

As I posted on Twitter:

To the woman who unknowingly skinned the side of my ankle this evening,

If you can't walk in them, stand in them, dance in them, or refrain from harming people in them, don't wear them. Yes, pain can be beauty, but you shouldn't inflict it on others.

<3 The Mannequin

Post #111: How I Learned to Draw

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:39:00 +0000

If you weren't already aware, I've been studying fashion in Paris since the beginning of the month. My program's curriculum offers a slew of courses in everything from fashion illustration to fashion promotion. While I had come to the program with a focus on the business side of fashion, I ended up learning a lot more than I bargained for with regard to design. My proudest accomplishment thus far has been my greatly increased drawing skills.

Up until this point in time, I had only ever taken one costume design course (at Colgate) where the emphasis was more on the designs and less about proper proportions and pretty figures. But now, thanks to the Paris Fashion Institute's incredible Illustration teacher (her name is Jinny), I just marvel at how far I've come. To "illustrate" my point, here's a series of my sketches to show my development.

My basic skills started off with something a little worse than this.

Then proportions got better thanks to some guidelines (notice the folded page and the little labels on the side? They're telling me what body parts go where.).

My figures started getting better, thanks to the guidelines.

But things still weren't quite right and my teacher told me to work on the confidence in my lines.

So I did a lot of tracing.

And by a lot, I mean hours of tracing. Thank goodness, my hand started getting used to how figures should be drawn.

This is one of my earlier designs with better proportions.

Then came time for me to work on hands, feet, faces, and hair.

And finally, yesterday I accomplished this.

And then challenged myself to a more difficult pose.

Not too shabby, huh?

Post #110: Something to Note - Hedi Slimane and Yves Saint Laurent

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:25:00 +0000

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For those of you who don't know, Hedi Slimane was recently appointed creative director of YSL. With a large fashion background that includes a previous run at YSL, as well as run at Dior and a successful career as a photographer, Slimane is clearly worthy of the job.

However, Slimane recently decided that L.A. is the place to be. Whether it's the sun, the smog, or the history, something clearly attracted him across a pond and a continent. Why is this an issue? Because YSL's headquarters are in Paris (separating them and Slimane by thousands of miles and a 9-hour time difference) and fittings will still be taking place there.

Many comparisons are being made between Slimane and Phoebe Philo. Philo, who is creative director of Céline (and who rose to fame during her time at Chloé), moved to London to be closer to her family. Thanks to her incredible work ethic and success, the Céline studio picked up and moved from Paris to London so that they could be close.

Somehow, I doubt that the house of Yves Saint Laurent is going to ditch its native Paris for laid-back L.A. It does not fit the image of the company and it would cost an incredible amount of money. But if they don't move, what will that mean for Slimane? Somehow I don't see a creative director who is so far removed from its fashion house lasting that long. The Mannequin will be keeping an eye on how this plot thickens over the course of the next few months. And you should too.

Post #109: Fashion on Film - A Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:07:00 +0000

The Devil may wear Prada, but Ben Kingsley wants to wear it too. Prada's latest fashion film, "A Therapy," which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21st, is simply impeccable. Directed by Roman Polanksi (of the Pianist) and starring Ben Kingsley and Helena Bonham Carter, the film is a quiet tour-de-force that centers around a purple Prada coat. Were it not for their ad campaign or the single shot of a Prada label in Bonham Carter's shoe, you might not know what the video was for. Polanski calls it an "anti-ad," but I call it a gateway to more intellectual and substantive fashion films. The room for analysis is endless; the mise-en-scene, the dialogue, the concept, and the characters all lend themselves to thought-provocation. No wonder Prada is one of the most influential design houses of today. After all, "Prada suits everyone."

Post #108: People to Know - Jefferson Hack

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:42:00 +0000

If you don't know Jefferson Hack, then you definitely should look into his work after reading this post. At 40, Hack has already started three magazines, developed the Dazed Group, and (in my opinion) paved the way for the internet and magazines to coexist.

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1971, Hack lived in many places until finally settling in England at age nine. In interviews he has noted Interview magazine and Godard films as major inspirations in his early life.

