Sep 15, 2010 | DIY, Fashion, Media
The DIY Fashion Examiner has put together a great slideshow of DIY-able looks emerging off the current runways from Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. From Cynthia Rowley to Jason Wu, Lela Rose to DKNY, these picks for Spring/Summer 2011 are fodder for any frugal crafter or high-fashion-loving DIY-er anywhere! Definitely check it out if you want to get those creative wheels a-spinning!
xoxox
Carly
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Sep 10, 2010 | Fashion
So it was February, #$#$@’in freezing, snowing, and still the most fabulously fashionable people turned up in droves. Since I’m not there this time around to document, maybe you’d like to see those people from last time (in February, for the Autumn/Winter 2010 shows) who were just so awesome-looking, I had to snap photos of them.
Suit: Self-designed
A familiar face in the tents season after season for the last 10 years, the former U.N. representative (!) now works as a stylist to politicians and Wall Street players. He turned out at the Ecco Domani show to support fellow Nepali Prabal Gurung (fashion’s new IT-boy, according to The Daily). Last season spotted wearing a Sharpie-decorated suit at the shows, Upadhya came up with the painted suit as his central concept for this most recent Fashion Week. “I always think if Matisse was a designer instead of a painter, what would his clothes look like?” he said, in reference to the white suit with the patches of lime green paired with the yellow shirt and pop art tie. He hopes to launch a line soon that reflects his fashion philosophy, and says that he can’t choose a favorite from anything in his closet because “they’re all my babies!”
Coat: Rick Owens. Leggings: Zara. Shoes: Aldo. Bag: Balenciaga. Ring: Vivienne Westwood. Minx manicure.
Where do you get your fashion inspiration?
Since I’m the Creative Director of ChicIntution.com, I’m constantly scouring the web for ideas, so it’s no surprise that my fashion inspiration comes from there as well…I’d also have to commend my mother for walking me and my sisters through the basics of style at a young age, her teachings beat any book out there!
Favorite designers?
They differ from season to season, but mostly Preen, Phillip Lim, Stella McCartney, and Sass & Bide. Undiscovered gems that I’m digging are: Unique (a sub-brand by Topshop) and Brigid Catiis.
Any advice for other people on how to be fabulously stylish like yourself?
My only advice would be to follow your instinct. Fashion is about self-expression!
Rosemary Ponzo
{Designer, Actress, Writer, Creative Muse Rosemary Ponzo Designs}
Hat: from Henri Bendel. Necklace: House of Lavande. Velvet Coat with Dyed Sable: Self-designed; a costume piece from an off-Broadway production of “Auntie Mame.” Over-the-Knee Boots: Prada
My fashion philosophy: Having a passion for fashion!
Can you tell us what inspires your fabulous style?
Having an imagination and [marching to the beat of] my own drum. I like to wear what I like to wear. I do get my inspirations from many fashions but then I put my own spin on it.
Favorite Designers:
TonyCohen was amazing, and I was very, very impressed with Vera Wang this year.
Any advice for other people how to be stylish?
Take a chance, switch things around a bit, and use your imagination! Give it some thought instead of just throwing things on.
Lynn Yaeger
{Fashion Journalist, Writer}
Coat: Comme de Garcons coat with a J. Mendel collar. Reindeer Sweater: Vintage. Lace Blouse: Anthropologie. Bag: Lanvin. Outer Skirt: Comme de Garcons. Tulle Skirt: “bought in Paris in some cheap store.” Tights: Wolford. Slippers: Discount Dance (“that you buy online for $22 but they look like Yohji!”)
What’s your style philosophy?
Ignore all trends, just have fun and do what you want and don’t worry what anybody thinks about you. And don’t spend a lot!
Favorite Designers this Week:
I was fascinated by Rodarte…Marchesa was such a beautiful show…but I’m gonna go to London; I’m gonna go to Paris, so I’m going to see a lot!
Any advice for the rest of us on how to be fabulously stylish like yourself?
Just be brave…reeeeeeeallly brave. Brave is the secret!
Gary Alexander
{Actor}
Brown Velvet Jacket: Zara. Jodhpurs: Ralph Lauren. Spats: Miller
What’s your style philosophy?
Keep it simple, keep it basic, and keep it conservative.
Favorite designers:
Ralph Lauren: my absolute, FAVORITE.
Any advice for the rest of us on how to be fabulously stylish like yourself?
Just don’t get too caught up in trends or things that won’t last.
Douglas Keisler
{Editor, Essential Homme Magazine}
Hat: Custom-made at San Francisco Fashion Week. Vest: Vintage. Coat: Paul Smith. Belt: Playboy. Boots: DIY (cowboy boots spray-painted gold)
How do you define personal style?
Style should be what suits the individual, what someone feels comfortable with, and always make a statement!
Favorite designers?
Isaac [Mizrahi], of course…and Alexander McQueen, without a doubt.
Any fashion advice for the rest of us?
Always accessorize!
