Because It's the Cup...The World Cup

To be straight up and honest, I'm a total fair weathered soccer fan. I'm American and don't really understand the technicalities of the sport. I root for my teams based on who has the best chestnut quiff and most Beckham like tattoos (Hey Claudio Marachisio!). So with this year's much hyped World Cup, I decided to cease the moment, get into the festivities as much as possible, and try to figure out what's happening. That said, here are some World Cup ads that I do understand the passion behind:

"Nike Football: The Last Game"

Playing on the heart and love of the game, this Nike ad features an animation of some of the biggest World Cup players having to overcome the competition against perfectly constructed robots. As the commercials encourages, "there's no greater danger than playing it safe."

"Kia: Futbol vs Football"

Because it really does make absolute zero sense that we don't refer to soccer as football. So with the help of Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima, we can all overcome the language barrier and understand why other countries are simply doing everything better.

"McDonalds: Gol!"

Everyone loves kicking the ball around. Little nuggets in the street training to be the next Cristiano Ronaldo, girls out clubbing in high heels...everyone loves it and is just really talented, capish? With this ad and it's GOL! app (yes I've used it), McDonalds really is acing their World Cup marketing.

"Adidas: The Game Never Ends"

It would be kind of sacrilegious to be talking soccer/football without mentioning Becks, no? In this ad, both present and past players come together for a playful match in the legend's home. Nostalgia factor: priceless.

"ESPN: I Believe"

And last but certainly not least, ESPN enlists some familiar famous American faces for a little patriotic encouragement. Who can resist a lovable underdog? 

Into the Seasons: Fall/Winter 2013 Ads

Fall fashion is just around the corner! While the department stores begin to unload the seasonal change, here are some of the the top fall designer advertisements about to be splashed across the city.

DKNY Fall/Winer 2013

Cara Delevingne continues dominate her DKNY campaigns with this fierce NYC ad.

Michael Kors Fall/Winter 2013

Michael Kors takes his fall campaign on a west coast getaway in this Mario Testino shoot.

Dior Fall/Winter 2013

Dior keeps autumn vibrantly chic in the dark Versailles garden. 

Dolce and Gabbana Fall/Winter 2013

That's amore! Dolce and Gabbana sticks with the traditional Italian family theme.

Chanel Fall/Winter 2013

Karl Lagerfeld shakes it up a little with a futuristic campaign accompanied by model and celebrity studded short films. 

Fashion Friday: Baring It All

Those makeup ads really are all about simplicity! This past week, both Dolce & Gabbana and Dior have released beauty ads featuring their A-list spokeswomen nude. For Dior, Natalie Portman stripped down to model off Dior's Rouge Nude lip color. Although it's not Natalie's first time showing some skin while modeling for the brand, the sultry look is certainly a big change from her Miss Cherie ads. Dolce & Gabbana, on the other hand, gave Scarlett Johansson a softer look for its Perfect Luminous campagin. Similar set ups for the French and Italian designers but completely different appearances. Hard to say which brand did it better but I'm slightly leaning towards Scarlett's more natural ad! Molto bella!

All About Kate

Where would fashion's inspiration come from if it wasn't for the models! The supermodel phenomena is responsible for a good chunk of Vogue's evolution, designer's collections, and of course jaw dropping ad campaigns. One of those frequently seen models, Kate Moss, has particularly influenced fashion in her own way. Before Gisele lead the Brazilian model craze by storm and Karlie Kloss dominated Vogue editorials, Kate was everyone's fashion muse. While she's had her fair of controversies from her rockstar romances to her not so star worthy scandals, Kate has proven why she has and always will be fashion's greatest trend. After more than twenty years of modeling, Kate's smoldering high cheek bones are still gracing many billboards and magazines. Here's a look at some of Kate's various model moments:

Versace

Just Cavalli

Rag & Bone

Longchamp

 Mango

Dior

"In difficult times fashion is always outrageous."

-Elsa Schiaparelli 

Fashion Friday: Oscar de la Renta Elegance

Oscar de la Renta: designs beyond explainable perfection where the ads can be this simple because the dresses do all of the marketing. 

