Modern Girl Style

The Art of the Runway: Lessons on Walking Like a Supermodel

Images: Valentino

Hasn't every woman had that thought trickle into her head...What would it be like to walk like a Supermodel! I mean that's part of the fabulous nature of runway shows, the inspiration, the creativity, & the execution of clothes being strutted down the runway. Well, as it turns out, those daydreams aren't so bad for you.

Mac Folkes, style instructor on modeling at Ford Models, has given a three part lecture on walking like a supermodel. Even if you'll never make an appearance on the Chanel or Valentino runway, these lessons will make any women walk with grace & sexy appeal. Who doesn't want to be noticed strutting into the grocery store or a nightclub? Get runway ready to walk like a supermodel!

And as with anything, learn from the masters. Valentino last collection for Spring/Summer 2008.

The Many Colors of Spring 2008 Fashion

Thoughts of spring should be blossoming in your closet! As winter begins to slip away, so do the layers of clothes. Modern Girl Style has thumbed through some of the finest shops in search of beautiful Spring looks. The colors of spring really include gold, ocean blues, platinum, and earth tones. Perhaps, the surprising trend is the oversized handbag-it's a look not going away this year. Michael Kors, Guess, Calvin Klein, Dooney & Burke, & Chloe love the big handbag. Maybe that because you can pack everything into to for a quick escape on your yacht! Bon Voyage! 
 
 

The Seductive Colors of Spring Fashion include Lauren,Yves Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Target, and of course, Victoria's Secret.

 

Milica Tempest Jewelry

Sometimes great discoveries happen when you least expect it. For me, it happened when I was staying in Toronto and went into the local library. Lo and behold, the glass cases were filled with astonishing beautiful jewelry. The collection of jewelry felt modern, raw, and inspired by beautiful earthy textures and materials. I also like that the jewelry draped down the neck in a modern way and most of the collection felt simplified and not overdone.

I grabbed a business card and made a mental note. Two weeks later, I came back to the same cases and everything was sold out! Had I only know that I could buy something directly from the library, I would have pounced! But, good things happen for a reason. She even opened up shop at Etsy. Check out her store here!

MEET MILICA TEMPEST

Milica Tempest studied fashion and has worked as a fashion designer for the past 19 years. Her interest in fashion lead her to study jewelry-making as a hobby. She began studying ancient beading techniques and soon found her own voice in her designs. Most of her designs are modern, clean, industrial and are always made with semi-precious stones or other natural materials.

Q & A WITH MILICA

Milica takes a quick break from her hectic schedule to share her inspirations & dreams!

1. How did your interest in jewelry begin and how long have you been creating your designs?

I have always been interested in jewelry. It is such a personal thing. It gives an outfit personality and it helps to define your own sense of personal style. It is an expression of your own taste and your mood. Someone’s choice of jewelry is always personal. Your choice of jewelry reflects your personality; it defines who you are and what you're trying to project to the world. Sometimes you become connected to a piece of clothing but usually a piece of jewelry has more meaning. It has a special quality, a lasting quality, something that is indefinable.

I have been studying jewelry making for the past three years and have been actively creating my designs in the last year. It took me a while to define my taste and look. I try and design pieces that I would personally wear.

2. What inspires your style?

I am inspired by the semi precious stones I use in all my designs. I find stones are so interesting they all have their own individual characteristics and beauty.

I usually first buy my stones and then spend some time thinking about the design. Sometimes I have an idea in mind and then look for the stone, but I find the most creative designs usually come from the stone’s essence.

3. What materials are you currently working with and what attracted you to it?

I am currently working with semi precious stones and a lot of chains and findings. I find the hardness of the stones and the metal off set each other to create a very modern look. It’s not too refined, a little edgy. I also love Swaroski crystals; especially asymmetrical shapes with some interest to them or a different color then what you would expect to see.

4. What is the hardest challenge in creating your work?
I think that time is the hardest challenge. I take a lot of energy, creativity and time to create the pieces. With my busy schedule I have to consciously make time to create my jewelry.

5. What individual, artist, or celebrity would you most love to design for?



I think it would be Kate Hudson. She has such a fresh, free spirited, casual look about her.  She is the quintessential California!

Go ahead, sneak out the credit card, and head over to her shop now! You just might fall in love with her amazing designs & lovely prices! Milica Tempest @ Etsy!

How to Knit Fingerless Gloves

Knitting is a fabulous tool for unwinding after a hectic day. Here's a fabulous quick video on how to knit fingerless gloves. This is a lovely evening project  that you might be able to finish by Friday!

LCD Soundsystem Rocks YSL in Paris

I thought that Modern Girl Style might be one of the only girls to love LCD Soundsystem, but alas...YSL had the girls rock out in it's Fall 2008 show to, yep, LCD Soundsystem. But, don't forget that Modern Girl Style is more North American scum that YSL. What does that really mean?

Why not grab a handful of your favorite things and stage a fashion show just for yourself. Dance, saunter, and strut your way to a sexy new attitude. Let it out! When was the last time you got wild?!!

