Just Beachy!

So with the introduction of Guild Weekly Outfit Challenges, guild members have even more competitive energy in them as they try to come up with the most stylish and creative outfits for the week's theme. I love this idea and love seeing the entries! So this inaugural week, the theme was Beach Day, which is fabulous since I've been sweltering in 80 degree weather lately! Anyways, here are just a couple highlights so far!


Sarah_Hilton
I usually don't like the real clothes into CYO look, but this was really smart to not take just a bikini and slap it on the diva, but to take the bikini top and pair it with jean shorts. The overall look is great and the color scheme works: muted and beachy and simple, which is exactly what you want when you go to the beach: something hassle-free! Also, the accessories are to die for! Love the use of the arm band!


Clariss
This is another lovely competition entry by Clariss, who I remember was features (and won?) for the Dress Your Diva Like a Star Competition. Again, it's a very simple look that's not just a bikini, but a bikini top paired with shorts for a different spin to it. It's casual but still classically beautiful and the towel and sunscreen are great additions to look!

Addiction

So, there's been quite a bit going on around the Diva Chix forums lately, namely all the new features we have. But the main thing that has me addicted to the forums and has me up to all hours of the night/early morning is the arcade. I am seriously addicted to the games! And to be honest, I'm not even that good at them! But there's really only one game that I play, actually. And it's Mahjongg. It's ridiculous how intense I get about this arcade game, but I am determined to get a high score in that, especially now that people have taken away the two high scores I used to hold, haha.

And another feature I adore is the forum visitors messages. It's so easy to just post something there now and chat. Don't have to worry about your PM box filling up all the time, which happens wayyy too often for me. Now, I don't even send too many PM's when I have visitor messages. It's fabulous and so convenient. I love it. Ahh, the forums are so much fun now. And now there are that many more reasons for me to never sign out of DC.

Rainy Day Post

So, let's talk about rain.
It sucks. It's wet and messes up your hair and it's cold. And it's just sad.
Sometimes, I prefer snow to rain, because at least it's not...wet.

Well, lucky me, I live in New England where it's wet wet wet all the time. And rainboots are an investment you must make. So, here are some tips on Wellies plus a bit of rambling by me in video form!



=]

Video Blog

So, just wanted to try something new and chat with you all via a VLOG!

OTD- Obsessive Trishy Disorder

Recently, a new clique has sprung up. It's for the sufferers of a common psychological/emotional disorder: Obsessive Trishy Disorder, known simply as OTD. Doctors suggest you read the following to compare your symptoms and make a thorough diagnosis. The best way to kick this disorder is to just embrace it and get some group therapy.

The following is taken from the OTD Support Group:

This is the clique for all of you who love Trishy- or perhaps even have an obsession with this woman. There is no cure for this obsession, it's beyond an obsession- it's an addiction.



This is the clique for those of us who get butterflies each time she posts.
This is the clique for those of us who have found the meaning of true love in Trishy.
This is the clique for those of us who can be found in Trishy's 20 most recent profile views on a daily basis- just so we can get our daily fix of Trishy.
This is the clique for the many lovers of Trishy.

The way her name shines up in red,
The way she's so lovely and pure,
the way when she posts in your thread,
you're hooked and you just want more.

She's tastier than chocolate
and soon the cravings take over your soal,
after a while of not talking to trishy,
your heart feels a great gaping hole.


Daily Trishy update:
Today Trishy woke up at lunch time.
Today Trishy spoke to her mum on the phone.

Quote of the day:
Our favourite Trishy quote today has to be this-

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trishy Kool! I love anything Harry Potter

The way she uses K on Kool is just so... kool!
Trishy is such a Kool cat!
If Trishy loves Harry Potter, I do too!

Diva Battles

Alas, it's lucky number seven.

What am I talking about?

Well, Battle Ladder Season Six has just closed out and this means that Season Seven is now beginning! So because the number seven is just so lucky, shouldn't you be getting onto the Diva Chix site right now to try your hand at seeing if you can knock those other divas off the ladder to claim the top spot?!

Get battling!

And congrats to those who placed in Season Six!

Hilary Duff

Where has Hilary Duff even been recently? Well, apparently she's still up and about since she was photographed here. However, it's not her most shining moment, fashion-wise.



Here Hilary is wearing a rather matronly dress. It's not flattering to her figure at all. Not only that but what is up with that Flapper-fringe at the bottom? It's just overkill! It's not doing anything for the dress except foreshortening her: making her legs look really short and stumpy! What's more is that the 8 inches of excessive fringe seems to be coming from within the skirt of the dress and it goes straight down while the very end of the dress flairs out a bit like an inverted tulip. Tell me how that was even considered a good idea, somebody! Please enlighten me!

