I couldn’t help but notice the recent media attention over Chloe Marshall, the first size 16 contestant to make it to the finals of the Miss England beauty contest. Last Wednesday the 16-year-old beat her other thinner competitors and was named Miss Surrey, placing her on the path for the national competition in July.

At 5 foot 10 and 176 pounds, Chloe definitely does not resemble your typical beauty queen but with or without the tiara, the modeling agency she recently signed with, Models Plus, insists her success with fashion companies is imminent.

Chloe herself is proud of becoming what she considers to be an advocate for curvier women, pointing out that there are more size 14-16 women in England than any other size. To some, however, this isn’t a fact that should be celebrated and many parents are quick to point out that a plus size model is just as dangerous a role model for their children as one that is a size zero.
Size 16 though she may be, she will still stand in her bathing suit later this year to be examined and scrutinized just like every other contestant in the competition, requiring a confidence that many size 2’slack. Chloe explains to the British Daily Mail that this inner strength came over time:

Something happened in my head to make me accept that it really didn't matter about a few dress sizes. I was happy with me.”

Whether Chloe’s entry into the Miss England contest is for right or for wrong remains to be determined, but if she truly is as confident with her body as she may say, then I can’t help but admire her. Is anyone truly happy with themselves anymore? Perhaps instead of looking at obesity as the problem plaguing our society, we should be looking at it as a symptom of a more severe diagnosis, societal insecurity. Some people are dealing with this by eating less, some by eating more, and many others have turned to the wonders of plastic surgery to attain what they’re sure is the solution to this low self esteem. Clearly, in today’s photo shopped world, any woman that can be comfortable with her own body is someone that should be celebrated.

Chloe, best of luck!

No matter how much I love the bright colors, bold patterns and modern styles, I have a very difficult time breaking out of my black/white/gray ways. I have always been drawn to the classic styles, but secretly longed to feel confident enough to pull off a Tory Burch or Alice Olivia pattern dress. This spring, I might be forced to take the plunge. I live in L.A. – the city of sun – so I think I will hang up my white t-shirts and black or gray skirts for this season’s most fabulous dresses! Here is my “want” list for Spring ’08:

I love long dresses, and the yellow of this Alice Olivia dress is beautiful.

Diane von Furstenberg really knows how to dress women. I love this dress because I could dress it down with flats, or make it a fun night-time dress with a pair of flirty heels.

I never wear super-feminine styles, but this Foley Corinna dress just looks so flattering!

I know I said no black and white, but I thought the print could count for something. This Nili Lotan dress looks chic and comfortable.

PS – All these dresses are on my favorite shopping website, shopbop.com!

*Photo Credit: Shopbop.com 

When I was 11 years old, while flipping around for Saturday morning cartoons, I stumbled upon Elsa Klensch speaking quite animatedly on the newest collection from Prada. I watched the segment, completely enamored with the fashion show flashing before my eyes and wondering, how do I get involved in this industry? And so I was hooked – every Saturday morning you would find me in front of our wood-paneled TV watching Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN dreaming of the day when Alexander McQueen would come to me for advice on his new Fall Collection.

Fast forward to 2000 and the end of Style on CNN. What was I to do now? Where would I go for all the fashion news? I dabbled here and there with other fashion television shows, poured over countless fashion magazines, but there was always something missing.

In 2006, I started hearing a lot about a blog called The Sartorialist. I decided to check it out - low and behold, here was someone who was capturing everyday people translating runway fashion into everyday life. The excitement of the Elsa Klensch days came rushing back to me and The Sartorialist became a permanent tab in my favorites ever since. Whether he is in New York, Paris, or New Delhi, The Sartorialist (aka Scott Schuman) has such an eye for detail it makes you look twice at every person that walks by. Although I don’t always agree with his complementary tone on each of his subjects, I definitely appreciate his spectacular eye for fashion, on or off the runway.

Lauren Conrad, star of The Hills and formerly Laguna Beach, debuted her first collection co-designed with Tart designer Sherry Wood on Tuesday at Smashbox Studios. Prior to the show, LC’s collection was picked up by hundreds of boutiques across the country. Lauren’s collection is a great representation of her personality – fun, flirty, and casual. All of the pieces were very airy and versatile making it easy to transition them from day to night with the right accessories. Lauren featured a color palette that predominately included plums, olives, whites, and of course her signature black. The designs very much reminded me of something that can be found in Scoop or Pookie and Sebastian in New York. FIDM has clearly taught Lauren how to make staples that real women can wear everyday.

