Abbey Dawn

Latest from the fashion forefront tells me that pop-rock star Avril Lavigne is preparing for the launch of her own clothing line. The clothing line named "Abbey Dawn," which was named after a childhood nickname given to Avril, will be featured at Kohl's Department stores and debuts in July. Clothing items range from $22 to $49. "I actually am the designer," she told reporters at Newsweek for editions that will be available on Monday. "I [will] try everything on and approve it all." Lavigne says that the clothing line will be Rock-Glam, "young, fun, edgy and edgy." She plans to wear the line during her Best Damn Tour, which kicked off this month in British Columbia Canada. I guess the tidbit about her designing, fitting and approving makes her different from all of the other celebs-turned-designers. Well let's all wish Avril good luck on her clothing line.

**Photo courtesy of US Weekly

Catalog Crazy

Okay, you know how you recieve all those catalogs, magazines and whatever else in the mail pertaining to fashion? This week I've got some pretty good looks out of them. Let's start with Spiegel. They are having their final winter sale. They have a couple of good looks in there too! Like this wide-legged pants suit. It's cute and smart and affordable. They also have a yellow blouse and gray skirt in there that are from their spring collection. The other catalog that caught my attention is the Victoria's Secret. Now Victoria's Secret always has some really qute things. Brook's Brothers has got some really neat deals going on now too. This white dress over at Ralph Lauren. It's a Blue Label and it's called the Lex Cotton Voile Dress. Qute, isn't it!

You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.--Winston Churchill

Lovin Life, truthis

Stylish Dresses

I am madly in love with dresses. The allure of a well made, stylish dress is irresistible to me. Dresses look good on me, and I like the way I look in them. They are the epitome of femininity. I don't need one to make me feel like a W-O-M-A-N however, a dress sure solidifies my point! Out of all the gifts someone could ever give me, believe me when I say a well-made dress, of my choosing will get you noticed. Take this little number from The Christian Dior Line, Spring 2008. Would someone please tell me, what is not to love about this dress? First of all it's definitely inspired by a vintage 1920's or 1930's. Sleeveless, almost like a tunic, with a asymmetrical hemline. And the color orange is outstanding. Look at this tan dress also from Christian Dior's Ready to wear line. The top of the dress is sleeveless. That gives way to some artistry around the bust line. Then the fitted sheath, with a flowing hemline puts the final punctuation on this magnificent work of art.--- "Authentic spirituality awakens the soul, reconnects us with the sacred, and fills us with the passion of life. Spiritual development is not about religious rituals and practices; it is about waking up to the wonder of life." - David N. Elkins ---Lovin life, truthis

Cause & Effect: Charm 4 Life

Jewelry designer Carolyn Rafaelian of Alex and Ani has decided to join forces with Merck & Co. to raise awareness about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Rafaelian has created a stylish set of bangles that you can purchase to show your support and also bring consciousness to these two diseases that are very much intertwined. The facts are that there are over one hundred different strains of HPV and 30 of those strains, if undetected can lead to Cervical Cancer because they can affect the genital area of the body. There are other strains that can cause genital warts but all strains can cause abnormal Pap-Smear tests in women and lead to sterilization in men.

For the most part the human immune system is enough to clear most strains of HPV. However for some people not all strains can be cleared from the body and it's that cause that can lead to cervical cancer in women. As I've said before, HPV can be contracted from men and women alike. All you need is contact with the infected area and you could be at risk too. I want to make this plain, sexual intercourse is NOT needed. What makes this worse is many people do not show symptoms of contracting HPV and it can go undetected for very long periods of time.

In 2000, approximately 9.2 million adults ranging from 15-24 years of age had genital HPV. Every year about 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States and of that 10,000 about 3,700 die annually. But this doesn't have to be. Please be educated about your sexual partner(s), don't be afraid to ask their history, its YOUR life and no one else is going to guard it as well as you. No one will protect you except for you. If you have a regular gynecologist please do not hesitate to ask them information about this disease.

The Charm 4 Life Bracelets are featured in this month's Vogue Magazine on pages 475-476. If you would like more information you can visit http://www.charm4life.com/ to purchase the limited edition bangles from Alex and Ani. They are fairly inexpensive ($32) and a portion of the proceeds go to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The bracelets are limited edition and come in two finishes, Ani's Russian Gold finish and Russian Silver finish. If you would like more information you may contact me directly at charitable.life@yahoo.com Remember, without education there is ignorance and ignorance leads to the death of man.

Lexie H

Is It Time To Take Them Seriously?

