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February 11, 2010: In snow-filled Mahattan, a steady stream of poshly dressed socialites in rather precarious shoes for the weather could be seen making their way down a darkened alley off of Lafayette. No, this wasn’t some nefarious large-scale-snow-bunny-designer-drug transaction, but the location of the presentation of the newest collection from up-and-coming designer Karolina Zmarlak.
More photos and a video interview after the jump…
Continue reading New York Fashion Week Coverage: Karolina Zmarlak Fall 2010 RTW
Love the new, tie-dye-esque washes of this collection by Citizens of Humanity. The antique colors and romantic, quirky embellishments have a sensibility mixed with a sense of fun. The mottled dyes gives the jeans an extremely sensual, tactile appearance. Shabby-chic bohemian all the way
See the full collection at citizensofhumanity.com.
“Blublocker-Demi-Tortoise-Nylon-Zach-Galifianakis-2-big” by gigibearfive
Do you remember BluBlockers? I do, specifically from growing up in the eighties; those overly-excited commercials that touted these specs like they were the visual equivalent to the first moon landing. And who knew? Maybe they were. Being about six, I really couldn’t afford them at the time. The advertising certainly made you feel like all other sunglasses were completely unprepared to handle blocking out the sun, and they looked so futuristic and crazy with their sleek amber lenses and black matte plastic frames. For the past twenty-three years they have been a throw-back item, something to kindle delight, nostalgia and a bit of humor. Nowadays you can still catch the kids sporting these iconic originals in all their ironic glory, most notably Zach Galifianakis’ character in, “The Hangover.”
However, that’s all about to change. BluBlockers have caught up with the times. These ain’t yo mama’s sunglasses:
BluBlockers now has a micro-site, MyBluBlockers.com, that features their new line: speical edition frames in a vibrant assortment of colors and lens effects, including a revamp of their original tortoiseshell design.
Once I caught wind of these babies, I couldn’t resist grabbing up a pair. Particularly when I discovered they had a version in gold. And let’s be honest, I would buy monkey dung if it was gold-plated.
Monkey dung these are not. They are quite the opposite. Arriving in this hot, sporty little purple case, the BluBlockers were like some awesome pirate booty from Prince Island. The gold frames were a lovely warm golden color, and you can literally see-yourself in the ultra-reflective frames, exclusive to this model (yeah, that’s me in the right lens - ‘Sup?).
Wearing these proved to be quite the experience. See, I remember how the commercials would claim these would create a “cleaner, crisper” sunglass-wearing experience. What seemed to have slipped my mind was that it would turn the entire universe NEON FRICKIN YELLOW. It was exactly like this…
“BluBlocked” by toastforbrekkie
Once I got over the initial shock, the entire visual experience became pretty darn awesome. Imagine it like night-vision, but in the daytime. It makes the entire world brighter, but magically without hurting your eyes. Also, I have discovered that these are super on rainy days, as it often makes it significantly easier to see while driving, or doing other mundane activities, like blocking the color blue (Oh I get it THEY BLOCK THE COLOR BLUE! Ha!).
So yeah, BluBlockers are pretty awesome. And I must admit, they make my face a lot more “Blingy.”
Top: Mystique Boutique; Shorts: Gadzooks; Shawl: Conway; Boots: Thrifted; Sunglasses: Blu Blockers; Necklace, Watch: Thrifted
I stumbled upon Ashley Cheeks’ Etsy shop a couple of days ago, and have to admit I am rather smitten by her wares, and the quirky, somewhat comedic, romantic and whimsical photographs she takes to display said wares. They make me think of some sort of surreal sister of the Mad Hatter.
You can find her shop here. She also has a rather nice blog, here.
Halloween is swiftly approaching - do you have your costume yet? If not, never fear! Here are 10 fantastic, beautiful costumes to get your creative juices flowing.
La Calvera Catrina is a Mexican icon of Día de los Muertos, a symbol of celebration and beauty in the face of death.
Related Costume: Sugar Skull
2. Pinata (by rachelvn):
Feeling a little festive? Guss yourself up as a piece of candy, a sweet or favorite yummy treat!
Related Costume: Cupcake & Chef
3. Rainy Day (by elsiecake):
Rather than dressing as a person or object, try becoming a force of nature. Choose your favorite weather condition or natural phenomena, and get creative in the interpretation.
Related Costume: Autumn
Make the magic dance with your favorite fantastic characters from your childhood. Jim Henson offers a cornucopia of surreal, imaginative costume ideas.
Related Costume: Kira (from The Dark Crystal)
The lovely style of Steampunk is the rising star subcultural phenomena. For most of us the style is a little too over-the-top for day-to-day apparel. However, Halloween is the perfect opportunity to don those goggles, spats and machine gears. Snake optional.
Related Costume: Medusa
Why dress up as animal, when you can dress as a thematic animal? Adding small details creates a character that is captivating, engaging and an extremely unique costume.
Related Costume: Crying Swan
There is no costume as classic and timeless as a black cat. This costume is a great stand-by, and offers a myriad of takes and styles.
Related Costume: Fifty’s Kitty
Movies are the perfect place to find an excellent costume. Rather than just dressing as a character, get some friends together and try to build an entire scene as perfectly as you can.
Related Costumes: Eraserhead; The Birds
9. Jellyfish (by eatmydesign):
Choosing to dress as a strange or unique creature is a great opportunity to come up with unique interpretations about how to execute something so peculiar.
Related Costume: Bumblebee; Lioness
When in doubt, a ghost is a reliable standby. But nix that silly old sheet, and don lovely white clothes, and go crazy with the baby powder.