The Man Himself (Image Citation)

At age 20, Hack joined up with fellow London College of Printing student Rankin (a photographer with a then-growing reputation for celebrity portraiture) and founded Dazed & Confused. No, I'm not talking about the movie. Dazed & Confused is a magazine that covers fashion, photography, arts, culture, and music. After starting out as a black-and-white fold-out poster that was published sporadically, it became a full-fledged magazine. It has often been noted as giving fairly unknown stylists and photographers the opportunity to show what they can do (often times only their expenses are paid, with the hope that they will secure more jobs due to exposure in the magazine) and has been responsible for many the success story. Want to know something even cooler? It's noted as being the first style magazine to ever be fully created on a desktop computer.

With people like Bjork gracing the cover of Dazed & Confused within the magazine's first twenty issues, Hack and Rankin were set for success. Popularity and circulation increased throughout the '90s. In 1991, Rankin and Hack created Dazed Film and TV and in 2001, under the title of the Dazed Group, they published AnOther magazine. Following its success, AnOther Man came out in 2005. While Rod Stanley is now the Editor-in-Chief of Dazed & Confused, Hack holds the same title at both AnOther and AnOther Man.

Since 2005, Hack has started many more projects including Dazed TV Party (a program combining interviews and performances), co-curating at the Amsterdam Foam Gallery, doing a three-piece shoe collection with Tod's for Collette, and then once again collaborating with Tod's for their No_Code Collection.

A Look from Tod's No_Code Collection (Image Citation)

So, aside from being so successful, what makes Jefferson Hack someone worth knowing? The list of reasons could go on and on. First of all, if you don't know his name from these magazines, you may still recognize it. A normally very private person, Hack was thrown into the spotlight when he dated Kate Moss. The two had a child together in 2002 (Lila Grace Moss) and, according to tabloids and interviews, have remained close and on good terms. Meanwhile, many articles (starting with one in The Guardian) have dared to pose the question "Is Jefferson Hack the coolest person in the UK?" His "coolness" is constantly brought up in articles and interviews with the magazine guru. Noted as collecting Olivetti typewriters, wearing skinny pants, and owning an ashtray from Cafe de Flore, his personality seems to match the coolness of his job.

The number one reason that The Mannequin thinks he's cool? I'm pretty sure he figured out a philosophy that could keep magazines alive during a time where many people say that they're a "dying trade." Being one of the forerunners in digital and printed content, Hack has found a balance between the two. In an interview for the London Evening Standard, he was noted as saying that magazines are like tangible souvenirs of the moment, while the ongoing story of fashion and life plays out online. In my mind, both are equally valuable resources.

And with that, I urge you to look at and follow both the magazines and life of Jefferson Hack in the future.

Post #107: Blogger Hits Paris!

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:52:00 +0000

During the last week of May, this blogger flew across the Atlantic and landed in Paris, France. Taking in the beauty of the City of Lights was inspiring. Starting a one-month fashion intensive program run by the Paris Fashion Institute on June 1st opened my eyes to more than I had ever learned about the fashion industry. That being said, throughout the month of June, I will be blogging from my Parisian room on trends, films, stores, and people that have inspired me in my time here. Now if only I knew a French and fashionable equivalent of "bon appetit" to end this post with...

Post #106: It's All In The Details - Store Curiosities

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Mon, 21 May 2012 01:47:00 +0000

Today I did some last minute shopping with my parents before I leave for Paris. Yet again, I was unable to resist going into Forever 21 (and scored exactly what I was looking for: an across the chest shoulder-strap bag for my everyday wanderings while abroad...pictures to come). Yet again, I left carrying one of their bright yellow shopping bags. Having noticed the fact that the bottom of the bags say "John 3:16" on multiple occasions, I decided to finally look it up. The sixth verse of Chapter Three of the Gospel of John in the New Testament states: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Makes sense with the name, but curious that a major clothing chain would choose to incorporate any facet of a specific religion into its daily functioning/products; especially something as visible and widespread as the shopping bags.

I looked it up to see if there was any significance with the creators/owners of the store and discovered that it started out in Los Angeles and originally sold clothing targeted at middle-aged women. Much of the clothing was South Korean influenced and was meant for the Korean American community in LA. Clearly much has changed, but this blogger is still left curious as to the origin of and reasoning behind Forever 21's Bible-quoting bags.

