For Lack of a Better Title...

I know I have been a bad blogger, there are literally time zone gaps between my posts, but bare with me. It's junior year for this busy aspiring fashion icon...
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Enjoy my latest style article for VOX, and the hard work I put into updating the web site with our latest issue!


Spring Fashion Preview

By Modupe Alabi | VOX Staff


Art by Missa DePeaza| VOX Staff

Though the wide-spreading recession reached Fashion Week runways last February, that didn’t stop designers from sending down hundreds of models in fresh looks for the spring season. From flirty feathers to dazzling sparkles, trends from New York, London, Milan and Paris have walked straight off the runway into magazines, and onto this page of VOX. Here are a few tips to stay fashion forward while maintaining your own sense of style.

Neutrals

Following an elegant and clean aesthetic, many designers used neutral colors, like khaki and beige, in their collections as a complement to the variety of skin tones. Though the colors were simple, the cuts weren’t. Designers like Marc Jacobs had dramatically ruffled dresses, while others shaped flowing fabrics into sweet mini-dresses. Get this look by spicing up khaki pants or shorts with fun gladiator slippers and fitted plaid shirts.


Metallics

Ever the runway mainstay, dazzling metallic pieces remained a designer favorite this season. To shimmer and shine like the models at Michael Kors and Phillip Lim, wear a sequined top or skirt with a black jacket for a sparkling look without looking like aluminum foil.

Feathers

Who’s chicken when it comes to taking risks in fashion? Apparently not designers like Jason Wu and Diane Von Furstenberg. This season, the runways featured light, feathery details that bounced as the models strutted down the runway. You don’t have to wear a feathered boa to school (if you do, send us pictures!), but try a miniskirt with feather-like ruffles, like the models at ADAM.

The Boyfriend Layers

Menswear is a girl’s best friend. This season, boyfriend blazers, vests and slouchy pants took over the runways of Charlotte Ronson and Diane Von Furstenberg. This laid-back look consists of oversized blazers and vests over dresses or girly outfits. The design balances out the femininity of your style while adding a touch of tailored perfection. Plus, the added comfort of baggy jeans gives your hips breathing room and, when worn with heels, makes you look chic, a la Katie Holmes.

Little Schoolgirl Chic

The “Gossip Girl” influence was stronger than ever, as designers used back-to-school-ish themes in their collections. There were pigtails and short shorts, and everything from preppy stripes and khakis to knee socks. With these, designers like Anna Sui and Rag & Bone turned their models into stylish students. To get this look, wear a logo-ed blazer over any outfit, or try on a pair of knee-high socks the next time you wear a skirt.

Abstract Prints

Fashion Week always has its yin/yang moments. This spring, the opposite of neutrals are the wildly eclectic prints seen on dresses and tops at BCBG and DKNY. Neon pink, coral and turquoise garments flowed across runways and showcased spring florals. Get this look with flowy maxi-dresses that you can find cheap at mall chain stores.

Denim

Denim doesn’t always have to be pants! For spring, designers reworked denim into dresses and tailored suits, and even destroyed and distressed denim for the “fashion rebel” look. From Lacoste to Derek Lam, dainty denim dresses and suit jackets showed the versatility of this fabric. Show your style by wearing a denim dress with a belt and sandals, or cutting up old jeans. Use darker washes for more dressy looks, and go casual with lighter denim.

Military

With structured jackets and camouflage color palettes, designers like Rag & Bone and Marc Jacobs showed their army stripes. Style this look by wearing combat boots; I like them with rock band tees, shorts and even stockings.

Getting Physical - ’80s Style!

Looks like the ’80s fashion revival is here to stay. Designers like Alexander Wang went sporty with headbands and golf apparel, in perfect accordance with the ’80s fitness craze. Work it out by wearing sport sweaters and khaki shorts and even taking a walk and hitting the gym. Good health is always in style!

Orange

Orange you happy we have something for the guys, too? Though guys might think this bright color threatens their masculinity, designers like Louis Vuitton and Salvatore Ferragamo sent male models down the runway and proved that real men can wear neon. If you’re not up for a head-to-toe suit, try an orange tie or sports jacket.
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Additionally, I've been tagged by Taj, from HoundDog Man, also a new couture comrade at VOX.

