Looking For A Fun & Fabulous Weekend?

Hey Twin Cities fashionistas! Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Why not have a Girls Fashion Night Out on the Town! We've scoped out two great shows going on this Saturday, April 14th.

Over on the University of Minnesota campus, Scrubbed Into Fashion: Africa is happening at 7:30. This creative competition invites designers to create African inspired garments completely out of medical scrubs and proceeds help benefit Smile Network International, which funds surgical missions to children in need! So get glammed up for a good cause! Tickets are only $10-25! For more info check out the Facebook event page here: Scrubbed Into Fashion: Africa

Also happening in Minneapolis is Envision: Artopia! This year marks the 10th season anniversary of the show and it promises to be a fantastic night. Featuring collections from local designers and boutiques, it's the perfect opportunity to see the latest in Minneapolis fashion. Portions of the proceeds benefit Free Arts Minnesota so have a fun night out with the girls and help support our local art scene! General Admission tickets are only $20! For additional info and tickets, check out the Facebook event page here: Evision: Artopia Spring 2012

XOXO,

TRAX

By Emilie Radigan

New 'Photoshop Law' Passed in Israel

This week the Israeli Government passed a law requiring that all models must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of at least 18.5 and be able to show medical proof of their weight. The law also requires advertisements to print disclaimers if the models have been photoshopped in the ad. Under this law, it’s been estimated that about half of all professional Israeli models will have to gain weight in order to continue working.

Israelis are hoping to promote healthier body image by banning underweight models from industry.

Supporters of this new law stress that it was created to promote a healthier body image as 2% of Israeli teenage girls suffer from eating disorders. Yet others feel that the law places the importance on weight rather than health. After all, some girls are naturally skinny and can’t gain the weight, but that doesn’t mean they’re unhealthy. In an interview with BBC News, top model Adi Neumman said she wouldn’t qualify for jobs as she has a BMI of 18.3, yet she eats well and exercises.

TRAX

By Emilie Radigan

Dress to Impress!

TRAX is having a party!

Dress to impress, and have a ball with all of us here at TRAX.

Miffed With the List

So of course the blog sphere is humming with posts about the Academy Awards on Sunday, but who can ignore Award Season?? And while yours truly wasn’t able to watch the red carpet or the awards live because I have bills to pay, the first thing I did when I got home was jump online to check out the highlights and, of course, the best and worst dress list.

One of my favorite news sources is the Huffington Post and Sunday night their giant headlines were all about the Oscars. Yet when I took a look at their best and worst dress list I was surprised at some of their worst picks. Certainly some of the stunning starlets weren’t among the best dressed, but they better deserved a slap on the wrist than a slap in the face.

For instance, Gwyneth Paltrow is usually the darling of the fashion world. Yet this Sunday found her in an unfavorable ranking.

The cape might be a little much, however it’s an elegant and chic silhouette by Tom Ford and the white color draws out the warmth in her skin tone beautifully. Together with the sleek hair-do and minimal adornment, she presented a beautifully simple, modern elegance on the carpet.

The other pick I disagreed with was the lovely Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli.

XOXO,
TRAX

By Emilie Radigan

It's Never Too Early to Jump Into Spring

Winter got you down? Do you find yourself dreaming of flowers and laying in the grass while the warm sun beats down on you? If you do, then you (like many of us) have hit the winter blues. Its that awkward time of the year where spring is close enough to want it but far enough away that you can't quite feel it. To help with this we prescribe a healthy dose of color to brighten your pre-spring purgatory.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Take those neutrals you have been rocking all winter and start to introduce some pastels or splashes of solids to get that spring feel without freezing in the winter cold.

Reed Krakoff



Diane Von Furstenberg



XOXO,

TRAX

By Nick McHenry

Photo Cred www.dvf.com, www.vogue.com

Avoid the Grey

Two weekends ago on February 4^th, TRAX staff member Madeline Riebe ventured to the annual Avoid the Grey fashion show hosted by Uptown’s favorite boutique for young, edgy, and eclectic styles: Cliché.

