NYFW SS19 RECAP

October 4, 2018

My NYFW blog post is finally up! This SS19 season I wanted to keep things simple yet fresh. So for my content from this past September I'm sharing 6 favorite looks from each show I attended along with a recap/review of each designer's collection that I saw. Straight to the point without any bells and whistles. Thanks for waiting for this delayed post and I hope you enjoy my perspective on each collection. Let's get started!

A_I_R ATELIER

Eye-catching but understated colors, a mixture of prints such as tigers, bats, flowers, suns, each A_I_R Atelier look was paired with one-of-a-kind accessory from the luxury watch brand, Klasse14. Some items of note - this 'Wild World' graphic tee, floral bomber, and play of different prints both alone and in two.

NOON BY NOOR

The Spring/Summer 2019 collection pays homage to Bahrain, inspired by its desert beauty with its soft sands and palm trees. I've seen Noon by Noor’s work before and they're always creating attractive, fresh and clean clothes that hit the middle-of-the-road aesthetic. Lovely silhouettes - loose and flowing with delicate shoulders, subtle patterns - all in all less always being more in this house. Their blue palette was certainly a fave. Photo top middle corner. Case in point.

LAURENCE & CHICO

You can definitely say Laurence & Chico is over the top. Set at Chelsea Piers Fitness Center, I didn't expect to actually much sportswear from this dynamic duo who are known for their theatrical concepts. This is something I really appreciate because not all fashion should solely be ready-to-wear or haute couture. Fashion should be being able to do whatever your creativity wants itself to do. And what's fabulous (aside from Miss J Alexander's commentary AND walk throughout the show), they offered witty sport pieces there were either deconstructed, reconstructed or repurposed. Really with the now. One inspiration I couldn't stop thinking about when watching this season's show: The Fifth Element's opera singer. I must be really into blue this spring and summer season...

TADASHI SHOJI

Mermaid, starry-starry night vibes with intricate patterns of the galaxy or nature, either or both are universal and powerful in Tadashi Shoji’s SS19 collection. Leaves, fish scales, the universe itself with strong color palettes of neon greens and pinks but also modest blues. I especially gowns and the bottom right most - truly a stunner. Accessories such as earrings and shoes were very on point along with the dramatic sparkly makeup.

NICOLE MILLER

The ultimate cool girl, most adoringly loose-curled hair and smokey eye makeup models strutted down the runway in mixed prints of polka dot, denim, and leopard. Yes, you have heard it here folks, animal print is back ;) And the 80s aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Favorites were the oversized jackets with varsity cuffs and a fully sequined camo trouser with matching T-shirt. Oh, and that the ‘club kids’ danced/walked the finale together and not in the single-filed line. Nicole Miller is indeed, here to stay.

CONCEPT KOREA - LIE COLLECTION

Concept Korea may not be a name that is familiar to many, but its assured use of color - reminiscent of the master itself, Prada, definitely makes it one to watch. The dress I wore to the show (shown here from my NYFW SS19 Outfits) was from their FW18 collection. When I went in for my fitting, I instantly fell in love with the hug of the fabric and ruffles of the plaid print. Different, fun - just like me! Favorites was the army green trench and other mixed plaid trench. As you can see, heavily into trench coats. the concept of the Spring/Summer 2019 collection was ‘Perfectly Imperfect’. The designer, Chung Chung Lee wanted it to say that women do not need to be perfect and that their imperfection already has a perfect personality.” The perfect combination of intense detail, soft colors, tailoring, and athleisure style, in my opinion.

CHROMAT

The models came down the runway literally dripping in water. Playing on the idea of the beach cover up Chromat flipped the script by adding transparency, weblike netting, and cropped silhouettes to this concept. But what makes Chromat is not just the clothes themselves, but more so the message that is being sent out in the fashion industry: And that is inclusivity. The ongoing dialogue about the human form that play's out in Chromat's collection was definitely acknowledged in the SS19 show. Body positivity, gender fluidity, and disability rights—Becca McCharen-Tran's shows serve as more than a showcase for clothes, as she was one of the first designers to recognize these subjects and I'm all for it. Hip hip hooray!

