Fill Your Glass With Extreme Fashion

Daphne Guinness: The Lady Gaga of High End Fashion

If forced to describe the fashion of Lady Gaga with two ideas I would have to settle on extreme 80's and martian- like leather structures. Though a pop diva and a not quite known as a fashion 'icon' Lady Gaga's style is hitting the pages of publications due to it's distinguishable, outlandish nature. Similarly known for her incredibly unique and eclectic style, yet internationally recognized as an icon, Daphne Guinness is the epitome of a risk taking style diva!

Fashion stylist, film producer and an heiresses to the infamous Guinness brewing family, Daphne Guinness is always dressed to impress and sporting the finest threads known to the fashion world. Appreciated for her extreme originality yet elegant looks, Daphne takes constant risks mixing textures, hues and trends from different eras resulting in brilliant ensembles.

Famously spotted at the last fall's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Daphne wore a silver hardened silk dress structured in a lampshade-esque form. The dress closely resembled the armor of the Wizard of Oz's Tin Man! Accesorized with metal cuff bracelets and black streaks in her silver hair, Ms. Guinness was in a world of her own at the series of events.

Peering at this particular image , as well as hundreds more on fashion blogs and online, a single thought consistenly comes to mind- an urge and reason to break my boundaries and dabble in the world of over-the-top fashion! Why not freshen up every so often and step out of the box that confines so many of us from going over the top in styling? I highly recommend observing Daphne Guinness' looks to get a taste of extreme fashion that continues to remain elegant and maybe, just maybe, an interest will be sparked allowing for experimentation!

Style Resemblance Has Led to a Discovery

Blair Waldorf and Bee (Shaffer, of course)

Continuing my daily routine of perusing the online pages of Fashionologie.com I - like usual- found myself dazed and in a trance as I view photos of Bee Shaffer, Vogue's editor-at-large Anna Wintour's daughter. After sorting through the hundreds of pictures from galas, runways shows and fashion events I began forming a mental category in which to place the style of Bee, "Simple and classic with a reoccuring theme of prints". It seemed to come to me right after placing a category on Bee, that not all that she wears fits into this mold- then two things came to me: Bee Shaffer is very comparable to the always fashionable Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl and both of them fit into this category, however they both exhibit fashion from other areas!

Now, I am carfeul to compare the style of any two individuals because I believe that style is influenced by personality and I agree completely with Lagerfeld when he says, "Personality begins where comparison ends". Therefore, comparing doesn't always lead to the discovery of one's true personality and often limits one from truly understanding or accepting one's style. However, I love Blair and Bee individually so my comparison of them does not infringe on their individualism.

Both of these stunning brunettes exhibit classy style with tradition pieces- blazers, detailed, ruffled blouses and tailored skirts and dresses- but add flavor with tasteful, bright hues and textures for dimension and flair. Maybe I am so drawn to the trends these women set because my style and fashion taste parallels their structure! I have recently been on a mission to 'define' my style, to place it into a category for my own sake, but I have come to realize that style doesn't necessarily need to be defined- and if it must for a particular reason then loosely defined is probably best. Why would you want to place yourself in too solid of a mold that leaves you know room to wiggle, explore and delve into various niches that exist within diverse styles and designers? So much of fashion is trying new things, mixing and matching and learning to love avant-garde and dramatic Parisen fashion as well as simple, preppy Nantucket styled pieces.

In my, what seemed to be simple and innocent, 'ooh-ing' and 'ah-ing' over Bee Shaffer and Blair Waldorf's styles has led me to discover that fashin shouldn't be placed in boundaries. Comparing people and desingers of different backgrounds and with various goals is part of exploring and learning about trends. Blair and Bee have shown me that categories are not always necessary!

Street Savy Style with Hidden Motivation

Boyfriend Jean Crazy for the Sake of Footwear Observation

At the moment I am sipping on my refreshingly iced coffee and, sad to say, it isn't fulfilling its usual duty of creating morning inspiration for StyleDecoupage...somewhat frustrating! Just as I start to move away from the laptop and begin my day I have an epiphany! I ask myself, 'how could you forget about that'?, so here is my post for the day! Enjoy!