While the surrounding neighborhood seemed quiet and drab, entering the grand warehouse venue was like walking into a hip, undercover New York club. Upbeat techno music enhanced by a pop harp player boomed throughout the building as an artistic medley of psychedelic video clips projected on the wall. Fashionistas in high heels, LBDs, mink shawls, thick-rimmed glasses, and red lips were everywhere, clutching onto fancy drinks and mingling with Minneapolis’ happening in-crowd while getting their chance in the spotlight as professional photographers shot away.

However, no traditional runway or designated seating was to be found. Instead, five giant white boxes were dispersed throughout the room, each with several “peep holes” cut out for spectators to peer into which provided for an usual, interactive experience. Inside the boxes housed the creative visions of amazing local designers. Looking into them was like entering a fantasy world of fashion complete with complex scenery and dramatic lighting to evoke a personal message.

Rather than more marketable garments, the models were dressed in incredible, bizarre, artistic and extravagant costumes and makeup and had to act out their role in the scene. From a horned, woodland goddess to a glam Amazon woman in 12-inch yellow lace heels, each box awakened a unique perspective. Could this creative approach to apparel design be the new trend in fashion shows?

Avoid the Grey definitely pushed fashion “outside (or inside, rather) the box” and was a must-see event of the year.

Sad you missed out? Don’t worry, with Minneapolis/St. Paul fashion week approaching, here’s a list of other jaw-dropping shows to attend:

MNfashion Emerging Designer Showcase

Februrary 20^th, 6:00 pm @ CO Exhibitions Space

The Shows

February 21^st, 6:00 pm @ 514 Studios

RESURGENT

February 23^rd, 7:00 pm @ Amsterdam

Parc Boutique Trunk Show

February 25^th, 12:00 pm @ Parc Boutique

SnowGRADE  

February 25^th, 12:00 pm @ Architectural Antiques

Check out http://mnfashion.org/ for more info on the events

XOXO,

TRAX

By Madeline Riebe

Photo Cred Madeline Riebe

Pinterest

We have a Pinterest!

If you don't know what this addicting site is, you are missing out. This site acts as a virtual pin board for pictures and links you come across as you are searching the web. It is a great resource for remember where you found those to die for heels, or to just be inspired.

Be careful though! It's addicting.

XOXO,

TRAX

By Lacey Braun

Photo Cred www.pinterest.com

Bootie Bootie Booties, Rocking Everywhere

As the winter months rage on, the tall boot style trend does as well. You can find these types of boots almost everywhere. Including but not limited to; Target, Zappos.com, DSW, and Amazon. These boots go with absolutely everything, not to mention the fact that they are just plain beautiful.

Frye Mirabelle Slouch

Frye Billy Hammered Stud

Jessica Simpson Ambery

Steve Madden Torrii

Frye Jane Strappy

Minnetonka Moccasin Front Lace Knee

Hope you enjoyed the foot candy!



XOXO,

TRAX

By Justine Tutewohl

Photo Cred http://www.funkyfashiontrend.com/, http://www.piperlime.com/

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Here are  5 spectacular V-day outfits that are sure to spice up your date , or make you feel sweet at home while curled up with chocolate and watching the latest Nicholas Sparks movie.

Spice up your night with this sexy little get-up.

Victoria’s Secret – Embroidered Eyelet Babydoll

Snuggle with you dog and watch The Notebook.

Victoria’s Secret – Pillowtalk Tank Pajama



Stroll through the park with your valentine.

Forever 21 – Ponte Knit Bodycon Skirt

Hit the club with your girls for a night to remember.

Charlotte Russe – Ruffled Panel 2-Fer Dress

Give your valentine a sweet and elegant surprise.

Oscar de la Renta Sleepwear Print Georgette Chemise

XOXO,

TRAX

By Ashley Amland

Photo Cred: http://www.victoriassecret.com/, http://www.forever21.com/, http://www.charoletterusse.com/, http://www.shop.nordstrom.com/



SAG Gleeks Out

For playing teeny boppers these Gleeks sure know how to dress.

The ladies of Glee get it right at the SAG Awards. There is a whole lot of va-va-voom on and off the red carpet. Check out Diana Agron's rendition of Never Can Say Goodbye. Classy and stylish.

XOXO,

TRAX

By Lacey Braun

SAG Awards

Oh awards season! All of the glitz, glamour, and getups. What's not to love? Even the extreme fashion misses are entertaining.

