Met Gala 2015 Glamorous Recap and Photos

Fashion lovers everywhere witnessed the glamour, creativity, and art of The Met Gala 2015 or formally known as the Costume Institute Gala.  Celebrities showed up wearing intricate designs and show stopping hats while music artists were seen wearing sheer gowns.

This year’s theme was China: Through The Looking Glass which was based upon a document.  The annual fundraising event attracted entertainers and fashion industry professionals; purchasing a ticket to support the Metropolitian Museum of Art Costume Institute.  Although this night was amazing in it’s own right, there’s always a memorable moment!

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My favorite costume of the night goes to the lovely and talented Beyonce.  Her dress was show stopping, appropriate according to the theme (loving her high ponytail) and it was detailed couture.  My least favorite selection came from Gabrielle Union.  Unfortunately, her dress did not exemplify the theme of the event and appeared to be a winter gown.  I love Gabby (and hubby) but I’m hoping they will do better next year.  She has a fabulous body and would like to have a designer create a gown for her figure.

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Honorable mention goes to Blake Lively, Solange Knowles, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian West, and Jennifer Lopez.  The ladies listed did it just right and added a special touch of whimsy to the evening!

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Photos are from Instagram

Expressive Sweatshirts: Easy Style Option

Fashion is a form of expression. It’s a way of communicating your interests, thoughts, and personal style. Why not express yourself with a sweatshirt?  They’re easy to put on and coordinate with anything in your closet.

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For comfy or relaxed style, wear your sweatshirt with a pair of jeans and flats.  If you want to take your “look” up a notch, add a statement necklace, pumps, and clutch bag.  Have fun with the look!

 

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Kerry Washington in Timo Weiland FW15 – Scandal Event

Actress Kerry Washington wore a knit separate look from New York based designer Timo Weiland’ Fall-Winter 2015 collection to attend the Scandal ATAS event at the Director’s Guild of America yesterday evening, May 1st 2015. Kerry was joined by her Scandal cast members, and a number of other Hollywood A-Listers.

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Timo Weiland: The Brand

The team’s first men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collection debuted for Spring-Summer 2010. The collection firmly established their romantic, yet modern edge to dandy downtown dressing. Based in and inspired by New York City, the Timo Weiland collection reflects Timo, Alan, and Donna’s personal aesthetic sensibilities and a broader desire to spur a return to the art of dressing.

Timo Weiland works with established luxury retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s, and key independents like Intermix, Shopbop, and Atrium New York. Celebrities the likes of Taylor Swift, Tina Fey, Sophia Bush, and Pharrell are supporters of Timo Weiland, and are often seeing wearing their designs on the red carpet.

The designers won the Ecco Domani Fashion Fund award in January 2014. The designers were recognized for their smart, innovative Men’s design, and unique attention to detail. “The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation is one of the first and one of the most coveted emerging designer awards programs in the fashion industry,” said Marylou Luther, Editor of The International Fashion Syndicate and a judge for the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation. “This year’s winners represent an exciting blend of backgrounds, influences and approaches that highlight the promise of today’s young designers and complement an already impressive list of winners. The words Ecco Domani are the perfect metaphor for what these awards represent to the American fashion industry literally and figuratively—here’s tomorrow!”

The brand was also nominated and one of the finalists for the International Woolmark Prize in 2013 and 2014 both. The brand was also part of the CFDA Incubator for 2012 and 2013 years.

photo credit Timo Weiland

Cannes Fashion Festival 2015 – Tune in May 20 – 22

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2015 is set to be a sensational year for the global fashion scene, as the first ever Cannes Fashion Festival takes place in France. Celebrating fashion in its entirety, the festival is a consumer-driven event which sets it far apart from similar fashion festivals around the globe. It also takes place in a highly sought after location, right across from the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet!

Taking place from 20th-22nd May 2015, it also coincides with the internationally renowned Cannes Film Festival. That means the designers showcasing in the glamorous runway events will have a global stage and shows might even be attended by the world’s biggest film stars.

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Additionally, the Cannes Fashion Festival will be historically streamed online for worldwide exposure. Tune in from anywhere around the globe to watch international designers and emerging talent showcase Haute Couture, Womenswear, Menswear, Jewelry, Lingerie, Swimwear, Bridal, Sportswear and Accessories.

With stunning runway shows, glamorous parties, competitions for talented aspiring designers, backstage interviews and the Global FashionAwards, the Cannes Fashion Festival is not to be missed. Fashionistas from all over the world will be coming together in a spectacular celebration of fashion talent in the South of France.

