sirius.AMBITION

Fashion Inc.’s first meeting of the Fall 2010 semester is next Wednesday, September 1st at 7:30pm at the SLC Room 101A. If you love fashion or have any interest in the fashion industry, you should definitely check it out! Fashion Inc. is planning on continuing to put on amazing fashion shows, setting up its own blog, and  even looking into some possible road trips this semester! We would love to see new faces, so don’t be shy, stop by! XD

One of my favorite blogs, FSU Fashion Girl, is celebrating their one year anniversary!! To do so, they are giving away prizes to 21 lucky readers! The prizes include:

“ONE lucky reader will win the prize package which includes:

- Merchandise from VS PINK which includes a blue tote bag, water bottle, puppy and ID holder courtesy of the FSU Campus Reps!
- A turquoise Niki Biki camisole courtesy of Repeat Possessions
- A FREE My Style Fashion Application for the iPhone/iPod Touch
- A sample of Antidote’s (renamed Beautisol) Summer Glow Dark Self-Tanning Lotion
- The Spring 2010 Issue of CLUTCH Magazine, FSU’s first successful student run fashion magazine
- A $10 Subway gift card

In addition, 19 other readers will each receive a free My Style Fashion Application, VS PINK ID holder, Niki Biki Tube Top and CLUTCH Magazine.”

To enter, go HERE and simply leave a comment saying what you love about FSU Fashion Girl. Winners will be selected at random. Be sure to enter soon because the contest ends Tuesday, May 18th at noon. Good luck everyone!

My Rating: 3/5 stars

I consider the first Iron Man movie to be the epitome of a “good” comic book movie. As many of my friends know, because of my intense love of comics, especially Marvel comics, I have extremely high standards when it comes their theatrical adaptations. The first movie had everything you could possibly want in a comic book movie: action, humor, heart, great acting, and a good story. I would consider it right up there with Spiderman 2, X-Men 2, V for Vendetta, and Sin City in ranks of comic book/graphic novel movies.

So, of course, I had high expectations coming into Iron Man 2. I was especially looking forward to seeing some foreshadowing of the upcoming Avengers movie. While, I was satisfied in this area (look out for an appearance of Captain America’s shield and be sure to stay after the credits), I was left disappointed in most others. The story, in my opinion, seemed pretty weak and dragged on in the middle. It almost seemed like it was just a filler movie, paving the way for the upcoming Marvel movies.

RDJ is still great as Tony Stark and Sam Rockwell seems to have fun with his role as Tony’s rival, Justin Hammer. Mickey Rourke is good as Whiplash, although I don’t think they really utilized his character all that well. Scarlett Johansson doesn’t do too much as Black Widow besides look pretty, but she does get a nice action sequence near the end. The action is still there but its mostly relegated to the end, but even the major final battle seemed too short to me.

I give this movie 3 out of my 5 stars because it is decent sequel. The acting is still good, as are the visuals. There are some funny parts and some good action sequences. The story is lacking, a bit convoluted. However, despite my opinions, just about all my friends seemed to enjoy the movie and you will probably too. If anything, it will get you excited about the upcoming Marvel films Thor (with Natalie Portman!), Captain America, and The Avengers.

Lady Gaga's outfit was designed by Armani

I caught Lady GaGa’s performance of “Alejandro” on American Idol and I have to say I was a little disappointed. I’ve always thought she’s had an amazing voice and sounds great live, but on the show it seemed a little off and weaker than usual. I’m sure all that dancing didn’t help either.  The “Bad Romance” opening on the piano was beautiful though.

I ran across THIS little article (okay, it’s more of an AIM convo) discussing the performance and how we may all be so used to Lady GaGa’s craziness that we just “tune out” now.

This part made my laugh because I often think the same myself:

“discoamz: I get stressed out by her outfits sometimes.
$har: Why?
discoamz: Because it is SO MUCH WORK. It’s hard enough for me to pick out a T-shirt and jeans in the morning sometimes. What kind of torment does she endure?”

Oh, and apparently the performance was pre-recorded and was originally 6.5 minutes, but Fox cut it down to 5 due to time constraints. Lady GaGa wasn’t all too happy about it, twittering: “FOX POORLY + AMATEURLY (sic) edited+cut my performance/musical arrangement on idol. Watch real version… Fox chopped up my performance in 4 places.” To see the full, uncut performance click HERE.

Get Rachel's look at Express for only $69.50!

Rachel Bilson and Express: two of my biggest obsessions! You have no idea how excited I was when I read that Rachel (who I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!) attended Express’ launch of ReRock Denim in Tao Beach, wearing one their awesome silver ruffle rompers.

If you want to add this outfit to your closet (I definitely do!), head over to Express HERE or click on the photo to get it for $69.50. You can also get 15% off by using the code 2175 or 20% off any regular-priced purchase over $100. For celebrity style, this is definitely a steal.