While her outfit and accessories make her look rather old, Hilary's hair actually just doesn't fit at all. It's looking rather unstyled and young compared to the rest of her look. It needs to be a bit more polished to fit with the form-hugging clingy black dress.

One positive note to this outfit: the belt. I like the belt, but wish it was in a bright red or something because this outfit is screaming funeral at me right now. I'm feeling like maybe Hilary, having been out of the spotlight for a while due to younger Disney starlets taking her place, is trying too hard to grow up and away from Disney by going to the other extreme: mommy dearest style. And to be frank, it's just not working! Act your age, Hilary!

Trend Talk

Alright, so this is one of my favorite trends of this winter season. Yes, I do realize that (hopefully) spring is right around the corner, however, I can't not talk about this!

So what recent trend am I talking about, exactly?

The return of the leg-warmers!



I just love how practical but fashionable this accessory is! It's so chic and trendy, but so effortless too!

To pull off this look, all you need are leg-warmers, straight/skinny jeans, and tall boots. Just wear the leg-warmers over your jeans and tuck your jeans and leg-warmers into your boots and voila! It looks as though your boots have new flair because of the leg-warmers peeking out over the top!

Also, a different spin on this that I also find fun: funky, colorful knee-high cotton socks instead of leg-warmers. Does the same trick, but can be tucked into tighter boots because of thinner material. I got a pack of three knee-high socks in grey, pink/fuchsia argyle, and pink, white, fuchsia stripes! So much fun and so much pop for the dull grey winter!

Apologies

Sorry for the lack of posting this week. I've been sick for the past few days and just not in the right mood or mindset to post anything here that would be interesting.

I appreciate your readership, however, and I shall post actual entries again soon!

Oscars Fashion

Alright, so the hot buzz going on right now is the Oscars, which took place this past Sunday. I would've had this post up sooner had I not been swamped with work. Critiquing fashion takes a lot more time and energy than posting news updates, just so you all know! But anyways, I'm just going to select a few Oscars outfits and speak my mind about them. Enjoy! [Note: Photo Credit to Just Jared and one other site that I can't recall at the moment...]

Miley Cyrus

I really don't understand the hype about this dress. I personally don't find it to be all that flattering at all. It resembles fish scales and is far too mature for Miley. Plus, it's not a very good color choice either as it washes her out a bit. I just don't get the mermaid-esque style, however, I must admit that I'm loving all the crystal-detailing.

Robert Pattinson

If there's ever a time to clean up and look nice and presentable, it's at the Oscars. Somehow, even in a tux, RPattz is looking rather like a creeper. I think it might have something to do with how awkward he looks in a tux and in a bowtie! It's actually quite off-putting to the point of creepiness! Or it could just be that he looks like no matter how hard he scrubs or how often he shaves, he just looks like a dirty, hairy hobo. And it doesn't help that his hair is all weird and disheveled in a way that's not the usual mess but isn't an improvement at all. And also, his tux is shiny...like his character was glittery. Awkward. Just awkward. Wait a minute. I just realized something...is his tux...leather?! or am I just seeing it that way?!

Evan Rachel Wood

Wearing my new favorite designer, Elie Saab, Evan Rachel Wood makes up for the fact that her boyfriend, Marilyn Manson, creeps me out. They look like they would be complete opposites, considering how elegant and classy she looks in this gown, but alas, I won't hold her boyfriend against her, because nothing could tarnish this outfit here. It is just perfect and everything is to the T, including her hair. I just love Elie Saab and this gown is perfect. I particularly love the weaving detail of the bodice and the lovely, flowing train. My only wish is that she chose a different color! This gown is the same color as her skin tone and washes her out completely!

Angelina Jolie

You can't talk Oscars and fashion without mentioning Angelina Jolie. I actually don't really like all the hype that surrounds her and Brad Pitt. I feel like they are trying to play it off that they don't like it either, but they purposely made sure to be the last ones to arrive, to ensure all eyes would be on them. I think that's a bit pretentious there and rather conceited, if it's true, which I would believe. Anyways, back to fashion since that's the whole point of this blog. Angelina looks, as always, very poised and statuesque, but a bit cold and rigid in this dress. I love the dress itself, however, and it does wonders for her figure. However, I hate the styling of the hair and the accessories selection here. The hair is too old and the jewelry too tacky for my tastes.

Natalie Portman

Finally, some color! There were a lot of washed out celebrities on the red carpet this past Sunday including the two mentioned above and Anne Hathaway. There were also some celebrities who were wearing creamy whites but who didn't end up too washed out too, such as Jennifer Aniston, Penelope Cruz, and Sarah Jessica Parker. However, that's still a whole lot of ivory color! I'm in love with this gown by Rodarte that Natalie Portman is wearing and I love that she decided to go with a color! And a color that is actually quite uncommon and bold for the Oscars, too! I really like the detailing on this gown from the pleating and whatnot of the bodice to the crystal details. It's just so very elegant and perfect for this occasion!

