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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Byron Lars Fall 2014 Lookbook & Interview

byron lars 2014
byron lars fw14

Do you need a preview of what I will be wearing this fall?  I am fitting and shopping the Byron Lars Fall 2014 lookbook this week.  The fabulous Byron Lars, is being honored at the Pratt Institute Fashion show + Cocktail Benefit tonight with the Fashion Visionary Award.  He is a designer who is beloved by many celebrities for his fantastic fit and impeccable construction.  His success was not easy. It came with hard work and tough lessons along the way.  The new class of fashion designers can learn a lot from his wisdom:

Ms. FABulous: What are your favorite memories of studying fashion in school?

Byron Lars: I can't believe I'm saying this because, I'm pretty sure I didn't see it this way back then but looking back, my favorite part of studying fashion in school was pulling all-nighters by stowing away in the lab, hiding from campus security by turning out the lights as they made the rounds. 

This was the only truly focused stretch of time that I remember having to really get your hands in the work and keep them there...well till sunrise anyway.

Ms. FAB: What is one piece of advice that you could have used at the start of your career that most people don’t tell you?  

B.L.: What ever that might have been would more than likely have sent me running for the hills because, many of the realities of this and any industry I would imagine need to be revealed at a point when it's too late to turn back.  I guess Winston Churchill said it best, "If you're going through hell, keep going.".
byron lars fashion

Ms. FAB:  What advantages do this year’s fashion school graduates have that they should take advantage of?  

B.L.:  Every fashion student should take full advantage of as many internships as they possibly can (even if that only ends up being only one) to make their first professional contacts. 

Of course this means that you need to give your absolute all every day while interning.  This might even mean being relegated to running for coffee and little else BUT, if that ends up being the case, make absolutely sure that each and every cup of coffee you deliver is hot...unless of course it's ice coffee. 

Doing a great job without complaining will get you noticed in the best way by somebody which may just lead to your first paying job in the industry.    

Ms. FAB: In a tough industry or job market, what would you tell a frustrated fashion designer as part of your pep talk?

B.L.: We'd never have any sweet delicious lemonade without the sour lemons required to make it, right? 

So often, it's the struggles incurred during the toughest of times that summon and rouse the muse in ways that no other state of being  ever could.  The business of fashion is by nature mercurial but never more so than it is now, so these times are about adjusting ones thinking to become ever more responsive to the many rapid fire changes occurring daily.  

Ms. FAB: Thank you Byron Lars!
photos by Noah Chen, Mariana Leung
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Monday, April 28, 2014

Spring Beauty Inspiration: Emerald Shine


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Caress® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Caress®.   
spring beauty trends
Fresh cut grass, flowers budding from the trees and ground. Spring beauty is blooming with every shade of emerald, the season's hottest color.

My favorite way to wear the emerald trend in makeup?  I saw some beautiful shades of teal and mermaid green on the spring runways.  Go for shimmer, a bit of sparkle and shine for a glamorous look that updates this color palette from your Mom's blue eye shadow of generations past.  You could go for a shimmery highlight, or go bold with the eye paints on the market with a very saturated, strong color.   

Your manicure is the easiest way to incorporate a bright emerald palette.  Pull a few shades together for an ombre look.  Go solid and shiny for a quick look to coordinate with your outfit.  I like using a pale shade as a base and a super bright color as a polka dot or brushstroke pattern if I am feeling ambitious enough to do nail art.  

Now that you have your beauty look set, you can highlight your gorgeous self with accessories.  I have a weakness for jeweled pieces.  If you don't have green eyes, you can still highlight your makeup with pieces that have emerald jewels and stones that pick up the colors of your actual eyes.  My necklace above has topaz and green stones that reflect everything I want.  

A silk scarf with a delicate, but complex print is a great way to pull together your look as well.  This is also a great accessory to wear patterns or colors that are too bold for your comfort to extend to a full outfit.  

Underneath my spring style look, I like to start with a fresh scent that sets the tone.   Caress® Emerald Rush™ Fresh Collection Body Wash has an invigorating gardenia and white tea scent that gets me in the mood for a productive, fashionable day.  It's also my favorite way to smell the flowers without the allergies that come with it. 

What is your favorite way to wear emerald for spring?

