So rumor has it that Robert Rodriguez’s mother gave him a book on Christian Dior when he was eight years old and after that he started sketching women’s clothing that would’ve put most of the designers on Project Runway to shame. Talk about your overachievers! Can you imagine this kid in second grade?

Teacher: “Class, who can give me an example of a comparison? Yes, Robert?”

Robert: “Mrs. Kunkle, how come your shoes don’t match your dress?”

Teacher: “Excuse me?”

Robert: “And yellow is really all wrong for you. It makes your fanny look like a big fat lemon and brings out the bags under your eyes.”

Teacher: “But I love yellow!” Robert: “I see you in Puce…”

I imagine little Robert spent a lot of time in detention where he continuously reminded the fashion challenged principal that bow ties went out with beehive hairdos.

But the style gods must have watching over Robert because soon he entered the Fashion Institute of Technology, where he eventually won the Critics Award for Best Designer of the Year. And why wouldn’t he? His dresses are alluringly feminine, accentuated with the latest European fabrics flowing off a woman’s body like cream poured from a china pitcher. With details like beading and ruffles a Robert Rodriguez blouse instantly upgrades your look. Pair it with jeans to do dressy-casual or wear it over black pants to project elegance. You know what I’m saying? Of course you do.

In fact, I want to hear how you dial up the wattage on an outfit. Impart your fashion wisdom on our Share Your Ideas forum. Who knows? You might just be the next Robert Rodriguez.

The other day I ran into a friend at the supermarket who was so stressed, she was popping Little Debbie Snack Cakes like vitamins. When I asked her why, she replied, “Because I left my martini shaker in the car.”

Further inquiries revealed she’d been racing around town looking for the ideal dress for her boyfriend’s induction into the Meat Cutter’s Hall of Fame. He was being honored for sculpting the original cast of A Chorus Line out of chicken wings (the skinny “forearm” parts) for the CDC’s public awareness fundraiser entitled “New this Fall: Is Swine Flu the New Bird Flu?”

“Hmm,” I pondered, “have you considered French Connection?”

“Drugs? Heavens no, any type of contraband makes me hungrier than a supermodel on holiday! And Lord knows I don’t want to wake up one day with my mother’s butt, which technically qualifies for its own area code.”

“No, I mean French Connection clothing, also cleverly known as FCUK.” I explained they’re the go-to line for fun and flirty dresses that can go from day to evening wear quicker than a contestant on Dancing With the Stars. Just add a chunky necklace or a seductively draped scarf to a FCUK dress and you’re ready for the Oscars (or the Meat Cutters Ball).

Every woman deserves at least one good FCUK piece in her closet. The trick is to find the right one. If you have a favorite, let us know. After all, my friend is still trying to figure out what one wears to a gala where the centerpieces are head busts of Napoleon carved out of Spam.

It is my first day in Phoenix. I had a good night sleep, and it is my moms birthday. I already know she wants to go shopping, so we make sure we have a good breakfast before we leave. As always, my dad is in kitchen cooking breakfast. You can’t buy a better breakfast. Eggs over easy, hashbrowns, all the bacon and sausage you can eat, and toast. As soon as I am done I jump in the shower, and pick out my multi print dress by Alice and Trixie with my blue flats. We head over to the store. My mom has a catalog in her hand with all the outfit she likes, and I just tell the salesgirl to point. My mom tries some stuff on, it fits her perfectly, and we are on to the next store. It is good to be home.

OK there’s so much to do I can’t even wrap my head around today.  I am prepping for this music video that shoots on Friday and although what the treatment calls for as far as wardrobe isn’t complicated, it is a lot of changes.

It’s a love song about this couple and you see them in the same apartment doing the same things they always do but on different days.  The entire video is literally a montage of this couple and their relationship every day, which means a lot of organizing to do.  I need to find a lot of pajamas and comfortable everyday clothes which sounds easy but when you are talking about 20 options for each, it starts to get to be a little stressful.  Although since I am going to be searching high and low for inspiration, the running around may make my day that much more adventurous.

