Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Shop 'Til You Drop!
It's time to party! This Thursday, September 10, from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m., the entire city is playing host to it's own block party. And we're all invited! This includes Queens, too! (All my peeps from Queens throw your hands up!) Fashion's Night Out is a global in
itiative being implemented to revive the heartbeat of the now beleaguered retail beast. Several stores, uptown - downtown - and across town, will feature appearances by celebrities, designers, and models. There will also be music and cocktails. I am going to be scouting locations for the best mojito! Don't worry, I've got a designated driver and his initials are M.T.A. No DUI drama from the BlackFashionDude. A specially designed t-shirt will be sold for $30 at all participating stores with profits going to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Fashion with a purpose. What a novel idea! I think I may check out Michael Kors at Macy's Herald Square. Maybe I'll share a mojito with him. He's such a character on Project Runway. And we can exchange double entendres and witty banter. Hey, you never know! In my world, everyone is my friend. I'll be starting my trek on the upper east side and easing my way downtown. So if you see me on the street, just holla and join the parade! I'll be the one in full fashionista mode. Peace & Fashion!
itiative being implemented to revive the heartbeat of the now beleaguered retail beast. Several stores, uptown - downtown - and across town, will feature appearances by celebrities, designers, and models. There will also be music and cocktails. I am going to be scouting locations for the best mojito! Don't worry, I've got a designated driver and his initials are M.T.A. No DUI drama from the BlackFashionDude. A specially designed t-shirt will be sold for $30 at all participating stores with profits going to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Fashion with a purpose. What a novel idea! I think I may check out Michael Kors at Macy's Herald Square. Maybe I'll share a mojito with him. He's such a character on Project Runway. And we can exchange double entendres and witty banter. Hey, you never know! In my world, everyone is my friend. I'll be starting my trek on the upper east side and easing my way downtown. So if you see me on the street, just holla and join the parade! I'll be the one in full fashionista mode. Peace & Fashion!Wednesday, September 2, 2009
See Jane Shop!
Today I delivered one of our look books to a store in SoHo. No, I am not too grand to play messenger every now and then. I will do whatever it takes to get me to the next level. So as soon as I stepped off the subway at Spring street, I immediately realized I was just a little out of my element. Dorothy, you're not in Kansas anymore! Everyone on the streets was young and happenin' and pretty wearing a variation of the hipster uniform. You know the one - white t-shirt with ripped jeans and dark boots and just enough attitude to stylishly pull it all off. I, on the other hand, was in my Daffy's $70 linen suit complete with pocket square and lace ups. But I had to work it the best way I knew how. Confidence, baby! So I walk into Kirna Zabete on Greene (dangerously expensive, yet oh-so-chic) and hand the woman behind the counter the large manila envelope containing my look book. It is literally my passport to 
hang on the racks beside better known designers like Narciso Rodriguez and Jason Wu. I just hope it gets stamped and I am granted entry. Then I decide to look around and see which designer's pieces are hanging there for fall. They are all very well-made and a little edgy and I start to wonder if my dresses are a little too ladylike. My self-doubt is quickly interrupted by a handsome salesman who is escorting Jane Krakowski around the store. You know the actress from Ally McBeal who is currently starring in the very funny, Emmy-winning comedy 30 Rock. She is lovelier in person and I compliment her on her beautiful photographs in the current issue of Town & Country magazine. As I walk out into the sunlight and back towards the subway, I think to myself, "My dresses are exactly what this neighborhood needs." An infusion of ladylike elegance with a twist certainly wouldn't hurt SoHo. So I am going to wait and see.
Peace & Fashion!
hang on the racks beside better known designers like Narciso Rodriguez and Jason Wu. I just hope it gets stamped and I am granted entry. Then I decide to look around and see which designer's pieces are hanging there for fall. They are all very well-made and a little edgy and I start to wonder if my dresses are a little too ladylike. My self-doubt is quickly interrupted by a handsome salesman who is escorting Jane Krakowski around the store. You know the actress from Ally McBeal who is currently starring in the very funny, Emmy-winning comedy 30 Rock. She is lovelier in person and I compliment her on her beautiful photographs in the current issue of Town & Country magazine. As I walk out into the sunlight and back towards the subway, I think to myself, "My dresses are exactly what this neighborhood needs." An infusion of ladylike elegance with a twist certainly wouldn't hurt SoHo. So I am going to wait and see.Peace & Fashion!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Good-Bye Summer. Hello Stress!