Cognac Wellerlane
{TV Host, Entertainment Journalist, Fashion Editor, CognacsCorner.tv}
Mink Coat: SAGA. Dress: Designed for her by Vladi Couture. Leggings: H&M. Bag: Baby Phat
What is your Style Philosophy?
I get inspiration from the people in New York, from the designers…[my style is] the collaboration of many designers and looks thrown together.
Favorite designers?
Ralph Lauren, Betsey Johnson, and Vladi Couture – he’s up-and-coming.
Any styling advice for us?
Keep to simple, straight colors that blend together like charcoals and blacks…that’s the big trend for Fall 2010: a little silver, maybe a little copper mixed in….silvers and grays go very well together.
xoxox
Carly
P.S. I wrote this article for FashionTribes.com…and it never posted! Such a bummer. So I’m sharing it here, majorly after the fact…but I hope you will forgive:-) I wonder if these fashionistas will be at Lincoln Center this time around??
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Sep 9, 2010 | Fashion, Score!
There’s no place like New York, especially during Fashion Week! So far I’ve had the privelege of attending twice, both times in February. And both times I’ve received a huge amount of promotional products and items, more than I could ever possibly use or wear.
So this time around it’s September and since I’m unable to attend, I want to share the excitement of New York Fashion Week with everyone else who’s unable to be there too. Crammed with fashion, jewelry, and accessory items I received at the last NYFW, this gift bag is a little taste of what it’s like to be there.
Here’s what’s in the FASHION GIFT BAG:
*CHAMBORD branded nail files
*Accessorize.com ribbon & locket necklace
*Accessorize.com Big Apple necklace
*Accessorize.com I Love Me necklace
*Diet Coke & the Heart Truth Heart Healthy Pin
*Maidenform blue lacy ONE FOR ALL thong (one size)
*AOL monster earbuds
*Honey Bee Soaps samples in Lavender Fields and Mango Tea
*G-Star denim rhino keychain/charm (one of his ears is ripped – not sure if that’s intentional but that’s how I received i)
*mesh organza lingerie bag
TOTAL VALUE: $60, not counting soap samples
How to Enter
Edit 9/17: The entry period is now closed and our winner will be announced shortly.
1. Follow Chic Steals. (In Blogger, Google Reader, Bloglovin, etc.)
2. Leave a Comment on this post below (don’t confuse this with the content that cross-post to the Chic Steals Facebook page! Leave the comment below on my blog.)
3. For another entry, tweet this giveaway and leave a linkback to your tweet in ANOTHER COMMENT. If you don’t leave it in a separate comment, I won’t count it – so keep it separate!
4. For another entry, blog about this giveaway and leave a linkback to your blog post in ANOTHER COMMENT. If you don’t leave it in a separate comment, I won’t count it – so keep it separate!
5. For another entry, post about this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a linkback to your post in ANOTHER COMMENT. If you don’t leave it in a separate comment, I won’t count it – so keep it separate!
Max: 4 entries per person allowed.
Giveaway open to any Chic Steals follower worldwide
(EXCEPT Italy since it costs a fortune to ship there). Apologies to my Italian readers!:-(
Giveaway period is open from today until the end of Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week
(11:59 PM EST Sept. 16, 2010). Winner chosen by Random.org.
So please enter, spread the word and the NYFW love – and good luck!
I’m also doing a DOUBLE GIVEAWAY this time too – so check my next posting for the
MAKEUP & BEAUTY GIFT BAG and enter to win that bag as well!
xoxox
Carly
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May 23, 2010 | Media
Danielle and Jodie Snyder, the sister-sister duo behind the juggernaut that is Dannijo Jewelry, agreed to an interview with Chic Steals backstage at the Luca Luca runway show during Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week in February.
Seen on celebs such as Natalie Portman, Michelle Trachtenberg, Blake Lively, Milla Jovovich, and Beyonce, the brand is highly-coveted among women drawn to edgy, glamorous statement pieces, available at a range of price points so there is something for everyone.
Originally from Jacksonville Fl, the Snyder sisters taught themselves to make jewelry using their father’s dental tools, and opened a short-term boutique in their hometown. After college the sisters moved to New York, and Daniella began the nonprofit organization LWALA (Living With a Life – Long Ambition) after a trip to Africa. Danielle began the initiative in order to create a health facility for the small town of Lwala in Western Kenya, whose 1500 residents had no access to a healthcare facility (the closest being a 3-hour walk).
It was a Gala event in March of 2008 for this nonprofit that launched their careers: the two designed a capsule collection, found an overwhelming amount of interest in their designs, and went on to quit their jobs and approach Bergdorf Goodman’s with the collection. Bergdorf’s snapped it up immediately, and the rest is history.
Now in high-end boutiques nationwide (including Bergdorf’s and Henri Bendel), as well as in stores around the world, all of Dannijo Jewelry is hand-made in New York utiilizing brass, oxidized metals, gunmetal, and swarovski crystals. They are known for juxtaposing soft, sweet pearls and rhinestones with hard chains – and find that each sister’s individual style (Jodie = rough bohemian; Danielle = rock n’ roll) influences the final design.
