Project Runway Season 5: Who's your Favorite?

I am sure that all those who are Project Runway junkies are aware that season 5 is already into its 3rd episode! I think season 5 is the best one yet! My favorites for now from top to bottom: Jerell, Daniel, Kelli, Korto (she disappointed me last week...However, I still Have faith in her) & Terri. Now, as the weeks progress, I am sure that my favorites will change...Tune in this evening @ 9/8c on Bravo.

Wish Atlanta

While I was in ATL, I came across this boutique called Wish Atlanta located in Little Five Points(L5P)...I must say that I was throughly impressed with the design aesthetic of this boutique. First of all, when you enter the store you are greeted with sliding doors...The store has a hip, chic and modern feel...The boutique offers the latest cutting edge fashions for men and women. There are two levels, the second level is what really won me over...The lower level is ridiculous...They created this sneaker emporium, I have never seen anything like it! The picture above gives you a sneak peak of the lower level. If you have plans to visit the ATL, I highly recommend this boutique! Check out their website...wishatl

Based on my experience at WishATL, I was inspired to seek out some fun sneakers for the ladies or fellas...I don't wear sneakers as often as I used to but I still have an appreciation for them! Click on photo to see where to buy!

Style Star Of The Moment: Rihanna

Hello Beautiful people,
I have been in the ATL for the last 4 days, so I apologize for the lack of updates...Anyway, I just recently purchased the InStyle mag this past weekend and my girl Rhianna is featured on the cover and she has a great photo spread...There was one particular shot that caught my eye, so I had to share it with the rest of you! Unfortunately, I could not capture the whole shot but if you pick up a copy you will see that she is wearing these shoes that are fierce! I like this look because it has a classic but edgy feel and I think that this style is timeless and ageless! To view more of the photo shoot click the link...InStyle
Photo Credit: Robert Erdmann

Harper's Bazaar Runway Report

According to Fashion Week Daily, Harper's Bazaar has created an extension of their acclaimed fashion magazine called the Runway Report. This publication will feature all things runway, trend reports for the fall and key industry designers. Look for the Runway Report to hit newsstands July 29th and remain until November 1. So, you have plenty of time to get in on the fun. Newsstand copies will retail for $6.95.

Green with Envy

I just wanted to share some of my favorite Eco-friendly pieces with you. The majority of the items shown above are completely void of any animal by-products. These fabulous items are made out of faux leather and sustainable materials. One of my favorite eco-brands is Matt and Nat a Canadian company that is committed in providing cutting edge vegan friendly handbags and shoes. No, I am not vegan, however, I try to do my part in terms of saving the earth by minimizing clutter, recycling and from time to time purchasing stylish sustainable products! To find out where to purchase these items just click the photo above.
Where to Buy: Matt&Nat
MooShoes

Trade Show Updates

It's almost that time of the year to start placing orders for the resort, fall II or spring 09 season. For those individuals who are seasoned pros at attending apparel markets, this is just another walk in the park. However, if you are a newbie to the seen than you are excited and curious as to what to expect. Sometimes, Trade shows can be a bit intimidating based on the sea of vendors that you encounter in a 8 hour period. After the first 50 vendors, you begin to notice the tricks of the trade. As you begin to develop your trade show skills, you will realize that there are a slew of trade shows designed for different markets. So, regardless if you are a newbie or a pro, a seller or buyer, I have compiled a list of apparel trade shows for your convenience:

Magic Trade Show: Offers designer, contemporary, urban street wear, casual wear for men, women and Kids. They also offer sourcing for buyers, whole sellers. Magic introduce to new shows this season Slate (eclectic, and sophisticated brands that originated in the skate and surf communities) and ECollection (A comprehensive collection of environmentally and socially conscious apparel and lifestyle brands). This Trade show takes placein Las Vegas on August 25th-27th. For more info clink the link magiconline.

Project Trade Show: Typically takes place the same time as the magic show. However, you can also catch this show in NYC. Project offers premium contemporary brands to the consumer. For more info Projectshow.

Pool Trade Show: The pool trade show also happens in conjunction with the magic. The pool is an independent trade show that showcases the best emerging designers. For more info pooltradeshow.

Check out these other cool ones:
Enk shows
Designers and Agents
Fame

DVF: The Wonder Woman Collection

Diane Von Furstenberg is phenomenal when it comes to designing for the female body. DVF became known for her invention of the wrap dress in the 70's and recently relaunched her design house offering sexy silhouettes and numerous versions of the vintage wrap dress. She was once quoted, "to feel like a woman, wear a dress" and this is exactly the energy she conveys in her designs. If you are wondering why there are two photos, I was torn in terms of which picture to display, so I decided to feature both. In the first photo, I compiled a mix of her current summer o8 collection. Please click on the photo to see where to buy each item. As for the latter picture, this is a sneak peak of her wonder woman collection provided by fashion week daily. The wonder woman collection will consist of a quirky, fun line of dresses, footwear and leather accessories. This line was created in collaboration with DC comics and Warner Bros to help raise money for Vital Voices Global Partnership, for the empowerment of female entrepreneurs around the world. In the British vogue, DVF states, "Wonder Woman is the ultimate symbol of strength, independence and freedom...I immediately thought it was a fun idea that would reinforce my belief in women and commitment to their empowerment." Expect the collection to hit stores in October, but in the mean time check out her fall 08 collection dvf.

