Style
From Style Editor Bobbie Thomas
It's no secret around the studio at TODAY that I proudly share my affection for nail art. Whether I'm in search of a fresh color trend or the latest in design decals, I’ve been known to approach strangers on the subway just to find out where they get their nails done. I’ve even come across a technician in L.A. who was able to create a snow globe on an acrylic nail (by sealing water into an air pocket!), and I still want to go to a big nail competition show.
Another guilty pleasure? I freely admit to being a big Hello Kitty fan despite being 30 years older than most of her current fan base.
CONTINUED >>
With summer winding down and fall calendars quickly filling up, it’s important we have something to look forward to in order to help us ease back into winter work mode. In New York, one of those things for me is Fall Fashion Week.
This year I’m especially excited because on September 10, Vogue, the CFDA, the City of New York and NYC & Company are doing something special — coordinating “Fashion’s Night Out,” considered the largest ever retail event.
In a global attempt to reinvigorate the industry and boost consumer morale, New York, along with thirteen other fashion capitals around the world, will jump-start the week’s events by throwing mini extravaganzas all across the city. The night will feature musical performances, model/celebrity appearances, special previews and giveaways. American Express will create a custom map highlighting the 700 participating retailers as well as savings for their card holders. Payless will provide four Gray Line double-decker buses to shuttle consumers through the city — just to name a few of the night’s unique offerings. CONTINUED >>
So here we are again. The biggest scandal to hit the White House: How much skin is really in?
Hours upon hours have been spent talking about what a first lady should or should not wear. First, it was whether or not she had the right to “bare arms,” and now, pictures of Michelle wearing “short” shorts while on holiday with her family during yesterday’s trip to the Grand Canyon are sparking a similar debate. While most women would agree that shorts (at any length) are often tough to pull off, I think we should line up with hands raised to offer her a high five. And since she is gifted with those long legs, I beg the question — wouldn't all shorts be "short" on her? CONTINUED >>
Yesterday morning I woke up, poured my coffee, and was thumbing through the Styles section of The New York Times when I came across a jaw-dropping review of the new J.C. Penney in Manhattan, called “Playing to the Middle.” I found myself talking to friends about it throughout the day, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. So I really wanted to share and find out what more of you thought. Here is what Times writer Cintra Wilson, also known as The Critical Shopper, had to say:
"JC Penney has broken free of its suburban parking area to invade Herald Square, and the most frequent question on New York’s collective lips seems to be: Why? Why would this dowdy Middle American entity waddle into Midtown in its big old shorts and flip-flops without even bothering to update its ancient Helvetica Light logo ... CONTINUED >>
On the heels of the oh-so-exciting Jimmy Choo/H&M collaboration, here comes yet another fashion fantasy! The whimsical wonder sisters behind Rodarte, Kate and Laura Mulleavy — best known for their feminine yet modern and often avante garde tastes — are ready to take on Target. The retailer’s “Go International” series of limited collections already produced memorable mash-ups by well-known designers, including Erickson-Beamon, Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui.
After turning heads in Hollywood with the help of Kirsten Dunst, Reese Witherspoon and Natalie Portman, you no longer have to be on the red carpet to rock one of their designs. CONTINUED >>
We have Botox to thank for freezing Hollywood’s famous faces into masks of non-movement -- but a new “no-brow” trend has taken it a step further. In high fashion circles, eyebrows are being bleached, shaved or covered with wax-like makeup in order to create a blank, emotionless canvas. The effect? A severe, static look on models and other trendsetters who are experimenting with this new "beauty" movement. Perhaps it’s no surprise, considering futuristic and androgynous clothing trends have remained constant for the past few years.
CONTINUED >>
While Leigh, Nick, the bridesmaids, and the groomsmen glowed — there were a few other standout style stars, like Leigh's mother, Jan. The mother of the bride looked stunning in a shutter pleat tiered dress by Adrianna Papell. And for those of you who asked about Hoda's dress, it's by Nicole Miller. Inspired by my Payless find, I wore a dress by Lela Rose, whereas Natalie wore a teal dress by Celine, or as she likes to call it — "an oldie but a goodie" from about three years back.
And last, but not least, I wish the cameras could sometimes pull back to reveal our loyal crew of support. In honor of the wedding, it was "dress up" day at TODAY and our behind-the-scenes backbone looked ab fab as well!
Related: Watch Nick and Leigh's wedding ceremony
Lesson learned: you don’t have to settle to save. Whether you‘re the bride, bridesmaid, guest, or style editor — footwear is often left as the last item to find. And with such time and money invested in the dress, you're hoping for the perfect pair to magically appear before you — and on sale.
But lo and behold, like a ray of sunlight shining down on your local Payless shoe store, therein lies the answer. CONTINUED >>
Like chocolate and peanut butter, champagne and strawberries, and Hoda and Kathie Lee… two more of my favorite things are joining forces: this fall, trendy accessory powerhouse Jimmy Choo lands at H&M!
No, you haven’t died and gone to style heaven. This is actually happening. Jimmy Choo will be providing top-quality, high-end designer shoes and bags at bargain prices. And let me just say, they happen to be one of the few brands that do not send out freebies to celebs or VIPs, so even Carrie Bradshaw will be on line on November 14, 2009 when the Brit brand's coveted accessories hit 250 H&M locations across the country.
CONTINUED >>
What’s better than a shopping spree? A free spree!
TODAY Style Editor Bobbie Thomas recently hosted a clothing swap party -- the fashionable new trend for ladies looking to save some cash (this is the painless, delightful preventative step that comes just before Suze Orman confiscates your Saks card).
The rules were easy: For every item you brought, you were handed a colored ticket which corresponded to three sections – low (Wet Seal, GAP, etc.), middle (Bebe, J. Crew), high (Michael Kors, DVF) and “deal or no deal” (items you’re willing to exchange/barter). You wrote your name on the tickets, which were then thrown in a bowl. The host picked out three at a time for the lucky ladies to “shop” the collection. Whoever snagged the Chloe bag first won (no, not really ... but kinda!).
CONTINUED >>
