Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Concept LA Fashion Shows: Delivering Successful Shows

This LA Fashion Week (LAFW) had attendees traveling all over the city for fashion events that were often happening at the same time. It seemed the one thing missing during this LAFW were actual runway shows. That's where newcomer Concept LA came to the rescue. For two evenings there were runways shows from up-and-coming and established designers. In between the shows attendees were able to mingle on the mezzanine and view designer installations.

This two-day event was quickly put together on a shoe-string budget, weeks before LAFW. As an attendee that was not the feeling that came across. Housed in the Spring Arts Tower in downtown Los Angeles, the space had a raw, downtown edge that was so fitting for this event.

Concept LA was spearheaded by "the downtown cowboy" Brady Westwater and designer Mike Vensel. With the help from Michael Shane of Gorgeous PR, Concept LA delivered a successful and much sought after event that was spread over two evenings.

On Monday, in the main event space, Chelsea Rebelle started the evening off with her fall 2010 collection. The collection was a bit of glam-rock, touch of gothic with a pinch of girly aesthetic presented on a black glittered runway. My personal favorite from the collection was the military inspired poncho with studded shoulders.

Chelsea Rebelle
{PC - Julian Michael}

On the mezzanine, Farm Tactics showcased its satchels and menswear inside an old bank vault. On the other side of of the mezzanine were looks from Elmer Ave. In between the two, Mike Vensel showed his collection in a live photo shoot installation.

Brandon Scott of B:Scott was the next designer to present in the main event space. The collection was titled "I the American Struggle" with the designer crediting the collection as a "rebirth." Oversized collars and hoods on soft, architectural jackets were sent down the runway in blacks, greys and dark blues. The jackets were paired with slim, cuffed denim pants. The overall look was one that had you stop and notice without being over-designed. Many of the guests sitting in the front row were dressed as if they came straight off the runway.

B:Scott
{PC - Julian Michael}

Fremont closed Monday evening with a dark and edgy collection consisting of leather jackets and vests, knitwear and tailored wool pieces. For the women's collection, the contrast of a cropped, crinkled leather jacket and a gorgeous silk tulip skirt were an impeccable pair. The attention to detail and mixture of fabrics in the pieces were a standout. Whether it was chiffon with wool and tweeds or another mixture it worked beautifully together. I especially loved the long leather strips wrapped around the models' wrists giving the looks another dimension.

Fremont
{PC - Julian Michael}

The second evening had different designers but was just as amazing and successful as the first night. My LAFW crush, Jen Awad, started off the evening with her fun and lively collection. Color was everywhere from fuchsia, to red, forest green, to the most gorgeous teal and shiny gold like you've never seen before. The black sweetheart dress was a crowd pleaser, and I know one girlfriend sitting next to me in the front row who is dying to add it to her wardrobe. The long hooded cape in teal was amazing, though the large insignia on the side is not my aesthetic. The collection was definitely eclectic but musician-cum-designer Jen Awad, delivered a fun and colorful show.


Jen Awad

On the mezzanine for the evening were installations from John Sakalis, Valerj Pobega, Skin Graft and Indian Casino Fashion.

martinMartin was up next and showed a very somber and gloomy collection in dark earth tones. There were long skirts for both the male and female models, slouchy, ripped shirts and leather to complete any Goth lover's wardrobe. There were a few sheer, ruffled dresses and shirts that stood out in the collection that had almost a slight sweetness to them.

martinMartin
{PC - Julian Michael}

Rounding out the event was The Battalion. The collection was inspired by the desert and all about feel and texture. Body conscious dresses, detailed leggings and faux fur were some of the highlights from the collection. The faux leather motorcycle jackets would be a staple in any girl's closet. The faux-fur hats added a bit of a Russian feel without being over-the-top.

The Battalion

This was an amazing two-day event and exactly what LAFW needed and continues to need. Looking forward to next season.

Designer Launch Pad 2010 Runway Show at CMC

I headed back to the California Market Center (CMC) last Saturday for the Designer Launch Pad Runway Show held upstairs in the penthouse. Seven emerging designers presented their Fall 2010 collections. These new designers did not disappoint.

