In these dire economic times, people are looking for fashion that is functional, yet still makes a statement. One trend that I've noticed in fashion is Not So Basic Basics. That means t-shirts with little details, such as ruffles, or buckles. In other words, things that you don't really expect when it comes to everyday items like t-shirts, or jeans.

I was surfing on Net-A-Porter (one of my favorite sites for designer clothes that I can't afford... YET!) and I came across this gorgeous ruffle top from designer Rick Owens. At a staggering $700+, this is not for the frugal ladies. But I would buy this if I could. It serves as a better alternative for your regular, run of the mill American Apparel v-neck. (not that anything is wrong with that. I love a classic white shirt!)

Great blog alert!

I'm sure this blog has been around for a couple of years, but sometimes amazing things slip through the cracks and you randomly come across them and they change your life. That's how I feel about (Garance Dore). The blog was mentioned in a recent article that highlighted The Sartorialist and other famous street style blogs.

Here are some images from the famous blog.


Milla Jovovich

Alexa Chung!

Giovanna Battaglia





Giovanna Battaglia = my hero

Giovanna Battaglia is amazing. She used to be a model, and now she is a freelance stylist and editor for L'Uomo Vogue. My first encounter with her was on The Sartorialist (a favorite of Jasmine and I's) a couple of years ago and she has such a great sense of style. She knows what works for her and she has such a quirky, yet classic sense of style. I aspire to be like this woman. Now if I could just be 7'0" feet tall like she is. I can't believe I am just getting around to talking about this woman.

SPRING TRENDS 2009
MEN

(REMEMBER YOU SAW IT HERE FIRST )

MARC BY MARC JACOBS

*Dark colors with a bright piece, like here with the jacket

Y-3

*Mixing business with casual

MARC BY MARC JACOBS

*Mixing Prep, Hip hop, & Business


DKNY

*Adding a feminine touch


DKNY

*Layering with a grandpa sweater


LACOSTE

*The new prep look: a nice fitted polo & rolled up pants

GOSSIP GIRL EDITION

ICON OF THE MONTH
PART 1

Leighton Meester

Not only does her character on Gossip Girl have great style, but the actress Leighton Meester does too. Kept an eye on this one, because she will be the new fashion icon of our time... she wears clothes so well, there sexy yet classy at the same time. She is very smart in her outfit choices, I've never seen a miss yet.

ICON OF THE MONTH
PART 2

Jessica Szohr

I would say Jessica is more trendy in the things that she wears, but she somehow makes it her own which ALOT of people can't do... they let the clothes wear them instead of the other way around.
On a side note: When I looked her up, she had alot more pics but these were my favs.... she has a very care-free side as well... but i need more time to let that side grow on me. : )

Here at CougarStyle, our main objective is to let people know what other people are wearing. We also occassionally include influences, designers we are loving at the moment, and any other fashion news that we see fit.

Well, with the holidays around (whichever one you celebrate...), everyone should start thinking about what gifts they want. Giving someone a list, complete with the websites/store locations to purchase them can help save gas, time, and effort. So just in case you guys wanted to get ME something (jk... unless you're gonna do it!), here are my picks for Christmas 08!

1. Jessica Simpson "Striker" Sandal $89.00

www.macys.com

Yeah, I know... Jessica Simpson, but seriously, I LOVE THESE. I know that when I can't stop thinking about a possible purchase for more than a week, then it is LOVE.

2. Nike Dunk SB's $79.99 http://www.activerideshop.com/Footwear/Nike-SB-Dunk-Low-Pro-Shoe-MagnetLight-Poison-Green

Pretty much the most comfortable shoe ever, except for my Air Stab's. I'm not a big "sneakerhead" or anything like that, but I do love Dunks. I'm not big into collecting, but when I see a cute colorway like these, I've got to have them!

3. Vera Wang "Look" - $90.00

www.neimanmarcus.com

I smelled this as I was passing one of those perfume ladies. I never shy away from someone trying to spray something on me. (that sounded kind of weird... PERFUME, people!) This has been dubbed by some magazines as a new "classic" and it smells really good. Ahhh.

