Alexander McQueen – Beautifully Invisible™

Raquel Zimmermann for Alexander McQueen, Fall/Winter 2011 by David Sims

Beautifully Invisible — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:51:21 +0000

(Right Click the image above and de-select “play” to pause the Campaign Animation)

Dramatic. Intense. Fanciful. Edgy. Ethereal. Magnificent. Breathtaking.

Raquel Zimmermann stars in the unforgettable Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2011 Ad Campaign photographed by David Sims. The images – stunning artwork in their own right – are a beautiful accompaniment to Sarah Burton’s dramatic designs. Noted stylist Camilla Nickerson worked with Zimmerman and Sims and created a world that is pure Alexander McQueen.

All images courtesy of McQueen Facebook Page

So, what do you think of the campaign? Love it? Hate it? Indifferent? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Ad Campaign Details:
Photographer: David Sims
Stylist: Camilla Nickerson
Hair: Guido Palau
Makeup: Lucia Pieroni

All images courtesy of McQueen Facebook Page. Animated gif via Alexander McQueen website.

Whatever Wednesday: Vegas Blogger Meetup, Alexander McQueen, Chanel’s Paris-Byzance and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:45:11 +0000

Street Style by Polka Dot vs. Elle Spain Copyright Infringement

I just wanted to thank everyone who either read this post here or this one on Jill’s blog and supported her. As of last night, ELLE Spain finally did take down the blog post in which 4 of Jill’s photos had been used without her permission. However, Jill has yet to receive an apology from ELLE Spain or the blogger, Carmen Bejerano, who had used the photos. Keep showing your support and hopefully a much-deserved apology will be forthcoming.

March 11 – 13, 2011: Style Nation Blogger Meetup in Las Vegas!

If you are subscribed to the blog via an RSS Reader or service like Bloglovin‘, you may not have seen the new Badge on the right side of the site home page. Here’s the dish: Beverly of Style Underdog and Vahni of Grit and Glamour are coordinating a Blogger Meetup in the exciting city of “what happens there, stays there” Vegas! There is a good chance that even I may forego my anonymity (at least partially) and attend this one! Click below for more details:

Image via grit and glamour

Assuming I go (which I am assuming), I’d love to see you there!

Buy a Little Woolf and Help Sister Wolf

I wasn’t familiar with blogger Sister Wolf until I read about this fundraiser on Wendy Brandes’ blog yesterday. I spent some time reading Sisiter Wolf’s blog yesterday and found myself inspired by her strength and resilience. This remarkable woman endured a devastating loss earlier this year, and is now struggling with a roof that is on its last legs.

Wendy, together with Queens Marie and Michelle of Kingdom of Style and Kate of Make Do Style are all working together to try and raise some funds for Sister Wolf. Wendy has offered the proceeds of sales of her Little Woolf necklace in silver. For every Woolf sold for $50, $35 will go to Sister Wolf.

During this season of giving, think about purchasing one for yourself or as a gift! Click below to be taken directly to the product page.

Click to buy a Little Woolf (Image via Wendy Brandes)

Nick Knight honors Alexander McQueen with Haunting Video

This beautiful video was filmed by famed photographer and videographer Nick Knight. The clip was presented during the British Fashion Awards, where Alexander McQueen was honored with a posthumous award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. According to The Cut: “the clip is set to a soundtrack by Björk and features McQueen’s most iconic pieces, styled by Edward Enninful and worn by black models only.”

The video allowed the pieces to be modeled one last time before they are moved to the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in preparation for a Spring exhibition of Alexander McQueen’s work.

What do you think?

The New Face of Chanel Handbags: Blake Lively

Does Chanel normally have a “face” specifically for their handbag campaigns? Is it wrong that I didn’t realize that? I mean, ask me who the latest face of Chanel Fragrances is and I can tell you with no problem. I somehow missed this one. According to E! Online, however, it looks like Blake Lively has landed this coveted gig for the new year. A source tells Marc Malkin that:

“The Gossip Girl beauty will star in a new ad campaign for Chanel. I’m told she was just in Paris shooting for the French fashion house’s handbag collection. The ads should launch early next year…”

What do you think of Lively representing Chanel? She certainly seems to have won the heart of Anna Wintour (and has 1, 2, 3 Vogue covers to prove it), so why not Karl Lagerfeld as well?

