Elizabeth and James expands

Everywhere you turn, a new style icon is crowned and like the world of organized crime, there's always someone ready to take the top spot. But much like the Gotti's, the Olsen twins stay under the radar yet never leave the scene. Not too long ago I came across a blog called Olsen's Anonymous and I love this site because it reiterates their majestic fashion sense with each post.

With the success of their Elizabeth and James' clothing line and jewelry collaboration with Robert Lee Morris, it makes sense that the next step is to expand the brand with shoes. The newest venture is a partnership with Steve Madden, who the girls say "truly understands our design philosophy, and how we want this brand to grow over the coming years."

Some styles are now available and I've already found my favorites, including the Haley Wedge and the Edge Gladiator sandal.

Haley Wedge $325

Edge Gladiator $295

Jean Booties $395.00

But the shoes that I absolutely ADORE are the Jean Booties. They are made of suede and ostrich and like Mary Kate says, are perfect paired with denim cutoffs! Get yours when they become available June 2nd on shopbop.com.

Elizabeth and James shoes are just another amazing showcase of Olsen yumminess! I can't wait to see what's next!

-Nastasia, Inaword Intern

Trend Watch: Round Sunglasses

The groundhog saw his shadow on February 2, which means there will only be six more weeks until Spring!!! OOOWWWWEEEEEE!!! (Sorry, I had to get Brooklyn real quick.) I love the Spring because that means open-toed shoes, shorts, and NO COATS! Most importantly, the sun comes out and that means SUNGLASSES! Of course, oversized shades will never go away, aviators are classic, and RayBans are a revived rave. However, the new hot shade shape is round!

A while back Nicole Richie and the Olsen girls surfaced the trend with the Chanel half tints but here are some looks for much cheaper!

Ralph Lauren Collection $80

Nasty Gal Vintage $17

Forever 21 $6

-Nastasia

MK and Ashley's Influence

Mary Kate, Ashley and I go back like Barney and Baby Bop. Right now, my 11 year old sister is obsessed with Full House reruns as well as the millions of "The Adventures of..." books and straight-to-video movies. Take away Mary Kate's eating disorder and Ashley's attraction to much older men, and the Olsens have been quite the influence.

The twins have made the smooth transition from mini-moguls to big time fashion execs. With their two successful clothing lines, Elizabeth and James and The Row, they are suddenly in the company of big names like Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, and Diane von Furstenberg.

These are just some of the big names featured in their new coffee table book, Influence. The book highlights men and women in the art and fashion communities that the girls have been influenced by. There are tons of photos of the twins and their subjects, in addition to personal interviews with Mary Kate & Ashley on the other side of the journalist pad.

On Monday night, they launched the book at Barney's, and two of the people deemed influential in the billionaire's lives, the Proenza Schouler boys, were in attendance. Also there to lend support was Derek Blasberg, a style.com contributor who wrote the foreward for the book, and handed out helpful interviewing tips for the girls to follow.

Needless to say, I will be adding, Influence, to my Olsen twin collection! Click here for your own!

-Nastasia

Source & Source

Elizabeth and James Plume Feather Vest

First seen on Rihanna, the Plume Feather Vest from MK and Ashley Olsen's Elizabeth and James line has been making fashionable appearances on starlets everywhere this month. The front of the popular silk twill tuxedo vest is scattered, smothered and covered with delicate ostrich feathers from shoulder to hem. Rihanna smartly paired hers with black skinny jeans, a white beater and Louboutins.

Cassie wore hers shirtless with pointy pumps and leggings and kept it simple in head to toe black.

Amerie went way OTT, combining her vest with a pink tank, fringed over-the-knee boots, a printed bag and too much makeup.

My girl Aubrey stood out from the crowd in the white version, but lost me with those python boots.

The feathery vest is flying out of stores but can still be found at Intermix for $595.00. Would you wear it?

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Luxe Links

Street Style scrait from Glastonbury, England - Style.com

ASD

Cosmo's Splurge v. Steal...I'll take the steals, please and thank you - Cosmopolitan.com

Speaking of Cosmo, there's a Cosmopolitan Kenya? - Make Fetch Happen

The fresh faces of Young Hollywood...get to know them if you care - Vanity Fair

Naomi for YSL and Erykah for Tom Ford - Urban Hoopla

Fashion over 45 and beauty for baby boomers - MSNBC

MK and Ashley O are publishing a coffee table book called, Influence. As in under the influence? - Huffington Post

ASDF

Kanye to design men's shoes...for LV of course - US Weekly

If this is true, Pharrell has WAY too much money - Daily News

Style treasures for every woman - Clutch Mag


Have a delightfully fab holiday, darlings! Wishing you fireworks in every area of your life!

xo, Elle

Trendwatch: Genie pants?

