Inspired by vintage Hollywood stars like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, this collection offered a glam nod to noir as well as timeless style.
Swing coats...Leather accents...
Silk Chiffon...Cigarette Pants...
Cutout Details...Princess Seams...
Spectacular Beading...Flowing Fabrics...
And here's a video I took...yep, that's Zang Toi and Cynthia Bailey sitting across from me.
Let's play a little game of my iPhone camera versus a professional photog's camera...guess whose wins.
Bold Prints...Gilded Glamour...
Theirs
Mine
Pretty Pleats...Jewel Tones...
Theirs
Mine
What did I learn? Two things. #1 Brazilian cowgirls (the collection's inspiration), are some fashionable chicks. #2 I need to bring my real camera next season.
Images courtesy of: Jay Shep Photography
Let's call them the four Rs: Retreat. Relax. Renew. Recharge. On a rainy Thursday afternoon, all four are welcomed into my world. I luckily had a chance to connect with some great folks and chomp on goodies created by Katrina Cunning. We also took away gift bags full of ah-mazing stuff like NYX Cosmetics, a Rumba Time Watch and the prettiest earrings from Stone Savant Jewelry (pic below). And since it was a Glamazon Diaries event, of course male models stopped by...
I was more than a little obsessed with the black truffle & thyme popcorn...
Makeda and Jordana...
One of the aforementioned male models...
Alex of Kenton Magazine and fashion stylist, Mia...
Here are the earrings you will see me donning everywhere very soon...
That evening, I stopped by Sephora at Columbus Circle to fete the end of fashion week at Ty's & Christen's Relax, Renew, Recharge event.
AT&T sponsored, this event was a great opportunity to catch up with folks and find new beauty products to "need". A very special part of the evening was winning the first of many giveaways (including AT&T smartphones!)
After rapping with Ehmonie of WhatsHaute.com and Lisa of "Yours in Bridal" fame, I made a bee line to the Bliss and Boscia sections with my $25 gift card. I loved my new gift card. See?
Structure, structure, structure...Mandarin collars...chic Colorblocking...Oversized outerwear...Color pops and a super-edgy take on Peplum...
BTW, I thought this model just refused to look at my iPhone camera...apparently she also did the sour-puss thing with Zimbio.
All images are courtesy of Zimbio. Well, except this crappy one; it's courtesy of my iPhone.
Images courtesy of: Will Ragozzino/BFAnyc.com
I gotta say that I look forward to quite a few things during fashion week: Checking out the season's must-buy looks, catching up with blogger buddies, spotting fun street style, cupcakes & champagne, beauty lounges, and the Glam Media dinner. Last season, I was blown away by the bevy of incredible guests mingling at Fred's at Barney's. The food? Even I, the pickiest eater around enjoyed every morsel of food served. So this season, I knew I'd be there...with bells on. Well actually, there were no bells, but I did saunter into Soho House in a topcoat that I want to make out with on a daily basis. Plus, this season the dinner was sponsored by fashion-week darling, American Express...swanky.
Anywhoo, I saw the other fantastic Glam Media publishers, including the lovely Tineey, Ty, Danielle, and Raijean. We had a blast celebrating the commencement of fashion week, talking fashion (and boys), and meeting new people.
I truly think our table had the most fun. I also think I am biased.
I had a few reasons for this season's abbreviated fashion week schedule. The main one is I felt it important to dodge the PETA paint that would inevitably splash the fur-clad folks stomping into the tents. Call it a misguided phobia, but getting caught in an impromptu red-paint "bloodbath" is terrifying.
Another? The frenetic pace of fashion week has often left me exhausted, famished, and with a pile of laundry the height of Mt. Kilimanjaro; I'm already a step ahead: my fall 2012 schedule yielded a simple molehill.
That said, I attended a handful of exceptional shows and events that I'm super excited to share with you!
The Daily Lounge photo courtesy of Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye.com
Since fashion week began, I've neglected my household duties something awful. In fact, I probably should be ashamed to admit that I can now go swimming in my dirty clothes. But yeah, I'm not. I will say that checking out gorgeous designs and hanging with the girls in the lounges have been well worth it. Here's a rundown of my favorite lounges this fashion week.
