Black in fashion trends

FASHION IN BLACK

But this season it’s far from basic

It became as clear as black and white (and a smidge of navy) to me last fall during New York’s Spring 2013 fashion trends collections. I was attending a breakfast at Lincoln Center, and while nibbling on a croissant, I looked out the window, mesmerized by the parade of fashion editors. They were prancing past in such a hodgepodge of colors and prints and textures, the effect was almost dizzying.

Then I focused back on my breakfast mates, who stood out dressed in black and navy. They looked sleek and confident. And strangely cutting-edge. Strangely because when was the last time that wearing black was considered fashion forward? The answer is now.

Some of the most stellar collections this season—Céline, Lanvin, Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, Narciso Rodriguez—were almost singularly limited to a palette of black and white. Fashion is a cyclical beast by nature, so it makes sense. “There’s been such an abundance of color and print for a few seasons, black and white is acting like a palate cleanser,” says Sarah Rutson, fashion director of Lane Crawford. In the past few years, prints—helped by new techniques for digitally manipulating and distorting images—have come to the forefront. As a result, designs from Mary Katrantzou to Balenciaga to Proenza Schouler  fashion trends  have created memorable fashion moments.

Yet for those of us who are more Alexander Calder in our mind-set than, say, Claude Monet, recent seasons have felt somewhat confining. I love prints in  fashion trends, but I am keener on the architectural aspects of a piece of clothing, which stand out best when delineated in black and white. While I’m not likely to be seen wearing the midriff-baring cutout looks from Alexander Wang and Balenciaga, I am signing up for the sleeveless tuxedo jackets from Céline and Lanvin. “There is something counterintuitive and slightly shocking about wearing black in warmer months,” notes Linda Fargo, a senior vice president at Bergdorf Goodman.

I like the idea of dressing against the grain. But I’m also not turning color-blind come spring. I have my eye on a searing-orange sheath from Narciso Rodriguez, because the freshest way to delve into color is in a single intense, traffic-stopping dose. Fargo agrees: “It feels like a new nod to mod when it’s done all the way, like at Michael Kors or Gucci  fashion trends.” As standout as these  fashion trends colors are, this season you may make more of a statement by going back to black.

By Jennifer Alfano

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Tod’s dazzling couture

F A N C Y  F E E T

Tod’s dazzling couture loafers are hot to trot

A year ago, the Italian luxury-leather-goods company Tod’s introduced a couture take on its iconic D-Bag collection. The bespoke Tod’s bags were serious business, seducing celebrity fans like Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Nicole Kidman, and Charlize Theron, to name a few. This season the Tod’s bags are back, and with them a fleet of loafers made from the same fine
materials. The theme of this year’s collection? Tod’s Rock Princess. Hand-embroidered with crystals in a choice of six shapes, the calfskin shoes can also be customized by color. (The fluorescent-enhanced version, shown here, is a highlight.) These stone-studded Tod’s slippers, made in Italy by expert artisans, are the pride of the company—and soon to be the star of your closet!

Jannifer Lopez's favorite things

A-LIST OF Jannifer Lopez's favorite things

On the concert stage or the red carpet, Jennifer Lopez radiates glamour. “I love all things sparkly,”

she says, like the yellow Balmain minidress Jannifer Lopez wore for her Bazaar shoot, and “silver and gold nail polishes.” For a wardrobe bold enough to match her confidence, Jennifer turns to Christian Louboutin, Zuhair Murad, Rick Owens, Valentino, Chanel, and Tom Ford.

But Jannifer Lopez will forever be linked with Versace. “I’ll never forget the Versace moment,” she says of the deep-V palm-print dress she wore to the Grammy Awards in 2000. As for beauty, Jennifer prefers L’Oréal Paris products (“especially Voluminous False Fiber Lashes mascara”) and a naturally sexy look. (Her go-to lip? ChapStick.) On Jannifer Lopez's constant travels, she always finds time to shop. Milan’s 10 Corso Como is Jannifer Lopez favorite boutique, and she recently picked up Raquel Allegra sweaters in Hong Kong. But even on the road, Jannifer Lopez keeps her loved ones close: “I invested in a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to stay organized and keep all of my
favorite clothes in one place.”

J E N N I F E R ’ S  M U S T-H A V E S

LOPEZ: KATJA RAHLWES. FASHION EDITOR: JODIE BARNES; HAIR: LORENZO MARTIN; MAKEUP: MARY PHILLIPS FOR L’ORÉAL PARIS.

STILL LIFE: PAMELA COOK AND DON PENNY/STUDIO D.TRUNK: COURTESY LOUIS VUITTON. SEE WHERE TO BUY FOR SHOPPING DETAILS

Go Red for Women Luncheon

The annual Go Red for Women Luncheon held at the Marriott in downtown Minneapolis was a wonderful event, and the International Pageant Family was well represented by local, state, and two international titleholders! Both Krista and I were assigned to the Diva Couch, which is a fun spot for attendees to put on some red bling and let their "diva" show!

