TFG Exclusive: Quote of the Day

"Fashion is a kind of vitamin for style. It stimulates you, it gets you going. But there's a risk of overdose. It can destroy the balance of your personality-that goes for for a designer and also for the woman who wears his clothes."- Yves Saint Laurent

Eva Chen Joining Instagram Confirms Tech's Permanent Place in Fashion

Former Lucky Magazine editor-in-chief Eva Chen is joining Instagram to head fashion partnerships. The move from print to digital not only affirms tech's disruption of the fashion industry- an evolution that we have noted here at TFG time and again- but it also solidifies Instagram's rightful place as a major driver in fashion. With fashion bloggers and influencers all around the world single-handedly driving sales of the latest fashion trends with one photo, Instagram has, in many ways, replaced the glossy pages of fashion magazines. No longer are consumers as driven by elaborate fashion spreads with unattainably beautiful models. The millennial purchasing behavior is driven more by the accessible, yet still aspirational, influencer and blogger. The viral fashion mavens' seemingly spontaneous photographs capture a street style that appeals more for the day-to-day. One Instagram post can show consumers how to pair that high-end bag with an H&M dress.  One photo can show the latest fashion "IT" item or emerging brand to millions of followers in a matter of seconds. In many ways, Instagram is indirectly responsible for bringing fashion more to life and making it more wearable. This kind of accessibility and efficiency cannot be achieved by magazines. 

Image Courtesy of @evachen212

This decision has made it clear that Instagram recognizes its leverage in fashion and is clearly attempting to monetize the multi-billion dollar industry. The company needs a leader at the helm like Eva, who "understands all sides of the fashion community-from the craft of couture to street style, style icons to aspiring models, and storied fashion houses to emerging designers." Eva Chen clarified that her new role is "not an editorial role," but a "partnerships role" that requires "an editorial eye and ability to curate."

The news is a major development for the cross-section of fashion and technology. With all the metrics and strategy that went behind the decision, it's clear that "[a]t the heart of [this new partnership], it's the love of fashion, brands, stylists, and influencers and finding their stories." And from a tech and social media perspective, it's the love of an online community of sharers. We here at TFG consider this a match made in fashion tech heaven and look forward to seeing what Eva Chen does with her new digital role. 

How To Authenticate Designer Handbags

We here at TFG are big advocates of finding deals on designer handbags. Paying retail is not always necessary, nor is it a smart way to shop. There are plenty of stylists, celebrities, gliterrati and even boutique stores selling designer handbags online through consignment or auction sites- in some cases handbags that have hardly been used, if at all. However, consumer concerns over counterfeit goods discourages people from really reaping the benefits of these sites. We here at TFG want to supply the authentication tools that will alleviate all consumer doubts, instill confidence in the authenticity of the goods, and turn savvy fashionistas into deal ninjas. TheRealReal has come out with a series of great videos explaining what traits to identify to authenticate a handbag before purchasing. Each video is brand-specific and fashion law approved. So set aside the money you'll avoid spending and invest it into your 401K. With the information provided in the following videos, you'll be sure to find your authentic dream handbag at a great discount:

How to Authenticate Louis Vuitton Handbags

How to Authenticate Celine Handbags

How to Authenticate Hermes Birkin Handbags

How to Authenticate Chanel Handbags

How to Authenticate Balenciaga Handbags

How to Authenticate Fendi Handbags

How to Authenticate Gucci Handbags

TFG's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for the Ultra Chic Fashionista In Your Life

The holidays can be daunting when it comes to shopping for gifts, especially when you're looking for something special for that fashionista in your life. You know who we're talking about. That someone in your life who you think you can't please because her taste is so particular, and in some cases so expensive. No need to fret. Our Holiday Gift Guide will provide you with endless options, at various price points, that will be sure to impress. The products below are some of our team and Editor-in-Chief's personal favorites and officially TFG approved. Shop the guide, with links and descriptions provided below, starting from upper left going clockwise.

 

Comme Des Garcons Pouch: Our Editor-in-Chief's personal favorite accessory due to the star print and versatility. She can use it as a clutch for an evening out or an accessory to store make-up and other personal items in her everyday bag. 