The stylish festival will feature an array of glittering runway shows and glamorous events to be attended by international designers, journalists, industry insiders and fashion forward consumers. Many world famous designers are already scheduled for appearances, including CUSTO Barcelona which has been worn by the likes of Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman. The brand has also created a series of limited edition T-shirts for which all profits will go towards stopping the deadly spread of Ebola.

The CUSTO fashion label and Cannes Fashion Festival have teamed up for the Ebola campaign, to assist charities which are helping the worst Ebola-affected areas. Sold online only, customers can choose which charity to donate the proceeds to at the checkout. What’s more, a number of the limited T-shirts have been sent to celebrities to sign, and these pieces will be auctioned off during the festival gala on Friday 22nd May.

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Paper Wedding Dress: Beautiful Haute Couture Design

I had to share this post with my readers!  The following photos were sent via my aunt Gloria from Bishop State Community College. Erica Hunter, Graphic Communications Technology Instructor, created and designed the beautiful dress seen below.  What makes this wedding dress so special is that it’s created with the use of PAPER!
She and her students worked to design the dress for an event called The Arts in Technical Education for Bishop State.  The dress is (now) on display in the lobby on the school campus.  How beautiful and creative was this design…Style + Life + Fashion approved!
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The Art of Thrifting – How To Guide

Thrift shopping has become “the cool kids” way of updating their wardrobe and I have always adored thrifting.  It’s one of my favorite hobbies since the age of 15 and allowed me to express my individual style.

My dad could never understand my obsession with consignment/thrift shops.  He gave me money for clothing but instead of spending it at McCraes (which is now Belks) I would ask my mom to drive me to the thrift shop.

I think it was the experience of understanding clothing construction that attracted me to this hobby.  In the process of shopping, I learned a lot about fabrics and fixtures.  I also learned how to properly care for clothing because some items need to be dry cleaned while others required fabric softener.

Thankfully my mom never rejected my obsession because she also enjoys thrifting.  To this day we call it “the closet” and when I visit my parents we turn this into a major event.  For us, it’s a bonding activity and a perfect opportunity to neglect the budget planner for a little while, and still somehow save money!

I do recognize that thrifting’s not for everyone but I think it’s about strategy.  There’s an art to thrifting that many may not understand and some of us have the true knack of finding a good deal.  I want to help those who may not understand how to thrift and share in this experience.

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Thrifted Skirt, Handbag, Belt, and Dress

 

Step Number One:  I read fashion magazines like Instyle or People StyleWatch to recognize what’s fashionable for the season.   When I’m shopping, I will instantly gravitate towards that trendy pair of white seersucker pants hanging on the rack.

Step Number Two:  Know your body type before shopping consignment/thrift stores.  Entering a thrift store can be overwhelming because there’s so much merchandise.  You want to select items that compliment your figure and NOT because it’s a designer blouse.  Nothing’s worse than paying $12 dollars for something that doesn’t work and you can NOT take back to the store.

Step Number Three:  Search for quality fabrics or what I like to call (this is my fashion degree moment) natural fibers.  They tend to hold up well in the course of wearing and look chic.

Step Number Four:  Always, Always, Always, Always, overlook the garment.  Do not purchase anything without searching the garment from top to bottom.  For example, if you have a blazer in your basket search the pockets for tears, look at the buttons to see if one’s missing, or whether there’s a hole in the fabric.  This is a very important step to thrifting.

Step Number Five:  This may come as a surprise but thrift shops actually have sale days.  Check with the sales associates or look around the store for sales.  Also, keep up with the store discounts; for example, if a ticket has a red sticker your item could be 50% off.

You’re probably asking what type of items have I found while thrifting?  Well,  you’ve actually seen a few of the items on this site but I’ve purchased a fur coat (my first one in graduate school) Louis Vuitton wallet, Ralph Lauren sweaters, BCBG pumps, vintage sunglasses and clutch purses, denim jeans, wool plaid swing coat (my favorite in college) knee boots, and the list goes on!

Nothing says “chic” better than mixing vintage couture and fabulous accessories.

FashionEasta 2015 – Harbor East Fashion Show Recap

Harbor East hosted it’s annual show titled FashionEasta on Saturday, April 25th, 2015.  The purpose of the event was to showcase local boutiques, cuisine, and cocktails.   There was live music by Full Tilt, Jon Boesche, and Super Bueno; guests also had the opportunity to partake in a photo booth from Baltimore Magazine.

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Styling for the FashionEasta Show was provided by Stephanie Bradshaw, Inc. and retailers included Free People, Under Armour Brand House, White House Black Market, Christopher Schafer Clothier, Lululemon Athletica, Handbags in the City, Amaryllis Handcrafted Jewelry, City Sports, Sassanova, Under Armour Brand House, and South Moon Under.  Featured Models where Justin Tucker from The Baltimore Ravens, Sharon Gibala with CBS Baltimore, Emily Gracey with Fox 45, George Lettis with WBAL TV, and Michael Owen with Baltimore Love Project.