Beautiful custom designed lingerie from Love Dragons helped to start the show. The looks were accessorized with beautiful hats and shrug coats. There was something to satisfy every mood, from sexy to flirty.
{PC - Volker Corell}


Loungewear from Toute la Nuit came down the runway next. Each piece was something you could imagine slipping into and enjoying a relaxing evening in at home. I loved that the pieces were stylish and Toute la Nuit showed that loungewear does not have to be boring!

{PC - Volker Corell}

Dollimou had a fun take on the "classic" California girl's wardrobe. Sending casual-chic t-shirts, sweatpants, dresses and tank tops down the runway complete with heels! I loved the fun, bold, tourist inspired graphics on some of the pieces.



Mariska was one of my favorite collections from the evening. The trench coat and military inspired jackets had my name all over them! I'm a sucker for an amazing tailored jacket, it gets me every time. The collection had a very sexy and mysterious feel to it, one that will turn people's heads whenever these pieces are worn.


Gia Lee created a collection of neutral colors and bold geometric prints that are perfect for the weekend getaway to Palm Springs, right down to the 1960's inspiration.


Jen Awad became my LAFW crush this season. I was lucky enough to be invited to see her entire collection a few days later at Concept. I love how she mixes rock n' roll and classic lady-like style that blends perfectly together. A black fitted faux-leather dress with an oversized collar made me swoon a bit.

The swoon-worthing leather dress on left

The show was amazing and I loved to see such talented Los Angeles based designers. There are good things to come from these designers and I'm looking forward to their next collections.

The evening ended for me with dinner at the Wood Spoon in downtown LA with some of my fashionable friends. Fashion, good food and fun girlfriends...perfect day!

Left to right: Laurie, Macala, Me, Kelsi, Sandra, Ana Maria
{PC - Kelsi Smith}

Sunday, March 28, 2010

110 Years of Fashion at CMC

I attended the 110 Years of Fashion event at the California Market Center last week, to celebrate its five decades as a West Coast fashion hub. The day started with a panel discussion on vintage clothing and its current trends. The panelist consisted of Doris Raymond, owner of The Way We Wore, designer Sue Wong, Katharine Brandes, Creative Director for BB Dakota and Sally Lohan, West Coast Director & editor of WGSN. It was such an informative and lively discussion on vintage clothing.


After the panel I attended the opening night reception exhibition in the main lobby. The fashion and art exhibition was a collaboration between a designer and blogger to create a vignette illustrating a select decade from the past eleven decades starting with the 1900's. I loved seeing the interpretation of each decade. The reception was held in a room decorated in fuchsia furniture and carpet with stunning images from photographer Mark Shaw, which were provided by the Andrew Wilder Gallery. Oh to have one of these images on my wall!


Mark Shaw images provided by Andrew Wilder Gallery
{PC - Mondette.com}

VIP Lounge
{PC- Mondette.com}

It was an amazing evening. I met Deanne of Dream Sequins and she's just as lovely in person as I thought she would be! I also hung out with my other fashion lovlies, Kelsi from Dedicate Follower of Fashion and Sandra from Debutante Clothing. It was such a fun evening.



Thursday, March 25, 2010

Boxeight, LAFW outside of the Box


{Eduardo Lucero}
PC - Chad Wilson

I started LA Fashion Week at the BOXeight 'Refocus' events this past weekend. They truly were "outside" of the box fashion events. Instead of traditional runway shows, 14 designers showcased their Fall/Winter 2010 collections in various photography installations throughout the studio. Each evening there were 4-5 installations that were set up as actual photo shoots. Each set had its own specific backdrop, props and lighting.

{top left: Postage, Skin Graft, Hair & Make-up station, Kanvis}

Stylists were on hand to dress and accessorize the models with the designer nearby to view the overall look of their collection. Two 20" Mac flat screens were set up at each set, one for the photographer and the other for guests to view the photos in real time. Guests were able to view the models getting hair and makeup as the station was raised up on a stage.This was a great event for those who have never seen an actual photo shoot before. Guests were able to experience the entire process from start to finish. As a stylist who is very familiar with photo shoots, I would have liked to see more of the pieces in each collection. Overall, the three evenings at Boxeight were very avant-garde and cutting edge. Around each corner there was something new to discover, which made wandering around the 9,000 sq. foot studio a fun adventure.