The Caress® Fresh collection wraps your skin in vibrant scents and hydrating lather, leaving it revitalized and delicately scented. Try the new Caress® Fresh Collection and revitalize your skin like never before.   
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Sunday, April 27, 2014

Robin Roberts - Everybody's Got Something

robin roberts the moms

everybodys got something
This post isn't about fashion per se.  It IS about inspiration.  Robin Roberts of Good Morning America gave me the most inspiration this week with her warmth and strength.  I was lucky enough to be invited to a luncheon by blogger and radio hosts The Moms to introduce the author's new book.

As someone who is not a morning person, I was most familiar with Ms. Roberts through her public story of breast cancer survival and myelosdsplastic syndrome.  Rather than making her message one of how she suffered or her frustration, she focused on her gratitude for the people in her life that rallied around her and how the simplest comforts can mean the most.

I recently dealt with a frustrating setback of my own.  Robin Robert's message, and title of her book, "Everybody's Got Something " drove home the idea that everyone has challenges, and also strengths.  You might not be dealing with the same setback, but you're not alone in them.  She helped me (and a very supportive group of women at this luncheon) put things in perspective.

She credits her parents stressing the 3 D's  "Discipline, Determination, and 'De Lord'." in her upbringing.  Her parents were quite accomplished in their generation and set the bar high for Robert's own accomplished athletic career, then broadcasting career.

Robin Roberts was warm, funny, welcomed questions and conversation.  She wore some rockin' color blocked leather pants that showed off her athletic physique (had to throw in some fashion). 

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Friday, April 25, 2014

Last Call! Independent Handbag Designer Competition

ihda winners
Are you the next Kate Spade? Rebecca Minkoff? Are you a handbag designer who wants to see your purse design in InStyle magazine or the windows of Bloomingdale's?   The Independent Handbag Designer Awards is taking entries for one more day (April 26, 2014).

You can win categories like best overall design and quality, most green, socially responsible, audience favorite...  

Prizes are GREAT.  They can really help launch your brand and put it in the spotlight.  Check out Independent Handbag Designer winners of previous years to get a sense of your competition.  

You can find the designer application or purchase tickets for the June 18 winners event on the IHDA website. 

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Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Earth Day Beauty Guide


Happy Earth Day my loves! We all enjoy dolling ourselves up, but if you love the planet, what are the best Earth-friendly beauty fixes?

Ingredients and packaging are your first clue.  Does your product use organic, natural ingredients? Avoid ingredients like parabens, petroleum, SLS, and phthalates.  Brands like L'Occitaine and Tarte Cosmetics strive for organic and natural ingredients.

Is the packaging recycled?  Does your favorite brand offer refilling programs when you bring your old bottles back in?  (Kiehl's boutique does, as do many local, independent boutiques).   About half of Burt's Bees products are 100% natural and the company is committed to post-consumer packaging and fair working conditions.

Next step, how does your favorite beauty brand manufacture?  Do they follow fair trade practices?  The Body Shop is a big promoter of fair trade practices with cultures around the world.  Aveda and Origins cosmetics use wind power (as opposed to electricity) and certified organic ingredients in their production.  Beauty brand Korres uses a steam generator to power manufacturing instead of electric or gas.

Does your beauty brand give back to the community?  Tarte Cosmetics also donates a percentage of proceeds to Winetowater.org.  The Body Shop's own foundation funds smaller organizations against human trafficking and environmental protection.

If you're going to look your best, make sure the world is around long enough to appreciate it!
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Sunday, April 20, 2014

NYC Easter Parade 2014 - Millinery Chic

easter parade 2014
nyc easter parade
5th ave easter
Do you love hats? Retro style? The NYC Easter Parade is a tradition that dates all the way back to the 1870's.  Along Fifth avenue on the blocks around St. Patrick's Cathedral, ladies would parade their "Sunday best" for a flamboyant display of fashion on Easter.  The American tradition was immortalized in Irving Berlin's Easter Parade .
Today's parade was a mix of characters.  My favorites were the coordinate groups of retro fashion fans that dressed to the nines in the spirit of Judy Garland and Fred Astaire.  There were some chic parade guests with exquisite millinery sculptures.  There are the arts and crafts bunch who glue gun every flower, bird, candy egg and piece of plastic grass they can get their hands on to create a loud DIY exercise on their head to gain as much attention as they can.

I like that there were a lot of men who participated in the festivities.  Then there are the ones who include elaborate matching ensembles for their dogs  that skirt that fine line between creative and creepy.  I found several children who were more than happy to get dolled up with Mom and Dad in their holiday outfits.

