How to Rock Denim Shorts

Spring temperatures have risen, so hemlines should follow suit.  It's all about the chic denim short to celebrate the sunny days.  All of the big spring trends of embellishments, colors and fitted silhouettes look even sexier in mini lengths.  

Pre-1970's, jean cutoffs were a casual, even sloppy clothing item.  Then came a character named Daisy Duke on the hit TV show, The Dukes of Hazard.  Most Fashionistas have likely never even seen the show, yet they can all picture what this now iconic fashion item looks like.

What goes around comes around, as a fitted shirt tied to expose fit abs are just as relevant now as it was then.  A nicely cut top to show off ripped arms or a more dressy blouse can take the look from super casual to a night out.  Dress it up further with a chunky bracelet or long chain necklace.

Ready to get leggy?  It's an American tradition!

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock and Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

Photos courtesy of Kohls.com and CBS 

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How to Glam Day into Night Denim

Love to shine in the sun and shimmer at night?  I put together a group of my favorite trends this spring.  The big trends of printed denim as well as exotics are both found in this hot leopard print jean from Rock and Republic.  I gave it a luxe counterpart in metallic stingray clutch to carry at night.

Metallics are also an essential theme this spring, especially when your long day at work continues to partying at night.  This Rock and Republic sequined tank is sexy for dancing, but gives a little bit of edge under an office-friendly blazer.  When it gets cool, go for a trench coat with a subtle hint of gold to pull it all together.


Growing up, I always thought of jeans as a playtime item.  With the rise of casual workplaces and premium denim, designers are dressing denim up with upscale embellishments.  Pairing sophisticated accessories and a great heel elevates your 5-pocket wonder to a perfect outfit for any fab engagement.



Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock and  Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

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How to Rock Colored Denim for Spring

It’s all about color this spring.  If you’re looking for upscale or laid back looks, bright hues are the quickest way to update your closet.  If you’re looking for an edgier look, skinny, cropped jeans in a bold color pairs well with a lot of options.

I’m wearing Rock & Republic’s vivid blue skinny denim with their stud embellished tank top.  I added a red raincoat for  seasonal showers.  I mirrored the tiny studs on the top with an over-sized gun metal cluster necklace.  I topped my look with my Hubby's Italian wool hat and studded platform pumps.

Other ways to rock out this spring is to pair a lightweight knit tunic or bold print tank with white or red Hamburg Skinny Crop Jeans.  Add a motorcycle jacket or trench for chillier days.  Accessories like Bohemian headbands, fedora hat, dangling earrings or a statement necklace help to elevate the look from casual to high fashion.

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

Photos by Adam Weinstein and Robert McConnell

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Ladies Rule the Rock and Republic Runway for Kohls

It was a night of rock and roll style from kick-ass ladies.  Action star Zoe Saldana, model Molly Sims,musician Ashlee Simpson and actress Mena Suvari came out to celebrate the Rockand Republic collection launch for Kohl’s. 

The Hammerstein ballroom in midtown Manhattan was built out in an elaborate litrunway for a parade of edgy, rock-inspired denim fashions.  Tops were really sexy, with metallic fabrics,studded embellishments, sequins or shoulder-bearing cuts.  Jeans were slim, in a range of colors.  Really short shorts and miniskirt lengths bared sexy legs.

Accessories really brought edge to the runway looks. Feathered earrings and layered necklaces gave that rocker edge.  Chunky bracelets, sharp fedoras and compact little clutch purses elevated casual outfits to more sleek ensembles.  Colored pumps or studded platform heels kicked up the diva factor in footwear

Seeing the show styled so well with the accessories really helps me in my own denim dressing…I’m not a jeans girl on a regular basis.  I’m old school in feeling like I need to be put together anywhere I go.  The embellished tees and accented denim ensembles totally showed me that jeans can be a high fashion statement (without breaking the bank!).

I already picked out my favorites from shopping online last week.  After seeing the show, my new favorites are bright red jeans and the foil printed studded one-shoulder top.

Need a peek at the show?  Check out the video:

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

Photos by Mariana Leung and Glam director Robert McConnell   

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NYC's Hottest Guys at Kohl's Rock & Republic Launch

 Friday night, the famed Hammerstein Ballroom in New York hosted the city's hottest men.  ON the runway, a diverse mix of fit male models strutted out in edgy looks from Rock & Republic's new collection from Kohl's.  

Vests were tailored to show off the perfect chest or muscled arms.  Motorcycle jackets gave an edgy look over rock and roll printed graphic tees.  Jeans were long, straight with a great dark, and colored washes.  Accessories included cuffs, heavy belts and darted necklaces.  Athletic shoes were studded, crinkled leather dress shoes were posh.

Off the runway and down the red carpet, a dream team of hearthrobs from the show "Gossip Girl" made an appearance.  Representing both the tailored look and the scruffy ends of the spectrum, Ed Westwick and 

Penn Badgley made our GLAM blogger team swoon.  

More than a fashion show, it was a big party!  We danced with all the male eye candy to DJ Ruckus and I got to have my guy test drive the Rock & Republic jeans and tee at the end of the night.

