Becoming a fashion designer

It seems like everyone is jumping on the designer bandwagon these days. And why not? The fashion industry is sexy — fashion shows, parties, celebrities, recognition, and even fame go along with a career in fashion.

Now herein lies the question: do you go to design school or go straight to starting a business? Not all fashion designers go the traditional route to design school, instead drawing on an entrepreneurial spirit, some “designers” turn their head for business into a thriving fashion enterprise.

Ralph Lauren is an example of a fashion designer who bypassed the sewing machine and headed straight for the marketplace. Which path you take depends on your personal motivation. If you love sewing and pattern making, the traditional route is going to bring the most satisfaction. If you love the fashion world but don’t have the patience for needle and thread, a career in the fast-paced and exciting fashion biz is still possible … read on.

Celebrities Sir Elton John, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Elizabeth Hurley rallied in support of breast cancer research at the recent Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hottest Pink Party Ever 2008 held on April 8, 2008 at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.

While Elton John brought down the house with an exclusive performance, celebrities danced the night away—and wrote hefty checks—all in the name of breast cancer research. An estimated $5 million was raised from the event.

Elizabeth Hurley (BCRF’s resident emcee), who arrived wearing a sari, and Gwenyth Paltrow in a pretty pink strapless gown, were among the honored guests at the party, where tables went for between $20,000 and $100,000. In addition to Hurley and Sir Elton, several stars came out to support the Foundation, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Padma Lakshmi, Project Runway winner Christian Siriano, Carson Kressley, Katrina Bowden, Lipstick Jungle's David Alan Basche, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan, Vera Wang and Celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito.

Want to do your party to help raise awareness and research funds for breast cancer? Belisi Fashions Luxury with Meaning program donates a portion of sales from its breast cancer awareness products to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Show your support … wear pink!

Breast Cancer Awareness Products

Pink Products , Pink Neckties, Pink Scarves

:: A. Covington for The Divas Dreams

Spring is finally here and summer is within sight. And warmer weather means more wardrobe options and summer vacations.

A silk scarf is a must-have accessory for spring and summer (especially for the beach to keep fly-aways at bay). Scarves make for a great travel accessory too. They're lightweight and don't take up much room in handbags or luggage, and you can use them to create different looks from the same outfit.

Kate Hudson always looks great; her style is effortless and approachable. And fortunately accessible to the rest of us. Get the 3.1 Phillip Lim dress Kate Hudson wore on a recent trip to Miami.

Photo: FabSugar.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Paisley Dress worn by Kate Hudson

   

Photo: StardardStyle.com

::A. Covington for The Divas Dreams

Yes, what's old is new again. That's what happens in fashion right? And now those body-hugging Herve Leger (by Max Azria) dresses are back and boy do celebrities love them. Most notably Victoria Beckham. Also seen in the signature bandage dresses are Lindsey Lohan and Hayden Panettiere.

You've seen vintage Leger numbers on the red carpet recently but now celebrities have access to a whole new collection. And now you can get your own. Intermix and Net-a-Porter are happy to sell you one online, or you can try one on for size at boutiques across the country. For a complete store list, visit HerveLeger.com.

The idea of wearing a bandage may be an old joke but these gorgeous yet simple dresses make wearing bandages en vogue.

Lindsey Lohan, Hayden Panettiere, Victoria Beckham (Photo: WhatsHauteBlog.com)

::A. Covington for The Divas Dreams

Denim is the "it" fabric for spring

I'm not talking about school marm denim jumpers circa 1983, I mean sexy denim like the dress Eva Longoria wore in this candid photo. Don't you just love the Internet? You see a celebrity wearing something cute and within minutes it's yours (well, at least it's on the way to being yours).  I love this dress because of the elephant belt that cinches the middle and the flattering silhouette.

Get the Voom Elephant denim dress at ShopHarmonyLane.com.

::A.Covington for Belisi Fashions

 

While we don't all have stylists and personal shoppers but with a little effort (a few clicks of a mouse), you can look as "effortlessly" chic as Kate Hudson in her colorful cashmere sweater jacket, black v-neck sweater and skinny belt, flare leg jeans and playful leopard print pumps.

