06.01.08
POSTS COMING SOON!
Ok, so it’s been virtually forever since I wrote anything fashion related on this blog, but with school out of session and the summer here, I will write to you fashion addicts on a regular bases–and I promise this time! Check in in the next few days for some summer worthy fashion consultations from your fashion maven, moi!
Sincerely and Fashionably,
JoNae
10.06.07
Sorry, it’s been awhile…
Sorry everyone. I’ve neglected this blog because I’ve been so busy with school, and being a theatre student, constantly in shows, rehearsing, memorizing, and then still having homework to accomplish. I apologize; but in retrospect, the show I was in, Hurlyburly, got rave reviews!
I’ve gotten a lot of comments and questions about the Shoe and Handbag episode of Fashion Fanatic, and a lot of people were wondering about the feature they had about a new high-heeled shoe which combines running shoe-esque technology. Well, the designer is Cole Haan and he has teamed up with Nike to create a comfortable, durable, and fashionable heels for women. You can learn more about the technology and shoes at Cole Haan’s website .
Hope this helps and also, major department stores should carry these shoes as well. Enjoy!
08.22.07
Marchesa Mon Amour
The Marchesa Fall 2007 Collection is absolutely stunning!! I can’t even imagine what these garments look like up-close and personal. The team of British born designers, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, personify total elegance and glamor in their designs. Based of the fusing of Asian and vintage inspiration, the duo has emerged as prominent couture designers within only 3 years–which is quite an astonishing accomplishment in the design world. If you look at the designs, the draping of the fabrics are spectacular and the details of the textiles are magnificent. It’s no wonder why Marchesa has been worn and adored by various celebrities and socialites: Misha Barton, Sienna Miller, Jennifer Lopez, Lindsey Lohan, and Anne Hathaway are just a few of the many elites flocking to wear their designs on the red carpet, in public appearances, at parties, and in many magazine fashion shoots and spreads.
I had trouble picking just a few pictures to post on here, so make sure to check out their website and while you are their, sneak a peek at the Notte 07 Collection as well (it’s much more affordable!) But in the meantime, you can gawk at these designs from their couture line.
As of now in the US, Marchesa can be purchased at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorff Goodman, and Net-a-Porter.
08.21.07
God Bless Michael Kors
Sorry everyone about the lack of posts at the present moment. My laptop is getting fixed, thus I don’t have access to a computer at all times (so unfortunate, I know!) But since I do have access at the moment, I thought I’d write and say I have not forgotten you fashion addicts and leave you with a spectacular new coat by American designer Michael Kors, from his 2007 Ready To Wear Collection.
This coat features one of the more prominent styles for outerwear this season–an A-line/trapeze-esque style, with a shorter hemline falling at, or around, the knees (This makes me think back to Jackie O cira 1950/60’s). This fabulous coat features a gorgeous black and ivory houndstooth pattern with a tie-waist below the bust, stand collar, and big, black buttons down the front. Made out of 100% virgin wool, it would be a great addition to a Minnesotans winter arsenal; a shot of red cashmere or leather gloves would make the perfect accessory to fight off the frigid below zero temps.
Coat: $2,395.00
Patent Sandal: $395.00
**A pattern is a superb way to make a statement, and coats are a great avenue. If you are afraid of bright colors and flashy patterns, a houndstooth could be an excellent alternative. Its ever present timelessness can make that bold statement you wish to portray, but without being overkill, in your face. A houndstooth also renders a sophistication and elegance like none other. And, if I might add, the coat looks so adorable; it could be an outfit itself! As pictured above, the black tights and patent high-heeled sandal platform create a gorgeous silhouette worthy of my fashion praises. And who wouldn’t want to be naked under Michael Kors? But then again, in Minnesota, it might get a little cold! 
08.18.07
Fashion Fanatic
As like any Friday night, I’m glued to the TV to watch TLC’s What Not to Wear before I head out and do anything else. Yes, all my friends know that I will not go out until I have seen the latest episode of What Not to Wear. Obsessive and crazy–maybe, but was I in for a treat after the show. I was surprised to find out that Stacy London was hosting another show immediately after What Not to Wear entitled, Fashion Fanatic. And let me tell you…what a freakin’ amazing show. It focused on a women’s most inner desires and passions: shoes and handbags! The in-depth reporting about Christian Louboutin, Sergio Rossi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michel Perry, and Manolo Blahnik was mesmerizing, learning just how the handcrafting of each amazing shoes works and what goes into creating the perfect shoe. Who knew shoes consisted of so much architecture, physics, engineering, and anatomy? When all these factors are evident in a shoe, then you know it’s worth the hefty price tag! $$$
After this episode, I hope they continue to air more shows showcasing fashion designers and their masterpieces. And I know I’ve said it many times before, but Stacy London has the most amazing job ever…I’d do anything to have her job!
08.17.07
Oh, Coco!
Since I’m currently off campus for a few days here, I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from one of the most poignant 20th Century fashion designers of all time, The Ms. Coco Chanel:
“I don’t do Fashion, I am Fashion.”
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Who are you, and what is this blog about?
My name is JoNae Villeneuve, and I am 20 years old from a small town in Southwestern Minnesota. For a little background information on myself, I am a transfer Junior at Minnesota State University, Mankato as a BFA Acting student in the Theatre and Dance Department. I transferred from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in the fall of 2006, but before I transferred I spent about a half-year abroad studying in Paris, France at the American University of Paris and the Université Paris IV Sorbonne. While abroad, I studied French language and culture, with an emphasis in the arts. I have always loved fashion all through high school and into college, so while I was overseas, my passion for fashion emerged with even more vitality (Whose wouldn’t in one of the one finest fashion capitals of the world?). My respect for couture fashion at its finest manifested into endless hours of perusing the Parisian streets and checking out the latest designer clothing and accessories; with Vuitton, Dior, Louboutin, and Van Cleef and Arpels at my fingertips, I was in constant awe of the craftsmanship and endless hours of detail that went into these magnificent works of art. In addition to being immersed in amazing boutiques and haute couture houses, the men and women in Paris are some of the chicest people I have ever met! Needless to say, I was quite sad to say ‘avoir’ to Paris, and the shopping.
So yes, I admit it–I am a complete fashion addict and am constantly browsing fashion on the internet, reading blogs, fashion magazines and books, and being addicted to The Style Network and What Not to Wear all in my pursuit to keep up-to-date with the latest fashion designers and trends. There is not a day that goes by that I cannot say NO to fashion. So, since my computer’s homepage is set to Style.com, my Bookmarks folder is 98% fashion-related sites, I cannot pass a supermarket checkout line without buying at least 2-3 fashion magazines, I spend ridiculous amounts of time in shopping malls, boutiques, and vintage stores, and my parents have constantly been on my ass about saving, not spending money on clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories (haha, like that will happen), I’ve finally decided to do something with my infatuation: blog.
This blog is going to be a daily (I hope!) account on what is the fashion trends in Southwest Minnesota primarily on the campus of MNSU. It will include pictures of students, faculty, and just random people I find amusing and their fashion faux pas, and of course, those people who get my stamp of approval on style. It will also include commentary on the latest in fashion trends and designers and a section on “What I’m Wearing” and my “Wish List.” I hope to eventually add a video stream as well with yours truly giving you a play-by-play of fashion on campus.
This is just the beginning of a long journey with no destination in site…and you will be right along with me for the crazy, bumpy ride! Feel free to send me comments, ideas, and/or questions as I would love to hear what you have to say. All inquires can be sent via e-mail to: jonae.villeneuve@mnsu.edu
Sincerely and Fashionably,
JoNae