Chanel Pre-Fall 2011 Paris-Byzance Collection Preview

Chanel’s Pre-Fall Métiers d’Art Collection, Paris-Byzance, is inspired by the Byzantine Empire. It is full of muted colors, rich ornamentation and striking silhouettes. The designs are stunning and decidedly regal, but they also have just a touch of edginess to them. I think it’s one of my favorite Chanel collections in some time. You can check out images from the showing here, but I personally adore these preview shots which were shot by Karl Lagerfeld himself.

Image via Vogue Paris

What do you think of the collection? Any other Pre-Fall lines catch your attention?

Harper’s Bazaar UK: Emily Blunt in Tom Ford

I know what you are thinking. Tom Ford. Again. I can’t help it. I shared these images on twitter and facebook a week or so ago, but I had to make sure you had all seen them. Check out this beautiful blue dress that Emily Blunt is wearing on the cover of the January 2011 Harper’s Bazaar UK.

Image via celebitchy

Karen Elson wore it in the December issue of US Vogue, but here you can see the detail of the dress even better. Tell that that color isn’t one of the most striking blues you’ve ever seen. Tell me the dress isn’t perfection. Kill me now.

Image via celebitchy

To check out the rest of the Tom Ford goodies in the issue, click here.

Photography I Love:

Finally, I’ve been so busy talking about Tom Ford this and Tom Ford that lately that I neglected to mention these absolutely beautiful images. These are from various photoshoots that caught my attention. Click on the image to view more of each.

Alison Arboux for Kurv Magazine. Photographer: Jonathan Segade (Image via Zombie and Candy)

Alexandra Carl in Creature. Photographer: Damon Baker (Image via Zombie and Candy)

Maryna Linchuk for Vogue Turkey December 2010. Photographer: Ellen von Unwerth (Image via Zombie and Candy)

Kirsten Dunst for F/W 2010 Lula Magazine. Photographer: Autumn de Wilde. Rodarte's Laura and Kate Mulleavy guest-edited the issue. (Image via fashionologie)

Have any editorials caught your eye lately?

What else is on your mind this Whatever Wednesday?

Me Wants It: Behnaz Sarafpour, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Dolce Vita and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:50:27 +0000

It’s been 12 days now that we haven’t had heat in the house. Our furnace is under warranty (which apparently means slow service), and we are waiting on one part to be delivered before they can fix it. They swear it will be here by Thursday at the latest, but we’ll see. It’s being delivered to Cleveland from Texas. Via turtle express, apparently. Anyway – the no heat situation isn’t helping me get over my cold at all, so I am still a bit slow in the posting department.

I spent some time this morning doing some window shopping, which always warms the soul! Keep reading to learn more about the pieces that stood out.

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I don’t own any velvet clothing. I know it’s becoming more popular again, especially around the holidays, but I haven’t seen much in the way of velvet that has captivated me. This Azzaro mini-dress could potentially change that. The front is rather tame – but the back! Wow.

Azzaro V-back velvet minidress @net-a-porter

My go-to leather jacket is a black Michael Kors that I’ve owned for a few years now. It’s simple, the leather is amazingly soft, and I absolutely adore it. The quilting on this jacket by Maje caught has caught my eye though. I love the texture it creates.

Maje Leather Jacket @net-a-porter

I love dresses that have a greco-roman feel to them, and this pleated one-shoulder mini by Behnaz Sarafpour is just that. The gold color is festive, but not overwhelming (I just can’t do the gold lame look!). I’d love to wear this to a holiday party! Or a hot date (one of which I hope to have soon!)

Behnaz Sarafpur minidress @Saks Fifth Avenue

I can’t remember if I’ve mentioned this before, but I have been coveting a sequin sweater or cardigan for what seems like ages now. Ann Taylor LOFT had an adorable cardi last year that I missed out on, and ever since then I have been lamenting that fact. This DKNY sweater is even cuter and can be dressed up or down.

DKNY Dolman Sleeve Sweater @shopbop

Now, on to my favorite part – the accessories!

I always, always love Lanvin jewelry. This diamanté and glass-embellished brass ring is just lovely. The stone is in one of my favorite colors, and it makes quite a statement.

Lanvin ring @net-a-porter

In the past few months I have developed a fondness for watches in rosegold, but usually the ones I love are out of my price range. This rose gold-plated stainless steel watch by Michael Kors is affordable and, although only plated, fits the bill nicely!

Michael Kors Watch @net-a-porter

I love the contrast of the suede and black cutouts in this Dior bootie. Perfect.

