Fashion’s Living Canvas at the Hilton Anatole

Posted on | March 19, 2012

The Hilton Anatole and Team Motives Agency are pleased to announce Fashion’s Living Canvas, a refreshing alternative to your typical fashion show. Hosted by LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble, the even will take place on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. The Hilton Anatole’s Atrium II will become a stage for a very different kind of fashion show, where patrons can experience models transformed into works of art in front of their eyes, as they view radical makeup and hair transformations powered by Team Motives Agency professionals from 7PM – 8:30PM. Six local Texas designers will showcase their collections at this special runway event, as the models stride across a 180-foot runway underneath Rueben Margolin’s “Nebula” sculpture.

Showcasing native Texas talent, with an international flair, Fashion’s Living Canvas will feature clothing designs such as Society Language by Prashi Shah, IZAVEL by Isabel Varela, Melancholic Design by Jesse Thaxton, and Danh Ta, as well as jewelry designs by {Red-i} by Chelsea Bond and Haute in Hong Kong by Becca Jett. Master painter Sharon Hodges, a member of the DFW Face Painters Guild who was named the “First Place, Best All Around” at the 2005 Face and Body Art International Convention, will showcase her artistic interpretation of each designer’s final look. Fashion’s Living Canvas is expected to be one of Dallas’ premiere runway events of the year, and it will truly be an elegant event to see and be seen at.

All proceeds from VIP ticket sales will benefit The Fashionistas, a local non-profit who awards bi-annual scholarships to fashion students in Dallas. The event is open to the public and is complimentary. Light hors d’ouerves will be passed by the Hilton’s contemporary American bistro, Media Grill + Bar, and cash bars will be available for refreshments. The runway show will begin promptly at 8:30PM and there will be a live DJ for additional entertainment. Complimentary valet is also available at the Tower Entrance. Click here to get your tickets today at Eventbrite.

Hidden Treasure: Jeans that Fit

Posted on | March 8, 2012

As a child I had the same long legs as I do now but they were a bit more stick skinny and thus even harder to fit properly. Back then there wasn’t the option to get Gap long length jeans or discount designer lines at Target so most of the time my jeans were either too short or too big, The sheer torture of trying jeans on back then haunts me to this day. I attempt to avoid trying jeans on at any cost, I typically make a specific trip of “searching for jeans” only when I have rested, eaten and am in a good frame of mind.

Last month I went into Buffalo Exchange for my semi-annual wardrobe trade-in/new wardrobe treasure hunt. As I waited for more than three hours for them to complete my trade, a pair skinny jeans with a great wash beckoned my from a nearby rack. I don’t typically have good luck trying on jeans and I certainly wasn’t well-rested or fed so the ONLY reason I was inspired to try these jeans on is they were a measly $11. How could I pass that up? I added the jeans to my other 40 or so pieces to try on and headed to the dreaded dressing room.

The jeans were one of the first pieces I tried on and they not only fit but they fit great and were comfortable beyond belief. In fact, I was so wary I wore them as I tried on all the rest of my items, even dresses. By the end I had cut some pieces out of the buy pile but the jeans were going home with me. After a few times of wearing them I thought I should see if they were something I could buy more of. When I was up at New York Fashion Week I asked my friend to look at the tag and see where they were from. H&M.

This was a REALLY good sign. H&M was so well priced I thought if they still had this cut the price was sure to be great. I thought since there was an H&M on every other block I’d be able to pick some up. Little did I know I was about to come down with strep throat and be quarantined to my hotel room. Thankfully H&M came to Dallas last year so I consoled myself with the thought of being able to pick some up at home. Nearly a month later I finally made it to H&M and was thrilled to find they did still carry the jeans and they were priced at $39.95. Not as good as an $11 trade price at Buffalo Exchange but not bad all the same.

If you love stretchy, skinny jeans but don’t like how they can start stretching thru the day and become low-rise by lunch time try the H&M Regular, Slim Fit style. While it certainly isn’t a pair of mom-jeans they waist comes in more than the hips and fits that girlish figure many of us moms have developed.

Ashard Richley Trunk Show at Krimson & Klover

Posted on | March 6, 2012

Want a chance to see the designs of Ashard Richley, winner of Lifetime’s 24 Hour Catwalk, in person. And maybe pick up a fabulous new clutch for Spring? Pop into Krimson & Klover Wednesday between 6:30-8:30PM and be the first to get your hands on one.

Fashionably Outfitting My Kindle

Posted on | March 5, 2012

If you read yesterday’s post, you know I have made an “investment” in having a Kindle in my life. One I haven’t been disappointed with to date. As I am now on my “3rd Kindle” I made the decision Friday to find a padded case just to ensure it was extra protected for my next journey. I recently received my Staples Rewards Dollars and Office Max Perks Certificate so I thought certainly I’d be able to find something there, for FREE!!! Saturday morning I was headed to brunch when, to my surprise, the concierge stopped me on my way out of the building carrying a pink polka dot gift bag and said someone had dropped it off for me. What could it be? 

