New York Fashion Week [Through my eyes!]

So, I've taken my precious time to do a fashion week post, but I was definitely in the building so my experiences must be shared!

Let me begin by saying that this time around, I really began to notice how anal and sometimes even ridiculous "fashion people" can be. However, I do understand that people are super tense because they are resting tons of money on less than 15 minutes! In short, everything had to be PERFECT!! AND, some random person (or persons) is always there to put in their two cents because of their silly little position/status/rank! lol

I worked 4 shows and got to attend 1 as a guest, so fashion week was pretty eventful and fun for me!! The first show I worked was "Edition" Georges Chakra. I'd never heard of this designer before, but after witnessing his work, I'll never forget! I expect to see at least one of his gowns on a red carpet next award show season! Check it out some of my favorite looks↓

Photos: ModernGlossy.com

I loved the weaving he did on the bodice of most of the dresses. On the runway, these dresses came ALIVE as the fabric flowed like water. It was so gorgeous! The colors were great. I only had 1 issue, and that was with the last gold dress on the left. The woven bodice was thick, and the loose flowing fabric at the bottom hung like dead weight a little off of it...I would still wear it any day, though! ;)

I also worked the Prabal Gurung show. Very interesting. I almost freaked when Rachel Zoe walked in, but luckily the "groupie"thing isn't my style! I was working after all... The show was full of lots of little chic dresses, feminine suits, and a few separates. There was lots of texture, but the photos don't really do the clothes justice. Maybe the white runway background wasn't the best choice for this particular show, but here are some looks.



Photos: Style.com

Sorry for the picture OVERLOAD, but I just want to share the world with you! Lol, and I apparently have a problem with editing!

I love how he used the graphic print that you see in coral above to the right. He used this print and one other blue print on several dresses. Gorgeous nude/gold suits and tailored, yet feminine trench coats were seen and loved as well!

Stay tuned for more fashion week posts!

xoxo -Ivey

Street Style at the Tents

The best style is personal style! To me, it's an art-form when a person can take an obvious outfit combination, and mix & match the items to create drastically different looks that you'd never think of on your own. Personal style is key, which is why I look for individuals with unique style at the fashion week tents. Here in America, fashion week in NY is the mecca of fashion, and you get such a great variety of personal styles to fill your fancy.

Glam-ROCK

Noel

Jacket-Australian designer, Camilla & Marc
(The shoulder detail gives me LIFE!!)
Shirt and shoes-BCBG
Denim shorts-Paige


Sweet & Chic

 
 

Aja

Jacket-Urban Outfitters

Dress and shoes- All Saints

Purse-Vintage

Concrete-Jungle

Destiny

Dress-forgot where she got

Express necklace

Belts and shoes-(Two doubled-up belts) by Forever 21

Jet Setter

Alessandra

Vest-vintage

Shirt an leggings- H&M

Shoes-Zara

Stand-Out

Dress by Naeem Kahn
I love that she mixed silver & gold! A big (F you) to your mother's fashion rules!
Nude pumps can pull any look together.
P.S. She does have two arms; one was behind her back ;)

Dapper/Fresh

Wilson
Micheal Kors Bow tie
Zara bag

Turbanista

Ahhhh.....Refresing! I love a good turban!
Turban by BCBG


Celebrity Edition

I got the pleasure to capture the style of June Ambrose (celeb stylist)
 I'm a big fan!! See how she inspired me here.
She's wearing her signature shades...
 The sequin harem pants, she said, were by June Ambrose...!
Hmmm...do I smell a fashion line debut?? Who knows!
It would be FAB tho!

Fashion week was an amazing and BUSY week for me...more to come!

Featured!!

Get hip to what music celebrities are doing in fashion & see my featured article at:

 http://www.charlottestylemag.com/

"Music Celebrities in Fashion"

P.S. Who's ready to see what the Americans can bring to the world of fashion?? I know I am....New York Fashion week is almost here, and I'm so ready to be inspired :)

Stay Tuned!

What I want...What I NEED!!!

