Cojo’s Holiday 2011 Trends and Shopping Guide - Glitz and Glamour are Back!

Living in the lap of luxury, Steven Cojocaru formally known as Cojo is sitting down on what is probably the only piece of furniture in his Hollywood Hills mansion dressed to kill in a goth black cashmere Rick Owens sweater, jeans, and Jean-Michel Cazabat black suede platform boots-for a phone interview. “Glitz and glamour are back in a big way…” Such is the life of a fashion diva, one that is no longer self proclaimed. All his hard work has paid off, having launched his refined line in Canada (coming soon to the United States). Cojo is now spreading his wings and flying all over the fashion map, landing in some pretty hot places; one of which is TJ Maxx. Known for his harsh critique of the most renowned names in fashion and entertainment, the professional Maxxinista has shown his ability to change with the face of fashion, never one to be left behind in anything related to good taste. We can still expect the same brutally honest critic; now healthier, happier and with a public persona at the forefront of this sink or swim industry. Steven Cojocaru is no longer simply commenting from the sidelines. If he is, the statements are now making a more serious echo. One reverberation? “People don’t want to stop living,” states Cojo, “fashion has officially taken off the handcuffs.”

Combining financial sensibility with a renewed vigor for the thrill of shopping this season, shoppers are ‘demanding better quality and better fashion.’ If there was a must have list by Cojo, who personally informed me he despises such things, it would consist of the hottest designer labels – without gasping price tags or couture showrooms. Consumers are looking for economically sexy ways to make a statement this winter with the most necessary staple being a signature cocktail dress. Not one to name names, he exclaimed over a recent discovery-a coral pleated above the knee dress at a mere half grand, originally over a couple thousand (Versace à la TJ).



Designers like Gucci are reviving the art deco movement with trickle down trending bringing back the tailored tuxedo jacket for women. Options no longer remain boring traditional with accentuation on the classic piece now featuring satin lapels, ribbon cuffs, as well as embellished, lush fabrics. Staying savvy, get more wear out of your sparkling mini by combining it with this perfect compliment for numerous holiday parties. If you can spend the cash and love splurging come December try Cojo’s hint of a short black mini with ruffling, ‘a goth gown for the red carpet.' Completing any holiday ensemble is the new influx of jewel encrusted stiletto heels in simple black or complimenting hues.

 

The definitive fashion movement we true animal lovers have been waiting for has finally arrived, both exclusively and commercially. Thanks in large part to better technology and methods of animal fur simulation, the acceptance of faux fur as hot is here; authoritatively confirmed by Cojo himself. Established designers, indie lines, and commercial retailers alike are hitting up this trendy niche with numerous piles, colors, and cuts to establish your wardrobe as a plush arrangement complete with money left over to cushion pockets. Be fashionably different by combining a silk cocktail dress overlayed by a stand out faux fur trimmed jacket. If you do plan on going faux, do it well in prints that leave an impression both on the red carpet and at holiday parties by incorporating the soon to be said all over phrase, ‘leopard is the new black.’



His new position as a TJ Maxx spokesperson has opened up the flood gates of thrill shopping, just in time for the heavy traffic expected in stores next month. No wonder Cojo has switched gears as of late. With the internet growing in intelligent coverage of fashion styling, designers, and all around know how, ‘the consumer is more savvy, they know about an item, where to get it, and how much it costs versus five ago.’ This is not to say that retailers are e-commerce dependent. Despite items being readily available online, shoppers still love hitting the streets for discovery of vintage finds, discount bargains, or singular pieces found in the most original of places. What is the best advice for Holiday 2011? “Make love, drink wine, and go shopping!” exclaims Cojo. So hit off the holiday on a high note with a heavy glittering statement via large, chunky bracelets, rings drowning in jewels, or an intricately laced necklace. My favorite designer for declaration pieces is Jenny Dayco, her gorgeous one-of-a-kind limited edition designs are making a name for themselves with celebrities like Paris Hilton and The Pussycat Dolls as fans. You will fall in love with these story pieces that create an element of attachment with each owner. Better yet, create your own with the thrill of the find in vintage shops, large department stores or places like TJ Maxx, which have amazing selection at reasonable prices.