Photo: InStyle.com

Get Kate Hudson's look:

Lily Mcneal black v-neck sweater

Linea Pelle, Inc. skinny belt

Lauren Conrad Katherine Wrap in Blue Jewel

True Religion Bobby Big T in Nine Lives Dark jeans

Anne Klein New York Leopard Haircalf Pumps

Stella McCartney Aviators

Photo: InStyle

Charlize Theron shines in this sexy Derek Lam dress. And unlike when I was growing up, you can replicate the celebrity style with the click of a mouse. Shop for red carpet worth Derek Lam dresses on eLuxury.com, shopbop.com, and yoox.com.

Get ready for Spring with this Bow Halter Dress, and pair with these precious peep toe pumps (also by Derek Lam) .

 

Don't worry, you can still have some single fun even if you’re in a relationship. I'm talking about Single, the adorable clothing line with a celebrity following.

Single Rachel dress

Check out the celebs wearing Single gear

So the Golden Globes was an hour long "press conference" ...  we can still critique what celebrities wear right? Of course! Here is my list of the best-dressed actresses:

Katie Holmes

Nicole Kidman

Reese Witherspoon

Lucy Liu

Jessica Alba

Rachel Bilson

Unique ways to wear scarves

Caitlin Dowd (actress Bonnie Sommerville) of the hit show Cashmere Mafia proudly sported a growing trend of wearing silk scarves around the wrist. In the episode "Conference Call", Ms. Sommerville sported a silk scarf around her wrist. All of these ladies are trend setters. This fashion forward cast is all about playing up their female assets with sexy skirts and bold accessories like scarfs, gloves, bracelets, necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and statement-making Gucci handbags. What I love about this show is that each character's storyline is interesting, without any character outshining the other (at least not yet anyway). Comparing the wardrobe from the upcoming Sex & the City movie to that of the Cashmere Mafia make the SATC ladies look like they're shopping last season's sample sales. Oh and Women's Murder Club? Forget about it. 

::A.Covington for Belisi Fashions

Okay, take a deep breath; oversized handbags are still in … for now. According to an Omiru poll, 60 percent of readers cast their vote in favor of the big bag trend. A shocking 27 percent said the trend (one of my favorites in a long time by the way) is on its way out. Ouch! I am holding out hope that my oversized investments will hold their show value for a couple more seasons at least. I hightly doubt that with so many women dropping hundreds (and thousands) on big handbags are going to accept the ousting order of this popular trend without a fight.

Evening or Day clutch

Granted there are a lot of cute clutches out there but how often does that adorable evening clutch pull double duty as a day handbag? That’s one of the reasons I love the No Strings Clutch (novel name right?) by Rebecca Minkoff, and apparently so does Hayden Panettiere.

Did you expect anything less than flamboyant from SJP? There are feathers, flowers and a whole lotta pattern mismatching going on at the SATC set.

Leave it to Patricia Field’s to pick out the Salvatore Ferragamo pheasant feather bag pictured here, which comes in two sizes with two different pricetags ($1,550 and $3,100). While we may not look to this film as a benchmark for what we should wear in our “normal” everyday lives, the SATC girls certainly give the rest of us a lot more rope when it comes to fashion dare-devilism. Although, I have to say I am not a fan of the enormous shoulder pads sported by Samantha. But, like many of you, I can't wait for the movie. I've missed having my neuroses justified on a weekly basis.

Sex and the City: The Movie is currently set to be released May 30, 2008

Read more Sex & the City dish at JustJared.com.

:: A.Covington for Belisi Fashions

News flash: some celebrities do their own shopping! The horror, I know.

See what Jennifer Love Hewitt and Brittany Spears picked up at Lisa Kline ... okay, so Brittany hasn't exhibited the best judgment lately but she does have a #1 album, so we'll give her some credit.

These days, it’s easier to keep track of the celebrities who aren’t jumping on the fashion designer bandwagon. But before you start huffing over the ridiculous notion that because people can act or sing means they can conquer all creative and artistic endeavors, these celebs aren’t touting their own ingenious lines—they’re lending their name for a good cause.