The Daily Lounge
There were a bunch of cool-looking folks here and yet, this swanky place felt spacious and inviting. I will certainly use John Freida Frizz-Ease 3 day-straight as I chug Liquid Lightning. I say this since I'll be stretching out my relaxer this month and well, things could get intense. Well played, The Daily.
Fashion Indie-Spa Week Lounge
#1 I met a fellow Brathwaite (Lester, a Fashion Indie editor). #2 I got the coolest manicure (vibrant, 80s pop art-Keith Haring colors). #3 Said manicure was done to perfection. Seriously, that's a big deal. If you've ever had a free manicure before, you know what I know: you typically get what you pay for.
Kimmie Smith for Sebago @ Robert Verdi's Lounge
From Saturday brunch to HSN appearances, Kimmie Smith is everywhere. I was so psyched to celebrate her new line for Sebago. I also chilled with her mom and sister. Total family affair. And the shoes are oh-so Kimmie. You'll see me rocking the orange and green joints soon, no doubt.
Lia Sophia Lounge
Last season, I was introduced to this purveyor of delish costume jewelry. This go-around, the spring collection did not let me down--at all. I snatched up a statement piece and a classic mesh necklace that doubles as a belt (on days I don't inhale honey-butter biscuits, of course).
P.S. If you look really, really hard, you'll see me (with my iPhone) on the right side of the runway next to the blond girl.
What do you get when you have eight burgeoning designers, supima cotton, and add in a little Rachel Zoe? You get the Supima Design Competition. The challenge for all eight designers was to create designs using "superior" pima (or supima) cotton.
I'm more than a little obsessed with contest winner, Jusil Carroll's unique take on the evening gown; it's equipped with an architectural hip detail, denim train, and leather embellishments. You know I love my leather.
Here's footage from the show...so many talented designers, so little time. Well, two minutes to be exact.
Another fun New York Fashion Week moment was hanging in the suites at the Empire Hotel. First stop was the Nintendo DS-Benefit Cosmetics-Essie nail polish suite. The girls and I stopped by, noshed, played a new Nintendo game, and got mini makeovers and new products in the Benefit Cosmetics room.
We also sat down for a manicure in the Essie room. Here's a picture of one of the best beauty reps I've ever met. She was so knowledgeable and passionate about the brand. I had to take a picture.
After that, we went down to the Lia Sophia suite. We spotted Reshma Shetty from USA Network's "Royal Pains" and drooled over the gorgeous Industrielle jewelry. I had my eye on the Concentric Square Ring in matte gold with black diamond crystals. It is phenomenal, no?
Rather than go to the Nautica Men's Fall 2011 presentation and report which boys were the cutest, I figured I'd enlist a dude to actually *gasp* look at the clothes.
Enter Brian. Brian is my infamously-awkward-yet-unquestionably-stylish marketing-genius friend. In fact, his nickname was once,"Google Man". I challenged him to describe the collection in 155 clever words or less. He succeeded.
These Are the Pops
"They really did a great job of highlighting the Nautica lifestyle. It's about the basics: white, black, navy, gray, and camel with added "pops." The pops of color were the orange (I loved) and the Nautica-branded pops."
The Prince & the Pea (Coat)
"Nothing says classic outerwear like the pea coat. And theirs was well made, tailored, and on point. Easily the highlight.
I also liked their trench. Comes in the obvious navy as well as a brown-knit pattern featuring a collar with a plaid undercarriage (guess it's made to be popped)."
Who's Afraid of Eavesdropping? Not Bri!
"I briefly got the ear of Nautica Creative Director Chris Cox. And by "got the ear of", I mean I patiently waited and eavesdropped on his conversation with real fashionistas. He talked about the luxurious sophistication of the Nautica brand.
My take? Nautica should "own" outerwear for fall '11. Be basic and deliver high quality styles. If this winter was any indication of weather to come, America needs more pea coats."
COLOR-COLOR-COLOR, FEMININE FROCKS & FUR-OCIOUS FUR!
SEE WHAT'S HUE!
Mohair. Fringe. Sparkles. Sheers. Ostrich Feathers.
