School Post #10: Spring Must-Haves

Spring is here finally. New York City is starting to warm up, which of course gives me an excuse for updating my wardrobe. Not only are bright shades covering the world of retail, but almost every store seems to have a little added sunshine. For that, I am happier as well.
Here is a brief (severely edited) list of my Spring Must Haves:

3'' chino short in lacquer yellow (jcrew) $42.50
straw bow meadow purse (fredflare) $44
floral waterfall top (madewell) $79.99 (orig $110)

hello sunshine straw hat (katespade) $95
lilly pulitzer bathing suit (maybe her abs too)

School Post #9 New Show Format

This week's assignment is supposed to focus on the innovative formats designer's are using today to show their newest designs. It is becoming a trend in the industry today to be the first one to do something different and create a little bit of a buzz. For F/W11 Isaac Mizrahi did just that. In a show he entitled "Cake," Mizrahi put a few of my favorite things on the runway: fashion, dogs, cake and hot waiters. Live poodles accompanied alongside the models, and every few looks he alternated a male model carrying a cake (created by Buddy Valastro, the one and only 'Cake Boss') exclusively designed to compliment his designs. The overall aesthetic of his line was feminine and sweet to go along with the overall theme including dresses that look like cupcakes, and shirts approximate to butter cream
Pink poodles, cake, and updos...brilliant? or just a little odd? I'll let you guys decide with a video below.

School Post #8 Look Books

The J.Crew Fall '11 Look Book is FINALLY here. And finally, we are seeing something new and different produced for the Fall season.. loads of color. Head Designer, Marissa Webb took inspiration from The Great Gatsby as well as Bonnie and Clyde, highlighting rich colors, and new silhouettes such as wide legged pants, cropped sweaters and maxi skirts. I'm especially excited to see the accessory story in the look book featuring stacked bangles, chunky jewelry and great bags (leopard print leather clutch anyone?) What I am interested is how the customer will react to what seems as a drastic change, as J.Crew is becoming quite fashion forward. Overall personal opinion: Bravo, J. Crew...Bravo. I love! Check out a few of my favorite looks below.



images courtesy of Refinery29

monday quote

“let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile.”

- unknown

one of my favorite quotes courtesy of fp blog
thought it could lessen the overall suckiness of this cloudy monday :)
xx

March Favorites

As March comes to an end, we are 25% through 2011 wait..how did this happen?! I am counting down the days until Spring Break (16...) and soon enough my first year at FIT will come to an end and I will be headed off to LONDON for the summer. March marks the end of winter (despite the Nor'easter this weekend, which was some kind of sick April Fool's joke), and the onset of Spring. Here are some of my favorite things from the entire month of March 2011.

Charleston Fashion Week
I took a mini-vacation for myself, as I flew down south to attend CFW, walk for a few shows, soak up the sun, and get rid of my pasty white skin. Despite taking a week out of school, mind you it was midterms week, I got to sweet talking my professors and managed to take them early. The rents flew down as well and it was a great escape for all of us. Folly Beach, Family, Fashion, and plenty of southern cookin'. Good things I tell ya...

Folly Beach taken on my PolaroidBecause who doesn't enjoy a serious self portrait? And a comb over?

Madewell's Spring Roll out
Madewell is where it's at, especially for Spring 2011. I tend to find a reason into buying at something every shift I work, which tends to be a problem considering I work 4 days a week. (I'm working on it OK??) With the new Spring roll out however, Madewell makes it especially hard. I'm not being bias because I work here, these clothes are seriously cute.
Here are the newest additions to my Spring wardrobe

shadow & light shorts in olive grove $98.00

wooly sweatshirt sweater in heather cloud $59.50 (from $75.00)
skinny switchyard cargos in white wash $98.00

Pecan Pralines from Charleston Candy Kitchen
*Drool*
Personally, I would give my left arm for a box of these things. THE BEST.
And it is a real treat to see the production of them right on site.
If any of y'all ever make a trip down to Charleston: leave your diet at the door, and save room in your luggage.
Black Swan
OK, I may be behind on the bandwagon, but I saw the greatly anticipated Black Swan for the first time when it released on DVD on 3/29. This movie...was brilliant. It lived up to everything I thought it would be, I'm just blown away by how good it was. The writing, the directing, the acting, EVERYTHING. I couldn't help but keep thinking how much it would stink to be a professional ballet dancer. As a former competing gymnast, I could relate on the immaculate amount pressure from the sport; a lot of crying, competitiveness, and catty girls. I totally recommend everyone seeing this movie though, truly a masterpiece.

Black Swan Official HD Trailer from postadsgroup on Vimeo.

School Post #7 Trunk Shows

Trunk shows are a great opportunity for designers to create buzz, and get their name out to their target market. In many cases, a trunk show allows the consumer and store personelle to preview of the new merchandise or collection and gives them a chance to purchase or make an order. The first trunk show I attended was for Emma Graham Designs during my one year at the University of South Carolina. Starting in 2010, Emma Graham Designs is founded by Emma Mahon (a USC alumni) and Jackie Graham, in which they specialize in fun and flirty dresses, tops, skirts, and shorts featured in a array of bright colors.

Emma Graham Designs had a campus trunk show tour throughout the South last Spring. Below are some pictures captured from their appearance at USC held at the Chi Omega house.

School Post #6 Fashion Video

YSL F/W11 Paris

Ruby Jean

Ruby was one of the first models I worked with at my internship with Elite Model Management. It was such an inspiration to work with Ruby as she encountered her first New York Fashion Week, and see her grow throughout the past year. I am so proud of her! At what most 16 year old's would not compare, Ruby has been able to stay grounded in the midst of her success. Her most recent accomplishment was walking exclusively for YSL F/W11 in Paris, as she opened the runway and also walked in a second look.Ruby may be new in the game, but is definitely a name to remember and the next face to watch.

Below is Ruby in a video promo for Temt

TEMT AW11 OLC from Christopher Ferguson on Vimeo.