Carmelita Couture: My Fav Funky Designer

I was truly lucky when I found this designer. Carmelita Couture has the funkiest, quirkiest, sexiest design aesthetic I have seen in a long time. The best part about her clothing? The fact that you can rock out a bit without leaving your comfort zone.

Fashion week was not only about the actual runway shows themselves, but about the people attending that were walking their own personal runways. Of course I had to not only be included in this "real person" fashion show, I had to be the best:) To be the best, you have to borrow clothing from the best. I utilized my stylist hat to pull every single outfit I wore. Everyone that I met thought it was hysterical that I was a one woman walking store. Everything I had on was for sale and my big mouth was going to let everyone know!

Carmelita was kind enough to ship a few fabulous frocks to me overnight because I was running out of options! I knew wearing one of her creations would definitely make me stand out (in a good way!). The last day of fashion week I decided to push the envelope (for my comfort zone) a little bit. Now, no one ever said that I wasn't partial to a jumper, but wearing one in fuchsia and red was a bit of a leap for me. My roommate let me know when I tried it on at home that I looked like a very stylish character in Austin Powers. I said thank you and started making decisions about how to do my hair and makeup.... The greatest compliment I got was that I could have been in a fashion show circus. And guess what? I was already under the big tent and this is the biggest fashion show on earth so I felt I hit the nail on the head!!! Go me and go Carmelita. How perfectly did this jumper fit me? It was crazy because it could have been so wrong and yet it was SO right! Love it. Let's not forget to give a quick shout out to my handsome friend, editor and owner of TheFashionWalk.com, Keeniun.

And here we have my "sexy secretary with a funky fashion week twist" look. I like to get very specific when I am creating fabulous ensembles! Working 12 hour days interviewing people was hard enough, but preparing for my head to toe overhaul might have been harder! It usually takes me about 45 minutes to an hour to get ready on a normal day. I was giving myself at least an hour and a half during fashion week. I was my own fashion stylist, hair person and makeup person. For those of you not in the industry, it is VERY difficult to be camera ready for 12 hours when you are the one doing everything! When asked what was the most difficult part about fashion week, that was always my answer. It sounds crazy, but it is very tiring to constantly make sure your hair is in place, you are not shiny and your lipstick is properly applied. I am working on my entourage so I can stop complaining about this. Oh, the difficulties of my job:) Please see the ridiculousness of this statement.....

Check out www.CarmelitaCouture.com!!!

More NYC Fashion Week!

So it is the last day and I am very happy and very sad at the same time. I don't think I could handle another day, but it is truly one of the most fabulous weeks I have ever had! I have seen and interviewed more amazing people than I ever have in my life. It really seems like everybody has some fabulous job that I stand next to. Yesterday I met the director of design from Spanx and I went crazy. The other day I sat next to the fashion editor for In Style Mexico. It is the most networking I have ever done in my life. I have a stack of cards to get through once all of this madness is over....

Just for fun, here is a list of celebrities I have either interviewed or seen: Brooke Shields, Tim Gunn, Kim Kardashian, Whitney, Erin, Olivia and Joe Z from "The City", Katie Lee Joel, Christina Hendricks, Michael Douglas, Donald Trump and Melania, Kristen Bell, Sophia Bush, Michelle Trachtenberg, Rashida Jones, Mena Suvari, Robert Verdi, Rachel Zoe and Brad, Zoe Salanda, Kelly Osborne, Nicole Murphy, Kelly Bensimon, Bethany Fankel, Jill Zarin and Romona from "The Real Housewives of NYC", Gail from "Top Chef", Carmen Elektra and many more..... Ok, enough name dropping. Here are the newest pics:

NYC Fashion Week

I have been SO busy this past 6 days with NYC fashion week, that I haven't even had time to breath. Luckily I got the afternoon off so I can show you everything that has been going on! I am working with www.TheFashionWalk.com interviewing everyone and anyone from designers to celebrities at all the shows. I have been working 8 to 12 hours a day to bring you the best and most amazing footage from the most important week in NYC fashion. Pictures below, videos to come!