Gwen Stafani blends 60s mod with 80s glamour

New York Fashion Week is upon us, and leave it to Gwen Stafani to step out in (bold) style. The Bohemian look has been left in the dust, replaced by daring mini dresses, tunics and shifts in outrageous patterns. You might remember the popular houdstooth motif from the 80s, and now it's making comeback for dresses and statement coats. Rocker mommy turned fashion icon and designer Gwen Stefani got standing O’s at New York Fashion Week for her L.A.M.B. collection, including the houndstooth dress pictured.

Before you get the idea that this is a roundup of second-rate items, let me clarify. The “B” List stands for Belisi, so everything that makes the cut is above grade and in some way fabulous. Each week we’ll share some of our new-found (or time-tested) favorite fashion websites, designers, trends, books, blogs, you name it! As long as it’s in the name of fashion.

You know you've been thinking about it for the past six months. You knew swimsuit season was right around the corner. So why does it feel like it just crept up and caught you off-guard? It's okay. We're right there with you. Swimsuit styles are varied and flattering this season, with tons of 60s inspired bikinis and one pieces (Yes! One pieces are sexy and cool again!).

Here's a quick-hit list of some of my favorite suits with all the essential beach/pool gear for a red hot summer.

The return of the one-piece swimsuit

You can forget that image of the frumpy one-piece suits with the ruffles. Show off more than a little skin but leave some to the imagination in this Yellow Floral One Piece Swimsuit by Alice + Olivia and this adorable cut-out one piece in pink, aqua or black.

The classic yellow  polka dot bikini

Okay you hate the song but don't take it out on this unsuspecting and sexy bikini.

Can't go wrong with black

Slimming, sleek and sexy, this black bikini by Brette Sandler shows just the right amount of skin with a flattering halter top with double straps for extra support no wardrobe malfunctions here.

Throwback to the 70s

You either love the 70s or you hate them. Personally I love the swimsuit styles of the 70s, with the fun greens, yellows and tube top styles. This green number by Shoshanna is inspired by the 70s but not overshadowed by it. Browns was big in the 70s and Ella Moss brings it back with this striped 70s-style bikini.

Looking for a little more coverage but still like the flexibility of a two-piece? The DKNY Bandeau Tankini & tie side bottom combines the sexy hip-hugging style of the 60-70s with a flirty bandeau top for a youthful, yet sophisticated, poolside look.

Set sail for stripes

This summer, it's all about nautical themes. This nautical stripes bikini from Target is spot on for this summer's nautical trend-but with a smaller price tag than designer suits.

Calling all children of the 80s

Whether you were born in the 80s or rocked out to Flock of Seagulls at your senior prom, you'll love this geometric pattern bikini by Trina Turk.

Bohemian Rhapsody

The Bohemian look is still hot, summer after summer. This indie-print bikini from Victoria's Secret pulls double duty with a Miracle BraR wireless push-up top (but it will be your little secret.

Must-have summer accessories

Cover up with these cute cherry shorts by Juicy Couture or a stylish caftan by Diane von Furstenberg. Target is giving top designers a run for the money with its trendy collection of beachwear, like this Merona Swim Tunic.

Go from beach to street in style with these black canvas espadrilles from Anthropologie.

Where the wild things live

Show your playful side with these animal print flip-flops.

Made in the shade

Protect your eyes from harmful rays (and look good at the same time) with these oversized sunglasses.

Accessorize at the beach? But of course!

So maybe it's a little indulgent. That's okay. As long as you're happy. This Batik painted bangle bracelet looks great with all swimsuits styles.

Just because you want to prevent premature aging doesn't mean you want a ticket from the Fashion Police. This Juicy Couture Malibu Hat will get you a get-out-of-jail free card-from the Fashion Don't monitors and the sun.

If you're a celebrity looking to keep the paparazzi at bay, this Kokin Oversized Metallic Hat will keep your identity under wraps (yet give off enough mysetery to attract the right kind of attention). Keep flyaways in check with a pretty silk scarf like the Hibiscus silk scarf from Belisi.

Throw in the towel

You've thought of everything else, you can't forget a luxury beach towel. Our pick is this DVF eyelit lace beach towel.

Hot summer reads

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

The author of the Poisonwood Bible gets in touch with the southern Appalachia landscape in this earthy account.

