Take Me Out to the Runway

The Building Blocks of Fashion

2011-02-12T10:03:00.000-08:00

Nothing entrances me more than untraditional fashion. Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, the queens of all things untraditional, remain two of my biggest inspirations to this day. When fashion meets art, resulting in an explosion of color, texture, and/or intricate patterns, it simply takes my breath away. To be honest, I was speechless for quite a bit after seeing Mary Katrantzou's Spring 2011 collection.

"With this collection," she said, "I wanted to put the room on the woman, rather than the woman in the room." Without a doubt, Katrantzou's vision came alive on the runway showcasing her collection. The idea based behind the collection was to create architectural pieces in three dimensional art, making the pieces not only desirable, but a sort of story within an item as well. Style.com mentions two examples: one was a dress whose top half featured a swimming pool in an L.A. house above a view of the city from the balcony of that house. The other used a view of a dining room table as a skirt with a perspective of the room it stood in rising up the bodice.

It was not only these breath-taking pictures that made Katrantzou's collection come alive, but the fabrics she used, as well. Window frames were created, surrounded by bits of fluttering chiffon that stood for lifelike curtains. She even added lampshades with real, dangling crystals. Chandeliers and wall decor worn as oversized necklaces completed the look, along with shoes in dashing colors that brought out hues in Katrantzou's designs. The overall effect was just lovely; it captured the extraordinarily real look of an architectural masterpiece with all the every-day wearability of an item of clothing.

Mary Katrantzou shines a light on the way fashion should always be portayed: as an art. She brings back the idea that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and something as simple as hard work and determination can create something reminiscent of magic. I will be anxiously awaiting Katrantzou's future collections, but until then, I'm sure her Spring 2011 collection will give me plenty to reflect on!

Another CSN Giveaway

2011-01-20T16:17:00.000-08:00

Well, Happy New Year's, I guess ... even though it's the middle of January. I can't believe I haven't posted since December! I've been so busy with college stuff and work that I just haven't really had time to do anything for myself lately. So sorry!

Because you all are so patient, I've got a giveaway to bring to you! I've partnered up with CSN Stores again, this time to bring you a $35 gift code for any of CSN's 200+ sites! The CSN websites are some of my favorites. They've got a little bit of everything, including this round chair that would be perfect for my laptop station. There's so much to check out ... head over to some of the sites and see what you can find!

As always, here are the giveaway rules:
1. Leave your name and email address on this post to enter.
2. For an extra entry, mention Take Me Out to the Runway on Facebook!
3. For an extra entry, mention Take Me Out to the Runway on Twitter!
4. For an extra entry, mention Take Me Out to the Runway on Tumblr!
5. For two extra entries, reblog this post and/or spread the word about this giveaway!
6. This giveaway is only open to residents of USA and Canada. I'm so sorry to my international readers ... I'll make it up to you, I promise!
7. Please do not comment on CSN's Facebook page, as it violates their company policy. Thank you!

The giveaway ends on Monday, February 7th @ 11:59 PM, so hurry to enter! Best of luck! More great posts coming soon ... stay updated!

Dress Made Out Of Lindt Chocolate ...

2010-12-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

This is awesome. A dress made out of Lindt chocolates? So basically, this is two of my obsessions rolled in to one: chocolate, and fashion. I must own this.

Zoo Uniform: Combining Animals and Fashion For One Impressive Brand

2010-12-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge animal lover. I've got three cats and a dog that I love as if they were my own children. I practically have a standing invitation to all the local animal shelters. I pretty much like animals more than I like people. True story.

When I came across the up-and-coming Zoo Uniform brand, I was ecstatic, not only because the designs were absolutely adorable, but because of the cause as well. For every item sold, Zoo Uniform makes a donation to WWF (World Wildlife Fund). They pride themselves on being adamant animal lovers, the reason they chose to create the brand.

The brand itself is based around 36 animal faces, some including pandas, owls, koalas, and lions. The designers of Zoo Uniform themselves say it best: "We've been looking to create what we believed was missing in shops and magazines: a clothing brand able to mix multiple animal figures with a trendy and fashionable look. Animals are present all around us in life, so why can't we buy items exposing them in an enhanced and stylish way?" The animals depicted each have an evasive gaze that makes them appear dreamy and adaptable. The symbolism is impressive; looking at each animal brings the mind to focus on whatever you may dream, and you may even come across some features on the animals that remind you of yourself or others. Each of the 36 animals serve one purpose: they embrace the individuality and unique traits of each person.

The first animal designs to be launched will be the koala, the monkey, the owl, the panda, and the pig. Over time, Zoo Uniform anticipates adding many more creatures to the already extensive group of animals in their collection. Many celebrities and celebrated artists are already lining up to receive their own Zoo Uniform clothing ... which one will you choose?

Apothica Gift Card Giveaway!

2010-12-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Practically since the day I was born, I’ve used Mustela Baby Products. Quite obviously, the brand is intended for babies and pregnant mothers. Mustela uses ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil and Shea Butter that are gentle enough to be used on the brand new skin of infants.

I’ve always had extremely sensitive skin. Popular brands such as Bath & Body Works and Dove give me severe break-outs and rashes. The only moisturizer I’ve ever been able to use liberally has been Mustela’s Hydra-Bebe Facial Cream. It is so mild and calm on my skin, and it smells absolutely amazing! The only problem I’ve had with Mustela is being able to find stores that stock it.

Then, I came across Apothica.com. Much to my delight, Apothica carries the full line of Mustela products, along with dozens and dozens of other amazing brands. I ordered my Mustela products right away, and I knew immediately that I would be a satisfied customer for life.

Now you have the chance to shop at Apothica.com … for free! Take Me Out to the Runway and Apothica have teamed up to give one lucky reader a chance to win a $25 Apothica gift card to use on any product of your choice. As always, here are the rules:

1. Leave a comment on this entry stating your name and email address.
2. One extra entry for becoming a fan of Apothica or Take Me Out to the Runway on Facebook! (2 extra entries for both!)
3. One extra entry for becoming a fan of Apothica or Take Me Out to the Runway on Twitter! (2 extra entries for both!)
4. Two extra entries for a re-tweet on Twitter!
5. Two extra entries for opting in for the Apothica newsletter (found at the bottom of the website)!
6. Seven extra entries (wow!) for a blog post with a link directed to Mustela and/or Apothica! (Must have a minimum of 100 words and use a link to Apothica.com)

Please let me know if you do any of these extra things so I can mark down your extra entries! The giveaway ends on Tuesday, December 7th, so hurry to enter! Good luck!

The Fashionable Side of Harry Potter

2010-11-23T18:09:00.000-08:00

Alright, I'll confess: I have an obsession with Harry Potter. I always have; I've read the series since the very first book came out, and I've pre-ordered every new release. When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first came out, I finished it in four hours. I wouldn't put that book down until I had absorbed every last detail of "The End". I cried for days after.

I'm sort of a psycho about the movies, too. My sister and I were one of the first in line for the midnight screeing of Deathly Hallows, and I begged my friends to come see it with me again the next day. I plan on seeing it again Friday in the IMAX theater ... don't judge!

Before I go any further, I just have to thank Jo Rowling for everything (and I mean everything) she's done. Jo, your books changed my life. They made me want to become a writer from the moment they hit the press, and I can never thank you enough for teaching me so many life lessons through the eyes of Harry Potter. My life ambition is to meet you ... I hope one day I can shake your hand and thank you in person.

Anyways, the movie was FANTASTIC, wasn't it?! I won't spoil anything for any of you who haven't seen it yet, I promise! I love how, no matter what, fashion is always apparent in everything. One of the first things I noticed during Bill and Fleur's wedding scene was the striking resemblance Fleur's dress had to one from Alexander McQueen's 2008 collection. Check it out!

Seriously, Emma Watson looks ridiculously amazing in everything, even when she's playing Hermione. Hermione is supposed to be plain, book-smart, and most importantly, extremely practical. I love how Emma can make Hermione look beautiful even during action scenes. This red dress (unknown designer) looked gorgeous on her; I love the matching heels!

Emma's hair looks awesome, too. I know she recieved a lot of tough critique because of it, but I think she looks fierce. She has the most beautiful face I've ever seen. By the way ... this girl deserves an Oscar for her acting in this movie! The scene with Bellatrix (I promised, no spoilers!)? I was blown away. I actually cried in the theater because she was so good. Both times. Ahem.

I fell in love with Hermione's expandable bag immediately. The colors are so rich, and the fabric and intricate design reminded me of the Renaissance era. This would look fantastic with evening wear, don't you think?

Only 233 days until Part 2! I can't wait! What did you guys think of the movie? Please post ... I'd love to know!

I Am Brilliant, I Am Threadless

2010-11-14T17:52:00.001-08:00

Have you all heard of Threadless? Recently, I had the pleasure of discovering this amazing clothing company. As many of you know, no closet is complete without a full collection of graphic tees. I have plenty, myself; they're perfect for cozy days, goofy days, normal days ... you name it! Threadless specializes in designing some of these tees. The designs are seriously fantastic; some of the patterns are so unique that it boggles my mind.

Threadless's new line is gaining popularity fast. The Select Line is original in the fact that the designs are created by the community. They are printed with water-based inks on finer cotton to be softer and more eco-friendly. The women's collection includes tees, racerback tanks, and tunics. Threadless is also unique because it also offers a men's collection, rarely seen now-a-days. The men's collection includes tees similar to the women's, but with slimmer cuts and different materials.

My very favorite tee is emblazoned with a large bird feather. Upon looking closer, you can see that the feather splits off into a dozen tiny birds in flight. The design itself is so ingenious. It is almost opposite from what we usually see. Usually, it is the feather that sprouts from the bird rather than the bird from the feather. I absolutely adore designs with a deeper meaning!

Recently, I did a small photoshoot wearing my own Threadless tee. My sister, an aspiring photographer, is in dire need of a new camera, so please bear with me through the slight imperceptiveness of the following photos!

Tee: Threadless "Birds of a Feather" ; Jeans: Express ; Heels: Madden Girl ; Scarf: Fratelli Talli

Check out more Threadless tees here! Have a great week, every one!

Another Amazing Giveaway!

2010-11-11T18:33:00.000-08:00

Before delving further into this post, I would like to first take the opportunity to thank all those who are serving or have served in the United States military in order to protect our country. You all have my very greatest respect, and I give thanks to you every day of my life. I pray that all of you will come home safely. My "Support Our Troops" wristband is the most important part of my ensamble each and every day, and I support all of the known and unknown soldiers risking their lives every day to protect our freedom.

In honor of the very special Veteran's Day, Take Me Out to the Runway is holding another giveaway! I have partnered up again with one of my favorite companies, CSN Stores. CSN offers some of the most amazing items I've ever seen, a recently popular one being their bar tables and stools.

This time, we're offering a $45 gift code to use on the website on any product of your choice! CSN has a fantastic offering of many items of house decor, one of my personal favorites being the wall art. No room is complete without a painting, portrait, or wall hanging of some sort. My obsession right now it the Uttermost Tree Panels Frameless Oil Painting Set ... what I wouldn't do to own this gorgeous piece of artwork!

This and many other items are available on the site, so please check out CSN Stores here! Here's what you have to do to enter the giveaway:

1. Leave your name and email address on this post in a comment. Do not leave a comment on the CSN Facebook page; it will not help you win in any way! :)
2. A mention on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, etc. will earn you one extra entry! You can earn up to as many entries as you do mentions, so please let me know if you do this!
3. If you get a friend to enter, you get two extra entries!
4. This giveaway is open to residents of USA and Canada only ... I'm sorry! I promise I'll make it up to all of my international readers!
5. Enter by Thursday, November 25th @ 11:59 PM to be eligible!

Good luck! More great posts are coming up soon, so keep checking back! Have a great weekend!

The Artisans Wear Prada

2010-10-24T17:32:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt that the world loves Prada. It is one of the most iconic labels of all time, and it has gotten name drops in both a movie and a band titled "The Devil Wears Prada", among many others. But why is Prada so fantastic? What makes this label stand out?

One answer that immediately comes to my mind is "hard work". Since 1913, Prada has thrived on its original and well thought out designs, precedented by the label's creator, Mario Prada. Mario was known for using unique materials, such as alpaca and tartan, to form his designs.

Very soon, Prada will be revisiting Mario's old mantra. Prada will be coming out with a capsule collection made by international artisans in the year 2011, a collection lovingly christened "The Made In ... Project". It will include ballerina flats and handbags handmade in India, alpaca knits from Peru, tartan kilts sourced in Scotland and jeans by Dova in Japan. Prada's original breathtaking beauty will once more hit the runways, and the new designs are expected to be of high quality with unique, eyecatching colors and textures. I'm pretty excited to see the new collection, and I'll be sure to keep you posted!

How To Look Gorgeous In Men's Clothes

2010-10-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

The Crafty Tipster

Cable knit sweaters have been in style since, well, forever. They were constructed strictly for warmth, knitted and hand-sewn with love by mothers and grandmothers. Today, we still can't seem to let go of these once heartfelt tokens; they're dotting runways everywhere for the fall and winter seasons.

Andrea Dozier

Fashionistas of all ages are donning thick sweaters this season, and rightfully so. The more colors the better, and what better way to brighten up a chilly day? A sweater is a comfortable yet fashionable way to go out, and you can pair it with anything from jeans to leggings. Many women are now sporting them over dresses and skirts. Our beloved street photography has been inundated with knits; shots like the following have been spotted all over the internet, inspiring people to hitch a ride on the season's best trend:

Telly Jailily

Unknown

Gwyneth Tang

As much as I like the women's sweaters, there is one thing I like much, much more ... men's sweaters! In my opinion, thick sweaters look much better when they're not form-fitting, and with men's sweaters, you can absolutely achieve this look. It is also much easier to find a plain sweater without buttons or embellishments when you shop in the men's section. Plus, they tend to be much thicker and warmer! My very favorite is Rodarte's line of mens sweaters (appropriately called "Brodarte"). The colors are fantastic, and they look SO soft and warm. It would look great with a pair of ankle boots, no?

A great place to find wearable men's sweaters is (surprisingly) at Abercrombie and Fitch and Hollister. They tend to have big, plain sweaters, and especially at Abercrombie, they're of very good quality. Check them out! Remember, men adore it when women wear their clothes ... this is the best of both worlds! So, next time you're shopping for a trendy new sweater, check the men's section. You'll make much more of a statement this way!

Fenton-Fallon Fanatic!

2010-09-20T20:07:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy lately it's almost unbelievable. I've been inundated with homework, college stuff, going to school, going to work, and more homework; I can't even remember the last time I had a minute to myself! It will all be worth it in the end, I'm sure.

One thing that has taken up a lot of my time recently is modeling. Well, not exactly the modeling that comes to mind, but modeling all the same. Jacki Robichaud, one of my friends, is a freshman in college this year majoring in fashion design. This summer, she put together a fashion show and along with another designer, designed her own clothing line. She's no amateur, either. Jacki's designs, part of a collection called Jack Attackk, are seriously amazing. She's insanely talented. The best part about the fashion show? All of the proceeds raised went to fighting cancer. The second best part? Jacki asked me to be a runway model, along with ten other girls, in her show.