"Bonnie and Clyde" Photoshoot for TheFashionWalk.com

As you all may know by now, I have been styling photo shoots galore lately (hence why I have been MIA, sorry!). Last week I was working with www.TheFashionWalk.com doing a menswear inspired shoot. There is a section called, "The Look of Now" and as the stylist, I decide what that is! I decided it was menswear inspired women's clothing:)

I decided to do a "Bonnie and Clyde" look since I had 2 models to work with. For all of the shots, one model was "Bonnie" and the other was "Clyde". I got two thumbs up from the team about the concept, so I figured I might know what I am doing:)

I was lucky enough to have access to some amazing menswear inspired clothing. The designers behind the line Eva Khurshid have created a very sophisticated and classic collection. It was the perfect fit for my idea. Everything is conservative with a twist. Perfect for the stylish woman who wants to remain super classy!

The truly key part of this particular line is that they create foundation pieces for your wardrobe that will be the best investment items ever! It can be styled quite simply (like the top pictures), or funked out (like my photo shoot pictures). It really just depends on your mood and style. Either way, these are the basic foundation items that I constantly push with clients no matter what their age, job, personality or background may be. They really will stand the test of time!!

Of course what is a photo shoot without a little bit of crazy? I always bring the crazy:) Fun that is! While the models are hard at work, I am the one in the background trying to make everyone laugh. Photo shoots can be long and tiring (yes, this actually is work people), so you have to keep the energy up. I decided to take a picture with the lovely and VERY tall model Snow (6' baby!). A stool was necessary if I wanted to be seen in the shot!





















This is the finale shot with the entire team. That lovely gentleman to my left is Keeniun, the founder and owner of the magazine. Shout out Keeniun. We are working together for the upcoming fashion week at Bryant Park, so be ready for lots of backstage access! I am going to be interviewing designers and checking out ALL of the shows. Oh yea, how cool am I? Very cool:)

Bohemian Chic Fab Photo Shoot

It is so on. Oh yea, that's right, I am back in the photo shoot game. It is too much fun and my creative muscle is finally being flexed to it's max again! My muscles like to be flexed:) My last photo shoot has already been picked up for publishing which only eggs me on to do more and more and more.... It certainly helps that I have found an AMAZING team of people to work with. We seriously get it done. We did 10 looks yesterday and I still managed to return all of the clothing before the end of the day! For those of you that are not in "photo shoot world", this is completely unheard of. We work so well together that we not only produce incredible shots (of course this is our mutual opinion:), but we grind it out without missing a beat.

See for yourself.... Our model Shannon was nothing short of fantastic. Not only did she look good, but she was incredibly easy to work with and very happy. This is not always the case:) We went with a bohemian chic look choosing anything that the wind could pick up. This means lots of flowy materials, long hair extensions and unbelievable rocky jewels by Brittany Rawlings. Her stuff was out of this world and really was the icing on the cake of every look.



Next up, earthy chic mama from the 60's.... Shannon would have been the most stylish hippie around. The long white dress underneath is actually a prom dress if you can believe it. See how amazing styling can be!!!!



Obviously you know these are working pictures since there is a random hand in the shot! This was such a fun look because it was actually a one-piece bathing suit and long skirt put together! Everything was covered in colorful stones which really brought out the earthy quality of the shoot. What do you think?






















I think this may have been a favorite for the group. It is SO not my style and that is why I was so proud of myself for how it turned out! I loved how laid back it easy and how many thing are going on in one look. It really shouldn't make sense, but somehow it all came together and that is what made it so perfect. This is bohemian chic at its best!!!
































Um, swing in your loft? Yes, please. How cool is this??? Meagan Cignoli, the photographer, literally has a swing in her studio/loft. This makes for phenomenal photo shoot opportunities! Not to mention a whole lot of fun for the team when we are not working:) I was hanging out on that swing for most of the day because I love reverting back to a ten year old.
































And to wrap it up, here is my favorite shot of the day!:) Shannon, post hair extensions, love it. Aminah, my fabulous assistant and myself. Of course I am the ass who decides to actually hang off of the swing. What else would I do? Just stand there???? Nope, not me. Hope you enjoyed the shoot!!!!

And Now for the Worst... Golden Globe Gowns 2010

Let me preface this post by letting you know that there really were no frocks that made me cringe and bite my lip. With that said, I was still "concerned" by a few of the gown choices.

First up, Julianne Moore's Balenciaga dress was way off... Where was the shape, the curve, the silhousette? Why would you diet and excercie frivilously and then choose this gown just so you can cover it up? At least she slightly saved the ensemble with a fab pair of earrings. It ALMOST (not really) made up for the bizarre neckline and unfortunate and unkept hair-do. I know it was raining, but don't you have a stylist following you around?