I found street style photography legend Bill Cunningham shooting the Parade fashions right beside me.  Rockefeller Center extended the Easter style procession as they had all of the Faberge Big Egg Hunt sculptures gathered around the big rink for these few days before they are moved back to their original locations.

So how did YOU celebrate Easter?
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Saturday, April 19, 2014

Emerald Style - Green Spring Trends


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Caress® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Caress®.   
spring 2014 trends

The flowers are blooming, the grass is getting cut, and looks off spring’s runways are finally hitting the streets.  Crisp cottons, breezy silks replace the heavy wool of our dreary winter.  The biggest inspiration for spring style comes straight from the garden. 

Emerald Rush™ body wash from Caress® encompasses all of the trends for the season.  The cool green bottle has a sleek silhouette, the scent is a mix of gardenia and white tea echoing details straight off the catwalk.

Lush floral prints were popular across many of the fashion shows I photographed at NY Fashion Week.  Big flowers in a tribal pattern or in an engineered placement were an updated way to update a classic motif.  Sea green, deep teal, textured embroidery, accents or the main feature, the different hues of emerald found its way into many a designer’s palette this season.  Colors from nature works in evening wear, sportswear, jewelry and makeup. 

For the fresh from the garden, look, you can start from the inside out.  Begin with a nice healthy spring detox and a refreshing shower with  Caress® Emerald Rush™ Fresh Collection Body Wash .  Then, treat yourself to a great haircut and makeover with the season’s new colors and quick shopping trip for a flowing silk dress or great printed jacket. 

When the sun comes back out of hibernation, that’s the kick you need to rejuvenate yourself to enjoy the rest of the year!
.
The Caress® Fresh collection wraps your skin in vibrant scents and hydrating lather, leaving it revitalized and delicately scented. Try the new Caress® Fresh Collection and revitalize your skin like never before.   
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Friday, April 18, 2014

Cadillac ELR Exposure Project

cadillac elr exposure
 cadillac party
Cadillac presented its latest star, the ELR this week by giving it the supermodel treatment. Top photographers were recruited to make their new car their muse with the ELR Exposure Project.  The shiny vehicle was a sleek product of industrial design that took a break from the stuffy car of my parent’s generation.  The shooters, DJ Derrick Jones, Liz Eswein, Jonathan Mannion and 13th Witness showed the car as urban sophisticate, nightlife star or city voyeur. 

The party held a crowd of design and car enthusiasts.  The loft setting against the sunset of the West Side highway was the perfect backdrop to show off the car itself.  I like how car manufacturers are now embracing their industrial roots and recognize how they partner well with other disciplines of design and art.  I love seeing the fashion designer/automobile collaborations that I have seen over the past few years, (Mara Hoffman with Mercedes-Benz, Isaac Mizrahi with Chevrolet).  I can’t wait to see where else design takes us next. 
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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

The Big Faberge Egg Hunt

Want to go on the most luxurious fashion egg hunt ever created?  The Faberge Big Egg Hunt is happening all over New York City right now.  The big egg? Three Faberge egg pendant necklaces encrusted with diamonds and gems worth up to $48000.

The big egg hunt encompasses egg sculptures by top artists, celebrities, fashion designers like Marchesa, Tommy Hilfiger, Julian Schnabel, Bruce Weber, Martha Stewart and Cynthia Rowley.  (That creepy one on the left is Terry Richardson). The eggs are placed around the city and you can check in at each egg on the Big Egg Hunt App to win the hunt.   

Each egg sculpture is up for auction to benefit two charities.  The first is Studio in A School which brings the arts to public schools in all five boroughs of New York City.  The other is the Elephant Family which is an organization which fights to save the Asian elephant from extinction.  

If you like the eggs and can't swing the big ticket to win the auction, you can buy smaller versions of the eggs, or a tote, postcards at the Big Egg Hunt Shop online or at some of the egg locations to help out the charities.  You can also just give a donation.

I don't know about you, chocolate eggs are nice, but a jeweled Faberge or big piece of artwork from your favorite artist? That's a basket I can get into. 

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Monday, April 14, 2014

Red Carpet Winners - MTV Movie Awards

 It was a sea of boring simple black dresses, the Red Carpet stars of last night's MTV Movie Awards were the ones that took risks and brought the out the color; lots of colors.  Lupita Nyong'o has been the hands-down winner of red carpet dressing this year and won the night again.  She wore a quirky arts project of a dress by Chanel that on anyone else, would have been silly, but had every fashion fan squealing instead.  The bright turquoise shoes, gun metal eye shadow and nerd glasses later on in the evening completed the best look of the awards.

