Serena Williams Look – Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Serena Williams looked stunning last night at The Vanity Fair Oscar Party.  She was seen wearing a lace gown created by designer Galia Lahav.  The entire look was flawless, showcasing Serena with an elegant bob (hairstyle) and flawless, glowing makeup.

Serena Williams Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2016
Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2016

I have to admit, this was my favorite red carpet look!  The style of this dress accentuates her amazing figure while appearing sexy, stylish, and timeless.  This all white ensemble truly adds to Serena Williams “super star” quality.

Galia Lahav Sketch
Galia Lahav Sketch
Serena Williams Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2016
Serena Williams

 

Indie Fashion Week – Showcasing FW 2016 Collections

Lights, Camera, Action!” Yes, that very phrase will be heard throughout Washington, DC beginning February 29th as Indie Fashion Week kicks off for its second cycle. Created by Harley Morgan and Terrance Payton (ROE the Agency, LLC), Indie Fashion Week will be a breath of fresh air to the Fashionistas in the Nation’s Capital and those who just love supporting small business in the fashion industry. Indie Fashion Week will host Le Divertissement, from February 29-March 6, 2016. This fashion diversion is a series of Parisian-inspired events each night. Buyers, the media, influencers, style connoisseurs and the general public will get an ample opportunity to interact, connect with, and support Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle brands over a seven day span.

Indie Fashion Week aims to bridge the gap between consumers and independent brands by building a platform to facilitate sustainability, brand expansion, and retail opportunities. Indie Fashion Week is building a new and vibrant fashion community by creating a space where tools can be provided to help fashion entrepreneurs to learn about the business of fashion, to hone their craft, to network with their peers, and to build long lasting business relationships.

When asked about the vision behind the creation of Indie Fashion Week, Harley states “Indie Fashion Week is shifting the style culture in a multitude of ways. From highlighting the fashion brands from our area down to the EXPERIENCE that you receive with such a wide range of fashion-fused events, you have no choice but to be excited! The mood Is changing; the time has come for us to get excited about fashion here in our city!”

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The full schedule of Indie Fashion Week is as follows:
Monday, February 29– Bienvenue à la Fashion Week Indie: Indie Fashion Week Kick-Off & Live Pop Up Shop at Amsterdam Lounge #ModelMONDAYZ
Tuesday, March 1– Tout le monde aime Street Wear: Street Wear Presentation at Honfleur Gallery #StreetSymphony
Thursday, March 3– Style Me, s’il vous plait: The Style[ish] Competition at Lord & Taylor, Chevy Chase #StyleISH
Friday, March 4– Une nuit sur la ville: Fashion’s Night Out at the Aveda Institute #FashionsNightOut2016
Saturday, March 5– L’apprentissage est à la mode: Indie to Mainstream Fashion Workshop ft. Fashion Industry Experts at the Silver Spring Civic Center #IndietoMainstream
Saturday, March 5- Sole Savers Launch Event in Partnership with Indie Fashion Week | RSVP: http://bit.ly/IFWSoleSavers
Sunday, March 6– Le Spectacle de Nuit: Indie 500, Part Deux, Indie Fashion Week Finale at SAX Restaurant #Indie500Finale

For more information on Indie Fashion Week, information on volunteering or to RSVP to any of the events, please visit www.indiefashionweekdc.com. You can also follow Indie Fashion Week on Social Media: Twitter – @Indie5HundredDC, Instagram – @IndieFashionWeek, and Facebook –www.facebook.com/indiefashionweekdc.

If you’re a media outlet or photographer interested in covering the Indie Fashion Week, please send your inquiry to Candice@CandiceNicolePR.com.

Arlette Jewelry Launches New Empire Collection

Leading NY designer jewelry house Arlette Jewelry has recently launched its new Empire Collections. The latest collection has promised exquisite pieces in bamboo, pearl, added to gold & silver. The new Empire collection offers exquisite one-of-a-kind fashion forward jewelries that’s designed in New York & crafted in Italy.

Arlette Empire Collection
“We are glad to announce that we have recently lunched our all-new Empire Collections which duly complements our signature one-of-a-kind exotic style statement with every piece. We believe in the royal prowess of every woman out there and our latest imperial collections are sure to bring up the inner Queen in you”, smiled a leading spokesperson from Arlette.

Founded in 2002, Arlette Jewelry is an endeavor of Arlette Sarkissians, an esteemed alumnus of Gemological Institute of America & Academy of Fine Arts in Italy. The dynamic designer-lady believes in inspiring strength & class in all the womenfolk out there through her innovative & cutting-edge ornaments.

