STYLE SPOTLIGHT: Are the New $800 UGGS Worth It?

So once I heard about the new UGG boots, I had to trek up to UGGS Australia in Georgetown to take a closer look at the new $800 Swarovski/UGG collaboration. For years, I have had a no UGGS policy! But after they introduced what they called their "designer collection," they started to win my heart over a little. But could I be convinced that you should spend $800 on a pair of Swarvoski crystal-drenched UGG boots?

First of all, let me just say that the staff members at the Georgetown store were phenomenal!!! They made me feel so welcomed and took the time to show me everything. Fab customer service. So the moment came and the sales clerk removed the glass and voilà! I picked it up and took a closer look. Beautiful. I also love the fact that the pair in Georgetown were made specifically for the DC area. There are several iterations of this collaboration including the Gotham Boot for NYC, the Las Vegas boot, and the Miami boot. So adorable.

But would I pay $800 for a pair? Nope. But that doesn't mean that you can't. But I tell you that I will definitely be back to buy a few pairs of their fabulous sandals! Not only were the designs just my style, but the colors were so amazing! Bold colors are definitely in effect for spring and summer.

Head on up to UGG Australia in Georgetown to see the Swarovski/UGG collab yourself. I would love to hear what you think. So hit me up! Get to shopping.

Rukiya's World: Who's That Girl?

I know I'm a few weeks late with this post so forgive me. I had given up all hope on Gossip Girl, that is until I realized there is a FABULOUS new character on there that goes by the name of Raina Thorpe. Ms. Thorpe is an heiress and co-partner with her father's real estate company. She originally hails from the windy city of Chicago. We already know Chicago has a history of producing chic fashionistas. I hope Raina's character last the entire season!

FASHION LUST: The Beauty That Lies Underneath

I love Affinitas. I actually own a few of their pieces and I can attest to how beautiful their lingerie is in person. I especially love these two new lingerie sets from them. Green lingerie? Gotta love it. Available at Her Room or Affinitas Intimates.

FASHION LUST: The Perfect Accessory Awaits You

This bag is so beautiful. I just want to cuddle with it. Perfect for carrying my laptop and all my crap in a sleek and stylish manner. Available at Flux Productions.

LONDON FASHION WEEK: Mark Fast Fall 2011

{via First Comes Fashion}

No one does knits like Mark Fast. Plus he gets a whoop whoop from me for continuing to use models who are not a perfect size 0. Kiss Kiss, Mark Fast!

FASHION LUST: Fab New Ann Demeulemeester @ Mona Moore

Super hip, super chic. Totally versatile from winter to spring. Ann Demeulemeester available at Mona Moore.

LONDON FASHION WEEK: Burberry Prorsum Fall 2011

{via First Comes Fashion}

No one does it like Christopher Bailey!

LONDON FASHION WEEK: Jasper Conran Fall 2011

{via First Comes Fashion}

LONDON FASHION WEEK: Christopher Kane Fall 2011

{via First Comes Fashion}

One of my favs... Christopher Kane

DC FASHION EVENT: DC SAMPLE SALE is COMING!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Fall 2011: Doo.Ri

Doo.Ri is the queen of neutrals. She makes neutrals look so chic. Totally lovin' the beige, gray, deep blue palette. She had very little black and that was refreshing (even though black is my favorite color). Another designer who made me want everything that went down the runway. But what stopped me in my tracks, of course, were those FIERCE lace-up boots. I will take one pair, please.

{image via Style.com}

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Fall 2011: Reed Krakoff

I guess Reed Krakoff's artistic side needed a different outlet other than Coach! The Coach big shot showed an amazing collection at MBFW. I am so impressed. I totally want everything. There was plenty of leather everywhere on the runways. Reed Krakoff was no exception and we all know that he knows good leather. Someone needs to drop that mustard-colored leather dress in my closet by accident! LOL!

{images via Style.com}

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Bluefly Is Clearing It All Out!

Bluefly is having a mammoth clearance sale for 10 hours only. Here's one of their fab deals - Report Signature Vanda booties for $116.00. Trust me, I love Report and they ain't cheap! Get to shopping.

DC FASHION EVENT: Join Carmen Marc Valvo at Neiman Marcus

Be a fashion insider. Come out to designer Carmen Marc Valvo's exclusive fashion show and book signing at the Neiman Marcus (Level III) at Tyson's Galleria in on Friday, March 4th. Get a sneak peak of Carmen’s Spring 2011 Collection and meet the designer. Get your tickets at Carmen Marc Valvo Fashion Show.

Carmen Marc Valvo Fashion Show

Date: March 4, 2011

Time: Reception at 6:30 PM, show starts at 7 PM

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Fall 2011: Rachel Roy

I adore Rachel Roy. When she came to Tysons last summer, she was so personable and her spirit was amazing. I am a huge fan because she is the queen of mixing patterns effectively. Not only mixing amazing patterns but selecting patterns that have a cool bohemian/ethnic feel. You feel like you are walking along the Nile River. I especially love the first outfit on the second row. It's so me.