Marc Jacobs Spring 2007 RTW

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Last year (which in fashion might as well have been last decade) Marc Jacobs showed big, billowy Hammer pants on his Spring '07 runway. But as we know, Marc Jacobs can't always be trusted when it comes to truly wearable clothes. However, the genie look has officially made it to the streets. H&M and Topshop have both included harem pants in their Spring 08 collections, and amazingly, at last night's CFDA Fashion Awards, three whole celebs wore them on the red carpet.

Ashley Olsen

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Naomi Campbell

Even though it is now readily available, this is a hard trend to pull off. If you dare, I would definitely recommend pairing them with heels and a more structured top, like a blazer.

So, what do you think? Is it officially Hammer time?

Red Carpet Rundown: Costume Institute Gala

I love the slit. I love the shoes. But I expected more from Vicki B. Where's the drama?

Joy! The heralded Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala was last night in NYC with the theme, Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy. So, who looked super and who crashed and burned? You be the judge. I have no time for snark at the moment, but I promise to update this post later. In the meantime, check out the highs and lows of the night! Can you name all the celebs without the help of captions? If so, pat yourself on the back and then seek help.

UPDATED with captions!

Jules looked quite glam in her beaded Armani Privé gown. I love the sophisticated neckline.

The diva Mary J. wore a black strapless Michael Kors gown. The hair is horrific.

Gossip Girl Blake Lively is quitessentially Ralph Lauren in a strapless mermaid gown with gloves.

Janet chose a white column Versace dress with an embroidered halter. In all the pictures I've seen, she looks like she's not breathing. Exhale, boo!



KLS made a bold statement in a brightly colored mosaic dress by Kevan Hall. Either you love it or you hate it.

This Versace gown was the perfect accent to Gisele's long, lean silouette. Her body looks amazing in it.

Thandie is a little minx in her short and sassy Chanel frock and cape. Love the sandals. Sexy!

Mrs. Parker made waves in a rippled, ruffled Marchesa gown. Stunning.

Michelle Tractenberg took a risk in vintage YSL. And by vintage I mean the 70's. The gold lame probably gave that away.

I wanted to hate Mischa Barton's Missoni dress, but oddly, I'm kind of into it.

Molly Sims looks like a Grecian goddess in bold yellow Versace. Her green Chopard earrings are a fab touch.

Naomi Watts was the essence of Hollywood glamour in a Theirry Mulger pleated white halter gown. I'm not gaga about the color for her skintone, but she definitely pulled it off.

Eva Mendes chose aqua Calvin Klein. She's so beautiful that she made me like this dress.

Darling Hilary wore a glimmering Elie Saab Spring 2008 Couture gown. She has really grown into her beauty. Homegirl looks good!

Diane Kruger stood out amongst a sea of gowns in a metallic mini by Alberta Ferretti. The detail on it is amazing and the pink peep-toes gave her look a pinch of fun. I love.

J. Luscious is giving me gorgeous! I love the asymetrical tierson her gown. Not in love with the color.

Kristin Davis looked loverly in her Michael Kors gown with a full train. Very Charlotte.

Maggie Gyllenahall chose a richly colored Peter Som dress. Not bad.

Aw lil Zoe! She looked absolutely gorgeous in the face. You can't tell in this picture but she was rocking some fierce finger waves. Crushed velvet, however, makes me sick to my stomach, so I won't even go there.

Miss B chose a fairly simple Armani Privé pale pink strapless dress in silk organza. I'm distracted by her hair color, it's a tad brassy.

Fergie has clearly been working on her fitness. Here she is in a one-sleeved Calvin Klein dress.

Amber Valetta is an angelic alien in Versace Spring 2008 Couture.

Sarah Silverman chose a ladylike look with a full skirt. But what's going on with the fingerless gloves?

Kate Bosworth in a dizzying vintage Chanel couture dress. Blech and barf.


Katie Holmes...just why? As if the red sequined bustier and ball gown weren't over the top enough, she had to throw in blue heels. Um, no.

Christina Ricci wore a cheeky Givenchy dress that was basically sheer confection over a leotard.

Claire Danes. Snore and bore.

Ziyi Zhang looked beautiful in her one-shouldered Armani Prive Spring 2008 gown.


SMG in black strapless Bottega Veneta. Meh.

Ivanka is a vision of chiffon gorgeousness in J. Mendel. The forehead jewelry? Not so much.

Balenciaga muse Jennifer Connelly stood by her brand in a somewhat severe look that suits her.

Ashley Olsen's black keyhole dress was custom-made by Diane von Furstenberg and MK chose gold sequin also by DVF. These two scare me.

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