Sarah Jessica Parker

Although she's wearing white, which is starting to get on my nerves now since everyone wore white or off-white to the Oscars, I have to say that Sarah Jessica Parker is looking so stunning in this Dior Haute Couture gown. I am just so in love with this dress! Granted, I'm not a fan of the bottom with the chunky striped, poufy material, but the bodice completely makes up for it because you don't really pay too much attention to the bottom when it's got a top like that! I think the thing that makes me so ga-ga in love with this dress is the belt. It's so very chic and modern, and different! It's to die for!

Beyonce Knowles

Alright, so you know that Beyonce will show up to any red carpet in a form hugging dress because she's just so bootylicious and in love with her curves. To be honest, I'm quite sick of it. I want her to switch it up and do something unexpected for a change! However, here, she's in yet another sleek dress that is actually rather tacky with the pattern on it. And I really have no clue what's up with the neckline of the gown or what happened to the mermaid's tail style train with all the pleats. This is just a no-go for me!

Freida Pinto

Another starlet who decided to do color! I'm glad Freida's in color, although with her complexion, she could've definitely pulled off the cream color. Aside from the color, I don't really have much else that is positive to say about this dress, which is quite a pity since Freida Pinto is such a lovely girl! Sure, I can see the Indian influence of her culture in this dress, particularly in the sleeve that reminds me of a sari, however, the rest of the dress is too gauzy and cheap looking to me, especially with all the glitter. Again, such a pity she didn't choose a better gown as she's looking so beautiful with her hair and makeup here!

Treasure Trove!

So, you might have seen my post about the mysterious Treasure Trove section of the forums on Diva Chix. Well, it has been announced today what this section is. It's a forum game! Here's the official announcement from Pirate Bree:

TREASURE TROVE

Avast ye hardies!
Here be the rules o' the game:

The first one t' correctly unlock the Treasure Trove will be our winner. "How do I do that," you might ask? By findin' the password o' course! We be havin' hidden all o' the letters t' the password here an' thar around the forums. Startin' wi' the clue at the end o' this announcement, follow the hints an' find all the letters. Once ye've found all the letters, unscramble them t' find our password. The password will unlock the Trove, an' first swabbie t' post a reply in it be the winner!

Now, off wi' ye! The booty hunt begins!

First Clue:
Come seek me where Muggle voices sound,
I can be seen lying around,
And while your searching, ponder this -
At the start I'd surely be hard to miss.....

LATE RULE:
Please take a screenshot of each letter you find. This way we know you actually found them all.

So, ahoy, mateys! Get a diggin' for that gold! I hear Aryanna [imnoangell99] already has 10 clues and Pandori has 9! My tip for you all? Search both land and sea! Arggggh!

Pseudo-Celebdom on DC?

dSo, there was a minor fuss going around this weekend about a user posing as SammSeduction. To be quite honest, I've never even heard of this girl before so I wouldn't have assumed her to be posing as anyone. However, my sources tell me she is a "MySpace scene kid." I personally don't understand how people are getting famous off MySpace. I've given up MySpace years ago, but I'm astounded that all you really need to be famous now is a digital camera, internet connection, a computer, and a MySpace account. I guess having wildly styled hair or "Scene" style doesn't hurt.

But anyways, I guess this fuss is all over because we really do have a MySpace scene kid who is semi-famous on the Diva Chix site. How she found the site or why she uses it is unknown, but I guess all that really matters is that she's here. And that she's proven to us that she really is here.



So I guess, this is another instance of where Diva Chix virtual fashion meets real life "celebrity" scene fashion, if you could really call "scene" a type of fashion and if you can really call MySpace girls celebrities that is...

Evie's Freebies!

So with the news that the Divas are going to be replaced with the old Doll bases from the other site, a lot of CYO makers are starting to make the transition into creating outfits for this new base. One of these CYO makers is the lovely Evie (LladyLlama). However, unlike most other CYO creators on the site, Evie creates clothes strictly as Freebies to give away for the use of all members of DC.

And what's greater yet is that she doesn't merely resize real-life items into doll form like most other CYO creators, such as myself (who just started yesterday, mind you!). No, Evie creates her designs on her laptop with PSP and, now, a Photoshop trial. And these designs are all straight out of her own imagination and not from your everyday mall store!



See for yourself here! Everything is made from scratch by hand by Evie! Look at the shading on that! I personally love the shape of the skirt. It's so fresh and pretty! And I also love the belt. It's definitely something I would want to have in my own wardrobe and my Diva's!