1. Choose runway pictures from ANY season you like and choose 3 outfits for Day, Evening & Party.
2. Briefly explain why and state the name of the designer & which season the outfit is from.
3. Tag 4 other bloggers once you are done and let them know by posting a comment on their blog

Day

This look from ADAM is a favorite because I love the feathery detail on the skirt. I don't know if this is a day outfit, or a party outfit, but I'd probably wear this somewhere I could walk around a lot in. I want people to see the feathers flutter.


Evening

This is from Chanel Haute Couture 2009. I picked it because I've been dreaming about it the moment I saw it strut out of a colossal bottle of Chanel No. 5.

Party

This is from Chanel's Resort 2010 collection. Maybe, okay, definitely I'd decrease the sheer-ness of the top, for modesty's sake. But I do love this look, I guess this is more of a high-society style beach party look,


Of course these outfits are subject to change, because I will inevitably come across a look that I'd previously fallen for but have forgotten at the moment. So I'll update this list in a future post. But, anyway, I'm tagging...
Hmm, I guess you will find out as I tag you!


xoxo Mo

*All images belong to their respectful owners

It's Black and White and Chic All Over

It's you (and me) in the new year.
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i have (a knockoff of) this necklace
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While dreaming (as usual)
of all the things I want
in the new year, specifically
after I watched, for the 20th
time,
Confessions
Of A
Shopaholic,
I got a sudden burst of style
inspiration. People constantly
say, "Fashion is dying."
and "Journalism is dying"
but I decided, if that's so,
then I'll just have to resurrect it,
Won't I?

So this is me giving a huge,
accessorized
finger to all those who criticize
our industry:
{say it with me}

If I want to, I will.

I don't think it matters how hard
it is to get into the fashion world.
It matters how hard a fashionista is
willing to work.
___________________

Anyway, I've realized I'm more and more in love with
CHANEL.
It's chic, it's feminine, yet edgy. It's
excessively minimal.
Plus its main colors, the main colors in my wardrobe,
and my favorite colors at that,
are black and white.
While watching a show on it's site,
[how productive]
I decided I'd be wearing this dress to my graduation in 2011.
Or maybe,realistically, I'll get a seamstress to sew me a version of it,
couture is not in my budget ;)
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Some style collages for inspiration.

Lace Doll by Mo512 featuring Miss Selfridge

It's Chic o'clock- Naptime! by Mo512 featuring Chanel earrings

Parisian Chic by Mo512 featuring Balenciaga shoes

Joyeuses fetes!
xoxo Mo


ps- what do you want this new year?

Q&A With A Beauty Blogger

Cher bloggers,
Je suis tres, tres desole for my lack of posting over the past month. Junior year is proving a challenge but I'm faithful that things will get better, like they are already ;) Anyhoo, I'm planning a new series of blogs that are more contemplative, that dig deeper into my mind and the fabulous creative industries. One of which is below, a petite interview with a sweet blogger known for her makeup expertise. The original posting is here at the VOX blog, but it's here also for your enjoyment. I decided to write this article after watching endless makeover shows when I was sick one weekend, and after questioning my classmates' knowledge (or lack thereof) of how (and why) to wear makeup...

For my latest article in the November/December issue of VOX, "Breaking Down Why Girls Cover Up" I explored how girls use makeup as a cover-up. Although makeup was originally intended for theatrical performances, today many of us too easily use makeup to mask our low self-esteem, fears, and even our personalities. I wanted to gain more insight from someone who lives, breathes and loves makeup, so I contacted beauty enthusiast Shannon Nelson of the popular beauty blog, AGirlsGottaSpa.com. She shares her thoughts on girls and makeup in this Q&A.

Q. How did you start using makeup?

A. I waited with bated breath for the day I turned 13 because then my mom gave me the green light to start wearing makeup. I was lucky to have yearly dance recitals every June to make up my face, but 13 would be the year I could do it every single day. I started out with the basics–pressed powder, eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush and lip gloss; I was never really into lipstick, per se. If I remember correctly, the brand I started out with was “Clairol,” which makeup line isn’t around anymore.