I have a hit list of places I knew I could look including thrift stores and vintage shops, which always seem to have the most interesting character pieces that pop on camera.  Another important thing to remember to have an array of options available, so having fun with it is a must.  It’s so exciting to really go crazy and just pick out a million things that I would love to own, except at the end of the day it’s not really mine.

Oh well, I guess you got to take the good with the bad, right?

The Little Black Dress.. Everyone owns one- it’s a classic you can’t survive without. Celebrities like Paris and Jennifer Aniston have their own versions and Designers like Christian Dior can’t resists to put their black beauties on the runway. But lets not forget the icons like Audrey Hepburn who to some of us, was the one who introduced us to this incredible yet simple must -have. Pair it up with a nice pump like these sexy things from Alexander McQueen or accessories with  beautiful black Rose corsage by Johnny Loves Rosie…

Cynthia Steffe has not only been featured in Vogue and Bazaar, but has also dressed Jessica Simpson, Anne Hathaway and even Katie Couric! (I can imagine Katie is a tad bit picky, so it speaks lots for the brand). Lauren looks great in one of collection’s pieces, the all time classic- the black dress.

Metallics (like Gabriella’s gold dress) have really caused a buzz. It’s no longer necessarily flashy, but rather a subtle and yet luxurious way of expressing yourself.

We all have body features that we just love about ourselves. I strongly encourage to accent those features or body parts. It is the simplest thing one can do that will really change their appearance (for the better). My personal feature are my shoulders. That is why I love the dress Celeste is wearing today. This Laundry By Design strapless beauty will make me look (and feel) like the hottie I am for the evening.

Urban Outfitters and Bebe are just a couple of retailers we rely on to keep us up with the latest and the greatest. The bubble skirt has made its way back into their stores AND into our hearts. Designers like Vera Wang has her own version and today Suchi is wearing the design by BCBG.

Maternity, handbags, shoes, accessories.. what more can a designer do? Well, Rebecca Taylor throws is hosiery too. Check out one of her first passions on Ava- a ruffled chiffon dress.

Before I hit the road today to go to AZ, I have a commercial casting to go on. It is for Michelob, and they want you to do an interesting sport or activity. I had to put my thinking cap on, and I thought of doing belly dancing or Buns of Steel the workout from the 80′s. Both of those are interesting right! I decided to go with belly dancing, and I put my shaker in my purse along with a CD of selected music to dance to. I get to the casting, and everyone is either a surfer or a golfer. How boring! I am going to stand out in my skill. I put my shaker on, I go into the casting, I give him my name and information, then I ask if I could play music to audition, and he says no, but I could dance to no music if I want. And I say no. So that was it

Since I have been living in California, I have celebrated quite a few birthdays of friends and acquaintances of mine, but no birthday has been more important than this one.  Today is Aleck’s birthday and because I care about him so much, I wanted to do something special.  The only problem is it takes money to get things done, and that’s something I definitely don’t have.  The great thing is that in planning something special, I have tried to be as thoughtful as possible and hopefully it won’t matter what I spend.  I just want him to have an easy and great day.   I decided that I was just going to spend the day pampering him every chance I get and cook him food all day.  Alecks fell in love with Cuban food when I introduced him to it, so I had the entire day mapped out with meal ideas.

In the morning time, I accessorized myself a cute little apron and heels and made Cuban coffee with homemade pastries.   After that, we both got dressed to go to the beach so he could spend the day surfing and I laying out in the sun.  The day was beautiful and as the sun set, we drove home with the windows down enjoying the breeze and listening to music.   We got home and as I started on dinner, Alecks took a shower and a nap. As I finished dinner, I took a shower and put on this sexy cotton dress. The special thing about this dress is that it is from the Runway collection, which means this dress screams high fashion.  With its soft material, built in pockets and its revealing, super low back, I can’t help but feel glamorous when I slip this one on.

When I woke him up, I was all dolled up and ready to serve dinner.  As he came downstairs and saw the table all set with all his favorite Cuban dishes, his jaw dropped.  We shared and ate everything while just enjoying each other’s company and met up with some friends after dinner just to top off the day!

cheers…

Who wears short shorts?? Well, Suchi is and she is looking F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S. But then again so would you in Max Studio design in black (black is slimming, thats enough for me to fill my closet with the color).