Related Costume: Murdered Bride
………………..
Honorable Mentions:
Deviled Egg
Abolitionist
Virgin of Guadalupe
Dalek (from Dr. Who)
Mermaid
One Little Indian
Out of all the Nolcha shows, Dutch designer Jessica Joyce’s collection was by far my favorite. It was simple, subtle, and otherworldly. I think that Jessica’s quote on her own site sums up the ideal perfectly:
“The sensual and spiritual are linked together by a mysterious bond, sensed by our emotions, though hidden from our eyes. To this double nature of the visible and invisible world to the profound longing for the latter, coupled with the feeling of the sweet necessity for the former, we owe all sound and logical systems of philosophy, truly based on the immutable principles of our nature.” - by Karl Wilhelm von Humboldt
Using a buttery color palette of pinks, yellows, violets, grey and creams. Jessica’s collection transported the viewer to this wonderful fairy-alien wonderland of simple form that allowed the garments to exist in an unencumbered surreal landscape, yet were still relatable on a casual scale.
I particularly liked this outfit, as it reminded me strongly of one of my most beloved movies, The Dark Crystal. If this isn’t “Kira”, I don’t know what is…
Like living on a cotton-candy cloud…and the crimped hair is such a perfect touch…
To see photos of the full collection, click here.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
Some highlights from emeDesigns appearance at the Nolcha runway show, an elegant small label based in Illinois Quad Cities. I really enjoyed some of the fabric choices in the show, which were inclined in the slick and shiny direction: like this lovely brown evening dress. I really like the layering of two different heavy patterns in the same color family. It creates a look that is very strong, yet subtle.
Also, a lot of “big pants” in this show - bigger than I have seen yet. They somewhat remind me of the JNCO’s I used to wear when I was a wee skater chick in high school, and I find it interesting that I find them somewhat appealing and compelling. The robust fabric choices really brought the cut to life, and made them pack a very dramatic punch. And there is nothing I love more than dramatic pants. 
To see photos of the full collection, click here.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
A very clean, nice collection to look at; not a risk-taker, but frankly, I don’t feel like they all have to be. I really loved the little details in the collection: the slit sleeves, the scalloped ribbing, the bags and the shoes. It really gives me that Sophia Loren, European vintage vibe.
See photos from the full show here.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
For more details on this collection, visit SADO.
With an aim to highlight the emerging and independent fashion designer market, Nolcha shows are always a special treat for me each season. Though this show was marked with some general confusion (the show began late, and there was some confusion with seating), it seems that the Nolcha events get better and better every year, and this set of shows did not fail to impress.
Seeking inspiration from style icon Marilyn Monroe, the show began with the work of Milan-based designer Christina Crawford, whose Spring/Summer 2010 collection taps into soft forms, a sensual palette and streamlined femininity.
I particularly liked this collection for its ability to merge modern elements with more delicate, feminine aspects. It seems far too often modern influences turn all too quickly into something more masculine and strong. It was nice to see the frills and soft edges remain, but made significantly less saccharine by being combined with strong lines, and a minimalist sense of proportion.
I had special love for the pleated vest (above), and the cowl neck halter top (below). While I don’t get any “Marilyn” vibes from the vest, it’s incredibly beautiful, strong piece, that would be a valuable asset in a closet - my minds spins with the potential outfits one could whip up with it. The cowl reminds me extremely of Monroe; I love it’s soft structure, and perfectly summarizes the play on feminine/modern I like so much in this collection.
See more pictures from this show, here.
Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer
Monday I headed over to IFB Dress Up Soireé, hosted by Independent Fashion Bloggers. Talk about a healthy turn out - the line to get in extended practically the entire block. Yeesh. I knida wondered what kind of magical New York venue was going to be able to hold all these folks.
When I got inside, I discovered it really couldn’t. It was packed - so much so that a majority of attendees had to linger downstairs whilst the panel went on. I got in about halfway through Susie Bubble’s piece. I was kinda wedged behind the panel for the first half - hence the back shots. It did offer nice audience shots, though. Man, what a stylish crowd.
Due to the large crowd lingering downstairs, there was a lot of “shushing” occurring from those within earshot of the panel, as the bloggers speaking began to get drowned by the party breaking out below them. Add to that some microphone problems that cropped up several times during the event, and it was rather tricky to hear several parts of the panel. That’s saying a lot, since I was right behind them.
Space and technical issues aside, the parts of the panel discussion I was able to catch was great. It was wonderful to hear so much about the blogosphere and fashion straight from some of the most respected names in the biz. The discussion was broken up into two parts, and took a lot of questions from the audience. Topics were as varied as to where the panelists get their inspiration from, to how to handle PR agencies and copyright rules, to little things, like what kind of blog reader Susie uses (”Blog Lines,” I think).
By the second part of the panel, I was able to cram into the actual room the panel was being held in, which made it much easier to enjoy the speakers. I was especially stoked to hear from Helen Zhu of Chictopia, and Tricia Royal of Wardrobe Remix fame.
Unfortunately, due to the throng downstairs, much of the speaking in the second half was cut rather short. However, once the talk stopped, the party began! There was a heck of a lot of photographing and mingling occurring. However, I being the delicate, 9-to-6 flower, I didn’t stick around to long. Also, it’s a little mind-bending to see that many bloggers in such a contained, non-internet space.
All in all, quite a time!
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The musings and machinations of writer and design director Cyn Passanante, on design, fashion, and things of a generally awesome nature.
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