Blogamole › Sandro

By Astrid Rivera

Ladies its time to start poppin' those collars! Fall is officially here and the new must have items are prim and polished collars. Remember your high school uniform days? They are definitely back but in a whole new way. Collars seemed to be on almost every model during the various fashion weeks of the world in London, Paris, New York and even Dubai! Not to mention the countless celebs that have all been caught sporting the trend.

One of the frontrunners of this trend early on was MTV's very own Alexa Chung, who has incorporated the look into her new collection for Madewell. Other celebs like Natalie Portman and Carey Mulligan have been guilty of rocking peter pan collars under sweet dresses and crew neck sweaters. Collars are probably the best trend to hit runways in years because of its versatility, they can be done up to look like menswear or add a touch of sweetness to any outfit.

Collars have always existed but this year designers found a way to not only incorporate them into looks but also make them stand out. Labels like DKNY and French powerhouse Sandro used a combination of bright colors and animal print collars that peaked out from dark sweaters and mod dresses.Fashion blogs are ablaze with fashionistas all over the world finding new ways to incorporate the trend, just scroll through Look Book.

But before you go out and buy expensive designer button down shirts, just go through your own closet or visit CeCe Toppings. Chances are you already have collars of your own that you can easily style or layer under sweaters and dresses. If not, companies like CeCe Toppings offer cut out collars that you can strategically place under crew neck sweaters and the like for an affordable price.

A simple polished collar can make all the difference in styling an outfit and you won't be breaking the bank while doing it. Whether you decide to rock the Madeline-reminiscent peter pan collar or a more masculine collar with a sweater and trousers, you'll never go wrong with this essential around your neck.

What's your favorite way to rock this trend?

Tags Alexa Chung, Astrid Rivera, Carey Mulligan, CeCe Toppings, Collars, DKNY, Dubai Fashion Week, Fashion Trends, London Fashion Week, Look Book, Madewell, Natalie Portman, New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, popnews, Sandro

By Michael Lopez

As 2010 nears to an end, we'd like to take a moment to reflect on some of the amazing individuals who passed away this year. These folks left an indelible mark on us and we will not soon forget them.

José Saramago: In September, we told you about Saramago's Nobel-Prize winning approach to literature. Sadly, his death in June prevented him from seeing the massive success that his final book achieved.  Elephant’s Journey proved to be a fantastic footnote to his 60-year writing career, but by no means the defining moment. For that, we recommend reading his controversial book, Gospel According to Jesus Christ.

Greg Giraldo: The 44-year-old comedian died in September from an accidental drug overdose. A Harvard law school grad who gave it all up for a standup career, Giraldo’s wit and “roasting” abilities were unparalleled. Mainstream America would probably recognize him most for his stint on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, but if you want a taste of the real Greg, we definitely suggest watching one of his uncensored comedy specials.

Jamie Escalante: Who can forget the landmark 1988 film Stand and Deliver? Actor Edward James Olmos earned an Oscar nomination for his memorable portrayal of Bolivian-born calculus teacher Jaime Escalante. Of course, there is no way a two-hour movie could encapsulate the 25 years Jaime dedicated to changing lives in East Los Angeles. His unique teaching methods empowered thousands of students to further their educations and earned him countless awards, including the Presidential Medal for Excellence in Education. Sadly, Escalante passed away in March at age 79.

Sandro: Considered to be one of the greatest Latino pop singers of all time, Sandro had a huge following in Argentina and Europe during the 1960s. Known for his hip-shaking dance moves, vocal range and larger-than-life stage presence, he even earned the nickname “Argentine Elvis.” You trivia buffs may find it interesting to note that in 1970, he was the first Latino to sell out Madison Square Garden. Sadly, a lifetime of cigarette smoking led to health complications, which ultimately took his life in January.

José Lima: A true free spirit in the world of professional baseball, Dominican-born José Lima had a full career in the major leagues. During his 13 seasons, he pitched for both the Dodgers and the Mets. His flamboyant field presence (which included dancing, waving and singing to the crowd) led to the creation of “Lima Time,” which fans would shout whenever he took the mound. José’s unexpected death from a heart attack shocked the sports world and set off multiple tributes from the all-star slugger community.

Did you lose any loved ones in 2010? Comment below or @MTV3.

Tags Celebrities, Cultura, Deep Thoughts, Greg Giraldo, Jamie Escalante, Jose Lima, Jose Saramago, RIP, Sandro

While some of you may be too young to be avid Sandro fans, we're pretty sure todos nuestros padres are sad about this one!  Sandro, el gran cantante Argentino, passed away yesterday after a long and painful battle with lung cancer (smoking kills!).  Known as "el gitano," and the Argentinian Elvis, Sandro seduced an entire generation of "nenas" with his hip-shaking swagger and sexy voz.  Think we're kidding... pregúntale a tu mamá!

Pero Sandro's impact on la música latina runs deep.  As the first Latin artist to ever perform at New York's Madison Square Garden, Sandro's influence was felt across generations, con temas classicos como "Rosa Rosa," "Yo Te Amo" y "Penumbras."  En Argentina, el cantante was nothing short of an idol, with bandas como Los Fabulosos Cadillacs recording covers of his songs.

Nuestro pesame a su familia and all his fans en el mundo Latino!  R.I.P.

Photo via Google Images

Tags Argentina, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, muere, RIP, Rosa Rosa, Sandro, Yo Te Amo