According to Evie, she finds it more rewarding to everybody if she just gives away her designs in her Freebies thread. Although, she would like to open a shop one day if she can manage to save up some coins. Personally, I think that she should definitely open up a shop and actually get something for her hard work. However, I think it's very sweet of her to keep giving things away to us!

Evie doesn't design just one style of clothes either. She likes to just go with whatever ideas are floating around in her head. Things range from the simple to the very unique, such as the above top. I find this top with the turned up collar to be very avant garde and unique. Actually, it reminds me of a dress designed by Christian Siriano on Project Runway!

Overall, I think it's great that Evie is designing all of these clothes for us without even making a profit or anything. It's very generous of her and I'm sure it's taking up a lot of her time to design these CYOs for the DC population. So I just wanted to give her some recognition here and showcase her fabulous work to those out there who haven't had the chance to stumble upon it.

Now, I can't wait to get the old Dolls back and dress her in these outfits! Thanks, Evie!

Dazzling Diva Danielle

Miss Danielle is currently ranked 47. What an accomplishment to be ranked under 50! I just had a lovely interview with this lovely girl and got to look into her head to see how she accomplished this amazing task of getting so very high up on the rankings and how her fashion sense in real life match up to her Diva senses!




How long have you been playing Diva Chix?
Since August 2008.

What keeps you coming back to the site?
The friends and because it's fun.

What do you like about the site?
The ranking: it makes it fun and allows you to have a goal of getting to number one.

What do you like about the forums?
Meeting new people and talking to friends.

How do you get your inspirations for your Diva's outfits?
Most of the time mine they are just a last minute creation or I look at top dolls outfits for inspiration.

So, do you design your own clothes?
I do not. I usually buy them from other shops.

How does your fashion sense in real life compare to your Diva's?
It's very different. Recently my diva has been wearing things I would wear.

How did you get to your high rank?
Battling a ton and working on hitting ranks.

What advice would you give to somebody just starting out?
Enter HON as much as you can and work on all of your stats.

What do you think about the switch over to the Dolls?
I think it'll be a refreshing change to Diva Chix even though I'll miss the divas.

What are you favorite trends? Least favorite?
My favorite would be scarfs and my least favorite...I don't have anything. I love all of the trends.

Who are your fashion icons?
I personally don't have one. I just dress how I like.

Who on Diva Chix do you look up to?
The top divas.

Who would you want to meet on Diva Chix?
Everyone personally. Everyone just seems so nice and friendly.

If you could raid any celebrity's closet, whose would you choose?
Miley Cyrus.

If you won a shopping spree at any store, where would you choose?
Forever 21.

DC Celeb Look-Alikes

So, with the new Dress Your Diva Like A Star Competition running on DC, there are lots of famous faces on the site! Here are a few of the entries that I really enjoyed so far!

Lily Allen by clariss

I just love the little sailor outfit here and I love that it's not just a manipulated real image. Great work!

Britney Spears by Debz

Everybody loves a comeback story! And Britney Spears did just that. She's back and looking fabulous and Debz's Diva looks so hot!

Xena Warrior Princess by ami7mina

This is truly such a unique outfit here! Who would've thought to dress their Diva as a warrior princess? It's such a risky move but she's totally a stand-out Diva!

Fashion Week Finale

So Fashion Week in New York officially ended yesterday so now, I will give my final insights on the fashions coming up for Fall 2009. So, basically, what did I see and think about this?

Victorian-Influence
I quite like the fact that we're being transported back to Victorian-Era England and we get very classy, flirty, sophisticated and fun fashions. I really love this influence. It's very lovely and girly.

Structure
I loved the mix of structure mixed with free, unstructured things. It's just a great juxtaposition and to have the balance, makes things look very well put together and thought out.

Baggy Dresses
There were lot of shapeless and baggy dresses. Granted, they looks fine if they were cinched at the waist to give it a shape, but otherwise, it just looked like a sack.

Colors
So, color wise, there are a lot of options. I saw a lot of dreary colors, but thankfully, I saw a lot of bright colors, too. I saw a lot of rich colors that I'm looking forward to adding to my closet.

Basically, there are a lot of options out there for this fall. There are options for every style and every personality, so hopefully, there will be great contributions to our closets coming up soon!

Friday Fashion: Tommy Hilfiger and Zac Posen

Alrighty, we're starting our countdown to the close of Fashion Week, which ends tonight. However, my official finale will not be until tomorrow! But here are some highlights from yesterday's shows to tide you over until the big closing party!

Tommy Hilfiger



Yes, yet another very truly American designer. Everything about Tommy Hilfiger is very true to the American dream and the American lifestyle. It's also very classic, but sophisticated at the same time.

