May 17, 2013 by Wear To Be

The Most Commonly Mispronounced Names in Fashion

Every time I watch a red carpet event I hear celebrities say the names of the designers they are wearing and I wonder if there is a ritual they go through on their rise to stardom. If I had the choice, I would much rather take a 3 unit course on “Pronunciation of Modern Day Designers” instead of “Intermediate Spanish”. But alas, I got a Bachelors out of it, so I can’t complain. I picture us mere mortals sounding like Elizabeth Berkley in Showgirls, wearing “Ver-sase”. I can’t blame her though, there are some names that are tongue twisters. So below are a list of some commonly mispronounced names in designer fashion so next time you are being interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet, or chatting with fellow fashionistas, you’ll know a few things.

Anna Sui: Anna Swee

Badgley Mischka: Badge-lee Meesh-kah

Balenciaga: Bah-len-see-aga

Balmain

Balmain: Bahl-mahhhn

Christian Lacroix: Christian Luh-qua

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin: Christian loo-boo-tan

Giambattista Valli: Gee-am-bah-tease-ta Valley

Givenchy: Jee-von-shee

Hermes: Er-mez

Herve Leger

Herve Leger: Air-veh Leh-jay

Jean Paul Gaultier: Zhon Paul Go-tee-ay

Lanvin: Lahn-vahhhhn (similar the the drawn out pronunciation of Balmain)

Louis Vuitton: Louie Vwee-tahhhhn

Maison Martin Margiela: Maysohhhn Martin Mar-jhell-ah

Marchesa

Marchesa: Mar-kay-sah

Monique Lhuillier: Monique Loo-lee-ay

Moschino: Mos-key-no

Olivier Theyskens: Oh-liv-ee-ay Tay-skins

Proenza Schouler

Proenza Schouler: Pro-en-zuh Skool-er

Rochas: Row-shah

Thakoon: Tuh-koon

Versace: Vur-sah-chee

Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent: Eve Sane Laurennnn

Personally, I feel so…French (more than I already am) every time I say Yves Saint Laurent. I could say it all day. And now we all can. Properly.

Any designer names that trip you up that you would like to add? Any I missed that you think should be on the list? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo, Courtney

May 8, 2013 by Wear To Be

Met Gala 2013: Best Dressed

This year’s Met Gala, as you have probably heard via social media, had a punk theme. It was Punk:Chaos to Couture. Some of the stars channeled their inner rock stars, while others just chose to look glamorous instead. While I appreciate celebrities dressing their very best at the Oscar night of Fashion, I was a bit disappointed that more of them didn’t embrace the theme. Everyone loves a theme party. Below are our choices for best dressed of the night:

Emma Watson in Prabal Gurung

So it may not be the most “punk” of them all, but man, did she own it. And that’s pretty punk.

Amber Heard in Emilio Pucci

So I think maybe I didn’t like the punk theme… here is another best dresses pick that wasn’t entirely on theme. But I couldn’t help it. Amber Heard totally stood out in the crowd in her sequined bright red dress with loose curls. She looked stunning.

Anne Hathaway in Vintage Valentino

You could hear a collective gasp in the room (figuratively) when Anne Hathaway walked in the room. The most obvious reason being her normally brunette mane was now a harsh blonde. It is rumored that she dyed it specifically for the Met Ball. What dedication. Her dress enhanced the whole look, and she looked incredible. Everyone can now forget about the Oscar dress fiasco. Kinda.

Blake Lively in Gucci Premiere

It’s Blake Lively. She can do no wrong in my eyes. Except maybe forgetting to bring Ryan Reynolds.

Taylor Swift in J Mendel

Taylor Swift is clearly taking a note from Gwyneth Paltrow’s style book. Nude side panels and all. The dress is impeccably cut and worn, but Taylor styled it too…”nice”. Yes, nice. Her hair needs to be more fierce to compliment the dress, because right now the two don’t match. But other than that, it’s a step up Taylor.

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

Hi. My name is Rooney Mara and I knocked all of you out of the water. Perfectly combining the punk theme and pure elegance, Rooney Mara wore an edgy, white Givenchy gown and stole the spotlight. The high-low hemline, hard edges, buckle detailing and dark make up was so cool I forgot about that other white dress (natch, gray hair) making headlines… that’s you Nicole Richie.

Rooney Mara

Thoughts? It was a diverse evening. What were your favorites and least favorites?

xoxo, Courtney

April 10, 2013 by Wear To Be

Our First Polyvore Contest: The Winners

For the past week we held our first contest on Polyvore, giving users the opportunity to create sets with items featured in our shop, and in return the chance to win store credits to our site NewChicBoutique.com ranging from $50- $100! We had a generous out pour of beautiful sets so making a decision was quite difficult.

