Paris Fashion Week 2015 – Photographs and Designer Videos

If you love couture and missed Paris Fashion Week 2015 don’t get upset because a few of the shows are below. Technology has allowed us to enjoy fashion from all over the world; streaming Chanel, Balmain, Christian Dior, and Saint Laurent.

I love Parisian designs because the styles are forward leaning, with the use of high quality fabrics and the ability to show opulence. Parisian style has made a huge impact on ready to wear apparel and everyday street style.

Celebrities are also taking notes, playing with a variety of Parisian inspired fashion and couture beauty ideas.

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Photos are taken from Instagram

 

 

 

Christy Whitman – The Art of Having It All Paperback

Christy Whitman

In the new book The Art of Having It All – A Woman’s Guide to Unlimited Abundance  (due out January 31, 2015), Christy Whitman offers up a modern strategy for women who want to “have it all”. She lays out a path forward that shows people how to feel thankful, hopeful, and healthy all at the same time, all the time.

The ideas she shares can not only be used to chart a course to greater abundance and success, but to a deeper connection with yourself and an increased ability to enjoy all that you are and all that you have created and have yet to create. Here are some of the steps she recommends women take.

Define Your “It” and Your “All”

The first step is to become profoundly connected to yourself.  No two women have the same life experiences, the same perspectives, the same goals, preferences, beliefs or ideals… and for this reason, no two women define having it all in exactly the same ways.  Each and every one of us is a unique expression of the Divine, and – despite what we may have been socialized to believe – we don’t all want the same things.

Give yourself permission to envision what having it all means to you in each important area of your life.  Let your imagination expand to create a vision of all that you desire to create – physically, emotionally, socially, financially, and spiritually.  Visualize a reality in which your desires manifest naturally and easily, and in which you experience all the joy, health, success, abundance and fulfillment that you desire.

Define the things that truly bring you happiness. Identify the conditions or experiences you have always wanted to create. Design your life to be amazing beyond your wildest

Imagination. What would it look like?  How would it feel?  Are you financially abundant and debt free?  Is your body a certain size or weight?  Do you feel more rewarded in your career?  Are your relationships more intimate and satisfying? Allow yourself to dream about what having it all means to you. Don’t worry about how it will happen.

“Having it all simply means having access to all

of yourself, in any moment you choose it, and in every

aspect of life that is important to you.”

Create From the Inside Out

Identify a specific area in your life – your finances, your career, relationships with others, for example – where you feel discontent, frustrated or unfulfilled; an aspect of your life where you

do not yet feel you have it all.  Identify the dominant emotion or vibration that you are emitting

in response to it.  Do you feel resentment?  Disappointment?  Resignation?

Allow yourself to feel this emotion in your body. Where is the feeling located? How large of an area does it cover?  Connect with this emotion.  Notice if it is familiar to you.  Think back to the past, to relationships or circumstances where you experienced it?  Notice the feelings in your body as you consider this.

Acknowledge that you – and no one else – are the sole generator of your vibration. Ask yourself if there is anything you have to give up in order to shift your attitude. Do you need to release some old resentment?  Do you have to give up being a victim?  Do you have to let go of being right?  Identify what you have been holding on to, see if you can give it up, and notice what happens to how you feel as you do.  Liberate yourself. Connect with the feeling you want. Allow it to become your new center and your new point of attraction.

“Nothing can happen until you start paying attention to you,

and this means listening to your emotions rather than

trying to resist, suppress, ignore or deny them.”

Be Open to Receiving

Call to mind any area of your life where you are in a state of resistance – some place where you have a chronic complaint or where your viewpoint is one of “It shouldn’t be like this.”  Try to see if you can allow yourself to accept it exactly as it is. Accepting a situation does not mean that you approve of it, or that you don’t want it to change.  It simply means accepting what is at

this moment.  Give yourself permission to think and feel about it the way that you do, without trying to minimize your feelings or pretend to feel any differently.

Pay closer attention to the way you feel about this situation. Allow yourself to receive whatever information your emotions are trying to convey to you.  What is the message your feelings are giving you about you?  Allow yourself to feel the intensity of your emotions fully and completely, without describing or labeling them.  Simply be with them with all of your attention, and feel the power of their vibration.