So first off, we have a lovely jacket paired with knee high boots and what looks like a detective's hat. The whole color scheme of this reminds me of Sherlock Holmes, especially with the shape of that hat! However, I have to admit that the jacket is just lovely. I like that the buttons are off center so it's more of a wrapping coat. I just find it very chic and very much to be Upper East Side!

Next up we have what, to me, is revamped and edged out Audrey Hepburn. I love this look, despite the hat! The little black dress is perfect and so form-fitting. And then with the long trench jacket, the refinement of the dress is taken out a bit and replaced with some flirty, edgy toughness. It's such a fine balance of class and roughness and the patent boots are so perfectly fitted for this look.

Okay, I'm all for the whole menswear made feminine thing. But I'm not a fan of menswear straight up without any femininity, which is what we get here. This looks just like a men's suit with no attempt to make it look flattering for the female body. Sure, the pants have a bit of tapering, but overall, this suit does not look like anything a woman would put on, unless she was going for the whole drag thing.

Zac Posen




Ah, we're getting so much Victorian-era inspired clothing this year. I am quite in love with this style! It's so very feminine and flirty and fun! It's to die for! Basically, with Zac Posen, here we have very ruffly Victorian-esque fashion. Which is not something I'll complain about too much!

First up is a rather mild ensemble. It's not too flashy or bold, but is still very unique and pretty. The skirt has the right amount of flowiness and the jacket looks both fashionable and practical. I love the tights. They're sequined! I want them! And I love the shoes: they're like ballerina shoes! Overall, this has the perfect mix of structure and freeness, and calmness with a splash of flair.

This dress is very clearly Victorian-inspired. However, I'm not so sure how I feel about it. From the waist up, I'm in love. I love the details of the top part of this dress. It's ruffly and flirty and pretty! And I love a high neck! However, the rest of the dress is just off for me. I'm not sure how I feel about the pattern of the silk, nor am I a fan of using that material for a Victorian-era dress. Or that color even. It's a bit too bold for such a demure period. It it were a bit muted, the color would've fit in better with the style it's aiming for, although, I suppose it is supposed to be modernized a bit.

Last up is the perfect balance of modern meets past. It's actually a great mix of a lot of contradictory elements: light and dark, heavy and light, flirty and serious, structured and free. I quite enjoy this look. I really like the shape of the skirt. It's very unique with its tiers. It reminds me of an inverted flower. I also like the top which reminds me of equestrian-style clothing. The belt is the perfect addition here. It's so richly detailed and just so beautiful! And the shoes, I'm not sure what's going on with them, but they're something that just attract my attention!

Treasure Trove?

So what's this I hear about a new section of the DivaChix forums called "Treasure Trove"? Is this going to be a place to get rich? Is it a place for the rich? What exactly is a trove anyways? Is it the same as a cove?

Well, the best theory out there so far is from Aiden [xxAiDeNxx] who says:
It's where them mods can bring sexy back without getting mocked by the non-mods.

Too true. We bringin' sexyback. Them other boys don't know how to act.

Sorry, hope you guys aren't too jealous of my very sexy back. And I know I wouldn't be mocked for it either!

But I guess we're just going to all wait and see what exactly this "Treasure Trove" thing is...Hope it's as sexy as my back!

Anna Sui & Michael Kors Recap

Alrighty, so once again, I'm pairing up two very different designers and displaying their art together for you to see. Anna Sui and Michael Kors have very different aesthetics and very diverse target audiences. However, I, for one, quite enjoy both designers, depending on my mood. So I hope you enjoy this little recap here.

Anna Sui



Anna Sui is a very youth-oriented designer: catering to the likes of Taylor Momsen and other young starlets, as well as the trendy teen. I personally prefer Anna Sui to Marc Jacobs or Betsey Johnson because it's such a different youthfulness. It's a completely different type of playfulness. I find the line to be a bit more flirty but classy in its frivolity. Here, I would call this Victorian-era frolicks. I'm not quite sure how I feel about the neck piece in the first outfit, but the rest of that dress reminds me of idyllic pasture-sides and running through the fields and peasants. It's quite refreshing!

Outfit two reminds me of a slight transition into the city-life with the knit-hat. Sure, the print is still very reminiscent of peasant, rural life, but that hat reminds me of cold London. And yes, I'm thinking Jane Austen meets Charles Dickens here, for some odd reason. Here, I like the little accent piece at the neck. It's very sophisticated looking, but still fun in the print and color.

And then lastly, we have Sasha Pivovarova in a dress that reminds me of a dark fairy princess. Oh, how in love with this dress I am! How in love with this entire get-up, I am! There's stars galore and gold glitter and tulle and a tiara! All that's missing is a fairy wand and wings and I'd be set! I can't help but to be in love. It's like the dark tooth fairy, here!