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Street – Side Harbor East Restaurants included Apropores, Gordon Biersch, Lebanese Taverna, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Taco Fiesta.   

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I enjoyed attending FashionEasta 2015; the music was upbeat, models entertaining, and love my FashionEasta shopping tote.  I also noticed a few items from the show that I’m interested in purchasing!  How could I forget that Preakness and Black Eyed Susan Day’s coming up soon.

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Hair provided by Haute Blow Dry Bar | Makeup provided by Jen Padro, LLC

Reebok Classic and Melody Ehsani Collaboration

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LA based designer Melody Eshani and Reebok Classic are back at it again with another collaboration, this time featuring the iconic Blacktop Pump and Ventilator sneaker.

 

Each sneaker features the luxe python leather featured on the first Reebok Classic x Melody Ehsani collaboration – a unique texture that takes inspiration from a creature which embodies Melody’s definition of a Classic woman. The shoes also feature the designer’s signature take on the Evil Eye, which brings a sense of individuality and creativity to the look. The clean gum outsole adds a fresh finish to the shoe’s rich tones.

 

The Blacktop Pump is updated with a hidden interior heel wedge for a feminine, streamlined silhouette, while the Ventilator says true to its retro runner design.
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These shoes will be exclusively available at Melody’s LA store (424 1/2 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 272-3934) and her website www.melodyehsani.com on April 24th.  The shoes will then be available at select global retailers and Reebok.com starting May 1st.

 

The collection ranges from $120-$200.

Christian Louboutin: The Nudes Collection Spring 2015

Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin’s celebrating women of color around the world with the Nudes Collection.  According to the social media post, this particular collection’s suppose to “change the way you think about baring it all.”

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Personally, I’m happy to see the new collection because I adore a nude (or flesh tone) pump.  They make the legs appear longer and can match anything in your wardrobe.  It’s also stated that nude pumps are the perfect work wardrobe staple accessory.

If you’re a Realhousewives of Atlanta fan, we first witnessed this idea when NeNe Leakes purchased numerous pairs for all of her bridesmaids.  This was a message that we should own a pair of Nude Louboutins to compliment our attire (or any occassion.)

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The Christian Louboutin Nudes Collection can also be worn year round ladies; this is considered to be an investment in a quality pair of pumps.  To purchase a pair visit Bergdorf Goodman

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Photos are from Bergdorf Goodman

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I will share a photo of my shoes when they arrive!  Also, send me a photo to kim@stylelifefashion.com to share on Instagram and Facebook wearing your Nude Christian Louboutin pumps!

Carrie Dunham – One Handbag for Every Occasion

Carrie Dunham‘s stylish and functional line of handbags makes it effortless for today’s woman to be on-trend, remain versatile, while always giving a nod to classic style.

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The Dunham Collection offers sophisticated, modernized versions of the Bermuda bag. The upgrades are plentiful all while maintaining that vintage Bermuda vibe. The differences lie in the Dunham Collection’s revolutionized design and broad use of materials for covers. The original Bermuda bag came with a limiting wood handle and a small white muslin base that required a cover, of which there were few cover options. – In contrast, both the Dunham clutch and Carrie clutch are stunning enough without having to use a cover, yet give the option of using a cover, therefore maximizing their versatility.

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– The Dunham clutch comes with a leather handle and a base constructed from either soft suede or genuine Italian leather (choose from gold, brown, black or white).

– The Carrie clutch has no handle, but rather a stylish, -adjustable/removable chain. The Carrie base comes in leather and is firmer in structure for a sleek, sophisticated look. Both retail for $265.00.

– Choose one (or several) of the myriad of chic covers offered by the Dunham Collection that fit both the Dunham and Carrie clutches for a completely different look. The options are limitless: crisp linen, sexy snakeskin, modern sequined, metallic cork, burlap, suede, classic stripes or a monogrammed cover updated with crabs, anchors and more playful designs. There is a cover for every occasion no matter how casual or formal. In addition, there is no need to fumble with clunky buttons to fit your cover like with the Bermuda bag, simply put the cover over the Dunham bag and press the holes (in the cover) onto the studs for a brand new look. Since your base bag remains and you only change the cover, there is no more fussing with transferring the contents of your purse to another. Furthermore, Carrie Dunham has made it possible to travel with ONE handbag and multiple covers so every look is polished. Clutch covers range from $58.00-$84.00.

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– The entire line of Carrie Dunham handbags is proudly fashioned in the USA. For more information visit www.carriedunham.com