The fashion show attendees included tons of her Hills friends as well as former Laguna Beach rival Kristen Cavallari. I’m not completely sold Lauren inviting Kristen was an act of kindness and not just a great publicity stunt to gain press for the show. If it was an act of kindness, then good for you Lauren for beating the childish rumors and truly showing a sign of maturity.

Lauren was spotted attending many fashion shows throughout Los Angles this week supporting her favorite designers as well. Pictured below is Lauren and her co-star/roommate Audrina Petridge at the Luca Luca show.

With so many cold winter days it’s hard to believe that spring is just around the corner, but take a peek at these upcoming fashion trends and it will feel as if the sun is already here.

Artsy

Your closet is now your canvas as next season highlights pieces that are truly unique. Brush strokes of color and inky dip dies create alluring masterpieces like these Dolce and Gabbana frocks and shifts. Be sure to keep accessories minimal, these new finds deserve to stand out all on their own.

Colorful

Let your personality shine through with cheerful hot pinks and, bright yellows, and juicy oranges—and don’t be afraid to mix and match like this duo from Jill Sander! The best way to work with this neon trend is to choose dresses or tops in a sold color and then wear a chunky necklace that pops.

Tribal

Let out your wild side with these bold designs and graphic patterns. Bold dresses and skirts paired with gladiator sandals will have you ready for anything or keep it simple with this Tommy Hilfiger jacket, $120, as seen in this month’s InStyle.

Either way, spring is definitely all about looking fierce, wouldn't you agree?

Gone are the days of shapewear being only for those who have something to hide. Hollywood's most glamorous women have been voicing their love for shapewear recently. Tina Fey was quoted last week saying that all of her Oscar dress fittings revolved around Spanx. Mary J. Blige’s stylist pulled samples of Body Wrap for her to wear to the Elton John charity bash following the show. After hearing that Tyra and Jessica Alba weren’t afraid to squeeze into these form fighting shapers I knew I had nothing to lose.

I recently purchased a tangerine cashmere sweater dress from J Crew that tends to cling to the body. By slipping into a Body Wrap Strapless Braslip with underwire the dress hung smoothly with no lines and the underwire provided support and comfort. I even got compliments on looking thinner, but never revealed my lycra and tactel secret. I know am a believer that shapewear is sexy and definitely has earned a place in my wardrobe.

*Photo Credit: J Crew & Body Wrap 

You've heard of the concrete jungle, but do you know about the Lipstick Jungle? Of course you do! Carrie Bradshaw and the girls from Sex & The City gave you front row seats for 6 seasons to the goings on of all that is Manolo or Jimmy Choo.

After years of build up and publicity, we finally got a chance to see the next chapter in Candace Bushnell's tales of the ladies who reign in the city that never sleeps on February 7th.
Lipstick Jungle is a similar tale to the S&TC dynamic.
This time around the story is a little more commercial- after all this isn't cable! One of our leading ladies is a fashion designer. Lindsay Price plays Victory Ford- the NY designer who is big in Japan. This guarantees us a runway show built into the storyline at least twice a year! Same goes for the movie producer played by Brooke Shields aka Wendy- what better way to name drop "Leo is on line 1".
Kim Raver plays Nico a high powered business women. Exactly what she does is hard to tell - but it doesn't matter - her interesting story line is her affair with a much younger photographer. He is 20 years younger and oh - he is not her husband!
Sometimes less is more. Candace B. gives us three ladies to weave her tale instead of four. There are Sex & The City references all over the place - most notably in the first episode the street level shot of the Chrysler building in the distance made me nostalgic for Carrie and the girls!

Then there is Victory's scenes in the back of the limo with her billionaire boyfriend - how can you not think of Mr. Big and Carrie?
Bravo Ms. Bushnell - once again you give us a look at life in NYC that is accurate -if not for the masses -for a lucky few.

Jason Wu is an amazingly talented young fashion designer. I was able to not only go backstage to watch the magic of MAC Cosmetics makeup artist Romy Soleimani and the mastery of the hair team Bumble and Bumble, but I also had the opportunity to watch Jason Wu's fragmented backstage pieces suddenly all come together on the runway. It was amazing and beautiful.