Michael Kors



And now a bit of a more toned down show with Michael Kors, the "quintessential American designer." Everything about Michael Kors is very classic and rather straightforward. Even my own mother finds MK to be a bit boring at times. However, I still like the designs and I quite like some of these here. Starting with the first dress, I feel like I'm looking at a Ralph Lauren dress, but not really. It's a very classy dress that I could see being worn in the Hampton's in the late summer. Although, I must admit, I'm not sure about how I feel on the neckline poofs or the fabric.

Next up is the defining picture of Michael Kors. You look at this and you can tell right off the bat it's MK. It's just so Michael Kors! It's menswear turned feminine. I love the blazer with the cinched waist and belt and the oversized shoulders. They play off of each other so nicely! This is the perfect picture of sophistication and the American dream!

Alright, when I saw this last picture, I stopped and literally went, "What the hell is that?!" And then I looked closer and saw that it's a hideous neon pink fluffy hat that reminds me of a poodle on that model's head. But if you just look from the neck down here, which you might not do since your eyes just can't stop staring at the hat, you see something rather bold for Michael Kors. Not only is the color so bright and flashy, but the structure and shape of this outfit is thrown out the window. I love the structure of most things by Michael Kors, but this just doesn't have that. It's very loose and actually, I'm still confused by it. However, I'll give some credit to MK and say, "Hey, at least he paired it with something slimming on the bottom to balance it out." That's always my biggest concern, if you haven't noticed this already.

So anyways, these are the shows from Wednesday. Tomorrow, I'll post two of the following: Christian Siriano, Zac Posen, or Tommy Hilfiger. Depends on my mood. Then Saturday, I'll post my Fashion Week Finale to close out the events. So stay tuned!

Fashion Week: Marc by Marc Jacobs and Badgley Mischka

Alright, so yes, I realize that Marc by Marc Jacobs and Badgley Mischka together in the same post brings such clashing aesthetics together, but I figured, Marc by Marc Jacobs usually can't really be put in any other group aside from with its sister line, Marc Jacobs, but that post is already done. So I'm throwing MMJ and Badgley Mischka into a mixing pot and we're going to analyze them both here. Hopefully, you'll be able to identify one from the other. If not, I've got clear labels for you!

Marc by Marc Jacobs



So, by now, I hope you realize that Marc Jacobs is usually a bit off kilter and you expect something a bit wacky from the Marc by Marc Jacobs line. For those of you who are a bit behind, MMJ is the sister line of Marc Jacobs and is more for the younger crowd. Even more specifically, it's for the urban hip teen scene. However, I really don't know how anybody could feel glamorous in hiking boots.

In the first outfit, all I can even think about is lumberjacks and Paul Bunyan. Red plaid with baggy sweatpants and hiking boots? Am I seeing this correctly? Did that really go down the runway? Who would wear that out? Certainly not I. I would not be caught going out on the town in that get-up! Alright, take the plaid short top alone with a black skinny jean and ankle booties, yes, then it might work because you're mixing shapes, but as it is now, I just can't see anyway anybody but woodsmen in Montana would be willing to put this ensemble together. Although, I have to say, it's a cute handbag!

Then, the second outfit, kind of redeems the first one. It's a lot more realistic in terms of what the average teen or twenty-something, like myself, would wear. I love the simple black top paired with the flirty, ruffly bold skirt and the wide buckle belt. I actually like the bit of the woodsy flair in the thick socks here because it's not a full-on lumberjack outfit! However, I say ditch the hat. The scarf here works to give a bit of color to the top half, since the black top with just one small embellishment is rather boring. However, as a whole, I approve of this outfit.

Lastly, we have a bit of a more formal outfit. I'm a bit lost in my feelings toward this dress. For one, I love bubble skirts. However, here, with the overall shape of this dress, I'm feeling like the dress is waist is too high to be flattering. Also, the neckline reminds me of dresses I used to wear when I was seven at my piano recitals. It's just not very elegant. However, I like the use of kitschy striped socks and legwarmers to tone down the dress and make it a bit more casual. However, I'm not completely sold on either this dress of this collection for this season, unfortunately.

Badgley Mischka



Now, let's turn our attention to something a bit more high class than Marc by Marc Jacobs. Yes, I realize it's a very sharp turn to get to Badgley Mischka, but no worries! I'm going to hold your hand the entire time and guide you carefully here.

So the show started off simply enough with black dresses. Actually, the entire show basically consisted of all dresses and gowns, which is a nice change from the rest of the shows I've been paying attention to. It definitely does set Badgley Mischka apart from everyone else since even their ready-to-wear is so not ready-to-wear, but in a really good way. But I guess that's just part of their charm!