Wanna see more from Binetti Fall/Winter 2011? Click here to see my album!
(l to r: San Tara, Chantal, and Misha)
Only one Fashion Week event could make me whip out a body-hugging animal print dress...Cocktails & Couture! I was stoked to be in the Aveda Lifestyle Salon with some of my favorite Twitter peeps, social media mavens, and beauty and fashion influencers.
Cocktails & Couture is an event that happens every season during Fashion Week founded by the gorgeous beauty expert, Lianne Farbes. We networked, laughed, sampled products, and ate candy from the Hypnotiq candy bar (yup, THAT Hypnotiq). There were shellac manicures by CND and makeup application by Victoria Stiles as well.
Let me say this...I am super excited at runway shows and my hand gets shaky. That plus not having the best angle leads to random audience shots and interesting versions of the looks. I'll call them "action shots".
I figured I'd give you my image and one shot by a NY Mag photographer. Why? Because I love you...and I have no shame.
um, here's mine.
Er, perhaps I should've raised the camera (just a bit). Hey, you can't say my pics don't have personality!
For more looks from the show, check out New York Mag.com!
Josie Natori created a serene, Japanese tea ceremony to present her fall 2011 collection.
Here are some of my favorite looks.
Wide leg pants are still going strong.
Chunky accessories played a HUGE role (get it...HUGE?).
And speaking of accessories, this scarf is leather..lea-ther.
Madame Natori. Tell me how someone so tiny can be such a powerhouse!
Behold, the SPIRITUAL WARRIOR: where the heavenly veil meets the earthly turban.
OK imagine a BRAIDED flapper-era dress made with a sweetheart neckline. Seriously, the pic doesn't do it justice. This dress is like Supreme Court justice and my pic is more like TV court justice (from a fashion perspective).
I was awe-struck when I saw the model's fingers; they almost looked like they were dipped in black paraffin wax. My backstage beauty friend will give me the story and I'll report back. Oh-oh-oh you can also see a close up of MY dress!
Wanna see more Mara Hoffman 2011? Check out my photo album!
Ty from Hey Bella Blog was kind enough to give me a ticket to Christian Siriano. The fashion gods though, had something else in mind for me. I was late for the show because I was at the Kim Crawford wine bar meeting one of my favorite supermodels...Pat Cleveland. I know, I know. Huge!
Nichelle from 55 Secret Street said, "Oh Shaunequa, let me introduce you to Pat Cleveland." Luckily there was no time for me to spazz out (well, I did tell her I illegally used her image as my Facebook profile picture).
She turned around and said I was "so glamorous"...PAT CLEVELAND!!
My heart stopped. My blood stopped circulating. My brain synapses stopped synapsing. All I could do was reach into my bag and take out my hot pink camera holder. I snuggled up, rested my head on hers, and posed. After that, it's all a blur.
Press credentials? Check. Comfortable footwear? Check. Caffeinated beverage? Check-a-roo! I'm so excited to give you all the scoop from New York Fashion Week for another season. Follow me on Twitter for instant updates!
Along with a challenge to attend more shows each season, I jotted down a few more goals for myself. If you have any other ideas, holler at your blogger:
1. Meet great people.
2. Document crazy-fashionable street style.
3. Spot ALT and tell him that I love him.
Image courtesy of www.counterfeitchic.com
4. When randomly photographed behind celebs like *ahem* DVF, DON'T get caught making a butt-terrible facial expression (this stupid expression is almost comparable to a facial tick. Yes, I'm considering psychotherapy.)
5. Have fun! Whether standing on line waiting for a show or getting chummy with a new Twitter friend, I will remember I'm very lucky to be there and share EVERYTHING I see with you.
Remember last season when I literally brushed shoulders with Rachel Zoe? If you weren't following me on Twitter, you missed that fashion action. Who knows what'll happen this season!
So be sure to follow me Twitter.com/TempleofGlam as I report live from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2011!
Click here to enter the Shop Bop-DVF Contest!
Nathan Jenden S/S '11 Image courtesy of The Shophound
Well well well. We made it to the final chapter of my fashion week recap. Though I went back to my weekday routine, in the last few days, I sat right behind Diane Von Furstenberg at one of the shows and took a pic of the back of Miss Jay's head. Yes, both occurrences took place at the same show, but nevertheless check it out.
