Designer Kyle Ng brings streetwear to television with fashion series, ‘Social Fabric’ returning this May on Fuse

Designer Kyle Ng and Social Fabric will return to Fuse Tuesday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Enter Kyle’s world, where clothing, culture, and style weave a fascinating story that reveals we are all cut from the same cloth.

For six half-hour episodes, host Kyle will take viewers on a vibrant and colorful journey across the globe, from NYC to Japan, from downtown LA and Nairobi as we meet an eclectic array of designers and collectors who show us the history and the culture behind the clothing we chose to put on our backs. This season Kyle will explore everything from camo to Hip-hop jewelry-preneurs to lifestyle clothing and beyond.

Kicking off the show’s return will be the rebellious flair of “Leather Jackets.” Kyle hits the road with bikers in Brooklyn and punk rockers in Japan, then arrive in Los Angeles where they make the most artistic leather jackets in the world. The following week on May 8, Kyle explores “Crazy Pants” culture – slipping into the zaniest pants in the world. He’ll team up with top designer Jay Kos in New York City, then travel to Japan to see far–out work pants designs. He’ll finish up in Bushwick to put the WTF into DIY pants culture.

The conversation continues on Fuse.tv with the digital series “Closet Tours,” offering a peek inside the closets of different designers including Jeff Hamilton, Daniel Nelson and Miguel Larios. And “Cool Stuff” has Kyle trying on different types of clothing, explaining the history behind his threads.

Social Fabric is the winner of a 2018 NAMIC “Lifestyle” Award.

Saks Fifth Avenue – 2016 Fall Preview Catalog

Fashion industry professionals are prepping for the upcoming fall season. Designers and retailers actively work behind the scenes; creating new visual displays to showcase merchandise and entice customers.

Saks Fifth Avenue is no exception.  The company provides an online 2016 Fall Preview catalog for shoppers to start planning their purchases.  A few of the trends shown include suede jackets, saddle bags, and motif designed clothing. There’s also hints of block heel pumps and plaid wrap midi skirts.

Shopping for the next season can be fun with the right store, merchandise, or price!

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.

The Teen Vogue Handbook: Insider’s Guide to Careers in Fashion | Review & Good Read for Everyone

The New York Times bestselling must-read, THE TEEN VOGUE HANDBOOK: An Insider’s Guide to Careers in Fashion (Razorbill; 9781595142610; on sale November 28, 2014; $24.95), now with 90% new content and updated for the digital age.

Teen Vogue Handbook

Since its launch in 2003, Teen Vogue has provided teens with the very best coverage of fashion, celebrities, entertainment, and features. THE TEEN VOGUE HANDBOOK offers interviews, profiles, and advice about how to break into this constantly evolving industry. This essential guide for anyone interested in fashion is now better than ever. The expanded edition is chock-full of brand-new photos, profiles of newcomers, descriptions of digital jobs, and up-to-the-minute career advice. It’s the ultimate behind-the scenes look at the designers, stylists, photographers, models, makeup artists, writers, and bloggers who run the industry.

THE TEEN VOGUE HANDBOOK features profiles of Jenna Lyons; Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen; Pamela Love; Warby Parker; Michelle Phan; Sophia Amoruso; Robin Givhan; Chanel Iman, and many more stylists, photographers, and major players. The all-new section on digital careers includes advice straight from editor-in-chief Amy Astley and the staff of Teen Vogue on how to grown an online brand and make a fashion statement! This edition covers changes in the fashion landscape that include bloggers and street style, and also includes a free one-year subscription to Teen Vogue.

 

My Review:

I have been a fan of Teen Vogue for several years.  The magazine provides the latest in fashion, celebrity style, and entertainment.  The Teen Vogue Handbook is the perfect extension of the brand because it gives an insiders guide to careers in fashion.  I suggest this book for up and coming fashion professionals as well as those working in the industry.

Teen Vogue Handbook

The handbook is divided into content chapters according to careers such as Designers, Editors, Digital, Stylist, Models, Beauty, and Photographers.  Of course I turned to the Digital chapter first, which features media moguls such as Leandra Medine, Natalie Massenet, Michelle Phan, Sophia Amoruso, and Robin Givhan to name a few.

In addition, The Teen Vogue Handbook shares how to start a career in fashion and the daily responsiblities associated with each job.  For example, designer Jenna Lyons shares “one day is never the same as the next; there are so many pieces and parts.  Most of the time, I go from one meeting to the next and don’t really get a break in between ” (Astley, 41.)