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Afraid of the mail? Can't say no to a new credit card offer? Actually believe that buying something you didn't  plan to buy on sale is making you money? Then this book is for you!

A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles"

by Marianne Williamson

If you don't have hope what do you have? This Oprah Book Club title explores the not-much-talked about phenomena in life : miracles. Do you believe in miracles? There's nothing like a lazy summer afternoon to get in touch with your spiritual side and to let your mind wander-and wonder.

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Don't let the title fool you, this book, and its author, are anything but ordinary.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

From the author of Everything Is Illuminated comes the tale of a nine-year-old amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player and pacifist. Foer's latest work will make you laugh, revel and question.

Bag it

Carry that juicy romance novel, beach towel, mad money and sunscreen in this cute yellow mesh tote from Target, or if you want to go all out I love this Gingham Marc Atlan Bonjour Tote and the Santorini Beach Tote by Michael Kors.

~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions

On April 17 the Gap introduced a new limited edition collection for women, designed exclusively for the Gap by Doo-Ri, Rodarte and Thakoon-three emerging design labels. The collection, simply called Gap Design Editions, is part of Gap's recently announced partnership with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), an initiative established to support and encourage new American design talent.

Each designer created three unique interpretations of the classic white shirt -- an iconic item that helped to position Gap as the place to shop for stylish variations of the basics 35 years ago. The collection is available in flagship and top Gap adult stores in the US, Canada, UK and Japan and online in the US at www.Gap.com. Items range in price from $68 to $88.

Designer Doo-Ri Chung, winner of the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition, attended Parsons School of Design. Before her days in the spotlight, Chung spent her days working out of the basement of her parents' New Jersey dry-cleaning store. Today, her celebrity following includes Eva Longoria and Chloe Sevigny. Doo-Ri's collection for Gap reflects her smart, clean design aesthetic, and includes a feminine shirt with a scarf drape at the neck ($68); a tailored camp shirt ($68); and a flowing, belted shirtdress ($88).

Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy are the creative team behind Rodarte. After deciding to pursue fashion while attending the University of California, Berkeley, they produced their first collection for fall 2005. Raised in Northern California, surrounded by redwood trees, the relationship they witnessed between trees and shadows has greatly influenced their work today. They've won an Ecco Domani award and were recognized as a runner-up in the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition. Fashion icons like Cate Blanchett and Zooey Deschanel call themselves fans.

Reflecting Rodarte's trademark whimsy and self-proclaimed obsession with bows, their collection for Gap features a sleeveless blouse adorned with bows around the neckline ($78); a trapeze sleeveless top ($68); and a trapeze mini-dress with front pockets and bow detail ($88).

Born in Thailand and raised in Omaha, Neb., Thakoon Panichgul's playful designs are charmed with sweet, offbeat details while embodying elements of classic American sportswear. He received his formal fashion education from Parsons School of Design, produced his first collection for fall 2004, and was runner-up in the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition. Thakoon's pretty and witty design aesthetic has helped him develop a loyal celebrity fan base of fashion trendsetters including Rachel Bilson, Amanda Peet and Demi Moore.

Featuring a tie-neck blouse with puffed sleeves ($88), a belted shirtdress with puffed sleeves ($88), and a shirtdress with ruffle detail at the waist ($88),Thakoon's collection for Gap will help bring his style and sensibility to everyday consumers.

Okay, so the clothes are nice. But is that the point? I'm on the fence here. I've maintained that the Gap really needs to get back to what made them successful in the first place. They really need to start giving customers what they want and stop trying to reinvent themselves over and over again, emulating fast-fashion retailers like H&M and Target (just stop already!). On the other hand, why shouldn't they use what's left of their corporate clout to help gain exposure for emerging designers? I sort of like that they had the designers create variations of the basic white shirt instead of creating mock couture numbers that don't appeal to a mass audience. I mean, the Gap earned its stripes by providing the building blocks for classic and timeless wardrobes. So maybe they hit the jackpot with this move. It's about time, they've been playing different hands for far too long.