The fashion show was incredible; tons of people showed up to the event. I felt like a real model when I walked down the runway ... it was that professional! Since the show, we've been doing tons of photoshoots in our custom-made dresses for Jacki's portfolio. I wish I could be a real model ... it's the most amazing feeling ever.

When the pictures from the newest photoshoot are edited, I'm hoping to put them up here for everyone to see. They came out gorgeous! Anyway, enough of my nostalgia. What I wanted to post about today was a jewelry line I came across a while back called Fenton-Fallon Jewelry. It has been featured in such magazines as Harper's BAZAAR, Italian VOGUE, Japanese VOGUE, Purple, Absolute, and The New York Times T Magazine. The Fenton jewelry line was designed by Dana Lorenz in Febuary of 2005, and has since been picked up by major luxury retailers such as Ikram in Chicago and Barneys New York. The Fallon jewelry line was designed as a second part to Lorenz's success story in 2007.

I fell in love with both of these collections right away. The jewelry is typically chunky and statement-making, while still holding that air of classiness that everyone desires. It is eye-popping and magnificent, and you can either wear it casually or dress it up for a night out. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Fenton

Fallon

Follow Fenton-Fallon Jewelry on Facebook and Twitter! By the way, you can also follow Take Me Out to the Runway on both Facebook and Twitter, as well. Click the links below! Have a great week!

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Wow, Tao ...

2010-08-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Tao Okamoto is such a gorgeous and talented model! I love this shoot from Vogue China's September 2010 issue, photographed by Sølve Sundsbø. Okamoto wears Miu Miu, Givenchy, and Comme des Garçons among many more designers, and she brings a whole new beauty to these designs (which could only really be called works of art!). If I could be any one in the world right now ... well, let's just say Tao is high up on my list. Imagine having your face in two issues of Vogue (US and China) in the same month? She's incredible!

Dying A Little Bit ... A Lot, Rather

2010-08-23T21:39:00.000-07:00

Don't mind my slight dying and drooling; I'm in the middle of the phenomenal September 2010 issue of Vogue. I'm obessed, and I mean OBSESSED with the first photoshoot shown. I just can't get over how gorgeous Tao Okamoto and Rose Cordero are, and all these textures and fabrics and colors and patterns are sending my mind into an overload! And that bag; ohmygoshohmygosh don't mind my frenzy ...

I'm pretty much about to cry looking at the second shoot, too. Claiborne Swanson Frank and Veronica Swanson Beard (sisters) rock the country weekend trend so well. This is actually one of my all time favorite patterns, and I'm so glad it's one of the season's hottest trends right now! Not to mention the heeled hiker-esque boots. I want, no, need some, preferably alongside a nice, thick, slouchy pair of socks. Ah, how refreshing to live in the weather-bipolar East Coast. I like winter trends so much more than summer trends!

I'll definately be posting more from September Vogue 2010. 727 pages of pure goodness ... well, back to reading!

Make sure you click the photos to enlarge!

Dree and Dior ...

2010-08-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

When I saw Dior's Fall 2010 Couture Collection, I almost died on the spot. I'm not usually one to post tons of collections, but I had to share this one. The intense colors, the rich, textured fabrics ... I really and truly think I'm in love. Check out the pictures from the show in the above slideshow, and kindly disregard the one lone YSL shoe. I added it by accident, but still ... I love it as well!

Before I sign off, I want to share one more thing with you all. It's one of my favorite editorials I've seen in a while, titled "Simply Red" in this month's Harper's Bazaar. It was shot by Alexi Lubomirski, and Dree Hemingway looks fantastic. I'm addicted to red this season, and I hope you love this spread just as much as I did. Check out that red off-the-shoulders dress; stunning!

Sorry for the information overload! I haven't posted in a while, so I had a lot to comment on! By the way, I've been updating my Tumblr account a lot lately. It's mostly just little things that interest me, and if you're interested, you can check it out here. You'll be able to see fast that I'm a Harry Potter fanatic ... Have a great week!

Anita Quansah ... Saving The World One Design At A Time.

2010-08-06T16:38:00.000-07:00

I'm back home! Isn't it ironic how refreshing it feels to finally be home after a vacation when you vacationed to be refreshed in the first place? I feel as if I've been gone forever ... by the looks of my email, it certainly seems so! Now, after a few hours, I've finally caught up with responding to everyone's comments (thank you so much, by the way!), and I'm ready to post something I've been waiting a while to put up.

I was extremely honored to be contacted by Anita Quansah a few weeks ago regarding her designs. After taking a look at her website, I knew immediately that I wanted to feature a few of her creations. Anita is a designer from London, UK who produces eclectic stylish and expressive one-off pieces of clothing and neckpieces that fuse together timeless sophistication with great originality using recycled and vintage materials.

After studying textile design at Chelsea College of Art and Design, London, Anita Quansah has been working to develop and promote recycled textiles, by creating intricate pieces for fashion and interior. She has created pieces for leading fashion and textile design houses such as DKNY, Diane Von Furstenberg, Ischiko, Victoria Secret, Ecko and textiles Weisbrod Zurrer and Sandy Starkman. One of her most recent collaborations was with Christian Lacroix in 2004; she designed a beautiful jacket for his Haute Couture show in Paris.

Anita's designs are quickly gaining popularity. They've been featured in editorials such as Deutch Vogue, Deutch Elle, British Vogue, Elle UK.com, Dare2magazine, Muse, German Tush, Pref and Vision. I knew I had to add Take Me Out to the Runway to her ever-growing list of raving reviews! Most recently, Anita Quansah has been designing a jewelry collection that she describes as "effortless chic with a modern twist, inspired by my passion for creativity, travel, nature, art, architecture, fashion and music of past and present generations". Each piece is handmade in UK using vintage fabrics fused with reclaimed textiles, incorporating mixed metals, silver, gold, gunmetal and the introduction of colourful elements such as pearls, beads, rhinestones, ribbons and fringing giving the collection a sense of modernity with a hint of the past.

If you're interested in purchasing any of Anita's designs, you can find them on Not Just A Label and Shrimpton Couture. Check out all of Anita's designs at her website, Anitaquansah.com. Please take the time to check out more ... I can't possibly do her line justice by one simple post! She's amazing! Have a wonderful weekend, and look forward to more posts soon!

Emma Watson ... I Love You.

2010-07-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but Emma Watson is my absolute IDOL. Her fashion sense is impeccable, and she is a phenomenal actress. Not to mention the fact that I'm a self-professed Harry Potter freak ... no, that has nothing to do with it ...

I'm going away again for the week. Expect some great new posts when I get back! Ciao!

"Resort"ing to 2011 Trends ...

2010-07-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be the first to admit it ... usually I can't stand mixed prints. It's all way too busy for me. It sort of paints an image in my head of a 89% blind old woman who attempts to match her clothes by using the mantra "Oh, this one small polka-dot on this skirt has a similar-ish shade to this dashed line on this sweater ... I'll wear them together!" And of course, I get it; it's fashionable. I do respect it, since I practically have a shrine to all things fashion in my bedroom (not to mention this blog ...), but mixing colors and patterns typically aren't my thing. Until now.

There is no inkling of sense in my mind to explain why I'm so drawn to the Resort 2011 trend of mixed prints, but voilà! I finally see the light! I don't know what it is ... possibly the eye-catching color, maybe the simple fact that it just doesn't seem as over-the-top to me as usual. Whatever it is, I take all my previous misconceptions back; I love the new trend!

Proenza Schouler

Miu Miu

Erdem

Cacharel

Balenciaga

Here are some of my other favorite new trends of the season:

The White Suit:

Donna Karan

The Cropped Sweater:

Chloë Sevigny

A Touch of Chartreuse:

Marchesa

Diane von Furstenberg

Hot Pants:

Marc Jacobs

Chanel

Head to Toe Prints:

Sonia Rykiel

Color Blocking:

YSL

Prada

The Alterna Wedding Dress:

Nina Ricci

Givenchy

Little Bags with Long Straps:

Burberry Prorsum

Michael Kors

Long Evening Looks with Flats:

Haider Ackermann

Want to check out more Resort 2011 trends? Check out Style.com! That's where I got all my pictures from. One of my favorite sites! Anyway, I'll be vacationing for the next week, so I may not find time to post or respond to any comments. Don't worry, though ... I'll be back to blogging soon! Have a wonderful week!

The Incredible Marlaina Stone Jewelry Collection ...

2010-07-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore jewelry. I've always thought that if I were to be a designer, I would design either jewelry or shoes, the latter of which avid readers of Take Me Out to the Runway know to be my one weakness. Of course I love the typical gold and silver, but my very favorite pieces of jewelry come from the costume jewelry genre. Nothing entices me more than a big, chunky piece with lots of fun textures and colors. I was internet shopping today (as always ... unfortunately, it's another one of my weaknesses) when I stumbled upon Marlaina Stone Jewelry.

I fell in love right away. It took one simple click and I was bombarded with chunky, detailed jewelry that I couldn't stop shopping through. One of my favorite parts of this line is the concept. Marlaina Stone Jewelry utilized fashion and science to create an amazing collection where pearls and cold hard metal are allowed to stand side by side as a beautiful one of a kind piece. The entire collection is made by hand, so every piece is sure to be made from the best quality possible. I could tell this immediately by looking at some of the pieces. Marlaina Stone Jewelry uses so many different things to create a priceless piece of jewelry, my recent favorite being polished, colorful rocks. When you click on each piece, it also comes with a story explaining the individual piece of jewelry. It tells "Her Story", "Her Style", and "Her Elements", fancy titles for what emotions the piece sparks, what to wear the piece with, and what the piece is made of. Amazing!

I was looking at all the pieces of jewelry and saving pictures of all the ones I liked when I realized I had about 20 saved already. At that point, I made myself stop! There's no point in crashing everyone's computers with an image overload when they're trying to read the post, after all! Out of all the items, I was most drawn to the necklaces. Nothing completes a good outfit like that perfect necklace!

The bracelets were just as funky and unique. I love them all, but my favorite is the one with the white bow. It's made of seashells and freshwater pearls!

Last, but by no certainty the least, I looked at the rings. They were breathtaking; they would look incredible with any outfit. And I know that if you wore one of these, you would be absolutely bombarded with compliments. What do you think?

For much more, please check out the Marlaina Stone Jewelry website. I cannot even do this amazing collection justice with one post. I'd love to hear your opinion of this jewelry line. Leave a comment letting me know what you think! Ciao for now!

Veloce Hats: A Trend Worth Shouting About!

2010-07-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

Happy summer, everyone! I know it's been summer for a bit now ... but to me, it's only just starting to feel like it. For instance, I'm cooped up in my 82 degree (Farenheit) room right now, sweating bullets. Ah! Just a reminder (or a news-flash, I suppose, to those who don't already know!): I have another blog where I write and post random things (mostly) unrelated to fashion, if you want to check it out! Just click here!

Anyway, back to what I was saying. In my opinion, you can't go through the whole summer without at least one trusty hat to keep the sun from scalding your face. I just wanted to let you all know about one of my new discoveries, Veloce Hats!

Flip-up hats are hugely popular right now, and Veloce Hats are selling a ton of them in all different colors. The concept behind Veloce was conceived by Cameron Picardi, a 19-year-old L.A. native. Cameron drew his inspiration from the melting pot Los Angeles provided him. From Venice Beach, to downtown he found ideas all around. His idea was to mix two styles of hat; the 90’s styled volleyball cap and cycling caps. The result of this is a fun, eye-catching hat that can be worn from dusk til’ dawn. The name, “Veloce” was selected for it’s meaning. Veloce is an Italian word, when translated it means “fast” it’s purpose was chosen for both irony and literal meaning, in addition to Cameron’s initial description of it, “When I see it I just think to myself…wow that looks fast haha!” Literally it pertains to the fast pace life of L.A. and ironically it’s used to remind people that sometimes everyone should take a break from the fast pace L.A. life. The Veloce hat was designed to be versatile, aesthetically pleasing, as well as durable. When Cameron was designing the hat, he imagined something that could be worn by anyone; from beach bums, to urban hipsters. After settling on the design, he moved on to the color palette, he chose bright & vibrant colors that would stand out. His final hat is a not only a product for mere utility, but a bold piece that makes statement. From the beach to the streets it’s a fresh alternative to the everyday baseball cap, or as Cameron says, “Zee best hats!”

What a fabulous concept! Veloce Hats are very well priced, and they're selling quickly. I myself am in love with them! Nothing beats a bright neon hat to add character to an outfit. Do you like them, too? Check out more here!

In other news, I've been given an award by the lovely Jenny of Jenny's Open Closet. Thank you so much, Jenny! It's called the lovely blog award.

Here are the rules:

-Post the award on your blog.
-Link the person who has given you the award.
-Pass the award to 15 other blogs you've discovered.
-Let these 15 people know that you've given them an award.

And here are the fifteen blogs I've chosen to pass the award onto!

1. FASHIONconfectionairy
2. I Know, Right?
3. La Vie ... J'aime
4. Pretty Exquisite
5. Tangerine Umbrellas On An Indigo Day
6. The Red Hiney
7. The Stylish Wanderer
8. The Other Girl
9. Take Me Away,
10. Qin At The Disco
11. I See JaneMary.com
12. Elevated To Be Special
13. Chic Heroin
14. (always)alanna
15. Childhood Flames

It was hard to pick just fifteen! Thank you all for inspiring me every day. Alright, go get a tan. Or something. And if you live in a place where it doesn't get hot for the summer, enjoy it for me ... because right now, I'm wishing I was someplace freezing! Ta-ta for now!

A Fashionable Way To Support The Gulf Clean-Up Process!

2010-06-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

Nothing is making me more upset right now than the oil spill in the Gulf. Something this catastrophic could have easily been prevented, and so many lives have been affected by its wake. The spill is affecting everything from the wildlife to our beaches; it is time we do something. And there is something you can do to help without going all the way down to the clean-up site: you can simply customize a Kenneth Cole tee-shirt.

The best thing about the new Kenneth Cole tee-shirt company is that 100% of the profits made will be donated to AWEARNESS, The Kenneth Cole Foundation, which is committed to supporting the Gulf efforts. The mens and womens tee-shirts are retailing at $35, and are available in 14 different colors. You can choose from 12 different slogans and various graphic variations including the popular favorites "We Can All Clean Up Well" and "I Clean Up Well". Isn't that adorable? So, you can look great while supporting an amazing cause. In my opinion, you can't get any better than that.

You can order your tee-shirt here or by clicking the picture above. Want a free tee-shirt? Follow on the Kenneth Cole Twitter page for the opportunity to win. 20 free tee-shirts are given away a day!

Supporting the Gulf clean-up process is one of the best causes (and one I am most strongly opinionated about!) I've seen lately. What is even more amazing is the simple part you can play in building awareness by creating your own fashionable tee-shirt. Spread the word ... together, we can all clean up well.

Beautiful Handbag Giveaway!

2010-06-23T19:46:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since Take Me Out to the Runway has been a part of a giveaway! I'm excited to announce that I've paired up again with CSN, one of my favorite online stores. They offer amazing items, such as these beautiful platform beds that I can't stop sifting through. Anyway, this time we're offering the Maruca Design Possibility Cross-Body bag. It's one of my favorite items CSN has to offer!