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The Teen Vogue Handbook

 

The handbook ends with the Career chapter giving tips on how to apply for internships, create a resume, social networking, and dressing to impress.  The Teen Vogue Handbook is a must read for the fashion intern or brand account manager.  Fashion is constantly changing and one must stay abreast of the latest trends (beyond accessories and style.)  Anna Wintour stated, “people have to go to school, learn their craft, and build a brand – that’s the right, healthy way to do things.  If you’re an overnight sensation, you can be yesterday’s news in no time, whereas building something slowly and carefully that has value and quality, that’s what’s going to have legs” (Astley, 114.)

Send an email to kim@stylelifefashion.com – let me know if you decide to purchase The Teen Vogue Handbook and share your favorite chapter!

Astley, A. (2014). The Teen Vogue Handbook: An Insider’s Guide to Careers in Fashion.  New York, New York: Razorbill.

Shalaja Swimwear Collection: Interview with Style + Life + Fashion

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview the owner and designer of Shalaja Swimwear.  Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Shaquoya Jackson decided to stop searching for the ‘sexy, flirty yet sophisticated’ swimwear she desired and create it herself.

Shaquoya

1. When did you realize you wanted to become a swimwear designer?

Well I have always loved fashion, modeling, and entertainment, and I always wanted to be a commercial model and be involved in the entertainment industry (Hosting or interviewing.)

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I realized I wanted to become a designer in 2011 after I prayed to God to show me my purpose in life. When he showed me my purpose thats when it became my passion!

2. How long does it usually take to construct a swimsuit? And what’s your favorite piece from the collection?

To actually create a sketch design only takes about 5-15 mins depending on if I already have an idea in mind. Sometimes I sketch images that I’ve pictured in my mind and sometimes I sketch and design as I go. To get the swimsuit made takes around 2 1/2 weeks. I have a few favorite pieces from the collection so this will be hard! I guess I would have to say Black Chic Monokini is my favorite because black looks nice on everyone, and the high fashion look/design plus the mesh cut outs makes me feel sexy!

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3. What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? What’s your inspiration?

My first article of clothing I ever designed was probably a skirt and top when I was in middle school. My first designed piece that was made was a swimsuit. My inspiration for my designs are everything that I like. If I see a print that I like on anything it may inspire me to use those colors or print. If I see a beautiful piece of clothing item it may inspire me to design a swimsuit a certain way. If I see a funky hairstyle it may inspire me to create a wild and crazy piece that would coordinate with the style. What inspires me in life is the fact that I am surrounded by striving, successful, and supportive people who works to achieve the best out of life and I want to do the same!

4. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?

Actually just making it to the point where I am now is an accomplishment for me. I started a business completely on my own; researching and gaining all of the knowledge that I can to make all of this happen! I was involved in Miami International Fashion Week 2013 as well as Alabama Fashion Week 2013. I will be showcasing new pieces in Hollywood, Ca for Facet Fashion Week 2014. I have been featured in Epok Online Magazine, and Life on The Water Magazine which is sold in barnes and nobles, yachts, etc. I have also had the opportunity to supply my alumni school, ASU, with suits for ballet dancers and their performance.

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5. Who are some of your favorite clothing brands?

I don’t have a favorite clothing brand. I wear everything and anything that I like. I mainly shop online at various stores, but I do love Versace and the luxurious prints used for their clothing.

6. What’s in the future for ShaLaJa Swimwear?

In the future ShaLaJa Swimwear will have a men’s line, kids line, exotic wear, beach lounge, and cover ups.

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About Shalaja Swimwear

The collections feature different ranges of pieces in an array of prints, styles, textures, colors and embellishments – from simple to space age, and everything in between. All collection highlights include creative monokinis, twisted two-pieces and one-pieces that cinch your figure into svelte mode. Future plans for ShaLaJa’ include exotic wear, beach wraps, lounge wear, hats, t-shirts and a children’s line.

Shalaja Swimwear

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Gwen Stefani Launches GX Collection with ShoeDazzle.com

Gwen Stefani’s new collection, titled gx launches today with ShoeDazzle.com The collection is a mixture between tomboy chic and old hollywood glamour; featuring diverse influencers such as tribal punk, and graphic black, red, white, and cobalt.

We’ve always been a fan of Gwen’s style so a collaboration with ShoeDazzle was the “perfect fit.”