Okay, so August is officially over. And despite a fast approaching, fashion filled fall season, the all important sound bite is eluding me. All the cajoling in the world will not release the witty and snappy words from my consciousness and onto the computer screen. My mind is twisting and turning with worst case scenarios as we approach the witching hour. In exactly 3 weeks, our sales professional, Marla, will begin a grueling week where she will meet with store buyers in hopes of having them place orders. What if no one shows up? What if they don't place any orders? What if no one likes any of the dresses? It's like w
e are caught in a nail-biting episode of Deal or No Deal wondering if we've selected the case with the million dollars in it. Only it's my cocktail dresses that will determine whether or not we can make a deal. I spoke with Marla today to get a handle on how she feels everything is going. And as I suspected, it is difficult to determine right now because many people are still vacationing before the season really starts. So I am just going to have to calm myself by burning incense, meditating, praying, or whatever so that I do not become completely unhinged wreaking havoc on my business partners and on Marla. As I have heard over and over from my angels, "I can only do my best." After that, the universe must handle the rest. So now I am going to do my best to enjoy the last holiday of the summer - Labor Day. Anyone barbecuing?
Peace & Fashion!
e are caught in a nail-biting episode of Deal or No Deal wondering if we've selected the case with the million dollars in it. Only it's my cocktail dresses that will determine whether or not we can make a deal. I spoke with Marla today to get a handle on how she feels everything is going. And as I suspected, it is difficult to determine right now because many people are still vacationing before the season really starts. So I am just going to have to calm myself by burning incense, meditating, praying, or whatever so that I do not become completely unhinged wreaking havoc on my business partners and on Marla. As I have heard over and over from my angels, "I can only do my best." After that, the universe must handle the rest. So now I am going to do my best to enjoy the last holiday of the summer - Labor Day. Anyone barbecuing?Peace & Fashion!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Secret to Happiness
Today I was at the plantation talking to one of my fellow indentured servants about the quest to identify one's purpose. Yes, at times, I can be very deep and profound. Meghan, whom I fondly refer to as Meghanomics (Don't try to make sense of it; I just have a penchant for nicknames), has made an important decision to return to school. This fall she will begin classes to become a court reporter. It is a sensible profession. And on these courtroom dramas in the movies and on television, a court reporter is always a fixture in the climactic scene. But I have disagreed with Meghan's decision so strongly about her career choice, that I've even been so bold as to speak to her mother about it. But what do I know? Meghan is quietly charismatic and funny and charming and I believe her gifts will be squandered behind her stenotype machine. But it is Meghan's decision that has caused me to look back on my own past as I tried to lay the course to my purpose.
I entered Hillcrest High School as a student in its renowned pre-med program. I tried my hand at theatre careers and settled on accounting by the time I graduated. In college, I studied business at Baruch College here in the city before dropping out after 4 long years. While working at the plantation, I discovered fashion design and felt like a fish to water. But I was not successful taking classes at night at the Fashion Institute of Technology because I lacked the necessary remedial sewing skills. I went on to cosmetology school where I completed my coursework and passed my state licensing exam. I can style, cut, and color hair, but it's not something I am particularly passionate about. So here I am, embracing my fashion design instincts and talents. And I just hire other people to sew up my illustrations. And I am happy.
I entered Hillcrest High School as a student in its renowned pre-med program. I tried my hand at theatre careers and settled on accounting by the time I graduated. In college, I studied business at Baruch College here in the city before dropping out after 4 long years. While working at the plantation, I discovered fashion design and felt like a fish to water. But I was not successful taking classes at night at the Fashion Institute of Technology because I lacked the necessary remedial sewing skills. I went on to cosmetology school where I completed my coursework and passed my state licensing exam. I can style, cut, and color hair, but it's not something I am particularly passionate about. So here I am, embracing my fashion design instincts and talents. And I just hire other people to sew up my illustrations. And I am happy.
I told Meghanomics that she should find out what makes her happy and make a career out of it. After so many detours, I did. In the meantime, she'll be transcribing her heart out starting next month. I wish her luck.
