Shop + Support Japan

I don't need to explain to you guys about what happened in Japan. It was a horrific event and many of those affected by the tsunami, earthquake, and nuclear reactor panic need help and support during this time. I'm half Japanese and this event was really close to my heart and so today's post is dedicated to ways YOU, as my readers, can help out.

Rebecca Minkoff

$100 of every sale of select red Rebeccca Minkoff bags will go directly to the Red Cross to provide the Japanese people with medical care, food, and shelter for those who have been displaced by any of the disasters mentioned above. Click here to make a difference and know that your purchase is appreciated.

Tory Burch

100% of the net proceeds of every Japan Relief T-shirt sold through September 15, 2011, will go to the American Red Cross to benefit the Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami relief efforts. At the moment that I'm writing this, the tee is only available for pre-order here. It will cost $30 but your money goes towards a great cause and standard shipping is free.

Check out this Ralph Lauren limited edition polo or this Anna Sui limited edition tee where 100% of proceeds are donated to relief efforts. Opening Ceremony has also donated its time and resources to create a tee where 100% of the proceeds goes towards tsunami/earthquake relief. If you want to make a direct donation, click here to get directed to the American Red Cross website. Please make a donation if you can and if you are unable please help spread the word through facebook or twitter.

Photos courtesy of toryburch.com and shopstyle.com

Diane von Furstenberg and Friends

Diane von Furstenberg is a woman with lots of connections. Recently I became intrigued by the idea of designers in their off-time. Who do they socialize with? What do they wear? I decided to explore the possibilites in a mini-series of blogs. I hope you enjoy.

Diane von Furstenberg with Jay Fielden and tennis star, Roger Federer [left]. Diane von Fursternberg with Vera Wang [right].

Diane von Furstenberg with Carol Hamilton and Anna Wintour [left]. Diane von Furstenberg with Candy Pratts Price with Barbara Walters [right].

Diane von Furstenberg with Michelle Trachtenberg [left]. Diane von Furstenberg with Ralph Lauren, Ricky Lauren, Donna Karan, and Valentino Garavani [right].

Thank you for reading. I hope that you liked what you saw and decided to follow me through bloglovin' or GFF [links to the right]. And please don't forget to check out my second blog. I try to post three times a week. I'll see you tomorrow!

Photos courtesy of style.com

How To: Wear Floral for Spring

Spring is upon us! And now, more than ever, is it time to bust out the floral in our wardrobes. But how to look feminine without looking like you were just picked out of you Grandma's garden? It isn't as complicated as it sounds. Trust me.

Keira Knightley in Chanel Haute Couture [left] and Leighton Meester in Vionnet [right].

If flowers seem a bit intimidating, don't force it. Keep it subtle like Keira Knightley who only went for a delicate floral detail on the neckline. The otherwise minimalistic cut of the dress is enhanced my this small, but powerful detail. If you're a little bolder, try a dress with floral accents rather than the entire print. Leighton's dress is cute with the bold flowers that add color and interest to her grey mini. She is ready for spring!

Reese Witherspoon in a floral top and navy jeans [left] Freida Pinto in a sheer blouse and camel skirt [right].

Floral shirts seems like the most practical option to insert a bit of spring into your wardrobe. As shown by Reese and Freida, it works for both casual and more formal events. Plus, floral doesn't mean that it has to be obvious that there is a rose plastered to your chest. Keep the print simple and subtle like these lovely ladies. Flowers are delicate and pretty by nature. Just remember that and you'll be fine.  

Joy Bryant in Ralph Lauren [left] and Alexis Bledel in Stella McCartney [right].

Styling dresses is a slighter harder obstacle. First option. You could use juxtaposition to maximize the effect. Joy mixed western pieces with her floral dress to make it more fashion and less flower girl. Another option would be to mix floral pieces with leather or edgier accessories to give it a bit more girt--more edge. Or go in the completely opposite direction and be bold. Embrace the floral. Alexis looks stunning in this Stella McCartney piece. Amp the look up with bright, but minimal, accessories and it will be divine. 

Thank you for reading. If you want more updates on Viva La Fashion, follow me through Bloglovin' or GFF! [links to the right] And please check out my personal blog. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye! 

Photos courtesy of instyle.com

Emma Watson: Life at Brown University

Emma Watson graced the cover of Marie Claire. Despite the blogger scandal that rocked day-time television [a blogger said that watching Mike and Molly disgusted her because they were obese], I was glad that they featured Emma Watson. She is so classy and smart and not to mention a style icon.

"My last day was pretty emotional. It was sad; it's the end of an era. What an amazing learning experience! I gave everything I could to that role, and I got so much from it." Emma Watson in a Vera Wang jacket, Ohne titel tights, Burberry shoes, and assorted jewelry [left]. Emma Watson in Fendi dress, Camilla and Marc bodysuit, Sass and Bide embellished vest, and Christian Louboutin shoes [right].  

"I'm glad I saw [the Harry Potter franchise] through to the end; I played that character from the start, and I wanted to finish what I started. It felt very satisfying that I had completed Hermione's journey." Emma Watson in J. Mendel vest, Ralph Lauren Blue Label pants, Lulu Frost bib necklace, Aandre Neen bracelet, and Fenton pendant necklace [right]. Emma in Burberry Prorsum jacket, top and Minnie Mortimer shorts [left].

"I've wanted to [cut my hair] since I was about 16...It's very short; it was buzzed at the back and on the sides. And it's really liberating that I can walk out without thinking about it." Emma Watson in Helmut Lang top, Marc Jacobs panty, Jimmy Choo shoes, and assorted bangles.

"I threw my 20th birthday party at Brown, and I didn't even have to say to anyone not to put pictures on Facebook. Not a single picture went up. That was when I knew I'd found a solid group of friends, and I felt like I belonged." Emma Watson in a DKNY top, Alexander Wang leggings, J. Mendel Vest, and assorted jewelry [left].

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 I got an email from a young girl and she asked me if I could periodically update you guys about the books that I'm reading. I used to do that a lot but I've been slacking. Partially because I've been slacking on reading. I normally try to read a book a week but sometimes that doesn't happen.

 

Well, right now I'm reading True Compass by Edward "Ted" Kennedy. He passed away recently and I just find the entire Kennedy family fascinating. JFK and Jackie O. Iconic family and Ted's memoir gives a little insight on this private family.