There’s no shame in zoning out on a Sunday afternoon watching the pre-Oscar special on E! Unfortunately, all those martinis the night before caused you to doze in and out of a splendid nap. In between dreams of Leonardo DiCaprio you caught snippets of seemingly useful fashion and beauty advice (imagine that, information you can actually use from a celebrity gossip station). Don’t worry, I’ve got the lo down for all you Sunday nappers. And I’ve put a more approachable slant on it too—so us normal gals can look star-studded even if we’re just going to pick up the dry cleaning (you know, when our personal assistants have the day off).

While most of us won’t be hitting the red carpet (well, at least not the Hollywood kind), there is absolutely no reason why you can’t look like an Oscar starlet.

From clutch trends to the right undergarments, here are some essentials for looking extraordinary, award-winning actor or boardroom diva:

First, get your skin ready with a gorgeous tan (and don’t even think about hitting a tanning salon, unless it’s to get Mystic Tan). Instead of subjecting your skin to harmful UV rays, salons and spas like Elite Spa in Miami, and even dermatologists offer airbrush tans that are much more even than self applied tanners. The key to keeping your tan is using a good moisturizer. The Napoleon Perdis Whipped Dream Tan Enhancer moisturizes with Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Shea Butter and Hazelnut Oil, helping you to maintain and enhance your enviable sun goddess tan. Whipped Dream Tan Enhancer will hit Napoleon Perdis stores, Saks Fifth Avenue and select independent retailers March 2007.

Seamless beauty

Before you put on any dress, you’ve got to have the right undergarments. VPL, bra straps, unsightly bulges. So not Oscar appropriate. If you show up to any social event with lines and bumps of any kind, you’ll invoke the wrath of Jay Manuel faster than you can say I should have worn Spanx.

When wearing any dress, think seamless. Victoria’s Secret has “reinvented” the bra (again). Wearing a strapless gown? A dress with a plunging neckline? A sexy backless number? No problem.
 

The new, Very Sexy® Secret Embrace™ vertical cup bra is perfect for a deep neckline. Get the support you need with seamless underwire and lightly lined cutaway cups.

Get an “enhanced,” seamless look with the Very Sexy Secret Embrace push-up bra, and the vertical cup convertible push-up bra looks great with any backless dress.

Clutches galore

It wasn’t long ago that everything was getting smaller. Not so anymore! Belts are big, phones are big and purses are big—even “smaller” bags are big—with the one exception of hard-shell clutches, like this crystal shell pillbox by Leiber. For a special event, a clutch like this  Chase Satin Clutch from Net-a-porter screams Academy Award.

For the “real” world, you need something more practical. The  is great for an evening out—not too big, not too small (so you can stash more than your I.D. and breath mints), and it folds out into a tote for daytime. With so many uses you can totally justify dropping the cash on this show-stopping bag.

The red carpet is a hodge-podge of fashion risks and safe ensembles. It’s the same in the real world—and it’s perfectly okay to opt for simplicity. After all, this spring is all about understated style. The clutch by Ananas easily transitions day to night, casual to dress up, and is anything but pedestrian.

If you want to take a walk on the wild side, this soft crocodile clutch by Bottega Veneta is a happy medium.

Take the platform

Platform shoes were seen all over the red carpet, and they work for everyday too. According to the style mavens, the shorter the hemline, the heavier the shoe should be, so if you plan to cash in on the mini dress trend, make sure you have at least one pair (and what fashionista only has one pair?) of platform shoes. On the carpet you may have seen kicks like these Valentino Halter Sandal Pumps.

Satin is great for charity dinners and weddings, but try patent leather for a night on the town like these peep-toe patent leather Marc by Marc Jacobs platforms.

For budget conscious—or just value conscious—ladies, these platforms by Oh Deer Shoes are inspired by high-end labels you see on the red carpet.

And the award goes to …. The mini dress

SoI saved the best for last. You’ve got the lingerie, the shoes, bag and a gorgeous tan. Now you need a fabulous dress. And if you’ve been salsa dancing those gams to perfection, now’s your time to flaunt it if you’ve got it. Just keep in mind that while teeny hemlines are in style, looking trashy is not. Knock ‘em dead and still look like a class act in this sophisticated and sexy LaRok gathered chemise dress or the V mini dress by Woo . For special events Diane Von Furstenberg and Vera Wang  are always leading ladies.

~Amy N. Covington for Belisi Fashions