Jason Wu was able to make grays and blacks breathe life with sophistication along with jewel-toned colors that were reminiscent of the 1980's. Yet, instead of cringing my way through memories of the bubble gum color of my childhood, it was surprisingly welcomed. All of the clothing was completely wearable and could be applied to varying age groups. MAC's Romy Soleimani's starry eyed makeup look with Bumble and Bumble's crimped textured hair complimented Jason's Wu's vision, creating a modern day Jean Seberg.

While backstage was crammed and chaotic (see a picture of me backstage on Coutorture), the runway show itself was light, fun and left you wanting more.

See the entire collection on Style.com

*Photo Credit: Style.com

When you think of knitting and crocheting, does your mind immediately envision a cute little elderly woman sitting in a rocking chair, hair in a bow whipping up a sweater or blanket? Actually that is exactly what I thought when East London twins, Calliste and Carissa Yeboah, approached me about their indie fashion brand, Made With Hands. However, this is yet another one of those times when you shouldn't judge a book by its cover--nor that part about making assumptions.

Made With Hands creates simple, hand-made pieces with 100% natural fibres. There's something about their style that gives me an air of London underground and reminds me of The Clash. While their products are sold in the UK, you can get a look at their Bobble Necklace at the New York Design Center.

I actually think their Bobble Makeup Bag is pretty unique and I'd probably more want to use it as a purse than to simply leave it on my vanity collecting dust. You've got to admit, these twins really took something ordinary and made it extraordinary. Made With Hands really gives a unique spin on traditional and gave me a new way to look at "knitwear."

See for yourself at www.MadeWithHands.co.uk 

Copyright: The Fashion Rag 

The long awaited Sex & The City like show "Cashmere Mafia" has finally made it to the small screen. During a season that has seen the production of most shows shut down because of the writers strike you would think the premiere would be like water in a dry desert... Not so much. After all - there is four ply Italian Cashmere - and then there is one ply cashmere from parts unknown.
While the show is produced by Darren Star who brought you Sex & The City, the bloom feels slightly off the rose. Its not that the cast was not strong, led by Lucy Lui there are some very competent actors. It wasn't that the costuming is not right up there with Sex & The City either - in fact , the magical Pat Fields is pulling the looks together on CM just like she did on SATC. The truth is that any show of this type inevitably feels like a cheap version of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. You can't look at the promo pics from the show - without immediately thinking of those girls who put Cosmo's and Louboutin on the map..

The biggest difference between the two shows is that the ladies of SATC could always laugh at themselves - and they never talked about themselves like someone on Gossip Girl- "everyone wants to be us".
If Samantha or Carrie talked about "us" vs. "them" when discussing married women - or suburban women - it was tongue in cheek - and usually wound up with one of them dropping an f-bomb which was always good for a laugh. While Cashmere mafia has the foursome sitting at a very expensive dinner and Juliet Draper - the alpha female of the crew saying "we make more money than they do - and they're threatened".. and the "they" being discussed were the men in their life.. ewwwww! With SATC now running on the WB and TBS almost non-stop, the comparison is a given.


The most interesting plot of Cashmere Mafia is actually the sub-plot.. extremely sub.. as in not on camera at all! You see, Mr. Star pulled a one- two sucker punch on Candace Bushnell - the original creator of the column and book Sex & The City. They worked together to create the series for HBO. A New York Times article quoted Ms. Bushnell describing how Darren knew she was developing a show for network tv based on the concept of a subsequent book "Lipstick Jungle". He never mentioned his own development deal - for months. Remember, these were not casual social friends - these two had worked together developing a show. Ms. Bushnell called her "friend" to tell him she had signed the deal for "Lipstick" and thats when he got quiet and said "I have a similar show happening". WOW - thats when Carrie would have thrown a cosmo in his face!!!
If your like me, your waiting for Lipstick Jungle with baited breath!!! PLEASE give us something new.. or give us something just like SATC!! one or the other... not some lame jello mold in between. Brooke Shields returns to TV to lead the cast.
OF COURSE.. we don't have long to wait until the second coming.. Sex & The City the movie will be out this spring - click on the link to the trailer at the beginning of this post!!

