Nick Verreos was a fan favorite on the hit reality show ‘Project Runway.’ What’s he been up to since Heidi Klum said auf Wiedersehen? Maggie Rodriguez reports.

Spring 2009 runway footage from the show

So extremely sad were the news of Alexander McQueen.. how  can someone so  talented and inspiring be driven to end his own life? ( He was found dead in his home on Feb. 11th) His interesting and unique expressions  awed us all season after season. One thing for sure, he will be missed greatly.  Fortunately, to all of our anticipation we now know that the label shall continue spreading joy to the fashionistas around world! We can expect to see the collection hit the runways in March just as scheduled, that is what Lee Alexander McQueen would have wanted after all…to see his dreams thrive.

Neutrals are great for any season, and carry over nicely, which makes them a must-have for any wardrobe. The key is making it work for you.

Some people prefer neutrals in navy, while others prefer black, or go for both and mix and match (once a don’t, it’s now a do). Also, think of the range of greys offered: ash to charcoal, heathered to solid. When it comes to browns and taupes- compliment your skin tone. Contrast is good- if you have fair skin, go for darker browns and tans to keep from looking washed out, where as if your skin is darker, you can totally rock the lighter shades (like Celeste on our site today… needless to say, I’m jealous… I, personally, would look washed out in that top).

I tend to stock up on key pieces in neutrals, such as my camis, v-neck tees and cardigans, this way I always have what I need. Look at it like owning shoes- you need your sandal, flat, pump, stiletto and boot. You need your basics- so take what you wear a lot, and get it in neutrals. Maybe you’re a cardigan person, or maybe a crew neck sweater person. If you are a jeans and tee person, stock up on neutrals in your favorite tee. Another trick here is buying quality- it’s an investment. You can do this on any budget- J Crew, Gap and American Apparel are great for quality basics on a budget (you’re looking at under $30 for a shirt) . Looking for something to get you through only a season? Target is your savior (under $15 for a shirt). For perfect pieces to last awhile, I look to lines like James Perse, Alternative Apparel and Michael Stars ($40 to 90 for a shirt).

Neutrals allow you to play with color in your accessories, and allow you to change the look of an outfit with unlimited accessory possibilities. For instance, a white v-neck with jeans is basic for your day off- dress it up with a cocktail ring, heels and a fitted blazer, or make it friday night worthy by tucking it into a miniskirt and adding a multi-layer jeweled necklace. One basic tee, numerous trendy looks.

Bottom line: Neutrals are a must have, and can be done on any budget.

I must say, some women just do it all. And some do it all and have rock hard abs. Gwen Stefani has sold millions of albums, tried acting ( a small part in “The Aviator”, you kind of have to look for it) and of course she started her amazing clothing line L.A.M.B. in 2004. For the spring/summer season Gwen didn’t stay away from her favorite rock n’ roll inspired style. Zippers, denim and layers with fab high heels hit the runway before the signer/designer showed up herself, sporting her trademark platinum hair do.

I guess I have made it obvious that Marc Jacobs is one of my favorite designers. There are plenty of pieces that I write somehow manage to bring up Mr. Jacobs in one way or another. Well, here I go again. I am sure we are all aware of the big, fabulous and very important event happening this month.. yes, yes its the one and only New York Fashion Week. Lets just say Marc by Marc Jacobs didn’t disappoint this time, as always. ( ok maybe he sometimes gets carried away but I make excuses for him) Some might say that the over use of khaki (hey, its in right now!) was being desperate or perhaps the flat shoes with black socks that didn’t seem too couture. But I must say the use of pastel colors and the loved layering won me over right away. Mostly, I admire that he is true to his art. Its not about actresses endorsing your brand- its about real and classic designs that appeal to the modern woman. And that is why we didn’t see any celebs at his show. They weren’t invited.

For those of you who made it to the Barney’s Warehouse sale this past weekend, I envy you… a little. While I am sad I have no new Stella McCartney stilettos in my closet, I am thankful I was able to sleep in and not have to wrestle other over-caffeinated females for deeply discounted designer apparel and accessories. Too bad it’s not every weekend… or maybe it’s a good thing, for my checkbook at least…

The great thing is we bring you those designer discounts 24/7/365 (hence the 365 hangers) and there is no herding at the front door necessary. And for those who like to shop in person, a new surprise for you. For the new year, we’ve decided to offer exclusive sample sales on-site, so you can come get the pieces yourself- no need to wait for the UPS man to come! Keep your eyes peeled for more info. (hint: are we facebook friends? or when was the last time you read our tweets?)