Another art inspired look was worn by Jillian Rose Reed of MTV's Awkward.  While the strapless fit could have used a good tailor, the flared silhouette and painterly print was lots of fun.  I loved how the palette complemented her bright red hair.  The dress was from Angelys Balek. 
 Yes, I said there were a lot of boring black dresses.  The one exception was the Alexander McQueen gown worn by Nicki Minaj.  The rapper shocked fans and skeptics alike with a gorgeous, elegant makeover.  Her sleek hair, sexy cat's eye makeup was toned down from the looks we are used to, but the figure hugging black dress and teasing pattern along the side certainly did not reduce her impact and proved less can be more, even for Nicki.  The sculpted gold jewelry made her look like a queen.

Shailene Woodley always looked like the good girl with tasteful dresses and strong, tough characters.  It was great to see a more playful, sexy look last night.  The deceptively simple color of olive green was given a high fashion twist in Balenciaga's leather two-piece ensemble.  Those magnificent strappy heels? They are from Jimmy Choo.

Honorable mention goes to newlyweds Linda Perry and Sara Gilbert.  They had a great couples ensemble.  They wore similar, but not matching outfits.  Linda in charcoal suit with satin shawl collar with weathered t-shirt and rock n' roll pendants and belt buckle.  Sara also in rocker chic with leather blazer and hardware necklace in a different length.  The couple demonstrated the proper way to dress appropriately for the occasion and to complement each other.


Photos from Rich Polk/Getty Images for MTV,REUTERS/Danny Moloshok
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Friday, April 11, 2014

Bridal Week: THEIA White - Spring 2015

theia white
theia wedding dress
Ethereal, enchanting, mystical or mesmerizing? THEIA White's Spring 2015 bridal collection was inspired by the Goddess Danu, a legend of designer Don O'Neill's homeland of Ballyheigue, Ireland. 

The mythical Goddesses of Don's ancestors were said to be seen moving across the bay in a "swirling veil of mist".  You can see that muse in the light tulle and delicate lace trailing the brides on the runway.  Flattering mermaid silhouettes are a given for this theme, as are the slinky draped long gowns that look like they envelop a statue.  Hand-embroidered and beaded gowns elevate each dress into art.  

Despite the ancient inspiration, the THEIA collection takes some modern interpretations of bridal fashion.  The silver lace and crystal gown offer an alternative to classic white.  The cropped top and full skirt is a fresh way to incorporate current fashion trends with traditional fabrics.  The short, meticulously beaded dresses are perfect for the bride ready to dance.  Many of the dress backs had unusual, but flattering cutouts (need to show off a tattoo?) 
crystal bouquet
I have to say, I was also totally in love with the crystal head pieces that worked as a veil alternative.  The elegant flower bouquets from Fleur de Pascal were given a luxurious upgrade with  crystal floral arrangements that created a dimensional sculpture to be held.  This was also a great way to accessorize a simpler gown for a bride who isn't comfortable with a big and showy frock.

 Sure, you can be a princess on your big day, but why stop there when you can be a THEIA Goddess? Beautiful job Don O'Neill!


Photos by Craig Bannerman
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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Street Style Circa 1900's

historical fashion
1900s fashion

Before Bill Cunningham and Scott Schulman, there was Edward Linley Sambourne.  Street style documentation is not a recent phenomenon as most of us believe.  Sambourne was an illustrator and amateur photographer who was obsessed with fashion and clothing details.

He often worked with a model in his studio or with members of his family.  He loved military uniforms, national dress of different cultures, classical style or costumes of all kinds.  In addition to his studio work, he often took photos of women on the streets of London and Paris, mostly without their knowledge.  Bypassing the creep factor of the hidden camera aspect, the photos offer an intriguing look at the style of real people in that era.

Hats are big and flamboyant.  The stitching, pleats and folds are beautifully detailed in what initially looks like just a simple garment.  How much do you love the delicate petals texture of the sleeves o the woman on the left?  What I found notable was that fashion plate illustrations of that era, women had demure postures, or often looked like they were under the protection of a man. The real women of these photographs however, are confident, striding with purpose, reading, socializing with each other, but always impeccably accessorized.

You can read more about Edward Linley Sambourne at the Library Time Machine site.

