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  Ever wanted to dress like a celeb without having to bust your wallet? On Shopflick’s Hall of Style, host Davida Hall meets with celebrity stylist Simone Harouche to get the low-down on pulling together Christina Aguilera’s pin-up flair, Nicole Richie’s easy-breezy bohemian chic and Avril Lavigne’s punk-rock frocks. She’s picked out similar items from our favorite Shopflick designers, making it easy for you to dress for less with just one click.

Christina Aguilera Flair: Those of us who are petite know how hard it is to elongate our bodies, but Simone Harouche has no trouble finding the perfect figure hugging dresses to accentuate Christina’s curves while giving the illusion of being taller. She recommends a feminine fitting dress with cutouts for a flirty feeling. Hall’s pick is the Mansfield Dress by Stop Staring! It has a unique bandeau top with halter straps so you can show a little skin while still looking classy. When paired with bright shoes and accessories, you’ll see how Aguilera achieves her pin-up perfect look every time!

Nicole Richie Bohemian Chic: Living in Los Angeles, Nicole Richie always knows how to dress for summer. She loves colors and prints but being comfortable is just as important. Harouche loves “new” vintage for Richie, embellishing her with fun and unique prints. A Bohemian look for less, Hall chose Candice Held’s Vivian Green Dream Halter Dress, made from vintage silk scarves. This beautiful dress is halter cut with a tie in the back, creating a key-hole in the small of the back. And of course, the outfit wouldn’t be complete without a large tote like Sergio Rossi’s tote or Emanuelle Khanh’s oversized vintage sunglasses.

Avril Lavigne Punk-Rocker: For the rebel in us all, Harouche shows how to get the punk-rock princess look while staying current in the 21st century. She suggests prints and bright colors to accentuate curves on a more straight up and down body like Avril Lavigne’s. Hall likes The Fringe Dress by JL Marks, which completely captures the idea of bright colors and flirty fun. Accentuate curves with accents like a black and white checkered belt or, to accessorize like Lavigne, try big 80’s earrings and patent heels.  

Check out which looks are glam enough for the Hall of Style and feel free to leave a comment below on whom you think deserved it and who didn’t.

Have you been “Keeping Up with the Kardashians?” Well, we spotted the lovely Kim Kardashian in Ric Rac on E! Entertainment’s The Soup with Joel McHale a few weeks ago. All three girls showed up to show off their new line of perfumes as well as their never-ending style. Kim was dressed in the pumpkin yellow Moxie Ric Rac dress, accessorized by a black studded belt to give it some texture. Get Kim’s look on Shopflick and check out a clip from the show on E! Entertainment. 

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and I can’t think of a more deserving mother than Mother Earth. While Shopflick’s got a number of wonderful eco-friendly designers on the site, I’ve picked out my Top 5 eco-faves and what I love about them:

1. EMA 100% to Charity: The Environmental Media Association’s clothing line that not only promotes environmental awareness, but also donates 100% of their proceeds to charity. I love the EMA kids’ shirt that says “Tiny Carbon Footprint” - made from organic cotton – because it’s perfectly soft and fitted! The Women’s Bamboo Cardigan is a great summer find; it’s flowy and fun to spice up a summer dress or pair with dark jeans and a nice top. It comes in white and grey, both with the saying “Where’s Your Hybrid” on the left corner.

2. LiViTY Outernational: Not only do we love them, but artists, musicians, and athletes do too! LiViTY produces eco-friendly wear, promoting harmony and peace through creative art. I love that all the products are made with biodegradable or recyclable materials, keeping our lovely planet clean. LiViTY’s Fireball Fedora has a neat pattern that’s hand-woven with natural Raffia from Madagascar for just under $40. If you prefer a simpler pattern, check out the black and brown Don Mon Fedoras, woven with Raffia from Africa.