I have been an absent blogger for quite some time now, and I thank you all for continuing to follow!

I must say that my absence has not been in vain, though! I have been one busy little bee! It's no secret that I love fashion, but I would like to announce that I love wardrobe styling as well. {Who coulda guessed?!} I have gradually been building my styling portfolio of late. I have a good group of people that I work with from time to time, and I'm constantly trying to build networks with people to expand my horizons! I have also started writing for a local fashion magazine--very exciting! Recently, I've been asked to write for another magazine as well, so we'll see how that goes!

In short, beyond my full time job, I've been Fearlessly pursuing my Passion! Fatigue is setting in, but I won't settle until I'm where I want to be!

Anyway, my shopping addiction has not been resolved, in fact, it has moved into the electronic arena. One thing I feel is imperative in my life right now is a new camera!! Especially after working on photo shoots, I need and want some of my own footage that a photographer can't or won't give to me! Of course, it's 2010 and I, like everyone else, have a digital camera...but it just won't cut it anymore!! I want to get a camera that leans towards the professional field...with the extended lenses and such. I want more clarity and quality!! This is the camera I have in mind. It's a pretty penny, but it's nothing in comparison to the best of the best cameras out there (price-wise). The Nikon P100

The Nikon L110 -I also heard it was good.

These are great for price I'm willing to pay. I want great pics and I'm artistic by nature, but I'm not a photographer and I won't cut a hole in my savings to pretend to be one! lol

Also, I'm in L-O-V-E with the iPad...I need one. They are so convenient for a writer such as myself. I'm always lugging around my laptop and that can't be great for my back!
Light weight, and full of cool stuff!! I NEED ONE.

These are a few of my favorite things {that I wish I had}!!

...and I WILL have eventually =)

Fierce Protection

I practice non-violence on the regular, but the more I look at this necklace, the more have to have it!

Cool!

Maybe this leads back to my younger years when my brother had a collection of pocket knives, and I wanted one too. Now's my chance! ;)

This piece of neckwear is under $50 at Erica Weiner Jewelry.  Check out the site to find other oddly cool items.

Be safe and Enjoy!

Actively Fashionable

Activewear gone chic...Humph, who woulda thought?

Actually, I've been on the HUNT for fashionable activewear, and let me tell ya...it's quite hard to find! However, I ran across a fairly new line by Fornarina, Sportgalm, and it seems to be a step outside the norm!

If you have a minute to spear, check out the Fornarina Sportglam Fashion Show. It's a bit long! The actual clothing doesn't come out until about 6 minutes in, but it is quite entertaining all the way through...


So to say the least, I am quite intrigued by this take on activewear! However, there is a DILEMMA!!

Fornarina is an European-based brand. It is sold internationally, but nowhere in my state (for retail). I found some Sportglam shoes online, and they are perfect for what I need, BUT there is only 1 size left! Not my size. Smh! Fornarina needs more vendors in my area.

Either way, I'm glad to see a brand that brings a little flair to activewear! ;)

My Natural Hair Debut

Shortly after January 2, 2009, the date of my last relaxer, I began what many women in the African-American community refer to as the natural journey!

This journey is the transition from using chemical straighteners/relaxers to revert back to the natural state of the hair, which I might add is NOT straight by any means. LOL!

Why, you may ask, would I make this decision?  Despite the obvious reason of "getting back to my roots, or embracing my heritage," I decided to go natural because relaxers were burning the CRAP out of my scalp every month or so that I had to get one.  I am an ingredient freak, and I just didn't feel comfortable allowing those harsh chemicals to seep and tear into my scalp as often as they did. I was also digging the curly style of natural black hair, and I wanted to enjoy the options that our hair provides (curly, straight, wavy, braided, etc.).

My hair is now fully natural (no relaxed ends) and I have the opportunity to wear it natural, but I have yet to do so. I'm just not sure it's for me, and I haven't taken the time to experiment with different styles.

This is me on an average day; hair blown out and flat ironed.