The sisters say that Dannijo Jewelry is a way for women to update their looks without having to buy whole new wardrobe – and it appeals to the confidant woman who can make the look her own.
Unlike clothing, jewelry can be worn from season to season, and is a small investment (for instance, one of their best-selling rings is $85).
Bask in the pretty, broken-down glam that is Dannijo Jewelry at dannijo.com. You can also shop their collections online here.
What do all of you think of this jewelry? Any pieces you are drawn to? I’m loving that chain-embellished cuff!
xoxox
Carly
P.S. I know this has been awhile in posting…I have no excuse!
images from GettyImage.com and the Dannijo site
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Mar 14, 2010 | Fashion
From Sunday, February 14 – Luca Luca showcased their Fall/Winter 2010 Collection.
My seating assignment, the Run of Show, and my Press Pass to the Tents.
From the press release: “Melgoza’s design aesthetic is rooted in classicism, yet his vision incorporates the ever-changing role of women in society. His design philosophy is to transcend seasons and trends to accomplish clothing that can be worn for a lifetime. The brand has expanded the distributon of its collection from freestanding boutiques in major US cities to international markets such as Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.”
The makeup look for the show.
A shot of the makeup table.
A favorite of celebrities and socialites alike, Luca Luca was founded in 1992 by Luca Orlandi. (Tinsley Mortimer -looking rail-thin – was in attendance, as well as former American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis, and a member of the Real Housewives of NYC who I loathe so intensely I refuse to type her name and give her any more press.)
Plus this lady whose name totally escapes me right now…can anyone help me out?
“Melgoza’s new collection is inspired by the sculpture and contour of architecture and embodies the juxtaposition of polar opposites. With the collection, he harmonoiusly combines opposing elements – masculine and feminine, structure and fluidity, soft and corase, dense and sheer, matte and shiny.”
With jewelry by Dannijo (interview coming up soon!, it was destined to be quite a show of sophisticated luxe. And it truly did not disappoint…see below:
Watch the video of the show here:
I also had the wonderful opportunity to interview Creative Director Raul Melgoza, appointed in 2008 by founder Luca Orlandi. Originally from Italy but raised in L.A., Melgoza is a Parsons graduate, and joined the company in 2005. He cites Tim Gunn as a mentor, says he is in love with the seasons (that’s why he loves New York); and was inspired by beautiful buildings, sculpture, and the architecture of Frank Gehry in the creation of this collection. Utilizing clean lines that focus the eye on the silhouette, Melgoza combined fabrics in a palette of steel blue, midnight, dusty rose, and metalic-infused fabrics of antique silver, bronze, and charcoal.silver, liquid gold with silver undertones to create chic, wearable pieces.
Listen to the interview below:
Transcription of the interview:
Carly J. Cais: Did you always know you wanted to be a designer?
Raul Melgoza: Actually, you know, I did not…it’s funny because I was always inspired and drawn to things that were beautiful, but it wasn’t necessarily just clothing it was music, it was homes, travel – I had an innate sensibility for what was amazing; what was artistic…so having said that I never grew up drawing; nobody in my family sewed. So I actually got an undergraduate degree in finance and it was during those years that having a marketing course really opened my eyes to the possibility of merging commerce and art, so that was when i decided I’m attending parsons, so I moved from L.A. and Parsons was really my first experience with any kind of schooling in the arts.
CJC: How old were you at the time?
RM: I was twenty-five. I had done my undergrad, I had actually worked a couple years in the Treasury Department, totally a corporate career. It has helped me a lot as a Creative Director to understand that it has to be more than just a 10-minute show that people watch, it has to have a sell-through if I want to have a job.
CJC: Have you adjusted your strategies at all given the recent economic difficulties?
RM: We’re working obviously on being a little more sensitive, if your going to bead something then perhaps not get so crazy with very elaborate construction because at the end of the day it’s going to be a ten-thousand, fifteen-thousand-dollar piece, and yes it’s beautiful, but we also want to have a few more so that people see it. So if you’re creating things that are unattainable, you’re almost defeating your objective: which is to be out there and be part of the wardrobe of as many people as you can.
CJC: Makes sense. But in lieu of that, are there any specific embellishments or deisgn elements or fabrics that you really loved working with and want to talk about?
RM: Oh yeah, in this collection you’ll see some amazing, amazing fabrics. There’s a lot of wools and tweeds that have a lacquered finish to give it a modern, it doesn’t look like an older woman…everything has a bit of a gloss, there’s lacquered wools, there’s modern cuts on fur, and an overall shorter, flirtier silhouette.
CJC: So what do you want Luca Luca to embody or encompass in one phrase?
RM: I think Luca Luca shoold stand for timeless, modern clothes.
An incredibly well-spoken and intelligent man – and I loved the shiny sheaths – ESPECIALLY the slate blue -part-pleated dress, which is calling my name.:-)
What do all of you think of the collection?
xoxox
Carly
All runway photos taken from the front: Getty Images.
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