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Posts under ‘Ask ThinkThru’

Ask ThinkThru: How To Pronounce Designer Names

Jun 14th, 2010
by Sydne.
1 comment

Some labels are incredibly hard to pronounce. I remember back in high school, one of my best friends asked if I have ever been to the Loo-is Vi-tten store. It was endearing, but then again she was only 16-years-old. Once you’re an adult, mispronouncing any name can make you turn a brighter shade of red then a classic Valentino gown.

The only way I can ever remember how to say Prabal Gurung is because I saw a clip of the designer saying you pronounce his name like Trouble, but with a P. So I’ve compiled a little cheat sheet if you ever want to avoid the embarrassing outcome of mispronouncing a designer’s name.

How To Pronounce Designer Names:

Abaete: Ah-bye-ah-tay

Alessandro Dell’Acqua: Ala-SAND-roe del-LA-kwa

Anna Sui: Anna Swee

Andrew Gn: Andrew Jen

Ann Demeulemeester: ann DEH-moo-lah-MEE-stera

Anya Hindmarch: Ahn-ya Heind-march

Badgley Mischka: Badge-lee Meesh-ka

Balenciaga: Bah-len-see-aga

Balmain: Bahl-mahhhhn

Bebe: Bee-bee

Bottega Veneta: BO-teg-a VEN-eta

Bulgari: Ball-gah-ree

Burberry Prorsum: BUR-bur-ree proar-SOME

Carolina Herrera: Caro-leena Hair-era

Christian Lacroix: Christian Luh-qua

Christian Louboutin: Loo-boo-tin

Comme des Garçons: Comb day gar-SON

Dior : dee-or

Dior Homme: dee-OAR OM

Dolce & Gabbana: DOLE-chay and gab-BON-a

Dries Van Noten: DREEZE van KNOW-ten

DSquared2: DEE squared

Emilio Pucci : ee-mee-lee-oh  pu-chee

Etienne Aigner : eh-tee-yen on-yay

Gareth Pugh: Gareth Pew

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

Gianfranco Ferre: Gee-ahn-franco Feh-ray

Giles Deacon: Jy-els Dee-kin

Givenchy: Zshee-VON-she

Gucci: GOO-chi

Hedi Slimane: Eddy slim-MAHN

Hermès: AIR-mehz

Hervé Léger: Air-vay Lay-jay

Hussein Chalayan: Hoo-sane Sha-lion

Issey Miyake: Iss-ee Mee-yah-key

James Perse :  pronounced like “purse”

Jean Paul Gaultier: Zhon Paul Go-tee-ay

John Varvatos:  John var-VAY-toes

Junya Watanabe: JUNE-ya Wah-TAH-nah-bay

Kris Van Assche: Chris van-ASH

Lambertson Truex : lam-bert-son tru-ex

Lanvin: lon-VAUN

Loewe: Low-ev-ay

Louis Vuitton: loo-E vo-WE-ton

Madame Gres : mah-dam gray

Maison Martin Margiela: MAZE-on Mar-TIN mar-GEL-a

Marchesa: Mar-kay-sa

Miu Miu: Myoo Myoo

Monique Lhuillier: Monique Loo-lee-ay

Moschino: mo-SKEEN-o

Narciso Rodriguez : nar-si-so rod-ree-gus OR rod-ri-gez

Nicolas Ghesquière: Ni-co-la Guess-ki-air

Olivier Theyskens: Oli-vier Tay-skins

Pierre Cardin: Pee-air Car-dain

Prabal Gurung: Prub-ble Ger-rung

Prada : prah-da

Pierre Cardin : pee-air car-dain

Proenza Schouler: Pro-enza Skool-er

Raf Simons: rauph SEE-mon

Ralph Lauren: Ralph Lauren (as in Lauren the girl’s name, not Sophia Loren)R

Rochas: Row-shah

Rodarte: Row-dar-tay

Salvatore Ferragamo: Sal-va-TOH-reh Fair-a-GAH-moe

Sonia Rykiel: Sewn-ya Ree-key-el

6267: Six-two-six-seven (not Sixty-two-sixty-seven)

Thakoon: Tuh-koon

Thierry Mugler: Tee-air-ree Moog-lay

Tibi : tbi (not Tee-bee)

Tocca : toe-ka

Ungaro : oon-ga-ro

Veronique Branquinho: Ve-ro-NEEK BRANG-kee-no

Versace: ver-SAH-chay

Yigal Azrouel: Yee-goll Az-roo-el

Yohji Yamamoto: YO-jee ya-MA-moto

Yves Saint Laurent: EVE Sane-LOR-aunt

Zac Posen : poe-zen

Zegna: ZANE-ya

Still don’t get it? Put on your headphones and hear the different designers’ names here and here.

