allDAY : Style

Send in your 'Style 911' questions

Bobbie Thomas — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:13:00 GMT

From Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

The holidays are here and 'tis the season to find fashion forward looks for winter's countless commitments. From your office party to your big family dinner, I want to help you celebrate in style this year and am asking our allDAY readers to send in the fashion questions that have them stumped.

Have an item you want to wear but aren't sure how? Need alteration advice to update an outdated outfit? Take a picture, come up with questions and submit them here. Then tune in November 19th to see if your question is answered live during my Style 911 segment on the TODAY show.

Send Bobbie your style questions!

Did French Vogue cross line with blackface photos?

Bobbie Thomas — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:47:00 GMT

From Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

French Vogue is known for its wild, irreverent style and creative use of imagery, but when I caught wind of the controversy surrounding their latest issue, I felt compelled to reach out to allDAY readers for opinions on where fashion should draw the line — and whether this is crossing it:

The October issue includes a spread of supermodel Lara Stone in blackface, which was a popular performance tradition used in 19th century minstrel acts that perpetuated negative stereotypes of African Americans. While French Vogue is no stranger to controversy (having recently featured photos of cross-dressing and faux pregnant women smoking cigarettes), many wonder if this bold move extends beyond artistic expression and could be interpreted as racism. While the fashion industry has recently come under attack for often overlooking models of color, the timing of this spread is also sparking heated discussions.

Considering the photos, do you think the controversy is justified?

Video: Did magazine cross the line?

Related stories:

Size 4 model: I was fired for being too fat
LeBron, Gisele and Vogue: The cover controversy
Should there be a law to label retouched photos?

Jill Martin: A note about today's 'Slimmer in seconds' segment

Jen Brown — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:50:00 GMT

From Jill Martin, Us Weekly contributor and TODAY fashion expert

Hi everyone! We missed a lower third in today’s “Slimmer in seconds” segment, so if you're desperately searching for the Hello! Skinny Jeans visit skinnyjeans.com. All other product info is in the video.

Ambush online makeover! Your best face for cyberspace

Bobbie Thomas — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:43:00 GMT

From Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

From babies to cartoon characters, the dreaded self-portrait has prompted many to go to creative and elaborate lengths in order to avoid putting an actual photo of themselves on the internet.

Having said that, a free and fabulous idea caught my eye while going through some pitches today. While cosmetic counters have always offered us a fresh face for a special occasion, they are now offering a makeover that will last long after the makeup has washed away!

Select Estee Lauder counters across the country are giving free makeovers along with custom digital photos which they'll help you post online. Now you can get all glammed up and have someone (actually everyone) to show! So for everyone who has ever spent hours scanning picture folders looking for something to post, this seems like a great opportunity to put your best face forward! So say “cheese” and post your pretty pics below!

Hoda dishes on her 'do

Rina Raphael — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:02:00 GMT

From TODAY correspondent Sara Haines

What's the secret to Hoda's great hair? The host of the fourth hour shares her not-so-technical description of how her stylist maintains her 'do.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Related: Hair's to you, Hoda!

Amy Robach tests out hair extensions

Leno stealing ‘Winkers’ jokes from TODAY?

Rina Raphael — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:25:00 GMT

Is Jay Leno a fan of Hoda and Kathie Lee? The hosts of the fourth hour of TODAY teased the late-night comedian for grabbing footage from last week’s chat segment highlighting “Winkers,” the new line of pants with custom graphics on one’s derriere.

“He’s got 80 writers and he’s gotta steal from little us?!” exclaimed KLG. “This is sad.” But is it, really? After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Credit: winkersdesign.com

Jeans that wink when you walk: Cute or creepy?

Rina Raphael — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:58:00 GMT

Wish your jeans could do the flirting?

A new line of pants features mesmerizing custom graphics on one’s derriere that “wink” while you walk. These “Winkers,” in styles from owl eyes to clap boards, make good use of curves, but can cost between $140-$160. During TODAY’s chat, Hoda jokingly claimed she “might do the owl [style]” but Kathie Lee insisted she “didn’t want to draw attention that part of my anatomy.”

Are they cute or creepy? And would you ever wear them?

Credit: winkersdesign.com

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Should there be a law to label retouched photos?

Bobbie Thomas — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:00 GMT

From Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

The fashion scene in France is dividing at the seams over a proposed law that would require retouched photos (including advertising, press photos, political campaigns, art photography, and packaging images) to come with labels clearly stating that they have been altered. It’s no secret (at least it shouldn’t be at this point) that most of the images we see in magazines are doctored before they make it to print — be it simple color correcting or dramatic figure altering.

