Links a La Mode #6: It's Even

Superficial on the Surface

Sometimes I get mad when people assume if you like fashion, you're automatically dumb or superficial. Then at the same time, I love looking at pretty pictures and dressing up... it's an escape and a passion all at the same time. Obsessing over fashion doesn't mean however, there's nothing going on in our brains! This week, we have a great mix of the tougher questions in fashion right along with the tips and tricks that enable our superficial exterior (that's not so superficial.... or is it?)

Links � la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

• Attire Club: Criticism And Attacks On Fashion
• Corals and Cognacs: A Blogger's Guide to Prepping for Fashion Week
• DIY Doyenne: Forget Numbers, Build Engagement
• Fashion is Evolution: 5 Fantastic Photography Books for the Creative Beginner
• Frantic But Fabulous: How to take care of your lingerie (so it lasts longer)
• Healthy Fashionista: The Fashionista's Guide To Foraging
• Inspirations and Celebrations: 2013 VMA Best Fashion - Top 5 Celebrity Looks
• Jessydust: 2013 Trend: The Baseball Cap
• Lara Lizard: So we are superficial!
• Nicole Kelly: How to recreate an outfit
• Noveltie: Perspective: Current State of Fashion Bloggers
• Mr. Walk & Talk: My Top 10 Tips for Smarter Shopping
• Runway to Style: The Fall 2013 Designer Collaborations Worth Knowing
• Savage Gem: Honest by 'Transparency'
• The In Club: Religion and Fashion- Friends?
• The Neon Blonde: 18 Fashion Tips I Wish I Had Known Before I Was 18
• The Style Enigma: The LBD In The Workplace Dos and Don'ts
• The Well Appointed Catwalk: Armani Diapers and Other Designer Crossovers
• We Are Ready Made: Conformity is the Language of Corruption
• Who's Aalo? DIY: Shooting "White Polar Night" OOTD

  SPONSOR: Eastdane Miansai, Grenson, Wolverine 1000, Bailey44, Billy Reid, Hepburn Monroe, Mens R&B, Jack Spade, Pantherella, AQ/AQ, & Herschel Supply

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Are Menswear Designers Competing Against Zara?

Is it comforting to say that fashionable retail chains - H&M, Topman, and Zara - are now giving high-end designers, especially menswear, a competition of their own? If we look at how fast men's fashion is moving, it has become somewhat daunting for designers to sell off their highly priced designs when another retailer (Zara) is producing similar designs of theirs for half the price (or more) of an original designer item. High-end menswear collections have been around for quite a while, but now that more men are paying attention to their personal style, designers may not feel it fair to see other mega retailers taking over their designs after they've invested more creativity and time in their menswear seasonal collections.

It used to be that tailored and very fitted clothes could only be obtained through designers, but today anyone can obtain their very fitted pieces - pants beginning at $29.99 to a suit retailing at $80 or a intricate biker jacket at $300. What's the difference? Authentic leather has gone up the sky, improved details and cuts are paid much more attention to, craftsmanship may be of a special technique, and a brand's label closes the deal. But most men are less about technique and cut, and more about it's cool, fits well, and a perfect price for such an investment. Men sometimes find it difficult to invest in a great $1,000 coat because they're afraid it won't be a well worth investment compared to a $1,000 technology device. This is probably one of the main factors that have led designers themselves like Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and much more concentrate in producing very noteworthy designs for their diffusion lines that cost less than their designer collections.

While some retail chains hire unknown designers or creative directors to create their own unique "designer collections," one particular retailer seems to be ahead of the curve. Zara has included a series of religious and greek god t-shirts that seem to have been inspired by Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 collections. They not only have these types of t-shirts, but also others that have similarities towards Givenchy's ones. Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent has also put his $4,900 short-fitted biker jackets on the hunt for Zara to retail theirs for only $299.99; huge price cut and fitted, although we'd prefer Saint Laurent's version. Accessories, such as Valentino's most photographed street style camouflage sneakers, have also made it to Zara's store for a price of $99.90, compared to its $795 designer version; these sneakers are so identical it makes you want to buy them. To say the least, the designer inspired items you may seek for could be hidden at a Zara retailer.

There is no denial that Zara has been a clever and an on trend company that seems to be doing their research very well. We could dare to say that Zara is becoming one of the strongest fashionable retail chains that is giving much more attention to its menswear line, introducing and even predicting new trends that are sure to be a mega hit. 

They have created a well put formula for men to wear designer quality items - very fitted pieces, accessories, and special details - but at the same time, have a feel for a luxury designer inspired item. And while half of men may still be investing in highly coveted outfits, the other half may not have an excuse for unattainable style, because there is a retail that is offering you designer inspired models at reasonable prices. The question here though is would you rather opt for the original designer's collection or spend less at Zara? If we could express our personal opinion, you would agree with us that while a retailer may be selling great inspired designs, there will always be a special design only a designer can offer. 

Shop all looks at Zara.