Everything about this years fashion shows has said chic, feminine, romantic, artistic, floral, old Hollywood and glamour which led me to look at some urban lines to see if this trend ran true for them as well. Remember when Baby Phat tee's were worn at a fashion show in 1997 and then a year later evolved into it's own label; no one really took Kimora seriously and though that she had lost her mind. For the most part everyone felt that one tiny urban hip-hop label that celebrates flash, hip hop glamour and bling could never be taken seriously in the epic fashion world as a heavy weight. But something seems different this year with all of the urban hip hop labels... Although she has made it clear that items shown on the runway for NYFW 2008 were simply that, just for show is it time to take her a little more seriously? Kimora's fall 2008 line was filled with examples of old Hollywood glamour and 1920's sophisticate that stayed true to her color scheme of rich gold, black and deep purples. I saw these pictures and took note. However, maybe she should reconsider some of the items she's selling now and actually produce the items she put out on the runway. It might make her a little more successful in this industry.

In addition to that can we really call House of Dereon a force to be reckoned with. I have to agree with Sue Wong that there's an epidemic of celebutuantes turning into fashion designers. We have Jessica Simpson, Nicky Hilton, Lauren Conrad. The Pussycat Dolls and Beyonce. Her two clothing lines House of Dereon and Dereon were coined by the singer as synonymous with fashion, elegance and simplicity. However, first time I saw the line I dismissed it as a less flashy version of Baby Phat. I might be recanting my statement soon dependant upon whether or not she can keep up the good work. Although the pictures that are featured are from the House Of Dereon's line there is hope for the urban labels that so many people have counted out of the fashion game.

These sites are refreshing to me. They let me know that there is hope as far as urban fashion labels are concerned. Hopefully Kimora Lee Simmons and House of Dereon can continue to evolve as clothing lines and turn into true fashion houses. My only question is, who has what it takes? At the end of the day who do you have your money on to come out on top? Good luck ladies.

**Images provided by Style.com and House of Dereon.com

Things To Come...

Hello All,

I would like to take sometime and thank everyone that reads this site. I appreciate all of the feedback that I have recieved via email and comments on this site. I started this site out of my fondness and admiration for fashion, as well as a creative outlet for myself while I am working out kinks with my own company. I must say that this blog is my baby and any feedback that I recieved (negative or positive) has helped me and will continue to do so. I also would like to take a moment and let you all know what is to come:

The F*Word will soon be adding:

• Special features about music and entertainment
• Spotlight On section designed for upcoming designers
• Special Causes section for charitable events and causes

As I've stated before, I appreciate your continued support of The F*Word. I look forward to bringing you all the very best information about fashion, beauty, health and entertainment. Together we can do anything. Remember to be the best at everything you encounter.

Lexie H

Jimmy Choo Launches Sunglass Line

Shhh... I see sunglasses...

I don't know how many women danced in the street when they found out that Jimmy Choo had launched a sunglass line but I sure did. For months I had sat and fantasized (well maybe not fantasized) that the sunglasses would look as fabulous and luxurious as the shoes that Choo produces each year and for the most part I was correct. I must say that I am in love with aviators. I love them in all sizes and all shapes. They make me smile on the inside, so of course my favorite of the line are the one single pair of avaiators. However, I have a couple of other picks from the new luxury line, which are the Choo Rock glasses and if you are going for a more Jackie O. look I would go for the Choo Open-Temple look. Ladies please be adivsed that if you want to go and grab a piece from this collection it will cost anywhere from $275-$430 per pair and they are available at select retail stores (Neiman Marcus, as always). I also too the time to put the entire collection below so you cah decide what pair you would like for yourself. Enjoy!






**We would like to thank Neiman Marcus for the images of Choo's new sunglass line.

Top It Off With A Blouse

Pretty, white blouses take you from day to evening without missing a beat. I love the first blouse pictured here with a black and white skirt. It is by Donna Karan, from the Donna Karan Collection. Available at Bergdorf Goodman. The top itself is simply her "Puffed Sleeve Blouse." I like it because it's simple yet elegant, stylish, yet classic. I can dress it up, as they have done here or I can pair it with a nice black (or any color)wide-legged pant. I can even wear it with a nice pair of jeans and a nice shoe. The design of this blouse adds a touch of elegance to anything that you decide to wear. This next shirt is available at BeBe and is by BeBe. It retails for $69.00. It's called their "Scalloped Smock." This is a very pretty blouse with its lacey trim and it's elegant satin white bow. I can see it being worn with a pencil skirt, a pair of jeans, wide legged pants anything that has a tapered waist. The blouse has deep v-neck, with laced border so I wouldn't bother with a necklace. I would wear some nice chandelier-type earrings or some hoop earrings. A little surprise, the blouse has a semi-opened back. Bergdorf Goodman has another blouse that worth mentioning. It's Donna Karan's "Panama Shirt." It's deep red with a spread collar, low buttoned front, rolled cuffs, and puffed short sleeves. This fun little blouse could be worn with jeans, or a black skirt, just about anything you could imagine. These blouses are just three of my picks for season's best. I'm sure you'll be seeing them on a body near you! The man of wisdom is never of two minds;the man of benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never afraid. Confucius Lovin Life, truthis

