Why We Love Rachel!

It seems like almost all of our recent UCSD Best Dressed ladies have professed their love for the darling Rachel Bilson and her signature style. And anyone can see why. It doesn't matter if she is photographed running to grab some groceries or if she is strutting down the red carpet, Ms. Bilson knows how to dress. Her style is classic, yet eclectic, casual, but undeniably chic. So how does one get her look? It's easier than you think...

For starters, you'll need an awesome pair of Raybans. Rachel is almost never seen without them, and she changes it up between the classic Rayban style and aviators. Just find a shape that is best for your features and don't pick anything too narrow or too wide for your face. Luckily, the folks at Rayban realize that all heads are not created equal, and make their signature sunnies is different sizes now. Yippee!

A great pair of jeans or shorts is also a must. Go for a skinny or straight leg style. This pair of Hudson's will quickly become a favorite in your wardrobe because of the super-soft denim and rich color.

Next, find a flowy blouse. It doesn't matter what color you choose, but Rachel usually sticks to neutral tones like cream's and toupe's. This one from Urban Outfitters is simple enough, but them hemline gives it a touch of pizzaz. Don't pick one with too much design or embellishment, becuase the one thing Ms. Bilson knows how to do best is accessorize.

It's time for shoes! Depending on the weather, you can rock some great looking boots or booties. These slouchy ones from Steve Madden are adorable. If it's warmer outside, try some gladiator sandals or sky high platforms (only if you can walk in them). Nude peep-toes like these will look great.

Now, technically you could call your outfit quits here and look presentable. However, you would not be doing yourself or Rachel's style justice. The biggest thing that makes her style so great is her ability to accessorize. Now is your chance to have fun and make yourself stand out from the crowd. Rachel loves scaves, no matter the weather. This one from Express can be worn easily through spring and summer. If you aren't a fan of scarves, try a stranded necklace instead.

Now, the last thing you need to do is throw on a cardigan or leather jacket, tousel your hair, and you are ready to strut your stuff out the door. See? That wasn't too bad.

Summer Fashion Brought to Light

Summer has finally hit San Diego this August week, and as you can see, these girls are are ready for it. I spy flip flops, retro sunglasses, cardigans, designer bags, and a feminine fedora.

The sun is out, the sky is blue, it's beautiful ...and so are they!

trend watching,
Bridgétt
TREND Staff Writer

New York City - "IT BAG"

Longchamp est. 1948, a French brand that hasn't seem to have made it's mark in Southern California just yet. The brand first landed in the U.S. in 1999, Madison Avenue NY (of course). In lower Manhattan SoHo lies "La Maison Unique Longchamp", beholding a beautifully designed interior as pictured above. Throughout the streets of NYC, many young ladies trotted around in a Longchamp "Le Pliage". This "IT BAG" seems to be worn mainly by college-aged women. The price, design, and size for these nylon/leather babies are, to my amusement, quite practical. Not only are they spacious and durable, they can also be folded into a compact size with a snap-on when not in use. The designer "Le Pliage" handbags range from $80-$155, no wonder it's flooded in the streets of NYC! "SAN DIEGO, HERE WE COME!"


XOXO,

Addie <3
TREND Staff Stylist

New York City - Street Fashion

Fashion in New York this summer consists plenty of florals, gladiator sandals, messenger bags, crossover bags, and fedoras. With the blazing east-coast heat, it's no wonder everybody dresses in loose fitted clothing, in hopes of catching a store front or subway breeze! The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, is on the run 24/7. You'll find New Yorkers scurrying their way around town at all hours, day and night. Unlike Californians and our fast cars, they have fast legs. Many New Yorkers run the town by taking the widely used subway stations, costing $8.25 for a day pass; or, like our Sex and the City fashionista idols, take the taxi. Which is why being equipped with travel friendly outfits is a must! It's not a surprise that many city gals are sporting messenger bags and crossovers for their convenience and style. Gladiator sandals are securely strapped onto your feet, which makes being on-the-go a lot easier. You'll be surprised, every girl in SoHo flaunts a different pair. Gotta LOVE New York City, fashion and function!



XOXO,

Addie <3

WELCOME TO ADD AND BLAH TANGENT...

WELCOME TO ADD

Again with Berlin-related talent enlightenment... Maak, our occasional German tenant of the dog-bed ( aka guest mattress- dog doesn't exist) in our attic, has brought this label to light.

I am loving the SS09 colour palette of this colleciton by ADD its really-

"My parents have this incredible remote italian island style, and it wore off me me, kind of like how the colour slightly bleached out my vibrant clashing threads.."

Love the word threads

I SAY, LET IT HANG LOOSE AS A CHICKENS THROAT! ( natural fibers I mean) and then lightly charcoal some circles around your eyes for that philosophical wandering minds eye. Im loving the model, I think he really looks like he's got a lot going on.. like there is a hugely important question he's grappling with, but the breezy arrival of springtime distractions has warmed his chest and presented him with a tea break.

THE ANALYTICAL TREND

- STYLE & STANCE

Why don't people ever talk about the fashions of physical expression? I mean I waste alot of time blanketing-on ideal of what people are like from their facial expressions for fun, and assume I must be really accurate (just because i put the effort? yeah, cocky! ), but maybe they have subconsciously mastered the art of physical style- the movement of style- honing the body to communicate a suggestion of valuable emotional/mental content via the refinement of suggestive movement (suggestive of a particular characterful substance). over the years the great style icons have defined themselves by how they hold themselves in their dress- all these facehunter-esque online picture-books are providing everyone with the perfect opportunity to ponder exactly this about people... we are all acting all the time right- but are we going to be more conscious of it as a result of this analytical trend?

PLUGHOLE IDEA 2:

CALVIN KLEIN BASIC WHITE STUFF

It would be amazing for Calvin Klein to relaunch their white t-shirt ( a la the boom of Calvin Klein diffusion of the 90's) using people of incredible individual objects ual personal stance and just leaving them in a completely all-white house full of all white objects (just normal) and make a campaign out of the documentation of their movement. A Simple and a almost grotesquely contrived way of re-marketing the Calvin klein basic as something which your wear but never wears you... which I think is RELEVANT TO OUR TIMES

I dont think it would be just another 90's fad revival because now is the time where people are thinking they dont want any more stuff, they can appreciate it- but what they need cant be sold to them as easily- not physically sold... I meant they will celebrate it.. mmm thats nice an all, but they know what they are going to wear- the authorship of this decision is stronger than it ever has been before... well in a way i hope I am write about this (not because i have a death wish of a business plan for TOUR DE FORCE , but because labels may be able to move towards a less season-driven production line- where the commercial expectations are less dissimilar to present art works via exhibition- isn't the pop-up shop an equivalent?).

Better do some work yeah..?

THE WIDOW HAT

DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA
Perhaps its just me but i really love that age-old advert for Scottish widow insurance (bear with me) with the super mysterious-looking woman wooshing around randomly in a cape- it was a seriously good look- so when i saw that Austrian mllinary designer Molly Yestadt had created a similar and equally dramatic headpeice-

Generally i think Austrian people have special magic in their genes-not on the von trap family legacy alone...

Austrian womenswear designer Anna Aichinger's 'Showreel Collection' for AW08/09 Collection
is full of BLACK tones and confidence.. again i am drawn to the twinkling sequin lightshow like a queen to drag, but somehow the seriousness of her collection makes it look so wearable i am thinking DAYWEAR for the mildly confident?