Embrace them rather than resist them. And notice that they begin to dissipate and release.  From this new level of awareness, allow yourself to connect with what you really do want to experience in this area of your life. How do you want to feel in relation to this situation?  What is one action you could take – be it an inner action or an outer action – to change your set point about this issue? How can you allow in more of what you are wanting?  Go for it. Bring it on. Make it happen.

“Give yourself permission to have.  Give yourself permission to be.

Give yourself permission to need.  Give yourself permission to let go.”

Clarity + Alignment + Action = Manifestation

Clarity about the exact nature of what you want builds intensity and distinguishes the unique

vibration of your desire. Maintaining a feeling allowing and non-resistance draws it towards us.  The combination of feeling good, excited and content with what is, while at the same time being clear about what more we want, that opens the door for more to come into our lives.  Intending and allowing are equally important in the manifestation equation, but every situation calls for a different degree of each.  The bigger our goal and the clearer our intention, the more we need to allow.

When you then add physical action into this equation, you summon the power to manifest anything you desire.  Whether you experience this creative process as spontaneous and easy or as slow and difficult depends on how much of a balance you are able to strike between these inner and outer forces.

“There is a deep place within your system

where there is complete alignment and infinite capacity.”

You Can Have it All

Kristy says “By allowing yourself to swell up with that gratitude, you open up doorways along your path.  Synchronicity comes into play and people show up in your life, that bring you to places that are truly unimaginable to you in the present moment.”

Life really happens. Dreams really can come true.

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Free People Baltimore Opening at Harbor East

Free People

Specialty fashion brand, Free People, is set to open its first Baltimore boutique in the growing Harbor East neighborhood on April 3, 2015. Housed in a 2,545 square-foot retail space, Free People is excited to bring its coveted eclectic mix of apparel and intimates to the development. Centrally located near the heart of Harbor East, on the corner of Aliceanna and Exeter Streets, the location will be Free People’s 105th boutique, and the fourth in the state of Maryland.

“We are very excited to be a part of the continued development of Harbor East,” says Free People Director of Retail, Beth Wehagen, “It’s one of the most exciting waterfront projects on the east coast and we are thrilled to be a part of it!”
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Free People to Harbor East,” stated Tim O’Donald, President of Harbor East Management Group. “This much touted brand is a wonderful complement to the neighborhood and to our retail offerings.”

Free People’s Baltimore boutique will be ready for spring with a sales floor of well-stocked sun dresses and cut-off shorts for warmer weather and festival season. A “wash shop” will feature Free People’s newest relaxed basics such as tees and chinos in the brand’s most turbulent dyes and faded wash techniques. The color white will have a moment, featured in every style from jeans to jackets to tanks. The remaining sales floor will be nicely juxtaposed with simplistic silhouettes in line with Free People’s clean and cool spring trends. In addition, the brand’s coveted ‘Intimately Free People’ line of bras, undies, slips, seamless layering pieces, and loungewear will have a dedicated space within the boutique to round out the assortment.

The space has been designed to feel like the Free People girl’s workshop with a mix of rugged elements and feminine details throughout. Guests are welcomed by a blackened steel storefront, custom double doors and a special lighting moment at the entry. Inside, the space is delineated with a varied ceiling that changes in height and material throughout, including reclaimed hemlock beams. Interior finishes include repurposed bead board, wide plank wood flooring, patchwork quilt curtains and glitter plaster throughout. Yarn-filled cubbies add a bright array of color behind checkout.

The boutique will celebrate on opening day, Friday, April 3, from 6-8pm. The first 50 customers will receive a tote bag giveaway, light refreshments will be served, and store stylists will be on hand to give in-store styling sessions.

Each Free People store offers personalized shopping experiences from a team of expert stylists. Customers can schedule a one-on-one appointment with their favorite stylist, as well as interact and gain inspiration through the brand’s online Style Community, FP Me. In addition to offering personal styling, fans can look forward to a variety of in-store events to be hosted at the Free People Harbor East boutique throughout the year.

Free People will be located at 1001 Aliceanna St., Suite A, Harbor East, Baltimore, MD 21202. Store hours will run Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-7pm.

