Wandering Wednesday

{PC - Maire Claire}

My mom is in town so I am taking a mini vacation from being online this week. Come stop by and see me at Chic Shopper Chick in the meantime.

Have you entered my giveaway yet? If not, enter to win your own Tweezerman tweezers. For more details and to enter, click here. Good luck. Have a wonderful day.

xoxo

red sole diary

Eyebrow Shaping: Tweezerman Giveaway!

During LA Fashion Week this past week I was talking to some of my girlfriends in the front row and our conversation turned to eyebrows. I know, go figure...eyebrow. It's so true though, a great shaped eyebrow can dramatically alter your appearance. We met Allyson that evening, and one of the first things you noticed about her were her amazing eyebrows. Talking with Allyson we learned that she shapes her own eyebrows and would give any celebrity eyebrow shaper a run for their money. I expected her to say she uses wax, but found out she only uses tweezers to shape her eyebrows. I get my eyebrows professionally done but will maintain them on my own in between visits with my trusty Tweezerman tweezers. I bought my first pair over fifteen years ago and have never looked back. I love them as they are so precise. They are so worth the money as you can send them back to get sharpened for life.

A standard staple on my vanity and in my make-up bag!

I'm so excited to announce that one of my lucky readers will receive their very own free Tweezerman tweezer from my OpenSky Project shop. Everyone else who enters will receive a 10% off coupon good for anything in my shop. Click here to enter. Good luck!

Simply Stylist 2010: Simply Amazing!

After all of the craziness from LA Fashion Week, the Simply Stylist event was the perfect ending to my week. Created by Caro Marketing, Simply Stylist is an invitation only pop-up PR showroom. The goal is to connect stylists, media, and celebrities to established as well as up-and-coming designers.

Walking into the event I was greeted at the door and assigned a personal assistant that would stay with me the entire event. The assistant followed me around, introducing me to each designer as well as carrying my bag so I could take pictures and have my hands free.

The venue was held on Sunset Blvd. and had an open and pleasant atmosphere. It was very calming and relaxing after such a busy week.

In the main showroom each designer had their own private booth where you could view the collection, ask questions and make any other arrangements you would need. In the center of the room were installations and seating to sit down and regroup.

The next room was set up as a beauty lounge. Bliss Spa offered up some of their services such as, Minx manicures (my new obsession), oxygen facials and massages. Harrion Salon was on hand offering haircuts and styling.

It was an amazing event and the perfect ending to my LAFW. I especially enjoyed having the private and personal time to look at each designer’s collections. I am already looking forward to the next event.

A gown from Oday Shakar. His collection is red-carpet ready.

My lovely girlfriend Laurie from Laurie B Style getting her hair did!!! She was looking hot when she left Simply Stylist!

Gorgeous suit from Oday Shakar. It was a mock-crocodile suit that was absolutely beautiful.

Fun, vintage inspired boots from Zodiac USA.

A fun, playful skirt from Plastic Island. Would look great with a black fitted turtle-neck and black tights.

New-comer Tulola showed at Simply Stylist. This was the first showing in the US. It is a beautiful line of jewelry handcrafted in Bali. Looking forward to big things that are to come for this line.

I have been a long-time fan of Walter and have a lot of it in my closet. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they just created a lower-end line called Walter by Walter, that is carried at Macy's. The above dress is from the line but you would not guess it is under $100. It looks and feels like it should be in the main Walter line.

One of my new favorite designers I found at Simply Stylist. Ashi Studio has amazing pieces that literally are fit for a queen, as they design for many Eastern royalty.

Another piece from the Ashi Studio collection, it's made out of mainly burlap. Yes that's right, the common potato sack. Talk about a work of art!

One of my new BFFs. The ever lovely Kelsi Smith from Dedicated Follower of Fashion getting her Minx manicure from Bliss Spa. We had so much fun at this event and many others durning LAFW.

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}

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.

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