The Holidays are over. The temperature is down down down - and so is the stock market! January is always a ho hum moment for U.S. retailers. Although there is less going on in retail this month - there was big news announced in the trades last week.
Liz Claiborne (a giant bridge-market company) announced a double deal last week that is sure to shake up their image and gain them an edge!
Isaac Mizrahi will be the face of the houses Women's collection. Leaving a huge five year contract with the Lifestyle store Target - Mizrahi is one step closer back to his roots of designer fashion. The link that was missing with Target - although trendy and fashionable - there was no fashion week involvement. Isaac is not only a designer, but a showman. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY Mizrahi studied acting at the High School of the Performing Arts and Fashion at Parsons -so it was inevitable he would end up back on the runway.
Thats not all!!!!
John Bartlett will design a line of Men's clothing under the label -Claiborne Men by John Bartlett. This blog has already sung the praises of JB late last year. John's numerology must be right on track - last year saw the opening of his first boutique, and now a major label giving him a venue for collection. Bravo John - we can't wait to see your first collection. I'm sure Bartlet's mix of Tom of Finland meets Wall Street Trader will make us sit up and take notice.
With news like this - I can't wait for Spring -Happy New Year for sure!

Before I headed to Paris earlier this month, I took a small detour and headed south to Miami for what has become one of the most important art shows in the United States.
Art BaselMiami is the sister show of Art Basel - Switzerland which has been the leading art fair worldwide for over 35 years.
The concept of having the show in Miami was really a win/win for everyone involved. It gave the hippest art crowd an excuse to go to the beach in December. Miami is not just any beach - the white sand of the southern shores of Florida are some of the finest beaches in the world.
With over 200 galleries showcasing their latest "find" or showing off their partnerships with established giants - it goes without saying- there was much to see!
The show is easy to navigate as most of the action takes place in the Miami Convention center that is steps away from Ocean Drive and super easy to get to and fro.
The city becomes a zoo and as the show has become more and more commercial - there are people walking around you would never expect to have anything to do with an art show. Like fashion week in New York and the Oscars in L.A. - Art Basel is a reason for being and many people head to Miami to be part of the action. The difference with the art show is you can buy your way in.. unlike Fashion Week or the Oscars - art shows actually have an admission price.

As the crowds are now overwhelming - it makes sense to get yourself settled in a great hotel. My personal favorite while in Miami is The Raleigh. The property is historic and the moment you start up the curved driveway - your taken to another place. There are black and white photos the re-tell the glamour days of Miami's hey day back in the 40's and 50's.
Andre Balazs is the man responsible for this dream of a hotel. He is the chic hotelier that brought you the Mercer in NY and the Chateau Marmont in L.A.
He has an amazing talent for providing the chicest hotels for the coolest crowd without any of the pretentious insanity that has become the norm these days. One of the highlights is the most beautiful pool in all of South Beach.
With all the things to do and see, between South Beach for the Art scene and the Bal Harbour shops for the fashion scene - you have to schedule time to relax!

There were parties and dinners and after parties all over town. I was really pleased to be invited to the premiere dinner of The Supper Club NY in MIami. If you haven't read about it yet, it's the latest members only social group that is bringing together the coolest NY'ers and those in the know over dinner. The NY events have been hosted in some very impressive private homes as well as those restaurants where it is hard to get a reservation this month. I was happy to be seated next to Tasmin Lonsdale, the founder of the Club and one the cutest export's London has had in a very long time! Lonsdale is witty and talkative and just exactly the right type of person to be organizing social events.

The Raleigh was a great host and set up a long table for 30 alongside the pool. The ladies from Miami at the dinner really has great personal style. One gorgeous gal was 5 months pregnant- but I couldn't even notice until she abstained from drinking champagne. She was rocking a black baby doll dress with great jewelry and black Jimmy Choo heels. Who says Pregnant women can't be sexy! Of course, she happened to be the P.R. wiz for Neiman Marcus in Coral Gables- so it should be no surprise she knew how to put a look together! I have to say the only disappointment at the dinner were the other NY'ers there! I never met such a group of desperate name droppers in my life! Bravo Miami - your in crowd know who they are.. and don't have to brag, brag, brag!

I had to motor out of the dinner and head over the cause-way for my second party of the night - and the exhibit I was most excited to see.
VISTA Art and Design was showcasing new sculptures by Zaha Hadid. She is one of the most dynamic architects working today. Vista Art and Design is the latest creative offering from Victor Alfaro. You know the name as his runway shows in NY graced cover after cover of WWD and fashion magazines from Milan to Mexico City. The last 5 years Alfaro has been under the radar as he navigated large contracts with huge corporations and relocated to Los Angeles.

