Fashion for Haiti

This past Tuesday,  former President Bill Clinton accepted a $1 million check to benefit Haitian earthquake victims.  Clinton, who has always been a key dignitary for American foreign affairs, was presented to check by the Council of Fashion Designers of America president and world renown fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg; and who just happens to be one of my all time favorite designers.  Tory Burch, whom I adore as well, and Andrew Rosen (CEO of Theory) were also there to help hand over the donation which came from the sales of the Fashion for Haiti T-Shirts (as seen in the picture worn by another one of my favorites--Victoria Beckham). 

With this financial aid from the CFDA, the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund aims to continue to build on its efforts to provide immediate, high-impact relief and long-term recovery efforts.  Specifically the influx from CFDA will help provide more solar-powered flashlights for practical and protective purposes to the Haitians.  Before the January 12th earthquake, a majority of the country's population did not have electricity.

The Fashion for Haiti t-shirts are still being sold and the cost is $25.  Net proceeds will go straight to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and can be found at select retailers.  Sales of this limited edition t-shirt started in February 2010, but some stores still have inventory to sell. To get your own check out some of the following stores: Nordstrom, BCBG Max Azria,  Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and many others.  For more information go to: http://www.cfda.com     

                    

                             

Trend Alert: Military Must Haves

Who needs Dora the Explora when you can be a sexy explora?! The new spring/summer trend for 2010 is military/utilitarian inspired.  There is always something ultra cool about a military inspired look and now is the time to sport it.  Good news--this trend is one of the easiest to take from the runway to the streets (and comfy too)!


The key to this look (as with all trends) is choosing a few key pieces that have a utilitarian detail without being too literal. The basics: something in either or both an olive or khaki color (if these colors do not work for your skin tone try a black or navy in the military style instead), gladiator sandals or combat boots, sleek cargo pants, shirt dress, military jacket, and some "hardware" accessories. 


One of my favorite basics and a must for this Spring 2010 trend is the Gladiator sandal. This season, Rachel Roy (on the left) and Alexander Wang (on the right), has added their own flare to the continuous trend.  This variation on the gladiator completes an outfit that is put together with a utilitarian influence.  Also look for heels/booties that would complete the look with the same military chic inspiration.

For a "How to Look" check out some examples below. Think military more than safari, but always keeping a feminine feel.  I think military is a great look for when you want to feel more casual, but still wanting to have some style.  It shows that you are up on the trends, but you aren't looking like you are trying to hard to copy the girls in the magazines.  It's also a trend where you don't have to spend a lot of money to pull it off.

Other designers that are featuring this versatile look this season are: (from the high end) Balmain, Givenchy, Balenciaga, Chloe (to the more affordable choices), Forever21, J Crew, Zara, and Target.

Everton v. West Ham-Howard Stops PK

I know I am a little behind on this one...thank goodness for tivo, but Everton played West Ham this past weekend and the final score of the match was 2-2 draw.  The score is nothing that really moves me one way or another, but Tim Howard does float my boat.  The US National Goalkeeper plays for Everton and had a save in the first half that warded off defeat against West Ham.  Now this wasn't just any save, this was a save off a penalty kick.  Penalty kicks do not usually end up in the keeper's favor, simply based on the logistics of whomever invented the silly game we call soccer.  Not this day though...Howard was on his game and ready to stop the PK. With Everton up 1-0 in the 37th minute, Howard dove to his right and stunned the Egyptian striker on the spot.  It was a great tactical play by Howard, because he was moving on his line trying to get into the striker's head...and he did!  PK's were always my favorite because of the pressure and gamesmanship that came along with the territory of being a goalkeeper.  Great shot of the save!

New Shoe Alert: Dolce Vita Sandals

Surprise...surprise...Emmy has purchased another pair of new shoes :) This past weekend I bought some new Dolce Vita sandals.  Dolce Vita is one of my favorite shoe brands because they are always so funky yet youthful.  I have been eyeing these specific flats for a couple of months now...the bright neon yellow attracted me right away.  This weekend was my lucky weekend...there was a coupon for $10 off of these shoes!!! Woot Woot! So straight to the mall I went...these will be perfect for my move back to California. They also come in other colors: black, leopard, and denim.  The yellow is my fave though...love bright colors and this yellow looks great on my skin tone.