Post #105: The Mannequin's Summer Picks - Let's Get Some Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Sat, 12 May 2012 04:18:00 +0000

Summer is probably the time of year when the range of shoe options is largest. Yes, there's typical flip-flops or embellished sandals, but there are also those days where you may need heels, wellies, boat shoes, or a pedicure to dress up your bare feet. In honor of this variety, The Mannequin is dishing out its most recent top shoe picks for summer.

In the event that you have an internship or a job where you need to look the business part, look no further than Ivanka Trump. Finally someone has come out with heels that aren't sky-high, but that still look good. After all, when you're on your feet all day (coffee-runs or commuting, anyone?) do you really want to be thinking about the searing bloody pain in your feet? I think not. The Indico Leather Low-Heel Pump comes in black leather and its Patent counterpart comes in Washed It Red, Luxe Pink, and Malted Milk. Heel height: 2 3/4 inches.

The Indico Leather Low-Heel Pump in Black ($120):

Image/Buy From: http://shop.ivankatrump.com/shoes/indico-low-heel-pump/

The Indico Patent Low-Heel Pump in Malted Milk ($120):

Image/Buy From: http://shop.ivankatrump.com/product/indico-patent-low-heel-pump/

Looking for something a little more fun and daring? Love feeling like an Amazonian goddess with super-human height (or maybe need a little boost?)? My favorite daring heels of the season are by Halogen and Vince Camuto. The Halogen 'Asher' Wedge is edgy in a very street-chic kind of way. Referencing the sneaker, but with 4 1/2 inches of height (1 1/2 inch platform), this combination of canvas, laces, and rubber-soling is best paired with jeans or pants. I prefer them in Taupe, but they're also offered in Navy.

The Halogen 'Asher' Wedge ($119.95):

Image/Buy From: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen-asher-wedge/3252939

Color-blocking hasn't died yet and it's particularly well done with Vince Camuto's Venize Chocolate Mousse Heels. The straps are soft leather, the platform is braided rope (the perfect detail), and the colors work surprisingly well with each other. Heel height: 4.2 inches with a .7 inch platform.

The Venize Chocolate Mousse Sandal/Heel ($118):

Image/Buy From: http://www.vincecamuto.com/Shoes/High-Heels/VENIZE-CHOCOLATE-MOUSSE.html

If you're not a fan of heels or need a shoe that's good for summer adventures and athleticism, you can't go wrong with Sperrys. After about the first wear/break-in they never cease to be comfortable. My favorite this season is the Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe in Pewter metallic Leather. Oh, and they look better in person.

The Sperry Top-Sider Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe ($90):

Image/Buy From: http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/productdetails?productId=7-134400&stockNumber=9102385

Congrats on finishing finals Colgate students and happy Hilton Head fun to all of the seniors. For all of the rest of you still in finals or school, you can do it!

Post #104: The Mannequin's Summer Picks - LWD

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:33:00 +0000

It's beginning to look a lot like summer as exam week starts up (or ends for yours truly). The smell is in the air, the temperature's rising here in Hamilton, and the promise of summer vacations to exotic and beach locales is close on the horizon. So what will you wear? Let me make a suggestion.

The yang to the "little black dress's" yin is upon us. While the classic LBD is still a sexy year-round staple, the LWD is perfect for standing out in the daytime. Go soft for an ethereal look or skin-tight for Hamptons sex appeal (Gossip Girl Season 2 "White Party" anyone?), but whatever you do, get one in your closet. Stat!

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Upon finally giving in and clicking on the Nasty Gal ad that kept popping up on the side of my Facebook, I quickly became obsessed. So here are The Mannequin's LWD picks courtesy of Nasty Gal (and one from Urban Outfitters for good measure):

The Lara Lace Dress:

The "Blairest" of them all, this cotton/nylon/spandex blend sells for $58. While the design is unique in itself based on the lined sweet-heart cut with the lace neckline, one of the best aspects of this LWD is that it's form-flattering while still classy. Need to go to tea with the parents? You can wear it. Want to go on a hot date? You can also wear it. Perfection.

