Michelle Obama Wears Thakoon Panichgul

Donna Rico, Maria Pinto and Isabel Toledo - what do these three American fashion designers have in common? They have all been worn by Michelle Obama en route to the White House. Yet another designer with the privilege of dressing Michelle Obama is Thakoon Panichgul.




Who is Thakoon Panichgul?
Thakoon Panichgul was born in Northern Thailand. He migrated to the United States at the age of 11 and grew up in Nebraska. Thakoon became a fashion writer after graduating from Boston University. He then went on to attend the Parsons School of Design subsequent to launching his first collection in 2004. Panichgul received a nomination from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2006. Although a newcomer to the American Designer Fashion scene, Thakoon Panichgul's collection is widely stocked in the United States, Europe and Asia including Canada, the Middle East and Russia.



How is Thakoon different?
According to his website's bio, "Panichgul has a talent for blending distinctly different influences into his work, imparting a feminine spirit into a youthful, sporty line. The result is clothing that projects poised elegance with an underlying hint of playful wit."

His style has been described as "quirky" having piped a beige trenchcoat with black lace. According to Gill Hart in her article "From the Obama-dress to Lace-edged Trenchcoats & Floral Prints" - "Since his appearance on the fashion scene 4 years ago, American designer Thakoon has quickly become a favorite with celebrities and stylists, whose customers include Rachel Bilson, Demi Moore, and Sarah Jessica Parker. He has become known for sensual, feminine designs that are modern and innovative, which also reflect his Asian roots."

Michelle Obama wears Thakoon Panichgul
Michelle Obama who was usually described as a frugal dresser (having worn Donna Ricco's $148 high waisted black and white print dress) splashed out on this occasion as Thakoon's outfits are usually estimated to be in the region of US$1500.


This is the US$1,250 silk “reverse kimono” dress worn by Michelle Obama to the Democratic National Convention the night her husband accepted the party’s presidential nomination in August.

Michelle wore Thakoon's slim bodice and A-line skirt in raspberry, lavender and black at the Democratic Convention to join husband Barack Obama on stage when he officially accepted his Presidential nomination on behalf of the party.

Ralph Lauren: Fashion Icon

© Copyright, Ralph Lauren - Jemal Countess/WireImage.com

Why He Is A Fashion Icon

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Ralph Lauren became fascinated with style at an early age. As a boy, he worked to earn money to buy expensive suits and his love of style was rivaled only by his drive for success. Quoted in his high school yearbook as saying he hoped to become a millionaire, Lauren’s personal aspirations equipped him with a firm understanding of peoples' needs to project an air of accomplishment. So in 1967, as a young man with a vision, Ralph Lauren began selling neckties he designed himself under the Polo name. Following the release of his infamous Ralph Lauren polo shirt in 1972, Lauren became a household name almost overnight.

The fashion mogul now leads a $900 million business that includes some 300 stores in the U.S. and approximately 100 others worldwide. A chief reason behind Ralph Lauren’s success is that what he sells is far more seductive to consumers than any particular product because he sells a lifestyle, and he was one of the first designers to do so. America’s most successful fashion designer has more branches of his label under his belt than you can count. Having long moved beyond apparel, the Ralph Lauren brand has expanded to include fragrances, a home line and much, much more. In 2007, the Council of Fashion Designers of America honored Lauren with the American Fashion Legend Award: one of the most prestigious accolades in the fashion world. The embodiment of the dream he stands for, Ralph Lauren’s ability to continuously innovate while staying true to his image makes him a true style icon.
 
Dress The Lauren Way
To dress the Ralph Lauren way is to have an appetite for fine living, American-style. Rather than making one’s achievements or ambitions glaringly apparent with flashy apparel, a Ralph Lauren enthusiast opts for elegant, easy-to-wear pieces in luxurious materials like wool, silk and cashmere. He also has a closet full of timeless, impeccably tailored basics that exude good taste and can be mixed and matched for a variety of uncomplicated yet polished ensembles. Examples include suits, smart blazers, V-neck sweaters, neat polo shirts, and crisp dress shirts. However, don’t worry that you’ll have to spend a fortune to dress this way. In fact, this brand strives to encompass all price points and, therefore, it's accessible to everyone. The message is clear: Buy the best you can afford and keep it classic, not trendy. But because it’s boring to keep wearing the same staples over and over, style icon Ralph Lauren has two strategies to help keep your look fresh: The first is that only one trendy item should be worn at a time and it should be paired with your standbys. For example, if you’d like to try wearing a bright hue, buy one boldly colored polo and ensure everything else you’re wearing has a simple shape and a subdued palette. Second, if you’re interested in trying out a popular new style, search for an approximation to a classic - like this Rugby Wool Shawl Cardigan with rugby-inspired cuffs - so it won’t quickly become dated. 

One last point: The Ralph Lauren lifestyle is an active one, so steer clear of apparel and accessories that look nice, but are impractical.

Leather Jewellery

Lately there has been a trend for all types of leather fashions, from the innovative designs of leather jackets by Rick Owens to the leather leggings that featured in many catwalk shows. The beauty of leather for creating fashion and clothes is both its hard wearing properties, its natural texture and it's luxurious feel. Leather is a timeless material that will always look classic and stylish. Leather accessories in natural colours are perfect for wearing with almost anything but coloured leather has real eye catching appeal whilst still maintaining it's natural aspects.

Munique Fashions has a range of leather jewellery, designed to add colour and interest to any outfit. With inspiration taken from the natural world, the flower designs are feminine and pretty. The use of leather to create sculptural jewellery in this way is unusual and stylish, perfect for ladies who like to stand out from the crowd.

This leather orchid brooch is perfect for wearing with any of the seasons neutral coloured jackets.