The pattern on this bag is SO gorgeous! It's so versatile, too; you could bring it to any occasion, and it would compliment just about any outfit. So, if you would like to be this bag's new lucky owner, all you have to do is:

1. Leave a comment on this post stating your name and email address.
2. For an extra entry, you may retweet this post on Twitter, or post a status about it on Facebook.
3. For another extra entry, become a fan of Take Me Out to the Runway on either Facebook, Twitter, or by using the Google sidebar tool.
4. If you complete any/all of steps 2-3, please let me know on your comment so you can be awarded your extra entries!
5. The contest ends June 30th @ 11:59 PM. Hurry up and enter before then!

Seriously, this has got to be one of my favorite giveaways I've ever hosted. If I could enter, I totally would! Please enter ... I can't wait to see who the winner is! Ciao!

The Bracelet That Is Changing Lives

2010-06-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

I believe that jewelry is the fruit of life. There is nothing more extravagant than a new necklace or a stunning pair of earrings to make an outfit explode with your own personality. A perfect piece of jewelry can tone down an outfit, can dress up an outfit, and can all around make a statement.

If your jewelry means something, it is that much more impressive. You may remember my 823 Key Project post a while back. For those who don't recall, the 823 Key Project is an organization selling skeleton key necklaces made from vintage materials, each one marked with its own number. All of the money raised from purchases go towards a grant awarded to one musician, artist, writer, etc. I bought one ... I actually wore it today! Please check out this organization if you haven't already!

Anyway, I found another organization that is making jewelry for a cause. Same Sky bracelets are taking the fashion world by storm, slowly finding themselves on the wrists of today's most influencial celebrities, such as Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, Miss Universe, and Halle Berry. These gorgeous blown glass orb bracelets are made by artisan women in Rwanda. All of these artisans are survivors of the 1994 genocide, and they work together to help each other survive. Each bracelet is a unique inspiration that carries the Rwanda womens' stories, stories of survivial, prosperity, and love. These brave women, although HIV-positive, create these lovely pieces to spread awareness. Each bracelet is emblazoned with the signature of its creator, leaving a personal message behind.

Same Sky bracelets carry a simple beauty that makes any outfit elegant. I promise you, if you purchase one of these bracelets, you will have people from all over admiring the stunning piece of jewelry adorning your arm. This issue really hit home for me, since I have seen so many people affected with this disease. It is on the rise, but if everyone sticks together and helps each other out, I know that we can find a cure. Please take a look at the Same Sky website here. It inspired me, and I hope that together, we can raise awareness for HIV and AIDS.

One more thing: I'd like to thank everyone for an amazing week. I've reached almost 200 followers on Facebook, 68 on my brand new Twitter account, and 137 on the Google follower tool. I'm touched by each and every one of your comments; it flatters me to see how much people appreciate this site. I've been interviewed for my local newspapers, and an article should be coming out in my local town papers soon; I'll keep you all posted! Oh, and one more surprise ... a giveaway just might be coming up! Stay tuned! Ciao for now!

Down For Gowns

2010-06-09T17:40:00.001-07:00

This week has been a good one for me, or generally speaking, this blog. I've been trying to get my name out there again, and last time I did that, I got 65 comments on average on each post. Ah, it's funny how the amount of comments can take over one's life. In other news, I got a Twitter account for Take Me Out to the Runway! If you're on Twitter, take a look here and if you wish, feel free to follow me!

Anyway, I've come to the conclusion that I just may be an online shop-a-holic. Well ... I actually came to that realization quite some time ago, but the magnitude of it has just recently hit me. Let's put this into perspective here: lately, I've been searching all over the internet for senior prom dress designs. Now, that doesn't sound so bad, but it might when I say that my next prom is ... June 2011. Not to mention the fact that my junior prom was only a few weeks ago. The good thing about my obsession is that I've found a ton of beautiful gowns that I'd love to share!

I've been looking at a lot of vintage wedding dresses, and I seem to find that the detailing on the bottoms just fascinate me. All of the layers and lace ... it's like Christmas in my mind. Sorry that I don't have designer names; I just had these photos saved on my computer titled as "kjahgljfshgaksj" and "Untitled_1". Real helpful.

Now, I know the designer for these two. Of course, the fabulous Christian Dior would simply delight my taste in dresses, especially the second one. It looks quite like the one Miley Cyrus wore for the Oscars, no?

Here are some of my other favorites that I stumbled upon:

Givenchy

Balenciaga

My very favorite one, however, is in this month's issue of Harper's BAZAAR on page 66. It's a Cristobal Balenciaga design from the 1950s, and I'm in love with it! I can't find a picture, however, so if someone has one, I would love it if you could send it to me! Check out more 1950s gowns; it is my absolute favorite era for dresses!

Bohemian, or ... No-hemian?

2010-06-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest: I've never really liked the whole Bohemian trend. In my opinion, Mary Kate looked frumpy; the long, straggly hair looked dirty; and those skinny headbands that went across the middle of the forehead made it look like the wearer was trying unsuccessfully to hold on a wig. I've always felt as if those long, boxy dresses completely hid any sense of a blossoming figure, and my ... don't those lengthy shawls make you stifling hot? I've always been glad to skip the whole boho thing, passed it off as something that was "just not my style" ... until now.

Yes, maybe it is a little late. Maybe the whole boho trend has completely come and gone, and I'm hitching onto the bandwagon after its departure, but I whole-heartedly don't mind. I'm sure you won't either once you've gotten a load of my two favorite new summer items!

Wool and the Gang Etenia Bag:

I found out about this adorable bag through none other than VOGUE. Each bag is made entirely out of 100% Peruvian Pima Cotton. Etenia means "wealthy" in the Native American language, and the bags come in four different colors: Cinder Black, Eagle Grey, Magic Mint, and Timber Wolf. My personal favorite is the Timber Wolf ... it would seriously go with anything!

Wool and the Gang has much more than bags, too. Just by a quick glance, I saw scarves, gloves, hats, baby clothes ... anything you could think of that could be knitted, this company has it. The Gang is a group of knitters, both women and men, from the ages of 7-77 years old. What a way to be connected!

Roarke New York Rope and Leather Bracelets:

These Roarke NYC bracelets come in all different styles, and that is why I'm in love with them. On the website, they are available in mesh, leather, chiffon, interlaced with chains, and neon colors. They give off such an earthy, beachy vibe, and you can choose your colors depending on your personality. The bracelets come in either one braided strand or two, the latter being crossed over in an "x" shape.

These bracelets not only embrace the bohemian trend, but the nautical one as well. The ropes remind me of something that a sailor would wear, especially with the frayed ends. I love these bracelets because they have just natural enough to be in touch with my earthy side, but they still look funky, cool, and overall, extremely unique. Check out Roarke New York for more incredible jewelry. I especially love the necklaces!

I now have enough humility to admit that I was wrong. It took a while for me to see it, but the bohemian trend has a place for everyone (even the most anti-shapeless people ... ahem, me ...) But I'm going to keep it real; I still think those wierd, skinny headband things are a bit much for me. I'll leave those for the true bohemians!

FOSCO is Here!

2010-06-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

Like many others, I'm obsessed with Topshop, especially the shoes. The website itself is such a brilliant idea; who wouldn't want the ease of finding everything all in one place?

If you like Topshop as much as I do, you know very well that it's hard to come across a boutique site with similarly fabulous finds. Well, I've got news for you, and it goes by one name: Fosco.

As of the moment, Fosco is a private site, but I was lucky enough to get VIP access to check it out. I was shocked to find out that I absolutely adored almost every single item! From shoes to jewelry to accessories, Fosco seems to have it all. Check out some of my favorite finds:

The full website should be available for public use through the month, and I promise you all that you will enjoy it. I really think that Fosco might just become the next Topshop! Keep checking back to be one of the first to witness this new revolution!

Visit Fosco here!
Become a Facebook fan here!
Follow on Twitter here!

Looking Through Rose Colored Glasses

2010-05-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

That's it ... I've broken out my sunglasses again. Winter is over, and the ever-blinding sun is back to make my eyes water and squint. Not that I'm complaining; I could certainly use the tan! Truth be told, I have a sort of sunglasses fetish. Every time I see an interesting pair, I can't resist buying them. I've got heart-shaped lenses, shutter shades, lime green wayfarers ... you name it, I own it.

Anyway, Hollywood's celebrities have been sporting a few common types this season, and I figured I'd give you all the heads up on some of the latest trends. Here are a few of my favorites:

Geek Chic Glasses:

Britney Spears

Madonna

Michael Kors

Opinions on geek glasses have been extremely controversial as of lately. Some (understandably) believe that they look absolutely ridiculous, and some (like me) think they add a reserved, thoughtful touch to almost any outfit. Looking for a cheap way to stay in the trend circle? Get a pair of black 3-D glasses and pop the lenses out. That's what I did!

Wayfarers:

Sarah Harding

Celebrity Collage

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton

Wayfarers are, by far, my favorite style of sunglasses this year. Increasingly popular are the colored ones. I've seen almost every color imaginable in stores, and I have my eye on a pair of cobalt blue ones ...

Aviators:

Hayden Panettiere

Aviators have been a long-time favorite of mine. They compliment most face shapes very nicely, and while coming in bright colors, aviators are still available in sharp, classy colors such as black and silver. Not to mention the fact that my own personal celeb-swoon, Jesse McCartney, wears them all the time. No, that's certainly not the reason I adore them so much ...

Shutter Shades:

Paris Hilton and Kanye West

Shutter shades have been extremely popular over the years, just recently beginning to cause a statement again. Although they provide little to no protection from the sun, I believe they're totally worth it. I mean, who needs protection when you're looking that fly?

One of the things I love most about sunglasses is that EVERY frame always comes back into style. I just can't wait until the legendary Ozzy Osbourne/Elton John glasses come back! I did see a pair with red lenses ...

Photographs used courtesy of (and not limited to) the following:
http://www.maximumeyewear.com/
http://www.vintage80ssunglasses.blogspot.com/
http://www.selectspecs.com
http://www.crushable.com

A Little Bit of Vionnet and Katie All Night Long ...

2010-05-10T17:51:00.000-07:00

I try not to do this a lot, but it seems that I've been posting about many collections as of lately. It's not that I don't obsess over new and intriguing collections (au contraire, rather) ... I simply don't want you all to get bored with repetition! Ah, well; I just cannot help myself. My two latest obsessions are the Vionnet collection, and Katie Gallagher's latest.

Vionnet:

Katie Gallagher:

Fantastic silhouettes, no? In other news, I made a recent purchase: a pair of 6 inch Blake Scott nude pumps. They're gorgeous, but I haven't mustered up the courage to wear them to school yet, where I'm easily already five inches taller than the average sized girl in my grade. Oh, well; it's not like I haven't worn tall heels to school before!

By the way, I've gotten many questions asking the actual definitions of all this "shoe lingo" we have now-a-days. According to shoe-design.com, here's a few of the most popular ones:

Boot - a shoe that covers the whole foot and the lower part of the leg.
Kitten heel - low heel that tapers sharply to narrow base.
Loafer - a low leather step-in shoe; the top resembles a moccasin but has a broad flat heel.
Mary Jane - varying styles, but known for a strap that crosses the middle top of the foot.
Moccasin - a slip-on shoe made from soft leather with stitches around the top at the front, originally worn by native Americans.
Monk - a closed shoe, most often men's, with a wide strap over the instep fastened with a buckle.
Mule - a shoe or slipper, with any size heel, covering only the front of the foot, leaving back open.
Oxford - A sturdy, low shoe that encloses the foot, and laces over the instep.
Pump - low-cut shoe that surrounds the foot, without fastenings. May have heel of any height.
Sandal - a shoe consisting of a sole fastened by straps to the foot.
Slingback - a shoe that has a strap that wraps around the heel.
Stiletto - very high heel, with long, slender shaft.
Wedge heel - heel that extends down and forward to meet the sole, filling the entire shank portion of the shoe with a flat tread surface. May be of any height.

If there are any others that I may have missed, let me know! Now, if one more person comes to me crying that they don't know the difference between pumps and kitten heels, I'll be fully justified to tell them off ... correct? Have a great week!

He Puts the "Queen" in McQueen ...

2010-04-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

I've always thought that if I were to live in the past, I would want to live in the Medieval Period. Sure, it was an absolutely filthy time, and sure, history describes it as an altogether unpleasant age, but my God ... the fashion was to die for! All of that velvety, stiff fabric in hues of deep purple, maroon, and gold; soft lace and collars buttoned to the throat ... oh, I get the shivers just thinking about it. In the century prior to the millenium, I believe that the 1920s came closest to the royal style. The following pictures are from My Vintage Vogue, a few beautiful photographs of the clothing I find simply divine.

I've been waiting a long time to see a collection worthy of being compared to such a pivotal time in history. Nothing quite fit the bill, until Alexander McQueen's very last collection hit the media. It brings tears to my eyes knowing that he will never again design something that would be sure to make my heart stop, but he left me something to hang on to his memory. I've already established the fact that Lee McQueen was my favorite designer in all of history, but it never crossed my mind that someone could create a collection like one I've only dreamed of, one that totally and unequivocally describes me in every aspect. It seems almost silly to me now that I lacked the faith that one such collection could ever be created when McQueen was still around. I've thanked you multiple times for multiple reasons, but Lee Alexander McQueen, I wish to thank you one last time for giving me exactly what I wanted: the very collection I've always dreamed of. You are my hero.

McQueen's Final Collection: Fall 2010

A final note: if I were ever lucky enough to own any of these pieces of art, I would wish to wear heels something like these Chanels to pull it all together. Oh, they're just stunning!

100th Post! ... And A Giveaway!

2010-04-04T09:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter, everyone! This is a very exciting day for me, not only because of the aforementioned holiday, but because this is my 100th post!

I'm beyond excited to have made it this far. Who knew that with one boring day, I could create a little fashion blog that would be read in places all over the world? Thank you all so much for supporting me!

As a little gift for you all, I've teamed up with CSN stores for another giveaway! CSN has so many amazing items, one of my favorite being their versatile TV stands. Check them out for great savings!

This time, I'm giving away this gorgeous Kikkerland LED Chandelier. I absolutely love this; I'm actually thinking about buying it for my own home! It's the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to any room, and it could be yours for free. As always, here are the rules:

1. This giveaway is open to residents of the US or Canada only. Apologies to all of my international readers ... I'll make it up to you!
2. Leave a comment on this post stating your name and email address to enter.
3. If you would like an extra entry, send me the link of a post on your blog mentioning my giveaway.
4. The giveaway ends in one week on Sunday, April 11th. Make sure to enter before then to ensure that your entry is counted!

Good luck! Once again, I thank you all so much for helping me to be where I am today with this blog. If it weren't for you, there wouldn't be a Take Me Out to the Runway at all. Have a wonderful holiday, and an excellent week!

Circle, Circle, Dot, Dot ...