MARINA MOSCONE

Held in Willem de Kooning’s former studio and residence near Union Square, Marina Moscone is the first designer to use this space for an event as such. A serene space with enormous archways, chipping pastel doors, and giant water lilies painted on the walls set the mood. Models breezed through the rooms and gave editors and buyers an up-close look at their raw-edged silk dresses, fluffy hand-knit sheaths, and gently molded Basque tailoring. Moscone said “unconventional women” of the ’60s like Natalie Wood and Penelope Tree were her muses this season. They were instrumental in bringing a new, less-traditional kind of femininity to the era, one that merged glamour with a touch of eccentricity. I really dug each garment’s flexibility and the way certain looks such as the chunky sandal can and will be worn at black-tie events. Favorite was the black cocktail dress in bottom left hand corner. Simply divine.

TAORAY WANG

Considered the “queen of suits”, Chinese designer Taoray Wang stayed true to her brand, showcasing a mix of traditional and trendy styles. Pastels, plaid and a pop of color intertwined within Taoray Wang’s trademark tailored structure. Merging East and West, dressing that global business lady and oozing with feminine power, independence and confidence: Wang’s SS19 presented a flower bursting into bloom, very much a blossom-blush inspired collection.

TIBI

Hands down probably my favorite show for every NYFW, it was a true pleasure to attend the show for the first time this season. Play on suiting mixed with resort accessories such as beachy sandals and sunnies was the ultra-coolness of the collection along with a few male models strutting down the runway. (Perhaps Tibi will launch menswear in the near future?) What I truly love about the designer, Amy Smilovic, is her innate attention for supercharged, statement-making colors, in particular for the SS19 collection, the palette merged “sun-bleached” pastels like lemon, baby pink, and lime with bolder pops of orange, cobalt, and raspberry. Truly a match made in heaven. It was definitely difficult choosing my favorites for this one - I loved the ENTIRE collection!

DENNIS BASSO

The Dennis Basso SS19 collection takes global women on an amazing journey from sporty and carefree to glamorous evenings. Pale pinks and baby blues are mixed with red and cream and a statement of black and white for a feminine and chic color palette. A variety of crisp fabrics such as organza, gazaar, and canvas create interesting shape and structure throughout the collection. Summer furs are also incorporated with sable, Russian broadtail, mink, and fox. The collection also includes feather touches and intricate hand embroideries. Favorite looks? Top right (HI pockets) and bottom middle (HELLLLLLLLO jacket) LOLOL

HAN WEN

If you haven't already heard of Han Wen, you're going to want to pay attention ASAP. The 24-year-old designer recently unveiled his Spring/Summer 2019 collection, a summertime wardrobe "for one's journey through life, love, and remembrance," per the press release. The collection was inspired by a story from the designer's mother's life, he explained: We imagine a young bride, called away on business to Europe for the summer. Her days are spent working tirelessly to advance her professional career. On weekends, she explores foreign cities and cultures, all the while chronicling her adventures in letters and postcards to her young groom, waiting anxiously for her to return home. Each look in the collection carries with it a bit of that story—soft feminine lines, warm hues, and delicate map illustrations. Check out my post here to see a shirt I wore by the designer to the presentation.

SUZANNE RAE

Suzanne Rae Pelaez’s Spring output was crafted from a youthful worldview informed by fairy tales, Hollywood films, and the punchy colors of Crayola crayons. With her vintage dollhouse sitting at the center of her Chinatown studio and daughter Ella playing alongside models dressed in cheery shades of pink and lavender, Rae Pelaez set an exuberant mood. The clothes were as smile-inducing; cropped suits in floral jacquard with transparent overlays of tulle with cross-stitching that resembled circuitry were cute and inventive, while bows adorning trousers, belts, and even shoes added an unapologetically girly touch.