Image/Buy From: http://www.nastygal.com/clothes%2Ddresses/lara%2Dlace%2Ddress%2Divory

The Strapped in Dress (Nasty Gal):

This is one of those ensembles that just screams "sex on a stick." Wear when you're dressed to impress...the opposite sex, that is. It also sells for $58 (polyester/spandex blend).

Image/Buy From: http://www.nastygal.com/clothes%2Ddresses/strapped%2Din%2Ddress

The Lucca Couture Chiffon Tie Top Baby Doll Dress ($69 at Urban Outfitters):

Whether you're making pancakes on Sunday morning or floating around Central Park, this dress is ethereal, girly, and fun. While it seems like a basic variation on the babydoll theme, the back gives it an unexpected edge that makes it much more wearable in the real world.

Image/Buy From: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=23972771

3 Days Until The End of Finals. Hang in there.

Post #103: The Mannequin's Summer Picks - Tote Around

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:14:00 +0000

Whether you're walking the streets of Paris, toting books and a towel to the beach, or shopping with your friends, a brightly colored bag is a quintessential staple for the upcoming season. Whether solid or print, a pop of eye-catching color can boost your summer neutrals or keep your color-blocking lively.

For the classy lady who loves pink, Michael Kors' "Jet Set" collection holds the key to success. The Medium Travel Tote ($278) in lacquered pink is a win for anyone in their late-teens through the middle-age years. While my one qualm is the questionable texture of the bag (while I've never touched it in person, the lacquered pink saffiano leather does not appear smooth to the touch if you zoom in on the photograph...although it does tone the neon-quality down a notch), the shape and dimensions are perfect. Not a fan, but love the concept? Kors also designed a chain-shouldered version ($268). And while it has slightly smaller dimensions, this one's looking smooth.

Image/Buy From: http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod16000031&parentId=cat41703&masterId=cat26702&index=6&utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_term=&utm_content=MothersDay2012&utm_campaign=MKZFacebookMothersDay2012&ecid=MKBZOEDSBrand

Image/Buy From: http://www.michaelkors.com/p/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-Jet-Set-Chain-Shoulder-Tote-10/prod16000029___/?eItemId=prod16000029&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253D10%2526_requestid%253D35340

For the person who doesn't like leather or has a quirkier fashion sense, Juicy Couture has recently dabbled in neoprene (yes, the material that wetsuits are made of). I must say that if you're near a beach location, this Nora Large Tote might actually be my go-to suggestion. It has large dimensions and simple edging that pulls the look of the bag together. At $178, it falls at a lower price point than the work of Mr. Kors, but packs just as much of a stylistic punch. Not a fan of pink? I suggest getting this one in Heliconia Red.

Image/Buy From: http://www.juicycouture.com/nora-large-tote/YHRU2825,default,pd.html?dwvar_YHRU2825_color=952&start=2&cgid=handbags-neoprene-bags

Sick of the solids and in a sorority? Love living the preppy life? Lilly Pulitzer's Sorority collection offers great totes at a relatively low price. I've seen some fellow sisters of Colgate's Delta Delta Delta chapter carrying this around and let me tell you, it's even cuter in person. If "everything's in the details," then the subtle "Delta Delta Delta" in script, actual Deltas, and other components of the crest make this bag have it all. In honor of the other sororities on Colgate's campus, I went looking for Kappa Kappa Gamma and Gamma Phi Beta version. Unfortunately, Lilly Pulitzer has yet to develop a GPhi print, but Kappa's version of the tote is also posted below. Gotta love the keys and colors.

Image/Buy From: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/The-Original-Tote-Delta-Delta-Delta/2310.uts

Image/Buy From: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/The-Original-Tote-Kappa-Kappa-Gamma/2336.uts

9 days until the end of finals. Remember you deserve a break.

Post #102: The Mannequin's Summer Picks - Out of the Box Shorts

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 02 May 2012 23:34:00 +0000

Shorts for summer...groundbreaking. Well, these Cropped Shorts in Multi-Box Print actually are. They're made by Alice & Olivia and retail for $176. They're eye-catching without being obnoxious and look like they belong walking through the rooms of the Museum of Modern Art.