Sunday 9/12:
Diane Von Furstenberg S/S '11 Live Stream
I was invited with some of my favorite bloggers, and some of the same girls from Cocktails and Couture the other night, to witness artistry in motion. The Diane Von Furstenberg live stream at her store. It was incredible. See for yourself.
Monday 9/13:
Haute Social
I grabbed a cocktail (yup, only one; it packed a punch!) and chatted it up with a bunch of fun people. I saw pictures from last year's Haute Social so I was super excited about it this season. I wasn't disappointed--at all.
Wednesday 9/15:
Nathan Jenden
So this is it. The moment I had been waiting for...Diane Von Furstenberg and Miss Jay (that's the back of his head. I'm officially a stalker) were both sitting in front of me. Check out the pic below. I'm the one with the hot pink stars around her head! Oh and seriously, the Nathan Jenden show had more models of color than any of the S/S '11 shows I saw COMBINED. And the clothes as well as "The Wizard of Oz" /"The Wiz" yellow-brick-road-themed runway were sick.
DVF Image Courtesy of The Shophound
Thursday 9/16:
Rebecca Moses
I rounded out Fashion Week with a brilliant array of mix and match patterns, boxy tops, feminine skirts, and bat-winged eyes. Of course, right...it's spring! I give major (read: mad) props to the model on the right. A gross, "videographer" was taking pics of her legs and slowly creeping up them and as she continuously gave him "you're such a loser" looks, he finally stopped.
Well, that's it! See you next season. If you want to read my entire fashion week recap, click here!
This year, I find myself doing the unspeakable: leaving town during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (it's only a day trip, but I'm pretty sure a fashion god is crying somewhere in heaven). The good part is, as I prep for my trip, I have some free time on my hands today to partake in a little New York Fashion Week action.
So I'll be heading to a few shows, going home to change, and hitting the town for Fashion's Night Out. Check me out on Twitter to stay up on the latest. Remember my last post about me and my crew hitting up Fashion's Night Out? Here's the tentative schedule for tonight. Meet us out if you're around!
First stop:
We're going to Henri Bendel for the Frederic Fekkai-Marchesa event. The Fekkai-Marchesa teams will be recreating red carpet looks donned by Hollywood starlets for real women.Olivia Palermo will help to style the red carpet looks.For $75 you get a professional-quality digital and print picture of yourself donning an award-worthy look put together by a personal dresser. Proceeds go to the official FNO charity.
Second stop:
The peeps at Phyto, Lierac, and Caron are putting together a FNO event, which will feature scalp analyses, product samples, and champagne. And seriously, my crew and I have never met a free glass of champagne/sparkling wine/hard cider that we didn't like.
Third stop:
We'll make our way to the Charlotte Ronson, "I HEART RONSON" event. Charlotte Ronson and Michelle Trachtenberg will be offering styling tips as FNO guests peruse the JCP-exclusive collection. On the 1s & 2s? DJ Samantha Ronson, of course! After partaking in that and obvi, washing down "Fashion Eats Cupcakes" sweets with Hob Nob wine, we'll move on.
Fourth stop:
I'll be on the look out for super-gorgeous Sessilee Lopez who's to host a fete in honor of her Modelina magazine cover. There will be cupcakes and bebidas there as well and like, we can't be rude. We will also join the crowd, which will view IRO's and Erickson Beamon's collections. Maybe we will win the one-of-a-kind pieces from the designers!
Fifth stop:
DVF is partnering with HP and Refinery 29 for the DVF + HP Experience Lounge . I'm sure at least one of us will slip into the photo booth in our Refinery 29-styled outfit.Can't wait to see what else is up their ridiculously chic sleeves.
Last stop:
Teen Vogue-ASOS Block Party! We'll join the crowd and check out some great boutiques on Bleeker St.
Note: There is a very strong chance that we'll add places as we go along. Check us out on Twitter. If you're out, holler. If not, just peep us and see how much foolishness we get into and how many fantabulous fashion girls and boys we see. I'm shooting *haha* to take pics of really cool looks I see out.