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Tom Ford and His Eponymous Fashion Career

Fashion icon/designer, Tom Ford, may be turning 52 today, but you can't deny the man looks in his thirties. You could skip through many of his pictures - parties, self-portrait advertisements, fashion shows - and you won't notice a difference of age. Not bad for his age today, huh? How does he even manage to look so youthful, considering fashion is one of the most stressful careers to work in today's fast paced society? 

Well, he is never afraid to share some of his beauty secrets to other guys who seek for a flawless looking skin in case you're wondering too. "Male grooming and skincare products" - bronzer on t-zone for vivid skin, concealer for imperfections, luxury cleanser and moisturizer for refreshening skin - are what keep his looks fresh, and will also be something guys will finally be able to get from him when his so talked about men's skincare line debuts this fall. 

In fact, he is one of the most liberating designers who is not afraid to speak about anything. So comfortable about himself, sex and nudity are part of his lifestyle. His campaigns always contain a sexual form of act (or provocation) that can exceed an average advertisement to the point of banning them. Talk about his so controversial pubic hair campaign for Gucci, and a perfume ad for his label placed on a model's private parts for advertisement. His eponymous collections always have a correlation with sex, but nothing to do with vulgarity. His mission is always to find the perfect balance for woman to feel sexy and glamorous in what they wear, but best of all, confident in who she is. He understands the anatomy of a woman, making his dresses luxury provocation for men; he is a lover of an open back, peekaboos, and cleavage slits of course. When it comes to menswear, he knows exactly how the perfect fitted suit should look like in a man. That has taken Mr. Tom Ford to be one of the A-list designers celebrities, men and women, will go to.

He has done so much for the fashion world, he is only one of the few designers you can't mess around with. His resume is one of the strongest in the fashion industry with Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent being his powerful ones. He could be considered the godfather of Gucci, because without him maybe Gucci wouldn't exist or be such a mega empire it is today. He took Gucci from the ground up, and everything he designed while under the brand became gold to say the least, as did for other brands. Today, it is a jewel to find a vintage Gucci x Tom Ford piece people would be willing to pay more than the required.  His own brand, Tom Ford, may not be superbly familiar to many since he does not believe so much in press - a reserved designer - but whoever gets to cross by his seasonal collections is difficult not to fall in love with. He is a fashion icon - best dressed, flawless skin, best collections of the season, trend setter, and open minded designer - who we wish to see delivering many more designs to crave for. Happy Birthday.

See some of his famous quotes and invigoratingly sexy campaigns/collections below.

Gucci for Tom Ford Fall Campaign

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Selena Gomez and Her Atelier Versace Numbers

Selena Gomez at VMA's 2013 Awards in Atelier Versace

We all know pop song artist, Selena Gomez, has recently turned 21 even though she still looks quite young for such a liberating number. When it comes to an awards ceremony, it shouldn't be no surprise she'll opt for full Atelier Versace numbers - the brands couture line - that are best known for designing very sexy pieces. This season, Atelier Versace's Fall 2013 collection came even more sexual and revealing than from previous seasons. To say the least, we weren't really expecting no one to show up in such designs from the collection. Okay, maybe for the VMA's 2013 vulgar red carpet event wouldn't have been shocking, but it was when Selena showed up in a navy revealing lace corset dress that was hold by Swarovski crystal-pins that appeared the dress could have ripped with any harsh move.

It seems that at 21, the artist may be beginning to feel more comfortable in what she wears with super high-slits, something her best friend, Taylor Swift, prefers to keep classic. We're not saying she's becoming excessive or vulgar, for the dress brought a perfect balance compared to other artists who walked the red carpet. It just seems the main buzz here that had several online sites talking about this dress was people not been accustomed to seeing Selena Gomez showing too much skin.....until now. 

For fashion, we thought she looked beautiful in her Atelier Versace gown, but for others it may look different. And whether you hated it or not, by now she showed us she can't go wrong in anything she wears, and is really one of the few who can pull of this sexy look without vulgarity interfering. What do you think about Selena Gomez's revealing dress she wore at the VMA's 2013 red carpet?

See also some of Selena Gomez's other Atelier Versace's dresses she has worn in previous awards ceremony below.

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The Fall 2013 Designer Collaborations Worth Knowing

This fall, designer collaborations with mega retailers are going to be bigger than ever. Mega retailers like Target, H&M, Banana Republic, Kmart, and others have joined forces with other luxury brands, models, and celebrity artists to give you something unique to choose from this upcoming season. Take a look below at some of the collaborations everyone is talking about, ready to buy, and must have in your fall calendar. 

Designer Collaboration: 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target

What's Included: The collection will include both men's and women's pieces - accessories and clothing. Considering Phillip Lim's love for the streets, it is obvious this will be one of Target's best designer collaboration of the year. Mr. Lim found ways to stay true to his luxury brand and perfectly blend in techniques to mix his luxury taste for more accessible pieces that look refined and cool. Details are worth the try here, such as one men's navy/camo print shirt or a women's floral print blouse. Stay on the look for some "BOOM" sweaters as well.