Q. What led you to become a beauty enthusiast?

A. Just a fascination with how something as simple as mascara can transform your look. I’m sure all women will agree that they feel “different” when they wear makeup. I also watched my mom and grandmother take good care of their skin, which really kept them looking youthful. I figured that was my key to the fountain of youth. I’m also a big advocate of “truth in beauty” and think that being an educated beauty consumer is better than one that simply believes what the ads tell you.


Q. If you were to go without wearing makeup for a week, do you think you’d still feel beautiful and confident, naturally?

A. Sad to say, but no. I’ve been told my “natural” look is just as beautiful as when I wear makeup, but I think it is just something that is ingrained in me. I just feel more confident when I look “put together.”


Q. What are some ways that women use makeup? Why?

A. Some women use wearing makeup to give them a sense of self, to portray that confidence outwards to others or simply to help them feel better about themselves. For example, there is a program for women who are battling cancer called Look Good, Feel Better. Beauty and skin care brands donate products to Look Good, Feel Better every month. These are women who have lost their hair, their skin has been affected by the chemo, and from fighting cancer so hard they just look tired and worn out. The sense of community with other cancer patients and then the fun of being able to apply makeup really helps to boost their spirits. And a positive mind and outlook helps immensely in the fight against cancer.

After I had my 4th son, I got really sick and had to go back into the hospital for several days. However, because he was only days old and his immune system wasn’t up to par, he wasn’t allowed in due to virus’ and bacteria in the hospital. I was depressed. After two days of sitting there plain faced with my hair not done, I decided to ask my family to send in my beauty products. You have no idea the difference I felt when I did up my hair and put on makeup. It made those days isolated feel more bearable.


Q. When is makeup too much? Unnecessary? When does it go too far?

A. Well, it’s definitely unnecessary in young girls. My stomach turns when I see an 8-year-old girl wearing makeup. I am equally disgusted when I see a teenage girl with more makeup on her face than a clown at the circus. They overdo it and don’t understand that less is more. You can have fun with color and cosmetics without looking like you are ready to walk the street corner. But that’s just my opinion!

Q. Do people use makeup to mask things other than skin?

A. Sure. Low self esteem, trauma, lack of confidence, depression…makeup can hide a lot of things that we don’t want to reveal to others, especially strangers. Society judges a book by its cover, so if you look like you have your act together i.e. makeup, hair done, etc., then no one suspects there is anything amiss in your life.

Q. What would you say to young girls who are using makeup as a cover up?

A. That covering it up is only a band-aid. And eventually band-aids fall off and expose the wound. Deal with whatever the issue is no matter how difficult because ultimately it will transverse into other aspects of your life and have a deeper effect on you than the original hurt or pain. No amount of makeup will penetrate deep enough to cover what you are really feeling or trying to hide … eventually in some, way, shape or form, our true selves are always revealed.

Q. Any makeup tips you’d like to share?

A. Naturally, I’d say pay attention to your favorite beauty blogs! We work very hard to try to get you makeup tips from some of the top makeup artists. I surely wish I had beauty blogs to read back when I was first using makeup so that I could’ve learned to apply it the right way!

To get the right foundation and powder to match your skin tone, test it out on the top of your hand. If it blends, then you’ve hit the jackpot–if not, you’ll be able to tell right away if it’ll be too dark on your face or too light.

Know your skin tone–is it cool or warm? This too will help you figure out which color eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks will complement your skin tone. Three Custom Color Cosmetics has a quiz on their website to help you determine that.

And don’t overdo it! It’s better to use makeup to “highlight” your natural beauty than to simply take it over!



-Picture of Makeup Mask by My friend Tracy and I
-Picture of women flawlessly wearing makeup by Jason of the new street style site CitizenCouture.com for a guy making the transition from accounting to photography, he definitely has a good eye for perfect shots.

__xoxo Mo__

Inspiration...

It's raining,
It's pouring
School is pretty boring
I go to bed
and in my head
are fantasies worth adoring...