{images via Style.com}

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Fall 2011: Luca Luca

Another fav was definitely Luca Luca. Who knew that bold colors could look so fab for fall/winter? I really am lusting after the hot pink shirt and pants with the orange fur. Totally want that outfit.

{images via Style.com}

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Fall 2011: Dennis Basso

As promised, I am picking my favs from NY Fashion Week. It was so very hard because everyone seemed to be pushing the envelope really hard this season. But I had to choose. Dennis Basso was definitely one to love. First of all, he gets big props for using a rack of models of color. That alone won over my heart. But add in the fact that the furs were beyond gorgeous and what lied underneath was pretty fab too! I especially loved muted sleeveless cowl-neck dress with the asymmetrical flower pattern and the long brown draped dress. Loved.

{images via Style.com}

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Grosgrain Goodness @ Gap

You have to have dresses in your closet that are versatile and can be worn year round. This beautiful blue dress is perfect for just that purpose with its dainty grosgrain trim. This color is so fab and can totally be worn in the spring, fall, winter or summer. It's also a great price. Available at Gap for $39.99. Get to shopping!

VINTAGE SPOTLIGHT: Slap Me Fabulous!

I love this necklace. It is red carpet ready or it could dress up a crisp white tee and a pair of jeans. You decide. Oh how I love Vintage. Get it at Slap Me Fabulous!

BONUS FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Bootie Duty

If your outfit needs a great pair of booties to polish it off, these studded buckle ankle boots by Ash would be perfect. On sale at Neiman Marcus for $117.00. Get to shopping!

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: So Posh, Great Price

This is so posh. So chic. So cheap! Get this fab mesh sequin scarf for $9.99 at Newport News.

LIVE FROM NYC: @_IFB Evolving Influence Conference Live

Watch live streaming video from ifbconference at livestream.com

FASHION LUST: Lovely People @Moxsie

These are truly lovely. By Lovely People at Moxsie.

FASHION LUST: Easy Breezy Cremieux @ Dillard's

I have never really shopped at Dillard's. I have been tempted to buy a few Jessica Simpson shoes that I believe that she makes exclusively for Dillard's. But just didn't. But I do love the simplicity of this shirtdress by Cremieux. The striped belt just makes me long for spring. C'mon Spring!

FASHION LUST: Rodarte for Opening Ceremony

The new Rodarte for Opening Ceremony line is now available. There are quite a few things that I truly love and some things I had to shake my head. I don't see myself wearing a tapestry fringe cape - but that's just me. Here are what I am lusting after...

DC FASHION EVENT: Valentine's Day @ Circe Spa

This just in from hairstylists and manicurists nationwide: Ladies, we love listening to you dish about your complicated love lives, some of your problems are out of our league. It’s time to bring in a professional.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Circe of Alexandria is offering its clientele a special service: a complimentary private 10-min love advice session with a professional matchmaker! And, if that doesn’t work, the backup dating therapy will be available as well: chocolate. This event will be held on Friday, Feb. 11th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, with special guest, Krista, director and professional matchmaker from DC Dating Service, It’s Just Lunch.’ Krista is scheduled at Circe Spa to answer your dating questions for singles, couples, and even seasonally married couples looking to spice up their relationships.

Complimentary refreshments will be available to Circe guests. To speak with the matchmaker, clients simply have to have a Circe appointment booked for the month of February.

About Circe of Alexandria
Circe of Alexandria is an upscale full-service salon and spa located in Historic Old Town Alexandria, VA. Circe features a wide variety of salon services from for both men and women to hair coloring, massages, microdermabrasion treatments, pedicure, manicures and more. For more information on Circe of Alexandria visit: www.circeofalexandria.com .

DC FASHION EVENT: Goodwill Sweetheart Sale

Where: Goodwill Retail Store 2936 Annandale Rd Falls Church, VA 22042

When: February 14, 2011

Time: 10AM-9PM

What: 50% off all donated goods

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Puff Puff Pass...

Whoa! I have been waiting for this fab puffer vest at J.Crew to go on sale. I blogged about it in my fab gift guide during the holiday season. It is now $59.99. Wow. Get to shopping!

SO NOT FASHION: My Favorite Super Bowl Ad

Okay. You guys know that in addition to being fashion-obsessed, I love sports. So you know that I was glued to my TV watching the Super Bowl. The game was so exciting and I was so happy to see Green Bay win. But the ads were sucking big time. There were a few that I liked (most of the Doritos ads, the Chrysler 200 ad, the VW Beetle ad). Most of the commercials were terrible, especially Groupon.com. What were they thinking?!?

