Blog #3-1: NY Times Blog-On the Runway

Cathy Horyn is known for her harsh criticism of runway collections. Many designers and industry insiders fear this New York Times writer, because a bad review can result in widespread negative opinions by readers and overall consumers.

"At various points, Carolina Herrera, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Helmut Lang, Nicole Miller, and Oscar de la Renta have all banned Horyn from their shows", stated an article written in The Daily Beast.

This demonstrates how seriously Horyn's words are taken and that she does have a large amount of influence in the industry.

I decided to head to the "On the Runway" blog section of the New York Times website, and was intrigued not by a Cathy Horyn article, but by one written by Ruth La Ferla, a writer I have never heard of before.

Entering La Ferla's "On the Runway" blog, I prepared myself to read reviews and overly-critical comments, similar to Cathy Horyn's (what else am I to expect?)

I read some criticism, but it was no where near as brash as Cathy Horyn. In a post titled, "An Uptick, but Is It Enough?", La Ferla debates whether the rise in the use of ethnic models on the runway is really a rise at all.

I found her article to be interesting, intelligent, and well written. Even though she was still debating/criticizing an action, she did it with what seemed like genuine concern.

"Nor does an increase represent any kind of advance over the 1970s, when couture stars like Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy featured black women prominently."

La Ferla brings up some valid points, has quotes from various people in the industry, and covers a subject many people in fashion would rather ignore than discuss. She is bringing up the issue of equality in the fashion world, and I really respect that.

Check out the article here: An Uptick, but Is It Enough?

And form your own opinion!

Blog #3: NY Times Blog-Frugal Traveler

While I don't read the New York Times as much as I should, I was definitely intrigued to check out their entire "blog" section.

Blog topics range from business and technology to sports, science, and style. After looking through a few of the blogs (focusing mostly on fashion and culture) I found the "Frugal Traveler" written by Seth Kugel.

"Seeing the world on a budget" is the tag line for the blog, which immediately caught my eye. I love thrift shopping, traveling, and am all about finding a good deal.

Kugel, a world traveler of destinations such as Stockholm, Madrid, Lebanon, and Cyprus, gives readers tips and advice on how they too can travel unique cities and exquisite countries without emptying their wallets.

Shopping, food, local spots, what to see, and where to stay, Kugel covers it all... while still 

being extremely economical.

One of my favorite posts by Kugel is his coverage of a "$100 Weekend in Istanbul". A vacation spot that is typically super expensive, Kugel talks about how to find cheap food, experience the "free" culture, and use public transportation. He even found a cheap place to stay by using a site called Couchsurfing.org. 

Kugel's weekend consisted of checking out the local art scene via small, intimate galleries, tasting the best Turkish coffee, and attending a prayer service at the famed Blue Mosque.

No matter where you want to go, its almost guaranteed Seth Kugel's been there, and if not, I bet he's planning a trip for the future. With honest insight and genuinely helpful tips, "Frugal Traveler" is every globe-trotter's go-to guide. Before I ever plan an exotic trip, I'll be sure to check out this NY Times Blog beforehand.

Blog #2: 1 Key Item for Fall 2012-Structured Handbags

Big slouchy, boho bags are long gone. For Fall 2012, the structured, "ladylike" handbag will dominate the accessories market.

It's already been around for a few seasons, but with the popularity of bags like Proenza Schouler's PS1 and the Cambridge Satchel,  the structured handbag isn't going anywhere.

PS1

Cambridge Satchel



If they had the funds, I know almost every fashion-savvy woman would purchase Chanel's classic chain-link bag. Season after season, that bag NEVER goes out of style. And now, we'll be seeing even more versions of ladylike bags popping up all over the place, but with a twist.


We no longer want a simple black, polished bag. In the future, the consumer will demand refined bags in bright, bold colors. We want neon, we want prints, we want a sophisticated bag that's rough around the edges.

So be on the look out, and get ahead of the trend by purchasing a structured bag that fits your personality.

 My Fall 2012 bag will look something like this:

What will yours look like???

Blog #1: A fellow blogger you NEED to know!!

Jane Aldridge, girl genius behind the fashion blog Sea of Shoes, is one of the most influential bloggers out there. A chic teenage girl from Texas, Jane has an amazing shoe collection and an ever better sense of style. Her vintage-inspired looks caught my eye right away and I can honestly say that for a while, her blog was the only one I was looking at.

Everyone does "street style" these days. But Jane has stayed with her original, dynamic concept: taking pictures of herself in her fabulous clothes. While she could easily blend in with everyone else, buy the latest designer garments, and look amazing, Jane goes digging through thrift stores (and her mom's closet) to find stand-out, statement pieces.

Now don't get me wrong, she has a RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING collection of designer pieces, especially shoes (hence the name), but its how Jane mixes these pieces with thrifted finds that makes her a style icon of my generation.

A lover of art, food (my kinda girl!), interior design, photography, and all things aesthetic...it's no wonder why this girl has such an incredible eye.

And I'm not the only one taking notice. Jane has been featured in Teen Vogue, she's created a line of shoes for Urban Outfitters, and was invited by Vogue to attend the Crillon Ball (wearing Chanel, of course).

So, next time you need some inspiration, check out Jane's blog. I promise you'll keep coming back for more.