2010-03-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

I suppose this is the best I could really hope for. I've had absolutely no time to myself for almost a month, which inevitably means no time for blog posting, either. I suppose it's also typical that the one night I have a spare moment to post, my ever-ringing cellphone and Facebook instant messaging are also vying for my attention. Oh, and the sound of my mother nagging at me to get my chores done. Like I said, typical. There's so little free time in my life that I haven't even had a chance to read the latest editions of not one, but three different fashion magazines. Oh, VOGUE, Harper's BAZAAR, and W ... please remember that I do still love you!

Anyways ... between school, homework, my job, and driving my sister wherever she demands to go, I still have found the time to be intrigued by some of this season's beautiful cut-out patterns. I know, I know; it's a trend long pored over and I know that it has been discussed to the point of boredom, but I'm not talking about the typical cut-outs that subtly emphasize an outfit. I'm talking about the ones where it is actually the outfit that is the subtle part.

Perhaps one of the most talked about crazy cut-out designs is this ballroom gown by Viktor & Rolf. It was worn by Katy Perry at the MTV Europe Movie Awards, thereby causing quite a stir. I for one absolutely adore it! It's one of my favorite dresses as of recently; maybe when I'm finished with my prom dress, I'll hack gaping holes into it. At least I'll be on trend!

This Les Copaines jumpsuit also caught my eye immediately. It's not every day that you see an entire outfit held together by holes! What a fantastic color against the skin, too. I can hardly imagine any outfit sexier than this one that wouldn't require a rating of MA. Love it!

Marni, Marni, Marni ... how I adore you. This outfit is a bit of a reverse-Les Copaines, but nonetheless just as gorgeous. I love the silhouette it creates against the body. Quite intriguing, no?

There is only one thing I can say about this fantastic Alice and Olivia dress: support the second amendment, because this dress is the best way to bare arms!

Oh, how I hate to stop writing, but I must. There's so much I need to get done right now! I apologize profusely for not sharing my opinion on the fashion world as often as of late, and I promise I will try harder to get more posts up! There is just one more thing I have to touch upon before I depart. I would like to hold a moment of silence for this month's Harper's BAZAAR cover, because it is flat out the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I'm honestly thinking of having it framed.

I've Been Featured!

2010-03-12T19:17:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note ...

I've been featured on Become.com's Fashion Blog! I wrote up an article, and you can read it here. Let me know how you like it!

New Dick's Sporting Goods Giveaway!

2010-03-10T15:04:00.001-08:00

Remember the Dick's Sporting Goods giftcard giveaway I held a while back? If not, did you not get the chance to enter, and now you're beating yourself up over it? Well, dry those tears; together, Take Me Out to the Runway and Dick's Sporting Goods are teaming up again!

This time, we're giving away a $50 giftcard. I wish I could enter this one, since I'm in dire need of a tennis skirt! As always, there's just a few simple rules:

1. You must be 18 or older to enter.
2. You must be a resident of the United States. (I'm sorry to all of my international readers! I promise I'll make it up to you, somehow!)
3. The contest ends on Sunday, March 21st. Make sure to enter before, or else your application will not be eligable!
4. Post a comment with YOUR NAME and your YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS in this post for your entry!

Good luck to all! By the way, Dick's Sporting Goods is holding an incredible contest called "The Starting Lineup Contest". Here's a bit of information about this amazing offer:

Enter on Twitter for a chance to become a member of Dick’s Sporting Goods “Starting Lineup." The 10 nominees with the most votes by March 31, 2010 win.

What does it mean to be on the “Starting Lineup”?

• A chance to try out and preview new products
• A spot on an online panel of experts for one season (for approximately 3 months)
• Access to exclusive online surveys
• A chance to sound off on all things sports

How does someone try for a chance to be on the “Starting Lineup”?

• Follow http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo, if you’re not doing so already.
• Recruit people to follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter and have them vote for you by Tweeting @dickssportcmo your Twitter ID and stating why you should be nominated.
• Vote for yourself by Tweeting @dickssportcmo with your Twitter ID and stating why you should be on the “Starting Lineup.”
• You can only vote for the same person once per day, but you can vote for multiple people in the same day.

Sample Tweet: “@dickssportcmo I nominate @TwitterID for the #startinglineup because...”

I for one will definately be checking this contest out. Will you? Good luck to all contest applicants, and may the neediest sportster win!

Guitar String Bracelets ... A Revolution in the World of Music and Fashion

2010-02-21T15:03:00.000-08:00

In this world, two things often go hand in hand: fashion, and music. Fashion has been influenced by music, and likewise, music has been influenced by the world of fashion (Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini, anyone?). While reading one of the dozens of fashion magazines that arrive monthly on my doorstep, (Harper's BAZAAR, perhaps?) I stumbled upon the mention of a little website that embraced both topics. The name? Wearyourmusic.org.

The idea, began by Hannah Garrison, was originally to create bracelets made from used guitar strings for her musician friends. Meanwhile, a man by the name of Steve Bernstein was hard at work trying to figure out a unique way for guitar strings to garner advertising attention. One post on Craig's List was all it took; Hannah contacted Steve, and Wear Your Music was born.

The company flourished, and soon enough famous guitarists were donating their used strings to be used to make these bracelets. Big name stars such as Avril Lavigne, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, and Carrie Underwood now have their guitar string bracelets available for purchase right now, along with over 100 other popular musicians. Not to mention that each artist chooses a special charity for funds made by selling their bracelet ... how cool! Also available are generic guitar string bracelets and even multi-colored bracelets, some even with guitar picks and tiny silver guitar replicas attatched.

These guitar string bracelets are not only musically related, but they're gorgeous as well. These multi-colored beauties are so simple that they can be worn with anything, yet they hold such a strong and important meaning. Without music, fashion wouldn't exist; end of story. What better way to appreciate both worlds than to sport a bracelet made entirely of guitar strings?

Check out more from Wear Your Music here!

I know I'll be getting my own guitar string bracelet, and you should too. Encourage the appreciation of music, fashion, and art. Buy a bracelet ... start a movement.

UNNUR: New Spring/Summer Collection!

2010-02-21T14:03:00.000-08:00

Remember the UNNURWEAR article I posted a while back? I'd just like to inform you all of the new Spring/Summer 2010 collection! If you liked UNNUR's last collection, you'll absolutely love this. There are two new styles in the collection: Kristin, a very versatile tote; and Stina, a mini clutch and/or a super cosmetic bag.

Additionally, UNNURWEAR has new, exciting prices for their customers. Become a fan on Facebook to recieve the latest news on limited edition bags, special offers, news, and updates and follow UNNURWEAR on Twitter here.

Visit UNNURWEAR here for more information!

In Memory of Lee Alexander McQueen ...

2010-02-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been sort of dead to the world. No blog posts, no commenting on all of your blogs ... nothing. My life has been school-work-spanishclass-bedtime repeated to the umpteenth degree, and I've had time for nothing else in between. Today, I finally had a break and was thrilled to return to the online fashion world. And it was today that I found out my favorite fashion designer in the world, Lee Alexander McQueen, had passed away.

He was forty years old. He had won the British Designer of the Year award four times. He was on top of the world at the height of his career. These facts swirl around in my head, but nothing strikes me more than the fact that he was a person. Alexander McQueen was a real person with real ambitions, and he was a damn good designer. It was just a couple of weeks ago that I had written an article for my school newspaper on his fabulous shoe collection, an article that hasn't even been published yet. Now, I never cry. Ever. And as I write this, I sit here with tears streaming down my face, crying like a child. It's profound how much one person can affect your entire life, and even more profound when that one person has affected so many lives in the same exact way.

The Best of Alexander McQueen:
via InStyle

1.
Fall 1997: Alexander McQueen worked for five years as Givenchy's head designer. His collections for Givenchy were gorgeous, and it opened the doors for him to stand on his own.

2.
Spring 1998: McQueen unleashed rain on the runway, excentuating his white, shimmering pieces.

3.
Spring 1999: McQueen utilized model Shalom Harlow as a human canvas, painting her white dress as she stood on the runway.

4.
Fall 2002: Staged in the Conciergerie, the famous Paris jail known for holding Marie Antoinette, the runway show featured exaggerated silhouettes and canine props. People were terrified!

5.
Fall 2003: McQueen's models were placed inside a torrential wind tunnel, showcasing the chiffon and silk pieces as they billowed in the wind.

6.
Spring 2004: This runway show re-enacted a dance scene from the movie They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? Karen Elson, pictured here, was the star of the show. All of the models had to train in ballroom dancing before they walked the runway.

7.
Spring 2005: For this romantic and girlishly Edwardian collection, McQueen positioned every look on a chessboard floor. The models walked against each other as if they were pieces on the chessboard, making for an extraordinary show.

8.
Fall 2005: This collection was a tribute to Hitchcock heroines, from Tippi Hedren in The Birds to Kim Novak in Vertigo.

9.
Fall 2006: McQueen's use of holography reinforced his reputation as both a meticulous designer and outstanding showman. It was both haunting and beautiful, leaving the audience in awe.

10.
Spring 2007: Inspired by Barry Lyndon, Goya and the Marchesa Casati, McQueen merged historical references with modern elegance for this spring collection. It was said to be one of the most beautifully feminine collections of his career.

11.
Spring 2008: The collection's bird theme served as a symbolic tribute to the late Isabella Blow, McQueen's close friend and mentor. The neon colors were eyecatching and lovely, making a huge statement.

12.
Fall 2008: After Queen Elizabeth II appointed him a Commander of the British Order in 2003, McQueen paid tribute to her with this collection. It was full of royal fabrics, and it showed McQueen's pride in being an Englishman.

13.
Fall 2009: For this collection, McQueen commented on societal excess by setting the stage with scrap debris from past shows. It embraced today's economic struggle, and showed the audience that even when the economy is tough, it's still very possible to look beautiful.

14.
Spring 2010: McQueen's last collection, the very collection I wrote about for my school newspaper, showcased 10-inch heels that had everyone in shock. These shoes changed fashion forever, and I know they will continue to influence and inspire in the future.

Lee Alexander McQueen had an artistic mind like no other, and he truly wanted to make a mark on the world of fashion. He once said, "I want what I do to speak volumes." Well Mr. McQueen, you've done it. Your infamous designs do speak volumes, and they've changed my life forever. You've always been my very favorite fashion designer, and I thank you for changing my life and my outlook on the fashion world. You may be gone, but your influence on fashion will live forever, and no one will ever forget the imprint you left. Thank you for teaching us all that we can be whatever we dream of, and thank you for showing us that our goals are a lot closer than they seem. Words can't describe how much I'll miss you.

Lee Alexander McQueen
March 16, 1969 - February 11, 2010

"I have so much respect for him, and I don't even think he will mind." - Lee Alexander McQueen

Image via images.brisbanetimes.com.au.

Introducing: Jean Straps!

2010-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Jean Straps?

One of the hottest new (somewhat) trends this season is boots. Whether it be stilettos, Uggs, or those fabulous new over-the-knee style, boots are kicking sneakers out of the way to be the new comfort shoe. If you're a boot lover, you know how comfortable it is to tuck a pair of skinny jeans into your shoes. That is, until the legs start to bunch up ...

That horrid, itchy, uncomfortable feeling of bunchy jean legs can make or break someone's entire day. I, for one, have always had that problem, so I began searching for ways to un-bunch my jean legs. One day, my prayers were answered. I was contacted by a Jean Straps representative who offered to send me a free trial pair of Jean Straps. I recieved them, and immediately upon wearing them, I fell in love.

Here's how it works: you clip one end of the thick, elastic band to one side of your jeans. Then, you bring it under your foot and attach to the other side of your jeans. Problem solved! Your jeans will stay so nice and tight that not a single wrinkle will appear. Plus, they're extremely comfortable! You can't even feel these tiny things, yet they're doing such a huge job. Incredible!

They've been reviewed by such people as Perez Hilton, Blogging Barefoot, Danish Daughters, and Vintage Mafia. All reviews on the new Jean Straps have raved over their simplistic ingeniousness. Currently, they are available in brick red with a camel accent for only $9.99. They will soon be available in fine retail stores nationwide, but in the meantime, you can get them here.

Contact Jean Straps:

Online: www.jeanstraps.com
Email: info@jeanstraps.com
Facebook: facebook.com/jeanstraps
Twitter: twitter.com/jeanstraps

I highly recommend these little wonders! Check them out for yourself, and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. I'll never have to live with bunched-up jeans again!

Umbrella

2010-01-25T11:42:00.001-08:00

The clouds are endless. They are not the wintry, wispy clouds of an imagination, floating lazily over a soft blue sky. No, these clouds subsume the very suffocation of a nightmare ... a lost, lonely nightmare. They stretch over the horizon, dipping and curving into an endless grey smoke that destroys every bit of light behind it. Today, my eyes reflect the storm. They are not their usual green; the leafy color sparkling the delightfulness of joy, of pleasure, of life. Today, I cannot recognize my gaze in the mirror. My eyes smoulder grey, inky depths, a mysterious void that even the sky begs to echo.

The rain is blue, beating incessantly on my windows. Puddles swish in the streets as cars slice through them, dragging them along under their black tires. Today, I am the rain. I can't stop pounding a bothersome beat, a simple annoyance. Today, I am the whipping wind, a force that commands the trees to bend in my wake. Yet again, I try to stop, but it's impossible. I am vulnerable, yet impenetrable. I am stooping, yet I am still standing tall. I will fight til the end, even if I break inside.

Today, it is stormy. I am not upset with the weather, however, even though it is a shadow over the clear skies of my dreams. For once, I understand. I understand that in order to stay strong, you must sometimes break down and let it all out. Looking into the deep, swirling, infinitive roof of the world, I realize that sometimes, the world must cry, too. Our world must let it all out because sometimes, that's all you can do. Tomorrow the rain will be gone, and the sky will be clear once again. The world will stop crying. Its pain will be gone. Until then, I'll simply put up an umbrella, and I will just continue to walk on.

Photographs courtesy of myvintagevogue.com.

Happy Blog-iversary!

2010-01-18T16:55:00.000-08:00

Today is January 18th, 2010. It is a Monday, a cold December Monday, and as I sit here typing this, I feel as if I'm in a dream. Why? Because exactly one year ago yesterday I was blog-less. And one year ago today I made a life-changing decision, and easily the best one of my life. I started this blog, Take Me Out to the Runway.

Some pretty amazing things have happened to me this past year. First and foremost, I found a way to channel my love of fashion and writing in one place. That's right ... here. Secondly, I figured out that people actually enjoy reading what I write about. I never would have thought one simple comment on one of my posts could mean so much, but they truly do. Thank you, everyone, for bringing a smile to my face with each and every comment you leave. This year, I was also contacted by many companies offering various giveaways and perks. I can tell you, nothing in my life excited me more than the first email I recieved from a company offering to sponser a giveaway on my blog. My little blog, the very blog that I thought no one read outside the tight circle of my friends and family members. Soon enough, I was recieving more and more of these offers, and Take Me Out to the Runway's popularity grew. I went from no followers to 12 via Bloglovin', 92 via Facebook, and 116 via Google's Friend Connect. That's 220 followers that have signed up to get notified every time I write something new. That's 220 new friends I've made through my blog, hundreds of new blogs I've discovered that I read daily, and dozens of people with whom I trade comments with post-by-post. I still can't believe how one boring afternoon translated into a website that recieves thousands of hits. It's unreal, and I could not be happier.