Fans should “like” the store on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all of the latest arrivals, events, and other happenings: https://www.facebook.com/FreePeopleHarborEast

Taken from Christina Milian Instagram - Dylan Dress
Taken from Christina Milian Instagram – Dylan Dress

Stylish Wedding with Fashionable Themes

Any woman who sees herself as being at the height of style and sophistication is sure to want her wedding day to be just as stylish as the rest of her life. In fact, it should be even more fashionable because it’s one of the biggest days of her life. But when you have so much to plan, the finer details can get lost when you’re busy organizing the big things. If you want your wedding to go off without a hitch and for everything to look fabulous while it happens, you should pick a theme and run with it. Of course, the big day is all about commitment, but that doesn’t mean that one of these ultra-stylish theme ideas wouldn’t be the icing on the cake.

1950s Hollywood

If you want real style and sophistication, you only need to look at the past. We have plenty of incredible fashion now, of course, but there’s something captivating about a vintage look. There are lots of different routes you can take if you want to have a vintage wedding, but the glamor of a 1950s Hollywood is irresistible. For the dress, take inspiration from classic movies, as well as the gowns worn by actresses at the Oscars and their own weddings. Go for a black tie affair, with gloves and evening gowns for the ladies.

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Pick a Pattern

 

Sometimes there are so many ideas, you just don’t know what to choose. Or you have the opposite problem, and you’re completely stuck for inspiration. One of the easiest ways to pick a theme is to choose a pattern or motif that you like. It could be stripes or polka dots, a flower motif or a fleur-de-lis. Don’t go overboard with applying your choice to every single thing you come across, or it will turn into a stripy nightmare. Use it as a starting point to access your designs, from the invitations to the cake.

 

Monograms and Lettering

 

Anyone who’s a sucker for a beautiful typeface will love using stylish lettering as the basis for their wedding theme. You can use lovely scripts on the save the date cards, invitations, name cards and more. And you can also use your initials to monogram different aspects of the party, from a handkerchief in the groom’s breast pocket to the cake. It’s an excellent way to add small and subtle details to every part of your wedding and put a little bit of you and your partner into the designs. You can even get your monogram nicely crafted on a custom neon wedding sign, just upload a picture of the logo and pick a color to match your décor. These new LED neon lights glow gently and bright, and will look great on your wedding pictures.

monogrammed-wedding-ideas1

 

Flowers

 

Flowers are one of those things that can be sophisticated if you get it right, but horribly tacky if you get it wrong. Too many flowers could tip your theme over the edge into dangerous territory, so be careful with this one. But if you’re a flower lover, you can have success by carefully choosing what to use and where to use it.

WeddingFlowers

You can put together the stylish wedding of your dreams if you pick the right theme. Decide on one in the beginning, and you can keep it in mind as you plan everything for the big day.

Rock and Metal Vibes

For couples who march to the beat of a different drum, a wedding theme inspired by rock and metal can bring a unique and edgy elegance to your special day. Think leather accents, dark florals, and bold metallic details. Incorporate the rebellious spirit of rock into your attire, and let your wedding playlist reflect your love for the genre. For those seeking the perfect distortion pedal to infuse your celebration with the right amount of sonic fury, check out https://www.singularsound.com/blogs/news/the-best-distortion-pedal-for-tube-amps-in-2023.

Sally Hansen and NYC New York Colors for Spring 2015

The nail polish you already love just got better! Millions of women know that Sally Hansen® Insta-Dri™ nail polish gives them a quick-drying, high-shine manicure that lasts. Now, an improved formula delivers extended wear and enhanced shine — still with the one stroke, one coat convenience that has made Insta-Dri a cult favorite since 2009.

Insta-Dri’s three-in-one formula combines base coat, color, and top coat in one bottle, making it even easier to have a glossy manicure in a minute. It dries in just 60 seconds, creating full-coverage color and shine without the wait.

Along with an improved formula, Insta-Dri also features 14 new, must-have shades that incorporate the season’s standout runway trends. Rich chocolate and champagne add cashmere-like coziness to any manicure. Or go bold with fiery tones of red and orange — three different hues allow you to turn up the intensity as much as you like. Lilac, cherry, and plum tap into fall’s purple moment, while blue and teal provide a cooling effect. Meanwhile, the season’s new neutrals (think: the inkiest black, steel gray) are the nails’ answer to Normcore. These anything-but-boring basics prove that colors don’t need to shout to stand out. And with 40 total fast-drying shades to choose from, there’s no shortage of variety.

