Worldly styles at the click of a mouse

Being the compulsive online shopper that I am, I have recently stumbled upon great shopping websites from around the globe. Inspired by the glitterati that set fashion trends, these sites offer the most up-to-date fashion finds around.
Love the style of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Jennifer Lopez and Kirsten Dunst? Then asos.com is for you. Cancel plans to go abroad because the hot London style has come to you – in the form of cowboy boots. Forget paying $300 or more, get yours here for $52 - perfect for the trendster who likes one-time use. If you can look like the celebrities for half the price, why not stock up? The numbers of ensembles you can make based on what your favorite fashion icons are wearing are endless.
Let some of the Windy city blow your way with activeendeavors.com! Wait, let a lot blow your way! Hailing from Chicago, this virtual boutique stocks up on every hot designer you can think of. Nothing you like today? Each day they restock and you will be sure to find something. Specializing in denim, this site has every cut and shape needed to fit any body type. Always on top of the trends, Active Endeavors offers you the chance to pre-order the must-have Bulga bag so you can rock it all summer.
The funky, laidback Florida style is now available to all with the help of anoseforclothes.com, which features every stylish item the trendiest girl could imagine. From Alka Vora skirts and Joystick boleros to LaROK cropped jackets, you will be the envy of all that are lucky enough to get a glimpse of you. Jewelry should make a statement and the big-beaded necklaces and long-layered necklaces this site offers will complete any look. A favorite of mine is the multi-colored Danielle Stevens wood necklace with semi-precious stone detail. As this site tends to range from high- to low priced goods, make sure to search the sale pages because you are destined to find a great deal.
Now that you have shopped around, make smart buying decisions, take a rest, breathe and take a shopping hiatus. Remember to wear the trendy pieces you just picked up in good taste, and don’t be a victim, letting the trends wear you. Overkill is quite easy to fall prisoner to, and no one wants to be a fashion victim.

From the african plains to flower-filled gardens: spring fashion 2005 is high in style.

The lakes are open, the grass is green and the flowers are starting to peek out of their winter homes. Spring fever is in the air in Madison and winter’s hindrance on your fashion taste will soon be over. This year’s style is better than ever before, providing a refreshing and long-awaited burst of color and versatile, practical looks.
Always wanted to go on that African safari but never actually made it to Africa? Well, no need because the jungle has come to the United States and has stampeded the designer collections full force. Dolce & Gabbana’s spring runway show paid homage to African style featuring khaki skirts, snakeskin trim, tribal jewelry, feathers, raffia fringing and other exotic details. Make sure you don’t overdo this look - stick to one exotic print paired with eyelet to keep it feminine. Fill your arm with wooden cuffs that are easy to find – Art Gecko on State and Monroe streets has an array of chunky bangles. Skip the trip to Africa and take pleasure in stumbling upon tribal trinkets around Madison that are straight out of Africa.
While Safari-style may lead some too far over the wild side, it is one of the few fitted looks in a season where free-flowing hippie and Bohemian rhapsody looks are dominant. Embellished sequin tunics, long peasant skirts and espadrilles are key pieces to accomplish the laid back groovy earth-angel look. Mix and match these folksy threads with macramé tie belts and you will swing to the bohemian beat. Love beads are back and making a bold statement when piled on in different textures and lengths. Wood with turquoise- and coral-stoned necklaces, combined with white crocheted tops, is easy to pull off. Make sure you don’t fall into the common trap of overpaying for these must-have chunky strands and do it yourself. Sarah Vestlie, manager of Jade Mountain bead store on East Johnson Street suggests that, “more people should come in and make their own jewelry for half the price and look just as great as those they emulate in the pages of fashion magazines.”
If the mismatched look just doesn’t fly with you, and you don’t want to be mistaken as unkempt, forget eating an apple a day and wear one. Now more than ever, fruity designs are adding a playful and juicy touch to this spring season. The ultimate splurge is Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Cerises collection, a new take on a timeless design: bright red cherries adorn each bag. These fruits can be picked off the runway and put into your basket. Urban Outfitters carries an assortment of fruit accents on everything from Tees to fruit-shaped coin purses. Get on this trend before it spoils!
Just add water … or not! This year’s spring flowers don’t require anything but a keen sense of fashion to spot out the freshest bouquet. These flower prints are abloom on full knee length skirts and sundresses, both necessary additions to your warm-weather wardrobe. This flirty flower power look comes in various bunches – tropical flowers, pastel romantic florals or big and bright garden patterns. Floral shoes paired with jeans or a denim skirt is a great way to add a touch of spring style to any outfit. You can find flower prints on wedge sandals, a new trendy shoe style. Get inspiration straight from your garden and search the local vintage stores for flower prints in need of a little spring sun to renew their sheen. Too overwhelmed? These flowers won’t wilt or die anytime soon, and they are sure to grow on you!
Go “Greece” lightening is a mantra you will be hearing a lot of this spring. Leave it to the mighty Greek gods to inspire us once again. Modern-day goddesses like Sienna Miller and Kate Moss might not be omnipotent but they are surely omniscient in forecasting upcoming trends. They can be seen trekking around in gladiator sandals, draped tops, and pleated dresses with gold and ropey details. Search local boutiques, like Bop on West Gorham, and you are sure to stumble upon Grecian finds. You don’t need the help of Aphrodite to find spring love - all you have to do is dress like her.
Some of the top names in the industry have jumped into the fashion foray this season, which means cleaning up your spring wardrobe may be a little pricey. Remember, however, high fashion may be expensive, but high style is priceless.

