5 Musicians Who Created Their Own Fashion Lines

It's one thing to make it in music, quite another to transition into fashion. Not all celebs who make this cross over are successful but here are a batch of those who have created a brand of fashion and made it all their own!

 1.) Lily Allen - Lucy in Disguise 

British pop tart and singer, Lily Allen, joined forces with her sister, Sarah Owen, to create the vintage-inspired line, Lucy in Disguise. Lily has mused in the past that many of her stuff was second-hand before she rose to fame, claiming it was her one way of owning nice things when the money wasn't rolling in.

2.) Justin Timberlake - William Rast

Once a boy bander turned pop star, now turned successful entrepreneur, Timberlake's clothing line William Rast features edgy denim and exotic patterns for both men and women. He even participated with Target to release a more affordable line of apparel proving he's got all the right moves on stage as well as the fashion world.

3.) Gwen Stefani - L.A.M.B.

Lead singer of the power house group, No Doubt, wife to the gorgeous Gavin Rossdale of the band, Bush, and mother are just a few things in Gwen Stefani's life that she has excelled at. Still, the fashion maven, who claims she was making her own clothing for performances before fame came knocking on the Cali band's door, has not only created a successful clothing and shoe line, but has also transitioned over into fragrances and bags. Is there anything this woman can't do!? Gwen, I heart you!

4.) Victoria Beckham - Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham, or 'Posh' has clearly earned her right in the world of fashion when it comes to creating a line of classic yet eye-catching dresses for the modern woman that celebs and starlets everywhere are clamoring to get their hands on!            Not bad for a former Spice Girl!

5.) Jessica Simpson - Jessica Simpson Collection

Jessica Simpson has really taken the fashion world by storm! Not only does she have the lock down on apparel, shoes, hand bags, bathing suits and now luggage, but according to WWD her collections have earned nearly 1 billion dollars in revenue! Now's that's something to sing about!

What do you think of musicians who create their own fashion lines? 

Do you wear any of these labels?

All Hail Blake Lively - The Neon Queen!

Do not adjust your screen! These poppin' hues are meant to attract, distract and cause a visual frenzy! Neons are back! Highlighter yellows, fluorescent pinks and luminous greens are taking over and if there was ever a time to sport this trend it's now that the temperature is rising! These colors look great against a tanned and toned body and are a fun way to experiment with fashion's quirkiest shades! 

Often times people veer away from this trend claiming it's trickiness, but it's not so! And who better to prove this than Gossip Girl star and fashionista, Blake Lively! Never one to shy away from a bold color - she has not only embraced the neon fad but has proven that it's as wearable as it is fun!

Lively sporting a tribal-esque Marchesa strapless dress during 2010's Fashion Night Out here in Manhattan.

This gorgeous hot pink Michael Kors dress fit the starlet to a "T" when she attended the 2009 CFDA Fashion Awards.

An Emilio Pucci clad Lively proved once and for all that neon blue can be as sexy as it is striking! Plus, bonus points for adding fuchsia heels to the ensemble for an extra visual pop!

With a color this eye-catching, the tiers and maxi length of this dress create a flattering and ethereal effect.

Blake wearing a brightly colored top and bag while shooting a scene for 'Gossip Girl' in NYC.

This sassy aqua blue romper is playful yet sophisticated thanks to the cut and color.

So this purple Tadashi Shoji one-shoulder dress isn't entirely "neon" per se, but I'm loving the look, fit and feel of this outfit from head to toe.

What do you think of Blake's usage of neon? Is neon a trend you can see yourself sporting?

5 Adorably Affordable Dresses Just in Time for Spring!

With Spring finally here and Summer quickly approaching, now's the time to stock up on stylish dresses to beat the heat in! I'm all about the affordable over the extravagant and with these cute colors, patterns and styles, everyone will only think you splurged!

1.) Fierce Blouson Dress - Forever 21 ($27.80)

This splashy sundress is bright and flattering on a variety of body types - not to mention it's light-weight for those sunny and scorching days !