Ay swoon! As if still trying to recover from the flawless Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 collection wasn't hard enough, now the designer's breathtaking looks are being displayed all over the glossy pages of Vogue. Fall advertisements are always the best due to their sharp, fashionable edge. Which is exactly what Candice Swanepoel and Katryn Kruger are showing in this Oscar de la Renta collection! Elegance, poise, and overall fierceness...it's no wonder the expression "Oscar de la Renta posture" was coined.

Fashion Friday: We'll Always Have Dior!

Oh Dior, can you do no wrong?! In a stunning new shot from her second Dior Campaign, Mila Kunis looks gorgeous while channeling her inner Jackie O. Dior has nailed the Hollywood glamour look perfectly just like the brand has done before with previous spokeswomen, Marion Cotillard and Charlize Theron. There's nothing simple about choosing a classic black and white setting with such diverse starlets at the center of these campaigns. Love how Dior continuously celebrates iconic tradition with a nod to modernity!

The British Are Coming!

The British invasion is everywhere. Due to the catchy music that's making it big in America,  their hilarious talk shows (yes, I've stooped that low), and the funky fashion trends-- I'm truly headed for an identity crisis. I didn't realize how strong the Brits were influencing me until I found myself complaining in the NYC Topshop how the London store was clearly superior. While I still stand by this point, it was a little ridiculous to say considering I've never been to the London store. I can admit I've taken my London respect a little too far but I still wanted to share some England fashion that I'm loving! It's not a new groundbreaking fact that Europe is more fashionable, but who knew they were responsible for more than just the fashion icon that is Victoria Beckham?!

Topshop

First thing is first! I've been aware of Topshop for a while but the actual worship only kicked in recently. The store has a vibrant vibe where you really can create any look you want depending on which pieces you put together. That's what's so great about Topshop, it's full of potential fashion risks and creativity. Because of it's loud prints and styles, the shop may not be for everybody but I personally love it for that reason. These type of clothes allow the everyday girl to experiment for affordable prices. Only warning with Topshop, the clothing runs pretty small and a lot of the tops are midriff baring. If you really love the top but are unsure about the style, throw a solid tank top underneath a peplum top. Otherwise, be careful with the sizes. 

(Check out the July 2012 Hitlist to see what's currently hot at Topshop)

Cheryl Cole

 

I guess she's kind of the Britney Spears for the Brits?! Cheryl completely owns the flashy pop-star appearance that fans love to see. Let's be honest, nothing catches the media's attention more than a charismatic beautiful star. With her different hairstyles, energy lifting choreography, and colorful music videos, Cheryl Cole is the ultimate muse in England.

Cher Lloyd

Despite her comparisons to Cheryl Cole, Cher's style differs a lot. For one, the nineteen year old singer is much more rough around the edges. While she's had her fair share of fashion no-no's, Cher and her fashion have matured quite well. Cher brings a bit of rocker chic with her crop tops and fancy fedoras. 

"British fashion is self confident and fearless. It refuses to bow to commerce, thus generating a constant flow of new ideas whilst drawing in British heritage."
-Alexander McQueen

Fashion Friday: Sweet As Candie's!

I don't follow much news concerning the clothing line of Candie's except for knowing it's sold at Kohl's, is very girly, and once upon a time had a fab commercial starring Hilary Duff a la Lizzie McGuire era. In fact, I often forget Candie's isn't directed to a young female demographic. That is until I'm reminded of Britney Spears' previous spot as a Candie's spokeswoman and then see this new Lea Michele commercial. While I've seen the Glee star's ads with the brand in magazines, I didn't pay closer attention until this fun and flirty commercial was released. As "Love Is Strange" plays, Lea struts down the street in a sultress fashion. Reminiscent of a scene in Confessions of a Shopaholic, the actress lusts after the clothes in the window before catching the attention of the cutie in the window as a bonus.

So if you're telling me I can walk down a street in a Candie's mini dress and have major eye flirtation with the smokeshow in the shop...then yes Candie's, I'll have what she's having!