Want to see more from any of these SS19 collection from NYFW? Continue onto my Instagram page where under my highlights you will find each finale walk in my NYFW sections. What was your favorite out of the ones I attended this season? If you had to pick one outfit of your choice, what would it be? Stay tuned for my London Fashion Week content, coming up next!

LOVE & XX’S,

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NYFW AW 18 Full Recap

February 25, 2018

SEVEN ALL AROUND

Where can a city girl find a chic-but-wearable shoe? Look no further - Seven All Around embodies comfort but with an elegant style. Often times there is a lack thereof, whether it's too clunky or not aesthetically-sound, it fails to hit a complete mark. Heesung Choi, the founder of the footwear brand debuted ahead of New York Fashion Week. Her resumé is impressive: After graduating from the Parsons School of Design, Choi spent the first eight years of her career at Rag & Bone (as one of the founding employees), where she worked on both women’s ready-to-wear and footwear collections (including the brand’s early collaboration with Manolo Blahnik). Most recently, she was head of design for Public School. The South Korean-born designer wanted to create shoes for herself that would accommodate long hours of fittings and dinner with friends in New York, working remotely with her mother in Seoul to develop the shoes. From ankle boots to platform oxfords, and even flatform sandals, they are all extremely wearing while simultaneously very presentable. The built-in cork padding and sneakerlike cushioning are definite design details and measurements that will in all likelihood be a major success.

GRETA CONSTANTINE

Set in a three-story apartment, each Greta Constantine model wore thigh-high boots in a variety of reversible, colored sequins paired with skirts, dresses, and trousers that channeled the ultimate Eighties glam. Reversible sequins were the majority of the collection, like a green and blue trouser with a matching, oversized loose blazer. To add a dramatic flair, brocade blazers and sheer blouses had defined, exaggerated shoulders, and large sashes were tied around waists. The collection was bold, but held a nice reminder that fashion can still definitely be fun.

COLOVOS

Colovos is known to be minimal with an arty streak. The show-opening loose-fit trench set an easeful silhouette, one which emphasized to their tailoring: Jacket volumes were lightly gathered in back. Dresses layered over pants, a look that can tend to look over-styled, but here rather a nonchalant can-do quality. Webbed nylon shoulder straps on dresses were definitely stressing on the trend of utility. The Colovoses are jean experts from the early days. They showed their denim head to toe today, and the jeans had a baggy-but-tapered fit that looked current and trendy. Makeup done by Mac Cosmetics: lead by Romy Soleimani. Hair done by Pureology: lead by Ruth Roche. Nails done by Zoya: lead by Alicia Torello and jewelry by Laura Lombardi.

BCBGMAXAZRIA

A fusion between modernism and romanticism, BCBGMAXAZRIA was one of my favorite backstage experiences of NYFW along with the presentation. I really enjoyed their exploration of the contrast of feminity, masculine, hard and soft, playful and strict. But what made it all flow together so beautiful is this effortless manner while doing so. It's what BCBGMAXAZRIA is known for and they did not disappoint when it came to the AW18 collection. A job well done to the creative director, Bernd Kroeber and to the five female artists, including fashion illustrator Blair Breitenstein, that created artwork that was incorporated into the venue. Makeup by Huxley: lead by Jodie Roland. Hair by Cutler Salon/Redken: lead by Emily Heser. Nails by Zoya: lead by Naomi Gonzales.