2.) Vintage Crochet Dress - Delia*s ($39.50 on Sale)

There's something so dainty and alluring about this pretty cream dress. It's perfect for a picnic or date night and it cinches the waist at just the right place!

 3.) Slub-Knit Halter Maxi Dress - Charlotte Russe ($24.99 on Sale)

The bold hue of this red maxi dress is an attention-getter without trying too hard - not to mention it can easily transition from dressy to casual.

4.) Many Belles Down Rump Shaker Purple Sundress - Lulu's ($63)

The halter neckline makes this halter dress draws attention to toned arms and shoulders and the length even makes it work appropriate! Plus any dress that comes equipped with pockets is a definite must in my fashion book!

 5.) Linen Blend Stripe Dress w/ Belt - Forever 21 ($22.80)

I love the sweetheart neckline of this simple striped dress, and the easy color combo makes it a snap to accessorize! Bonus - it even comes with a cute tan woven belt!

How will you beat the heat this Spring/Summer and what will you be wearing?

I Heart Marina & the Diamonds!!!

If you have no idea who Marina & the Diamonds is then shame on you!

I've been an avid listening of her music (Yes, Marina is a solo artist and not a band) for almost three years now. Born of Greek and Welsh decent (making her absolutely GORGEOUS - watch out, Catherine Zeta-Jones!) it wasn't long before this chanteuse was self-composing her own music with the help of Garageband, an Apply software program. Influenced by a wide range of performers varying from Britney Spears to PJ Harvey, Marina's melodic harmonies and haunting vocals skim the pop world adding just a touch of carefree whimsy. She quotes herself as being more of a "DIY" artist and her fashion choices often reflect that.

I think what I love about her is her fearlessness when it comes to style. So many singers get wrapped up in the glamor of it, taking every opportunity to sex up their images every chance they get. Marina is different because she allows herself to make bold fashion choices and never makes apologies for it.

Don't believe me - check out my fashion homage to the rising starlet!

Enjoy!

Collegiate letter jackets seem to be a favorite of the Welsh singer and she always manages to pair them with something fresh and unexpected.

Feathers! Feathers! Feathers! The flashier the better!

Her ability to mix and match soft and tough pieces creates a fun and chic palette.

YES, she can even rock the hell out of black lipstick!

Even with a clean color combo she manages to add her own punk and pizazz with a shock of pink hair and frosted lips.

She even rocks out retro glam like a pro!

Even in all white she manages to toughen up the look with leather gloves, a cross and a funky tie dye headband - not to mention that killer pink clutch!

For those of you who are still unfamiliar with the magical that is Marina, here are a few songs to acquaint yourself with :)








Here are just a few ensembles I've created inspired by the starlet herself! 

 

Dolman sleeve top, $15
Wildfox Couture vintage top, $113
White tunic top, 29 GBP
H m jacket, 25 GBP
Feather skirt, $330
Matthew Williamson leather pencil skirt, 598 EUR
Skirt, $140
Opaque tight, $6.98
Vince gold skirt, 258 GBP
Opaque stocking, $6.98
TopShop turquoise tight, $12
Finsk bootie boot
Sandal, 399 SEK
Jeffrey Campbell flat shoes, 79 EUR
John Fluevog flat shoes
Penny Loves Kenny stiletto heels, $90
Rubber bracelet, $3.99
DAY Birger et Mikkelsen beaded jewelry, $180
Chain necklace, $25
Betsey johnson earring, $50
Collar necklace, 39 EUR
Yves Saint Laurent leopard print belt, 395 EUR
Leather belt, $70
Zara leather belt, $40

What I Gotz On - Brunch Edition

So, apparently on this past Saturday "Rapture" was supposed to occur and the world as we know it was supposed to come to a dead halt. However, I am a Manhattan-ite, and like most Manhattan-ites I know, that wasn't about to deter anyone from the blessed weekly union that is Brunch. So with a few friends in tow, an empty stomach and a snappy outfit, we embarked on our "last" brunch to tipsily stare death in the face. The world never did end, but brunch was fabulous! 

(Also, the weather was gorgeous - FINALLY!)