Next up is the hottest woman to hit television in a long time, Sophia Veranga. Unfortunately, she chose a Carolina Herrera dress that did absolutely nothing for her. The material was my first big issue because it looks like that of a high school prom dress from Jessica McClintock. Sorry to all those girls who love Jessica:( My second issue is that it was just way to much material for such a small lady. It was like she had another dress following her around all night.... She had every opportunity to show off her incredible sex appeal and beauty, but this dress did neither.


Oh Anna Paquin. This is a simple case of when a dress is incredible and the styling almost ruins the entire thing. Stella McCartney created a fabulous gown and Anna (or Anna's stylist) decided that a clunky pair of gladiator sandals was the appropriate shoe choice. This was NOT the appropriate shoe choice. It was way too much going on and a much too heavy choice for a shoe option. Plus, these shoes are meant for a summer look, not a red carpet.


Finally we have Tina Fey in Zac Posen. A good idea in theory, but this is WAY too much dress for such a small woman. Too much pattern, way too much length and too much "bow-y" shoes. All in all, too much! If it had one less tier on the bottom, it would have substantially helped her cause... Unfortunately, they decided to keep the tier. Sorry Tina, this just wasn't your best fashion choice..... You are still funny though:)

So that is it for my ranting and raving about the Golden Globe fashions. There was no total blunders, which made me smile. Obviously there will always be a few that are off, but what would an awards show be without that? Um, boring. I commend you all for trying to look your best and braving the scary waters of internet commentary. Good job.

The BEST Golden Globe Gowns 2010

Ah, awards season is here again! I LOVE this time of year. It is all about glitz and glamor and everything fabulous! Bring on the bling.

I know my first pick for "best dressed" at the Golden Globes is going to come with some criticism. My boyfriend has already chastised this choice. Drew Barrymore looked stunning in her Atlier Versace gown. The shoulder and hip detail bordered on that of a sea creature, but I still thought it was to die for. It was chic and elegant with a funky, individual twist. Nude is not always the best choice for the red carpet, it is easy to look washed out, but I really just loved the elegant detail on this dress. Her hair and make-up also perfectly complimented the simple sexiness of the overall look.




























Next up for "best dressed" is January Jones. She always tries to do something just a little different and I truly appreciate that. Black is never one of my favorites on the carpet, it just doesn't read well on camera. That is why I was so drawn to this look, because it DID look different and interesting. Not an easy feat. I was thrown off by the hair ribbon at first, but it really grew on me. I think it added to the "chic" quotient by a million. She took a simply elegant black gown and made it her own. This Lanvin dress was nothing short of spectacular when styled correctly... which it was! Kudos to your hair and makeup team as well for extending the classic elegance throughout the entire look.


























Now for some color! Diane Kruger hasdefinitely proven herself to be something of a fashion icon. She is almost always interesting and hits the nail on the head with her fashion choices. This Spring Christian Lacroix gown is fierce in every way possible. Look at that neckline for God's sake! How insanely fabulous is the construction of this dress. Keeping her hair off her neckline was also ingenious because that is the most busy part of her gown. You really don't want to mess with it in any way. Show it off!

I guess looking good is easy for her. It doesn't hurt that she is an amazingly stunning woman who can really pull off anything. Damn you Diane Kruger!


























And now a double whammy of beauty and style, Christina Hendricks and Kate Hudson. Both were light and lovely on the red carpet. Kate wore a fabulous Marchesa gown, one of my absolute favorite designers for anything gown-related! Let's not forget to give her shoes a shout out. They seriously helped enhance the funk factor of this look. Christina rocked a Christian Siriano dress.. Oh yes, the winner of Project Runway. Can you believe it? He really is proving to be the most successful winner of them all! To get on the red carpet at the Golden Globes is huge. The fact that this dress was one of my favorites right from the start without even knowing it was Siriano's dress is even better. I love to root for the underdog and he is certainly still just making his way into this crazy world. Good for you Christian!

So there you have it. Feel free to criticize my choices for "best dressed", but remember, this is my blog and all about my opinions:) Overall, this was a great kick off to the awards season and I think everyone did a pretty good job at looking fabulous. Usually there is a safety factor involved in the Golden Globes because it is the first show of the season. I actually think people dove into their fashion choices this year and I commend that! Can't wait for more....