Image From: http://www.aliceandolivia.com/cropped-short-2.html

Paired with a bright top as shown on the website, you'd definitely catch every eye in the room (or the yacht club). You could also pair them with something as simple as a white cami and still make a statement. Worried about their use value? Wear them in the fall with a chunky black sweater. Whatever you do though, make your move quickly. According to the website, only sizes 4-10 are left.

10 days until the end of finals. Happy online shopping.

Post #101: The Mannequin's Summer Picks

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:46:00 +0000

As the week before finals starts to get into full swing here at Colgate, The Mannequin will be posting its favorite picks for clothing and accessories as a form of motivation. Here's to making it through the final push to freedom, shopping, and summer.

While paying attention during discussion in my American School class this morning, the circular desk set-up placed red Tory Burch Miller Sandals in my line of sight...and it took a great deal of effort to look away. The sandals in question are the following:

Image from: http://www.cheaptoryburchshoesoutlet.com/PicImages/Flip%20Flops%20Tory%20Burch%20Outlet/Cheap%20Tory%20Burch%20Miller%20Deep%20Red%20Thong%20Sandal%2003C/Cheap%20Tory%20Burch%20Miller%20Deep%20Red%20Thong%20Sandal%2003C(1).

Perfect for adding that pop of color during the summer months (imagine pairing them with white capris and a horizontally striped sailor-inspired top) or for fitting the theme at a Fourth of July barbeque, these sandals are gorgeous and foot-flattering.

Unfortunately, the Tory Burch website no longer sells the Miller Sandal in all red. Meaning, you can either find it for sale on another site (type it into Google and you'll find plenty) or you can try it in a different color. My favorite alternate is the Leather Miller Sandal in Sunset Orange (retails for $195):

Image from: http://www.toryburch.com/TUMBLED-LEATHER-MILLER-SANDAL/51118208,default,pd.html?dwvar_51118208_color=260&start=1&cgid=shoes-sandals

However, if you truly cannot resist the red, the miller 2 Sandal exists (for $225). The only difference between this one and the original Miller is that instead of having a red Tory Burch center, the logo exists on a bronze plate. Could be cold on the foot, but it looks fairly interesting:

Image from: http://www.toryburch.com/MILLER-2-SANDAL/51118209,default,pd.html?dwvar_51118209_color=626&start=1&q=miller%202

11 days until the end of finals. Happy procrastinating.

Post #100: The Quest to Meet Betsey Johnson

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Once upon a time, I grew up roaming the Syracuse campus with my two Syracuse-alum parents. I still distinctly remember one of my first visits where a hot pink Betsey Johnson car was parked in front of the Newhouse buildings. While I ceased to make the connection between two of the dresses that I preferred to live in at age 7 and the car that I was posing next to in the moment, it was the start of my lifelong relationship with Betsey Johnson.

Why am I talking about Syracuse? Because Ms. Johnson was a graduate of its College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The designer.

Image from: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_sLDM4xO4oEQ/TGRcmNlbsVI/AAAAAAAAAPE/vBTD-NISlUI/s1600/betsey8.jpg

No wonder her clothes have such a theatrical air. Since that moment in front of the car, I have worn a slew of Betsey Johnson designs. I've worn a nude Betsey with light pink bows and trim while meeting Natasha Bedingfield, another Betsey to a seventh grade black-tie bar mitzvah and then again to junior prom, yet another showed up at a friend's birthday dinner, and I am about to don yet another beautiful design at a fraternity formal. Aside from all of these, I should also mention the hot pink Betsey Johnson crinoline petticoat that I wore to a college party. That being said...

In honor of The Mannequin's 100th post, I am setting out on a mission to meet the designer herself. Such a lifelong connection has driven my desire to meet the woman with all of this whimsy in her brain. Whether it's because of the fact that her clothing is timeless, or my addiction to the aesthetic of the hot pink and black shopping bags, or my even stronger addiction to the aesthetic of her stores (If you've seen the SoHo boutique, I wish my room could look like that!), my goal is to get the opportunity to meet this fascinating woman by Spring 2013.

My mom and I having fun in Soho.

