Mary Katrantzou SS 13

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for beautiful prints and Mary Katrantzou’s Spring ’13 line executes pretty prints effortlessly. Since 2008, Katrantzou’s designs have been inspired Fabergé eggs, perfume bottles, and things of the like. For 2013, she decided to shift her inspiration and what a wonderful shift it was. This line is the embodiment of opulence, showcasing watermarks of retured legal tender from Germany, Greece, Malta, and the UK. The product is flawless and demonstrates all of the ways you can look like money in the bank.

Below is the runway show for the spring line. A little boring for my taste, but it showcases the garments wonderfully.

For all my shot callas out there, you can purchase some of this goodness here.

 

WAYNE WONDER MAKES HIS LONG AWAITED RETURN TO DE DANCEHALL

So that title has absolutely nothing to do with anything, but I’m back!

It’s 2013 and I felt like I’ve been so out of touch with my creativity, things that cultivate me and my own expression. So I’m returning to continue what I started. So many times we start blogs and lose sight of why we started them. But I’m focused and realized that I want to be disciplined with my writing. What separates good writers from great writers is being able to write even when you don’t necessarily feel like it. So here I am! Back again.

So of course, I’m sticking to writing about fashion, etc. But I also want to start incorporating music and art as well. So all of my social media connects who are designers, musicians, and artists, please feel free to contact me about being featured. Additionally, anyone who just has general suggestions or things they’d like to see, don’t hesitate to inform me. Closed mouths don’t get fed.

So look forward to things being “business as usual” tomorrow.

Make Up Tutorial Developed by ME!

So I’m taking  visual media production class, and for our final we had to create either a 30 second commercial, three minute interview, three minute tutorial/how-to, or a two minute news piece. I chose to do a make-up tutorial for my final. I figured I’d let you guys check it out and give me feedback. If you like it, I can continue to make more! I also thought this was a great way to tie my two class projects together. Let me know what you think!

Rasheed (on the left)/@rvsheed

 

What is your name?: My name is Rasheed.
How old are you?: I’m 17 years old.
What’s your occupation/are you a student?: I study photography
Where are you located?: Living in Rotterdam, Holland since… like… forever.
Have you ever lived anywhere else? (If so where? If not, where would you live, if you could live elsewhere?): If I could live anywhere else I’d pick NY or Paris (not in an unsafe area though). Pretty awesome cities.
I love how you paired a printed bowtie with a shirt with a slight print. I also like how the look is dressed up and dressed down at the same time. Do you typically mix prints (if so how do you choose the right ones to mix in order to ensure that it looks nice)? And do you typically pair dressier items with more casual items? (It works well!): I don’t mix prints that often, I usually wear a flannel, some tight jeans and a cap. Nothing special or anything… It was something my friend made me do (that dude on the right). If I do, I just pick something random… If I like it, it ends up good, I guess… I don´t wear the dressy type of clothes often, but when I do it’s something like a striped sweater on top of a matching button-down with some chinos and janoski’s, maybe a 5-panel..

Do you consider yourself a label whore? (if so what are your favorite labels, if not do you have any favorite labels?):

A label whore? Well, not really… I usually buy my clothes at H&M or River Island. It’s like.. brands charge alot for just basic stuff. But yeah, some brands do have stuff you can’t get from anyone else…

I don’t consider myself a label whore, but the brands I like are: Vans, Norse Projects, Carhartt, Obey, Apliiq, Altamont, and The Hundreds. Quality items right there. And one day… When I have the money… I’ll be a fan of COMME des GARÇONS and BBC.

What inspires your personal style? Describe your personal style as well.:My personal style is partially inspired by the people that surround me, they all have a cool styles, especially the dude with the fro. Further inspiration comes from artists like Kanye, Pharrell, KiD CuDi, Tyler the Creator, A$AP Rocky and such… All dressing how the fuck they want, and being who they are. Very cliché, but still. There’s like a handful of people actually doing that, and those words coming from an artist who’s music you enjoy means more in my perspective… So since my mom allowed me to buy my own clothes (I was like 12 or something and got into skating). I started wearing slim fit jeans and oversized hoodies/crewnecks/knits/flannels with some Vans. Even though the other kids didn’t accept it, I still wore it. I didn’t give a fuck at all. I was being called gay and such and such (That was during the baggy era, Karl Kani, Ecko etc.). But now, the same people that called me names, are wearing what I wore, so they’re clearly following a stream. Most people my age in Holland are following that stream, trying to be like the people they see, catching thousands of notes on Tumblr with snapbacks, jean jackets and stuff.

Personal style is minimal where I live.