The gift, a surprise from my dear friend Marie, full-time owner of SkinSpaMed and occasional Society Stylist “Style Correspondent,” was a fabulous Lanvin zippered travel-wallet.

And guess what??? It was just big enough for a Kindle. My Kindle is now “Fashionably Outfitted.” Thanks Marie!!!

Ashard Richley Wrap Party Wrap Up

Posted on | March 2, 2012

In case you missed the “Wrap Party” for Ashard Richley of Lifetime’s 24 Hour Catwalk, let me fill you in. First, I must admit I nearly missed the party myself but with a slew of green lights, mixed with a bit of good luck I made it with minutes to spare. It was a bit of a flashback for me as the party was held at the ever-popular Candleroom; a club that has outlasted any others I can think of. The event did not disappoint and included drinks, bites and a brief runway show. The designs did not disappoint and of course my favorites were “Little Black Dresses,” including the exposed-zipper one, worn by the designer and another lace design worn by Plan B PR’s, Alison Volk.The room was filled with familiar faces including GCB’s LeeAnne Locken, Dallas Swat’s Rich Emberlin, Dallas artist Chris Judy and many more.

The real treats? First, I was able to spend some time with designer Ashley Burghardt and not only is she clearly talented she truly was a delight to visit with.  The other treat? The insane VIP goody bags.

Including a great selection of sponsor products AND a fabulous clutch from Ashard Richley. Yes ACTUAL designer product, that’s an amazing gift.

My recommendation? Keep an eye on Ashley Burghardt. This talented and charming designer is going places.

INVITATION: Lifetime’s 24 Hour Catwalk Wrap Party

Posted on | February 28, 2012

Candle Room Holds Lifetime’s 24 Hour Catwalk Wrap Party for Dallas designer Ashley Burghardt and debuts the Ashard Richly 2012 Spring Collection. 

Finding a love for fashion at age 6, Ashley Burghardt has taken her fashion career by storm. Burghardt, named one of the top 20 designers in Texas in 2011 by Texas’ Next Top Designer, is Lifetime’s 24 Hour Catwalk winning designer. Burghardt not only was the winning designer, but also took home a $10,000 prize.  Burghardt started her accessory line in 2009 , combining her and her husband Richard’s names; hence, “Ashard Richley.”

 

Stock up: Tees,Tanks & Leggings 15% Off $5

Posted on | February 27, 2012

Who couldn’t use from fresh tees, tanks and capri leggings for spring? Target is running a sale on their Mossimo basic tees, long & lean tanks (great if you are tall, like me) and capri leggings for just $5 this week. You can save an additional 15% by visiting the Target website and downloading a coupon for 15% off Mossimo apparel. Don’t miss this great sale!!! I am adding it to my to-do list today!!!

Fashion: You Got That Where?

Posted on | February 24, 2012

On my couch, at home I have this gorgeous blanket.  It is super cozy and warm and always a conversation piece. During the winter, I must snuggle with it at least three times a week. My friend often remark, “you find the BEST stuff.” Quickly followed up by “Where did you get this?”  My response is often surprising.  This fabulous blanket- that looks like it was purchased at a great hidden boutique- was actually purchased at a sporting goods store. Admittedly, I was NOT looking for  blanket for my living room when I visited the sporting goods store, but it is a great illustration for the shopper in each of us.

The lesson here is that you seriously never know when or where you can find a fabulous item for your house or your wardrobe. Certainly we are always keeping our eyes open and on the lookout in stores such as TJ Maxx or Marshalls for “something” but are we doing the same when we are simply doing basic errands?  Perhaps we should.  Have you ever been shopping some place and found the BEST item in the most unlikely place? 

My favorite place to look for interesting pieces to add to my wardrobe? Hotel gift shops, especially those run by The Ritz Carlton. The hat I wear in my avatar picture came from The Ritz Carlton in Marina del Rey, and shockingly was just $37.32.

You truly can find some hidden gems in the most random stores.  Often in beauty salons or spas you can find the work of local artists featured. You’ll primarily find jewelry pieces that tend to be very unique or even one of a kind.  It would be a little crazy to think “Hey, I need accessories, I should visit the beauty salon” but if you just keep your eyes open to these unexpected shopping moments you can really build your wardrobe and home collection without even trying.

Where will YOU discover your next “unexpected” fashion find?

Editor: Valerie Elizabeth

Staff Writer: Karen Yannacio Morse

Searching for the Perfect Oxford

Posted on | February 22, 2012

A few months ago I was in my local DSW shopping for a client when I spotted a pair of greyish-beige oxfords that I fell in love with. What are oxfords you ask? Some may call them brogues, spectators, jazz shoes or just dress shoes but the name oxford encompasses the feeling of youth I love so it is the one I prefer. The shoe style is evocative of a menswear lace-up and the style can vary from the look of men’s traditional “dress shoes” to a very slim-lined jazz dancers style. This particular pair was somewhere in between.

