Gotta Love Geek Chic

When ex-supermodel Helena Christensen was spotted swapping glamour for "geek chic" a few months ago, every girl in Silicon Valley breathed a sigh of relief. (Just ask Stephanie Pakrul, self-proclaimed geeky fashionista, who embraces stereotypically unpopular "geek" characteristics such as glasses, comic books, and computer games--and looks hot doing it.) And with sites like Dig A Tech Girl and Hot Geek Or Not popping up, geek chic girls are getting their long-deserved 15 minutes of fame. (What's not sexy about beauty and brains?)

But geek chic doesn't have to be a lifestyle. High-profile designers are finding ways to work geeky pieces into their otherwise non-geeky lines (like the Lego brooch in Marc Jacob's Spring 2008 collection, and the computer nerd glasses from Luella's Spring 2008 collection).

Want to add a nerdy twist to your look? Here are some of my faves to help you get your geek chic on:

Even Katie Couric is singing the praises of geek chic. Check out her recent vlog about this trend.

Jan 5, 2008 | Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 6 comments

Labels: , , , , ,

Sexy Shoes With Nasty Feet. Are You High?


Unless you're Katie Holmes (who can rock a bunion like nobody's business!) you might be better off hiding your hoofs inside a pair orthopedic mary janes. (Okay, I'm kidding!) But seriously, if you're going to drop big bucks on the latest pair of designer heels, you'll need to invest more in your feet than the occasional $20 pedicure.

To keep your feet in Manolo-worthy condition (even if you can only afford to sport a cute pair of Payless peep-toe heels) I've compiled this list of foot-friendly tips and tricks:
  • Soften overworked feet with a dollop of CocoaMint Foot Cream from Bath By Bettijo every night before bedtime. Or, slip into a pair of Spa Sister Overnight Therapy Softening Socks if you're in need of some heavy-duty callus control.

  • No bare feet! When you slip out of your heels at the end of the day, slip into a pair of Daniel Green silk slippers. Your skin with stay smoother (and you'll also protect your pedicure.)

  • Prevent bunions, calluses, and a variety of other foot conditions by stretching and strengthening your toes with a pair of Yoga Toes.

  • Reduce the signs of poor circulation and the discomfort of heavy, swollen, and painful feet with Ren Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg And Foot Gel available at sephora.com.

  • And don't forget to exfoliate you feet at least twice a week. Try a Body Shop Spoon Foot File or Fruity Foot File from the Pod Company. (Or, you can go all out with the Heel Smoother Pro from Artemis Woman. Just promise me you won't go crazy with it.)

Note: With all this added attention to your feet, be sure to carry a pair of heel protectors in your purse. (Not for YOUR heels, for your shoe's heels.) Because the only thing worse than nasty feet in sexy heels is sexy feet in nasty heels!

Jan 4, 2008 | Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 5 comments

Labels: , , , ,

Let Your Crazy Eyes Do the Talking

Changing the color of your eyes to match your handbag sounds like a die-hard fashionista's dream. But rocking a pair of "crazy contacts" takes some pretty big huevos. And, while I'm a big fan of taking fashion risks, be warned that these contacts may say more about you than you bargained for. Read my interpretation (or feel free to submit your own!)


"They were out of Hello Kitty tampons."


"I'm the founder of the Bad Asses for George Bush club."


"If you look long enough, you can see Mona Lisa's ass."


"Is it true that syphilis can travel to your brain?"


"Two more hits of acid and you'll start to look like a banana."


"Please don't ask to use my face for target practice again."

Jan 3, 2008 | Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 7 comments

Labels: , , , , ,

Sales, Deals, and When to Walk Away

Here's a guest post from Elana Pruitt, a personal shopper, writer, editor, columnist, and the fabulous fashionista behind Diary of a Personal Shopper and Talking Chic. Enjoy!