Where can people find you online?: The only places you can find me is twitter and tumblr, I’m not into Facebook or anything, never was. Currently working on another blog, like real writing, posting my own pics and such.. But that’s for later Twitter: http://twitter.com/rvsheed Tumblr: http://spaceknight.tumblr.com

Karma-Angelina: Fashion Rebel

What is your name?: Karma-Angelina
How old are you?: I’m 19 turning 20 in October
What’s your occupation/are you a student?: Well right now I’m currently a home health aide and a receptionist at a private dentist firm. I took a break from college this semester, I need mulaaaaaaa!
If you are a student, where do you attend university?: Westchester Community College, I’m transferring to City Tech
Where are you located?: The Bronx
I LOVE your sweater! Where’d you get? Your sweater and shoes are so bright (which I love).: Believe it or not lol , my grandma’s closet; I hate the shoulder pads in them I took ‘em out lol
Are you colorful on a daily basis for the most part, or do you try to switch it up?: Ummmm… Lol no. Not at all. I switch it up, but I love a lot of earthy tones, however my favorite colors are red, yellow, orange.
Do you consider yourself a label whore?: Ah lol… No. Fuck labels.
What inspires your personal style?: My personal style is rounded up into one basic phrase “Fuck Fashion”. Im not big on buying clothes and trying to impress ANYONE. I wear my shoes till they have holes in it. I love my tops baggy and my bottoms small. I just love being unoddly basic. Oh with a leather jacket. I love leather jackets. Lol
Where can people find you online?: Karmasin.tumblr.com and I deleted my Facebook but I’m coming back on soon and my name on Facebook is Karma Angelina

Chad Johnson/@ChadJ_FRUITION

What is your name?: Chad Johnson
How old are you?: 22
What’s your occupation/are you a student?: I work for zappos.com and I intern for FruitionLV. I attend the Art Institute of Las Vegas.
Where are you located?: Las Vegas
Have you ever lived anywhere else? (If so where? If not, where would you live, if you could live elsewhere?): I am actually from Indianapolis, IN. I would love to live in either Cali, Hawaii, or New York most def.
I LOVE your shoes! Where’d you get them?: I got them off of zappos actually, check it out!
Do you consider yourself a label whore? (if so what are your favorite labels, if not do you have any favorite labels?): Not exactly, if I see something I like I buy it no matter what the brand.
What inspires your personal style? Describe your personal style as well.: I would have to say my style is a combination of all of my inspirations which are preppy, “street style” and sophisticated or casual styles. I’ve learned how to combine and separate those quite well over the last few years and have become more comfortable breaking rules and testing boundaries through FruitionLV and various places. It’s really crazy to me how I used to get made fun of or looked down upon for what is so popular now. I plan to always stand out regardless of opinions and be the best doing it.
Where can people find you online?: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ochocinco0328 Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ChadJ_FRUITION Tumblr: vanityslavexfreethoughts.tumblr.com

Fanshanista: Asia Anastasia VanMorgan (@AnastasiaVanM)

Just a quick note before I get into our fanshanista this week, since I’ve been slacking on posting, I’ll feature a new fanshanista(o) every day this week until Friday!

What is your name?: My name is Asia Anastasia VanMorgan.
How old are you?: I am 18 years old.
What’s your occupation/are you a student?: I am a musician in a group called “VanMorgan.”
Where are you located?: I live in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
Have you ever lived anywhere else? (If so where? If not, where would you live, if you could live elsewhere?): I was born in Florida. Then, I lived in TN for several years, & finally settled in Georgia. I would really love to have a home in Italy or Spain.
Your outfit is simply amazing. I love the print and texture. It looks fabulous! Tell me more about this look. Where did you get it and what caught your attention about it?: Thank you! The outfit is actually very vintage. I was going through some of my moms old clothes, and came across that particular outfit. I just loved the way it looked! Everyone laughed at first, but I paired it with a customized shirt I made, and a few accessories. I am glad it turned out great!
Where’s your favorite place to shop?: I don’t really have a favorite place to shop. I shop all around; from vintage stores and boutiques to Forever 21 and H&M. I don’t like my closet to be filled with a bunch of items from one store. I try to keep it diverse, and one day I will design everything I wear!
What’s your “go to” outfit?: My go to outfit is something very light but fitting. Maybe a cropped tank and a skirt, shorts, or pants.
Do you consider yourself a label whore? (if so what are your favorite labels, if not do you have any favorite labels?): Ha, no I don’t consider myself a “label whore.” Though, I do enjoy Creatures of The Wind, Alexander McQueen, and Balmain.
What inspires your personal style? Describe your personal style as well.: I get inspiration from different things. I can be inspired by anything. Colors, feelings, visual art. I give everything a shot, and keep an open mind when creating and designing. My style is very eclectic and multifarious. I love having pieces from everywhere, and I love creating things that are kind of polar to my lifestyle. Yes, I like to be diverse, but I always try to keep it classy.
Where can people find you online?: You can find me at http://www.officialanastasia.com. I am launching my store and personal site in the next month on there, and I am sooo excited about that! You can also find me on twitter @AnastasiaVanM , and anastasiavanm.tumblr.com