4. Elizabeth and James Blazer $$$$$$$

www.saks.com

I really want a good blazer, and so far the only ones that I think would look good on me, are blazers made the Olsens. At CougarStyle, we LOVE the Olsens, and from the looks of that blazer (and their other clothes), its not hard to see why!

5. Bing Bang - Bullet earrings.

www.shopbop.com

I really love this line. They made cute, wearable jewelry that has a tough edge to it. Buy them for me. thanks.

6. Miu Miu Convertible Bow Satchel or Bow Convertible Satchel $1,200 (basically)

www.neimanmarcus.com

Love this. But I think I wanted the cream colored one. Oh well. This will have to do. Unlike my current Marc Jacobs bag, I think I will actually use this shoulder strap.

That's all for now... but I'm sure I will have MORE gift ideas coming soon!

Name: Annie Truong

Classification: Senior

Location: Comm. Building

Something about the outfit reminded me of The Devil Wears Prada, I think there is an outfit that looks alittle similar to this, which is a good thing cause I really like this look. I personally LOVE ankle boots (just wanted to put that in there. lol), but the tights with the mini and the long necklace's make the outfit very classy and chic.

by the way, after I took her picture and I found out we're in the same comm class, small world.... or school. lol

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This is a great business attire outfit, the navy blue top and payne's grey skirt compliment each other well.

If you look closely, her shirt has ruffles which is my favorite piece in the look.

DEAR COUGAR STYLE FANS,

We get alot of emails from people that want to be apart of Cougar Style, so I thought of an idea.

If you have a picture of someone with great style (it could be a friend, family member, or just someone you see on the street) take their picture and email it to us and we'll feature them on Cougar Style.

Now with that said, the picture has to be something both Vanessa and I like, so there is no guarantee it will be posted... but if you are into fashion and you know fashion it should be no problem. : )

my email: jmmosesart85@yahoo.com

Thanks and Good Luck

Name: Janae Ladet

LOVE the high waist mini green skirt!

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Name: Deidra Motton

The yellow jacket is a perfect addition to the black dress and tights

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Name: Ashleigh Carter

The open-toe cheetah pumps bring this outfit to life, making the color of the dress stand out more.

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-

source: Deidra Motton (thanks for the pictures )

Sifting through the thousands of images from the various Fashion Weeks can get a little daunting, so CougarStyle is going through the different designer shows and highlighting designers, new and old and updating you on the 2009 Spring trends.

I chose to highlight Carlos Miele, and Bryan Reyes. Both are relatively new to the fashion scene (as in... they are just establishing their voices when it comes to their own designs) and have gorgeous, wearable designs.



Even though fall just got here, I'm pretty much ready to spring forward. (get it?!)


Bryan Reyes

- you might've seen his designs on America Ferrera, who wore that lovely purplish/blue dress at the 2007 Golden Globes.


http://fabsugar.com/108100






Carlos Miele


I love how classic and graphic all his clothes are. Here are some of the standouts from his collection. Oh and guess what, gladiators are still big for spring... so make sure you get your nude patent leather ones. I know I will be scouring for low end versions!



P.S. I LOVE BRUNA TENORIO.

Name: Tara Garcia

Classification: Sophomore

Location: Behind the Satellite

Favorite Store: Urban Outfitters

Favorite Designers: Marc Jacobs

FASHION WEEK

SPRING 2009

New York Fashion Week has passed, and we are going to update you on new designers as well as our favorites. So keep checking as we will add new post.

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I'm going to start this off by talking about one of my favorite and most brillant designers of all time, 3.1 Phillip Lim. He has a great ability to combine dressy and casual. If I could wear 3.1 Phillip Lim everyday I would!!!

website: http://www.31philliplim.com/

So yeah, Hurricane Ike was acting a fool this past week, I just got power back a few days ago.

......but n-e-ways, back to business