Being a DIVA, with Danielle and Krista!

DIVA Gal Pals Amy & Lisa!

Michael even joined me on the Diva Couch!

As volunteers, recognizing and honoring our affiliation with the American Heart Association, I always try to greet the staff members who keep us engaged and here are some wonderful photos with just some of those very special people.

Barb Ducharme with AHA.

AHA friends; Meghan Perry, Kim Friend, Kevin Harker and me.

Dr. Mary Boylan, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at St. Luke's and Susan Cahoon where kind enough to pose with me just before lunch.

Thank you to all the titleholders who showed up for the event, and many thanks to the AHA for allowing us to participate with such a powerful and important cause!

Miss & Mrs International 2012 support Go Red for Women!

Sarah Bazey


As ambassadors for the American Heart Association, both Mrs. International, Sara Bazey and I, attended the Go Red Luncheon in Minneapolis.  This event inspires and educates women on the importance of living a heart healthy lifestyle and raises money for cardio vascular research.

Several women gave testimonies of surviving heart attacks or living with heart disease and just how life changing it can be. Their stories were moving and certainly had an effect on the audience.  One of the most compelling topics being the fact that heart disease can strike at any age, so you must be vigilant and not assume that you are invincible simply because you are under 40.

Held in the lovely Minneapolis Marriott the crowd was filled with local celebrities and business leaders.  Many of these women joined me on the Diva Couch.   In case you are wondering, the Diva Coach is a photo opportunity where women can choose from fun, glamorous accessories such as glitter sunglasses, tiaras or feather boas and have a fun photo taken.  This many seem silly, but after talking about such a serious subject as your heart, it is fun to just be a girl.

This event also provides women an opportunity to share their story on camera.  From these short videos, the American Heart Association will select the stores of real women for their upcoming campaign.  As a person with first-hand knowledge of the devastating effect of heart disease, I took my turn in front of the camera as well.  I spoke about my cardio ablation procedure and the open heart surgery experience by my grandmother.

To hear the stories other women go to….

http://www.goredforwomen.org/home/share-your-story/

Follow your mom’s advice, eat right and exercise!

Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013

Designers took broad inspiration for Spring-Summer 2013:

Fifties, Sixties and Seventies silhouettes were revisited and revilalised; Eastem-and Spanish-influenced shapes sashayed down the catwalk; and classic fabrics like denim and leather
got a subtle makeover for summer. Bring a fresh perspective to your look with BAZAAR UK round-up of the new-season trends

cotton dresses, £525 each. Tommy Hilfiger

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013

the SKINNY SUIT

From left: Kirs/ wears white silk shirt, £820; black silk chiffon bow, £215; black wool and silk jacket. £1,715; black wool trousers with satin detail, £510; black felt hat, £600; black leather belt. £215; gold cuff. £1,165; black leather heels (just seen). £515. All Stiint Laurent by Hedi Slimane. Marikka wears white chiffon and lace shirt. £1,200; black wool waistcoat, from a selection;

black wool and satin jacket, £1.715; black wool trousers with satin detail, £645; black silk chiffon

bow; black jell hat; black leather belt; black leather heels, all as before, all Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: SIXTIES REDUX

Cotton and sequin body; cotton and nylon mesh skirt; calfskin heek; satin hairltand. all from

a selection, Louis Vuitton

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: SIMMER LEATHER

From left: Marikka wears leather sleeveless sfiirt, £1,490; leather

skirt. £1.350; leather heels. £980, all lFendi. Kirsizvears

leather dress, £2.450; leather and neoprene heels. £595. all Fendi

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: THE SPANISH SHIRT

White cotton shirt. £850; black beaded tulle skirt, £6,500; black silk hat, £1,600. all Ralph Luren Collection

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: THE PIETIES SILHOUETTE

Neny and black wool and tulle dress, £9.000; 

black and green calfskin and metal sandals, from £750, both Dior

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: BOLD STRIPES

Organza and satin top, about £515; matching skirt, about £800; 

canvas sandals. £507.26; silk scarf.'about £225; metal earrings with stones and

raffia tassels, about £675. all Dolce & Gabbana

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: EVENING GLAMOUR MADE EASY

Black silk embroidered dress, £10,405;

silk sandals, £720. both Giorgio Armani

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: LINGERIE UNLEASHED

Marikka and Kirsi wear organza dresses, from a selection; patent hats, £1,160 each; 

embroidered satin sandals, £3,575; crystal neckpieces, £2,995 each, all Alexander McQueen