Anyways, back to the black dresses. Even the simple black dress here is not even as simple as it looks. I really love the draping of the skirt and the mix of structure in the top with the flowiness of the bottom. However, I'm not sure how I feel about the overall shape of the dress: the top seems really bulky to me and not really too special, but I guess the weightiness of it could be beacuse of the fabric used. But I guess the contrast between that and the gauzy skirt are interesting: just not my cup of tea.

From the "minimalistic" black dresses, the show progressed towards more glitzy items such as this detailed silver and black dress. The silver embellishments here contrasting with the black gauzy material remind me of Indian saris. I actually really love the one strap and slanted neckline here. It's very elegant. However, this dress is a bit too loud for my tastes, although the detailing on the strap of the gown is just to die for.

Lastly, we have a simpler gown. Again, it's all about draping here. It's done so nicely that the material just flows and looks Grecian. It's absolutely fabulous, especially with the arm band. I love the folds on the top and the waist as it adds to the whole Greek goddess imagery. The color would not have been my first choice, but seeing as it's for fall, I'll let it slide. My other concern is, as always, the shape. The problem with most Grecian-influenced dresses is the probability that it'll end up being a bit too flowing that it leaves the wearer looking like she's swimming in fabric or pregnant. You all know what I'm talking about: it's been happening with a lot of clothing styles lately, especially babydoll tops. Basically, what I'm saying is that designers and shoppers need to be more careful and body-conscious when it comes to flattering shapes!

So Long Divas...

So it has been officially announced that DivaChix will be reverting back to the use of the DollWar Dolls, implementing a new website interface, and changing website features. I think this is a change that most DivaChix members have been hoping for, but I can't help but to feel a bit sad that my Diva will be leaving now. Good thing I have a screenshot or two saved of her. But I'm actually pretty excited, too, to have the Doll back, especially since we get the wardrobe back.

But as Anya (xScarlet_) has suggested, let's throw a party and celebrate and say so long to our Diva's properly since we will be getting full refunds on all clothes now. Dress the Divas in wacky outfits and send her off fashionably!



It actually reminds me of the old DollWar days of UDRU Ugly Battles! Let the hilarity ensue!

Tinkerbell Kait

So I came across one of our lovely Forum Supervisors wearing this lovely ensemble created by the one and only Perrie. I am a huge fan of Perrie and a huge fan of Tinkerbell. I just love this outfit, but I think that it doesn't really leave a lot of room for the user buying the outfit to add a lot of creativity to it. But that being said, it's the same for most CYO outfits because I think shoppers want to get a complete outfit for their money's worth.

Anyways, Kait (HeartBreaker) does a great job choosing the perfect makeup and hair to go with this outfit! It's totally Tinkerbell! And as always, great work Perrie in creating yet another fabulous outfit and a great background too! Kudos Kait and Pea!

Fall Fashion Fun: Marc Jacobs and Betsey Johnson

Alright, so looking at the Marc Jacobs and Betsey Johnson fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear collections, I feel transported back in time to the 80s and 90s. I usually absolutely adore everything Marc Jacobs does and am always so intrigued by Betsey Johnson. I must admit that this time around, I wasn't fully thrilled, sadly.

Marc Jacobs



Usually, when I'm asked about my favorite designer, the first name to pop into my head is Marc Jacobs. I love the youthful but still classic in its own way styles. However, with this collection, I just felt a bit bored. Yes, things were still fabulous, but I think my taste is changing a bit but Marc Jacobs fashions aren't really changing with me.

So the first outfit is really...something. It reminds me of something Blair Waldorf or one of her Upper East Side elites would wear on Gossip Girl. I actually really like the masculine, baggy sweater cinched at the waist with the belt and paired with that skirt. I also find the jacket, bag, and gloves to really give that socialite feel to the outfit. However, the hair and makeup are so out of place here. The outfit is actually really trendy socialite but the hair and makeup are just..not. It reminds me of 1980s punk princess. Especially with those gaudy earrings!

The second outfit definitely screams Marc Jacobs to me. The floral print definitely gives it away, but actually is reminiscent of Monet to me. It's actually quite adorable to me, this outfit. Also, I really do like the detail of the neckline. That's also very definitive of Marc Jacobs to me.

The last dress isn't really doing anything for me. It definitely reminds me of 80s prom, especially with that hair. However, the dress itself isn't really all that spectacular. It's a bit boring and overdone for me. I guess I'm just trying to move forward in fashion and Marc Jacobs is trying to bring us back in time.

Betsey Johnson



When you think of Betsey Johnson, are you like me and instantly think of hot pink, polka dots, bright patterns, and tulle everywhere? That's the thing about Betsey Johnson: everything is just so out there and wacky, but I don't really ever find anything to be exactly wearable except if you're going to a Barbie-themed sweet sixteen, or sweet 28th if you're Paris Hilton....Awkward.