I was in the process of washing my hair the other day, and decided to stop and do a mini (homemade) photo shoot!! Time to show off my natural locks...online if nowhere else!

Feeling like Cleopatra Jones... ; )

Ethnic Diva...!

Just after taking these photos, I got out the ole' blow dryer and flat iron, and got down to business.  Soon, very soon, I will be ready to rock the natural doo, I just have to get use to it...

Whatcha think?

Yay or Nay? 

Fashion Bares it all...

Flipping through the pages of fashions magazines, these days, should require parental advisory...

Peek..

...A-Boo

... (O_o) ...

So, it seems fashion (or clothing rather) is becoming less & LESS relevant in fashion magazines. Of course, sex sells, but I'm sure that in the tail end of the current "recession," designers and retailers can find more than bare nipples for fashion magazines to sell. 

I do realize that many fashion magazine spreads are about creating/portraying a particular look, theme or mood, and I suppose some looks are better achieved through the addition of partial nudity. However, when I see pictures like the one below... it gets to be a bit much (for me).

Call me prudish, but if I can decipher which bikini design the model chose, I begin to feel like I'm looking at Playboy, not V magazine. I mean this girl had a 25 page spread, and her nipples were featured in most.

In short: I think nipples have become the next best accessory in fashion. Hope you have yours ready for next season! LOL

Who did it FABulously?? --->> Heidi Klum in Allure Magazine, April 2010

I really like this spread. Sort of super woman-ish.

Is BlackFace acceptable in 2010??

There is a fashion & photography festival each year in Hyères, France. It recognizes emerging artists such as designer, Tsolmandakh Munkhuu, whose 'BlackFace' collection showcase received great reviews despite its controversial presentation. Check out the looks, and more importantly, the models here.

Though this type of body painting has been offensive to African Americans in the past, I don't take it as an offensive gesture, but rather a use of artistic expression and vision. It is still a little jarring at sight, but I honestly think it adds to the collection.

It makes the models looks like zombies, or of evil nature. Or maybe a black Avatar...LOL. I'm reaching!

Tell me whatcha think!!

Offensive or Artistic?

Blog Worthy

Well...Hello Blogger Friends!!

I have been M.I.A. for quite some time, and for various reasons, but I couldn't resist blogging today because there is something that must not go unheard/un-read via Fearless Passion!!

I was running around today looking for a pair of cotton shorts, so I stumbled into Target!! And, OH MY!! To my surprise, I saw the Zac Posen for Target collection. Now I was aware that Zac was doing a line for Target, but I had no idea it had already launched, and moreover, would be in MY Target in MY city!! Yay!! The line looks great! If you haven't seen it yet, visit the lookbook.

Zac did NOT just throw some cheap fabrics together and staple his name on it! He really went IN on this Target collection, and it shows. I fell in love with the dresses, because I am a dress-a-holic!! There were also some tuxedo-style trousers that looked great. I may have to go back and get those for work :) I bought one of the dresses!! I was looking over the dress, trying to find where Zac cut costs to keep his design esthetic for a bargain shopper. Well he didn't spare costs on the invisible zipper, which I could barely find, or the cool print designs. I did notice that he surged the hem and sleeves on the dress. The fabric is polyester, which would probably be silk in his designer line. It still looked great!

The prices are reasonable for the most part, however, there is a DOPE red leather&suede jacket priced at $199. I also saw two intricately designed dresses that were in the $69-79 range. A little high for Target, but hey, you WILL get what you pay for!!

In conclusion, Zac Posen gets an A++ for his collection for Target. One of the best...up there with Christian Siriano for Payless!!

S.N.> While we're on the subject, Target didn't have what I was looking for so I went to Wal-Mart. I rarely go there anymore, because Target is just wayyy better!! I ran into Miley Cyrus' collection for Wal-Mart....Not bad for a Wal-Mart collection. That is all I will say about that!

Until next time...

Go get some Zac from Target!

I shall be back...I promise!

You know what REALLY grinds my gears???

When I splurge on something cool, and then see an imitation at some store like Forever 21!!