Prom

Who wouldn't be able to have fun in this get-up? (That's me on the left)

Click on the picture to enlarge and focus in on the puff-sleeves and floral print. That dress also graced the presence of Serendipity III in NYC.

More photos and posts regarding the designer and the Quest to Meet Betsey Johnson to come. Comment or begin following The Mannequin (or like us on Facebook) to help call attention this project and goal.

Post #99: The Best and The Worst - The Oscars 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 04:53:00 +0000

As you all probably know, the 84th Academy Awards aired on ABC this past Sunday evening. As a lover of not only fashion, but also the movies, the Oscars bring together two of my strongest passions...and I happened to think that the show itself was particularly good this year. As far as this blog is concerned however, the red carpet was not the most daring it has ever been, but it definitely was not dull. Angelina Jolie's black Atelier Versace dress was seductive through a high slit that her entire leg could pose through, but the voluminous shape overwhelmed her petite frame. Brad Pitt: get a haircut.

Glenn Close proved that sexy can exist at any age in a very flattering Zac Posen dress that hugged her curves with edge. And had the bust on Penelope Cruz's custom Giorgio Armani gown not looked as off, she would have been at the top of our charts for classiness. Is this the year of "channeling Grace Kelly" red carpet moments?

Meanwhile, Kelly Osbourne took a step in the right direction in Georges Hobeika. The gown was not for the faint of heart, and was a classy play on the red carpet critic's sassy style. Speaking of underdogs who really shined, Jonah Hill looked fabulous in a black-on-black tuxedo. But Robert Downey, Jr., get rid of the weird glasses. But now on to what all of you are really looking forward to: the best and worst dressed of the 2012 Academy Awards.

The Worst:

5. Rooney Mara: While many people went gaga over the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo star with short bangs and Givenchy, The Mannequin did not. We're sorry to break it to you, but she has not quite reached Audrey Hepburn status yet.

http://www.shoppingblog.com/2012pics/rooney_mara_2012_oscars.jpg

4. Jennifer Lopez: Sometimes showing skin isn't even slutty...it's plain unflattering. J. Lo's suffocating Zuhair Murad gown with arm cut-outs and quite the display of decolletage left nothing to the imagination.

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/02/27/240027-oscars-2012-red-carpet.jpg

3. Bérénice Bejo: She may have charmed us in The Artist, but Miss Bejo did not sparkle on the red carpet. Dressed in a grayish mint Elie Saab gown, it seems like Miss Bejo fell prey to the trend of aging yourself with the swish of a dress this year.

http://ldnfashion.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Bérénice-Bejo-oscars.jpg

2. Shailene Woodley: While I do appreciate a young female celebrity who isn't always trying to sex it up, Miss Woodley's Valentino gown was dowdy and age-inappropriate.

http://celebmoon.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/02183.jpg

1. Anna Faris: Diane von Furstenberg may have proven that she can do wrong with this one. The normally female-figure-flattering designer's concoction left Faris looking like she had just rolled around in a pile of shape-erasing grease. The severity of her hair diminished any chance of recovery for this ensemble.

http://drop.ndtv.com/albums/ENTERTAINMENT/oscar2012-worstdressed/anna-faris.jpg

*Virginia Madsen would have made the bottom of our Worst Dressed list, but The Mannequin prefers to recognize people with at least a little daring.

The One I Have to Mention That Does Not Fit a List:

While it was definitely not age appropriate or the right dress for her, Nancy O'Dell's yellow and black Chagaury Couture gown captivated The Mannequin's senses.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article744317.ece/BINARY/NANCY-ODELL.jpg

The Best:

5. Octavia Spencer: It had the same kind of flow as Jennifer Lopez's gown, but Octavia Spencer's Tadashi Shoji gown was a golden example of the art of dressing for your figure.

http://graciousgood.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/octavia-spencer-white-gown-oscars-2012-pictures.jpg

4. Kristen Wiig: At first I wasn't sure what to think, but the more I stared at the screen, the more I fell in love with Kristen Wigg's nude J. Mendel dress. The ethereal flow and lightness of the fabric softened Wiig's occasionally tougher appearance.

http://luxefinds.com/LuxeLiving/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Kristen-Wiig-oscar-2012-J.-Mendel-getty-images.jpg

3. Stacy Keibler: Her dancer's body may give her a slightly unfair advantage in the way clothes are able to hang on her tall and slender frame, but Keibler never fails to wow on both the red carpet and George Clooney's arm. Her gold Marchesa dress made her look like Lady Oscar for the evening.