J. Crew Pajamas: Our Editor-in-Chief owns these and declares them a must-have. They're a throwback to the old-fashioned men's pajama, with a polished cut for women that makes them ultra chic without compromising on comfort. The fabric has also withstood the test of endless washes, making this PJ set a long-term investment.

  

Frends Headphone: If you're tempted to get your fashionista an electronic gift, you may want to throw in these headphones as a fun accessory. Frends headphones have great sound and their handcrafted faceted metal ear cups are interchangeable and come in many other colors and designs, including gold and silver, making it easy for your fashionista to coordinate them with her other accessories.

In My Shoes by Tamara Mellon: If your fashionista is a bit of a fashion geek and as obsessed with the business of fashion as we are, Tamara Mellon's In My Shoes will definitely peak her interest. As the former Chief Creative Officer and co-founder of Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon made the brand one of the leaders in the luxury footwear space in the 90s. The book chronicles both her personal and professional life as she launched and grew Jimmy Choo into a leading luxury company, only to be eventually pushed out. In My Shoes gives the reader an honest account of the struggle between the "financial" and the "creative" when private equity gets involved in fashion. The book is TFG's January pick for book of the month and we're sure your fashionista won't be able to put it down.

Acne Studios Gloves: Acne Studios is one of our Editor-In-Chief's favorite brands known for its minimal, avant garde, quintessentially Swedish aesthetic. These bordeaux gloves are the perfect accessory that add a little edge to any ensemble.

Freds At Barneys New York Gift Basket: Gift baskets for the holidays are very cliche, but take it from us, this isn't your ordinary gift basket. If your fashionista loves Barneys, then she loves dining at their restaurant Freds. Their tasteful sweet treat gift basket is a true holiday winner, especially if she has a sweet tooth.

Burberry Cashmere Poncho: Scarves have always been a staple gift choice in order to avoid sizing issues, but why not break the mold with a poncho. And if you're in the mood to splurge on your fashionista, then you might as well go for the "it" poncho of the season presented by Burberry and seen all over the streets during fashion week. Many inspired-by versions have come out, but nothing as beautiful and versatile as the original.

Le Labo Discovery Set: Le Labo's scents are world-renowned for their exciting "unpolished" complexity. A favorite of fashion bloggers, their products have been all over Instagram. Rather than take a guess as to which scent your fashionista would like most, let her discover it on her own with this set of five fragrances - including the best-selling 'Rose 31' - nestled into the label's signature organic-meets-industrial packaging.

Tom Binns Necklace: In our opinion, Tom Binns is the designer responsible for starting the statement necklace trend, and every one else just followed his cue. A recent purchase of our Editor-in-Chief that we are obsessed with, this particular design can go from day to night and is currently at a steal on Gilt.

Rodin Luxury Face Oil: If your fashionista is obsessed with skin care and beauty products, than this face oil is the must-have item that everyone has been talking about. Creator, Linda Rodin, spent over a year making the elixir to satisfy her own beauty needs and we love how it makes our complexion so luminous.

Jonathan Adler Geode Coasters: If you want to steer clear from fashion and beauty gifts, then why not venture down the home decor vertical and get your fashionista these beautiful Jonathan Adler Brown and Gold Agate Coasters. Take it from our Editor-in-Chief, who has a similar set, these coasters are one of those hosting details that catches everyone's eye.

Diptyque Genevrier 5-Candle Winter Coffret: This candle set is another fashion blogger favorite and a great addition to any fashionista's home. Diptyque has created this beautiful limited edition gift box for the holidays containing a sampling of fragrances perfect for winter - wood fire, opopanax, amber, pomander, and juniper.

Christian Dior Tribal Pearl Earring: As seen on our Editor-in-Chief, Christian Dior's Tribal Pearl Earring have been a red carpet and street style favorite. These aren't your mother's ordinary pearl earrings. Their true edge and beauty can only be appreciated once she puts them on and gift like this will be sure to send the message to your fashionista that you really know what you're doing.

TFG Exclusive: Fashion Quote of the Day

"I want to get away from couture just being done for a picture or for a single moment on the red carpet. I want to convince women that couture can be done during the day and that there's a reality and relevance there, because that's what Mr. Christian Dior wanted."

-Raf Simons, Creative Director of the House of Dior