CONCEPT KOREA

This season, Concept Korea presented two womenswear labels: Lie by Chung Chung Lee, and Greedilous by Younhee Park. Park presented her collection first, which included a collaboration with Beyoncé stylist Ty Young. Park was influenced by beauty in women, particularly on extreme glamour, the Palace of Versailles and the romance of Marie Antoinette’s style. Lee took a more political bent, titling his collection “GLOBAL WARMING; It’s not justICE.” The play on words is meant to bring awareness to global warming—more specifically icebergs. He tells us that fractured icebergs were the point of inspiration for many of the collection’s prints, patterns, and details in addition to colors of the Arctic Northern Lights and blue skies. “They serve as a reminder that this beautiful environment could ultimately disappear,” Lee says. Overall, the exposure of Korean Fashion in the American market is booming. Watch out, guys. You'll be seeing a lot more in the next few years.

NINE WEST 40TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

The perfect way to kick off New York Fashion Week? Attend a fabulous party! I was fortunate enough to be invited to Nine West's 40th Year Anniversary party in downtown Manhattan at the VNYL. At the party, Nine West also launched its vintage-inspired capsule collection. Featuring 11 styles, the limited-edition line includes signature silhouettes and trends from the past four decades, including platform heels with a nod to the ’70s, architectural pumps that defined the ’80s and wedges that epitomized the ’90s. I remember my first pair of Nine West shoes from junior high, and they were the black platform heels everyone was wearing :) Good Times.

YUNA YANG

Models sashayed through the halls of the Margo Feiden Gallery in Greenwich Village presenting Yuna Yang’s bespoke womenswear collection. “Love Yourself”, the title of her collection, was embellished across the front of hats, on the backs of jackets and down the sides of sleeves. According to press notes, she “wanted to send a message about the importance of loving yourself. Every woman, regardless of race and status, should be treated fairly and equally”. A resonating message that coincides with the current changing landscape, not just in fashion, but throughout every industry. Inspired by colors, textures, and narratives in fine art, the original work by Al Hirschfeld was a splendid backdrop to the pieces incorporating east and west influences. Represented by a diverse range of models, her collection combined high and low elements visible in her designs and fabric choice. Leather ruffled skirts were paired with lace varsity jackets while silk organza dresses floated over jeans. Sporty, luxurious and an all-around feeling of empowerment.

TIBI

Even though I didn't get to see the Tibi show, I did go backstage with Aveda to learn more about the look for the show. Ultimate cool girl vibes, the collection was inspired by cities, construction, and architecture. Striking a perfectly brilliant balance between fashion and utility, the looks did not disappoint as the ultimate wardrobe for the NYC woman constantly on the go. I adored the unpolished look of the hairstyles, it kept the looks versatile yet clean. Hair by Aveda: lead by Frank Rizzieri. Makeup by Stila Cosmetics. Nails by Jin Soon.

TANYA TAYLOR

Known for her signature hand-painted floral prints, Tanya Taylor's AW 18 had less of that but with that came a greater emphasis on silhouettes, like curvy drapes and asymmetrical slouches. Tanya Taylor’s watercolor fall florals and plaid patterns came together in perfect harmony. More surprising were the pieces that nixed print altogether, like the zeitgeist-y turtleneck dress with rows of hand-stitched chrome sequins. The paillettes got bigger and flashier on a completely backless high-low tank styled over houndstooth trousers. Fans of ’90s and early-aughts style will say it’s evident of the “going out top” revival, but the pants (brown houndstooth with hints of neon pink) were worth a second look too. And the pops of color with yellow, pink and orange sealed with collection with perfection.

BEVZA

Only the second season Bevza has shown in NYFW, it was my first. Ukrainian-origins of the designer was apparent in the collection. Diaphanous silk dresses with ruching at the bust; they came in sweet candy colors like sugar pink, pale blue, and a rich green, a number that was inspired by Eastern European folklore and fairytales, it just sometimes works. As if it was a mixture of upper-class royalty and peasantry, the most spectacular outputs were the most abstract ones: a snow-white dress with linen reliefs and a deep neckline on Alla Kostromicheva, and outfits with complex assignments that repeat the shape of hosiery belts in that gentle pastel range. Specifically, the designer sent out a series of puffy nylon coats printed with animal skins and pieced together in strips to create the illusion of fur. Truly spectacular and with the times! I enjoyed this show immensely, and am hoping to see more of this kind of fluidity in Bevza's later work.

ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO

Fall is a terrific collection for Cornejo, full of bright shades such as turquoise and a reddish orange and novel-for-her fabrics such as a wide-wale cord that she cut into a skirt suit (not as traditional as it sounds) and a slinkier evening corduroy that turned up on a jumpsuit and an asymmetrically draped dress (one of my favs). The centerpiece is a tartan that she took the stuffing out of, draping and smocking it to create the easeful shapes she’s known for. This season was all about sustainability, as Cornejo reports that 84 percent of the collection is made locally in New York, which substantially reduces her clothing’s carbon footprint.

LOVE & XX'S,

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NYFW SS 18 Full Recap + Vlog

September 15, 2017

GALTISCOPIO

Galtiscopio is a brand founded in Paris that designs women’s clothing and accessories, mainly watches and jewelry. The clothing aligned perfectly with Galtiscopio’s focus on jewelry as each item featured a jeweled embellishment in some way. Models strutted down the runway wearing a variety of silk slip dresses in an array of colors (purple being one of my favorites). Diamond embellishments still played a large role in the second part of the collection. One model even wore a pair of headphones covered in crystals.

CONCEPT KOREA

Concept Korea is a biannual fashion show, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea and organized by Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), to showcase Korean designers' collections at NYFW in the hope of expanding overseas business and awareness of up-and-coming Korean designer brands. Running its 16th show, I was super excited to check out the homegrown brands LIE and GREEDILOUS. What appealed to were the employing feminine silhouettes to casual wear and the unique way of mixing a variety of fabrics in one garment, making K-fashion look daring and stylish, yet very wearable – in other words, it's considered commercial enough without losing its edge.

KATIE GALLAGHER

For her 17th collection, Katie Gallagher captured a cold spring day in clothing form. Simply titled (“Rain”) and attached to a Joanna Klink poem (“Some Feel Rain”), the collection stuck to a palette of inky black and frosted blue. For an hour, models cycled through a set presentation: Thunder would clap, a digital animation of abstract raindrops would splash across their faces, and each girl would take a slow, winding turn around the platform stage to better showcase the pieces. I would say there would be some ballet influence within her spring collection with those faux leotards in tights with mink sashes tied over one shoulder, a floor-grazing tulle skirt trimmed in black grosgrain, and the messy ballet buns on models’ heads.

BACKSTAGE AT TIBI WITH AVEDA

My second season going backstage with Aveda, I always look forward to seeing some of my favorite designer's collections and creative directions up close and personal. And Tibi always has such amazing pieces along with great hair and makeup. Strong, feminine and minimal are the three words I'd use to describe Tibi. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, there were tons of Nineties vibes, with mannish sporty looks on top of what Tibi is known for which is amazing tailoring and killer accessories. Can we please chit chat about these patent leather lavender mules I MUST have in my life come spring?! ;)

TAORAY WANG

Taoray Wang is designed for the powerful, professional and modern woman who wants to be stylish, elegant and sexy. The brand serves a global and confident woman who is not afraid to show her femininity in edgy design while she plays her role as a politician, lawyer, and other executive roles. Classic men's fabrics and lines are tamed into silhouettes of armored grace. “Customers are not defined by race or nationality. They have an international background, they embrace diversity and are open-minded to try different things. They are well-educated,well-traveled and are multi-cultural. Dramatic cinched waists, slouchy sleeves and fringe were some of my favorite features in this season's SS18 collection.