3. Harvey’s: Harvey’s creates handbags made from 100% recycled seatbelts with Hemp lining. I love the Treecycle Messenger because it’s just the right size for a weekend getaway and can even be paired with a Harvey’s wallet. Who knew carrying seatbelts could become so stylish? 

4. Sublet: Like our other eco-friendly designers, Sublet uses sustainable materials and ethical labor in producing the most modern and chic designs. My favorite is the Alison Dress made from bamboo and organic cotton. You may want to use the hidden kangaroo pockets to store your lipstick for refreshing because this dress will definitely be turning heads!

5. Cri de Coeur: Cri de Coeur designs contemporary women’s footwear that is ethically produced from beginning to end. They bring a European style to their shoes without using any animal products and still preserving the environment as a carbon-free business. Not only does Shopflick love them, but Elle, Lucky, DailyCandy, and Footwear News have mentioned them too. My favorite shoe is the Jessica Ankle Boot because it’s sophisticated and sexy, but casual enough for a day outing. I love that they combined velvet and patent leather for a contrasting look too. For every pair of shoes you buy, Cri de Coeur and Carbonfund.org will plant a tree so saving our planet will be just as easy as looking stylish and sexy!  

Editorial Director Davida Hall and Barbra Horowitz hosting LA Fashion Week

We get excited when Shopflick finds its way into the hearts, minds, and conversations of our favorite fashion bloggers!

Recently Barbra Horowitz (British Vogue, author, Closet Control) posted a brilliant article on The Battalion’s School Boy Blazer from Shopflick. (Coincidentally, Shopflick sat front row with Barbra at The Battalion show at BoxEight.)

Barbra gave us some serious kuddos: “Oh how I love Shopflick.com. Not only are they bringing you the lowdown on indy fashion via video posts, the shopflick team is covering LA fashion week too. There are some really bright lights in LA Fashion but without cool sites like Shopflick, you would never know.”

And, the feeling is mutual, Barbi, we love you too and your wildly entertaining blog So You Think You Have Nothing To Wear. http://barbrahorowitz.blogspot.com. From retail therapy to recessionista shopping tips, the BH blog has all your feel-good fashion 411.

Now you can sign up for a free virtual styling session with the stylist herself and if you’re lucky you may just win a consultation that will CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Send us your name and email to: kelli@shopflick.com and we’ll enter you in the drawing. May the fastest fingered fashionista win!  Stay tuned for more updates on our stylist extraoirdinaire and her Los Angeles shopping [mis]adventures!

Shopflick had VIP, front row access to the hottest tick in town this weekend: LA Fashion Week A/W 2009. GenArt kicked off the show with a lineup of starlets including Grai, Society for Rational Dress and our favorite Top 9 of ‘09 Designer: Raquel Allegra. The catwalks pumped out tons and tons of black, layers upon layers, and the slouchy, silky trousers ala 1990’s but with an updated, modern fit. The weekend festivities continued at the historic Los Angeles Theatre for incredible lineup of BoxEight shows.

I interviewed the founder himself, Peter Gurnz, and asked him about his breakout designers predictions. (Stay tuned for the big reveal on the Hall of Style). Celebs, stylists, designers (we ran into the Naven twins!) and Hollywood A-listers meshed with everyday Angelenos in celebration of Los Angeles ingenuity at its very best.

My personal picks for the weekend: a hot mini skirt overlay ensemble from Yotam, an edgy faux fur vest from our Battalion sisters, and beautiful shades of splatterpaint-blue jackets and vests from Maxine Dillon. Check out some of our most favorite red carpet moments…

Chatting with GenArt founder Peter Gurnz on the red carpet.

Ran into Los Angeles based indie designers, the Naven twins!

Eco-Friendly Fashion, Los Angeles Noir, Scandal, Murder and Unsolved Mysteries Come Together in popomomo’s Fall 2009 Collection

popomomo, the Los Angeles-based sustainable fashion line, debuts new collection inspired by famed Nancy Drew book series, alongside a T-shirt design partnership with the mysterious Source Family Cult

About Nancy: She becomes involved in mysteries without always being a welcome presence. She is more courageous than her friends and undaunted by the money or time spent in investigating a clue.