Here are some favorites from Sunday nights Screen Actors Guild Awards:

A girl can never go wrong with not-so-basic black.

XOXO,

TRAX

By Lacey Braun

MNFashion Week

MNFashion released its Fashion Week events calendar Monday. This year they have introduced a more streamlined calendar, with no overlap, so fashionistas can attend every event and show.

The week kicks off on February 18th and runs through the 25th.

Make sure to check out the University of Minnesota College of Design Senior Fashion Show: Twelve at 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. on the 18th!

XOXO,

TRAX

By Lacey Braun

Photo Cred www.metromag.com

Fashion Girls

Does this sound like anyone you know?

Ring a bell?



XOXO,

TRAX

By Lacey Braun

Mamma Divas

If ever there was a way to announce your first pregnancy, it is by singing and dancing in a gorgeous D&G sequined tuxedo jacket at the VMA's. Beyonce shook the world with her divalicious announcement of her and husband Jay-z's first child.

Now, other diva mommies are following suit. Alessandra Ambrosio announced her second pregnancy at the Colcci fashion show by rubbing her belly at the end of the runway.

The stunning Victoria's Secret model is 5 months along and still rocking stellar gams and high heels.

Congratulations, Alessandra!



XOXO,

TRAX

By Lacey Braun

Photo Cred www.blogs.babble.com and www.wonderwall.msn.com

Jason Wu for Target

The fashion world is all a twitter (literally) about the release of the full collection Jason Wu has designed for Target. There have been teaser photos released over the past few weeks, but today the full collection has been debuted. The collection does not hit the racks until February 5th. If you are hoping to snag any of these impressively chic pieces be ready to fight for them. We have a feeling they will sell out as quickly as Missoni for Target.

Some favorites from the collection:



To see the full collection click here.

XOXO,

TRAX

By: Lacey Braun

Photo Cred: http://www.fashionista.com/

Stella McCartney

It all started with the iconic picture of Blake Lively in the July issue of Glamour magazine. Everyone was talking. The polka dots, the jeans, that beehive! It put Ms. McCartney's gauzy dots at the center of pop culture.

Now she's don it again with her Winter '11 line, only in classic black. These perfectly sculpted ensembles show off all of the right features, highlighting the female form perfectly. They are simultaneously fashion and art!

Decadent and sexy!

Get the look with a pair of polka dot tights and a nice body con dress.

XOXO,

TRAX

By Lacey Braun

Photo Cred http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2011/06/blake-livelys-cover-shoot-photo-gallery#slide=3, http://www.stellamccartney.com/

LBD Tips

Spice up your little black dress this New Years with some unexpected pieces from your own closet. No need to break the bank on style, rediscover the hidden treasure at home. Ring in the New Year the right way by following these helpful tips!

XOXO,

TRAX

By Hannah Ockelmann

Holiday Nail DIY

We all know that manicures at the salon can get a little pricy, even for just a plane, single color.  This winter, why not save some money and share your holiday spirit on your nails by doing it yourself?  There are so many fun patterns and options to try out from candy canes to snowflakes the possibilities are endless!  Here are some ideas to spark your imagination.  Check out the websites for info on how to DIY!

XOXO,

TRAX

By Haley Egle

Holiday Gift Guide-Boyfriend

It can be stressful to find a gift for that special someone in your life. Boys are easy to shop for, just expand their wardrobes!

BOYFRIEND

1) Prepare for a night out. Treat your boy with a pair of tickets to his favorite sporting event. Go out to dinner before and call it a date!



2) Add a new staple to his wardrobe this holiday season. Get him a classic sweater that will go with everything. They never go out of style!

3) A boy’s wallet is his life within leather pockets. Everything he needs on a daily basis goes in and out of it so why not update it? Buy your boy a new leather wallet and toss the old ratty one from eighth grade!

Happy Shopping!



XOXO,

TRAX

By Hannah Ockelmann

Photo Cred  

http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=1144_9480_576&catId=cat4860026&bundleCatId=cat5180228

http://www.bostonstore.com/shop/men/belts-wallets-accessories/wallets-and-money-clips/rolfs-men-s-tan-flipfold-wallet_363499.html