Bunny Ears

New trend?! Awhile back, March 2009, is when I first saw the whole bunny ear headband trend introduced on the runway by Louis Vuitton designed by Marc Jacobs of course.  It was spotted off the runway on likes of Madonna and the Olsen twins, but I wasn't so sure of whether this off the wall trend would catch on to the general public.  Now a year later then when it first debuted in March 2009 (for Fall '09 Season) the bunny ears have been given a new look.  Benoit Missolin has adorned his bunny ears with black glass-pearls that give it a stylish upgrade.  This version will cost you roughly $365 which is comparable to the Vuitton ears.  If you are looking for a "cheaper" pair, check out Top Shop for your Easter accessory.  Oh and more exciting news about the ears: Lindsay Lohan, who I absolutely love no matter how much of a hot mess she is, was spotted sporting the bunny ears two nights ago while leaving the new Hollywood hotspot Trousdale.  Would you rock the bunny ears?!

WPS Fantasy Challenge

Hey women's soccer fans...it is almost time for the WPS to start up again for their second season.  I would have to say that the Boston Breakers are my favorite team in the league, but I will have to wait and see how they end up at the end of the season.  Something that will help me keep up with all the action is the new WPS Fantasy Challenge.  I have never done a fantasy team before, in any sport, let alone women's soccer.  It should be a new experience for me, but fun! Below is a picture of my highest paid player on the team: Hope Solo.  She gets paid an average salary of 1.35 million dollars.  I picked her to be the captain of my team (they get double points in the fantasy game) because 1) she is the goalkeeper--they are usually a natural leader on the field; and 2) she freaking rocks in the goal (my favorite women's professional goalkeeper in the world).

   Some of the key players on my team: A. Rodriguez (F), A. Wambach (F), H. O'Reilly (M), and S. Cox (D).  If you want to make your own team go to http://fantasy.womensprosoccer.com  Let me know if you do and we can be in the same league.  Have fun and I will be keeping you all updated on my team's progress week to week throughout the WPS season!

Swim Suit Etiquette

Going to the gym is something I regularly enjoy, not only because it helps me stay healthy and fit, but because it is an excellent place for people watching.  The things people decide to wear to workout in is really quite interesting.  Most people show up in what I would call an average looking "outfit"--something that is covering the appropriate parts of the body--yet comfortable to get their sweat on. I would say the typical shorts or pants with a t-shirt. Every once and awhile, there is someone who decides to mix it up and get crazy in their wardrobe choices.  This post is dedicated to my friend Taryn because we both have this weird obsession with pointing out what to us seems like obviously poor choices of clothing at the gym.

So moving from the gym to the pool--same rules apply.  I know there are limited choices when it comes to swimwear, but really people lets use some common sense and decency here.  Keep reading to find out what I mean.  I usually workout at the YMCA and there are a good number or regular swimmers that use the pool there.  There is this one guy, who by no means is overweight or hard on the eyes, but his speedo really needs to be thrown in the trash!  Every, and I mean every time he swims he wears the same speedo.  This speedo is an extremely close match with his skin tone and from far away it looks like he is not wearing one at all.  That being problem number one--that you can't tell if he is wearing anything--problem number two is the swimsuit looks all discolored from over wear and chlorine I'm sure.  This suit looks like he has had it since the early 80's.  It just isn't a good sight for anyone and it really irks me when I see him saunter out to hop in a lane.  Dressing oneself, in whatever circumstance it is, is not only something done for the self, but done with others in consideration (at least it should be).  I haven't got a picture to show you guys of this horrific sight, but I am sure you can use your imagination.  If you need an example of what NOT to wear....check it the picture below.  Wrong, but hilarious at the same time! Speedos for Jesus?!?  Nice Easter look I suppose ;)

My New Kicks

I picked up a new pair of Nike Dunks the other day and I am in love.  Not only do I love a good pair of stilettos, but you will also find me sporting a fresh pair of sneaks.  Shoes, if you haven't figured out yet, are my not so secret obsession--that is including shoes of all kinds.  Bright colors also catch my attention when it comes to footware.  The grey with the shiny black are a standout when accented by the electric green color. Love the "checkered" laces too!  Check out the new kicks and you will see my new art for my feet :)