Lizz Wasserman, designer of the popular Los Angeles-based eco-friendly fashion line popomomo, confirmed that her fall 2009 collection will pay homage to Great Depression era book series heroine Nancy Drew; dressing women in pieces akin to Los Angeles “who done it?” noir. The budding designer, who recently showed as part of Gen Art’s Sp09 runway presentation, also unveiled her new partnership with the Source Family Cult, to release a limited run of hand-drawn T-Shirts.

“I’ve always been interested in the idea of women solving mysteries, chasing suspects and sleuthing.” said Wasserman. “The popomomo fall collection has details that are perfect for hiding clues and has prints that feature hawks, trees, coyotes, and objects that Nancy could spy from the popomomo studios. I actually bought tons of Nancy books at thrift stores, and I thought to myself, what would Nancy do? What would Nancy wear?”

popomomo will debut the collection on Thursday March 19, at 9:00pm via a short film that Wasserman commissioned from award winning director Peter Shanel at the Mandrake bar in Culver City, CA. The short takes it’s narrative and style directly from the inspiration behind the collection, taking a knowing and intelligent look at Los Angeles film noir, and showcasing, beyond the typical runway show, the meaning behind the designer’s work through film.

Wasserman has taken a modern interpretation of the book icon, flipping her known-look of sophistication, smart suits, matching hats, gloves and handbags, and adding a contemporary edge. “This is not 1940s vintage Nancy,” says Wasserman, “this is Nancy in Los Angeles, in 2009.”

Also on display on Thursday evening will be the results of the popomomo partnership with the Source Family Cult, a hippie-centric commune family who made their name in Los Angeles during the 1970s from scandal and of course style. Founder Jim Baker, was a restaurateur who owned and operated the popular Sunset diner and was accused of bank robbery and murder. His women wore long gowns, kept their hair long, meditated in their Griffith Park mansion, drove around in a Rolls Royce and were part of a rock band called Yo Ha Wha 13; sparking much interest and urban legends surrounding their lifestyle and dealings.

Popomomo has teamed up with Isis Aquarian, Source member and author of the book, The Source, to create a limited run of hand-dyed unisex T-shirts inspired by Aquarian’s memories, which will debut at Los Angeles’s March Market. “I was focused on the idea of aesthetic utopias, and really got inspired by the Source,” said Wasserman. “They were so specifically true to their time and place, and in search of something transcendent.”

Check out both concepts this Thursday - 3/19!

Event Information: The Mandrake is located at 2692 S. La Cienega Blvd, Culver City, 90034. The screening starts at 9:00pm, with DJ Cielo Alano spinning before and after the screening, and noir drink specials throughout the night.

rsvp: list@popomomo.com

And now the icing on the cake - you can purchase one of these exclusive designs on Shopflick.

Spring is in the air and Earth Day is coming up!  We here at Shopflick know how important going green is, and we’ve got the inside scoop on some great eco-chic designers.  One of our faves, Zova LA, has a wonderful high-end line of contemporary tops and dresses made of natural and recycled fabrics.  These versatile pieces can be worn on the weekends with flip-flops or dressed up at night with strappy heels or knee-high boots and a necklace.

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Kim Kardashian and her clan may get into some crazy antics on their show, but how much of that is just for the cameras? Get up close with the Kardashian sisters as Shopflick Editorial Director (and former classmate) Davida Hall sit down with Kim, Khloe and Kourtney to discuss their personal looks and styles in the latest episode of The Hall of Style.

Get an exclusive inside look into the hottest breakout designers they’re wearing as well as styling tips from the pros and behind the scene moments at Dash Boutique in LA. Be sure not to miss Kim and Davida’s teenage photos and find out how the sisters are keeping up with the up-and-coming SoCal designers in our style pop quiz.