Info compiled from Valet Mag, Pop Culture Post, Glamour Slaves to Fashion, Splendicity

Ask ThinkThru: Flattering Swimwear For Your Body Type

May 27th, 2010
by Sydne.
1 comment

Memorial Day weekend marks the official start of summer—and it’s when most of realize we need to whip our body in shape ASAP for bathing suit season. One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is always, What looks good on my body type? So, I’ve asked the experts over SwimSpot to share some of their tips on figure-flattering suits. Check out their guest post below, and then come back tomorrow for my video that shows trendy suits for all body types.

SwimSpot guest blogging here. Your one and only source to the latest news, tips, and tricks for being part of the beach bombshell elite.

First things first, a common faux pas for fashion is not dressing for your body type. Growing up during those awkward pre-teen years (you’re a saint if you didn’t), we thought we could pull off any cool trend and just throw it on. Baggy overalls, platform sneakers, two size too small, you name it. Result: bad news where your flaws are intensified with must- burn-now polaroids.

Splendid – Solid Triangular Bikini Top and Solid Tie Side Bottom

Keep Calm and Carry On. There’s no need to hide under your towel or summer dress. We’ve got some swimwear tips to boost up your confidence with your most appealing features accentuated. Lend us your ears, slather on your bronzing oil and consider yourself on your way to being a Beach Goddess.

Missing some oomf, needing a little bust?
If you have a boyish figure and need a little more ooomf, consider rummaging through the racks for a top with ruffles. The ruffles speak volumes…literally! Avoid wearing horizontal stripped bikinis which will make you look more like a ruler. The trick is making you curvilicious. Your swimwear bff? String bikinis that hug your bod. (more…)

Ask ThinkThru: What to Wear to My High School Reunion?

Mar 18th, 2010
by Sydne.
No comments yet

What to Wear to My High School Reunion?
I was wondering if you have any advice about what I could wear to my 30-year high school reunion coming up this summer. I’d like to wear flats if at all possible because I’m 5’ 10” and my husband is shorter than I am. I also hate towering over people as I do when I wear heels, and most all my friends from school are short—even the guys. I don’t really want to wear a dress with flats. I think that looks clumsy, plus it looks like you’re trying too hard not to be tall and I hate that! I have long legs and a long waist and a pretty good figure if I do say so myself, and I don’t mind showing it off a little, but I want to look appropriate. Any advice?—Rhonna

Reunions are stressful. You’re seeing people you haven’t talked to in years so you want to look hot, while still staying classy and sophisticated. Since you don’t want to wear a dress or skirt, your only other option is pants. But instead of basic black slacks, try something a little different: the jumpsuit.

Michael Stars Surplice Jumpsuit ($172) is flattering for all sorts of body types. The straps are thick enough to wear a bra while the flattering v-neck shows off just the right amount (if it’s a little too low for you, you can always layer a black cami underneath). The ruched waist is incredibly slimming and the slight flare in the pants will hide the fact that you’re wearing flats. Another plus? The material won’t crease so it’s easily packable if you’re traveling for your reunion.

Now that you have your basic down, it’s time to talk accessories. (more…)

Ask ThinkThru: Where Are Good Vintage Shops in Los Angeles?