Emmy's Choice for the Kid's Choice on the Orange Carpet

The 2010 Nickelodeon Kid's choice Awards was held this weekend in Los Angeles and celebs were there strutting their stuff.  This award show brings out the younger stars who never disappoint in the fashion department.  There were three ladies that were on my best dressed list for the evening: Selena Gomez, Keke Palmer, and Mel B. Selena stole the spotlight with a flirty yellow frock and gladiator sandals, but the trend of the Spring she wore best was the low side braid. She kept it youthful yet sophisticated like always.  Keke was wearing one of the most popular Spring trends--florals.  She paired this fab frock with periwinkle peep-toes. Personally, she was my number one for best dressed.  This young actress has grown up right before her audience's eyes.  Like the younger stars, Mel B showed up looking nothing less than gorgeous (one of my favorite looks for her that I have ever seen).  This beauty walked the carpet in a lovely top, patterned skirt, and platform peep-toes.  It was a combination where the colors worked to create a winning look. So be on the lookout for the following Spring trends: braided hair, florals, and platform peep-toes.  Use any of these looks in your day to day wardrobe along with an outfit for the night out on the town. Spring is here and the fashion on the Orange Carpet this weekend proved it.

Weekend Walk

Today I was able to make it down to Seattle to the Green Lake area.  All these years that I have lived in the area, I have never walked around the loop.  The Green Lake loop, 2.8 miles around, was crowed with people from all walks of life on what was a beautiful Pacific Northwest Spring day.  In all, it took me about 45 minutes to get all the way around--so it was a nice leisurely walk.

While I was cruising around the lake, I was noticing all the different types of fashion statements people were making while enjoying their Saturday. It was easy to spot what were the three top fashion accessories: dogs, babies, and cups of coffee( the coffee is a clear sign of Seattle living). I didn't have any of the three "accessories"--so I was pretty unfashionable today ;)  although I thought I looked pretty stylish dressed in my lululemon gear.  Most other people were not dressed to impress on the trail, but were dressed more functionally for the area they live.  This would hardly be the case in Los Angeles and it was a good break from that mentality.

After the lake, I stopped by Nordstroms to return a pair of amazing heels (not the point) and it took all of my strength to not make any new purchases.  There were some amazing shoes that were calling my name.   The shoe on the left is a Sam Edelman and the shoe on the right is a Steve Madden. I absolutely love Sam Edelman flats, but these wedges (which are very in for the spring by the way) are so hot! Nice job Sam! And then I am always a sucker for any Steve Madden heels really.  The platform on these shoes make them    pretty comfortable, while being stylish all in one.  I'm still into the "hardware" on shoes as well and both of these fit into that category. Like I said though, I was good and did not make any purchases....TODAY! hehehe

MLS Opener- Sounders FC over Philadelphia Union

Tonight I attended my first Seattle Sounders FC game at Qwest Field in downtown Seattle.  What an experience?! I will put it on the record and say that Seattle is the best place to watch an American Professional futbol match (MLS).  Everything about the whole experience touches all five senses...from the loud, continuous chants of the rowdy crowd to the sea of electric green stretching throughout the whole stadium. Although it could have NOT been raining, I still had a great time and can't wait to go back to another game! Tonight was  a proud moment for me as a member of the Seattle Soccer community.



While I was at the game, I picked up a Sounders FC scarf.  This is an old tradition that dates back to the olden times in Europe--I am glad that the Americans are joining in on the fun. I'm excited to add this one to my collection (which currently consists of Seoul FC from South Korea).

Now that I have begun my "coaching" career and have taken some coaching clinics, I have become more observant of the actual game itself.  Being solely a fan has drifted to the background, while I contemplate different tactics during the game of what the players should or shouldn't have done.  In my opinion, the player of the match was #11 Steve Zakuani. Although he did not score any of the goals (2-0) he was the play maker for both and for other key plays that almost resulted in a score. Teams can use players that can make the big crosses and in turn they are extremely valuable. Zakuani was a pleasure to watch the whole game as he chose the right options when the Sounders had numbers up attacking. I look forward to seeing if he continues this level of play throughout the rest of the season. Go Sounders!!!

Got My Vans on...

The "action sport" or alternative lifestyle brands have really been stepping up their game when it comes to the fashion world.  Brands like Roxy by Quicksilver, Hurley, and now Vans have created boutique lines for the more fashionable consumer.  Check out this limited edition shoes (courtesy of whowhatwear.com) they have for Spring 2010! Also here is the link to their website if you want to explore more of the line: Vans.com  My favorite is the LUXE Lesley Pointy-Toe Flat.