Dan or Chuck?   Which runway look rocked your world?

Discuss below in our Rock & Republic chat!

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

Photos by Mariana Leung and Glam director Robert McConnell   

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Rock and Republic at Kohl's

Seven days and counting!  Fashion Week in NYC is almost upon us, and the event invitations are piling up… As part of the Kohl’s Rock and Republic blogger team, I am particularly excited to rock out at their launch event at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom. 

In preparation for said event, I experimented with the ever popular “smoky eye” look, guided by a playlist of makeup “how-to” videos on YouTube.  Hmm, there is definitely a "range" in the quality of programming.  As long as it’s more smoldering than smoke damage, I’m satisfied. 

The Kohl’s collaboration with Rock and Republic is officially available online today, and I chose my picks from the collection for fashion week.  I loved the skinny jeans in the dark wash that has some stretch. There was a skull print scarf/top combo that projected scary and sweet at the same time…Great for keeping people on edge.  I like a good blazer as a wardrobe staple.  The one from Rock and Republic makes it a bigger fashion statement with rhinestone tassel embellishments.  Très glam. 

The new collection also has some edgy shoes.  How much do these studded platform heels rule?  I'm going to do some serious butt-kicking in these (if I don't topple over first).  What I really love?  So far, I haven’t found anything that topped $100.  

Ok, now it's your turn, what show or event for New York Fashion Week are you most looking forward to?  And, of course, what will you wear?

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

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Win a Trip to NY Fashion Week! - #NYFW Survival Kit

Mariana, aka Ms. FABulous in the photographer's pit at Lincoln Center

Gird your loins...NY Fashion week is almost here.  Anyone who is working in some capacity can say good-bye to sleep for the next few weeks.

Designers are biting their nails waiting for their samples, praying models won’t be naked on the runway.  Publicists are swimming through tens of thousands of egos and invitation requests.  Photographers, journalists and bloggers are gearing up and sorting itineraries of conflicting shows…And I love it!

I have worked on all sides of the runway in my career.  This season, I will be going as blogger and photographer.  I am culling my looks together for events where I need to be chic (particularly excited about Kohl’s Rock & Republic Launch Fashion Show and Party!)  

Alternatively, I am also stocking up on hard toe boots, layered clothing and memory sticks for shows where I'll duke it out in that pirate's crew they call the photographer's pit.  

My Fashion Week survival kit: 

-Water and raw almonds (counter balance those cocktails and lack of meal times)
-iPhone with my essential NYFW apps: Fashion GPS, Yelp, Instagram, HootSuite 

-Foldable slippers (only non-humans can wear platform heels for 16 hours a day)

-Compact for beauty touch-ups (ok, realistically, blotting when you sweat in the photo pit) 

Have your invite yet? Glam Media is sending Fashionistas to NY fashion week with a full-on makeover at Rock & Republic, tickets to the big runway show, airfare, hotel and spending money.  RSVP through their sweepstakes right here. 

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

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FAB Sale Alerts: Kooba, McQ by Alexander McQueen and More...

In NYC:

Kooba Sample Sale

Sexy, sophisticated handbags from one of my favorite designers. Designer Abbe Held counts Hayden Pannetiere,

Tuesday, April 20th ,10:00 am - 8:00 pm
141 West 36th Street, Between Broadway and 7th Avenue

Paul & Shark Sample Sale
Italian-made casual pieces for the guys up to 70% off retail...
Tuesday, April 27th - Thursday, April 29th
79 Madison Avenue (near 28th street) suite 1206

Saks 5th Ave:

Check out the friends and family event with this coupon April 22 - April 25. It's good for shopping in-store or online.

Online:
McQ by Alexander McQueen on Gilt.com Tuesday.

Cynthia Rowley on RueLaLa Tuesday.

Rock & Republic on Ideeli Wednesday.

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FAB Sales Picks: Betsey Johnson, Rock & Republic, Cynthia Rowley...

NYC:

Betsey Johnson accessories and apparel are 50% -80% off at the sample sale.

Through 4/16/10: Millennium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St., nr. Sixth Ave., sixth fl.

(212-993-9251); W–F (10–10).

Elie Tahari Menswear, womenswear, shoes, and handbags are 70 to 80 percent off at their sample sale. The black jersey jeweled halter dress is $129 (originally $698) and metallic leather sandals with beaded detailing are $99 (originally $498).

Through 4/17/10: 510 Fifth Ave., nr. 43rd St. (212-398-2622);

T–F (8:30–7:30), S (10–5).

Rock & Republic is having their first warehouse sale! All denim is only $80. You'll also find men's, women's and kid's, denim, tops, outerwear, cosmetics and accessories.
4/16/10 - 4/18/10: 123 W. 18th St (Metropolitan Pavilion) 4th Floor, (212) 463-0071
Fri 4pm-9pmSat - Sun 9am-7pm

Online:

Cynthia Rowley and Clinique cosmetics on Gilt.com Wednesday 4/14/10,

Marc by Marc Jacobs on 4/15/10, alson on Gilt.

Earnest Sewn for men and women on Ruelala.com on Thursday 4/15/10.

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