Well, anyways, Betsey Johnson didn't do a runway show. She did a showing in her "Betsey Johnson Kitchen" in her showroom. How very unexpected, but yet, something you should totally expect of Betsey Johnson!

So let's get started with this review. Just looking at the hair and makeup, I instantly feel like I'm in 1990s Seattle in the middle of the Grunge era. It's actually pretty fun how she paired the Grunge look with poof! It's really cool and the juxtaposition works for me.

The first outfit is definitely something I would never think to wear but when I look at it, I'm just so drawn in and interested! Betsey Johnson has a way of putting together kooky outfits that might not look "right" but upon closer examination, you see how perfectly they do work because the pieces do mesh well in a weird way but can still be taken apart and can stand alone separately. In this outfit, I just love the skirt. It's so playful and flirty, and I love how it's toned down a bit by the jacket. I love the use of colors that don't usually go together here: yellow, red, green, and purple. How daring!

The second outfit here is just like really out there and so Betsey Johnson. I actually really love the tights and jacket here, but I'm really not loving the dress. At all. The dress is just way too far out there to even be redeemed by the 90s style jacket. It's just too much poof and girliness and fluff!

Then we get to the final dress. I actually like this this dress paired with the belt. It just reminds me of ballerina gone bad because of all the tulle. It's something I could actually see someone wearing out: for decades night. But in all seriousness, I do like the dress. I'm not a fan of the mesh top underneath it, though. I just don't see this being something really very wearable. But then again, how often do you see people wearing Betsey Johnson clothing exactly as styled in the streets everyday? Not very often. I think everything is done more for the shock value than for any other style value, here.

DVF & Miss Sixty: Ready-To-Wear

Alright, time to continue on with a few more show recaps. My, how I love Fashion Week and ogling these clothes! Trust me when I tell you that I'm absolutely in love with the blog because it's just so much fun to critique and analyze clothes and discuss fashion and DivaChix all at the same time. It's just a party for me!

Now anyways, let me stay on topic! First up: Diane von Furstenberg!

Diane von Furstenberg




So I'm sensing a tribal-influence in the fall collection here. DVF is using such bold prints and patterns and mixing different fabrics. It's a very energized collection, actually, which is great and a great change from the very stiff, dreary, and bleak collections of some other fashion houses.

Anyways, let's discuss these outfits more specifically. The first outfit, I think, would be perfect for a night out on the town. If we ditch the hat and the jacket. There just seems to be too much going on with patchwork color and plaid together. I'm not even going to comment on that ridiculous hat! However, I do like the color scheme of the outfit: it's very warm without being too autumny with just greys and blacks. I like that there is actual color!

Outfit two is also an example of doing too much. The poncho-jacket reminds me a bit of New Mexico or something. But then the shiny skirt is so much more urban! It's just a weird match. It's hard to tell exactly what the thought process was behind this combination.

Then we come to the third outfit up there. I actually kind of like this dress. It's got a bold pattern but isn't too loud because of the subdued color palette. I think the jacket works for this outfit as it's just very simple and basic. My only critique for this is maybe to throw on a brightly colored belt to add a splash of color and define the waist a bit so the model doesn't look so shapeless.

Miss Sixty




And now we switch gears to Miss Sixty, which is clearly for a much younger audience. It's more playful and youthful and just fun. I love the use of fishnet tights as a connecting piece in this collection. It gives everything a unity without being overpowering to the outfits.

Alrighty, so we start of with a plaid jumper. I actually am really in love with this jumper. It's definitely something that is very wearable, which some of the things I've seen so far in the Fall Ready-to-Wear shows have not been. This outfit jumper is just the perfect balance of girliness with the black waist with the bow and edginess with the plaid pattern, fedora, and boots. I cannot think of a better way to style this outfit to give it such versatility.

Second up we have a strapless ultramini tiered dress. What the heck is going on here?! It's such a tiny, tiny dress lengthwise but then it's all poufy and wide! It's like a satin, patterned cotton ball! In all honesty, it reminds me of this Ikea hanging lamp, but with splashes of patterns thrown on it. I don't know how anybody could find this wearable at all! However, I'm really loving how it's also not too girly with the fedora, boots, and, -gasp- leather fingerless gloves. It's at least styled properly.

And lastly, we have an outfit that I would honestly love to have in my closet. It's just such a simple outfit that looks just thrown together without a care in the world, but at the same time, everything just works so well together! It is definitely something that anybody could pull off! Really, there's something about the simple graphic t-shirt with a structured menswear blazer and poufy, ruffly skirt that captivates me! If you can't tell, I'm in love with this outfit. Anybody wearing this would look so chic and trendy without looking like they're trying too hard, which is exactly what should be the goal of dressing up everyday: to look stylish without looking like you had to put in much effort!