Price: Collection will run from $19.99 - $299.99

Date Available: The collection is set to be available online and at most Target retail stores beginning September 15. The full collection will be available online though.

Designer Collaboration: Isabel Marant x H&M

What's Included: The collection will include a line of women's accessories and clothes, and it will also mark Isabel Marant's first collection for menswear. We know Isabel Marant could best be described as a French semi-country style � la luxury. One picture recently released by H&M shows the designer trying on a dress herself; it is Isabel Marant's DNA's gone affordable. What was more surprising was to see at last one shot of her menswear debut that shows a model wearing a dyed long sleeve shirt. We have a feeling girls and guys will go crazy for this retro looks very soon. 

Price: Prices have not been specified, but it will most likely be similar to most of H&M's designer collaborations - $50+

Date Available: The collection hits stores and online beginning November 15. Thank god for the new U.S. H&M online shopping experience!

Designer Collaboration: L'Wren Scott x Banana Republic

What's Included: The collection will include accessories and various amount of precious L'Wren Scott signature dresses at half the designer's luxury price (or more). There are only two sketches that were released earlier this month. Just from these sketches we can already tell you should expect to see some body-hugging dresses, slim-tailored suits, skinny pants, and very colorful prints and fabrics. The holiday season just got better with this upcoming collaboration.

Price: Collection will retail from $40 - $200. Not bad for a budget.

Date Available: The collection will be available just in time for the holiday celebrations exclusively at Banana Republic beginning December 5. We assure you their will be women ready to dazzle their purchase for Christmas or better yet, New Years Eve.

Model Collaboration: Freja Beha Erichsen x Mother

What's Included: Supermodel, Freja Beha Erichsen, is turning professional denim designer for her new collaboration with the eponymous denim label, Mother. The collection will include good fitted skinny jeans - leather included, chambray shirts, and more. Also, for every pair purchased 10% will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian organization the model has worked and dedicated to over the past few years; consider it a nice aid for a great pair of jeans. And as for advertisement is concerned, she'll model them for you.

Price: Denims start from $145 - $300. Chic prices for cool model jeans and shorts.

Date Available: The capsule collection is set to hit Nordstrom this fall. Look for them very soon.

Artist Collaboration: Nicki Minaj x Kmart

What's Included: The rap artist has teamed up with Kmart to include a series of very affordable sexy dresses and others the artist is fond of. The artist decided to share and model her designs herself on her Instagram account. We have to say one particular dress the artist modeled - a blue printed one pictured on the left - seems she put dedication to make curvier women like her look good in them. Urban, sexy, and affordable over all.

Price: Prices have not been announced, but it may be similar to other past celebrity collaborations - $28+

Date Available: The collection will be available at Kmart sometime this fall.

Artist Collaboration: 222 by Adam Levine x Kmart

What's Included: We know Mr. Levine can have a unique sense of style. It will be Kmart's first attempt to include a specific menswear collection coming from an artist. The collection surely seems to include mostly casual and cool, edgy outerwear pieces for fall. There will be raw looking denim, military-style jackets, plaid shirts, and more, which will surely have a connection to Mr. Levine's cool rock style at very affordable prices.

Price: $14.99 - $69.99

Date Available: Collection is set to be available at Kmart this fall (September).

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Anna Wintour and Her Voguestagram Trend Keeps Growing

Anna Wintour reading her September Issue. Have you read it?

We all know Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of American Vogue (and Queen of Fashion), has been one of the strongest editors to stay away from social media. You know someone like her is powerful if she doesn't have to deal with all these online media in order to reign in fashion. But when she does get a chance to make a brief appearance in social media, she assures everyone will talk about it and hopefully become a trend everyone will follow. 

This was the case of her first ever Instagram shot for Vogue's Magazine account. It sounds awkward to say an editor hasn't been pictured in a magazine's page, but it is what it is. Oh, and even more interesting was knowing that her first Instagram picture was taken by a professional photographer, not just anyone. Taylor Jewell was the photographer in charge of this shot, which he proudly posted on his personal page as well. Seems Queen Wintour has set some rules if you want to see her on any other social media page in the future. 

Speaking of the trend, the picture's caption read the following: 

| "Anna Wintour reads #TheSeptemberIssue. Do you? We would love to see it! Show us your #voguestagram." |

After receiving more than 28K likes and counting, many fashion insiders and fans began posting pictures of them reading their newly beloved September Issue with Jennifer Lawrence on the cover. Even if people didn't take the time to read the caption, it is very safe to state that a picture is worth a thousand words, because more than anything else everyone wants to be pictured reading their September issue just like Anna Wintour. You can never say "NO" to the Queen. Get your #voguestagram going.

See some of the few designers pictured reading their September Issue below.

Shoe designer, Brian Atwood, reading his September Issue.

J.Crew designer, Jenna Lyons, reading her September Issue.

Fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta, reading his September Issue.

Fashion designer, Zac Posen, reading his September Issue.

Rag & Bone designers reading their September Issue.

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