NYFW SS21 Recap

October 12, 2020

***left to right: Cynthia Rowley, The Row, Christian Siriano, Chocheng, Christian Siriano, Jason Wu, Rodarte, Laquan Smith***

So yea…fashion month happened, and if you blinked you probably missed it. (raises hand….I missed it). Well technically I didn’t miss the entire month, I only missed New York Fashion Week. In my defense, I honestly thought they cancelled the season. Thankfully I was reminded by social media, but when I went over to peruse the show schedules several of my favorite designer’s name were missing. Upon further investigation, I realized that some of my favorite American designers seemed undecided on whether they were showing or not, and if it had been determined that they were show, it was unclear whether or not there would be an in person show, presentation or fashion film.

Above is a collage of some of my favorite looks from the week. And no, there is no oversight, some of our favorite American designers are missing. There is no Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs or Vera Wang. So let’s get into what we have here. Jason Wu, Cynthia Rowley and Rodarte kept things true to Spring/Summer collections of the past. Providing tons of tropical wanderlust, loads of pink and fun patterns and prints. The Row is one of my favorite brands, my personal style is closest to the ethos of the brand. I am a stickler for minimal design and color palettes with a luxury flair, so they can really do no wrong in my eyes. I really loved the oversized silhouettes. Christian Siriano created his collection while in lockdown drawing inspiration from the fashion of films shot during 1980s/1990s; as well as current events. Models donned face mask, and one model even wore a floor length gown with the word VOTE printed over the entire dress. LaQuan Smith’s high gloss mini dresses, jewel toned neck plunging blouses and skin tight leather pants are my cup of tea, but I loved the color combinations, and I know we were see several celebs who aren’t afraid of the sexy blazing red carpets.

Lastly, I want to direct everyone’s attention to the center of the collage. The beautiful model in the kelly green dress is wearing designs from Chocheng. Designer Cho Cho Cheng is my honorable mention of the season. Honestly, I had never heard of the Parsons School of Design graduate before this season, but I can say it was love at first sight. The clean lines and tailoring caught my eye, but when I found out the brand was sustainable and all materials were 100% natural I was sold. Keep your eyes open for Chocheng, Cho Cho is creating classics that will transcend style and taste.

Are You Comfortable Wearing Mixed Prints and Patterns?

September 21, 2020

Many of you have expressed your reluctancy to mix and match prints when getting dressed. Wearing prints has always been a style staple of mine. I have never been afraid to add a splash of color or fun print here and there, but I must agree that there is a method to the madness. In this blog post, I will be giving a few of my tips and tricks for mixing patterns and prints.

First up, stick to the same tonal range and simply add florals, stripes, geometric shapes, animal prints or dots. One style rule that I learned early on in my career was to have only one focal point. Therefore, by wearing a consistent palette of tones and hues, the color would automatically blend together.
This will leave you the space to layer in whichever print, pattern or contrasting/complementary color you like. The viewers eye would only be drawn to one focal point, and you won’t have to worry about looking tacky.

Secondly, when it comes to wearing mixed prints (especially in 2 different color palettes) you should wear one large dominating print with a smaller accent print or pattern. This will prevent the two prints or patterns competing with one another, but instead offering more of a visual balance and fresh aesthetic.

So now for a quick lesson in color theory, complementary colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel. However, color inversion may be the same idea, but it’s not necessary about offering compliment, it’s simply providing opposites/negatives. This creates a lot of visual vibration, and can help create some much needed balance when mixing prints or patterns. So if you are wearing the same print, but inverted you would have on a red blouse with green dots, and green trousers with red dots. This type of color experimenting creates such lovely color harmonies.

Lastly, go for the gusto without any reservations. Wear all of the prints and patterns you want, as long as you are happy. Trust yourself your very own judgment, and we won’t even know the thought process behind the clash of mixing and matching those prints and patterns.

This post was featured on Links à la Mode fashion roundup by Independent Fashion Bloggers.

Presentation: Does How You Feel Inside, Reflect Your Outward Appearance? 3 Easy Tips to Ensure That You Look as Good as You Feel

September 2, 2020

Are you pleased with the way you present yourself?? Well, I guess this was a conversation to be had before CoVid because let’s be honest, who really cares now?? No, but seriously, as of late I have heard tons of women talking about being bored with their overall look and wardrobe. Thus, leaving them with the desire to improve upon their appearance when they actually get the opportunity to leave their homes. When asked me for advice on the matter, initially I simply wanted to know if my friends put enough time and effort into getting ready each day. Most were honest in saying that they didn’t put much thought into what they were wearing. Others admitted to not giving themselves enough time to actually get fully dressed. While some felt that they did take the time each day to plan outfits but just weren’t satisfied with the outcome. These were the women I could help, and if you have fallen into this category maybe I can help you too. I have 3 very easy tips that don’t require spending money on a stylist or shopping for an entirely new wardrobe.

I. Wear Colors Complementary to Your Skin Tone

So for starters, I think a good rule of thumb is knowing what colors actually complement your skin tone. Wearing hues and shades that actually flatter your complexion is an instant boost to your look. And if you don’t know, always go for universally flattering shades such as teal, cobalt blue, deep purple, and a true red. Stay away from loads of black because black tends to pick up on any dark spots or shadows in our skin emphasizing them.

II. Make Sure Your Clothing Fit Properly

I also think well-fitting clothing has a great deal to do with someone’s overall appearance. Wearing your correct size is vital. Not only can wearing clothing that fit your body boost your confidence but it will enhance your comfortability as well. Invest in having your clothing tailored to fit your body, it will make a great deal of difference. Because tailoring is such a specialized practice, I can guarantee that having your clothes fit your specific body like second skin will make you feel amazing.

III. Take the time for Skin and Haircare

I am no esthetician by a long shot, but there are a few proven things you can do that will drastically improve the look and feel of your skin and hair. For starters, invest in a gentle yet effective cleanser and use it daily. It’s also important to incorporate sunscreen SPF 30 into any skincare routine. As far as hair goes, using a good moisturizing conditioner after shampooing helps protects the hair shaft and add shine. Beautiful hair and a healthy glow will certainly improve any look, so make the minimal effort and watch just how far it will take you.

Hopefully these tips will help with putting your best self forward. However, I will say it starts within. If you take the time to put thought into what you are wearing and are confident in what you are wearing, that confidence will ooze out of your pores. It won’t be about what you are wearing at all. People will just see a beautiful, confident woman, and that’s what’s most important. It’s really all that matters in the end.