YUNA YANG

Yuna Yang is inspired by the colors, textures, and narratives in fine art combined with her love of detail and unique Eastern perspective on Western aesthetics. Featuring women’s high-end designer wear, each design in the collection leverages a modern vision that harmonizes the quality of traditional couture. Proudly designed and made in New York, Yang uses materials from around the world for her collection that can be found in selected high-end boutiques across the US, Middle East, and Asia. Her latest collection, called "Save the Earth," is made in New York and uses Korean silks, recycled organic cotton, and lace and hand beading from India. The designs take on the shapes found in nature such as flowers and features the color green often.

BACKSTAGE AT TOME WITH AVEDA

TOME's SS18 collection was like a deconstructed rainbow. A colorful lineup where multicolored stripes came alive through the movement of accordion pleats. Based in New York TOME sees the pair’s collective experience expressed in a range that is practical and straightforward – clean cut, essential dressing. Form follows function and every TOME piece is ethically produced, with a view toward inclusivity and diversity.

BACKSTAGE AT PUBLIC SCHOOL NYC WITH AVEDA

Street-savvy clothing line Public School is the brainchild of New York-born and bred designers, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne. Growing up, both Chow and Osborne attended public school in New York City, and that had a huge influence on their lives. “At public school here, you could tell who groups of students were by what they wore,” Osborne explained, which ignited the designer’s interest in clothing. What I really enjoyed was the makeup, most especially an updated version to a smokey eye... I'd prefer to call it the gasoline eye given the tar-like greasy appearence, it's such a cool look!

VIVIENNE TAM

For her spring show, Vivienne Tam found inspiration in Raman Hui’s Chinese 3-D fantasy movie Monster Hunt, the story of a mythical land where humans and monsters coexist. In particular, the collection spotlighted Wuba, the cute little monster protagonist of the movie. His funny image appeared on a range of pieces, from straw bags to feminine dresses, including airy asymmetric silk styles and a shirtdress featuring a drawstring at the waist. The movie also inspired the lineup’s palette of soft, pastel colors, as well as the graphic motifs of mountains and river landscapes, which were printed and embroidered on breezy frocks and cotton shirts with silk panels. Despite the main inspiration, the aesthetic wasn’t too childlike. She actually infused a free-spirited, nomadic vibe into her lively collection, where pretty ruffled silk and cotton lace dresses were styled with ethnic sash belts and utilitarian fanny packs worn as cross-body bags.

LIU BOLIN

Better known as "The Invisible Man" in media circles, Liu Bolin sprang from a generation of artists struggling with the consequences of the Cultural Revolution and the rapid economic development in the decades after. He discusses the social concerns of his home country through his artistic practice, most prominently through his 'camouflage' installations. Traversing mediums such as performance, photography and social activism, Liu Bolin dissects the tense relationship between the individual and society by 'disappearing' into environments which are sites of intrigue, contention, and criticism. His debut collection of inspired and editioned garments are hand painted and are inspired by Liu Bolin's politically charged photographs produced in the U.S. This project was inspired by 12 years of collaborations with various fashion powerhouses, including Lanvin, Gaultier, and Moncler, an outstanding musical performance by seven-year-old piano prodigy Zhao ZItang and Musical Director Charlie Klarsfelt set the tone for the gallery-like innovative presentation.

BACKSTAGE AT ZERO & MARIA CORNEJO AND AVEDA

In particular, the designer said that for her spring effort, she wanted to re-create that sense of youthfulness and freedom that her collections of the time exuded. Makeup was done by the super talented Dick Page and with Mac Cosmetics. I loved how fresh and simple the looks were, and the sleek 90s hair done by SVP Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders. Even the nails were spot on!

LANYU

LANYU’s shapes proudly show off a woman’s body and her natural femininity, helping her exude her inner confidence and beauty. LANYU is the namesake brand of China’s premiere luxury designer Lan Yu. Lan Yu’s design often incorporates Su embroidery - a traditional technique that has been handed down for generations in the designer’s family and is best known for its elegance, intricacy and photorealistic quality. I loved the pastel blues incorporated into the creamy neutral toned palettes. And red didn't fail to make an appearance even in a more subtly-colored collection. I'm telling ya', that color is going to be hot, hot, hot this fall!