Peace & Fashion!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Back To The Future with The Mad Fashionista
Monday afternoon on the upper west side Elisa DeCarlo and I shared intimate secret
s over a bite to eat. Unfortunately, The Mad Fashionista, Elisa's larger-than-life alter ego, was reluctant to make an appearance. Apparently having barely survived a busy weekend which included selling vintage clothing items and a very long Jewish wedding and reception (Is there any other kind?) out on Long Island followed by a dip in a pool at Jones Beach in full wedding guest regalia, The Mad Fashionista needed to take a little time off. No worries. At least I could chat with Elisa in peace without the over-the-top antics of the Fashionista. Elisa really is quite lovely. And she gets weak in the knees for 40's and 50's fashion. Watching old black and white films from the time she was a pre-teen helped shape her fashion sensibilities. I, too, share an appreciation for that time in fashion when ladies were always well turned out. Remember those smart dresses that Doris Day used to wear? But I try to put a modern spin on ladylike looks from that period with a nod and a wink to the past. I like to think of my aesthetic as
more Back To The Future as opposed to just Back.
Elisa will officially be covering New York Fashion Week next month in full Mad Fashionista mode. I, unfortunately, cannot provide one of my modern pieces this season. Because someone of The Mad Fashionista's comportment will surely be photographed by all the media outlets documenting her comings and goings, it is a real disappointment. But we have vowed to work together on a look for the next NY Fashion Week in February as we both will have more to gain by such a collaboration at that time. Until then, stay tuned for more drama and mayhem as my team and I prepare for Market Week beginning on September 20.
s over a bite to eat. Unfortunately, The Mad Fashionista, Elisa's larger-than-life alter ego, was reluctant to make an appearance. Apparently having barely survived a busy weekend which included selling vintage clothing items and a very long Jewish wedding and reception (Is there any other kind?) out on Long Island followed by a dip in a pool at Jones Beach in full wedding guest regalia, The Mad Fashionista needed to take a little time off. No worries. At least I could chat with Elisa in peace without the over-the-top antics of the Fashionista. Elisa really is quite lovely. And she gets weak in the knees for 40's and 50's fashion. Watching old black and white films from the time she was a pre-teen helped shape her fashion sensibilities. I, too, share an appreciation for that time in fashion when ladies were always well turned out. Remember those smart dresses that Doris Day used to wear? But I try to put a modern spin on ladylike looks from that period with a nod and a wink to the past. I like to think of my aesthetic as
more Back To The Future as opposed to just Back.Elisa will officially be covering New York Fashion Week next month in full Mad Fashionista mode. I, unfortunately, cannot provide one of my modern pieces this season. Because someone of The Mad Fashionista's comportment will surely be photographed by all the media outlets documenting her comings and goings, it is a real disappointment. But we have vowed to work together on a look for the next NY Fashion Week in February as we both will have more to gain by such a collaboration at that time. Until then, stay tuned for more drama and mayhem as my team and I prepare for Market Week beginning on September 20.
Peace & Fashion!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A New Diva on the Horizon
Two days ago I spoke with Elisa DeCarlo, a fellow blogger whose over-the-top alter ego goes by the name of The Mad Fashionista. Elisa is a writer, actress, and storyteller who created The Mad Fashionista as a way to match wits with the elitist androids who are at the top of the fashion food chain. Her curvy, full figure and outsize personality are the antithesis of many editors-in-chief of high fashion glossies. Anna Wintour @ Vogue eat your heart out!
I met Elisa, or was it The Mad Fashionista, at a charity event last February when she expressed her delight with the denim gown my sister, a curvy girl herself, was wearing. When she discovered that I was the creative mastermind behind the elegant frock, she wanted to know more. Unfortunately, Ashanti & I were swept up in the pop of flashbulbs and the fizz of fabulousness during the entire evening so we really did not get a chance to chat further. But after I started journaling about my odyssey, The Mad Fashionista reached out to me and offered words of encouragement and pointers about maintaining a blog. I thought, "How wonderful for this diva to be so considerate and giving." I knew then that The Mad Fashionista and I would forge a wonderful friendship. And then I discovered that although she adheres to the fringes of fashion, she's also been featured in The New York Times Styles Section. This campy character that Elisa DeCarlo has created has a lot to say. Quirky, yet fabulous and elegantly trashy, I will again come face-to-face with Elisa and her alter ego when we meet on Monday. So while I wait for Oprah and Michelle O. to get back to me, I am going to have my hands full working with Elisa by adding a little more sophistication to The Mad Fashionista's wardrobe. And who knows what opportunities lie ahead.
Peace & Fashion!
Peace & Fashion!
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