The Black Mistake

Let's face it, no one is perfect! Every girl makes wardrobe mistakes. So, let's learn from the stumbles of other women that have less than perfect days of looking 100% fabulous.

TIP No. 1: Simpilfy

Who can resist Sienna Miller's fabulous smile? But, who would wants to wear her outfit? The big black mistake in this outfit is the obvious-too much going on! Toss the hat, loose a sweater, or two, and keep the smile. That's the only thing really working in this picture!

TIP No. 2: No More Leggings

It's gone, over, so hide it away! Leggings are best saved for the gym, a home gym that is! This was a fashion trends that has been in decline for more than one season. The blue empire waisted dress is a fabulous choice for Jordin. However, did she forget a strap on her shoe or is that an anklet? Enough said.

TIP No. 3: Don't Super-Size Your Black

The Olsen's are classic bad icons of bad taste and have been since they stopped making videos for kids. What's the message in this outfit? The only thing that might make sense is that she escaped from the barn with a few hens under her arm. On a more practical note, ladies, get rid of pants, tops, dresses, and handbags that don't fit your frame.

TIP No. 4: Inflatable Clothes are a No-No

Katie Price isn't out on a raft, she's shopping in London! So why is she wearing a life vest! Maybe, there is a cooling system inside that overstated jacket that helps her to shop longer hours. What was she thinking?

TIP No. 5:  No Bathrobes Allowed

The Olsen Twins make it another round! But, hey, who other than the Olsen Twins can wear a bathrobe out in public and not be called crazy! Wait, is that even an accurate statement?

TIP No. 6: Everyone Notices Hemlines

Janet! You didn't even wear things like this during your uber-cool Rythem Nation, so why do you think this works now? MC Hammer Pants Weren't Even Cool in the 90s! So drop the strange hemline & add height to the length of your legs. Now, that's a trick any woman wants!

What Works: Lucy Lui

Lucy Lui looks radiant right down to he black toes! She is at once contemporary & elegant. She is an absolute image of style & grace.

Pretty Girl Inspirations by Erin Fetherston

Anne Hathaway to the ultra-hip photograph Ellen Von Unwerth love the Erin Fetherston, fashion designer from San Fran Bay. Fetherston's life reads like a fairytale because she's had the amazing fortune to follow her dreams.  So if you're looking for some killer pretty girl fashion, look no further! Fetherston's clothes, available at all price points thanks to her collaboration at Target, makes looking good  easy & affordable.

The Fetherston Timeline

2006:

Fall 2007

Kirsten Dunst for Fetherston

Ellen Von Unwerth Photography:

Why not spice-up nice for Valentine's Day? Fetherston for Target:

"Erin Fetherson for Target GO International collection. The collection mirrors the American born French based designer’s girly aesthetic but with tons of cutesy details like hearts, peter pan collars, puffed sleeves, frills, ribbons and bibbed tops. Young, flirty, fun and sweet is what this collection seems to be. A bit juvenile perhaps with some overly cloying pieces that are reminiscent of the Lolita look but the styling of these photos can probably be blamed for the saccharinely sweet vibe." -ShopDiary

Spring 2008

Erin Fetherston, the woman behind the clothes:

What are your dreams? What inspires your life?
What are you going to do today? Modern Girl Style wishes you the inspiration to dream!

 

Red Carpet Style at the 2008 SAG Awards

You know the faces, you love their acting, you love their style! This crop of Hollywood's most fabulous have this in common, and it ain't just their acting skills. They've got style, grace, and beauty to watch! These ladies know who to hire to help them select colors that will enhance their beauty. So, let's make this hit home. Do you know what flatters your skin, shape, and style? If not, you've got some work ahead of you! Start of your homework assignment by studying the best.

This is Emmanuelle Chriqui, though I have no idea what she does, I think she looks fabulous!

Eva is one of the world's only women that can work this dress, but didn't she just get married? Yes, I would have opted for a different color. However, she still looks brilliant!

Keep flexing your style knowledge with a tour of Teddy & Moo! They've got all these images & way more!

Spring 2008 Fashion from Valentino to Chanel

The house of Valentino will forever carry on, but in case you missed the news. Valentino, the genius, retired  after this last collection. This is the official invitation to his last show..recognize the face? No doubt the man himself

Let's send Valentino off with a short farewell video & tribute to this living legend.

However, after all is said & done, Fashion Week in Paris marched on! New York Fashion week will be rolling next month, but Karl Lagerfeld hasn't slowed down for Chanel. No sign of him retiring anytime soon. Here are a few collection highlights.

For one last burst of fashion beauty & drama, John Galliano's show was a masterpiece in dreaming! This is a show that any girl will love!

    

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I love Red!

Red is everywhere this holiday season & what's not to love! Add some red to your life.

Why not add a red scarf to your little black dress or spice up your pouty lips with a blaze of red! Anyway you try it, just remember to have some fun!