Dior Eclipse Peep-Toe Boots @Saks Fifth Avenue

This Hayward pump by Dolce Vita has an interesting half wedge/half heel thing going on. I like. A lot.

Hayword Pumps by Dolce Vita @Solestruck

Finally, these Alexander McQueen engraved boots truthfully aren’t my cup of tea, but wow – look at that detail! i would love to wear them just once.

Alexander McQueen floral engraved leather boots @net-a-porter

Have you done any shopping lately? What has caught your eye?

Whatever Wednesday: Men’s Shapewear, Crystal Renn, Alexander McQueen, and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:59:51 +0000

Crystal Renn for Chanel Spring/Summer 2011

Even though I have mixed feelings about this editorial, and question her reasoning behind doing it, I still have a soft spot for Crystal Renn. Here are a few shots of her walking the runway at Chanel’s S/S 2011 show. Check out the detail on the accessories and shoes.

Also – I want these earrings. Bad.

All images via Ford Models Blog

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011

You’ve probably already seen the stunning images from the S/S 2011 Alexander McQueen show. Although she stayed away from McQueen’s usual-theatric style, Creative Director Sarah Burton did a phenomenal job bringing the latest designs to the runway – I think McQueen would be proud! I love this video because seeing the pieces move with the models brings a whole new life to them.

I was also fascinated by the hair on the McQueen runway. Love it!

Love the checkerboard hair. (Image courtesy of British Vogue)

What have your favorite shows been so far?

Three Problems that Make Me Leave Your Blog in Three Seconds

In case you haven’t read this yet, here are three great tips for every blogger, via problogger. Check it out here.

The latest in men’s shapewear…

Since we have shape-enhancing underwear for women, it is only fair that the same option be available for men. Right? According to the Huffington Post, British Department Store Marks & Spencer has come out with a line of “bum lift” and “frontal enhancement” underwear that will hit shelves October 15.

I know a lover might feel “disappointed” when they first – ahem – remove a cup-enhancing brassiere. Personally, though, I think the “frontal enhancement” underwear will lead to much greater disappointment! What do you think? Is this taking shapewear too far, or is it just fair?

Left to right: Real, frontal-enhanced, bum-enhanced. I'd be disappointed when that middle pair came off... just sayin'

Christina Ricci for BlackBook Magazine, October 2010

This stunning image was taken by photographer Yu Tsai for BlackBook Magazine. Click on the photo to see the rest of the shoot.

Christina Ricci for Blackbook Magazine, October 2010 (via fashionising.com)

Me Wants It

I haven’t had much time to blog this week, so I wasn’t able to post the usual lust list on Monday. Instead, here are a couple of items I am currently coveting:

Diane von Furstenberg, Noelle silk-paneled dress.

Miu Miu dusty-pink suede strappy sandals.

What is on your mind this Whatever Wednesday?

Me Wants It: Valerie Mayen, McQueen, Choo and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Did you know that Cleveland, OH holds its own Fashion Week every May?

Or that three Ohioans competed in Season 5 of Project Runway?

Or that Seasons 3, 6 and 7 also each had one contestant from the state?

Or that at least ten different Ohio schools offer degrees in Fashion Design?

Most people don’t think “fashion” when they think of Cleveland, yet fashion is an important facet of the city.

Project Runway kicked off it’s 8th Season last week. During the premiere episode we were introduced to another local contestant: Valerie Mayen. Although she’s been sworn to secrecy regarding the show, the local buzz is that she may be among the final contestants competing for top prize.

Valerie’s designs, and her shop Yellowcake, are well known amongst Clevelanders who do follow fashion. This weeks edition of “Me Wants It” includes two coats from her etsy shop that would be perfect for those chilly Cleveland days that are around the corner.

I love the name of this Valerie Mayen coat: The Blue Kangaroo. How cute is that, and how great is the color?

This white Valerie Mayen coat is also just as lust-worthy. Great shape, excellent-looking construction. I don’t know which coat I like more.

This military-inspired Jack by BB Dakota coat is not as luxe as Mayen’s pieces, but it is still on trend.

Moving on to footwear, first up are these Frye Over the Knee Boots in distressed, pebbled leather. I can’t decide between smoke and black. Which do you prefer?

Then we have these Jimmy Choo suede ankle boots. I love this take on shearling – very glamorous.

Saks Fifth Avenue NYC recently announced that it would begin carrying some designs in size 14 (and up) in (extremely) limited numbers. In the meantime, I can pretend the two dresses come in my size.