Fashion for AIDS benefit raises cash in style

When feeling charitable, one might consider Sunday bake sales or giving 30 cents a day to third world children with distended bellies. Boring! Throw a little fashion in the mix, however, and you get something far more inspiring. If you’re going to give; you might as well look good doing it, right?
Last Wednesday, UW-Madison students Mollie Petersen and Jennifer Fanning hosted the Fashion for AIDS benefit. The idea occurred to them while working on a project for an HIV/AIDS course they’re taking. These girls wanted to do something above and beyond the usual brochures, drink specials and predictable fund raisers. “We decided to spice it up and get Bop and more of the Madison community involved,” Petersen explained.
Crave Restaurant and Lounge served their famous martinis and was bumping to the sounds of a local DJ while models walked the runway adorned in the latest styles from Bop. Juicy Couture’s new eyelet line was featured as well as the ever-popular terry sweats. Models were clad in Susana Monaco’s tight fitting tube tops and bright colored sundresses, reminding us that it’s spring. Distressed wash Big Star Jeans and Paige Premium Denim were the pants of choice. Striped dresses in buttery soft fabrics by Ella Moss swayed to the beat of pumping rap beats.
The benefit was a huge success for both the hosts and the crowd of more than one hundred attendees, including Petersen and Fanning’s teacher. “We far exceeded all of our expectations,” Petersen said.
Many shared Petersen’s excitement, as everyone knew that each time they sipped their martini, enjoying the great spring fashions, they were also helping a cause. The show raised nearly $1000 for the AIDS Network.
As the festivities ended, door prizes were raffled off to lucky attendees. Prizes included $50 gift certificates to Bop, a month of free tanning from Platinum Tanning, a $25 gift certificate to Crave, and various designer jewelry and stationary. Free contraceptives were handed out in an effort to promote safe sex and AIDS prevention. Free fashion, cheap drinks, and free contraceptives - all in the name of AIDS!

Making stars out of midwestern girls

Warm weather in Madison is finally here! This calls for a celebration, and what better way to celebrate the beautiful weather than with fashion? The sun puts everyone in a superb mood, so why not let everyone know you’re ecstatic about the weather by dressing in cool frocks from where the sun always shines. The Los Angeles fashion scene is hotter than ever. Laidback West Coasters are mixin’ it up for the ultimate in contemporary wear. Because of these emerging LA designers, Midwest style will never be the same again.
Lotta Stensson is a household name in California. After opening her flagship store in the trendy Melrose Heights District, Lotta has cultivated quite a star-studded clientele. Jessica Simpson, Charlize Theron, and Cameron Diaz are regulars at her island themed boutique. The bohemian chic designs are inspired by culturally diverse, though she primarily uses Indian fabrics and embroidery. Her designs are current, fun, and sophisticated, making them a must-have. Look for Lotta at shopbop.com in early May.
2 B Free is a staple in any LA girl’s closet, and now it should be a part of yours, too. 2 B Free is the brainchild of brothers, Cedric and Yves Benaroch, who have created a signature style redefining rock n’ roll casual wear. The most notable items in the line are the low-rise sweat pants and the signature logo sweatshirts. What makes this line so special is that each piece is one-of-a-kind, making them hard to come by, especially because of production limitations. Paris Hilton, Tara Reid, and Nicole Ritchie are just a few fashion mavens who’ve sported the Benaroches’ designs. If only these clothes were literally meant “2 B Free,” everyone’s closet would be stocked with the latest from this LA favorite!
Style Savvy girls need not travel to California to get the great style once reserved only for celebrities. LA fashion lines are broadening their horizons across the map and throughout cyberspace. Fashion giants, like Kitson and Intuition, bring the style of Hollywood to places like Wisconsin by offering their gotta-have-it-now accessories and casual wear on their always-updated websites. Update your Cali style by surfing shopkitson.com and shopintuition.com for a burst of fresh air to cool off from the shining rays.