Now, I am a true frugalista, meaning I know a good bargain and I take advantage of them regularly!!

However, I also like quality in my clothing, so I try to find deals on nice things.

Lately, Nordstron has become one of my favorite stores.  I was there yesterday....impulse shopping!!

A few months ago, I purchased these babies at Nordstrom.

Jessica Simpson

They look great on, and it's a great shoe for bar-hoping, clubbin, or just a fun night out!

They were approx. $85 on sale. Usually I won't pay that much for a Jessica Simpson shoe, b/c you can get them at Marshalls and on sales at Department stores, like Macy's.  However, I really wanted them so...purchased : )

When I was in NY for fashion week, I made a trip to Century 21, which has discounted designer clothing and such.... I saw the same shoe for approx. $68.  Wasn't too upset, because by that time I had mine for a couple months.

THEN, the other night I was at a local mall and decided to stop in Charlotte Russe, a store similar to Forever 21 or Wet Seal. I don't usually shop Charlotte Russe because I know 1.) a lot of things don't meet my 'quality' standards & 2) I know that a lot of girls shop there, and the last thing I wanna do is be running around in something everyone has or everyone knows where I got it! Ya dig? No offense to Charlotte Russe shoppers. I did buy some bracelettes from there, and I shop Forever 21, but you get my drift!

Anyway while I was there I saw these...

This is Charlotte Russe's version of my Jessica Simpson shoe (in white). UGHHHHhhhh!!
At FULL PRICE, they are only $14.99 or $29.99 (I can't remember!).

Grrrrr! Makes me mad! I can just see me out and some lil' girl saying "Cute shoes! Did you get them from Charlotte Russe?" My reply would be: "Umm...NO!"

I mean the Charlotte Russe version is OBVIOUSLY not leather, or of the same quality as my Jess. Simp's, but some people can't tell the difference!

LOL, just venting!

This happens all the time i.e. This Steve Madden situation.

I knew this was a BAD idea!

If you missed the Spring 2010 Chanel runway show, please click here to view it!

Ok so you know that clogs were a major trend via Chanel.

Clogs can be done cute & quirky as seen in the Chanel show, but in the wrong hands they can go SO wrong. Unfortunately, many of us have the wrong hands for clogs. I am not feeling this trickled-down version of clogs that were displayed in the Teen Vogue March issue.

Icky, Icky, Yuck, Yuck!!

Please stop the madness. Clogs are NOT cool... especially for Spring...especially when they are made of rain boot material and are purple with polka-dots!

I think the Chanel clogs are cute, and the high heels make them more fashionable!

What has happened in this Teen Vogue issue, however, is that people saw this runway trend and it is now trickling down to ready-to-wear and moderately priced versions. During the trickle-down process, designs are often altered. I'm not feeling these alterations.

Please don't fall for the idea that clogs, just any kinda clogs, are cute just because they are 'trendy' right now.  If you find some that are actually nice....work it out & more power to you. BUT, please don't fall victim to this trend.

Here is former model/tv host, Alexa Chung, rocking clogs.

She looks great. I kinda feel like she just did this because it was a trend on the Chanel runway....like she may not have done this before! Buy hey, that's fashion!!

Have fun with it, but PLEASE don't fall victim!

Turbanista

I spotted this pic of June Ambrose, celeb stylist, a few weeks ago rocking this ultra-chic turban, and it struck a nerve.

I LOVE IT!!

Then I saw this image in a BCBGMaxazria catalog, that I recieved today.

(Sorry for lack of image sharpness)

Are turbans back from the 30's-50's era?? I sure hope so! So chic.

You must be bold to wear one, though. So many of us hide behind the safety of our hair.  If we don't have enough, we add more. To cover most, if not all of the hair, and reveal the features of the face is a bold move. It seems now, however, the modern girl's turban is worn with her hair down in the back or showing in some way. Us modern girls love our locks!

Either way, I'm all for it  = D

I think I NEED a turban!

(gorg)

(werk)

; )

STUNNING