 

Fanshanisto: Tony Weir (@_itsTonyREDD)

What is your name?: Tony Weir. (I go by Tony Redd)
How old are you?: 24
What’s your occupation/are you a student?: student.
Where do you attend University?: Bowling Green State University.
Where are you located?: Bowling Green, Ohio
Have you ever lived anywhere else? (If so where? If not, where would you live, if you could live elsewhere and why?): I am from Detroit. I am looking to move down south, possibly Texas.
I love how well put together you look. Do you typically dress up or are you more of a casual person?: I love to dress up. I look for events to go to where I can haha, but if not I do dress casual. (here is a link to some other outfits http://lookbook.nu/reddguy1)
I also love your tie! Where did you get it (if you don’t mind sharing!)?: Hmmmm I suppose I can tell you haha… Topman.
Do you consider yourself a label whore? (if so what are your favorite labels, if not do you have any favorite labels?): Haha! I think about that often. I don’t want to consider myself that but I prefer to wear Zara, Topman, Urban Outfitters, ASOS, you know things I can afford.
What inspires your personal style? Describe your personal style as well.: My personal style is heavily influenced from my upbringing. I was taught to dress like you want to be taken seriously. Looking professional is a must for me. The way I execute is influenced by Fonzworth Bentley and David Beckham. I am conservative, sometimes out-the-box. I like edge, yet I like simplicity.
Where can people find you online?: Outside of the first link I gave you, you can find me on twitter, @_itsTonyREDD and on Tumblr, musikallyfashioned.tumblr.com

Featured Designer: Mara Hoffman

Before I begin talking about the featured designer for this week, I want to introduce two new things I want to do with this blog an perhaps gets some feedback.

I want to start a segment called fanshionista/fanshionisto. This is basically where I post looks and interview people who’s styles I’m a fan of. I’ve already reached out to a few individuals, but I just want to make sure the name isn’t tacky or corny.

Secondly, I’d like to really start featuring looks that incorporate one expensive item with everything else being affordable. Are there any particular items/brands you’d like to see?

Lastly, I want to start incorporating men’s fashion as well! I want everyone, male or female, to come here and find inspiration and share ideas. So I’m hoping some guys that check my blog every now and then or social network with me can help me develop this a little better!

So send me feed back and help me out! It’s all appreciated and encouraged.

Now, on to this week’s featured designer — Mara Hoffman.

Mara Hoffman is a New York based designer who incorporates a lot of traditional tribal prints into her pieces. Her swimwear is to die for! She makes printed silk leggings that can spruce up any plain black tank. Her printed crop top can show off that flat stomach you’ve been working on all winter. Below you can find some of my favorite pieces, all of which can be found on her website.

Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego?

Well clearly, my name isn’t Carmen Sandiego, but I felt like the title was fitting.

I know I haven’t blogged in about two weeks, and I feel like I owe you all and explanation.

My grandmother passed away on March 13, 2012. After about 8 months of battling stage four lung cancer, she slipped away peacefully. Her wish was that all her family members urge others not to smoke and that people learn from her. So if you’re reading this, and you smoke,please quit. Right now. I feel like my grandmother was taken away so soon. She was 67, which I suppose isn’t young, but given advancements in medicine and such, it seems like it’s a young age for her to die. Especially considering that my great-grandmother, who is in her late 80s, is still alive.

I think about her every single day. I think abut the possibility of her still being here if only we’d caught it sooner. I’m not an emotional person, and because I haven’t openly expressed how I’m feeling, I haven’t had that release yet. It’s almost like I feel ashamed to cry. And as I type this, my eyes water, but I still am not able to let them go. Perhaps I feel like solidifies her death; it means that she really is not coming back.

Now on the brighter side, I got a new job. These two major events happened so close together, so it was a little overwhelming. But I now work for Ted Baker, a designer based in London. I work at the Ted Baker that’s inside of a Bloomingdale’s store, so I’m still learning everything as far as protocol and things of that nature.

But I’m back now, and I hope you all haven’t missed me too much!