Outfit-wise, I wanted the perfect balance of comfy and chic. I recently picked this H&M skirt up at a second-hand store and sort of fell in love with the way it haphazardly off-sets the striped shirt. I'm starting to play a lot more with the idea of mixing patterns which can be surprisingly easy I'm learning as long as you stay within the same color palette.

Even though I've pretty much waged a war on heels lately, I couldn't help but slip on these Aerosole sandals (also snagged second-hand). I've had them for a few years and I swear they only get comfier.

I also picked up this necklace at F21. I'm hearting the two-sided message!

What I Gotz On: 

Striped top - Forever 21

Black & gold mini skirt - H&M (Thrifted)

3/4 Length windbreaker - South Africa

Fedora - Union Square street vendor

Cross-body bag - H&M

Silver Cuff - Friend

Sandals - Aerosoles (Thrifted)

"Hello/Goodbye" necklace - Forever 21

My Recent Hair Obsession - Feather Hair Extensions!!!

Okay, at first I wasn't quite sure how I felt about them, but now I am LOVE LOVE LOOOOVING the idea of feather hair extensions with a capital "L". There's just something so boho and ethereal about them!

They add just a touch of whimsy to normally dull strands and let's face it - they just look plain AWESOME! I have been recently daydreaming about strutting down the NYC streets, my long mane (equipped with feather extensions obviiiiiously) blowing in the wind behind me. Okay, well maybe not quite THAT cinematically of course, but you all get the idea and if not, indulge me please.

I've recently seen these in editorial spreads, blogs and on celebs and musicians (Ke$ha, I'm looking at you!). At first I'll admit I was a bit skept, but I have to admit I'm warming up to this trend at a record pace.

From what I have gathered from my research, there are many salons here in NYC who will add these extensions to your tresses although I have also seen a variety of kits online and "How-To" videos on Youtube. I have to say I'm sort of crushing on this look hardcore.

The other great thing about these extensions (aside from the fact that they are FABULOUS) is that they can last up to six weeks and can washed, dyed and even curled just as if it were part of your existing hair. Not to mention it's a sexy and subtle way to rock out a hint of color this Summer! How do you feel about the hair feather trend? Thoughts?

I Heart Lucy Hale!!!

Okay, I have a straight up girl crush on Lucy Hale. I mean, look at her! That bone structure, those sultry wide eyes, that petite little physique that leads me to believe she could rock a burlap sack as a dress and still mange to look like a million bucks. (Sigh) She's pretty fab.

Not to mention the fact that she just seems like the type of girl you would like to be BFF's with! The kind of girl who would totally tell you if you had shit in your teeth before you went up and approached your crush and the kind of friend who would let you borrow her brand new leather mini skirt without a second thought, even if she hasn't got to wear it out herself yet.

For those of you who follow Lucy on the hit TV show, 'Pretty Little Liars' (which is pretty gosh darn entertaining - however I'm biased as I have literally seen every episode and have even read the entire book series - no judgments please, lol) you know that her character, Aria Montgomery, is a fashion maven in her own right.

Now, I crush on Lucy but I have a straight up style crush on Ms. Montgomery! Not only is her style fun, fresh, eclectic and unique but she's always experimenting with her look. Plus she single-handedly makes everyone else in the fictional town of Rosewood look cookie-cutter and mundane (Spencer Hastings, I'm looking at you!).

Here's some of my favorite pics of Ms. Hale and her onscreen character Aria.

Never one to shy away from bold looks, Lucy's character Aria is all about mixing patterns, textured layers and quirky cute accessories.

I'm luuuuuuuuving the rough and tumble texture of her hair in this shot!

I'm such a fan of the mod make-up and sleek hair here and how it balances out the proportions of the bold polka dots. Plus, there's just something so elegant about the pairing of these black thigh highs against this lady-like frock. Often times I feel thigh highs get a bad rep for being trashy...Lucy shows us, not so!

Sooooo HOT!!! Hey, if you've got it flaunt it! I would love to pair this lacy bra with a semi-sheer cream button-up blouse opened a little at the top so that the tulle is just peeking out over the top. Fun and flirty ;)