Rain gear must for spring time

Recent tornado warnings and unpredictable rain has come just in time to remind us of April showers. While we wait for May’s flowers, the latest waterproof gear will keep us fashionably prepared for the weather. Hey, you may even enjoy a little singing in the rain with these rain time essentials.
The classic trench, made popular by Burberry, is revamped and taking on a new look. No longer are they meant for British soldiers in the trenches. These rainy duds now come in a variety of edgy prints and even feature embroidered details.
“It's the most simple and elegant way to protect yourself from the rain. There is value attached to owning something like a good trench. It suggests one has spent one's money wisely," says Sally Singer, fashion news director of Vogue magazine. Check out Gap’s modern belted trench retailing for $49.99. If you’re ready to splurge, spend your money wisely on L.A.M.B.’s lace-printed raincoat featuring a tied ribbon on one arm, available at shopbop.com. Don’t save your trench for a rainy day! Wear one over jeans and a tee for a sophisticated and sleek spring look.
Brighten any rainy day with bright-colored rubber boots. Rhinestone-embellished rain boots will protect your feet from the dirty water. Kitten-heels are the latest twist to the rain boot. Look for Tamara Henrique’s version. Sugar’s canvas treated boots with rubber soles are a cheap and practical addition to your rainwear and are available at shopkitson.com. You can even tuck your pants in them so the hems won’t get wet and heavy while you walk around town. With these updated boots, you now don’t have to worry about leaving the house in those ugly galoshes your grandmother used to wear. Accidentally stepping in a puddle doesn’t seem half as bad when doing it in style.
Love Marissa’s heart umbrella on a recent episode of the OC? Obviously the characters of the OC are on top of the trends, even when it rains. Bright-patterned umbrellas add extra color and playfulness to any look. There are so many options to spruce up this traditional necessity. Dooney & Bourke offers hip and stylish umbrellas at reasonable prices and one style looks exactly like the Agatha Ruiz de Prada one used by Mischa Barton’s character. Check out dillards.com to pick up one of your own. If all else fails, an umbrella is key to hiding a dreary rainy day outfit.
No longer does a downpour have to mean a downsizing of style. Now, water resistant fashion makes the rain something to look forward to. With these shower-proof must-haves, there is no need for any fashion rain checks this season!

Hot New Thing: Swapstyle.com

Want a whole new wardrobe but don't want to spend your whole paycheck? Now you can swap clothes over the internet for the price of a few postage stamps! You can even score fashion savvy trends from across the world. Chat with other style lovers in the forum and live and dream fashion 24/7! Browse through hundreds of clothing, accessories and shoes. Now you don't have to feel guilty for wearing that brand new skirt only once!

Online shopping great way to waste time

What would become of a 15-month old girl with a keen fashion sense who made onlookers laugh as she worked her way through the racks as if she knew the hottest trend? A UW-Madison student who spends hours shopping on the web when she should be focusing more on her other studies, that’s what!

The good news for you is now you can shop from your home or office and take as much pleasure in it as I do. A little warning, however - hide all credit cards. Succumbing to the urge to splurge is quite difficult to avoid.

Can’t fly to the Big Apple? Lucky for you, one of New York’s chicest hotspots has a locale in cyberspace, Scoopnyc.com. Owners Stefani Greenfield and Uzi Ben-Abraham offer the ‘ultimate closet concept’ where one is capable of finding all the latest trends in one place. Spring fever dominates this funky online boutique featuring feather light C & C California tees, Marc by Marc Jacobs espadrilles, Diane von Furstenberg dresses and jewelry in bright shades that will make you stand out – even in the shade. The Fina Firenze macramé tie belt is my top pick and will make any outfit ‘boho’ chic. But be prepared to hand over the green.

Madisonians be proud! Kraft and Oscar Meyer move over because Wisconsin is no longer only home to cheese. Bop, located on W. Gorham Street, has become well established in the fashion world. They have taken their store and created an even better website that is coveted by style mavens around the world. The trendsetters behind the computer at shopbop.com never cease to amaze dedicated shoppers with daily updates of new merchandise from all the hottest brands of the moment. When I say all, I mean it. You can find the latest from Juicy Couture, True Religion, Susana Monaco, and Rebecca Taylor to the most up-and-coming styles from Paige Premium Denim and LaROK. The brands on this site will cost you a pretty penny. However, you are guaranteed a great steal from the sale page - a key for those of us on a budget and without a trust fund.

Don’t mistake Junkinourtrunk.com with its name. The custom-designed jewelry, handbags, knitwear and accessories are far from anything relating to junk. The Ruthie agate pendant necklace, a double-stranded vintage piece with Japanese and glass beads, is a trendy addition to your jewelry collection. The vintage tees are my favorite and come in all different varieties. All you need to add is one of the long scarves, and your inner hippie will emerge.

Online shopping can become addicting. I know. But remember, this doesn’t have to end in cut up credit cards. Window-shopping online is possible and a great way to see the latest trends without leaving the comforts of your home. It also may even save you a little money that would otherwise go to fashion magazines whose future only lies in the garbage can. Instead of throwing your money away, take some time out to shop the net and you will instantly become fashion forward and consumer savvy.

Hot New Thing: Principessabeauty.com

Ciao Principessas! You know you love anything that is beautiful and all the good things in life. Indulge in the sweet luxury of Principessa beauty products and let your inner beautyholic come out. The Dolce Dreams Whipped Body Lotion will soften and smooth your body leaving your skin kissably silky. Girly girls learn what your favorite color means and check out all the pink facts this site has to offer.