For those of you who have been shopping, thank you. And thank you for passing the word along to your friends and family. For those of you who have been browsing, thank you as well, but what is it we’re missing? Your favorite designer? Size? Let us know. We love a discount on our favorite designers and love being able to share that with you. If we haven’t yet been able to, please let us know why! Feel free to leave a comment here, on facebook, twitter or email me at randi@365hangers.com.

xoxo

Legendary designer Alexander McQueen has passed away. Immediate circumstances surrounding his death are unknown. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Even mother nature knows how to add color to a dull day.

xoxo

PS- Thanks Sam for the photo! and for those not familiar with the area, that would be the Hollywood sign between the double rainbow…

Another rainy day in L.A.

Okay, so I can’t really complain when the everyone else is getting hit with inches (and in some places feet) of snow… The rain tends to make me want to curl up and home and never leave- some would say I’m solar powered. I’ve found that the perfect way to beat the blues (and grey) is to brighten up!

Be the one who stands out in a bright color of your choice. When I say bright, I don’t mean “I just came from an all-night rave” green or “I’m going to go hunting” orange, but something other than the usual neutrals. I’m the queen of neutrals- as you can tell from the photo, I like to use my accessories for color (and sometimes my hair). I do have my colorful must-haves though. On days like today, I pull out a great yellow cardigan to brighten my day, or an electric blue dress to rock my favorite social gathering.

Going from Winter into Spring and Summer is the perfect time to add new hues to your wardrobe- you’ll even notice the change in colors in retail stores. Pinks, purples, greens, blues- they all look great in moderation. If you’re still afraid you’ll look neon, stick to your primary and secondary color wheel- a kelly green or cherry red are always great choices.

The best part about getting designer pieces in hot hues? Other take notice. Keep the cut classic and the quality high when playing with “notice-me” colors. If the quality is lacking, others will notice that even more. That’s why we’ve pulled pieces to add to your wardrobe without taking much from your pocketbook.

What’s your favorite color to wear on a gloomy day like today? I’ll give you a hint of mine- my favorite piece from today is a certain Marc Jacobs top.

xoxo

Ok, so perhaps Lindsay Lohan and Heidi Montag wearing your stuff doesn’t necessarily give you the right rap but the brand Larok also has fans like Blake Lively and Eva Longoria who can’t resist their simple yet sexy flocks. Still just a baby company, was started in 2004 to create a line that would be a rocker/street chic addition to your already fabulous wardrobe. Vogue, Elle and Glamour are all talking about the new collections which makes us just a tad bit curious…

When I saw Jennifer Love Hewitt at the Country Music Awards ( Yes, I watch their red carpet, don’t judge me and no I don’t know what she was doing there) I had to know who made her cute white flock. Long and behold its the talented Robert Rodriguez. We already know that it was Christian Dior’s book that influenced him the most to become the fabulous couture maker of today. But did you know that every season he is inspired by the newest European fabrics? From there he creates the amazing silhouettes for every collection. Perfectly tailored designs and only top quality textiles is what makes Mr. Rodriguez one of the best up and coming designers. That is exactly why Oprah herself seeks out for the latest of this brand..

We might know that Sharon Stone is a fan- but who is Nanette Lepore, the designer so many celebrities crave? Well, she is an Ohio native who grew up traveling down Route 66. Perhaps that is why her collections are so gypsy inspired and have a strong free spirit about them. Arts are clearly an influence on Ms. Lepore’s designs. After all, not only was her father a painter but her husband as well. Today, Ava is flaunting one of her deco print dresses- very free spirited indeed..

Thanks New Zealand for giving us (or lending I guess) your best designer! We do appreciate her. So much that we put her designs in Sex and the City which was a big honor in the U.S fashion world. Carrie Bradshaw is not the only one wearing the pieces- Kate Winslet and JLo have dabbed into the collections that have our American born designers green with envy. Great talent runs in this New Zealander family- check out Rebecca’s sister Victoria Taylor who is a nationally known jewelery designer and has her own line called Tory Jewelry Company.

“I have yet to meet a woman who is not strong. They don’t exist.” –I love that quote! And what do you know, it was spoken by no other than the great Diane Von Furstenberg. She created the wrap dress…yes. She married a prince… yes. She’s fabulous…YES. Since the 70′s Ms. Furstenberg has been a symbol of freedom, a symbol for women power and individuality. Its no surprise that she has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and is currently holding the title of president of CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America)- not bad for a grandma of three…