Get in the fitting room with Hollywood’s most talked-about trio here!

Oh my! Stop Staring dresses are so culled from the past, it’s like a trip back to a bygone era. Original, retro-chic in a multitude of allover flattering styles, there’s no shorter route to timeless, classic glamour. Take the black Carmen Dress with its vogue detailing: a slim-fitting pencil skirt with satin accented kickpleats, 40s era cap sleeves, a skinny black belt, and a sweet, flirty bodice that gathers at the bust. One of the highlights of the Stop Staring store, it’s also a potential prize for a Shopflick newsletter signup. Buzz-worthy fashion updates, a stunning cocktail-meets-little-black-dress, or both? (Psst: choose “both.” You can’t lose!) Lucky for you, the inevitable Stop Staring splurge is softened by a store-wide discount of 15%. Choose from the pink Bombshell dress, a favorite of Paris Hilton and Eva Mendes, the Million Dollar Baby dress, the Lana dress (after 40s siren Lana Turner, of course), the Glamour Blush dress, or the Summer Bell dress. Just, please, stop staring already!

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Baby blankets aren’t what they used to be. They’re better. Why settle for a plain, soon-to-be-tattered square of blue or pink when you could comfortably settle your baby into a Bundle Up Joy, a luxury wearable baby blanket that is. “Luxury” and “Wearable” are the two key differentiators, and a “bundle[d] up joy” the key result. Think of all of the benefits of the standard “blankie”: nostalgia, tradition, easy gift; but, this time, add everything the baby blanket lacks, especially to the overburdened parent: seat buckle and stroller functionality, oh-so-soft and oh-so-cute design with chenille lining and a multitude of showy fabrics, convenient wrap-around zipper for quick and effortless diaper changes, machine washable material, and open-flat capability to double as a cleaning pad for on-the-go baby care. And that applies only to the Cotton Baby Sleepsack and the Sleeveless Wearable Blanket. The cold-weather ready Long-Sleeved Bundle Up Joy boasts extra perks (and a 50% discount): an attached, protective hood and pull-back mittens. All else you’ll need is a couple onesies and the wardrobe is complete. They’re only for babies 0-6 months, but a piece so gorgeous will undeniably be a darling keepsake. You can bet Nicole Richie will one day tell a not-so-little Harlow what a budding fashionista she was at 2 months. What evidence will she use? Her Bundle Up Joy, of course.

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Why be obsessed with Ric Rac Clothing? The two self-proclaimed “fashion pirates” & “thrift store junkies” behind the line, Christina Wheeler and Jarred Garza, will excitedly tell you, well, “just because!” but I have better reasons. A ric rac is a zigzag ribbon used in trimming, a detail occasionally found in the line’s collection of flirty dresses, but a ric rac also captures, in sound and definition, the sense of fun and spontaneity that runs through both the pieces and the designers’ videos. With warm prints, hop scotch colors, feminine silhouettes, and impeccable tailoring, these are vintage-inspired dresses that have been updated & modernized, sometimes literally. The stylistic difference between Ric Rac Clothing and true vintage is that Wheeler and Garza have isolated those pretty embellishments and playful cuts that make vintage so eye-worthy and built their designs around them. The result is that nothing is amiss. Your effort to find the perfect dress for any stand-out occasion (because you wouldn’t want to hide behind one of these) will start & end here.

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I had the chance to interview the creative genius behind Hip Hop Chocolates Marcus Gray and I have to say the pleasure was all mine - what lady can resist chocolate? Not me! The clever turntable and ghettoblaster boombox sweet treats will bring a smile to your face and enlighten your mood kinda like the love of your favorite hip hop beat that fills your soul bringing your feet to the dance floor.

Hip Hop Chocolate was featured on KTLA during Obama’s Inauguration - to show his gratitude to our 44th president of the United States he has created an exclusive Obama chocolate perfect for your consumption.