But this adorable VW Passat commercial made me so weepy (not just because I have owned three Passats in the past and am totally loyal to VW). I just love seeing fathers step up and do something amazing for their kids. I got even weepier when I heard the story of this little darling, 6-year-old Max Page, who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at age four and has a pacemaker. I saw a brief piece of his post-Super Bowl ad interviews and he had the most profound take on his illness and life. He basically said that he knew that he was sick but "...what are you gonna do, you can just die..." Amen, Max. You fight the good fight. You made my day, Max. You inspired me to keep fighting the good fight and keep it moving.

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Cheap Monday Jeans For Cheap

This is a great deal on a pair of very stylish jeans by Cheap Monday. Grab a pair for $57.60. Only a few left. So hurry. Available at 80's Purple.

FASHION LUST: I Need This In My Life!!! Military Chic With A Twist

I totally need this in my life. This is so me. Military chic at its finest. This fab military-style vest has fab sequins on the cap sleeve. Love it. Available at Les Nouvelles.

STYLE NEWS: Amanda Cutter Brooks Shines New LIght On Barney's

Just finished reading a great feature on the new women's fashion director at Barney's, Amanda Cutter Brooks, over on one of my favorite blogs, Habitually Chic. This woman is by far one of the chicest women that I have seen in a long time. You just feel in your gut that great things are ahead for Barney's and chic, stylish women everywhere! Congrats Amanda Brooks!

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: 7 Questions for Maggy Francois. She Really Knows Fashion

Maggy Francois knows a thing or two about fashion design. As Fashion Design Director at West Potomac Academy Project Stitch Studio, she teachers high school students the fine art of garment construction, fashion design, fashion marketing and runway production. Maggy also runs her own Fashion Show Production Company, Maggy Francois, LLC. She is currently producing the Crystal Couture show being held this week in Crystal City. You can contact Maggy via Twitter, Facebook and her web site. So here are my 7 questions for the fashion diva.

1. What are the most important lessons in fashion design education that you teach your students to help them be successful?

Never give up and live you dream. Don’t limit yourself and think the industry is all about design. The industry is a 500 billion business so tap into it. Many people don't realize the plethora of jobs in the industry from Fashion lawyers, product development, spec designers, merchandiser, to fashion branding.


2. Who is your favorite fashion designer and why?

Oh my, Oh my. I really do not have one. I love them all and it is so hard to choose just one then it would me Marchesa. Their work and creativity speaks fashion. I love the use of bold and subtle colors, gravity-defying dresses, laser-cut fabrics, embroideries and use of fabrics. It's genius.


3. Who do you think are the three most influential persons in the fashion industry and why?

Anna Wintour, Editor-in-chief of Vogue. She is on Michelle Obama's guest list. Need I say more? If anyone ever gets a chance to meet her, all she has to make is one call and you are headed to a fab career.

Marc Jacobs, Head designer of Marc Jacobs International. He quietly stepped on the scene and I love it. He is everywhere. And as creative director of Louis Vuitton, he’s single-handedly made that brand the most profitable of parent company LVMH’s fashion stable.

Karl Lagerfeld known as the skinny man with big ideas. His runway shows are to die for. He is the only designer I know that can take architecture and fashion intertwines them into a breathtaking runway. I do not care about the clothes when I watch his show; I just want to see the runway. Many designers have learned a lot from Karl. He has been with Chanel for over 20 years, which is rare, and he continues to make Chanel one of the top fashion houses in the world.


4. Who is your style icon(s) and why?

My Mom. Although she is elderly right now and has lost her sense of style, lol. I tell her that all the time. My impeccable taste for fashion and grace comes from my mommy whom I praise daily for her providing me with strength and courage to face any challenges that comes my way. I wore dresses all the time growing up. Not sure when I started wearing pants. I think I was in high school when I started wearing slacks, jeans and sneakers in college. This could be the reason why I am dress obsessed ;-)


5. Describe your personal style?

My personal style is classic with a twist. I like classic trends too. I want to be able to wear my pieces 10 years from now so I do my best to stay away from overnight trends. I don’t have one favorite. I love all colors and mixing them together in interesting ways.



6. What can't you live without?

Shoes, shoes, shoes, dresses, dresses, dresses & ice, cream, ice, cream ;-)


7. What's next for Project Stitch Studio?

Currently the student’s are keeping me very busy. We go to NYC in a few months for Classroom in NYC. Fashion design students spend a three to four days in New York City where they get to meet the who's who's in the fashion industry. Class meeting places include fashion designer showrooms, magazine publications, marketing departments, museums, colleges/universities, and other facilities, in order to expose students to fashion-related and broader cultural venues available in New York City. Many of the students are unable to afford the trip so with help from fundraisers, private donors and Christine Brooks-Cropper of GWFCC we are able to make a whole lot of students happy ;-)

FASHION DEAL OF THE DAY: Getting A Headstart On Shopping For Spring

Get a jump on your shopping for spring with this fab khaki trench coat on sale for %79.00 at Spiegel.