This year, I want to set a few goals. Some might be a little far-fetched (okay ... a lot far-fetched), but I figure I might as well put them down anyway. Who knows what could happen!
* Although I'm always saying this, I would like to put aside the time to write a few more blog posts a week. For real this time!
* I would like to graduate next year and go to my dream college, Boston University. There, I want to major in journalism so I can pursue the career I've always wanted: writing for a fashion magazine.
* I would like to write a blog post so good, it's featured in multiple places. I'm not sure what it would be about, but it's always feels good to be recognized!
* I want Alexander McQueen to design me a unique pair of shoes. What ... a girl can dream!
* I want to get a huge inspiration board to put in my room so I can clear out some computer space. It would be much easier if all of my thoughts were in one accessible place!
* I want to publish an article in something a bit more extravagant than my school newspaper. Of course, it's always fun to see my work in The Rampage, but I want to get my name out to the world!
* Lastly, I want to get an internship with a fashion magazine. What better way to get my foot through the fashion door than to work for the creators of that beautiful montly creation!

I apologize that my writing skills aren't as witty and up to par as usual tonight. As usual, I planned an exuberant post full of fun-filled activities (kidding), and as usual, I left it til the last minute. So, here I am, attempting to write while watching the television and shivering under a blanket. I suppose I need to add "no procrastinating" to my list of goals! Well, Happy One Year Blog-iversary to Take Me Out to the Runway! It's been a great one, and I hope there will be many more to come!

You Liked My Post? Well, You'll Love This!

2010-01-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

This is just going to be a quick post for me today. Remember my post on Alice in Wonderland (2010) a few days ago? Well, if you enjoyed it, I have a little something that you might enjoy just as much. I stumbled upon an article in this month's Marie Claire showcasing a few of their own choices for the Wonderland-style. I was extremely excited upon seeing it; to be honest, I jumped out of my seat with a war cry of "Look! It's just like my post!" and plastered on a smile the size of a yard stick. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the link to the article. If anyone has seen it, please let me know and I will post it as soon as I can! Enjoy!

I Fell In Obsession At First Sight

2010-01-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

My Two Obsessions (As Of The Moment):

1. Leg Warmers Under Criss-Crossed Shoes

I apologize profusely about the quality of these pictures, or rather, these pictures-of-a-picture. Since it is one of my pet peeves, I try to avoid photographing pictures unless absolutely neccessary. Let me tell you ... it was absolutely neccessary. I searched high and low for this Chloé ad (from February's edition of Harper's Bazaar), finally pronouncing it a lost cause once the tips of my fingers started aching. Anyway, it's not exactly the ad I'm infatuated with, but the foot-region. Also known as the shoes. I apologize again at my near-constant lame attemps at joking.

I know that wearing leg warmers with heels is one of the most popular trends this season, but I've never seen it done like this. Leg warmers under a pair of criss-crossed strappy sandals. I adore it! The double texture and color-blocking practically sends a shiver of pleasure down my back. (Note: I actually did just shiver after typing that ... oh, the power of words.) This is one style I definately want to try during the seasons of spring and winter (Frigid snow, my strappy sandals and I can take you any day.)

2. Blumarine's Spring/Summer '10 Tie-Dye Collection

Do you agree, or are these colors not the perfect way to bring in the season of spring? I think so! Another thing I love about Blumarine's new collection is the sheer contradictory element of it. We all know that a scarf is usually used to give an outfit a burst of color (and to keep warm, of course!). The silk scarves in this collection are the same color as the outfit it lies on top of, creating a layered and textured look rather than a shock of a different hue. I love the way they were wrapped, too! This collection, however, does have one downfall: how am I supposed to wait for the warmer months to come when the terrific tie-dye of this collection is making me crave it so badly?!

I hope my sudden overload of posts doesn't overwhelm you! I know, I know ... I go from barely posting once a week to three posts in two days. Damn you, inconsistant self! I suppose I just felt the need to write. After all, I do have to sift through some of the millions of thoughts swirling around in my head right now; soon enough, words will be coming out of my eyeballs! Have a fantastic weekend!

A Chance to Win $5,000!

2010-01-07T16:00:00.001-08:00

Recently, I was contacted by a representative from LuShae Jewelry regarding a little competition they are running. She was wondering if I would help her to spread the word about this amazing deal. Of course, I was more than happy to! Here's the deal:

By entering the LuShae Jewelry online sweepstakes, you will have the chance to win $5,000 in cash; that's $5,000 to spend wherever you like, whether it be on clothing, shoes, books, car insurance (like me, although not neccessarily in that order!). All you have to do is click here to enter. You will automatically be entered each and every month! How cool is that? The sweepstakes is open to all countries. Another bonus: each month, a $200 drawing will be held, the random winner being one of the sweepstakes applicants. I'm telling you, it doesn't get much better than this. Oh, wait ... I lied. It does! Every applicant will recieve a 15% discount on all LuShae Jewelry!

By the way, the more applicants I can recruit the better. Please tell all of your blogger friends, Facebook friends, and MySpace friends to click on my link to enter. For every 30 applicants I can recruit, I will be paid $100. This also means great things for all of my readers ... the more money I have, the more money I can use to sponser some amazing giveaways! That, my friends, is a promise. So, what do you say ... will you help a sister out?

Click here to enter the sweepstakes! Good luck!

Just complete this simple step, and you'll be eligable to win not only $5,000, but you'll also be entered in a $200 a month drawing and recieve 15% off all LuShae Jewelry. By helping me out, I promise I will help you out. If you can help me recruit as many people as possible, I will hold a fabulous giveaway! Thank you so much, and good luck!

Sydnie's In Wonderland

2010-01-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Many studies suggest that our childhood shapes the majority of our adult traits. Our personalities, our hobbies, our choices and decisions ... you name it. How does fashion play into this? Well, thinking back to my own childhood, I attempted to discover things that might have led to my choices in fashion today.

It certainly wasn't my choice in friends; the most influence my comrades have in my fashion sense is the giggles and joking insults they give me when I wear something particularly out there. Oh, well. It's all in good humor! It definately wasn't the hobbies and interests I developed, either. If it were, I'd be decked out in silky knee-length basketball shorts, "fancy" tops with ruffles in strange places accustomed from dozens of piano recitals, or those horrid khaki cargo pants I lived in during my beach-combing phases. No, my hobbies definately had nothing to do with it.

After a lot of thinking, I discovered something that just may have had enough influence on me to sculpt my insane sense of style. It all came about from two simple words: Walt. Disney.

My collection of Walt Disney movies were my greatest treasure; I would throw a bloody fit if my sister dared watch them without rewinding them all the way back afterwards. My best friends were comprised of the magical Cinderella, the spunky Ariel, and the gentle Sleeping Beauty. There was, however, only one princess (of sorts) that I considered my alter-ego. Her name was Alice, from the timeless tale of "Alice in Wonderland".

Alice had everything I ever wanted; energetic and fun-loving friends, a world full of bright colors, and blonde hair. She got to have tea parties in her charming blue dress, and this made her my idol. My "Alice in Wonderland" VCR was one of the most watched (and most worn) videos in my movie case. Twelve years later, less than a month after my seventeenth birthday, the 2010 edition of "Alice in Wonderland" will be released on March 5th. And my, do the costume designs tickle my fancy.

Two particular characters that caught my eye are The Red Queen and The White Queen, played by two of my favorite actresses, Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway, respectively. For those who don't know, Helena Bonham Carter is one of the best actresses (in my opinion) in the infamous Harry Potter movie series, playing the role of Bellatrix Lestrange to a tee. Anyway, for this post I've decided to modernize the looks in "Alice in Wonderland (2010)" so we can all embrace the inner Alice characters in ourselves.

The White Queen

The White Queen is the beautiful pale queen, known as Alice's ally. She dresses in an elegant Cinderella-esque ball gown of the purest white. In order to capture The White Queen in your day-to-day outfit, you first and foremost must wear a white dress. After all, it is the fundamental piece of the outfit.

Kate Moss for Topshop

Elie Saab

Jewelry is also a very important part of The White Queen's presence. You can do either gold or silver, but be sure you don't mix the two! Although gold/silver pieces are emerging, I still believe that the classic way to approach it is to use only one. What do you think?

Yves Saint Laurent

Polyvore

Chanel

The shoes are, of course, an important part of any outfit. You should try to stick with the theme of white, silver, and/or gold. Try these:

Gareth Pugh

Dior

And for the whipped cream on top of the sundae: don't forget white tights!

The Red Queen

The Red Queen is, in a sense, The White Queen's opposite. She is opposing Alice's side, therefore making her the somewhat antagonist of the story. She is mischievous, quick, and effortless. Her clothing is much less simple than The White Queen's; The Red Queen is all about patterns, fullness, and attention-grabbing garments. First and foremost, you're looking to create an outfit made up of black, red, and white. A full, patterned skirt will give you a look demanding your presence, while all the while looking sly and sexy. If you're not one for fullness, try a silhouette-enhancing dress.

Yves Saint Laurent

Newport News

Forever 21 (What a steal!)

BCBGMAXAZRIA

For the top, go with a form-fitting blazer in either red or black. White will make you look too innocent, and the red and black in a solid color will give you just the punch you need. Plus, it will balance nicely against the pattern of the skirt.

K Karl Lagerfeld

3.1 Phillip Lim

Your shoes simply must be intense. It is always the shoes that give that final touch, and to be The Red Queen, you must go out with a bang. Try either an extreme boot, such as ones by Ann Demeulemeester, or an over-the-top heel with decorations such as these by Prada. No jewelry is neccessary for this outfit; you've got all the kick you need in the patterns and silhouettes!

Ann Demeulemeester

Prada

So, are you The White Queen or The Red Queen? Or are you the timeless Alice, with her naïve persona and her cornflower dress? I suppose you could even be The Mad Hatter ... to be honest, he sort of frightens me! Either way, check out "Alice in Wonderland", premiering in theaters near you on March 5th, 2010. I know I'll be there! By the way, who's your favorite Disney character? I'm also particularly partial to Winnie the Pooh!

Disclaimer: All of the above photographs were taken publicly from the internet. If the owners wish for me to take them off, please contact me and I will remove them immediately. Thank you.

A Beautiful Disaster ...

2009-12-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

It's another day, and yet another obsession is reeking havoc upon my fashion-starved brain. I'm trying to drown it out with music (currently "Eyes on Fire" by Blue Foundation, one of the excellent additions on the Twilight movie soundtrack), but even my brand new iHome won't do the trick. I can't stop thinking about it. Must. Write. Down ... Must. Write. Down ...

The thing is, Anne-Sofie Back's 'Boo' A/W 09 Collection isn't the normal addiction for me. It's usually either some combination of grunge, studded, spiky, kick-ass leathery goodness or velvety, silky, lacy, renaissance-esque, rich hued classic beauty. (What a contrast!) No, Anne-Sofie's collection isn't leathery or velvety. To the unfashionable eye it is, rather, the likes of a bunch of cloth ripped to smithereens by kitchen shears. To me, however, the collection is pure seduction.

I'm not sure how she manages to make something so destroyed look so fantastic, but this designer pulls it off. Surely if anyone else tried to do it, it would look like a bunch of old dish rags headed straight for the dumpster. I suppose it's just as the saying goes: one man's trash is another man's treasure. (Or, in this case, woman's.)

And, to all of your lovely souls: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a very happy holiday to you all. Christmahanakwanzika? Whatever the case may be, I thank you all for making this year one of my very best. If it weren't for this blog and all of the wonderful people who read it, I would be utterly and completely lost. Thank you.

I Am Nobody ...

2009-12-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

I am tired. I am awake. I am ugly. I am beautiful. I am dead. I am alive. I am old. I am young. I am serious. I am outgoing. I am quiet. I am loud. I am ungrateful. I am thankful. I am cold. I am hot. I am close-minded. I am a dreamer. I am nobody ... who are you?

Courtesy of W Magazine's "The Art Issue", and artist Maurizio Cattelan.

Going "Gaga" For Gaga

2009-12-12T20:13:00.000-08:00

My heart is racing. I close my eyes, trying to convince my lungs to take deep, steady breaths while my brain is, contradictingly, going haywire. My fingertips tremble, and I can feel the glossy, fragrant pages of the magazine slip through my grasp and tumble to the floor. I stop. I sit. I breathe.

Alright, I'll admit it: my daydreaming really is getting the better of me. In reality, I am shocked, but not to the point where my body is curled into the fetal position and my cheek is pressed to the cold floor. The latest edition of ELLE sits open on my lap, pure beauty emanating from its pages as usual. The magazine is, naturally, open to the cover story, and this month, it's all about Lady Gaga. However, this is not exactly the shocking part. What I'm surprised to see is not the lovely photography, the breathtaking clothes, or Gaga's gorgeous portfolio. I am shocked because Lady Gaga is wearing pants.

Since the pants are so clearly there, Gaga is unsurprisingly topless. I suppose it's either one or the other with her. Also unsurprisingly, her clothing is unique and painstakingly fabulous. The incredibly high platform shoes, oversized hats, and geometrically skin-baring pieces flatter and satisfy, as the infamous Lady Gaga has been noted for over these past few years. Such beautiful photography, and an even more beautiful woman. Photographer Tom Munro has delivered again, making my love affair with ELLE magazine even stronger. By the way, I wouldn't object if any of you bought me the amazing Margiela leather jacket Lady Gaga is modeling for a Christmas present. Just saying ...

Larger Than Life in 3D: Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper & Relentless7, and Gogol Bordello ... An Amazing Opportunity!

2009-12-10T17:48:00.000-08:00

Larger Than Life in 3D
Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper & Relentless7, and Gogol Bordello

When: December 11th, 2009 - December 17th, 2009
Where: Showing in hundreds of theaters throughout the country. Click here to find a theater near you!
Why: This exclusive 3D movie will never be released to DVD. The only way to see it is in theaters, so get your tickets soon! You won't want to miss this amazing opportunity.

Check Out The Trailer:

Never Heard About the Movie? Here's A Little More Information:
Music fans now have the ability to experience their favorite bands--in
glorious 3D digital technology--by going no further than their local
movie theatre. This December, the first in a series of 3D concert
events will debut with the digital cinema 3D release of “LARGER
THAN LIFE…IN 3D” FEATURING DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, BEN
HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 AND GOGOL BORDELLO.

Shot in Digital 3D--which renders a cinema quality comparable to that
found in this fall’s other big 3D releases (A Christmas Carol and
Avatar)--the format essentially brings viewers onstage, giving them a
stunning 360◦ view of each live performance. Filmed by inconcert3d at
critically acclaimed music festivals this summer, the performances
include Dave Matthews Band--the highest-grossing American act of all
time--at the 2009 Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas, Grammy𐀀-
award winning artist Ben Harper and Relentless7 at the Mile High
Music Festival in Denver, and internationally acclaimed Gypsy punk
band Gogol Bordello at All Points West Music & Arts Festival in New
Jersey.

