iAsk Chloe

Dear Fashion Addicts,
August over, leaves are changing, new accessories for the fall/winter, and a lot more questions. I just want to clarify for all of you that, I want to thank all of you for giving me feed back on my fashion blog. It really means a lot to me. I never knew this many people love the great topics I post. Anyways, I will be giving a monthly note to all of you, and giving you my feedback to all my comments. Oops, I almost forgot, I want you to post your fashion questions for me or fashion tips. I would love to help you as much as I can. Just post you question, and I for my next topic, I will answer all your questions. Thanks again for being great readers/subscribers!

XOXO,
Chloe

Constance Billard's Guide to Style

"A lot of us try to bend the rules when it comes to our uniforms," quotes Charlotte, 17 (see Teen Vogue Dec./Jan. '08). In the article Uptown Girls girls speak out, and tell readers that the fashions you see on Gossip Girl are definitely not realistic. Of course, that does not mean we can still wear something like it. This fall a huge trend is the preppy collegiate look. Blair seems to know how it works, but what really does happen to all those private school A-Listers? I love Gossip Girl, and I have to say the character wardrobes make you want to step right into their shoes. So what are these preppy essentials?

Prep Essential #1: The Snug Blazer. They are huge this season, and make such a fashion statement. What really great if it has a crest www.ralphlauren.com, which gives it that really cool prep feel. Black, brown, ivory, or navy is the perfect color for a blazer. It's memorable, yet fashionable.

Prep Essential #2: The Plaid Skirt. A hard search, but is a must-have in everyone's closet. Not only that but is great, and goes with practically anything. Serena van dor Woodsen shows it off great on GG, and we hope to see this cute pattern on the runways-wait it is already! Check out www.saksfifthavenue.com for this one of kind necessity.

Prep Essential #3: Cozy Cashmere V-Necks. Will keep you warm this whole winter! They are great for a quick rush in the morning, and give a great pop of color to your wardrobe. I have stocked up on tons already, and hope to buy more as times to come. I went to www.jcrew.com and got mine from there.

Prep Essential #4: The Rugby Scarf. This is one of my favorite accessories, and probably the most fun to play around in. I love all the different ways you can tie it. It's something also that special touch of color. Amazon.com has the best prices. They are only $5.00!

Prep Essential #5: The Knit Beret. You can say as much as you want that it is not preppy, but it is. It gives any outfit something very cute to pull it altogether. White is the best, but I also love grey and pink. Check out www.nordstrom.com and remember to pick a color that flatters you face!

*Our Prep School Gossip Girls pull the look off!

Teacher's Pet

You have all those books that you carry from class to class. Everyone once in a while you forget a textbook or your homework. And yet you still look like a perfect angel? I don't think so! You need at "It" bag. No not an average tote bag, but a bag. The bag all your friends envy, the bag that holds everything you need, the bag that will make you at the top of your class. My favorite bag is the Mulberry Maggie. Not only does it carry a heavy load, but makes your life so easier. Instead of stopping at your locker, carry all your books around at the same time. In this fancy handicap, their is one main large compartment which is pretty much all you need. Not only that, but comes in such memorable colors. "A big, good-looking, practical bag is the holy grail," quotes fashion designer Melissa Coker (see in Lucky August '08). "The color makes this one special." If you have some extra cash, stock up on this great accesible tote. I recommend this to anyone who needs something to carry all your things. If you don't have the money check out Target, or Steve & Barry's (all clothes and accessories are under $10.00)! Get your "It" bag now!

Picture Perfection

School is back, which means homework, homecomings, and did I mention yearbook pictures? Some of us dread them, and other are clueless to the basic tips to get your picture at its best. Trust me on this one, flashes from the camera enhance our flaws. That's why it is good to cover up those blemishes, and hide blackheads. I suggest a quick facial mask before the "BIG" day. Another note is to stock up on eye liner and mascara. Not too much on the eyes, but something that makes your eyes pop! Although you don't want to look like a tramp. After shampooing (Nexus Smoothing Creme, to fight frizz), go for a straight look. Curly will show too much of the frizz, and it is sometimes messy. If you do have curly hair, pull out the straightner, and get to it! To keep your smile fresh, and clean try Ultrabrite toothpaste. In a matter of 24 hours your smile should be whiter than usual. Now for lips, try a sweet color for example peach or strawberry. Red often scares people (including me)! And finally, keep your outfit simple. A cool solid color is great, and will never go out of style. Lauren Conrad looks great, and ready for the camera. Good luck, and make your picture perfection!

Heavy Duty

It's time to trade in those gold karat Cartier timepieces, and Timex watches, and get the new futuristic look. Made from Toywatch, this brightly colored and eye catching device is very addictive. My personal favorite color is purple. I tried this watch on at Nordstrom, and just fell in love with it. Not only that, but the reliability is outstanding! Including water resistant to 100 feet, a magnified date window, stainless steel, having a band lenghth of 185 mm, and width of 20 mm, and glow in the dark. Especially with the dark burgundys, and greys, it's time to add some pop to your closet, and wardrobe! I call this watch a "must-have." What you really should look when shopping for jewelry, that it is memorable, and that no one else has. This watch is for sure a time piece to remember!

Our Not so Ugly Betty

America Ferrera otherwise known as from the 2 Golden Globe, 32 wins, and 16 nominations show Ugly Betty, has taken her style up ten notches. She is truly a fashion icon, and an amazing talented accomplished actress. She has had several quotes such as, "I think Hispanic women are beautiful with their curves. I'm not sure who feels that way in Hollywood. I was never told to lose 50 pounds. If they think that they just don't bother with you. You just don't get the role and you never know why. That's still better than physically harming yourself and becoming unhealthy just to star in a movie." And for sure, America looks great with her curvy body. In the picture to our left, she looks great in a fitted purple satin dress with a belt cinched at the waist. I love how it compliments her body so well, and proves that you don't need to lose weight to look good. Our favorite "It" girl is more than a celebrity, she knows what every girl feels like, inside and out. Do you think her outfit is cheap or chic? It's time to start posting!

Full of Lush

I searched my area to find the coolest, and hippest clothing boutique in the town. Luckily, my senses brought me to a little shop called, "Lush Boutique." It is run by Kathleen and Tracey McHole who opened the shop in 2001. Already, he had got attention in the famous magazine, "InStyle", and also on the media of fashion network. They feature brands such as Ella Moss, Rock & Republic, Juicy Couture, and the new designer Lauren Conrad (from The Hills). Now have relocated now to Eton on Chagrin Boulevard, Clevelend, OH. And hope to offer as many varitey of clothing as possible. And yes, their clothing is right from the runways and streets of New York. Their motto is, "A trendy spin on the classics, and a classy spin on the trends." That is something we so look forward to be listening to. To find out more, go to www.lushboutique.com

*On youtube, Fashion TV Network has a interview with one of the co-owners of Lush Boutique.