It's storming pretty hard in my town, so hard there's much flooding, and people are dead/dying, luckily no one I know is hurt. Earlier today, as I watched twigs drift down the lane from my driveway my mind drifted to fashion week. If I could be THE editor, getting to sit front row at each exclusive presentation of collections, what would I wear? Who would I sit next to? How would I live? So in this dull state that only comes at this time of the school year, I needed something to remind me of what I'm working hard for...

Miroslava Duma (Ryder, this is for you :)

My favorite thing about this Russian fashion editor is her stylish mix of downtown hipster and uptown high fashion-ista, and she's not afraid to take risks and play with proportions. She also seems pretty sweet in this blog from Altamira. I've noticed she wears the latest trends without looking like an obsessed style slave, and she wears them really well for her petite frame. I wouldn't mind sitting next to her at a YSL show.










For more of her style, check out dresslikemira.blogspot.com

Olivia Palermo
I know, so typical, but you gotta admit, this girl knows how to put a look together. I've heard her character was seriously misrepresented on "The City", but I don't doubt she might be a bit catty, but I guess I'll discern that if/when I meet her.
Also, look at her apartment in New York's Gramercy neighborhood, pretty aspirational. La Couturier, still up for raiding her closet? ;)








Randomness (via The Sartorialist)

I have no idea who this young man is, but he looks like he'd make a good partner in couture-crime.

A real glamorous eccentric, Hamish Bowles, may be my future colleague when I one day work for Conde Nast. Don't you just love the "Hehehe, these are dad jeans" expression on his face? Go Hamish go!

Lauren Santo Domingo, another future co-Voguette

My other two partners-in-crime, who would just've come for having Starbucks/ Caribou Coffee (yum!) with me over what shows we've loved so far.
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A caramel Macchiato from Starbucks, which always smells like happiness

A white chocolate mocha from Caribou Coffee, my favorite!

Rachel Zoe, the fairy godmother. Her style and personality, plus expertise, are pretty admirable.

But, take a look in the mirror, my fellow fabulous bloggers, because I'm pretty sure I'll see you at the tents, also.

The park (Madison Square, which looks quite circular to me-oh wait, now I see it) I'll strut through on my way home from a busy, beautiful day. A lot of fantasizing, but I think one needs a little whimsy while working as a nice escape, no? It's all aspirational...
-xoxo Mo

Falling For Fashion; A Runway Review

In the somewhat fashionable city of Atlanta, lies a stellar newspaper made by teens, for teens. I happen to work at this paper, and am pretty much the staff fashion aficionado-- I ALWAYS write about fashion and something else, of course. So it only made sense that for my latest article in VOX's latest issue, I covered the Fall 2009 fashion season and what seems to be the hottest trends for my peers, and other fashion-philiacs (you guys ;). I've put the article here, but be sure to check out the full issue, my co-intern-slash-bff and I worked hard all summer helping to coach this issue. So, Voila!


There’s a memorable scene in a movie I love, “The Devil Wears Prada,” where Meryl Streep explains the trickle-down process of fashion.

“You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don’t know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue. It’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis. It’s actually cerulean,” Streep says in the role of powerful fashionista Miranda Priestley to her unaware assistant. “You’re also blithely unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar De La Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn’t it, who showed cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of 8 different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down... However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of stuff.”

As Streep explains, it takes a lot of time, money and people to put together the hottest styles for each season. Though Fall Fashion Week was back in February, the runway trends are showing up in stores now. The most popular styles are right here!

Tuxedo
A staple for the classic gentleman, designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Erin Fetherston have taken the essence of the tuxedo and reworked it for a woman’s body. From tailored blazers to structured and sleek dresses, tuxedo-inspired styles are sure to give you a touch of class.


Detailed Shoulders
80s style has been back for a few seasons, and shoulder pads are the latest runway revival. With heavy studding and beadwork, designer Christophe Decarnin for Balmain has taken shoulder pads to an all-new edgy level, creating the “Balmainia” craze that drove many stars crazy. Get the look by wearing your dad’s blazers or looking through thrift stores for vintage apparel.