Silk is apparently the fabric of the season. Celeste is obviously following the trend. A silk top by DKNY (or a dress, if you are daring) is the choice for your date night. Did I mention the slip? Really, a layer of softness to protect you from moisture (aka sweat) during these hot summer days.. doesn’t get any better than that.

The black dress that Gabriella is wearing is just one of the great things that the clothing label Theory has created. It also has started the Iconic Project, which encourages the development and exposure of iconic initiatives. Whether its an event to support charities or raise awareness for specific issues, this brand has it all.

Don’t misunderstand FCUK. Its a completely rated G brand, and today, Lauren is wearing a cute little dress by the globally known brand. Its adorable but yet sexy.. I love those kind of combinations.

Our first lady never fails to awe us when it comes to her fashion choices. Once she threw me off a bit with a white Moschino (the fashion group also designs for Alberta Ferretti, but that didn’t save them from this one) bow shirt.. It was a tad bit too much, the bow covered her whole body! (ok, I’m exaggerating). But bows don’t always have to kill the outfit. Today, Ava is rocking such a cute top by Aqua, that it makes me forget the whole Obama vs. bow battle..

Finding a new job is never fun, especially if there is nothing that appeals to you.

Yesterday’s interview did not turn out to be the dream job I had hoped for so I was still on the hunt today. After a few hours and very dismal results, I decided to take the rest of the day doing everything possible to pick up my spirits.  I took a long shower and as I did my nails, I called up a couple of friends to get together tonight for dinner and a movie.  Hanging out with my friends is the best medicine for my bad days because having them around ensures me that everything is going to be okay.  Everyone has been slow lately but that is how this business goes, sometimes I just need that extra reminder from them.  Finding a job is important, but there has to be a balance to ensure that I don’t spend all my time stressed out about it.

Tonight that was exactly what I was going to do, forget about work, or the lack thereof, and just have an amazing night.  I have this Marc Jacobs dress that I think was specifically designed for days like today. Aside from the comfortable design, the print of different colored hearts all over the fabric make it fun and easy to match with any favorite shoe. It’s so versatile I just slip it on and pick whatever shoe I am in the mood for that night. With a little makeup I was ready to go, and with sushi and the movies on my mind, I knew it was going to be a good night.

“You can’t always get what you want,
but if you try sometimes, well you might find you get what you need…”

cheers…

There really is nothing like being home. Home is where my heart will always be, but probably not where it belongs. Everyone, including myself, sees me living in Europe. I’m thinking I might actually fall pretty in love with Spain. Now to plan the next trip…Barcelona 2010!!!!

So, it took a total of about 28 hours to get home. Between customs, retrieving luggage, a bus ride, three flights, and a car ride home from LAX…yeah. I chose In-n-Out for my first meal back. There’s nothing I could imagine more thrilling that the taste of a good ole American cheeseburger. Delicious.

I slept a good twelve hours last night. I’m still pretty tired from the whole of traveling though. It’ll take a few more days to be completely back on track.

Today I met my friends for lunch. I opted for this tan drop-waist dress I purchased at a boutique in La Spezia. It’s got a lot of style, makes me look European, and makes me look super tan!
My friend, Chris, actually commented on how tan I was. I laughed. I didn’t mean to get tan. I wore sunscreen and hats and beach covers, but I couldn’t escape the happy sun. You know what I find strange…I had to sit in the sun for 3 hours or more to get sunburned in Italy…but back in California, I went for a 25 minute walk today and came home roasted. Is the hole in the ozone layer directly over California?? Probably. Each person has 5 cars…

It was strange to see all my friends again. It was as if I had never left, but it also felt as if I had been gone forever. We went to my favorite Indian restaurant for lunch. It was just as I had left it. The workers still knew me and welcomed me back with handshakes and plenty of naan!

In line for the Indian buffet (classy AND delicious), a man began talking to me. He was dressed in brown slacks and a pin striped white dress shirt with a solid black tie. It sounds a little odd, but it actually worked quite well on him. He was handsome, and let me cut him in the line. He said he had overheard I had just been on a long journey and he wanted me to get food before I fainted. How sweet! Nice people do exist!