We all know about the boom of the street savy styled boyfriend jean, mainly seen on celebrities, but I haven't witnessed runways showing this laid back look. Why? Well, I did my research and here is my discovery (and input, of course):

Initially sported by Katie Holmes, the boyfriend jean is the perfect look for running around day-to-day and is super cute accompanied by a light weight cardigan, but there is hidden motivation to this look! Pairing a must-have item with the boyfriend jean look allows you to show off a stellar pair of flats or sky high heels! On the runway I found that boyfriend jeans- found in four styles; skinny, straight leg, boot cut and wide leg- were worn most often to show fun footwear! The rolled, cuffed bottom of the jeans allows for a little leg to show and draws attention to the footwear. The YSL Spring '09 show was full of boyfriend jeans to allow for the aviator heels, leather boots and chic flats to be seen...and loved!

So next time you run out of the house in a tizzy after throwing on a pair of baggy, yet stylish, boyfriend jeans don't forget that your footwear matters! Step onto the pavement as you show off those great shoes!

Stepping Up the Competition (by 12, that is)

New Twelve by Twelve Designs at Forever21

Cheap, Cali-based clothing chain Forever21 has stepped up to fight the competition with H&M and Zara this season as it introduces a line aimed at a more mature audience. The Twelve by Twelve line is now available in most Forever21 clothing stores in the US and features an assortment of clothing priced roughly 30% higher than the average' merchandise, yet all is under $100!

I must confess that recently I decided I wouldn't continue to purchase items from Forever21 because I wasn't investing in my clothing, rather I was paying for disposable clothing. Now don't get me wrong, I have found fun items and pieces that I've gotten wear out of, but I realized that I was getting my money's worth with the merchandise that never lasted, but looking back what did I expect? I was paying cheap prices for cheap clothing that didn't last! However, I stepped into a Forever21 store earlier this week only to be flabbergasted with the new line of fun, chic and more durable clothing offered within the Twelve by Twelve line!

The line is inspired by four trends: "Haute Tropical", "Desert Love", "Rockabilly", and my personal favorite "Sunday Brunch"- each of which allows for various styles and tastes to be satisfied and provides a great foundation to mix and match with! “Forever 21 is fast fashion, it’s quick-turn, young and fun,” said Betsy Zanjani, vice president of merchandising for the project, “whereas Twelve by Twelve is a grouping of items designed to go together, to be worn together. It will be a little bit more sophisticated, much more luxury.” - and I certainly agree! I am so excited about this new line and I must admit that I have already invested in some guilty pleasures! I'm especially loving my flouncy purple skirt with a rhinestoned studded and satin waist- so perfect for spring and summer! Twelve by Twelve is sure to jolt the competition and help Forever21 build a reputation for quality clothing that is still affordable!

So, for those of you who, like me, briefly gave up hope on disposable clothing produced by Forever21 do not pass up the opportunity to check out this new line! Not only will you be pleasantly surprised, but you will fall in love with the fun styles that grab your attention as you enter the store! These designs are sure to have your eyes glistening, your mind changed forever about Forever21 and your style looking fresh this season, all while staying affordable!

Strong styles and stronger clothing- what's not to love?!

Model of the Moment

(Frist Twiggy, then Kate Moss, now-) Agyness Deyn!

Hailed as "the fashion industry's next great supermodel" and known for her pixie cut, spunky short bob and fresh face is the uber busy and very famous Agyness Deyn, aka Laura Hollis at birth. Consistently stepping off the pages of Vogue sporting girlie ensembles with a twist of wild, UK tomboy- rocker edge, this lanky lass keeps our attention and desire for more.

At the ripe age of 26, Agyness has contracts with over 30 top designers- everyone from Burberry to Vivienne Westwood- and after several graces on the covers of avant-garde magazines her career is just beginning!

Though I, like most, love her fresh look and her modeling work, I must admit that I am most drawn to her distinct short hair and very original personal style. Never afraid to try an eclectic, daring mix of several looks Agyness is always pulled together while staying bold and never too over- the- top. Her mix of vintage rocker and grunge pieces with girlie accessories- like headbands and belts- keep her look modern but displays fashion from different eras. To add to her many talents, this UK beauty has delved into the world of music! Agyness sings with Five O'Clock Heroes in "Who" and appears in the video. She is also a member of a small UK band with two friends.

If you're looking for new fash-inspiration and ideas, look no further than this leading lady and legend in the making! Sure to grace many more covers and continue to be featured on WhoWhatWear and Teen Vogue, Agyness Deyn never fails to impress!