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: SHEER LAYERING

Mesh dress. £3. 180; silk top. £310;

matching shorts. £350. all Chloe

Spring-Summer Trend for 2013: LUXE DENIM

Denim top, £450; matching skirt, £265;

leather gloves, £320; metal, leather ami

crystal bracelet, £270, all Miu Miu

Spring-Summer  Fashion Trend for 2013: ASIAN INSPIRATION

Satin dress. £2,535; leather socks,

£550; satin heels. £325. all Prada

Spring-Summer  Fashion Trend for 2013:  THE BLUES

Viscose top. £1.660; viscose skirt. £945;

perspex hat. made for the catzvalk; resin and

glass bangle (just seen). £1,400. all Chanel

Spring-Summer  Fashion Trend for 2013: THE NEW MINIMALISM

Viscose satin top; silk-blend crepe trousers;

calf-skin Flats, all from a selection, Celine

PHOTOGRAPHS BY TOM ALLEN STYLED BY CATHY KASTERINF

Taylor Swift

Taylor's revenge romance

Taylor Swift will tour with musician Ed for six months, starting in March.

ON THE REBOUND, TAYLOR SWIFT IS MOVING ON WITH ANOTHER MUSICIAN-AND HE'S A NICE GUY!

Still reeling from the sudden end of her romance with One Direction singer Harry Styles, Taylor Swift is setting her sights on another English singer — pop star Ed Sheeran. The pair, who have become close pals in recent months, are about to go on tour together — and Taylor Swift giggles when she tells friends she thinks their relationship might well go to the next level.

"Taylor Swift has a real crush on Ed. She adores him," says an insider. "She's been textingand
calling him a lot and is very excited about spending lots of time with him. She needs to have a man in her life. He's very sweet, funny and loyal."

Last year, the pair collaborated on Taylor Swift's hit single "Everything has Changed" and Ed, 21, even had the name of the country singer's album Red tattooed on his left bicep.


Before Taylor Swift, 23, hooked up with Harry, rumors of a growing romance with Ed were
developing — but they fizzled out when Taylor was suddenly swept off her feet by the hard-partying Harry. "Ironically, Ed and Harry are good buddies," says Ed's pal. "He was crushed
when Taylor Swift fell for Harry, but now it looks like the shoe could be on the other foot. And
if Taylor and Ed do become an item, it will be the perfect revenge on Harry for Taylor. "Ed's a keeper," says the source. "This could be the long-lasting relationship that Taylor Swift is looking for."

Meet & Greet

As the reigning Miss Minnesota International I had the pleasure of meeting the new contestants for the Miss Minnesota pageant at the annual Meet & Greet Party.  This event which is hosted by our Director Allison Stavrakis, includes the contestants from the Teen, Miss and Mrs. categories, local coaches, pageant sponsors and the reigning title holders.

Although it was a very chilly night in Minnesota, the contestants arrived up in cocktail dresses and other fancy outfits. Below zero temperatures does not keep a pageant girl from looking fabulous.  After some light refreshments and introductions the party took off.  I was thrilled to meet the new girls and they had a chance to ask questions about various aspects of the main event.  As ladies tend do, we mingled and traded contact information as well as a pageant advice.

For me, the most interesting aspect of this event is learning about the various platforms and why the individual was drawn to it.  Most individuals seem to develop a passion due to a personal connection.  I met individuals who have dealt with medical issues, bullying or a disability, but were able to move past that and now desire to inspire or teach others.  There were some amazing stories and some very interesting women.  I can’t wait to get to know them better.

I really enjoy this event, because it doesn’t take much conversation before you view your competition as your friend.  I noticed an air of genuine friendliness and concern during my pageant last March. I believe that is due to having the opportunity to meet the other contestants before being thrust into competition.  I’m not sure if other states provide this type of event but it really helps to eliminate some of the pre-pageant jitters and helps to build those bonds connections that we all desire.

Krista Wanous

It may have been below zero degrees outside...but in true Minnesotan fashion, approximately 50 guests including; Teen, Miss, and Mrs Minnesota International 2013 contestants and supporters bundled up and turned out for a casual Meet & Greet event held at the Linwood Senior Center. 

It was a nice opportunity for Miss Teen Minnesota International 2012, Gabby Taylor, Krista and myself to visit with the ladies.

Several of the state sponsors and coaches joined us for the event, and even with the freezing temps outside, we shared a warm and wonderful time inside.

Introductions were shared.

Krista, Sarah, Gabby and Brad. 

The participants along with Krista, me and Gabby.

