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27Feb/10Off

Taylor Swift Made Into a Russian Doll

Taylor Swift Cover

Have you ever tried to redo a picture of yourself into a cartoon look alike? Well, it certainly a new trend for the recent magazine covers in Russia. People are extremely touched up into different faces and bodies. When I saw this picture of Taylor Swift, I could not believe it is actually her. She is a young girl redone into a plastic surgery perfection. I am not sure how her fans are reacting but I am shocked. I guess with today's technology everything is possible but not to this "extreme". Does she look pretty - yes, does she look real - absolutely not. I will add this to the list with Demi Moore W Cover controversy which have disappointed people around the world. I wonder how Taylor is reacting to this but I am sure it is not a pleasant to see yourself being captured into a lifeless Doll.

24Feb/100

What makes you a “fashion guru”?

Who is a "fashion guru"? You are a person who is being picked on for an innovative style. You have been been approached by strangers to reveal your style secrets. You have proved that you can build any wardrobe from variety of clothes in your closet. Your unique ideas have been implemented into final items which landed their place in the fashion industry. You show that you can stand out as an individual taste which admired not only by the general public but also by the professional crowd. You must know how to shop couture and also be able to find a great bargain.


My idea of a fashion guru is an individual who has a special skill of putting an outfit together. I recognize it as a mastership. You can have a million things in your closet but if you do not know how to embrace them into one ensemble, you clothes would be worthless. A lot of people refer to fashion gurus for a fashion advice, style direction and also a personal inspiration.

You should be able to make any simple dress look as if it just came down the runway. You should be able to create a "fashion heaven" from a fashion mess. You should serve as an example to other gurus and fashionistas who accept you as their inspiration. Your personal look should be marked as one of a kind, exceptional and memorable. You must leave your fashion touch on everybody's mind.

Here are some of the fashion gurus who have landed on my list:

Karl Lagerfeld
Sarah Jessica Parker
Carla Bruni

Who is your fashion guru? Please share with us.

23Feb/100

Layering, Layering, Layering – How to pull it off?


I have never been a fan of layering clothes but recently this trend has stuck in my head and I have actually looked into what has made it so popular this season. Tank top, shirt, sweater, scarf and a P-coat would make you look trendy this season. What about the bottom? You can actually have long socks, pants, skirt and even a scarf tied around your waste. And do not forget a handbag and gloves. It is important that you go along with matching color coordination. You should not include more than three different colors and should not exceed more than five layers.

First, think of what are you trying to achieve with layers. You might come to the point where you would even get discouraged since patterns might play its part of being hard to work with. Short & long sleeves might be uncomfortable to wear. At this point, you should definitely layer your outfit first with an item which would be visible the most, around the neck, below the waste, even the sleeves. Then move on to either V-neck or round neck sweater, shirt or dress. More layers needed, add on a vest, cardigan or button down or possibly zip up shirt. The last one would be the most warmest clothing piece and of course, usually these are being coats or jackets.

Accessories can break the mix but be careful, nothing too tacky. Most importantly, try to pick something what will make you look taller and slimmer, for example, long chains or earrings. You are better off with the hair accessories since that something what will add the originality to your outfit.

22Feb/100

RIP – Remembering Alexander McQueen


How somebody this talented and successul can end their life in such tragedy? What made Alexander McQueen feel the way he felt and what is the reason for his death? We will never be able to answer these questions. But we can remember him as one of the famous designers of our time who has been a fresh stream into the fashion world with his delighful, young, innovative designs which has been appealing to every age.

Whose unforgettable 10-12 inch stilletos have been huge hit on the runways around the world. Whose couture gowns have been worn not only during fashion and movie awards but have been embraced as a piece of fashion art. What can be more fulfilling when you see everybody raving about the "alien-like creatures" who have invaded the Fashion Week in each major fashion capital. Kate Moss, Annabelle Neilson and Naomi Campbell have introduced the designer during his tribute at the London Fashion Week and have been truly proud to be standing on that runway and being part of this overwhelming emotion cat walk ever.

When I was writing an article about McQueen's Titanic Ballerina Pumps, I would never predict that I would be writing another aricle upon his death. It is a good moment to think of what we do in life and start appreciating people while they are among us... try to be more attentive, more patient, loving and caring towards each other. On this note, I want to wish Alexander McQueen to RIP.

19Feb/100

Camouflaging with Pride


Trying to hide in the crowd? Wearing camouflage will not be the way to go since it undoubtedly what you need to wear this Spring. It will not leave you unnoticed, if anything, it will make you stand out since combat clothing is totally “IN”. It’s a military tribute to the new wave of spring neutral colors and casual hip style. In addition to all the bright motifs of Spring 2010, you can experiment with neutral colors like black, off green, brown, grey and cream and try to mix them with jeans, leather and corduroy. Camouflage first appeared in Paris Fashion Week in the one of the Balmain’s collection, it carried over through New Year and exploded in New York Fashion week this month. Khaki colors are incorporated with pants, camisoles and jackets with the little risky lace and feminine macramé.