LEVITY Tami Oxford $69.95

Being a size 10.5+ it is difficult to find any shoes in my size much less something I am specifically looking for. Sadly the LEVITY oxford didn’t come in my size but I filed away the idea of it and have kept my eye out for something similar ever since.

When I am out at events you’ll typically catch me in a pair of sky high heels, often my favorite black satin pair by Fendi. For everyday, stilettos are out of the question. The truth to being a stylist is that a lot of schlepping is involved and whether it’s working with a client, redoing a closet or shopping, spending all day on your feet [whilst carrying heavy things]requires comfortable flats. Being a stylist requires they be comfortable “stylish” flats.

Have you ever tried to find stylish flats in a size 11?  I have and it’s virtually impossible. It’s like the shoemaker’s union got together and decided anyone who wears above a nine must like chunky, ugly shoes. Hello, what size do they think all the runway models wear? So in my pursuit of stylish flats, I’ve found some lightweight penny loafers, quilted ballet flats, pointy toed slip-ons and delicate flip-flops. And now, oxfords.

Before leaving for fashion week I took in my stack of DSW rewards certificates and went to work looking for some new shoes. Because the only thing better than getting new shoes is getting new shoes for FREE. I was specifically looking for flats on this trip because anyone who has been to New York City knows you will spend a lot of time walking and during the winter the combination of the ice on the ground and the stiletto is just a broken leg waiting to happen.

I had fairly good luck that day. Normally when I have a coupon and a gift card, there is nothing appealing in my size. I found a great pair of nude ballet flats, adorned with a golden crest. They are by Tahari, a line that runs fairly narrow and long which fits my foot well. Oh and the are appropriately named the “Valerie” flat. Just when I was about to thank my lucky stars and go home I spotted a pair of oxfords I thought just might fit the bill.

The key I believe to successfully pulling off any menswear trend is to take the most feminine version of it and make it your own. The pair I saw were fabricated with a product that looks like a vintage era football, very menswear. But the material was moldable, the sole lightweight and flexible, very feminine. The only bad part was the laces. They came with two sets. One pair of ribbons (a little young for me) and a pair of traditional menswear laces (a little too menswear for me.)

I tried them on and they fit perfectly. In fact the shoe ran long and I was able to get a 10 instead of an 11. Since virtually no one makes a 10.5 narrow. The laces were still bothering me though. I thought they would look better either without any [tried it but I stepped out of them] or with something very discreet, maybe a darker brown waxed style. As I pondered whether to spend $34.95 of my well-earned certificates on this pair of “close but not quite” shoes I had a flash in my mind of a necklace cord at home that would make the perfect laces. I am all about re-purposing so decision made, I bought them.

Of course, when I got home I remembered exactly where the necklaces were stored in my office before we moved six months ago. Unfortunately, I had no idea where they were now. The shoes didn’t make the trek to Fashion Week and didn’t make an appearance at all until today. Last night I was flipping thru the new Nordstrom catalog when this pair of oxfords jumped out at me and I decided I should put some thought into locating the waxed necklaces.

This morning suddenly I remembered where the necklaces might be; in a bag of gifts from events and giveaways. They weren’t in the bag I imagined but something made me open the box next to it and voila, there they were. The cool vintage key necklaces were left over from our Chanel trunk show with What Goes Around Comes Around back in 2010. I quickly re-purposed one of the keys as a decor piece for my office, cut the wax string in half and in just minutes my oxfords sported new laces and were ready to wear.

Mercedes Benz Blue On Your Nails

Posted on | February 20, 2012

Every season the tents at New York Fashion Week are packed with vendors promoting new products, giving away gifts and services and fabulously dressed onlookers taking it all in. The shows have long been sponsored by Mercedes Benz and this year was no exception. Just inside the main doors the magical people who get cars inside buildings had parked a silver Mercedes SUV. Though it certainly was a nice car what caught my eye was the coordinated display of shoes, handbags and gowns designed by Naeem Khan.

The shoes were designed in the colors of the Mercedes exterior and handbags designed in the fabrication of the interiors and dash wood grain. The controversy over whether you should match your handbag and your shoes, goes on year after year but really matching your handbag and your shoes to your car?

A closer look…

Mercedes Benz partnered with Polyvore to let “empower fashion enthusiasts to explore their personal style through a social platform that allows for the creation of virtual sets powered by Polyvore, with the Mercedes-Benz Star Style

http://www.mbstarstyle.comwww.mbstarstyle.com initiative.”

Fashion Week attendees were invited to “vote via their mobile device for their favorite set.” Each day you could take the whole coordinated look thing one step further by visiting the style technician at the Essie kiosk to receive a special Essie nail polish inspired by exclusive Mercedes-Benz vehicle paint colors.

And this is how I came to love, Mercedes Benz blue. [official name designo Mystic Blue midnight cami by Essie.]