“LARGER THAN LIFE…IN 3D” FEATURING DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, BEN
HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 AND GOGOL BORDELLO is the first in a
series from the joint undertaking of inconcert3d, Action 3D Productions
and AEG Network Live. It will be distributed by Cinedigm
Entertainment Group and will screen in 3D theaters across the country
(details about specific theatres will be announced in the coming
weeks). “LARGER THAN LIFE…IN 3D” FEATURING DAVE MATTHEWS
BAND, BEN HARPER AND RELENTLESS7 AND GOGOL BORDELLO was
filmed with support from Fujinon, Evergreen Films, Sweetwater Digital
Productions, SONY and All Mobile Video. The “Best of Lollapalooza”
and “Best of Austin City Limits” are set to follow in 2010.

***

Do you live in LA? Attend the Confluence Holiday Party on December 18th @ The Stronghold in Venice, California at 9PM. BLVD, Vokab Kompany, and Adam&Evil will be performing, and it's sure to be a good time!

Enter the GRAND PRIZE CONTEST! You could win two tickets to the Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2010. Airfare, tickets, and 3 nights accommodations are included! Check out more details here.

Last, but certainly not least, The Crystal Method has just released a single called "Come Back Clean". They've just been nominated for a Grammy! Their album, 'Divided by Night' is up for Best Electronic/Dance Album. Don't be the last to hear this amazing band ... check out their song below! By the way, you can purchase their EP on iTunes now; check that out here!

Thanks a bunch for absorbing all of this wonderful information. I hope to hear some great reviews on this movie from my readers!

The Revelation of a Snow Fall ...

2009-12-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, it was green. The lawn, the trees, the bushes ... all green. The sun shone through puffy white clouds dotting the blue sky, and it was almost warm enough to go outside without a jacket. It was beautiful, no doubt, but there was one thing wrong with the picture. The date was December 6th.

Today I pulled back the blinds that darkened my room, expecting to see the essence of spring hovering precariously, and somewhat dangerously, in the rumored snow-clad world of December. Instead, I was greeted by a wall of icy translucent white, a wall I had to huff warm air on to see through. And as that fuzzy edged melting circle grew bigger, the size of my eyes widened with it. Through the binocular-lens sized peephole in my window, I saw not only no green, but a different color all together. My world was now white.

It's ironic how something can change so rapidly in the span of a day, such as the appearance of the fairytale snow in my springtime December of 2009. But what I'm really trying to get at is not the change of the weather. Instead, it is my blogging patterns.

I had been on a role with my blogging, always having something new to post and something different to comment on. There were not enough days to encompass all I had to say, and it was liberating. Suddenly, there was one night when the snow came. The writer's block had arrived, and there was nothing more to say. The days were passing, the comments were thinning, and my life was getting busier. I knew I had to do something, but life was dragging me on a ride that didn't include my blog. Something had to change.

This morning, I decided to clear a couple hours of my time to get back to what I loved most in the world: writing. I researched all morning, trying to find something both interesting and unprecedented. Finally, I found something relevent, and I'm happy to announce that I'm back to my normal, ever-thinking self. The writer's block is gone, and I am back.

It started with one picture. The sweater I discovered was absolutely gorgeous, and breathtakingly unique. Clicking on it, I found the world of Babini Kuki, a sub-line of Aristo Fashion. Each item is hand-knitted and packed in a gorgeous gift box complete with a personal message from the designer who knitted the item. The knitting is done exclusively by hand, with the help of only knitting needles or a crochet hook. There are no handknitted machines or any kind of machines used in assistance. Babini Kuki knits not to make a profit, but to share their passion for knitting. In my opinion, these items showcase and embrace this message like no other. See for yourself.

Please visit the Babini Kuki website here. I promise you that you'll find something you love, and it's really a pleasure to look at all of the different pieces. Oh, and one more promise: I promise that I will never leave you post-less for this long again. I'm glad to be home.

A Happy Holidays Giveaway, Just For You!

2009-11-25T17:05:00.001-08:00

My fellow bloggers, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for my lack of posting, which honestly has been bringing me down just as much as the rest of you. To elaborate, I'm sorry for my lack of meaningful posts. I have sort of just been skimming the surface of my limitless potential, all the while sinking even deeper into a sea of never-ending homework. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me! Maybe this will help ...

I did tell you that my giveaways will be lasting through November, but I made a teensy lie; my last giveaway will not last through November, but rather December! Surprise! Consider it a little holiday treat.

This time, Take Me Out to the Runway will be giving away a hand-made item by Sarah Lopolito Jewelry. This gorgeous choker, made from small freshwater pearls connected by Celestial crystals, is a one of a kind present that anyone will love. Heck, if it were me, I'd be way too greedy to give it as a holiday gift. This beautiful piece of jewelry would be mine! And it is just beautiful, as is the rest of the collection by Sarah Lopolito. By the way, I've seen this piece in person; it is impossibly even more lovely off the computer screen ... trust me! Visit the website to learn and see more.

To enter, please leave a comment stating your name, email address, and a comment relevant to this post. Remember, you must be a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway to enter! The contest ends on December 10th @ 11:59 PM, so put your entry in quickly! An offer like this surely won't last for long. Good luck!

An UNNUR Discount For All!

2009-11-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about UNNUR? If you haven't, prepare to be dazzled. UNNUR is an online store that focuses on both men's and women's accessories, handbags, and clothing. These gorgeous pieces have a healthy dose of both earthy tones and glamorous Swarovski crystals. Simply looking at the pictures of their products makes me want to max out my credit card!

For a limited time only, UNNUR is offering a discount to all readers of Take Me Out to the Runway. A 5% discount will be awarded at checkout when you enter the following code: "unnursfavoriteblogs". Any item is eligible for this discount! Hurry, though; this offer is only available until December 10th. UNNUR is a great place to start your Christmas shopping, and an even better place to start your own Christmas list!

Visit UNNUR's online store here. UNNUR is also on Facebook. Become a fan and be eligible to win gift certificates and get all the latest news! Check out UNNUR's official Facebook page here. Happy shopping!

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words ...

2009-11-17T18:09:00.000-08:00

Sadly, my Chickdowntown necklace giveaway has ended. On a brighter note, I have selected a winner!

Congratulations, Jennifer!
Jennifer runs an incredible fashion blog by the name of I Know, Right? It's one of my favorites! Jennifer's answer to the question "Why should I be the winner of this giveaway?" was definately the most creative:

"I think I should win this necklace because I have been having the worst week and want to be cheered up. Lol.
On a more positive note, I love to wear fun, bright colors! :)"

Well, Jennifer ... I hope that made your week a little bit better! My week, on the other hand, has been fabulous. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the fact that I finally reached 100 followers via Google Follower, which quickly turned to 107 in the next few days. Maybe it's because I got a pretty decent report card this term. Or maybe it's because I've worn two new outfits to school this week, complete with heels. Regardless, I'm so ecstatic with life right now that words can't describe my roller coaster of feelings. The below picture and three little words are the closest I've come to describing it: "Life. Is. Beautiful."

Untitled by LaraJade.

The Bow-Dacious and the Beautiful

2009-11-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

As many of you may know, I'm addicted to fashion magazines. Addicted, as in seven different magazines arrive at my doorstep every month. Addicted, as in I drop everything and talk to no one until those magazines have been fully pored over. Addicted, as in the fact that each one of the dozens of magazines that live on my bookshelf are full of sticky notes and foot notes. Yes, that addicted.

So, of course when December's addition of Harper's Bazaar magazine (one of my favorites!) arrived, the same regime of magazine dissecting occured. After reviewing my notes, I noticed that I had marked a lot of bow accessories. Shoes, belts, hats ... you name it. And when masses of celebrities are seen sporting the same trend, you'd better believe that that trend WILL become major.

I've been posting on and off about bow accessories, clothing, and jewelry for the past few months, chewing over all of the pros and non-existant cons. Thanks to Bazaar, I have a few more high-fashion, highly wanted accessories to add to the list.

Kate Spade New York

Chloé

Alex Mabille

Phillip Lim

As usual, I obsessed over mostly shoes. I hope you don't mind! Before I depart, I must share with you the new bow hairstyle trend. I'm absolutely in love with it! What do you think?

Don't forget to enter my Chickdowntown giveaway, going on until November 17th! Enter here!

All I Want For Christmas ...

2009-11-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

... is a pair of bright colored Doc Martens.

"If I die, I will die well dressed." - The Patriot

2009-11-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

Now this is a corset worthy of the grunge trend of today; perfect for riding Harleys, stirring up jealousy, and of course, looking sexy. If I got a chance to wear this with destroyed dark wash skinny jeans and a pair of over-the-knee ass-kicking leather boots, I would just die of happiness. Oh, did I mention that I'm just a little bit in love with leather?

Agent Provocateur; Soirée Heloise Corset

Another Chickdowntown Giveaway!

2009-11-02T14:58:00.000-08:00

Fellow fashionistas, I would first off like to congratulate Dina from the wonderful blog Dina's Days for being chosen as the lucky winner of my Orient Watch giveaway! Congratulations, Dina!

Secondly, I am announcing another giveaway! I know, I know ... I've been doing giveaways for months now. So what makes this one so different? Well, first off, it's yet another giveaway sponsered by the amazing Chickdowntown, my favorite online clothing store. Secondly, I picked out the item myself, so I promise you ... it's fabulous! This time, Take Me Out to the Runway, along with Chickdowntown, is bringing you a chance to win the Tarina Tarantino necklace!

The colors in this necklace are simply fantastic; it would make a great addition to any outfit. This 16" long chunky bubble necklace is sure to cause a stir, and a good one at that! I'm telling you, you cannot miss this giveaway. Oh, and did I mention that this gorgeous necklace retails at $125?! And here at Take Me Out to the Runway, you can win it for free. As always, here are the rules:

1. You must be a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway to participate.
2. Leave a comment on this post (as always, folks!) stating your name, your email address, and an answer to this question:

Why should you be the one to win this necklace?

The most creative answer wins! Hurry, though; the deadline ends on November 17th @ 11:59 PM! Good luck!

"Give Me Crazy, Or Give Me Death!"

2009-10-28T19:36:00.001-07:00

Alexander McQueen, you have just reinforced why you are one of my favorite designers of all time. I am, at the moment, still speechless, but do me this one honor of accepting the only two words I can grab out of my whirlwind mind right now: Thank. You.

A Letter to My Beloved:

2009-10-24T20:47:00.001-07:00

To my darling Nicholas Kirkwood:

Ever since I laid eyes on your electric blue angels that topped nearly every woman's "I-Must-Have-This-Immediately" list, I have been in love with your work. Scratch that; I've been infatuated with it.

The shoes you create simply stun the breath right out of me. The buckles, the suede, the patterns, the platforms ... in each of my dreams, I'm drifting through the clouds, gazing not ahead, but down at my Kirkwood-clad feet.

When I caught wind of your 2009 Autumn/Winter collection, I was so in shock that I was unable to even formulate the words to create a post about it. Now that my head is somewhat clear, I will attempt to do you justice. Mr. Kirkwood, I have three words for you: You. Are. Genius.

It's chiaroscuro at it's finest, with the light, the dark, and the contrast between the two. You make each shoe look delicate, hardy, sexy, and sophisticated all at the same time. How do you do it?

Nicholas, you have reached the height of shoe design with this collection (pun completely intended). The geometrics are right on point, the fur eye-catching without being too wild, and the signature buckles as gorgeous and sophisticated as ever. The one thing that I regret is that I couldn't possibly afford to call them all my own.

Thank you for being my idol, my savior, and my shoe-design icon. Thank you for allowing the world to see your incredible talent, and subtly sharing it by allowing us to wear your designs. Most importantly, Nicholas Kirkwood, thank you for never failing to add to the world of fashion in a way that will never be forgotten.

Sincerely, your forever devoted,

For The Love of Charcoal ...

2009-10-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

I feel like I haven't done a real post in the longest time, let alone an outfit post! Here's a quick one from forever ago. This skirt is one of my favorites. My sister bought it for me as a surprise one day; I must say, she has fabulous taste. Also, please disregard the wierd bit of sock that is sticking out of my beloved charcoal ankle boot. Although they are beautiful, they tend to give me terrible blisters, so socks are a necessary component. Enjoy!

Tanktops: Department stores ; Skirt: Rachael & Chloe ; Boots: Unknown (They're in the trunk of my car, and I'm way too cozy to trek out in the freezing cold to retrieve them!) ; Necklace: 823 Key Necklace

By the way, enter my current giveaway here. This time, it's for a gorgeous Orient watch!

Announcing Yet Another Giveaway: Orient Watch's Ladies Automatic Watches!

2009-10-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I apologize deeply for my unintentional hiatus! I've been extremely busy with school, and work ... and poring through the latest editions of the seven different fashion magazines I'm subscribed to. I'm not even kidding. First things first: as you all know, the giveaway for Perricone MD's Face Finishing Moisturizer has ended, and I'm proud to announce a winner!

Congratulations, Vanessa!
Vanessa, the owner of the wonderful blog "Chicken Soup for the Dorky Soul" (one of my favorite blogs!) has been the lucky random winner chosen to recieve the $65 Face Finishing Moisturizer. Congratulations again, Vanessa!

In other news, I'm hosting another giveaway! And I have a secret for all of you lucky readers: I have giveaways lined up until November! I'm so excited to give you all a chance to win. For the middle(ish) of October, I've paired up with Orient Watch to give my readers a chance to win a gorgeous women's watch!

This gorgeous watch has stainless steel casing and a stainless steel roll bracelet, proving it to be durable as well as fashionable. It's also water-resistant, a major plus. Other extras include scratch resistant mineral crystal, shock-proof bearings, a day date calender, and much more. Retailing at $90, this watch is one giveaway you don't want to pass up.

Orient Watch is the maker of a ton of other fabulous time-pieces, such as this men's watch (model number 2er00002d
):

Other than being absolutely stunning, this Orient watch is water resistant up to 100m. With a stainless steel case and a solid bracelet, this time-telling beauty is sure to last. I mean, just take a look at the picture. It would be a fantastic gift for a boyfriend, a father, or a brother. Actually, it would even be perfect for yourself! Studies are showing that the amount of women wearing men's watches is actually raising. Be ahead of the trend!

Ladies Automatic Watches

Many of you may already know this, but here's just a small recap of Take Me Out to the Runway's contest rules:

1. As always, you must be a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway to enter.
2. Leave your name and email in a comment on this post by Halloween, October 31st, @ 11:59 PM.
3. New rule! For each person you recruit to this giveaway, you will get ONE EXTRA ENTREE! The person(s) you recruit must also adhere to the rules above. If you decide to do this, please let me know in your comment!

Look at the time! I must head off ... too bad I'm not in the running for an Orient Watch! Make sure you enter before Halloween, and good luck!

Reminder: Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer Giveaway! ENDS SOON!

2009-10-12T19:13:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder! The Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer ends in three days on October 15. Hurry and enter here! This $65 product is rated 5 stars by users, and I picked it out myself to giveaway to all of you. It'd be a shame to pass up on this opportunity! Please click the link to enter and follow all of the rules! Good luck!

Little Trinkets, Big Talk

2009-10-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

A few moments ago, I came to the conclusion that we're having one of the best fashion seasons in a long while. The trends are spot on, the celebrities are loving them, and most of all, they look simply exuberant! Of course, we all adore the over-the-knee boots and the embellished leggings and tights, but in all honesty, everyone's doing them. We need something new, something ... fabulous.