{Le Sang Des Betes}

PC - Chad Wilson


Friday

{Skin Graft – Photographed by Ben Cope}, {Gold Spun – Photographed by Adam Secore}, {Funktional – Photographed by Ninelle Efremova}, {Isabel Lu – Photographed by Damon Kidwell}


Saturday

{Lloyd Klein – Photographed by Robert Voltaire}, {Eduardo Lucero – Photographed by August Bradley}, {Le Sang Des Betes – Photographed by Laura & Steven Duncan}, {Michael Costello – Photographed by Ben Cope}, {Lekuin – Photographed by Dirk Mai}


Sunday

{Zak – Photographed by Catherine Asanov}, {Kanvis – Photographed by Robert Sigler}, {Gabby Applegate – Photographed by Sam Hessamian}, {Future Heretics – Photographed by Peter Gurnz}, {Postage – Photographed by Ben Cope}


{Lloyd Klein}

PC - Chad Wilson


{Lekuin}

PC - Chad Wilson


{Michael Costello}

PC - Chad Wilson


Monday, March 15, 2010

{Scarves} Great Transition Pieces for Spring

I love scarves and wear them all year long. Not only will they keep you warm in the winter months, but can add an extra pop of color to your outfit in the summer. Scarves are a great transition piece to carry you between seasons. I'm always carrying one in my handbag as I never know when I will need to add something extra to my outfit. Here are some options I'm currently loving.

Pair this with a white tank top and jeans with silver sandals for an instant summer chic look. I love the two-toned look of this scarf, which was one of the reasons I chose to put it in my OpenSky Project shop.

I love the color of this scarf. Add instant glamour to your trench coat this season with this scarf. Use it as an evening wrap for the windy spring evenings.


I love the rugged but classy look of this scarf. It is perfect for jeans or your little black dress.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

LAFW 2.0 - Fashionable Blogger Event



image via {stylesmith}

Last Thursday I met up with some sassy and fabulously fashionable LA fashion bloggers for our very own event to kick off fashion week. I had met some of them online already but it was great to meet them in person. Kelsi from Dedicated Followers of Fashion organized this amazing event that was held in downtown Los Angeles. Looking forward to many more events like this one!

Monday, March 8, 2010

{2010 Acadamy Awards} Best Dressed

Here are my top picks from the 2010 Academy Awards last night. Demi Moore gets my top vote for overall best dressed.






Sunday, March 7, 2010

{Balmain} 2010 Paris Fashion Week

Oh how I love Balmain, if only my wallet would agree. Here are some of my favorite looks from Fall 2010 Paris Fashion Week.





Thursday, March 4, 2010

{The Perfect} Eye Cream


So some of you may or may not know but five years ago my husband and I decided to live out our dreams and travel around the world for almost two years. To say it was a trip of a lifetime is an understatement. I could go on for many, many posts about all of the amazing experiences, people, shopping & food we encountered on our trip...but not today.

Today I'm going to be talking about my initial panic when I first started to think about packing. If you haven't figured out by now, I love my nice clothes, shoes, cosmetics and face products. I used to be that girl that had to pack five bags for one weekend just because you never know! How was I going to bring all of my favorite things for two years? Well I am happy to let you all know I managed to travel with one suitcase and a carry-on bag. I'll reveal my secrets later.

One thing I was not going to compromise on was good product for my hair and skin. The skin care line that I was using at the time was not sold at enough of the countries we were traveling to, so I knew it was a matter of time before I ran out and would be in the middle of no where using foreign products I wasn't sure about. I did some research and quickly realized that the La Mer products are sold at the duty-free shops in most countries. I always heard great things about the product and decided to start using the line. Fell in love of course.

I'm a product girl. I love trying new lines, and I have since returning to the US because I like staying up-to-date with the latest technology. The one thing I would not give up was the La Mer eye cream, I love it. The great thing is that it's almost like Botox in a jar...ok, not quite but close. I've use it on the lines that are starting to form between my eyes and it is visibly better. I think a great eye cream, getting your sleep, drinking lots of water and eating a healthy diet will help your skin remain youthful. This is one of the reasons I have chosen to offer it in my OpenSky shop. Come stop by. It's been a faithful companion to me and helps to keep the wrinkles under my eyes away!
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