“With the creative soul of an artist & mind of a daring entrepreneur, Arlette has come up with exclusive timeless pieces which are a mind blowing fusion of a cutting edge NY designer & seasoned craftsmanship of Italy. Our pieces have earned accolades for their spectacular elegance, fashion fervor & bang-on attitude and the new Empire Collections is just an extension of Arlette’s unmatched magnificent creations.”

The latest collections from Arlette’s arsenal cover all sorts of jewelries ranging from bracelets, earrings, rings, pendant and necklaces. The senior manager from the group stressed on something for everyone with the new launch.

“You can choose from our chunky Empire cuff ring to complement your Gothic style whereas our Snake ring would be great when you are looking for something truly wild but not garish. Our pearl silver drops would be excellent for your dainty statement while our Empire royal blue horn pendant is meant to accentuate your ravishing flamboyance”, she explained while speaking on the collections.
 
A trendy NY designer, Arlette deploys all state of the art technologies related to the digital media to give life to her creative styles & get the right vision of colors to complement them. Being a New Yorker, she holds updated knowledge on the latest jewelry trends & promised an elegant craftsmanship backed by old world values of integrity, refinement & superior artistry.

About Arlette Jewelry: Based at Manhattan, New York, Arlette Jewelry is founded by Arlette Sarkissians in 2002 with the sole aim of reinventing the fashion forward jewelries. All the jewelries are made with gold, precious and semi-precious stones by combining efforts of highly skilled and specialized craftsmen with latest technology.

Nude Barre in Laurel DeWitt – NYFW Fall and Winter 2016

Nude Barre Complements Laurel Dewitt Collection, In Designers NYFW Fall/Winter ’16 Show

Nude Barre premium intimates finished looks for the Laurel DeWitt show during Fall/ Winter 2016 New York Fashion Week at 1OAK. The only assorted hosiery undoubtedly chosen to launch Laurel DeWitt’s new inspiration for metal appliqué invisible hosiery.

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Laurel DeWitt model above was stunning in this metal mesh crop top with over sized pyramid stud detail. Metal appliqué Nude Barre Fishnet Tights, and standing in Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Nude Barre enabled the metal designs to appear “glued to the skin” under a distressed denim pant, with chain detail and metal appliqué.

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Nude Barre Crystallized Fishnet Tights offered a subtle sparkle to these Laurel DeWitt skirts below. Striking denim skirt with chain appliqué, chain fringe floor length cape and Tom Ford shoes. Tights well companied under this regal chain sweater with oversized pyramid stud detail. With a fringed denim skirt with chain web overlay, denim & chain detail and Jimmy Choo shoes. Nude Barre added just enough shine to flawlessly complete each look.

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ABOUT NUDE BARRE
Nude Barre premium hosiery is the brainchild of trained Alvin Ailey and former New York Knicks dancer, Erin Carpenter. After firsthand experience of the hardships finding perfectly matched and affordable tights that can withstand hours of movement. Available in opaque or fishnet and seamless thongs, the line offers 10 shades of nude for adults/children to match all skin tones. From the catwalk to the dance floor, Nude Barre was designed for all around performance.

Shoedazzle Dalton Tote – What To Wear

The style and size of a handbag can instantly update anyone’s wardrobe.  Personally, I like to carry bags that are large and have a distinct color.

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I was attracted to the Dalton tote due to its pebbled texture and space of the bag.  The tote also comes in three colors Lavender, Black, and Cognac.  I am looking forward to styling this handbag with a wrap dress, long sleeve top, or skinny jeans!

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Shoedazzle – Stiletto Society Brand Ambassador

I was invited to join the Stiletto Society, Shoedazzle‘s exclusive brand ambassador program.  I’m extremely excited because I joined Shoedazzle two years ago for specific reasons.  Although I love to own stylish clothing, my shoe wardrobe was suffering tremendously.  I owned several pairs of shoes but they were not fashionable and did not fit my lifestyle.  I needed a variety of pumps, platforms, and boots.

I came across Shoedazzle through the internet and started to research their subscription.  The membership was easy and affordable.  What intrigued me the most was that my order arrived at my doorstep!  The membership has been a good experience but I have a few tips:

    1. Know your exact shoe size prior to ordering.
    2. Use a shoe insoles for 4 inch heels.
    3. Store your shoes properly after each wear.
    4. Have fun mixing and matching in your current wardrobe.

Since that time, I have also expanded my accessories to the Shoedazzle handbag collection.  I was curious about their purses and needed to give my other brands a break.  To my surprise, I received my first handbag in the mail.  The quality of the bag was nice and the style was true to the website picture.