With no further delay the interview…

SF: What does your brand stand for?

MG: This Brand stands for the evolution of the Hip Hop Culture. Its meant to be an offering to Hip Hop’s connoisseurs who appreciate the sanctity of Hip Hop. This is Hip Hop’s Sacred Food.

SF: What is your inspiration?

MG: My initial inspiration was the Catholic Communion. But later evolved through a mediation on what culture is.

SF: Who are your customers?

MG: My customers are everyone and anyone interested in experiencing a more sensual side of Hip Hop. Hip Hop and Chocolate lovers of all ages and attitudes.

SF: What in your collection is new?

MG: In order to preserve the spirit of this historic election we have created a miniature bust of President elect Barack Obama! Also many other collaborations are in the works. A compilation mix CD of local underground producers due early 2009 and Hip Hop Gift Baskets which will include our newest additions to the Hip Hop chocolate product line… chocolate scented soaps and candles shaped like turntables!

SF: What items are people responding to most?

MG: People seem to respond the most to the Ghettoblaster and Turntable, but the Chocobama, though it hasn’t reached many eyes, has created an incredible response. Also the idea of the Hip Hop Gift Baskets is creating a bit of buzz.

SF: Are any celebs buying your pieces.

MG: Well, buying would be a strech. LOL. But I’ve presented dozens of celebrities with chocolate sculptures. Everyone from Erykah Badu to Tom Green… many of the photos can be seen on the numerous networking sites… Facebook and Myspace. Saul Williams and Esthero have been great supporters of the concept from the beginning. An esthero/pink pirate chocolate does exist although we haven’t put it into mass production.

SF: Have you custom designed any pieces for celebs or music artists?

MG: We’ve custom designed many pieces for many artists. Thomas the Messenger is responsible for most of the sculpting done at this point and has done an amazing job capturing logos such as the WuTang, Elke the Stallion, Stones Throw, Esthero, Fusicology, Hit & Run, DJ Dusk (R.I.P.) but my favorite was the life size screaming microphone we made and presented to Saul Williams.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

MG: I’d like to think I got started the first time I heard Hip Hop! I’ve always wanted to contribute but didn’t have the desire to rap. The chocolate industry is something I continue to learn about daily. But I hope to also leave my mark in that industry as well.

SF: What is your favorite Hip Hop Chocolate item?

MG: My favorite has to be the life size Nike Blazer I made for Sneaker Pimps, an art show in Denver. It took me 2 weeks to get it right. And after I finished showing it I found out that there is only one other person in the world who has made a life size Nike and their budget was a lot more than mine to say the least!

SF: What celebrities or what brands would you like to collaborate with?

MG: There is a long list of artists I’d love to collaperate with. Mear 1, Manone, Etna, most of the LA graffitti scene, the sculptor VER… she’s amazing!, ZOSO, Shepard Fairey, ThinkSpace, Fro Hawk 2 Feathers, Kutmah, Han Cholo, Andre 3000, Janelle Monae… I adore her! The list could go on and on. Artists, celebrities, promoters, brands… I want to offer Hip Hop Chocolate to the culture. Collaborating is the only way we can all advance together. It’s also a brilliant way to insppire each other to achieve innocations. And of course Mele Designs! Our collaboration is way overdue!

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

MG: Well I’d like to say that first I’d love the opportunity to collaborate with you all! Second, Hip Hop Chocolates’ mission is to give the culture the opportunity to put Hip Hop inside their body. This art, as delicious as it is, has a purpose and a function. I believe that it’s possible for those participating in Hip Hop to reach a new level of appreciation for the culture by partaking in this rite. In other words when you support Hip Hop Chocolates you are supporting the evolution of the culture as a whole! Hip Hop is maturing. It’s time we validate that change with a symbol of our growth.

Not a lot of extra spending cash? Put it where it matters: Shopflick presents the top 10 must-haves right now! Mix & match with what you already own - these simple purchases will give an instant update to your wardrobe & leave you feeling ultra stylish!