This thought posed a serious fashion quest for me. I searched magazines and internet websites, television shows and other fashion blogs. Page by page, click by click ... the time passed, but finally, I was able to formulate my answer. I was able to find not one, but two fantastic trends that are fabulously "in" right now, but that are somewhat escaping the limelight (as of the moment.) Are you ready for this?

The One-Shouldered Dress

Versace

Calvin Klein

BCBGMAXAZRIA
This trend is huge right now. It's been seen on runways across the world this season, and its popularity is continuing to grow. You may have heard of this up-and-coming trend in such magazines as ELLE, Vogue, W, and Marie Claire. I for one have been lusting over the dresses for quite some time now, particularly the silk ones. What do you think?

Tiny Bow Rings

Rachel Leigh

Minnie Mouse Bow Ring

Betsey Johnson
This trend has definately been seen on many major celebrities lately. The teeny-tiny bow ring has been a huge hit as of late, and it is sold out of many major stores. I adore these little trinkets; they remind me much of my dollhouses when I was younger! These rings are perfect if you want to dress up your fingers a little without getting too outlandish. My favorite bow ring right now is the Rachel Leigh one. What about you?

Which new trend is your favorite? Do you have any trends that are slowly coming to fame, but aren't being jumped all over at the moment? Do leave a comment ... I'd love to hear your thoughts!

And Her Inspiration Comes From the Magazines She Collects ...

2009-10-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Just a few things that are demanding my attention as of the moment. Terribly sorry about the horrible inspiration board; my talent lies strictly in English class, not creating pretty pictures! I'm so jealous of all of you who have creative talent ...

Click to enlarge. (From top left, clockwise, to center) Dolce & Gabbana 2010 ad ; Tory Burch ; Zac Posen ; Pierre Mantoux ; Liz Claiborne ; Chanel, Resort 2010 ; Bionda Castana ; Blumarine ; Bruno Frisoni ; Bruno Frisoni ; Doo.Ri ; Marc by Marc Jacobs ; Salvatore Ferragamo 2009 ad.

Winner of Tolani Scarf Giveaway! And Announcing Another Giveaway: Perricone's Face Finishing Moisturizer, with Dmae Cream!

2009-10-01T17:06:00.001-07:00

The deadline for the Tolani scarf giveaway has arrived, and a winner has been chosen!

Congratulations, Bella!
Most of you may know Bella from Vintage Lollipops. She has been chosen as the random winner of a Tolani scarf! Congratulations, Bella!

On another note, I have paired up with Perricone MD again for another giveaway. This time, the product is their Face Finishing Moisturizer. I actually chose this product, so I know personally that it's a good one. The Face Finishing Moisturizer, a $65 product rated 5 stars by users, is advertised as "a lightweight, superior facial moisturizer formulated with powerful antioxidants to help firm skin's appearance and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Face Finishing Moisturizer is rich in texture and feels simply wonderful on the skin, imparting a visibly radiant and smooth appearance. It's formulated with three powerful anti-aging sciences: Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE and Vitamin C Ester. Paraben-free." Dmae cream is an active ingredient in the moisturizer, and I've heard that it works wonders. Please click the link to read more about it! Now, for the rules:

* This contest is only open to US residents. I'm sorry to all of my international readers ... I promise I'll make it up to you!
* Become a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway. This is a very important step; my apologies again, but you will not be eligible if you skip it!
* Please leave your name and email on this post to enter.
* Make sure to enter before October 15th at 11:59 PM!

Good luck, and may the driest face win! Just kidding!

PS: I saw a beautiful ad for Perricone MD in this month's W magazine. Check it out!

The True Definition of Fashion Design: Clothing Made From 3-d Glasses, Traffic Cones, and Other Oddities ...

2009-09-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago, when I went to the mall to get a (ahem) little bit of shopping done, I saw the most amazing exhibit on display. "Wearable Art", by the fashion design department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, is a collection made completely out of non-textiles. When I say "non-textiles", I seriously mean no cotton, rayon, or wool. I'm talking clothing made completely out of things like 3-d glasses, traffic cones, elastic bands, band-aids, and cardboard Starbucks holders. Immediately, I fell in love with the entire collection, and I went back to the mall today specifically to take pictures so I could share it with all of you. Some of the pieces I'm about to show you are made of these non-textiles, but others are made of real textiles with certain things in mind. In my opinion, this is real fashion design.

Made of zippers.

Made of 3-d glasses.

Made of band-aids.

Made of coin rolls.

Made of straw hats.

Made of cardboard Starbucks coffee holders.

Made of trash bags.

Made of doilies.

Made of records.

Made of rubber bands.

Made of traffic cones.

The following pieces are made of real textiles with certain thoughts in mind. I didn't take the time to write them all down ... so sorry! What do they make you think of?

Little Red Riding Boots ...

2009-09-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

Darlings, I need you desperately.

Topshop, Riking Hiker Peep Toe Sandal.

Perricone MD ... We Have a Winner!

2009-09-27T19:28:00.001-07:00

The time has come to announce the winner of the Perricone MD Face Firming Activator giveaway. As always, the winner was picked completely by random. This time, I asked my mother to pick a number, to which she replied "172". Anyone that has participated in any of my giveaways before knows what that means ... I counted up and down the list until I reached lucky number 172. Believe me, it took a while! Finally, I reached the ever-awaited verdict. And the winner is ...

Clarissa!
I was really excited once I picked Clarissa's name, because she had an awesome answer to the question! (Why do you need Perricone MD's Advanced Face Firming Activator?) Her answer? "I need the AFFA because I'm young at heart and want to be young in the face too." A perfect choice of words! Congratulations again, Clarissa! You'll be recieving an email shortly with information on how to claim your prize.

Stay tuned for the winner of the Tolani Scarf giveaway! PS: two very exciting giveaways are coming up soon; stay posted!

Reminder: Perricone MD and Tolani Scarf Giveaways!

2009-09-25T03:29:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to give you guys a little reminder on the two giveaways I'm holding right now. The first is the Perricone MD Face Firming Activator. I'm so excited about this one, because it is a fantastic opportunity to give you all something you'd really enjoy. It's known to reduce the appearance of face lines and wrinkles, visibly resurface the skin's texture, and reveal a radiant and healthy complexion. Retailed at $120, Take Me Out to the Runway is bringing it to you for free! Please click on the link to enter. Hurry ... the contest ends on September 27th!

The second giveaway I'm holding is courtesy of Chickdowntown. The Tolani scarf, retailing at $85, is the perfect addition to any wardrobe this fall. The colors are gorgeous, and the fabric is light-weight and soft. You'll be right on trend if you win this amazing item! Again, click on the link to enter. The contest ends on October 1st. Good luck!

Giveaway #3!

2009-09-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

I'd like to inform you all about a giveaway that's going on via Twitter right now. From Perricone MD (see giveaway #1, going on right now!), you're eligible to recieve a free sample of Super Acai Berry Powder. Check here to learn a little bit more about acai. The first 50 people EVERY DAY to tweet @Perriconemd will recieve a free sample! Talk about a deal!

For the rules and more information about this giveaway, please visit the Perricone MD Super Acai Berry Powder Sample Twitter Giveaway website. I'm entering, and I hope you will too! But hurry; the contest ends September 30th.

"Bright Eyes, and Subtle Variations of Blue ..."

2009-09-21T18:22:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of October's edition of ELLE magazine. Hats: Michael Kors ; Pumps: Brian Atwood.

Tolani Scarf Giveaway!

2009-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

I told you there would be two more amazing giveaways coming your way, but I must admit, I lied. There won't be two giveaways ... there will be three! The next two are surprises, but here is the first. Remember my Current/Elliot Jeans giveaway? Well, I've teamed up with Chickdowntown again and this time, we're bringing to you a Tolani scarf giveaway! Valued at $85, these gorgeous scarfs are sure to make a statement this winter. Multi-colored scarfs are a growing trend, and this Tolani scarf is the creme de la creme.

Here are the rules:

1. As always, you must become a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway to enter the contest.
2. Leave a comment on this post stating your name and email address. The winner will be chosen randomly on October 1st @ 11:59 PM.

Good luck! Follow Amy from Chickdowntown on Twitter for tons of amazing giveaways. She gives out free stuff every single day, and it's well worth following! I'm a follower!

New Christopher Kane Collection!

2009-09-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

I've been counting this day down for months. Why? Two words: Christopher Kane. His newly released Topshop collection is taking the world by storm, and most (if not all) items are already sold out. So, enough talk. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

This collection is nothing less than something out of a dream. I'm obsessed with all of it! See the rest of the collection here. What's your favorite item?

Two amazing new giveaways coming soon! Be sure to enter the Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator giveaway, going on now!

Perricone MD's Advanced Face Firming Activator Giveaway! It's the Epitome of "Face Skin Care"!

2009-09-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

That's right. I'm holding yet another giveaway! This time, it's for one of the most well renowned cosmeceuticals on the market, Perricone MD's Advanced Face Firming Activator, retailing at $120. Perricone is favorited by celebrities such as Oprah, and Dr. Perricone is a board cerified dermatologist. It's one of the highest rising products in the face skin care world at the moment, and Take Me Out to the Runway wants to bring it to you. Rated five stars on Perricone MD's official website, the Advanced Face Firming Activator is advertised to "transform skin to appear firm, toned and absolutely glowing, while preventing further damage. Formulated with Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE that work synergistically to visibly resurface skin's texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and reveal a radiant and healthy complexion. Paraben-free." I'm so excited that one of my readers will be lucky enough to recieve this product! To enter the contest, here's what you have to do:

1. Become a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway on Blogger's follower widget, Bloglovin's follower widget, or Facebook's follower widget. If you become a follower on all three, you'll get an extra entry in the contest! Make sure to let me know in your comment if you're eligible for an extra entry.
2. Leave a comment on this post stating your name, your email address, and an answer to the question: "Why do you need the Advanced Face Firming Activator for your skin? Please include any product names that didn't work for you."

Open to residents of the USA only. The contest ends on September 27th at 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!

Painterly and Payless ...

2009-09-09T03:26:00.000-07:00

I've been so excited to wear this outfit since I bought it, but I'm proud to say that I restrained myself until the first day of school. This skirt is absolutely gorgeous; it has such a fantastic shape, and it fits and feels really good. I've had this necklace for some time now, and I have no idea where it's from. One of my favorite parts about this ensamble is the shoes. I bought them from Payless. Payless! Can you imagine? They're fabulously comfortable, and if I had to guess, I'd say they're a good four inches high. Take a look:

PS: Sorry these pictures are of terrible quality. I left my digital camera in school and therefore had to resort to using my, excuse my language, simply crappy cellphone to snap the pics.

Shirt: Urban Behavior ; Painterly Skirt: Forever 21 ; Shoes: Fioni ; Necklace: Unknown

Splash Award!

2009-09-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Sarah, over at The Diary of an Average Everyday Diva, was so kind to nominate me for the Splash Award! This award is given to blogs that allure, amuse, bewitch, impress, or inspire you. Thank you so much, Sarah! After you recieve the Splash Award, you are to send it to up to nine others. I present this award to the five blogs that inspire me the most:

- Libby, from FASHIONconfectionairy.
- Indigo and Tangerine, from Tangerine Umbrellas on an Indigo Day.
- Vanessa, from Chicken Soup for the Dorky Soul.
- The Haute-Shopper, from Haute World.
- Jowy, from I See Jane Mary.com.

Take A "Pieke" At This ...

2009-09-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Since seeing designer Pieke Bergmans' "Light Blubs", a collection of lighting made to look like it was melting and molding around tables and chairs, I've been fascinated with the rest of her work. She has an eye for design like nothing I've seen before; Bergmans' work truly brings meaning to the term "a piece of art". While browsing her collections, I came across a particular group of photos that I thought might be of some interest to you. Dubbed "Chanel No ?", Bergmans' collection of Chanel perfume bottles have been warped into beautiful artwork. These No. 5 bottles are not unlike the "Light Blubs"; they have been fired to look as if they are bending and melting. Forget statues and paintings; I want a bunch of "Chanel No ?" bottles on display in my house. For more information on Pieke Bergmans' artwork, please visit her website.

Photographs courtesy of www.piekebergmans.com.

Fearless Heel-Less, or Simply Trend-Less?

2009-09-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

We've seen some crazy shoes lately, but things are about to get a whole lot wierder. The new Fall trend? Heel-less shoes. Yes, you heard me right. Heel-less. In theory, there's a heel-less style for everyone. So you like the new knee-high boot trend? Check out these:

Antonio Berardi

Nina Ricci

Boots not for you? Try a nice, heel-less pair of pumps, like the ones below.

Antonio Berardi

Marc Jacobs

Nina Ricci

What do you think? Are you fearless enough to try the heel-less trend? Or do you think a little, ahem, less of this new trend than others? Share your opinion in a comment! I will leave you with this one last thought: what do you think of front-less shoes?

Aminaka Wilmont

Unknown

World's Craziest Fashions ...

2009-08-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Photographs courtesy of www.hogwild.net.

A Quick Outfit Post ...

2009-08-19T16:07:00.000-07:00

This is my 50th post! Wow, I can't believe it's been so long ... I feel so accomplished! For the occasion, I figured I'd just do a quick outfit post. I bought this tunic and necklace in a little boutique, and I just love them. The necklace reminds me of Assad Mounser's design ... absolutely gorgeous, might I add! What do you think of mine? PS: I love how my eyes are halfway closed in the fourth picture ... very classy, Sydnie.

Tunic Dress: Unknown ; Necklace: Unknown ; Black Leggings ; Heels: Groove

April Showers Bring May Flowers, But The Weather of Fall Brings New Fashions To All!

2009-08-16T18:29:00.001-07:00

I've always been in love with fashion photography, more specifically fashion ads and campaigns. If you haven't seen the September issue of ELLE magazine yet, I'm telling you: it's a fantastic investment. It's one of the thickest I've seen so far, and the ads in it are simply exquisite. Here are some of my favorites:

This Dior ad isn't new, but I absolutely love the photography in it. I've always felt that balloons make for an excellent picture, and the artist captured them perfectly in this shot. The feeling of freedom is practically tangible in the 2009 ad.

The Fall 2009 Fendi ad campaign captured my eye immediately, particularly the model they used. She looks so fierce, and the color palette is incredible. Way to go, Fendi!

Kate Spade's Fall ad is, in a word, "cute". I totally love the girly use of polka-dots, and ironically, the colors work perfectly together. PS: in the model's hand, she grasps yet another balloon. My favorite!

Like the Fendi ad, this Valentino campaign screams fierce. The model practically intimidates me, she looks so good. I love how they incorporated the sort of vampire feel that's so popular right now. Yes, that's right ... I'm one of those crazy Twilighters!

I fell in love immediately with the entire Ports 1961 ad campaign. It was hard to choose just one picture to represent how amazing the entire campaign was, but I think this one is my favorite. The colors and clothing used are just so elegant, and it does exactly what it's trying to achieve: the ad is making me want to shop there! Another 10 for a fabulous campaign!

ELLE magazine never fails to show us the most amazing pieces before anyone else. I swear, I must have bookmarked this magazine at least 50 times this month. Here are a few fantastic things I wanted to share with you guys:

Balenciaga is spot on with their collection this season. Filled with creamy colors and elegant silks, the line favorited by so many gives us an infinate amount of reasons to adore them.