This exotic leather Orchid pendant will make any camisole top and jeans look really special.

This Peach leather Hibiscus necklace will look great with a lavender or lilac top or dress for a really on trend and feminine outfit.

Paris Fashion Week - Autumn Winter 09

With the current world economic situation, Paris Fashion week was bound to be a slightly low key affair. Again as seen at Milan designers were playing to their strengths and going back to basics with luxurious key wardrobe items that really count as an investment.

Paris is traditionally the home of some of the well established and historic fashion houses with a particular emphasis on luxury. Labels like Louis Vuitton and Hermes are known for their luxury accessories with the underlying theme of quality. But this year fashion in Paris also seemed to have a very wearable and practical side to it. There was also a much greater emphasis on day wear by many of the designers.

At Hermes - the classic parka style jacket gets a luxury make over with crocodile skin and fur trim.

At Roland Mouret - day time wear with just as much charm and appeal as his very popular evening wear that is usually the staple of the collection.

At Elie Saab - a strong emphasis on day wear with forties silhouettes and the classic sheath style dress.

At Miu Miu - a collection with that typical Parisian 'je ne sais quoi'. Very wearable and classic clothes in neutral colours with a luxury dimension of fur trims.

pictures from http://www.style.com/

It is probably a very good idea to concentrate on buying well made quality items that are timeless and will last for many seasons to come. I love this handcrafted leather 'saddlebag' handbag from Munique Fashions.

The Perfect Coat is a versatile Wrap

You can have so many coats in your wardrobe and still find that there are occasions when you simply can't find the right coat to compliment an outfit. On days like this I reach for my alpaca wool wrap which is sure to go with everything. Not only is it versatile but it is also stylish and warm. This is a must have for any wardrobe.



Handcratfed in Peru, this exquisite cloak is woven from a luxurious alpaca wool blend, unparalleled in softness and warmth. Click here to see this exquisite wrap in black

With Mother's Day upon us, what better way to say I love and appreciate you. A perfect mother's day gift that will be appreciated and worn time and time again.

Spa Treatment - The Perfect Mother's Day Gift

My husband surprised me with a day out at the spa during the half term holiday. What a refreshing treat. He and the kids dropped me off at 10:00 a.m. and collected me at 5:30pm. It was a most relaxing day spent in a white robe and white bedroom slippers provided.

He choose a spa in the city where he could take the kids to Sealife and the Shopping Mall while I had a pampered day. A city spa is an ideal choice for a day at the spa on your own if you live close to the city. Had it been a weekend at a spa with my husband then it would have been ideal to drive further out where we could take in a bit of the countryside. But to be honest when you are in the spa you forget about outside and simply become part of the tranquil, clean and luxurious environment.

Though it is still winter and what a winter we have been having, I did not remember that it is 5 degrees outside when I was cocooned in the relaxing spa environment having a body scrub followed by a hot stones massage and then a stint in the steam room for my skin to absorb all the luxurious body oils that had just been applied to my skin.

Lunch was included in my spa package and of all the healthy options on offer, I chose poached salmon with grilled roasted asparagus and baby potatoes all with a hint of olive oil. Mmmm delicious.

Unique gifts vs spa treatment

In the afternoon I was treated to a facial, a pedicure and finally a manicure. I wished the day and the treatments would go on and on but alas it came to an end. I like my jewellery gift sets, flowers and unique gifts for Mother's Day but a day at the spa is priceless. I certainly don't mind having both.

win a luxury weekend spa break for two

What to take with you to the spa

1. Yourself and a swimsuit - all I took was a bathing suit which came in handy for the steam room. I did not fancy having a swim in the pool as I did not want to dry out my skin from the chlorine after all those luxurious treatments.

This Amber Bead Halterneck Underwired Swimsuit from Autograph is a gorgeously sophisticated swimsuit designed to fit and flatter. The bead design makes it even more stylish.


For extra support try this Sorrento Tankini from Bravissimo. This elegant tankini offers fantastic support up to a J cup and is exclusive to Bravissimo. The straps are multiway, so you can choose to wear them straight, or cross them over at the back.

2. Your conversation skills - while having lunch in the tea room I had a lovely chat with a woman I met there. Like me, Pearline was on a day out at the spa courtesy her daughter. So it gave me a chance to meet someone new as well.

Spa treatments at home
Now I continue my spa treatments at home with an aloe based aroma spa collection including an avocado face and body soap. I also drink the aloe vera gel for great skin and hair plus all the other benefits that come with it. Apart from being great for skin and hair it has an effect on digestion, is a useful source of minerals and vitamins and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and painkiller. Like anything else please ensure that you are drinking a good quality gel that contains between 85-95% of stabilised aloe vera gel.

Thigh-high boots are "in" this 2009

Pants might be over as we know it. Thigh-high boots emerged as the hot shoe for fall, landing so far up the leg they doubled as leg warmers. Is this designers' collective attempt to save the world from the pantless ladies everywhere (Lady Gaga and Lindsay Lohan)? Designers even tacked on a few bells and whistles to their boots: Hussein Chalayan added garter belts, Prada made rubber waders stylish, Antonio Berardi lined his in fur, and Stella McCartney's faux-leather leggings were actually boots that pulled up to the crotch.

Thigh-length boots, known also as thigh-high boots or simply thigh boots, are boots that extend above the knees. Other synonyms include over-the-knee boots, and especially when cuffed, pirate boots. Lengths vary from reaching just over the knee to reaching almost to the crotch (referred to as crotch boots).


But are we ready to embrace the implications of this phenomenon? Pants as we know them are losing popularity. And with the surge of thigh-highs, rescuing them is even further from our reach.

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Source:NYMag.com - Fashion Trends
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