Mar 14th, 2010
by Sydne.
4 comments

Vintage Shopping Los AngelesI’m going to LA soon, can you recommend some vintage stores? — Pinktulip

It really depends what you are looking for. Today, I was on the hunt for a 60s costume to wear to my upcoming swanky birthday soiree. I returned with three choices plus a Mad Men style sheath I just couldn’t resist. Here are my top five faves…

American Vintage 1750 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 661-8081
I always have luck at this Los Feliz store. They don’t have a huge inventory but that just means you don’t have to dig to get to the good stuff. They have a great selection of vintage dresses, cool boots, fur stoles, hats and everything is reasonably priced. I found my velvet 80s dress there last year and just bought a turquoise 60s dress today for $30.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Squaresville 1800 N Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 669-8464
Another fun Los Feliz shop. They have a large selection of dresses, cool bags and fur coats. Everything is very reasonably priced. I bought two dresses there today for $37.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Zachary’s Smile 4014 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (323) 668-1900
This Silverlake store is a little more expensive but the prints alone are worth it. In addition to vintage, there’s the ZS Collection, which is reconstructed clothing. I bought a jumpsuit there that I’m obsessed with, which features piping made from vintage scarves. Each one was different.
Good for: One of a kind

Jet Rag 825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 939-0528
Unless you like digging through piles of clothes, skip the $1 Sunday sale. I’m sure you can find some cool stuff but it’s just too overwhelming for me, personally. I’d highly recommend this place for costumes. Their inventory is arranged by decade and they have a fabulous 80s section if you’re in the market for heavily embellished dresses. It’s also fun to go through their wedding dress rack in the back. But if you’re not looking for a costume, I’d probably go elsewhere.
Good for: Costumes

The Way We Wore 334 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 937-0878
It’s impossible not to find something you like here. They have stunning dresses, coats, handbags and shoes from all decades and designers. The only problem is even during their bi-annual sale everything is very pricey. But I’d still recommend checking it out, even if it’s only to drool over the vintage couture.
Good for: High quality vintage

Photo credit: myvintagevogue.com

Ask ThinkThru: What Are Good Swimsuits For Pear Shapes?

Mar 8th, 2010
by Sydne.
2 comments

Swimsuits That Flatter Pear Shapes

What kind of swimsuit suits a pear shape best? —pinktulip

The most important part about picking out a swimsuit for a pear shape is to find styles that draw attention to the upper half. Mixing and matching is ideal. Pair a bright or printed bikini or tankini top with a dark solid bottom. Halters are the most flattering since they broaden the shoulders, which balances out a larger bottom half. Stay away from bandeau tops. They’ll just make you look flatter. And boy-shorts are a big n-o.

One-pieces are another great option for pear shapes. Try one that features fringe or ruffles on top with a deep v-neck to keep the eyes focused on your upper half.

Full Tilt Plaid Womens Swimsuit Top ($34.99 $27.99) and Full Tilt Solid Womens Swimsuit Bottoms$19.99 $15.99) Alloy Deep-V Ruffle One-Piece ($49.90 $40.90)

Do you have a fashion question? Ask me in the comments below or email ask@thinkthrufashion.com. And keep reading for more swimsuit shopping options that flatter pear shapes. (more…)

Ask ThinkThru: What Shoes Should I Wear to Travel Around Europe?

Sep 1st, 2009
by Sydne.
5 comments

Comfortable Shoe Recommendations for Europe

My husband and I are traveling to Europe for the first time and I need a shoe that is dressier than a sneaker but more comfortable then a standard flat. Also one that would go with most outfits… is there anything that you recommend? Also any good packing tips? –Meredith

When I was traveling around Europe over three years ago, London Sole ballet flats saved my soles. I wore a bronze pair, similar to these Harriet Metallic flats ($215) walking all over Paris, Barcelona and London. At first, I was horrified by the price. But the shoes held up through my travels and are still in good enough condition for me to wear to work today. I suggest ordering half a size larger than you usually wear, and then adding a Dr. Scholl’s insole for extra comfort.

When it was colder, I relied on my Cole Haan Air boots to keep me comfortable. I had a pair similar to these Cole Haan Air Petra Tall Boots ($301.95) that I wore with leggings, skirts and skinny jeans. A bunch of my friends swore by the rest of Cole Haan’s Air line, including flats like the Cole Haan Air Maggy Ballet ($153.95) and Cole Haan Air Seana Ballet ($181.95 $106.43). Go for a metallic since it will match most outfits.

And don’t forget to break in your shoes before you go. Wear them while your packing and when you’re running last minute errands. Sometimes I wear mine with socks around the house a few nights before I leave.

As for packing…
(more…)

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