Propr...New Contemporary Line for Men and Women!

Actor David Arquette and Singer Ben Harper, are striving to create a Women's and Men's Contemporary and Denim collection called Propr. If you are wondering the origin of the word Propr, it is actually a French term that means Proper in English. The Duo first premiered their denim collection during NY Fashion week in September 08. The collection received rave reviews. In their new contemporary clothing line, Harper and Arquette are offering cuffed trousers, mini dresses screen printed with chubby birds and swim wear. The color palate is intended to be navy, red, white and yellow. Retail prices will apparently range from $90 for a polo shirt to $495 for a pleated trench coat. Propr's is comprised of a five person team who all have extensive design backgrounds. To find out more about this new design team, check out WWD.

Photo Credit: WWD from left to right (David Arquette, founder; David Bedwell, Creative Director; Ben Harper, Founder)

Where to Buy: Denim (Shopbop) Contemporary line (TBA)

Don't Forget your Blanket...Linus!

Thanks to my regular dose of daily candy, I was informed about a designer today whose collection was inspired by the peanuts character, Linus. Linus by Stella lee is a collection for a woman who is looking for a unique piece to add to her wardrobe that is easy, soft and yet structured. In the past, Stella has designed for BCBG and others. So, she is definitely not a novice to the industry. Currently, Stella Lee's debut collection can be preorderd online. The catch is that you have to wait until February to receive it. However, the good thing is that you will not get charged for your item until it is shipped. So, if you are into unfussy clothes, pieces that allow you to get up and go...Check out this designer...Linus.

Photo Credit: Daily Candy

So You Think You Want To Become A Fashion Photographer?

Ok...So you think you may want to become a fashion photographer...Well, for all those individuals out there who may have the skill or continue to contemplate the possibilities, I found a great opportunity in my current Harper's Bazaar advertising a competition for up and coming photographers. The Hearst corporation, (which is by the way one of the largest diversified media companies that provides you with popular magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Oprah Magazine, Town and Country and many others) is hosting a competition called Hearst 8x10 Photography Biennial. The competition's main goal is to help promote new and emerging talent among photographers in the United States and abroad. Eight winners will be chosen for this challenge. All entries must be e-mailed or post marked by January 1, 2009. The winners will be announced on March 1, 2009. For more details check out Hearst8X10.com.

Debut: New Boutique Concept!

Who ever came up with the old saying if ain't broke, than don't fix it was clearly someone without vision. However, I can't say the same for a new boutique concept that opened its doors June 2008. Debut New York is a new and exciting boutique that has challenged and defied the general idea of a specialty store. Debut offers an exclusive shopping experience for the woman who is looking for off beat designers and unique pieces. The store has a gallery-like set-up designed to showcase and promote the uniqueness of designers as artists by highlighting each collection in its own space within the store. for more info about Debut click the above photo.

Last Presedential Debate Watch Party...Tonight!

This Wednesday Oct 15th from 8pm till no one can take it any more, join the PA League of Young Voters, Catalyst, and Charismatic Marketing at the Shadow Lounge for:

• Debate Bingo!
• Complimentary appetizers!
  
• Drink specials! ($2.50 Yuenglings, $3 well drinks)
• Join DJ Nate da Phat Barber for the afterparty!

Beyonce and Essence Magazine: November 08 Issue

Korto Momolu's Final Collection on Project Runway

I found this video on you tube and wanted to share Korto's final runway collection at NY Fashion Week. Korto is currently one of the finalist on Project Runway which airs its final show of the season this Wednesday at 9pm. So, tune in to find out the winner!

Omar-Abdul and Scion Presents: Get Into Pittsburgh

If you are wondering if it is too late to sign-up and work the polls or motivate individuals to vote...Well, I am here to tell you that you have a chance to sign-up and get involved Friday October 17, 2008 at the volunteer recruitment reception...This event will be held at the Shadow Lounge, free admission from 8pm-10pm, so get there early! In addition, to full filling your volunteer obligations...You will have the opportunity to listen to live performances from Gene Stovall, Living Proof, Omar-Abdul and others. As an added bonus, after 10pm you will receive one of Omar's latest CD with your admission of $10. So, experience all in one night, voter recruitment opportunities, Omar-Abdul's CD Release Party and other live performances of local artist! I hope to see you there! To find out where to purchase tickets: myspace.com/oabmusic

The Release: The Main Course Mix Tape Listening Party!