Even the appearance of Insta-Dri is getting a boost. A new, sleek logo freshens up the packaging for a more contemporary style — a fitting look for a nail polish made for today’s on-the-go pace.

 

THE SHADES: Re-teal Therapy, Plummet, In Nude-tral, Cherry Fast, Navy Fleet, Show Steel-er, Making Mauves, Leapin’ Lilac, Black to Black, Ablazing!, Quick Fire, Set Sail, Cocoa A Go Go, Orange Zest

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THINK: Everything you need for the ultimate eye looks.

WHAT IT IS: Make your gorgeous peepers pop with the new City Proof Complete Eye Collection from NYC New York Color. From the first touch of primer to the last swipe of mascara, you will look flawless from lid to lash. Go big and bold with colored liners, or make a dramatic statement by mixing different shades of shadows.

THE CITY PROOF COMPLETE EYE COLLECTION INCLUDES:

24 HR Waterproof Mascara $2.99: This 24-hour long-wearing, volumizing mascara available in black is smudge-proof, flake-proof, and water-proof. Keep lashes flexible and comfortable with this gentle mascara, with a quick-drying formula that sets in a flash.

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24 HR Eye Primer $2.99A perfect base, this primer makes your shadow shine. Available in one global shade, the primer comes in a convenient retractable chubby for creaseless, long-lasting color.

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24 HR Waterproof Eye Shadow $2.99This retractable chubby has a unique, pigment-packed formula for 24-hour waterproof wear. Color glides on smooth and stays crease-proof all day and all night. Try using it as a liner, or smudge with your finger for a smoky effect.  Available shades: Wall Street Bronze, Brooklyn Mocha, Tribeca Taupe, 5th Ave Gold Rush,  Murray Hill Champagne,  Rockefeller Center Snowflakes,  Empire State Building, New York At Night, Central Park Tulips,  East River Romance and Madison Square Park.

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Ann Taylor’s Spring 2015 Trend Report

This year’s spring fashion shows had us hanging on the edge of our seats, but the wait is over – Ann Taylor’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection is bringing runway looks to you! Inspired by stylish women on the street, the collection features what will be spring’s hottest trends such as polka dots, refined stripes, florals, and mesh. Ann Taylor is also the destination for must-have accessories trends like bucket bags, cobalt pumps, and statement necklaces.

 

Polka Dots

What’s always fun, super-luxe, and never out of style? POLKA DOTS! Punctuate your look and go for polka dots — big or small or mixed together, this happy trend goes everywhere and with anything!

 

Refined Stripes

Seriously flattering and super refined – stripes never go out of style. Every woman should have a key transitional piece in her wardrobe with a timeless stripe print for a feminine and moderate update.

Florals

Winter florals were all the rage, and they are popping into spring. What better way to jump into spring than with a fresh floral print to bring either a subtle taste, or bold pop of color into your wardrobe!

Mesh

A daring-and easy-way to bring textured contrast to your outfit, whether with a hint for a “peek-a-boo” look perfect for layering, or go all-in with playful skirts and hemlines.

 

Accessories

Finishing touches make all the difference. Grab one of these functional accessories, and complete your head-to-toe elevated look with a pop of color or statement piece.

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Wes Moore Hosts Inaugural Champions of #THEWORK Celebration

This past Saturday, over 350 people – including Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Congressman John Delaney – turned out to support New York Times Best Selling Author Wes Moore at his inaugural Champions of #THEWORK Celebration. Moore and PHILANTHROPIK co-hosted the event at the Four Seasons Baltimore to honor seven individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to their local communities. Just last month, Moore released his second read, The Work, which quickly climbed the ranks of the New York Times’ Best-Seller list.

Moore addressed the crowd in the name of #THEWORK, delivering powerful remarks regarding the importance of finding one’s passion in life through self-discovery, service and risk-taking.

“We want to rejoice the individuals who are using their passions as a vehicle to address the world’s greatest needs, and share their experiences for the chance to inspire others to do the work of their lives.”

The red carpet affair – presented by Prudential – featured CÎROC signature cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. World-renowned harmonica player Frederic Yonnet serenaded guests with a live performance of classic tunes mixed with modern day hits.