This year Alfaro launched VISTA design as an outlet for his creative talent. Designing clothing is one form of creative expression, but with VISTA - Aflaro is free to showcase the best of design in other mediums. Most prominent- Modern Art, furniture, and real estate. He has spent the last year traveling the globe compiling references for the site and planning exhibitions like the one with Zaha Hadid in Miami. The collection of pieces Alfaro showcased with the Hadid pieces were perfect. He has the ability to relay a message - be it through fashion design or furniture. Alfaro is one of the most talented designers of his generation and the most exciting aspect to this show is that - Victor Alfaro is back! Lets hope he can be persuaded to once again lend his talent to fashion.

The French have a bad reputation for being stingy, stodgy, and a little arrogant. New Yorker's always joke that we don't notice the arrogance, as we too can get ahead of ourselves. New Yorker's are to the U.S. what Parisian's are to France! All that aside, the holiday season is definitely one time the French go out of their way to celebrate the season. I have never seen lights like the Holiday decorations all over Paris.

The Champs Elysees is lit up like a Christmas tree from the Arc de Triomphe down to the gigantic ferris wheel. You can't help but be in a good mood. I just spent 4 days in Paris on assignment and even I (as jaded a NY'er as you will find) found myself walking around at night humming Christmas carols! Let me just say - I NEVER do that.

One of the best ways to get an amazing view of the city is to take a ride on the ferris wheel - especially at night now to see the holiday lights. You will find the wheel right at the mouth of the Tulleries garden on the Place de la Concorde in the 8th arrondissement (neighborhood).

Lets talk about Shopping!!
The designer boutiques also take great pride in the window decoration all year - but especially during the Christmas season. There are two major streets or Rue's to find the most exclusive designer shops. Faubourg St. Honore and Avenue Montaigne. St. Honore has a little more pulse to it where Montaigne is a bit more sterile in its presentation - but you should see both.

Hermes has created an amazing candy colored fantasy land with sweet shades of pastel leather goodies. There is a spider's web dripping in jewels and ballet slippers that dance overhead. Tucked in little pockets are surprises of exotic bags - all handcrafted by the Hermes elves for the holiday!

Just down the Rue is one of the hottest logo bags in the industry today. Goyard became the coolest under the radar designer bag in the last two years. Its simple chevron design with small logo print is the bag that well heeled women wear when they are confident enough not to wear a screaming logo. They are pricey and this once forgotten accessory house has come into its own! The Christmas tree in the window would make any girl (or guy) squeal on Christmas morning - as it is surrounded by one designer bag after the other. I hope you have been good this year!!!

While you are in the area, take a detour to the Place Vendome. It is one of the most breathtaking squares in all the world. Lined with the most exclusive jewelers, one walk around the place will take your breath away.

Place Vendome is also home to the Ritz Hotel. The Ritz is one of the most famous hotels in the world. The list of the rich, famous and Royal guests that have called the hotel home is too long to mention. The latest buzz and chatter has been the inquest into Princess Diana's death that has traced her last steps on the evening of her death. The Ritz was the last place she was seen alive. Stop in and have a drink at the bar - the legend and legacy is in the air!

The most impressive holiday display I saw was without a doubt by the department store Printemps.
The store is the Parisian equivalent to a hybrid of Macy's and Neiman Marcus. It is a store for the masses but with a really chic sense of style. Located on the Boulevard Haussmann it is a must see.
For the holidays, the store has created a winter wonderland for children of all ages.

One set of windows has a charming forest scene of wolves hunting reindeer in a way only the French could make cute.
You can see the fork and knife behind the wolves back!

The next has the wolves feasting on baguettes of lets not say what (dont' want to upset the kiddies!!) as they dance and sing.

The entire block is a festival of lights and even the sidewalk over head is lit with streams of dazzling ribbons of lights. You can't help but be inspired to shop shop shop. I got very inspired - to come back to the U.S. and start my Christmas shopping. While Paris might have the best holiday decorations - they also have the Euro and with the U.S. dollar trailing at its lowest historic rate (1.49 while I was there) there was little I was buying on that side of the Atlantic! Merry Christmas!

I just got in from Paris yesterday afternoon and I couldn't help bringing back some holiday cheer. Even though my travel schedule looks like a flight attendants sometimes I'm still smiling after a quick trip to Paris. (I actually flew down to Miami for Art Basel first and then went straight to France.. I'll have more on Miami as well).
The city of light is times 10 for the Christmas season. The lights are from one end of the city to the other. The boutiques are all aglow and looked amazing!
I'll post more as I upload all my images and wrap my head back around the Eastern Time Zone.. so glad to be back in NYC just before the holidays!