Check back with this site (over the next few months) because I will be hosting style parties, sharing special deals, and of course…new shoes!

Visit my Instagram @kwest1908 for more photos

Macy’s Nineteenth Amendment event – Digital Trunk Show

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In celebration of New York Fashion Week, Macy’s Herald Square will be hosting an interactive fashion event in partnership with online fashion marketplace, Nineteenth Amendment. A first for the legendary retailer, this two day event will bring independent designers straight to the floor of the landmark flagship store for an on-demand, digital trunk show shopping experience. This unique collaboration will also provide these independent designers with the extraordinary opportunity to showcase their designs to a locally and globally diverse customer base in an exciting, retail environment. Macy’s Nineteenth Amendment event will take place on Friday, February 12 from 6pm to 9pm and all day on Saturday, February 13 in the Impulse Department located the 4th floor of Macy’s Herald Square.

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The excitement of New York Fashion Week will present itself right in the heart of New York City’s Fashion District during Macy’s x Nineteenth Amendment event. At this digital trunk show, customers will have the unique opportunity to view and try on the Fashion Week collections of four Nineteenth Amendment designers onsite and pre-order the items online on dedicated devices. The designs, all of which are made on-demand in the USA – many in New York’s Garment District – will be shipped directly to the customer’s doorstep in four weeks. These exclusive collections will only be available for 19 days at pre-sale prices following the event and this will be the only opportunity for shoppers to try before they buy.

“Macy’s in-store event with Nineteenth Amendment will provide shoppers with a unique hands-on Fashion Week experience that has been unheard of previously,” says Nicole Fischelis, Macy’s GVP/Fashion Director of Women’s Ready-to-Wear. “We love the idea of expanding our customers’ fashion horizons by presenting this virtual “front row” experience from some of the industry’s most exciting independent designers which, in turn, makes the celebration and appreciation of high fashion more accessible and inclusive.”

“We are thrilled to bring the runway directly to consumers with Macy’s and be on the forefront of bridging the gap between great NYFW design and shoppers. This first-of-its-kind immersive, omni-channel experience will allow shoppers to directly interact with designers, hear their stories, try on garments and own a piece of Fashion Week history, made for them in New York’s Garment District,” state Gemma Sole and Amanda Curtis, cofounders of Nineteenth Amendment.

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Meet the Designers

HELEN CASTILLO DESIGN – Jersey City, NJ

Helen Castillo is passionate about couture design and brings her experience from evening wear, bridal, and – most recently – Project Runway to her ready-to-wear. Helen’s designs are known for flattering silhouettes and strong architectural elements such as her signature cap sleeves and daring capes. Helen interned for Vivienne Westwood in the summer of 2011 in London, United Kingdom in the Sample Room/Design Studio, Bridal/Couture Design Assistant, and contributed to technical design with the Gold Label Men’s Design team. Returning to the United States to finish her Bachelor’s Degree at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), she obtained a Design Assistant/Sample Room Internship at Vera Wang (Bridal) House in Manhattan, NYC. Most recently, Helen has been a designer on Project Runway Season 12 on Lifetime and Project Runway All Stars Season 4 (on Lifetime). She has also worked as a designer for Zac Posen.

ANJE – New York, NY

Anjé by Angela Brasington is a lifestyle fashion brand for the sophisticated and fashion-savvy woman. Focused on high quality, American-made products that are part of your wardrobe staples, this former gymnast knows what it takes to move make the sale with previous experience in fashion licensing. Using only the most luxurious fabrics on the market, Angela designs specifically for comfort and style, making her brand the new workplace essentials. Designing in NYC, the brand goes even further to support the city they love by donating a portion of proceeds to local charities.

JOVAN – Philadelphia, PA

Jovan O’Connor is a Philadelphia native and Macy’s Incubator designer whose fashion influences come from daily observance of the vibrant scenes of Philadelphia’s diverse culture. Her namesake label is clothing designed for the young professional woman with a full social calendar. While still a senior in Fashion Design at Philadelphia University in 2006, the go-getter designer was commissioned to design a gown for Philly’s own Patti LaBelle which established her as an independent custom designer. Jovan continued to build her clientele throughout the Philadelphia area, freelancing as a stylist and designing custom gowns and ensembles for special occasions. In 2014, Jovan became a Designer-in-Residence at the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator and made her debut at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