Rachel wasn’t the only celeb who showed up to support Express. Malin Akerman, Joy Bryant, and Jessica Lowndes also showed up wearing Express duds – all of which can be found on the store’s website, as well as DJ Samantha Ronson, Jamie Foxx, Paris & Nicky Hilton, and Reggie Bush. Great to see Express get so much love from Hollywood! <3

Three of my favorite looks from Zac Posen's Target collection set to hit stores and online April 25th

“The Zac Posen girl is creative, whether its with her art, her avatar, her Facebook page, or her clothes. And because of the confidence the clothing gives her, she is control and the object of desire. And of course, she’s fun!” – Zac Posen

Mark April 25th on your calendars, ladies. Why? Because that’s when Zac Posen’s line for Target Go International hits stores and online! I’ve loved Zac Posen since I discovered he designed some of my favorite Natalie Portman dresses, but never thought I’d ever be able to get my hands on one of his designs…until now!

Target, who has already collaborated with established designers like Anna Sui, Rodarte, and Jean Paul Gaultier is now teaming up with the talented designer to bring us stylish yet affordable outfits like the three above. I’m especially excited to try on the blue “snap tape” dress. I love that all the snaps connect so I can drape the dress however I want. Other significant pieces are a Lady Gaga-inspired body suit,a gold one-piece swimsuit (Zac’s first swimsuit design), a beautiful trumpet dress (the shape that launched Zac’s career), and a Michael Jackson “Thriller”-inspired red leather jacket. Prices average $20-$80 (except for the jacket that’s $200).

The limited edition line will only be available April 25 to May 30 so don’t wait too long to grab these pieces. If they’re anything like Target’s past designer lines, they’ll sell out before you know it!

Two of my favorite looks from Selena Gomez's "Dream Out Loud" fashion line due out by the end of July

Selena Gomez is probably my favorite young celebrity and, in my opinion, a great role model for young girls. She’s so incredibly pretty, a decent actress, and actually seems like she’s got a good head on her shoulders. Plus, I LOVE her style, whether she’s just hanging out or on the red carpet, she looks amazing AND age-appropriate (I’m looking at you, Taylor Momsen). So I was really happy for her when I found out she was coming out with her own clothing line for Kmart called Dream Out Loud.

“This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and I feel privileged to be able to give the consumer great product at a great value,” Selena told WWD. “[It's] the whole Texan cowgirl meets the glam Boho chic of Hollywood. Since the announcement, we added a lot of accessories. I love scarves, and long necklaces and cute bangles. It’s constantly changing, which is cool. It will change with me.”

The line which was inspired by her own girly yet edgy style will be available nationwide by the end of July and all the pieces are set to retail for under $24! I can’t remember the last time I walked into a Kmart but I just might come end of July just to check out her collection.

Some representatives from the Buckle visited my Retail Merchandising class last week. We had to take notes for an assignment, but, nevertheless, I found the presentation to be kind of interesting and learned a lot about the company. Here’s a few things I learned…

Founded in 1948 in Kearney, Nebraska, The Buckle was originally a men’s clothing store called “Mills Clothing.” In 1967, it was renamed The Brass Buckle and by the 1970’s, it started selling what would become their passion: denim. Today, denim makes up 45% of their sales and, although a branded store that carries many private labels like Lucky, Guess?, Big Star, and Hurley, the Buckle also carries their own brand, BKE. The Buckle has been so successful in building names for brands such as Lucky, many labels come to them in hopes that they will carry their brand. Many brands even put out exclusive designs made specifically for Buckle stores. In an economy where many stores are closing and going out of business, the Buckle is growing and opening new stores at an average rate of 15-20 stores a year. They currently have about 400 stores in 41 states (only the northeastern states, Hawaii, and Alaska are excluded).

The Buckle seems like a wonderful company to work for. Not only is it a thriving company that focuses on customer service and satisfaction (personal fitting appointments, free gift wrapping, and alterations!), but it gives great benefits to its employees. There is an amazing 40% discount, and after working full-time for 90 days, employees are given health and dental insurance, vacation days (1 day per 1 month of work), and a 401K. I’d actually consider applying if I didn’t already love my job at Sunberry so much! <3

[ Visit Official Site ]

Madonna and her daughter, Lourdes

Madonna and Iconix are joining together to create MG Icon LLC, a brand that will capitalize on Madonna’s name and worldwide fame for various fashion-related endeavors. Madonna, having promoted other companies and brands, has wanted to go into the fashion business but has been waiting to find the right partner. It was not until she and her longtime manager, Guy Oseary (who accounts for the “G” in the name), met with Neil Cole, the CEO of Iconix, did she believe she had found someone who could help her reach her goals and support her vision. Cole is excited to work with Madonna seeing her global and multigenerational appeal. Iconix will own half of the brand, with Madonna and Oseary owning the other half. The agreement will allow Iconix to use the pop icon’s name and persona in everything from apparel to footwear and accessories.

First up, is a line for juniors called Material Girl that will launch exclusively at Macy’s just in time for back-to-school shopping in August. The collection will initially consist of clothes, shoes, handbags, and jewelry with the potential of expanding into beauty and fragrance products next year. The line, which Madonna’s own 13-year-old daughter, Lourdes, is acting as a muse for, is targeted towards those between 13 and 25 with a price range of $12 to $40. It will start off in 200 stores, although the goal is to eventually have all 850 carry the line.

Madonna was wise in taking her time to find a company that clicked with her to be her partner in this business endeavor. It seems she can rest assured that she made the right choice and that MG Icon is in good hands, seeing the continuing success of Iconix’s many exclusive licensing deals with retailers like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and Kmart.