So meet our winners! And don’t forget to follow us on Polyvore, Facebook and Twitter for announcements of our contests so you can get in on the action and win some great prizes!

1st Place:

barbarela11 wins a $100 store credit to NewChicBoutique.com!

Shop the Look: Blazer – Dolce & Gabbana / Top – Nanette Lepore / Skirt – Nanette Lepore

2nd Place:

gustosamente wins a $75 store credit to NewChicBoutique.com!

Shop the Look: Blazer – Dolce & Gabbana / Dress – Alberto Makali / Handbag – Isabella Fiore

3rd Place:

roxy75 wins a $50 store credit to NewChicBoutique.com!

Shop the Look: Blazer – alice+olivia / Dress – Free People

Congratulations to our winners!

xoxo, Courtney

April 8, 2013 by Wear To Be

The $91,500 T-Shirt

The $91,500 crocodile Hermes shirt – Spring/Summer 2013

Hermes has been making headlines recently for the launch of a Crocodile t-shirt, for men. The shirt was shown as a part of their Spring/Summer 2013 collection. As high-end designer fashion goes, women don’t shy away from spending a pretty penny on items like leather jackets, dresses, and handbags. Let us not forget the same brand bares the famous Birkin bag that starts at a mere $10,000 a pop. But this reptilian t-shirt is for men. I don’t know about you ladies, but the most expensive t-shirt in my boyfriend’s closet is a cool $25.

There’s no doubt that the $91,500 price tag is ludicrous. In some states, that’s the price of a house. In all states that’s nicer than most cars on the road. But even in a business where creativity is encouraged and admired, one has to take a step back and realize when they have gone too far. But maybe I’m wrong. Maybe crocodile t-shirts are in for men, and they want to spend their 2-years’ salary on a shirt. On second thought, maybe not.

xoxo, Courtney

March 29, 2013 by Wear To Be

L’Amour for Nanette Lepore

One of our favorite designers, Nanette Lepore has joined the popular trend of creating a less expensive line in collaboration with a department store. Her L’Amour line with JCPenney is geared toward a younger audience (think Forever 21 prices but with Lepore’s signature bright prints and sheer fabrics) which is a new venture for the designer.

Here are a few of our favorite pieces from the collection:

Sleeveless Drape Back Blouse $17 / Stars & Stripes Jeggings $25 / Bralette $17 / Embellished Shorts $20 / Button Front Scallop Shirt $17 / Chiffon Skirt $20

We can’t believe all these pieces are under $25! These items are going quick so make sure you pick up your favorites online or in stores!

xoxo Courtney

March 22, 2013 by Wear To Be

Now Trending: Clear Accents

There was a pretty clear trend on the runways this season, reminiscent of my elementary school days, fun-filled days wearing brightly colored “jelly” shoes, or a beach tote I used to sport. The see-through accessories trend is back, in full force. Everything from hats, sunglasses, jewelry, handbags and shoes.

Valentino

Stella McCartney

These clear clutches and totes were common on the New York and Paris runway shows. Now, I love the mod look and simplicity of the Valentino clutch above, but if you all have a purse as cluttered as myself, you definitely don’t want the rest of the world to see its contents! I think my crumpled up receipts, packages of Advil, sanitizer, perfume, and gift cards only need to be seen by me. And the dark depths of the bottom of my Calvin Klein handbag.

Pucci

Chanel

These Pucci sunglasses remind me of high school chemistry. I hated chemistry. There were many variations of sleek and colorful lenses on the runways. These yellow hued Pucci frames, while fashion forward, just don’t look like they will actually keep you safe from the sun. In fact, it looks like it will enhance the sun’s rays. This Chanel hat probably looked amazing on the runway, unless of course you had nosebleed seats. It unfortunately looks like an invisible UFO, and is probably extremely noisy in the wind (didja think about that?) and is incredibly heavy. Ah, the sacrifices we make for fashion.

Charlotte Olympia

Christian Louboutin

But it’s not all bad! My absolute favorite interpretation with the clear trend is in shoes! As to not going to the total “jelly sandal” route, designers are taking a simpler, and in my opinion, a more striking approach to the trend. The Charlotte Olympia heels above are a twist on a basic black pump. The clear heel makes the shoe so edgy and sophisticated at the same time. It’s something you haven’t seen before. Although these Christian Louboutin cap toe pumps were all over celebrities last year, I am still obsessed with how fashion forward, chic, and cool they are. Just make sure you have a fresh pedicure ladies!

What was your favorite accessory trend from Fashion Week?

xoxo, Courtney

Wear To Be

Fashion. Vanity. The Girl. The Wardrobe.

The Most Commonly Mispronounced Names in Fashion

Met Gala 2013: Best Dressed

Our First Polyvore Contest: The Winners

The $91,500 T-Shirt

L’Amour for Nanette Lepore

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