I love the exposed lining and frayed wool in this Alexander McQueen’s distressed pencil dress.

There is a definite vintage feel to this printed silk dress by Erdem. All it needs is a pen necklace like the one Joan wears on Mad Men!

My weekly bag pick is this Sara Berman studded slouch bag. Check out the different sizes of the studs on the bottom of the bag. It’s a softer look than the studded bags of the past few seasons.

Finally we have this simple necklace by Gorjana. I’m a huge fan of her line, and this piece is no exception.

What are you coveting? What Fall trends are you most excited about?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter, Etsy, shopbop, and ModCloth

Size 14 Is Not Fat Either… It’s Invisible

Beautifully Invisible — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Blogging is a new thing for me. I am learning as I go, and have just started to tell a few of my closer friends that I am doing it.

As you can probably tell, I am trying to keep my blog fairly anonymous. That may change down the line somewhere, but the main reason for that is my identity. My parents are both European, and although I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, I have a very unique name as a result. Chances are, if you Google my name, you’ll find me. Heck, if you were to Google my first name with some key words, you’d find me. So anonymous it is!

The few friends that are aware I have a blog have asked what the name, Beautifully Invisible, means.

When I started this process selecting a name was actually one of the toughest things for me.

I wanted something that would reflect the content of the blog, but also reflect me, as a person. The name came to me one evening as I was exploring a few sample sale sites. It seemed like every time I clicked on a skirt, pair of jeans, or dress I was interested in, the sizes stopped at 10.

Me? I am a pretty consistent size 14 with the occasional 12 thrown in.

At my smallest, I was a 9/10 and that was back in my college days. And I thought I was big back then.

Today I am confident in myself and who I am. Could I stand to lose some weight? Yes. But I regularly work out and eat healthy, and it isn’t happening. I’ve grown to accept the 14 I am now. I know I am nice-looking, and being a size 14 doesn’t take away from that. In fact, I am a curvy size 14, and I think that just adds to my looks if anything. If I lose weight down the road, I won’t complain, but I am happy in the skin I am in. Usually.

I haven’t read this novel, but I love the title!

Back to the title of this blog. So there I was, trying to spend my money on some gorgeous new clothes with no luck because of my measurements.

The same thing has happened to me while checking out certain pieces on shopbop, net-a-porter, intermix and countless other sites.

The same thing happens when I walk into certain bricks and mortar stores (especially boutiques!).

I am out-sized of so much of the great, fashionable clothing I love.

To make matters worse, there are some great sites out there for plus-sized woman, but my measurements are generally too small for the items they sell. Seriously?

So here I am, your average American size 14 wannabe-fashionista, and I can’t wear half the things I love and lust over.

I love you Alexander McQueen Cashmere and Silk-Blend Sweater Dress

I am completely invisible. How does that happen? Is this only my imagination?

I started doing some research online and came across a great Los Angeles Times piece by Emili Vesilind that addresses this every issue: “Fashion’s Invisible Woman.”

Turns out it’s not my imagination after all.

This quote is from the LA Times piece:

“ When Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, who spent most of his adult life battling a serious weight problem, created a capsule collection for H&M in 2004, the newly svelte designer was incensed that the retailer manufactured the collection in larger sizes. “What I designed was fashion for slender and slim people,” he said. And in an interview in the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar, he sniffed, “The body has to be impeccable . . . if it’s not, buy small sizes and less food.”

This, my friends, seems to be the philosophy that too many of the designers out there follow today.

Yes, there are designers out there who DO have lines for us “bigger” girls. But not enough.

Yes, there are non-high fashion brands I absolutely adore out there that sell size 14s.

Like H&M and Ann Taylor Loft for instance. But make sure you buy what you want ASAP because that size 14 will be out of stock very quickly.

I love shopping at Nordstrom, but I am usually sized out of items in their high-fashion Savvy Department.

There are some great boutiques in the Cleveland-area as well, like Banyan Tree, but again, I am often sized out of clothing because the designer simply doesn’t make the item in my size.

There are so many blogs out there that I admire, and blogger’s whose style I admire, but sometimes I am too afraid to even try to buy from a new source because of the sheer possibility I will be disappointed.

So I stick to what I know works. And I have mile-long lists of things I want to buy but can’t because I am invisible.

Guess I’ll have to stick to spending my hard-earned cash on accessories and shoes!

I love you Proenza Schouler PS1 medium leather satchel.

I love you Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Suede Sandals.

(All images either from google images or net-a-porter)