The night honored: Youth Dreamers’ Kristina Berdan, CÎROC Military Ambassador and US Marine Corps Captain Christopher Minaya, President & Founder of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Bonnie Carroll, Youth Build Founder & Executive Director Robert Clark and BridgeEdu’s Codi Chavis, Angelique Smith and Tyson Sanford-Griffin for their continued success in their individual fields.

Additional notable attendees at the soiree included Maryland State Senator Bill Ferguson, CBS Baltimore Anchor Vic Carter and Prudential Vice Chairman Mark Grier among others.

ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS OF #THEWORK
Champions of #THEWORK is inspired by New York Times Bestselling Author Wes Moore’s book, The Work. The platform challenges individuals to use their passion as vehicle to address the world’s greatest needs, then share their experiences for a chance to inspire others. Those looking to share their story or find out more, are encouraged to visit www.whatisyourwork.com.

ABOUT WES MOORE
Baltimore Native Wes Moore is an Army combat veteran, national bestselling author, and social entrepreneur. His first book, The Other Wes Moore, became an instant New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller as a story that conveys the importance of individual decisions as well as community support. In his most recent book The Work, another New York Times Bestseller, Moore recounts the valuable lessons learned from his experiences in Afghanistan to the Bush White House to the 2008 Obama Presidential Campaign. He is also the host of “Beyond Belief” on the Oprah Winfrey Network and Executive Producer and host of “Coming Back with Wes Moore” on PBS. www.wesmoore.com Twitter: @wesmoore1 Facebook & Instagram: @iamwesmoore

ABOUT PHILANTHROPIK
PHILANTHROPIK is a series of charitable functions produced by activist, strategist and entrepreneur Zachary McDaniels. It was designed to give his network, associates and business partners the opportunity to donate, gain relationships with and connection to organizations both of historic significance and human value. PHILANTHROPIK is an effort to help join those who want to give with those that need it. A simple concept with continual gains. www.philanthropik.org

ABOUT PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
For nearly 140 years, Prudential Financial, Inc., has helped individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. Today, it is one of the world’s largest financial services institutions with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential also has one of the most recognized and trusted brand symbols: The Rock ®, an icon of strength, stability, expertise, and innovation. The company is a proud sponsor of Wes Moore and Champions of #THEWORK. For more information about this partnership, please visit www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=689860094462336.

Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake by Steven Presbury

Wes Moore and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Photo credit: Steven Presbury.

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Wes and Dawn Moore. Photo credit: Steven Presbury.

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Prudential’s Mary Rood and Mark Grier, Robert Clark, Wes Moore and Prudential’s Chuck Sevola. Photo credit: Steven Presbury.

- Naya - Ke'Shawn Forbes by Alex Acosta

CÎROC Military Ambassador and US Marine Corps Captain Christopher Minaya, Naya Evans and CÎROC Ambassador Ke’Shawn Forbes. Photo credit: Alex Acosta.

Robert Clark - Wes Moore - a -a -a - Mark Grier - a - Kristina Berdan - Christopher Manaya and - by Alex Acosta

Award Recipients Robert Clark, Wes Moore, Codi Chavis, Angelique Smith, Tyson Sanford-Griffin, Mark Grier, Lou Oberndorf, Kristina Berdan, Christopher Minaya and Susan Wright. Photo credit: Alex Acosta.

Floral Design Decorating and Debi Lilly: Entertaining and Design Expert

One of the least expensive ways to decorate a home is with the use of floral design.  Not only is it beautiful in terms of aesthetic value but it’s a money saver depending on the plant and design concept.  Flowers can also set the tone for any room, whether romantic or contemporary.

Floral Design 1 Floral Design 2

In decorating (or design school) it’s always suggested to use nature for inspiration.  Home floral design can be duplicated with authentic greenery or silk plants.  Either option creates a beautiful centerpiece with a few additional suggestions:

1.  Purchase or use a unique container

2.  Select flowers that are in season with a local florist shop or nursery

3.  Think outside of the box and use fruits as an arrangement

4.  Add ribbons and lace as a nice accent

5.  Try something new such as a wreath, swag, or garland

Also, don’t forget to consider your supplies and the space for your new arrangement.  We will have more floral design tips on Style + Life + Fashion from Debi Lilly (Oprah’s Party Planner) as she will be launching a line of floral designs at select Safeway locations in the Baltimore/DC area.

Debi Lilly 3 Debi Lilly