Now on the heels of recent issues involving the likenesses of such famous ladies as Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kate Winslet and Kim Kardashian, this law has people questioning the potential harm associated with passing distorted images off as the real deal. With teenage eating disorders consistently on the rise and unrealistic standards being set, lawmakers hope this regulation combats the negative body images that pervade popular culture.

On the flipside, many magazines and periodicals call the proposed legislation unnecessary and ridiculous, citing that art is always up for interpretation and that labels such as these compromise artistic integrity. So I’d like to pose a question to all of the allDAY readers out there: Do you think labeling retouched photos is an infringement on the right to artistic expression, or does it help to provide a reality check to those who view these “picture perfect” flawless photos?

Discuss: Should magazines make cover models look slimmer than they are?

For fashion’s sake, the Olsens will serve you booze

Rina Raphael — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:41:00 GMT

We hope you’ve cleared some room on the credit cards because tonight is Fashion’s Night Out, for which countless stores will be open till 11:00pm to offer discounts, cocktails, celeb run-ins and best of all – goody bags. This is the perfect time to schedule a night on the town with your girlfriends – you can drink, shop and even scold Gossip Girl Taylor Momsen for being out past her bedtime.

Apart from the multitude of new products and limited-edition collections, you can also get some free (my favorite word) expert advice. For example, TODAY Style editor Bobbie Thomas will help customers find that perfect fit at DSW Union Square in New York – a great opportunity for the working woman who wants to invest in a few fantastic cost-per-wear shoes and bags… and gab with Bobbie. The store will also be giving away a free pair of shoes every half-hour and indulging one lucky lady in Carrie Bradshaw’s ultimate fantasy: a winning prize of one year’s worth of shoes. Not a shoe gal? Then check out these other great events:

New York

Get your celeb fix at Bergdorf Goodman, where the Olsen twins will be bartending, designers Cynthia Rowley and Peter Som will be competing in a cook-off judged by Padma Lakshmi and Donna Karan and Emmy Rossum will host a game of Fashion Rules.

Need some high-heel lessons? Head to H&M (515 Broadway), where Miss J Alexander of “America’s Next Top Model” will offer personal runway lessons before you strike a “fierce” pose for a shot that will be displayed on a Meatpacking District billboard.

If you’re into ambience, pile on the scarves and gold jewelry for a gypsy caravan-themed fete at Moschino (401 West 14th Street). Shop and gab while fortune-tellers and tarot card readers predict your fashion future (I see studded bags… and shoulder pads).

“Gossip Girl” watchers can see “Little J” Taylor Momsen rock it out with her band The Pretty Reckless at the Teen Vogue block party (Perry Street between Bleecker and West 4th).

Boutique lovers might want to stop by INTERMIX SoHo (98 Prince Street), where sister designers Savannah and Sienna Miller of Twenty8Twelve will sign FNO specialty shirts and host an “Art Battle” in which artists draw on mannequins for the judging audience.

Charlize Theron will sign copies of Vogue’s obese September issue at Dior (21 East 57th), while makeup artists will transform guests before they sit down for exclusive portrait sittings.

L.A.

Grill rocker/designer Pete Wentz on his eyeliner technique as he showcases his Clandestine Industries brand at Ron Herman at Fred Segal Melrose (8100 Melrose Ave). Then let Paige Geller of Paige Premium Denim lead you through a course on how to “destroy” your jeans.

Nationwide

Neiman Marcus stores will be open late, offering makeovers and sharing treats (like chocolate mousse desserts in Chicago or cocktails in Atlanta). Check your local Neiman Marcus.

For more events, giveaways and special promotions, visit Fashion’s Night Out. If you live in an area that isn’t hosting a FNO event, then DIY: Invite some pals over, open up some bottles of wine and throw a swap party. You don’t need to spend money to enjoy the historic evening – just have fun and get something stylish that’s “new” to you.

Related: Anna Wintour wants you to shop all night

Help Bobbie hunt for handbags!

Bobbie Thomas — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:49:00 GMT

From Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

I'm on the hunt for handbags... and I want your help! Every spring and fall, I spend hours on end flipping through lookbooks, scouring stores, and surfing the Web for the season’s best bag offerings. While I’m excited to share some of my favorite finds, I’d also love to know what carryalls have caught your eye.

Whether you’re drooling over a designer dream bag or have spotted a style steal somewhere – leave a comment below and let’s see if we can kick off our own virtual handbag guide for all allDAY readers to enjoy. And tune in to see my fall’s hottest handbag segment on TODAY, September 17th, to see if your pick makes a cameo (with a shout out, of course!)

Photo credit: Foley and Corinna, foleyandcorinna.com