MIMI PROBER

Mimi Prober is a New York based designer and Fashion Institute of Technology graduate. Her signature collection is handcrafted using recovered fragments of antique materials dating from the 18th to early 20th centuries, natural and locally produced luxury fibers, as well as botanical based dye methods that have been uniquely developed into custom textiles that are organically designed, artisanal, and seasonless. Through a zero-waste philosophy, each piece is created by hand with one of a kind placement that highlights the individual history and story. Prober is celebrated for her decorative and unique beading, embroidery, and lace designs. Integrating the artistry of the past and establishing a sustainable future through the reuse of antique materials to create modern handcrafted heirlooms. Honoring the hands that created the art.

MARCEL OSTERTAG

Marcel Ostertag is maker and brand in one. In his studio, surrounded by the pulsating streets of the Gaertnerplatz quarter, he creates his collections which are set between tradition and modernity. During his studies at the renowned Central St. Martins College in London, Marcel Ostertag could extend his feeling and know how for fashion and is constantly developing thanks to numerous international shows and collaborations. Catwalk shows in Shanghai, Beijing, London and Vienna are in the meantime routine, as is the seasonal show in the course of the Berlin fashion week. He draws his inspiration from nature, encounters with interesting people, travels and foreign countries – but never forgets his roots. He has worked on projects with Burberry, Paul Smith and Dunhill, furthermore great brands such as Miele and Volkswagen are amongst his customers. He finally devoted himself to the glamour of fashion with the founding of his own label Marcel Ostertag in 2006. His fashion is exclusively produced in Germany, as his credo is quality needs control. That is what his style demands and you can feel it in every fantastic piece by Marcel Ostertag.

New York Fashion Week (NYFW) SS18 Vlog is now up on my YouTube channel! Check it out! creative director: Suzanne Spiegoski videography: Suzanne Spiegoski production: Suzanne Spiegoski stylist: Suzanne Spiegoski Be sure to Subscribe for new videos every week! LOVE & XX'S, MaQ + Suz

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Rent the Runway: Tibi x Derek Lam

July 24, 2017

WEARING: TIBI STRIPED TIE SLEEVE SHIRT | DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY ASSYMETRICAL SKIRT |
GUCCI BELT | MICHAEL KORS MERCER LEATHER CROSSBODY | STEVE MADDEN BLACK ANKLE BOOTS

HAIR STYLE DONE BY PAPRIKA FROM O&M.nyc

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RENT THE RUNWAY & ORIGINAL MINERAL.

Happy Monday, everyone! How was your weekend? I stayed in the city to catch up on work since I've been away the past week. I've got some exciting new content coming your way, from pet brands to even a newly discovered liquor brand, I'm always looking forward to the next project. And though I am a fashion & style blogger and have a closet full of clothes to wear, sometimes I'm looking for something new and fresh without the hassle of long lines at the store and that damaging retail price, especially when it comes to high-end designers. On top of my crazy schedule, finding the time can be rather daunting, nearly impossible at times. Which is why I'm so grateful to have discovered, Rent the Runway (RTR). Labeled as, "the Netflix model four haute couture" by the New York Times, RTR is an in-store and online site, with over 300 coveted designers and 100 options to choose from, where you have access to runway looks, exclusive designs and beyond to rent from. Come take a look at my outfit choice when it came to my first experience with RTR!

Starting the week off with a business-savvy look always sets the tone and brings me the extra boost in confidence to jumpstart any meeting. But I'm not the corporate type and do enjoy bringing an edge to more simple everyday looks while still maintaining a professional vibe. Because why should one ever dress to play it safe? I also really like to incorporate different styles with other ones, like these two amazing pieces I rented from RTR. The Tibi striped tie sleeve shirt looks like something one would wear if they'd ran off and joined the circus. Lace-up anything right now is super trending, and the different ways to tie these up brings out the fun from this style. It brings out the striped shirt from being another typical striped shirt. I'm completely obsessed with Tibi and this shirt did not disappoint!