Drum Roll, please:

10. Over-sized Cardigan: Give your grandpa’s back and purchase your own - this comfy knit looks great with all your wardrobe staples.

9. Versatile Leggings: The legging is hanging on for dear life - so don’t hate - just figure out the best style & way to wear these spandex treasures. Once added correctly to your wardrobe mix - you’ll wonder how you had functioned.

8. Floor-length Dress: A trend-worthy style that offers a new perspective when matched with flat boots and a boyfriend blazer. Bonus- this piece gives you a head start on summer ‘09.

7. Faux Fur Jacket: The faultless way to channel your inner Rachel Zoe - keep your outfit simple and let this timeless piece work its magic. This is a goody you’ll pull out of your closet year after year.

6. “Layer-able” Jewelry: Simple rings, necklaces & bracelets perfect for layering and stacking. Mix materials, sizes & colors to achieve an individual look all to your own.

5. Signature Scarf: Just what the doctor ordered- a functional winter accessory that gives you an accessible way to add personality to the coldest of outfits.

4. Plaid Shirt-Dress: Working hard or hardly working - the plaid shirt-dress gives one unquestionable impression - you’re serious about style. The classic print and practical cut works well for all!

3. Go-to Booties: Paired with tights, leggings or your favorite pair of skinnys’ - this style of boot can take any outfit from day to night.

2. Essential Wrap: Ideal for traveling, dining out or at the office - like a fashionable blanket- the essential wrap is the perfect go-to for warmth & style.

1. Everyday Leather Bag: Invest in one bag you’d - gasp- “die for” and go for it. Pick from the classic backpack, functional messenger or go-to hobo & say hello to the bag your will carry everyday.

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What could be more versatile and feminine than scarves? They are the stuff of memorable anniversary presents and invaluable mother-daughter heirlooms; and who hasn’t heard of the (very imitable) French twist, that singular trick to freshen up an outfit (and personal appeal) through the addition of a little colorful detail around the neck. Shopflick favorite Candice Held takes scarf adoration to a whole new level, crafting a bevy of beautiful and unique scarf dresses that keep her runway shows punctuated by near-constant noisy adulation. She designs not only the dresses, seamless conglomerates of different scarves combined with unexpected twists and ties and wraparounds, but also the scarves themselves, creating prints that range from the pretty to the whimsical. A-list celebrities Halle Berry, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, and others have all been reliable devotees of Candice Held stylized casual elegance, but anybody who enjoys studies in sweet, bohemian beauty will relish her one-of-a-kind stock of the accessory-inspired: mini dresses, halter dresses, bandeau dresses, floral ponchos, silk pocket squares, and vintage scarves, the last free with the purchase of any item from her store. Double the scarf, double that “je ne sais quoi.”

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KidViskous designer Tiffany Lee has her finger on the pulse of cult imagery, and the rare genius to translate it into broadly wearable pieces. Case in point: PAPER Magazine Publisher and Editor Kim Hastreiter ordered a custom red “spex” (top left) to match her signature red shades. It’s no wonder, because with jewelry that is both futuristic and retro, KidViskous demystifies pop-culture symbols with youthful and stylish irreverence. This is jewelry with a humorous flair, but the line, Collection 03, is just too memorable to not be taken seriously: geometric outlines of diamonds in gold or silver; mirrored cranes; vintage-inspired locks that feature bears and deer in cork; also guns, eagles, and beer cap pendants; not to mention the collection’s trademark necklaces with neon and lucite cutouts of “blinders,” a particular style of nu-rave eye wear that is here worn ironically like your grandfather’s chained spectacles. The only prerequisite is a love of fun fashion. Many items, like the Silver F-15 Fighter Jet Necklace, are now on sale, but others, like the Neon Pink Bubblegum Suicide Pistol Necklace, merge flash and satire too impressively to pass up.

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