KREYOL – Boston, MA

At Kréyol, designer Joelle Jean-Fontaine and her team celebrate individuality through bold and enticing visual aesthetic tied to the cultural artistry of hand dyed fibers. Kréyol is inspired by humble beginnings and revolution through its rich re-imagining of bohemian silhouettes drawn from the designers experiences as a child in Haiti. Her skill and inspiration can be traced back generations to traditional fabrics and prints from Afro-Caribbean culture. Incorporating colours and textures that are bold and vibrant, the silhouettes are reminiscent of the classic and timeless sophistication of the Haitian woman in the 50’s and 60’s with a hint of modernism. Kréyol aims to impact the world one garment at a time, making it about more than just fashion but a movement to enlighten, educate and empower – most recently partnering with the Boston “Safer is Sexy” HIV/AIDS Awareness initiative as well Boston Mothers Care’s philanthropic efforts in Haiti. When you think of Kréyol, think of audacious individuals who fight, aspire to more, and aspire to move.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. In fall 2015, Macy’s launched Macy’s Backstage, its newest retail brand for discount shopping with six stores in the New York metro area.

About Nineteenth Amendment

Nineteenth Amendment curates unique collections from independent designers all over the world to bring you cutting-edge fashions at pre-sale prices you can’t find anywhere else, all made in the USA in four weeks. Inspired by the law that guarantees universal suffrage—we give everyone a voice in determining the future of fashion. Nineteenth Amendment gives independent designers a platform for high quality, small batch manufacturing and direct sales to an audience eager for cutting edge fashion before it goes mainstream. We give shoppers the power to discover the next big names in fashion and pre-order the look—before it gets to stores. Our customers don’t follow trends, they make them. Nineteenth Amendment has contracted over 400 designers from 29 countries and launched a first of its kind partnership with Macy’s Inc. in September 2015. NineteenthAmendment.com

Shore Projects Watches – Nordstrom Montgomery Mall

British watch brand, Shore Projects, is now available via http://shop.nordstrom.com as well as locally at Nordstrom Montgomery Mall.

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Shore Projects (http://usa.shoreprojects.com) offers a new product to a booming market, with over 500 style selections to choose from. All three collections will be available along with a wide selection of interchangeable straps, allowing shoppers to change-up their style in a matter of seconds, to suit their style, season or current mood.

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For almost two years, Shore Projects has made waves in the UK and around Europe, selling to major department stores and better boutiques. Strong growth is expected in more U.S. retail locations through 2016.

“We are thrilled to be stepping in to the doors of one of the most recognized department stores in the United States,” said Neil Waller, Co-founder of Shore Projects. “We have already received such great feedback from our U.S. online customers, and are excited to see the response from shoppers who now have the chance to touch and feel the product in person at these brick and mortar locations. This is the next step to making big moves globally for the brand.”

Queenstown Premium Outlets – Coach Renovation

Queenstown Premium Outlets management is pleased to announce that Coach, one of the center’s many premium stores offering daily savings of 25-65 percent, is now open in a newly renovated space. In addition, the center has introduced cell phone charging stations to enhance the experience for guests.

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Providing shoppers with an abundance of accessories, Coach recently opened in its new location, with a larger 6,027 square-foot space, next to Easy Spirit. The luxury-style boutique offers premium items for men and women including accessories, bags, shoes and more, all at an affordable price. Shoppers can expect to find stylish accents for every look.

“Coach’s new location is simply amazing,” said Patricia Cahall, general manager of Queenstown Premium Outlets. “The new store is beautiful and much larger than its original location. The new build-out combines warm textures—beautiful flooring and carpets—with high-end digital screens and other technology. The in-store ambience truly reflects the quality and attention-to-detail represented in their product line.”

Additionally, as an added convenience to shoppers, the center now boasts new cell phone charging stations, further enhancing the superior guest experience at the outlet center. The charging stations, located near Yankee Candle and Kitchen Collection, are a free service and can hold up to 13 devices using a combination of USB cords and standard electric plugs. Guests are invited enjoy nearby seating while their devices reboot, as well as free Wi-Fi provided by many of the center’s retailers once they’re recharged.

Cahall noted, “Our goal is to continuously offer new amenities and experiences for our shoppers.” Cahall mentioned her team continually observes guests using their smart phones to register for their VIP Shopper Club, check-in to specific stores for deals, post photos of their shopping excursion, and stay in touch with friends and family. “These charging stations are just another way we can help our guests feel comfortable and make their shopping experience more efficient,” Cahall added.

About Queenstown Premium Outlets

Queenstown Premium Outlets is a 289,947 square-foot outlet shopping center located in Queenstown, Md. Home to over 60 designer brands including Adidas, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, J.Crew, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Skechers, St. John and more, the center offers exceptional brands and savings of 25 to 65 percent every day. For a map and store listing, as well as directions, events and tourism resources, visit: premiumoutlets.com.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and a S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.