Runway fashion now has a magazine to call home. Unlike any other magazine I have read, New York Look has me mesmerized. Not to be confused with their Look Book; New York Look has a sense of fashion all its own. It found its way to my mailbox last week and I haven't been able to put it down since. A chronicle of events that occur during Fashion Week, this is a magazine that you will look at every page with wide eyes, and each time, discover something new. New York Look literally gave me goosebumps.

If you've ever attended Fashion Week or are one who goes from blog to blog to hear all about the runway shows and the trends that emerge, this magazine is for you. Covering every angle and even delving into minute detail, New York Look gives you an insider's view backstage, front row and even atop the runway. Emerging trends, tried and true classics and unique fashion pieces are displayed side by side throughout the pages in brilliant colors that capture your attention and leave your heart racing.

Published only twice a year, I already cannot wait to get my next issue. You will be breathless, you will be captivated--you will be mesmerized. If you weren't obsessed with Fashion Week before, you will be now.

Find it on online at NYMag.com, but believe me--you'll want the print version!

*Photo Credit: NyMag.com

The dynamic duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana paid a visit to New York City for the first time in two years this past week. No, it wasn't to see the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center. The reason for their visit was the re-opening of their namesake boutique on Madison Avenue. The boutique has had a full face-lift and is beautiful. Now the two designers are no strangers to the big Apple or to face lifts for that matter! (google pictures of the two to watch the progression) With a larger than life image and Ad campaigns featuring naked male models whenever possible, D&G should be commended for having the nerve to push the envelope year after year. The boutique is clean, sleek and don't forget Gold. They love gold and even opened a restaurant in Milan called Gold!

In other D&G news, Mr. Beach boy himself Matthew McConaughy was spotted shooting new ads for the brand. Shocking to see him fully dressed I know! He even made it to the party and yes - kept his clothes on.

FENDI took the concept of runway to a whole new level last month. The Italian fashion house staged their runway show atop the great wall of china! The show was the first for both the wall and the fashion house who is owned by LVMH. While the event got great press, it is strange timing - considering the backlash building from reports that several "luxury" companies are producing goods sweatshop style in China and sending them back to Italy for a "made it Italy" tag to be sewn in. Author Dana Thomas wrote an excellent report of the state of affairs happening in the luxury sector titled Deluxe - how luxury lost its lustre. Published by Penguin press, the book has started a conversation that is getting louder and louder!

Madonna is hitting the fashion scene once again in early February to help Gucci unveil its new boutique (don't gag) in Trump Tower in NYC.
Never one to miss an opportunity to help out a charity - the party will benefit her charitable foundation Raising Malawi and UNICEF.
Also in the news this week is Madonna's battle with her NY co-op who appear to be trying to prevent her from buying the next door neighbors apartment to expand her Central Park West digs. Who did they think they were dealing with? some shrinking violet??

**the title of this post was an homage to the BEP song "my humps". - not the real version but the parody by Alanis Morisette

ZenTrend.com is a haute online fashion spot that not only sells unique designs from undiscovered talent (which sometimes I find is the best fashion), but ZenTrend has a unique fashion tool called iStyler which lets people vote on designs submitted by unknown designers from around the world. The winners of the poll will then have their designs manufactured by ZenTrend and sold through ZenTrend.com. Amazing, right?

Each design that is sold on ZenTrend.com has a customer review section so you can see what others have said about the pieces showcased. I absolutely love how each product sold on ZenTrend is given multiple pictures so that you can see exactly how the piece fits and the detail to the garment. A great example is of the Chiffon Halter Dress with Shell Belt; in the head to toe shot the detail in the belt and the small sequin design that outlines the neckline of the dress are barely visible. However, with the closeup image provided you get a clearer picture of what the dress looks like, giving you that mental imagdry as if you were right there in the store seeing it first hand.

ZenTrend showcases tops, skirts, dresses and Pashmina shalls all in luxurious fabrics, most with intricate details and embroidery. My favorite is the Chiffon and Brocade Dress, but I also have my eye on the silk Brocade Skirt with that gorgeous red belt...I think Jason mentioned in an earlier post seeing red everywhere while in Rome, this skirt immediately made me think of him.

So whether you are looking for an indie designer to purchase from or you are an aspiring designer looking to get a jump start, ZenTrend.com is the perfect place for fashion.