My heart skips a beat when a sale sign shines over my favorite designer pieces – especially when I am sorting through the shoe rack at Macy’s. But after succumbing too many times to purchases that I only thought I needed because they were on sale, I have a few tips to share with you in the new year (that are actually working for me too):

1) STEAL OR SPLURGE? If it wasn’t on your list of must-haves before you walked into the store, really consider the purchase before taking action and pulling out your Amex. It is very easy to fall in love with a pair of shoes you don’t need or would never wear more than a few times during the year. Just “walk away”! (It’s gets a little bit easier each time. You might just have to plan mental games with yourself to really pull yourself away.)

2) TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING? The 2-for or 3-for “deals” are a benefit if you want a staple piece for your wardrobe in a few different colors, for variety sake. (I am all about layering long-sleeve tops and turtlenecks under cute blouses, so you better believe that I have totally stocked up on tons of colors in those shirts.) But if you’re walking by a promotional rack of shoes or clothes, and you’re looking up to the sky for more than 10 minutes trying to figure out how to work in the extra pieces you didn’t need to your wardrobe…ummm, disaster. Talk about losing money and closet space.

3) STAR SERVICE OR SUCKY SALESPERSON? Customer service at retail outlets has really gone down hill. Maybe the kids they're hiring have not been properly trained in giving good service. Or maybe the salesperson isn’t working on commission and he or she doesn’t care if you make the purchase or not. I’d suggest leaving a shop or department if you’re not treated with respect or urgency. (I’ll admit that there are times I've stuck it out with a horrid sales staff, but honestly, my purchase didn’t feel the same. I didn’t want to jump up for joy; I just wanted to return it. Usually, I did.)

Every new year should be about finding fashion styles that make you happy, complement your body, and are totally within your budget. (My guess is since you’re spending quality time with Trendinista, you’re pretty much obsessed with the same things we are.) There are always sales and deals. But I’m outtie if it’s not worth my time, money, or energy!

Jan 2, 2008 | Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 3 comments

Labels: , , ,

Condom Couture: Safe Sex Is Always Stylish

If you're into multi-colored condoms (and even if you're not!) you will love the recent Dress Up Against Aids Condom Fashion Show which featured the couture condom creations of about 30 young Malaysian designers from the International Beauty & Make-Up Academy. Models rocked gowns and accessories made entirely from condoms at the show in Kuala Lumpur on December 28th, giving the fashion world something to smile about.

Not only did I love the extravagant and over-the-top designs, it also reminded me that AIDS awareness never goes out of style. So, to keep you safe and stylish, I've pulled together a list of some fabulously fashionable condom accessories every sexually-active girl should own at least one of. (You wouldn't want to end up in a pinch, now would you?)

For those of you against promoting safe sex, please don't email me about how I should be promoting abstinence. (I did say "sexually active" didn't I?) AIDS is a serious issue and women need to be informed and empowered about ways to protect themselves. (According to recent research, over half of new HIV infections are among 15 to 25 year olds and 70% of young women don’t believe they are at risk of contracting HIV.)

There, I said it ;)


Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 5 comments

Labels: , , , ,

Fashion With "Sting"

While most of you were ringing in the New Year with champagne toasts, Brazilians and Hawiians were greeted by swarms of jellyfish. Were they just on the lookout for cooler temperatures, or were they hitting land to check out the latest jellyfish fashion trend?

2007 was all about fashion with bite. 2008 is going to be about fashion with sting. Check out these stylish jellyfish finds to get your sting on:

And, no. Spencer Pratt is not responsible for the jellyfish trend. (Bet you've never seen this photo of Spencer and Heidi promoting their "Jellyquarium." How cheesy is that?!)

Jan 1, 2008 | Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 2 comments

Labels: , , , , , ,

Roots Done Right, Roots Done Wrong

Let people know that you care about your looks by purposely not caring about them. (Huh?) Celebrities are paying hundreds of dollars to paint "lowlights" and darker roots into their light brown or blond hair. And, while I love this trend, it's one that needs to be done right. (Otherwise, you'll just look like you're on leave from the Bunny Ranch.)

How to do roots right:

1) Light brown roots with golden hair
2) 1/2 inch (or less) of dark roots with light blond hair
3) Dark roots with chunky golden brown and red highlights

How to do roots wrong:

1) The reverse root: red or blond roots with dark brown or black hair
2) More than 1" of dark roots with blond or light brown hair

Happy hair painting!

