Posts by Melissa Ann (Fashion Journalist)
IS A PAPER CROWN BETTER THAN THE REAL THING?

LAUREN CONRAD
PAPER CROWN COLLECTIONWith MTV recently dropping the reality show star, Lauren Conrad from the radar, many questions arose about whether or not the publicity would be positive towards her upcoming Fall 2011 line called Paper Crown.  The author, reality tvstar, and fashion designer's new reality show was let go from MTV because it was considered too stuck up for the company's liking.  However, it was meant to be somewhat of a "The September Issue" attempt at showing the step by step process Conrad took to create the new label. Interestingly enough, Conrad had no problem saying this statement about MTV's decision: "we delivered the show that we sold and are sorry MTV didn't feel their viewers were savvy enough to appreciate it." (Thompson, USA TODAY)  With that being said, I couldn't agree more.  MTV viewers are generally that of a different direction than Lauren is trying to target with her new collection. Conrad is growing up, and with her first line taking a deep plunge while she was still on the hit television show, The Hills, her choice to say too-da-loo to the show is a positive one for her career.

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WHERE THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY. SAVING JAPAN ONE SHOPPER AT A TIME

Stunned by the tremendous amount of devastation to their country, the Japanese are showing true signs of desperation.  With more than 8,199 deaths recorded, the toll is rising as more than 13,000 people are listed as missing persons. After being hit by a 9.0 Earthquake, Japan was shocked by a Tsunami shortly after on March 11, 2011.  While there are search and rescue efforts that have been reoccuring since the date of this natural disaster, there is still much need for help.  

While this seems to be a world away from the United States, and half a world away from some of us, there are still many ways in which we can help.  Of course, leave it to the big hearted souls of the Fashion industry to think of charitable ways to offer Japan signs of compassion; the fashionable way

In the wake of disaster in Japan, these designers have found a way to contribute both in charity, and to your closet in a way that can be philanthropic and fashionable. 

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CONJURING UP THE LATEST TREASURES: DISNEY COUTURE

WALT DISNEY'S ALICE IN WONDERLANDAs a young girl, fairy tales held a special place in my heart for so many years.  More specifically, Disney stories left an imprint on my heart that I could never erase.  In continuing this tradition, I never wanted to let go of the idea that princesses are real, people fall in love, and somehow animals could talk.  

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THE ACADEMY AWARDS: HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR TO THE MAX

OSCAR STATUETTE"The Oscars," or shall we say, The Academy Awards have been a significant honor within the movie making business since May 16, 1929.  First held as a brunch at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a smallJUSTIN TIMBERLAKE IN TOM FORD OSCARS crowd of 270 people gathered to watch the first 15 Oscar Statues be given to the most successful directors, actors, writers, including all of those involved in the creation process of a motion picture. "An Academy Award is rewarded by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)... to pay recognition to the excellence of professionals in the film industry."  

Being that this is the oldest award ceremony present in the media, the Oscars have come a long way since 1929 and today marks the 83rd Annual Academy Award Ceremony.  The ceremony continues to bring forth the most anticipated honors to those who produce nothing short of fantastic films.  While these honors are important to recognize, so is the class and professionalism that these people bring with them.  

ANNE HATHAWAY IN OSCAR DE LA RENTA OSCARSTonight, the red carpet at the Kodak Theatre was flooded with a sea of color and a plethora of fabrics and designs.  Hollywood's elite dressed up for this prestigious occasion by wearing all of the most coveted designers' gowns and tux's.  

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THE NARY MANIVONG INSPIRATION PRESENT AT MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK

Tomorrow marks the initial day of the most anticipated fashion tradition of season:  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  Fashion Week in February is “ New York City’s single largest media event.”  During this week, Manhattan’s elite, among others, join together to watch the artistic display of the future in couture.  Recently relocated to the Lincoln Center, Damrosche Park will be flooded with the fashion industry’s highly coveted styles, long legged models, hair and make up artists, sleep deprived designers, and nothing less then a frenzy of media coverage.  

NARY MANIVONG SPRING 2011 COLLECTION

With all of this excitement buzzing around the event, it is easy to get caught up in all of the high profile designers’ news, and opinions.  One highly anticipated designer at Fashion Week struck my fancy with his

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