Photo Credit: vogue uk

Dee and Ricky Jackson & Marc Jacobs

I must give daily candy and fred flare credit for my discovery of these two up and coming designers...Oh and yes they are twins! The twin duo has definitly carved out an interesting market for them selves. It does not take a fashion enthusiast to notice that every thing 80's has become fashionably in style once again. The 15yrs-25yrs old have recreated and remixed an era where women and men were known for big hair, shoulder pads and tight fitting acid wash jeans...I refer to these new trendsetters as the Neo 80's Kids. In fact, Dee and Ricky jackson are prime examples of this resurrected nostalgia period. D&R have already begun to make a name for themselves, these 21 year old twins from staten island, NY, accessories were featured in Marc Jacob's Spring 08 runway show. They have become famous for creating pixel heart shape pins out of LEGOS. Yup, that's right LEGOS! This story should be motivation for anyone with the desire to create their own apparel or accessory collection. Anything is possible! I wish these two much success. For more info about Dee and Ricky check out the following link: deeandricky.com

The Fedora: What look best suits you?

I was watching the tv show, so you think you can dance, last night and noticed that one of the judges was wearing a fedora which excited me to write about it today. Everywhere I turn lately, I am seeing a remixed version of this classic head accessory. I love hats and I would love to see woman wear them more often. At one time, hats were a staple in ones wardrobe. Woman such as Zora Neale Hurston, CoCo Chanel and Diana Ross just to name a few wore hats with a purpose. I guess now since woman lead such hectic lives that the hat becomes more of a burden than an accessory. Anyway, this classic adornment is back(It reemerges every 2 years) and I am delighted to partake in its resurgence! Above, I put together 3 looks, which one would you wear? My favorite is #1...I just love this fedora (the ribbon sets it off)...I think the whole look gives you a stylish care free feel.

Wear To Buy:
1) Fedora, urbanoutfitters; Sunglasses, lulus; Dress, Top Shop; Bag, Anthropologie; Shoes, Lorisshoes
2)Fedora, GoJane; Jumpsuit, Stylefinder; Cutch, Marc Jacobs; Shoes, Modcloth and Boots, gravitypope.
3)Fedora, urbanoutfitters; Shirt, Net-a-porter; Skirt, ninewest; Clutch, barney's; Shoes, viecouture

Project Runway: Casting Call

I haphazardly came across this info by browsing the PR website...I know i am a little late with the information...But you never know what you can put together at the last minute...Anyway, PR is Accepting applications for season 6...The application consists of 3 parts: a personal video, a "virtual portfolio" and a completed application questionnaire. All applications are due July 9, 2008. For more info check out Project Runway

Shopaholics

This blog is dedicated to my fellow shopaholics...I don't know about you but I have noticed that every retail store is having a major sale...I have never seen anything like it in all my years of shopping...I guess we can blame it on the economy...I mean everything right now is at least between 50%-70% off...This is a good time to stock up on last minute vacation items and pieces for next summer. During my weekend splurge, I found great deals at the following places...saks, H&M, Benetton and BcBg Max Azria. The time is now...If you have had your eye on an item since the beginning of the summer, I guarantee that it is now on sale...So, don't miss out and by the way, if you decide to participate in the current sale frenzy, stop back and share with the rest of us where you found the best deals! Happy Shopping!

Ohh...Ladies First....Ladies First

Come out and enjoy good music provided by some of the hottest DJ's in the burgh at the Brillobox, Thursday July 10th from 10pm-2am. Ladies get ready to rock your door knocker earrings and your fly kicks to one of the dopest parties this month. Classic Material is an event that takes place the 2nd Thursday of every month featuring the best in music from the golden eras of Hip Hop, Reggae, Go-Go and House. For More Info: seven twenty records

Steel City Style Report: Summer Favorites

We are mid-way through the summer and depending where you are in the world, some of you may be experiencing fantastic weather (90 degrees and sunny is ideal) or drastic climatic weather patterns that forces one to stay indoors. Nonetheless, where ever you are, we can all appreciate summer time and everything that goes along with it. As we continue to enjoy our summer festivities, weekend getaways or summer romances, here are some of my must have items for the season...

where to buy: (1) Ribbed Tank Top, wetseal; (2) ruffle Top, Kate Moss Top Shop; (3) Skirt, Top Shop; (4) Jaya Sandel, Urbanoutfitters(Jeffery Campbel); (5) Clutch, Net-A-Porter(celine); Chanel Charm Bracelet, Bag, Borrow or Steal; (6) Earrings, Morning Glory; Sunglasses, Instyle.

Current/Elliott: New Denim Label

A new denim brand Current/Elliott was recently launched this month by two LA Stylist Merrit Elliott and Emily Current, the two received attention in Vogue's July issue, which describes the label as"...the most refreshing denim line to come out of LA's jean scene in a long, long time." The design duo has created one of a kind, 70's vintage style pieces made out of comfortable stretch Japanese denim. Every style created has a historical reference, an original vintage sample and a year of origin (i.e. the elephant bell of "the 1971" and the hip skinny slouch of the 1968). Of course, this is a premium denim brand, so a pair will run you about $200. I checked out the rest of the collection and this new brand may have a promising future.
Where to Buy: Barneys CO-Op (arriving Soon)
current/elliott
Photo Credit: Denimology

MUSE: ACD

Che'Ana Frazier is the master mind behind MuseACD.
MuseACD is an accessory and clothing design house
that was started in 2006 as a result of the birth of her
son and the desire to find a creative outlet. Che'Ana has
been an artsy and crafty person since she was child.
MuseACD has many
meanings(i.e. To gaze meditatively or a goddess
presiding over a particular art form) and ACD is an
acronym for accessory, clothing design .What to expect
from this designer in the near future: quality, tailored
clothes, reconstructed pieces, the use of different
material for accessory line such as fabric and wire.
Ultimately, MuseACD
mission is to inspire and create wearable art that
transform
the everyday into something extraordinary every time
you wear it.
To purchase a
pair of these one of a kind earrings you can
check
Che'Ana out today in front of Ava lounge
(located in East Liberty) between 12pm and 5pm!
Where to buy: museacdonline.com