He asked where I was coming from and then proceeded to tell me how he lived all over Europe for 14 years. Now, he splits his time between California and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Oh, how I want to see Buenos Aires. He talked it up a bit, too, which didn’t help my disease for travel. I asked if it was for business and he said, “Well, yeah, I’m a songwriter.” To be a songwriter and travel between to very beautiful places. I can’t say I’m not jealous. I’m about to meet back up with my friends and go for a gelato. It’s not as good as the gelato in Italia, but it will have to do!

Every lady should have a “that’s me” scent, a fragrance that is instantly identified with you. Perfume has a long history, one that started during the time of the Egyptians. Back in the day, women usually had one perfume as this was a luxury and owning multiple fragrances was rare. By the 1600s scents were applied to objects such as furniture and clothing, and has gradually gained popularity in every culture since.

I own multiple bottles of perfume, but there are only a few that I truly consider “my scent”. Here are some of my top 3 favorites:

Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel

My all-time favorite and probably the first “real” perfume that I have ever owned. I was introduced to it from my father when I was about 16 years old and since then I have identified this scent as mine. A little bit lighter than the Coco Chanel, this flowery-scent bottle of elegance makes me feel confident and sophisticated. It is available in 1.7 oz and 3.4 oz sizes, and can be purchased at almost every perfume store. Price: $65-$105 (depending on where you get it)
www.chanel.com

Brit by Burberry

I tried this fragrance out because of my love for Burberry, and once again, I wasn’t disappointed. Even though considered a vanilla-scent, it’s no where close to an overpowering, too-sweet-to-smell kind of fragrance. The vanilla is really subtle and I even smell a hint of spices and pear. Strange combo? Don’t judge until you try it, this little, unique, bottle makes me feel sexy and, simply put, happy! It’s a great scent to wear in the winter, it’s fresh, crisp and warm. Price: $36-$56 (depending on where you get it, ).
www.burberry.com

J’adore by Dior

This is the definition of sexy in a bottle, which is the message that I got when I first laid eyes on it. The bottle itself looks like a genie lamp, as if magic happens when it is applied. The shape of the bottle definitely matches the scent; seductive, feminine and fresh. It’s very floral (some say orchids, my favorite!) and simply irresistable! While it is not the cheapest on the market, expensive taste definitely stands out and is said to be an attention grabber. Price: $56-$80 (depending on where you get it)
www.dior.com

Pick two or three that you truly enjoy wearing and stick to it for a while; it will become part of you. I know the fun part of fragrances is exploring various scents but, just like the Egyptians, you want to have at least two that you consider “you”.

Love always,
Mia

Love is in the air! Ok, so I am a newlywed, but I still think people are bound to heat things up during the summer. And what better way to show you got lots of love in your heart than to wear it! I’m not asking you to “wear your heart on your sleeve”, as they say. I am referring to fabulous print Suchi is wearing today, how can you not LOVE it?

If its made it in to “Gossip Girl”, its made it in my book. After all, the show has been a hit with younger and older generations and has really brought Chic back to television. Tory Burch has been dressing the girls on the set for some time now- what a great advertisement for her amazing designs. We do a good job giving some exposure as well, since Celeste looks fabulous in a Tory’s cute tank.

During the 1820′s the empire waist dresses were mostly worn is white to show high social status, since poor people could only afford off white fabrics. Well, its not 1800′s (thank goodness for that, they also didn’t bathe too often back then), and today Lauren looks fab in this coral BCBG empire waist flock.

There is something about a belted waist and a V-shaped neck that screams Marilyn Monroe. Well, Gabriella is doing a great job looking like the all time icon in a beautiful DKNY dress with a pleated design..

Roberto Rodriguez was inspired by a book on Christian Dior that his mother gave him when he was a child. Fortunately for us, he decided to follow the steps of his idol and became one of the hottest couture designers today. Not in the mood for couture? (or plan to buy a house instead?) No worries, his ready to wear collection is just as hot. Ava is wearing a top that will make everyone’s jaws drop. Is it just me, or does Couture seem over rated? Sure it’s gorgeous as can be, but 10,000 bucks for a dress? Please let me know where I can source this silk made of gold…