Come out and listen to some of the latest and hottest tracks from Pittsburgh's Premier DJ Nate Da Phat Barber at Tana and Ethiopian Restaurant and Lounge! Free Admission and Good Food and Music...You Can't beat it! I hope to see ya there! Come and Party in Style!

The Riding Boot

The riding boot is a popular style this season and gladly so due to the comfort and versatility that they offer. As of late, many shoe designers have not been thinking of the average women who needs a practical shoe. I am a boot fanatic! I love to wear boots all year round...So, it is great to know that one of my favorite styles is popular this season! Above, I have picked out some of my favorites from stores such as Neiman Marcus to Urban Outfitters...Click on photo to see where to buy!

Rhianna: Do We Love This Look?

Photo Credit: Instyle
Rhianna is wearing Gucci

Obama's Runway To Change

Rachel Roy

Zac Posen

Beyonce and Tina Knowles

Jay Z

Marc Jacobs

It appears that the current climate of the presidential election has motivated all walks of life to get involve and express universal camaraderie. Regardless of who you support this campaign has clearly exposed those who are for progressive thinking and those who are comfortable with the way things have been for the last X amount of years. Continuing with this in mind, it is very refreshing to see fashion designers rally up and show their support in the presidential process. The fashion industry most of the times is deemed narcissistic, superficial and apathetic in terms of worldly issues. So, it is great to see that a large number of designers and entertainers have assembled together to give a designers perspective to Obama's campaign gear. Check out more designers on Runway to Change.


Designers from top to bottom: Rachel Roy, Zac Posen, Beyonce and Tina Knowles, Jay Z, Marc Jacobs. To see other designers who have contributed, click on the link above.

32 More days until we vote for change: Please get out and vote in style!

Donyale Luna: Fashion Icon

I have to give credit to Essence.com for bringing awareness to such a iconic figure in the fashion industry. Donyale Luna was born Peggy Ann Freeman in Detroit Michigan on January 1, 1945. She was considered the first notable African-American fashion model and the first African American to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine and Harper's Bazaar. Based on past articles, she has been described as an exotic and eccentric women who battled a lot of demons. She is survived by a daughter named Dream Cazanniga who is a professional dancer. Although, her demise ended due to a fatal drug overdose, Donyale made huge strides in an industry that was exclusive and bias to women of color especially during the turbulent 60's and 70's. For more info check out Donyale Luna.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Angela and Venessa Simmons: Do we Love this Look?

What's the deal with the the head accessory? I love the bohemian chic look but I am not quite sure about the headband trend. What are your thoughts?

Steel City Style Report: Work To Weekend Style

Depending on what type of work your job entails, you may identify with one out of three of the looks or maybe all three. What ever the case may be I find it very important for my wardrobe to have the versatility to transition from work to play. My Job demands a more traditional classic look. So, one way I attempt to break up the monotony is by combining colorful accessories such as shoes, handbags and jewelry to an understated pilot. Each look illustrated above can easily be paired with the other items. For example, Look 3 can be worn with the tweed blazer and purple pumps, red hand bag and charm bracelet or for a more playful look the jeans could be worn with the floral blouse and cardigan with the purple pumps and red handbag...The options are endless. One good way to really work your existing wardrobe this fall is to make sure you have your basics--blazer, cardigan, white blouse, trousers, dark denim, statement handbag and coat. Once, you have your basics in check, you can than purchase playful pieces that give your work to weekend look a stylish punch.

Look 1: Cardigan (All Saints, $75); Floral Lydia Blouse (J-Crew, $110);
Herringbone Yellow jenna Pant (J-Crew, $150); DSquared purple pumps (raffello-network, $416)

Look For Less: Cardigan (HM, $34); Floral Blouse (Forever 21, $21.90); Yellow Pants (Forever 21); Purple Pumps (Nine West)

Look 2: Tweed Blazer (J-Crew, $298); Wool Trousers (Anthropologie, $98); Blouse (Banana Republic, $58); Red Handbag (Ferragamo, $1,750); Charm Bracelet (Claires, $7.50)

Look For Less: Blazer and Trousers (Old Navy, $32.50); Blouse (Forever 21, $17.50); Red Handbag (Target, $24.99)

Look 3: Graphic Tee (J-Crew, $24.99); Distressed vintage slim denim (J-crew, $135); Flats ($120)

Look For Less: Graphic Tee (Forever 21, $12.50); Distressed Denim (Forever, $29.50); Flats (N.Y.L.A. $68.00)

Click Photo to see where items can be purchased. Some items may not be available but may still have similar substitutes!