Sarah Bazey

Moschino Cheap and Chic

Moschino Cheap and Chic Spring-Summer 2013

cheap and chic fashion

cheap and chic

KIMBERLEY WALSH

TAKING CENTRE STAGE AGAIN AFTER 'STRICTLY
KIMBERLEY WALSH
ON SPENDING TIME WITH HER MAN AND
HAVING FUN WITH THE GIRLS

Kimberley Walsh is looking pretty amazing for a woman who has been rushed off her feet. She came joint second in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing and is hard at work rehearsing for

the hotly anticipated Girls Aloud reunion tour. And if thaT isn't enough excitement for the singer, she has also managed to find time to work on her debut solo album, Centre Stage.

"It has been mad, I'm not going to pretend," Kimberley Walsh laughs when we catch up with her for an exclusive chat in a central London hotel. Kimberley Walsh flawless complexion is tanned and glowing following a recent holiday in Barbados, where she was able to recharge her batteries alter an action-packed end to 2012. "I was so lazy out there," Kimberley Walsh says. "My family were saying, 'No, stay there, we'll get you what you need.' They didn't want me to do anything, they

were just trying to feed me up."

Kimberley Walsh has been looking pretty svelte of late. Unsurprisingly, the gruelling dancing schedule that comes hand in hand with Strictly has had an effect on the curvy singer's figure-and Kimberley Walsh looked more toned than ever in snaps from her holiday.

"I don't know about that," Kimberley Walsh says modestly. "[Toning up] really is a benefit of Strictly. Also, those pictures were" taken near the beginning of the holiday. 1 hadn't eaten too much rice and peas at that point!"

While in the Caribbean, Kimberley Walsh didn't just take the opportunity to show off her newly honed bikini body. The 31-year-old Kimberley Walsh says it was a real treat to spend quality time with her boyfriend of nine years, Justin Scott.

"Justin knows that with things like this, they're really intense for a short time then he gets me

back. So it's fine," she says. "He was the only person I did see, really. Even though I was working

stupid hours, at least I came back to him at night. My friends and family popped down to rehearsals

now and again but that was all. You feel bad because you're aware you're indulging yourself

and are unable to be around for everyone. But they enjoyed it and were all really supportive.''

SPECTACULAR

However, with the Girls Aloud tour looming large - the band kick off their nationwide extravaganza

in Newcastle on 21 February - there's more hard work ahead for Kimberley Walsh. "It sounds really big-headed but this tour is going to be amazing," says the singer, Kimberley Walsh,  lighting up when she talks about being reunited with Cheryl Cole, Nicola Roberts, Sarah Harding and Nadine Coyle. "We had a big meeting the other night and since then I've been beside myself with excitement because we've seen the final sketches of the stage and our outfits. It's going to be quite a spectacle."

Kimberley Walsh claps her hands in excitement. "And it feels so easy! You get used to having the pressure on your own, so when you're back with everyone you're like, 'God, this is a breeze.' I only have to do a few lines here and there and just enjoy it."

Kimberley insists that failing to take the Strictly glitterball trophy before Christmas doesn't bother

her. Kimberley Walsh and her dance partner Pasha Kovalev were joint runners-up with Denise Van Omen and James Jordan, behind gymnast Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace.

"I thought I would he disappointed not to win because it was so close. And on the night, we could

feel it. But it was weird - I kind of fell all right alxmi it. I thought I'd gel more competitive as the

weeks went on but I was competitive with myself lather than with the- others."

The experience was made extra special for Kimberley because she shared it with Denise, 38, with whom she became firm friends when they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief in 2009. "Denise and I went through the whole [Strictly] thing together. We were constantly on die phone saying, 'Are you all right? How are your injuries?' So it was fitting that we started together and finished together. Neither of us felt we deserved to win over each other, so it was nice to be even Stevens. The one thing we didn't want was to dance off against each other. It would have

been horrific. We were so happy that we got to the end without having to do that.

"Obviously, we have now gone through two massively challenging experiences together -

Kilimanjaro and Strictly, They're probably the two hardest things I've ever done. We've definitely got a bond for life there."

So is Kimberley Walsh missing the show?

"Like a psycho," Kimberley Walsh says. "Towards the end, although I was still loving it, I was having to heave myself up off the couch. I was like. 'I'm dead!' but it's kind of addictive."

INTERVIEW FOR HELLO ALEXARDRA WILBY

AHA Gala

What a glamorous black tie gala the American Heart Association of the Twin Cities threw to support their mission of heart health!

It was so much fun to greet the guests in the main lobby of this beautiful hotel as they arrived in their gowns and sparkles! And, of course the men were sporting fabulous tuxedos and appropriate black suits in stunning cuts.

Please enjoy the photos!

Krista, Gabby, and me

Andrea, me, Gabby, Krista, and Latisha

Adorable guests of the hotel who couldn’t stop starring at my crown!

Another little girl who loves bling!

Two very special AHA guests!

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012