When it came to the bottom part of the outfit, I wanted some kind of flared skirt to minimize the sharpness from the stripes. And when I laid my eyes on the Derek Lam 10 Crosby midnight blue asymmetrical skirt, I knew it's military/schoolish vibe would go perfectly with the Tibi shirt. The skirt brings an extra funk to the outfit while still maintaining a strong polished look. Of course, I paired it with my favorite belt that I wear too often (but can you blame me?), which went pretty well with the skirt's stitching and color. To finish off the look I kept my accessories the color black, like the Michael Kors crossbody bag and Steve Madden ankle boots which go well with everything.

A little more info on RTR... you can rent pieces from 4-8 days and with a third of the cost of the actual retail price. It's great for those who are not yet ready to make bigger fashion purchases yet and want to try wearing a new brand before picking investment, staple pieces, which in my opinion, every woman should have a couple of things like that in her closet. Because in the end, it is always quality over quantity, am I right girls? Examples of such pieces? A crisp white shirt/blouse, a little black dress, and/or a great pair of heels/boots that make you feel like Wonder Woman along with walking around comfortably. I am ready to kill it this week and my Monday is off to a great start with this killer outfit! What do you guys think and what are you getting ready for this week? Whatever it may be, hope it's a fantastic one! Be back soon... in the meantime shop the look directly down below!

LOVE & XX'S,

SHOP THE LOOK

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Midnight Blue Assymetrical Skirt

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NYFW Backstage with Aveda – Hellessy, Tibi, Public School & Tome

February 18, 2017

HELLESSY

Backstage makeup vibes at the Hellessy AW2017 show at Highline Studios in New York City, Aveda Artist, Janell Geason, used NEW Aveda Petal Essence™ Face Accents in Seychelles Sand (infused with aromatic floral notes) to illuminate and contour cheekbones in a more natural-looking way and NEW Aveda Nourish-Mint™ Smoothing Lip Color in Coral Sands (with a certified organic peppermint and vanilla aroma) to give lips a warm, soft peachy color. Definitely such a fresh, dewy look!

TIBI

Aveda Artist, Frank Rizzieri, created thick, healthy and face-framing hair for the TIBI AW2017 show –inspired heavily by menswear – held at Skylight Modern in New York City. Aveda Thickening Tonic) with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic rosemary, geranium, cinnamon) helped expand strands from root to tip, while Damage Remedy™ Split End Repair sealed ends instantly. No matter the length, each model had full and super plush strands. (Not to mention the tonic spray is my favorite Aveda hair product! Keeps my new fringe bangs intact without the hassle!)

PUBLIC SCHOOL

Aveda Artist, Allen Ruiz, created weightless body and volume for the Public School AW2017 show held at a packed Milk Studios in New York City. Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic peppermint, ylang-ylang, bergamot) helped make the most out of what each model had already without weighing the hair down. The bigger the better.

Male models received matte texture with a pliable hold from Aveda Artist, Allen Ruis. All-star Aveda Control Paste™ (with a pure-fume™ aroma with certified organic ylang-ylang, clove and clary sage) was worked into dry hair for a loose and piece-y high texture style.

TOME

Aveda Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders honed in on natural hair textures to create an array of individual styles for the Tome AW2017 show – celebrating confident, strong women – held at Clarkson Square in New York City. Dry Remedy™ Daily Moisturizing Oil was used to instantly add moisture and bring hair back to life. The sleek ponytails and curly styles were then set with Air Control™ Light Hold Hair Spray featuring the Pure-Fume™ aroma with certified organic lavender, bergamot and palmarosa. And one of my favorite makeup looks from this fashion week was their simple white-lined eyeliner. Minimal yet extremely powerful. Just gorgeous!