Dec 31, 2007 | Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 5 comments

Labels: , , , ,

New Year's Style Resolution #6: Wear an Apple a Day

In 2005, the apple-as-fashion trend kicked into high gear with the introduction of the canvas apple-print Luella bag. And then, just as it was picking up steam -- *poof* -- the apple trend was over. (Sadly, all I could do was say to myself, "I'm not ready for apple trend to go away yet!") But I saw a glimmer of hope two months ago when Nicky Hilton debuted the 2008 spring/summer line for her ready-to-wear label, Chick by Nicky Hilton. And there were apples everywhere!

So, to keep the doctor away, I resolve to help usher the apple trend back in 2008! Here are some delicious picks to get you started:

* The 18K gold and green tourmaline apple necklace from gigicaron.com
* The Apple Blossom Necklace from shanalogic.com
* The Apple Pickin' Skirt from madewithlovebyhannah.com
* The black Apple Scarf from clarashandbagboutique.com
* The MARC by Marc Jacobs apple-shaped Pavé Crystal Watch Necklace from nordstrom.com
* The black Apple Ring from claires.com
* The Happy Apple Wristlet from liliconfetti.com
* The Apple Dog Tote Bag from modcloth.com
* The Loud Apple Belt from moistclothing.co.uk
* And a jar of Philosophy Red Delicious Apple Body Butter at sephora.com (so you smell like one too!)


Happy New Year! And, as my father used to say, "How do you like THEM apples?"

Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 4 comments

Labels: , , , , , ,

Rock It "Mr. T" Style

Just when you think he's gone for good, trends in fashion have a way of reminding us that the spirit of Mr. T will never die. (Don't tell me you've never seen the Mr. T fashion video!?) Chunky gold chains, cuff bracelets, sleeveless vest jackets and clunky rings have once again converged in unison (which leads me to believe that this isn't mere coincidence). So, I'm running with it by putting a girly spin on Mr. T's classic bad-ass style.

Now, I'm not suggesting that you run out and get a mohawk or buy a black A-Team van, but I am suggesting you keep an open mind. (Or just laugh your ass off and keep reading!) Here is a list of everything you'll need to rock it Mrs. T style:

1) A blue Stacey Vest from delias.com
2) A Juicy Couture Heart Padlock Leather Cuff Bracelet in Platinum from nordstrom.com
3) A gold Dragon Ring from luckybrandjeans.com
4) An Anita's Gold Chain Necklace from emitations.com
5) A pair of Stuart Weitzman Chainalto Heels from zappos.com
6) A Mr. T Face Tee from urbanoutfitters.com
7) A pair of R.J. Graziano Chain Hoops from maxandchloe.com
8) An Anna Lou Triple Strand Gold Chain Bracelet from accessoriesstudio.com

And for those of you who are really serious about getting your A-Team on, check out the one-of-a-kind checkerboard corset top from etsy.com and oversized A-Team belt from truffleshuffle.co.uk.

ChicandUntroubled.com also has a preview of Diesel's redesigned Fuel For Life fragrance that is totally rocking it Mr. T style!

Dec 30, 2007 | Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 5 comments

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Does This Puffer Jacket Make Me Look Fat?


No, but it does make you look like the Michelin Man.

Don't just do the puffer for puffer's sake. Yes, it's trendy. Yes, it's functional. But must you go for the puffiest of them all? You can still jump on the puff jacket bandwagon, just remember these three things:

  1. Keep it waist length. Too long and your butt starts to look like a s'mores-gone-bad.
  2. Go for something cinched at the waist (preferably with a belt or tie).
  3. Go for tight quilting or no quilting--none of this loose kinda-sorta quilting.

My top picks? The Laundry by Shelli Segal Short Puffer Jacket, Burberry London Hooded Puffer Coat, and Lucy “Betty” Puffer Jacket.


Posted by Jill @ Trend de la Creme 9 comments

Labels: , , , ,

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)