Diamonds & Pearls

Diamonds are a girls best friend, and my friends, best friend....and well, you get the picture! Fantasies of Cartier, Harry Winston and Bvlgari are helping me to perfect The Law of Attraction. I'll take a Diamond anything (as long as it's over 7 carats) accompanied by some smaller diamonds and maybe a pearl or 2. The earrings pictured at left are from Harry Winston. They are classic, and they are on my list! Not a bad investment at all! The creations on Bvlgari's site just took my breath away. Absolutely exquisite. The 4 C's is what you want to remember when you go to pick out your stones. The 4 C's stand for Cut (how is it cut), Clarity (how clear is the Diamond?), Colour (what color is the Diamond?), Carat Weight (What does your Diamond Weigh?). For more thorough education on Diamonds you can go to the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) website. In addition to that most reputable Diamond Seller's have an area to educate you on their websites. Now, my mother had a several strands of pearls and I was as drawn to those necklaces like bees to honey. I vowed to get myself a strand when I grew up. Tiffany's was the first place I thought about when looking for a strand of Pearls for a gift. Then I thought, "I'll just educate myself on the subject, (never know when it might come in handy)." There are Akoya, South Sea, Australia, Tahiti, Indonesia and Freshwater Pearls. There are white, white rose, black, silver, pink and gold pearls. Then there's the Luster of a Pearl. Luster is the mirror like quality of a Pearl. Can't say that's what attracted me but if they say it's Luster, then Luster it is! Luster is apparently what people have been fascinated by throughout the years. There are several places to learn more about diamonds and pearls like the GIA and Bluenile. Kind of makes you stop and think....Nature has and continues to give us some of our most valued commodities. No matter what language you speak, what currency you trade with, Diamonds and Pearls are of immense value. Maybe it's just the Creator's way of winking at us! Reminding us that everything he created has life and or energy in it. We should value ALL life like we value the Diamond and the Pearl. "Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." - Ambrose Redmoon Lovin Life, truthis

Has The Bubble Burst?

L.A. Fashion Week is here and will be until March 14th (for those of you that are still trying to get tickets). So of course this is the perfect time to be a fashionista or socialite running around southern California because you just might run into one of your favorite celebrities, or not?!?! Apparently a lot of regulars such as, Sue Wong and Ed Hardy are not showing Fall 2008 at LAFW; even worse heavy hitter Kevan Hall pulled out just three days before the event began at Culver City's Smashbox Studio's this weekend. This has left a lot of the week up to celeb/designers like the Pussycat Dolls and Lauren Conrad ("LC" from Laguna Beach, The Hills), which are being compared to a trend rather than "serious and legitimate" designers. Wong, who has openly expressed her disdain towards the idea of celeb designers has said, "let's see whether she [LC] can survive and thrive. It takes so much dedication," she said. "You gotta really pay your dues to be a serious artist." (OUCH)

Hall, who outfitted Oscar-nominated actress Ruby Dee this year for the event, pulled out at the last minute said that his small staff and himself "are focusing on 5,000 sq ft renovation space" and that "there are more important things that a fashion show." Although he insisted that there was nothing personal and that his decision wasn't reflective of anyone else presenting lines this year (Sure it wasn't). His presence, or lack thereof, pointed out that Christian Audigier and his infamous Ed Hardy line is not present this year {but they will be having a two day party featuring his lines}. Allegedly he wanted a night spot and Hall had taken the last one and due to him pulling out so late Audigier just simply didn't have enough time to put a show together. Good news is that Robin Antin (founder of the Pussycat Dolls) will be closing out the week on March 14th debuting a lingerie line (as if we didn't see that one coming).

*Click HERE for a complete schedule of L.A. Fashion Week, it's ticket pricing and events.

***This article will be updated throughout the week, Please check back continuously for updates.***

**Some information is courtesy of the Associated Press