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/02/27/239635-stacy-keibler-arrives-at-the-84th-academy-awards.jpg

2. Milla Jovovich: She sparkled in HD and looked every bit as regal as someone at the Oscars should. Jovovich's Elie Saab gown was just the right mix of daring slink and sparkle.

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/kW5zpCVKQEyZvFBD6j.i5Q--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD05Mzg7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://l.yimg.com/os/251/2012/02/27/MilaJovovich-Oscars2012-jpg_015703.jpg

1. Jessica Chastain: There's a reason why the cameras loved Chastain in the Oscars' audience and there's a reason why we're all still obsessed with Alexander McQueen...and this is it.

http://img.ibtimes.com/www/data/images/full/2012/02/27/240310-jessica-chastain.jpg

No matter what you gain from this post, whether it be entertainment, fashion inspiration, or advice, do remember this: In their introduction to the award for Best Costume Design, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez quoted eight-time Academy Award Winner Edith Head: "Your dresses should be tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to show you're a lady." No wonder Audrey Hepburn is still considered to be a style icon.

Post #98: Runway Rundown - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2/9/12

noreply@blogger.com (Kristen Friberger) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:45:00 +0000

If you didn't know it, this week is Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC. Designers are breaking out their Fall 2012 Read-to-Wear gear before Hamilton, NY has even entered spring (if we end up getting any snow this winter, that is). Overall, designers seemed to be getting a little too friendly with scissors and shredders this season as they toed the line between extremely sexy and school marm. Yet big sweaters and bigger silhouettes did make a splash today. But, the questions really sticking out in The Mannequin's mind are: Who were the stylists and do they still have jobs? Cowboy hats, really? And the shoes?

Curious? Here's the Runway Rundown for the day:

While BCBG Max Azria had the occasional standout color-blocked piece, I could not get past the connection my mind made between the cut of the skirts and how extended loin-cloths might look. And was it just me, or did it look like they rouged their knees and rolled their stockings down? Chadwick Bell's collection was Balmain meets disheveled/sexy secretary/heiress...interesting. Costello Tagliapietra gained my vote as the most wearable and simplistically luxurious collection of the day. The Italian flair and user-friendly dresses for all ages were fun. The prints added just the right about of change without being ostentatious. With earthy/terra-cotta tones and gorgeous draping, Tagliapietra's collection had only a few misses (sack-like dresses don't look good on models...they're not going to look good on real people either: just because Victoria Beckham's Victoria collection has them too does not make them ok).

Step right up to the three-ring circus or right into a Tim Burton film and you may just capture the vibe of Creatures of the Wind. Every piece was one thing too many. Cynthia Rowley failed to stand out in either a good or bad way. Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Obando's collection was full of equal parts hit and miss. Picture a combination of edgy and feminine frills (in mint green).

Kimberly Ovits clearly likes black as her collection was variation after variation on the not so little black dress.

Dear Nicholas K., lose the cowboy hats on your models and you may have just created neo-grunge. Layering in grays and blacks this collection is very wearable. Nicholas knows how to drape while still flattering the female silhouette. And Richard Chai Love, I love you. Prepsters in patterns begged me to buy the clothes right off their bodies in this collection. Spanning both the women's and men's ranges, RCL even managed to make me like the flowy pants/pajamas for everyday use look. Everything was pulled together seamlessly.

Tadashi Shoji's collection had clearly divided sections based on fabric and flow. From the Victorian to dresses that belonged to the fictional worlds of F. Scott Fitzgerald, to the structuralists, this collection had it all (and most of it was exquisite too). The Lake & Stars seemed amateur. There was nothing we haven't seen before; the lingerie was bad, the clothing was wearable.

To finish things off, if you want to be warm and look like you belong in an NYC loft or art gallery, try out TSE with its chunky knits and tall, stream-lined silhouettes.