17Feb/100

Got to Have a Pair of Flat Boots


Only in the recent years I realized, how important it is to wear comfortable shoes. Most of the high heels and platforms can be damaging to your foot when you do not even know it. It is very hard to find a pair which fits best and you can wear it for a long period of time. Most of them, of course, cost at least a couple of hundred dollars but it is totally worth it. Lately, I have been looking for flat or low heel boots which can be worn during the day or at night. It must a sign that I am slowly moving towards more comfortable fashion. Life is definitely easier when you have a pair of flat boots in your closet since it will be perfect for any occasion, outing or even just a weekend errand run.

Now is the time to purchase a perfect pair of boots since a lot of them on sale and prices can be favorable for any budget. Most can be worn with skinny jeans or pants in addition to a skirt or dress if you are looking for more dressier look. Two of my top picks are below:

If you are looking for a variety to choose from, you can refer to ShopStyle.com. This website will provide you with every possible flat bootie out there and certainly a great discount which comes along with it.

15Feb/100

What You Can Expect from Fashion Schools

If you are planning on applying to one of the top Fashion Schools, you might find a lot of questions and answers if you will plan it step by step. Most of the graduates who have gained career in different areas besides fashion design, have been very interested in gaining their undergraduate and even graduate degree in fashion industry especially obtaining more knowledge how to become a successful designer or fashion consultant. This is the way for them to learn a keen sense of the latest trends or being able to create new apparel according to changing styles. There are certain steps which each student need to take in order to obtain a degree in fashion design. Some of the important areas are sketching of designs, fabric and color selection, tailoring, sizing, fitting and even alteration of garments.


Taking further steps would be learning about marketing and showcasing of finished products at fashion shows and other events. Earning degree in fashion will come along with its benefits where you would need to attend fashion shows, meet many industry professionals and know how to evaluate current and future trends. You would be asked to create customized garments for certain clients. You would need to make sure you meet the expectations set up by the public not only on the personal level but on the professional level as well. Most clients can be people who already worked with successful fashion designers and generally used to their clothing to be professionally made.

You would need to impress your teachers, students & clients with skills & design techniques which are versatile, independently prepared and also connected in the collaboration with other pieces of your collection. You would be required to work on multiple projects which would need to be gathered into your own fashion line. You would need to know how to accept criticism and read it as an advice or a push into being successful designer. Moreover, you need to be willing to work hard under pressure and meet tough deadlines.

Once you have accomplished and succeeded in school by receiving a degree in fashion, you can be sure that the journey just began. Fashion design school graduates usually start their career at the junior level, as assistants to designers or working at the fashion department stores as floor collaborators. You would be expected to work long hours and show that you can be strong. You are given an opportunity to be the best and learn the industry from deep inside by observing your successors. They can be designers who serve the masses by creating large apparel collections and others can be the ones who target the high fashion audience with lots of requirements and unique luxurious needs.

Getting base education in a fashion design school is the main step to becoming a fashion designer. Those four years of school would be the most important years to identify your future prospects. You should create a portfolio which will be the driving force for your future employers to identify who you are as a designer. It will show your talent and determination on being a successful fashion industry professional.

11Feb/100

Chasing Leopard For the Season


This Sunday is the Chinese New Year and celebration of the 2010 being the Year of the Tiger. If we would look at the fashion for the New Year, we can notice that it is so far exciting, a little flamboyant, with lots of color & animal prints. I think animal prints are definitely in style & will bring lots of variety into each wardrobe. Some of the trendiest motifs of this season ended up being leopard prints. I think the main clothing piece that has been influencing us the most is leopard printed coat. Celebrities immediately attacked this item in stores. They have started wearing not only outside during cold weather but also on the red carpet & movie premiers.

Second item which was introduced in the animal print is a leopard printed handbag. Leopard printed handbag is very neutral accessory (even if it does not look like it since it has mix of black and orange colors). It can be worn with lots of bright colors which can make a great collaboration. How about pink, lime & bright blue colors built in an addition to the black & white dresses, skirts and pants. Some of the designers have been playing with runway dresses and their color printed fabrics which have gained public attention and fashion critics positive reviews.

I referred to Elle magazine to provide you great snapshots of celebrities stepping out in the red carpet or in their daily life. Magazine has captured what is HOT to wear in leopard prints & what can be worn along with them.

9Feb/100

Powder Yourself with Radiant Glow of Spring

I think every fashion magazine that I have opened in the past couple of months, I have found CHANEL Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder known to be the new MUST HAVE make up for Spring season. It makes your skin look luminous & flawless with the touch of sun. I think if you are looking for something to improve your pale complexion, this product is the one to buy. It is always good to mix it with the dark bronzer to add the color to your chicks or even red/pink/burgundy blush. I usually use light bronzer such as this Highlighting Powder on my forehead and little on the chin for add the shadowing for younger looking skin. CHANEL Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder $65 is sold in most department stores:


Saks Fifth Avenue
Bergdorf Goodman
Nordstrom
Neiman Marcus

7Feb/100

Necklace Giveaway in Return for Subscription

This beautiful handmade necklace will be given away to a new subscriber of **KatyaUK** starting February 07th, 2010 and ending on February 14th, 2010. It will be your Welcome Valentines Day gift. Necklace made of detailed makreme with light weight black beads which makes it a perfect accessory for any holiday outfit especially for Valentine's dinner date. Upon selection of the winner, you will receive an e-mail on February 15th, 2010.

Hurry and subscribe to **KatyaUK** to be winner of this amazing necklace!

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