Asymmetric
Show a little shoulder! Fashion houses like Givenchy, Emanuel Ungaro and Lanvin went to the other extreme, choosing to show some skin with sleek, one-shoulder dresses. If your school’s dress code bans such styles, try wearing a nice jacket over your asymmetrical piece for a finished look that keeps you out of trouble.

Old Hollywood Glamour
Glamour-icon Marilyn Monroe embodied many traits of a great woman. Designers for Armani, Nina Ricci, Gucci and Michael Kors paid homage to her and her era by incorporating old Hollywood flair into their fall collections. Luxe evening gowns and frilled peplum jackets filled fall ad campaigns. You can get this look by wearing over-the-knee pencil skirts, evening gloves — another popular trend — or riveting-ringlet curls instead of your usual hairstyle.

Renaissance Art
Don’t just stop at the 40s. Travel further back in time to the era of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces. Garments printed with Renaissance art dominated the runways of D&G Dolce and Gabbana and Burberry Prorsum. The historic “moody portraits” are soft and sensual, yet thought-provoking. Wearing them on a T-shirt is a cool way to show appreciation for art history.

Short Velvet Dresses
You might think velvet only belongs at medieval-times fairs and on southern-charmed sofas, but this season’s short velvet dresses are cozy, yet chic. Dresses like Diane von Furstenberg’s have a smooth, soft “touch-me” texture and give a taste of luxury.

The Edgy LBD
Find your inner Audrey Hepburn and conjure up the attitude of a James Bond vixen. Your result is this season’s little black dress. Jill Stuart and Alexander Wang added a futuristic twist on the classic staple with sleek cutouts and form-fitting style.

Monotone
You might’ve heard that wearing the same color from head to toe was wrong, but this season, think again! The monochromatic look can help you look taller and slimmer. Try wearing several pieces in one shade, like pale yellow (Narciso Rodriguez) or all black (Jill Stuart).


Origami Pleating
The Japanese art of paper folding made its way to the runway with intricately-folded silky fabrics in rich colors and jewel tones like purple and forest green. Origami pleating can do wonders to accentuate a bustline like in this season’s collections by Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan. “The tricky folds highlight the sexy décolletage area without revealing too much — making it a DO for both flat-chested and busty gals,” says Glamour.com, the Web site for Glamour magazine.

Fur
Luxe, warm and oh-so-cozy fur stoles were seen at many shows including Givenchy and Dolce and Gabbana. Statistics even agree with this trend; showing that more Americans are finding it acceptable to wear fur, up from 54 percent to 61 percent in the past year, according to a Gallup.com poll. Look for faux fur to avoid getting caught up in controversy or spending big bucks.


Sweetheart Style
Become an autumn darling this season, like the girls at Erin Fetherston’s show, by adorning your hair or neck with a bow. It dresses you up and helps you look tres adorable.

Stockings
Be schoolgirl-chic by wearing knee-high stockings with skirts or dresses that stop right above the knee, like the models at Jill Stuart and Louis Vuitton. Be careful with this look though. If you’re short or if the proportions don’t quite add up, it might not work for you.

Tattoo
From pierced red roses to pinup girls, tattoo graphics were printed on jackets, shoes, and bags at several design houses like Maison Martin Margiela. Look for less expensive pieces from Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier.


Vampire
Call it the “Twilight” effect. Darker colors, blood-red lipstick, and faux fangs bit their way into high-end magazines like Italian Vogue and Cosmopolitan. To revamp your look without getting into horror movie territory, try wearing a Victorian-style ruffled blouse with dark denim or adopting the rocker style of lots of black leather and tight pants — just not too tight. ;)


Modupe, 16, is a junior at Stephenson whose style icons include Miroslava Duma and Olivia Palermo, and she loves September magazine issues!

Sources: Glamour.com, coutorture.com, teenvogue.com, Elle.com and style.com

*Photos Courtesy of Style.com

Also, for VOX, I've been chosen as one of this school year's interns. I have the title of Interactive Publishing, which means I get to work on our awesome paper, developing our video department as well as working on the VOX blog! (So be sure to check it out.)
Aussi, I might be starting another blog in the future, which will include the fashion related, but more explorative of other topics. Not quite sure yet, but just letting you know...;)

-xoxo Mo