Photos from Edward Linley Sambourne’s fashion blog 
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Sunday, April 6, 2014

Power Dressing - Game of Thrones Style

game of thrones costume

Tonight's the night when the most addictive, sexy, violent, geek-worthy show returns. HBO's Game of Thrones is a trendsetter in hair, makeup and fashion despite its historical and fantasy elements.

The stories of the characters are told in their dress and styling.  With Kevin Alexander as head of hair and costume head Michele Clapton, you can see where each of your favorite women is in their lives just by looking at their outfit or hair.

Cersei's public and private personas are shown in her relaxed wavy hair versus her elaborately braided looks.  Braids also show Daenerys initial innocence evolving into her allegiance with the Dothraki and eventually as leader.  Sansa's hair gets worse and worse as the Lannister family keeps chipping away at her with the exception of the staged wedding to Tyrion.

Fashion-wise, The Lannister family stay united in the stark, red and golds of their family colors.  Heavy leather and velvet evoke the weight on their family, the portrait collars on Cersei framing her face and ego.  The extra heavy layers on Sansa's dainty frame indicate the burden the family has buried her under.
GoT  wedding dress

Margaery Tyrell though, shows her own independence in the blue hues of her wardrobe, with subtle golds as a nod to her upcoming nuptials to Joffrey.  The plunging necklines are also there to seduce him away from his mother.  Michele Clapton designed Margaery's evolving character to show in the creeping briar rose and thorns to indicate her ambitious social climbing.  The wardrobe of Margaery shows increasingly rich fabrics also to show her increasing influence.  Both in Sansa's and Margaery Tyrell's wedding dress, the designer indicates that costume fans should pay close attention to the embroidery, where the character's entire life story is woven into the motifs.  Also, the train was made from hand cut rolled fabric and took 6 people several weeks to make (custom of course!)

Photos: Helen Sloan/HBO,Keith Bernstein/HBO
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Friday, April 4, 2014

DreamWalk with Heidi Klum

heidi klum dreamwalk
Are comfortable high heels an urban myth? Together with Heidi Klum, Dr. Scholl's launched DreamWalk, a line of products aimed to make he most fashionable footwear more friendly.

It is no secret that the Manolo Blahniks and Louboutins of the world look fierce.  However, even designer Jimmy Choo admitted that his shoes were not meant to be worn more than 2 hours.  Countless medical studies back that up, yet in the fashion world, sexy shoes are here to stay.

So here is where old-school footwear specialists Dr. Scholl's comes in.  Some of the new helpers include High Heel Insoles. These make stilettos more comfortable via gel arch supports that take the pressure off the ball of the food and wicking fabric that keep feet dry.  There are DreamWalk Sole Expressions Heel Liners that prevent blisters and help fit. There are lots of cushions, creams and files to help your feet after taking those shoes off too.

As a supermodel and tv host, Heidi Klum has definitely spent plenty of hours in painful shoes.  The launch event even had monster-like representations of how bad shoes feel (which actually would make for fun footwear).

I know I can't part with my favorite pumps.  At least I know I have allies to keep me sane.
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Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Dare to Wear Love 2014

stephen lewis fundraiser
dare to wear fashion
Canadian fashion all-stars created a catwalk for good.  The Dare to Wear Love fashion show last Friday night brought together Canada's top designers for a fundraiser to benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Canadian celebrities modeled the looks at Toronto's Ritz-Carlton hotel.

The annual gala was founded by one of my first fashion industry employers, Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell of Hoax Couture.  Designers like Brian Bailey, Lida Baday and Linda Lundstrom (another early employer of mine) across Canada created dramatic looks inspired by the motifs and spirit of Africa.  You could see traditional fabric patterns used in ballgowns or punk capes.  Models styled in a twist on the traditional hair wrap.

The show itself was an uplifting display of diversity, as gorgeous men and women of all ages, shapes and ethnicity vamped it up for the cause.  This also included a very pregnant Amanda Bruegel of CityTV and broadcaster/model Joanne Smith who dazzled in blonde, cheekbones and totally fierce wheelchair.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation works in many countries across Africa to fight the devastation of AIDS/HIV.  This encompasses grassroots efforts in home care for orphans, the elderly, education, arts, funding over 700 initiatives with collaborators looking to help.

If you want to get involved, you can attend an event, start a group, volunteer or donate to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Photos by George Pimentel and Taralea Cutler of Eye Contact Photography
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