The edgy Fall collection of Balmain pushed its way to the top of some of my favorites this season. I'm in love with the studded leather "rocker" feel of the entire collection; in my opinion, no one can pull off unique like Balmain.

Giuseppe Zanotti is at it again, people: this time, our beloved shoe designer dazzles us with his patriotism. These booties stunned me, and I'm almost positive you'll love them just as much as I do. Red, white, and blue isn't just for the Fourth of July anymore.

Here we go, ladies. These Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain boots are the perfect accessory to go with anything from the new Balmain collection. Nothing says "glam" like diamonds and suede. These are my new favorite shoes, by far!

Oh, Miu Miu, we LOVE you! This cashmere studded dress tickles my fancies for sure. I'm simply speechless; I can't do anything more than fall to my knees and whisper "Gorgeous!" to the gods above. Thank you, Miu Miu!

Last, but certainly not least, our marvelous Moschino. Who wouldn't love this dress, with a classic combo of hot pink and black! I would feel absolutely beautiful walking down the runway in this ... I want it, I want it, I want it!

A lot to discuss. So, what do you think? Do you love or hate these new Fall ad campaigns? Are these items and collections a hit, or a miss? Please leave your opinion in a comment; I'd love to hear your thoughts!

And The Winners Are ...

2009-08-14T19:16:00.000-07:00

The time has come to announce the winners of my two giveaways. The first, the $100 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods, was chosen on the grounds of the most creative answer to the question: "What would you buy at Dick's Sporting Goods for $100, and why?" Well, my darlings, I have reached a verdict. The winner is ...

Shel!
Shel, from Auntie Thesis, amazed me with an original poem explaining her answer. She definately won for most creative answer!
Upon the scale I stepped, I could not believe my eyes
The extra poundage came from my lack of exercise
With pants to tight to breathe and zippers threatening to quit
It’s time to buy some workout gear, some pants that actually fit
I’d head to Dick’s, gift card in hand, $100 to shop
Puma shoes, yoga slacks and a Nike layering top.
Looking good, no fear of sweat, I’d head off to the gym
And take the first steps towards my goal of looking fit and trim.

Congratulations, Shel! Dick's Sporting Goods will be contacting you soon with information on how to claim your prize.

As most of you know, another giveaway was going on at the same time as the $100 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods. In order to win a pair of Current/Elliot Jeans, you were to become a follower and leave your name and email as a comment on the post. I chose the winner very fairly. I asked my sister to choose a number, to which she answered, "144". I then lined up all of the entries in alphabetical order and counted up and down the list until I reached 144. And the winner is ...

Anna SL!
Anna SL, from Miss Fashionvictim, you are the lucky winner! You should be expecting an email from a Chickdowntown representative soon with information reguarding how to choose and claim your new pair of Current/Elliot Jeans. Congratulations!

Keep watching for more giveaways soon. In the meantime, enjoy Take Me Out to the Runway, and have a great day! Congratulations, Shel and Anna SL!

A Few Highly Alluring Shoes ...

2009-08-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Lately, a lot of my posts seem to be showcasing insane shoes that I find while surfing the internet. This post will be no exception. I'm obsessing over shoes like these Christian Dior ones from Fall 2007. The heel on them is simply stunning.

Here are a few more that I found on www.andreaharner.com. I have no idea who the designers are, so if you do, please let me know!

I find the round bottom on these FANTASTIC. I wonder why, if not because they look insanely painful, more designers don't incorporate a "circle" look into their shoes ...

I can't imagine walking in these, but they look so elegant. Sort of like a ballerina on pointe. These would look fantastic in fashion photography.

Quite honestly, I would wear these in a second.

Here's a secret you probably didn't know about me: I would thoroughly enjoy being a shoe designer. My label probably would never work out, though; I'd be too inclined to make highly unpractical, but highly artistic shoes!

Don't forget to enter my two giveaways!
Click here to enter the Current/Elliot Jeans giveaway. This contest ends on Friday, August 14th at 11:59 PM!
Click here to enter the $100 Dick's Sporting Goods gift certificate giveaway. This contest ends on Thursday, August 13th at 11:59 PM!
There's still time to enter, so follow ALL of the instructions and I'll put your name in the drawing!

ANOTHER Giveaway!

2009-08-06T04:37:00.001-07:00

I'm pleased to announce yet another giveaway on Take Me Out to the Runway! For those of you who don't already know, I'm currently doing a Current/Elliot Jeans giveaway, ending August 14th at 11:59 PM. Click here for more details. Now, I'm throwing a twist into the mix: I'm giving away a $100 gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods!

Here are the rules:
1. Become a follower of Dick's Sporting Goods on Twitter, @dickssportcmo. They give out tons of stuff daily ... I'm already a follower!
2. Become a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway. You'll get updated on my latest posts, and you'll be the first to know about any new giveaways!
3. Leave a comment ON THIS POST with your name, email, and an answer to this question: What would you buy at Dick's with $100 and why? The best answer wins, so please be creative!

The contest will end August 13th at 11:59 PM (exactly a day before the Current/Elliot Jeans contest ends!). Any entries after this date will NOT be eligable to win. Good luck, and may the best person win!

Take Me Out to the Runway has been tagged!

2009-08-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, Take Me Out to the Runway has been tagged! Thank you so much, Style Antagonist for giving me this opportunity! So, here goes:

What is your current obsession?
Oh, I can't pick just one! In fashion, for instance, I'm obsessed with the Balenciaga knock-offs by Sam Edelman ... I'm still waiting for those gorgeous ankle boots to be available! Some not-so-current, but more of "all the time" obsessions of mine: Jesse McCartney (met him 3 times!), The Titanic (the story, the movie, basically anything to do with the actual event as well), reading, writing, and going to concerts! (My latest one was "Tool" ... it was unbelievable.)

What is your horoscope & do you relate to it?
I think that this is a fabulous question! I'm an Aquarius. Ironically enough, I'm almost exactly how my sign is described: friendly and humanitarian, honest and loyal, original and inventive, independent and intellectual. Aquarius' (or Aquari? Not sure how this term would be used ...) are supposed to be strong-willed, and I've been told I am strong-willed and passionate about anything I believe in. So, I'd say I definately relate to my horoscope!

What are you wearing today?
Today, today ... well, right now I'm in my PJ's, so I'll tell you what I wish I was wearing, based on my mood! Dark wash denim skinnies, gold flats, a plain white tee-shirt, a gold belt, and my 823 Key Necklace. Oh, and my thick-rimmed glasses. It's always nice to be able to see when you're comfortable!

What is the last thing you bought?
The last thing that I bought were these absolutely amazing shoes. They're charcoal grey slouchy ankle boots with a three-inch heel. I'm simply in love with them. Plus, I got them from my place of employment, so they were 10% off! There's nothing better than a bargain.

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
I think their blog is FANTASTIC! Seriously, check it out. This girl has amazing style, and she's an excellent writer. The best combination ever!

What’s for dinner?
I ate McDonald's ... yes, I'm clearly a health-freak ...

What’s your favorite decade, fashion wise?
This is easy! Definately the Renaissance period. I love big, full skirts and original draping, deep colors like crimson and royal purple, and feeling like a princess every day. The best way I can describe this style is by linking Sea of Shoes ... Jane has my favorite style exactly.

What are your must haves for summer?
Aviator sunglasses! Oh, and sunblock. I tend to burn VERY easily!

What would you love to be able to afford?
Oh, what wouldn't I love to be able to afford? A few of the things that come to mind: the original Balenciaga ankle boots, every piece by Alexander Wang and Alexander McQueen, a house on the beach, a room with floor to ceiling book shelves, season tickets to the Boston Red Sox, and a vacation to Italy, Greece, and Ireland!

What is your favorite piece of clothing from your own wardrobe?
Oh, this is hard! I'd have to say either my little black dress from Bebe, my cream-colored blazer, or my army green Bebe zip-up short-sleeve shirt ... ah, I love Bebe!

What is your dream job?
Editor-in-chief of ELLE or TeenVogue magazine.

What’s your favorite magazine?
At the moment, probably ELLE, although I have yearly subscriptions to like, 7 different ones. Fashion magazines: another one of my many obsessions!

What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
I have never liked Spring scarves ... I find them an awkward mix of winter and summer, which I absolutely detest. Teeny-tiny skirts, as well; you should be aiming to look classy, not trashy, at all times.

Describe your personal style:
Unique. There will be some days where I'm decked out in neon colors, some days where I'm in earth-tones ... but I've never liked looking the same as everyone else. I've been known to wear something that someone would "never wear in a million years", but most of the time, I'm praised for my boldness. Life's too short to blend in!

Which Beatle is your favorite?
Either John Lennon or Paul McCartney. Their songs always struck a chord within me; I feel like I can relate with their music the most.

What are you proud of?
Honestly, I'm more proud of this blog than anything. It has become exactly what I've always wanted it to be, and it brings me to tears sometimes how kind people can be on their comments. Thank you, everyone!

And I tag ... everyone! Let me know when you've posted your answers ... I can't wait to read them! I'd love to know a bit more about all of my readers.

Don't forget to enter the Current/Elliot Jeans giveaway, going on now! Click here for more details!

823 Things To Say ...

2009-08-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter the Current/Elliot Jeans giveaway, going on now! Click here to enter.

Reminder on the Rules:
1. You must be a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway to enter.
2. You must leave a comment on the Current/Elliot Jeans Giveaway! blog post. Comments on other posts will not be eligible.
3. Please include your name and email address with your comment.

Good luck! The contest ends on Friday, August 14th at 11:59 PM!

I promised you all I'd post a picture of my 823 Key Project necklace when it arrived, and here it is! I'm in love with it; I've been wearing it nothing less than constantly. I'd also like to give a big thank you to everyone who promised to buy their own necklace ... it's always amazing when people agree to give their help to a cause.

And, since I've been lacking in the outfit post department, here's a few pictures of the outfit I wore to work the other day. Heels: Wet Seal ; Dress: Unknown, but from Macy's Department Store ; Tights: Unknown ; Necklace: Fashion Bug.

Current/Elliot Jeans Giveaway!

2009-07-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Readers of Take Me Out to the Runway, I am pleased to announce my first giveaway! One of my favorite online clothing stores, Chickdowntown, is helping me present to you the chance to win a pair of Current/Elliot Jeans of your choice. Chickdowntown has everything from vintage clothing to bags and accessories, as well as two of my new favorites finds, Mystique sandals and Sky dresses . Just in case you were wondering, the fashion brand, Sky clothing, was created back in 1998 by Peter and Jennifer Kane and eventually became a luxurious and chic label popular amongst today's hottest celebs. You can see stars like Paris Hilton, Jessica Alba, and Jessica Simpson all strutting their way around LA in these sexy Sky Dresses. Check out chickdowntown for their selection of these fabulous yet affordable dresses. Here are some of my favorite options of Current/Elliot Jeans, all of which are available for choices of the winner!

Skinny New Worn Shredded Jean

Super Slouchy Skinny

The Skinny in Cloud Wash Destroyed

Keep in mind that these are only a few of the many choices in the Current/Elliot Jeans line. Click here to see the rest!

Now, about the rules. The contest will end on Friday, August 14th at 11:59 PM. Any entries recieved after that will not be included in the drawing. In order to be eligible, you MUST be a follower of Take Me Out to the Runway. All of my 56 current followers will be added automatically, but twice if they leave a comment as well. To enter, please comment on THIS BLOG ENTRY with your name and email address. Any comments on other blog entries will not be counted. It's that simple! So, what are you waiting for? Enter the contest already! :)

Below are the links to Amy of Chickdowntown's Twitter and Facebook accounts. Please follow her, as she loves to give away gift cards and lots of free stuff! I'm a follower of both.
Twitter
Facebook

Shoes Fit For The News

2009-07-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Just a few pairs of shoes I thought I'd share. They're simply out of this world, aren't they? The Celine ones are my favorite ... they're so different! Not to say they're not all different; but different is good, isn't it? Props to these designers for thinking outside of the box, and creating such a fabulously unique shoe!

Celine

Melissa

Marc Jacobs

One more thing: a few days after I wrote my post on half-shaded sunglasses, I came across a pair in Wet Seal. They were only $3! Unfortunately, I felt that I looked a little bit like an oversized bug with them on, so I skipped out. Here's a picture; by the way, they're still available!

A Quaint Sort of Jewelry

2009-07-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Photographs courtesy of Elle Magazine. Necklace in last picture designed by Jennifer Fischer.

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

2009-07-17T05:22:00.001-07:00

... I want to be Emma Watson.

Photographs courtesy of Teen Vogue.

823KEYPROJECT.

2009-07-07T19:22:00.000-07:00

Readers of Take Me Out to the Runway, I have an important announcement to make! By great fortune, I was recently informed of the 823 Key Project. What is this project, you may ask? According to the site, 823KEYPROJECT is a way for musicians, writers, painters, photographers, and fashion designers to "showcase their unique interpretation of the world, while emphasizing authentic and community minded work."

Here's how it works: through the purchase of a vintage skeleton key necklace, each one unique and handmade, a fund is set up. After the 823rd key necklace is sold, this fund will become available to these artists in the form of a $25,000 grant. This grant will be awarded to one artist whose perspective changes the world around us. Anyone can apply for this grant, and each person has an equal chance of winning. It's the perfect way for you to get your work out there, and to make a difference.

21,398 keys: There will only be a grand total of 21,398 unique skeleton key necklaces available. So, where does the "823" concept come in? Each necklace will be adorned with a unique letter and number. There will be 823 keys with the letter "A", 823 keys with the letter "B", 823 keys with the letter "C", and so forth. After each "letter" is completely sold, a grant will be given out. In total, that's 26 $25,000 grants for 26 different artists! The money used to purchase your unique key goes directly to this cause. How amazing is that?

The first key ever was given by Trevor Hubbard, the creater of 823KEYPROJECT, to his friend who was going through a tough time. The logic behind this? The well-known saying "When one door closes, another opens." The number 823 was chosen because in the old pager days, it meant "thinking of you".

Not only are these skeleton key necklaces for a good cause, they look AMAZING. Seriously, I'm talking spot-on trend here. Each key is a one-of-a-kind found object ranging in date from 1830 to 1940. They range in length from 3 to 4 1/2 inches, and are hung from a brass chain with a strongly unique brass twist clast. Each key comes with a signature “823a” pewter tag that ties you to the 823 Community forever, 21,398 people who believed in making a difference and changing other people's lives.

I'm more excited about the 823KEYPROJECT than anything I've ever posted before. I think it's a creative way to change the world around us, to support the creation of art, and to support a cause. Me? I will definately be purchasing an 823 key necklace as soon as possible. I beg of you, my faithful readers, to do the same. Please tell all who you can, and please feel free to dedicate one of your own blog posts to this cause! Art is what makes the world we live in beautiful, and you all deserve to be a part of that beauty. For more information, please visit the site below. I'm extremely excited to hear from any of you who have purchased an 823 key necklace, and I hope we together can spread the knowledge of this cause worldwide.

http://www.823keyproject.com/