Columbus Fashionista

BUCKEYE JEANS Cincinnati Launch June 4, 2010

2010-06-07T16:46:00.001-07:00

So, just as planned I launched my denim line, BUCKEYE JEANS, in my hometown last Friday.
A bunch of close friends came by and many purchased the "Cincinnati Fashionista" tee, underwear and the new necklaces. So many people I went to Walnut Hills with showed the love!

Luckily only one ex-bf showed up (Thank God!) and he said he was proud of me and apologized for being a dog back in the day. Wow! Oprah said they never do that.

Pics From Summer 2010 Trunk Show/Red Carpet Reception

2010-05-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

May 14, 2010 - Step N Out Boutique - Columbus, OH

Friends, family, co-workers came out to support BUCKEYE JEANS and its first trunk show.

Photos Courtesy Docuvent Photography

My Interview With JWORK TV From the Trunk Show

2010-05-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

My inspiration for the line and the future of Buckeye Jeans

First Lady Frances Strickland Supports Buckeye Jeans!

2010-04-26T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today, I went to the Statehouse to meet State Senator Eric Kearney as he arrived from Cincinnati to Columbus after his walk to fight childhood obesity.

While there, it was a pleasure to meet Ohio's 1st Lady, Frances Strickland, who showed her support for BUCKEYE JEANS and her advisor, Judy bought a pair!

Increase CDC's Micro Entrepreneur Awards

2010-04-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

A wonderful event held at the Columbus Christian Center.
Local entrepreneurs and those who just finished the Increase CDC business class were honored.

Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo delivered the keynote address

New graduates

A drumline performed

I met dozens of people that gave me their business cards and enjoyed hearing about Buckeye Jeans. Hope to see you May 14th..Step Out Boutique!
It was a pleasure to meet Fanchon Kent of Miss Black Ohio and Pamela Lowery of Favor Magazine.

Gucci To Launch Kids Line!

2010-04-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Gucci To Launch Kids Line!

Check Out The Looks I Created On Polyvore!!

2010-04-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

Polyvore.com is a site that allows you to mix and match items found in web stores as a VIRTUAL stylist. I LOVE THIS SITE!!
What do u think of my 3 looks?

Reunion, Exec., Wedding by Alona Elisha Ballard featuring Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

Items in this set:
Asymmetric jersey dress, $1,480
TIBI NY 19920097 TOMATO SILK E3202, 275 GBP
Welikefashion.com - Dress Dot Black by Sessun
Animal-print goat-hair jacket, $4,300
Patent Ballet Flat - Salmon, $515

Great Beauty Breakthrough!

2010-04-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

We can put a man on the moon, but until now we didn't have a REALLY long lasting nailpolish. NO MORE!

reprinted from Essence.com
There's something so exhilarating about exiting a salon rocking a fabulous new nail color--you feel special, girly, "polished" (pardon the pun). The inevitable let-down comes a few days later, when your polish starts to chip, turning your exquisite manicure into a hot mess. Thankfully, in May, the geniuses at Creative Nail Design are launching Shellac Hybrid Nail Color, a revolutionary line of twelve shade that apply like polish (base coat, color, top coat), but stay put for two weeks without chipping or fading! Here's how the in-salon treatment works: The technician applies the product and then cures it in a UV light so there's no dry time. To remove, the nails are wrapped in Shellac Remover Wraps (acetone-soaked cotton pads that target the nail directly, limiting your skin's exposure to the chemical). Voila, fourteen days of super-glossy,chip free nails!

Dueling denim dealers

2010-03-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from Dispatch.com

Dueling denim dealers
Two premium jeans retailers are opening in the Short North
Saturday, March 27, 2010 2:51 AM
By Tim Feran

Jeff Hinckley | DIspatch
National Jean Co. will open in Dr. Mojoe's old location, shown here. Some of Mojoe's workers will be at Voodoo.
So the opening of two premium jeans stores in the Short North within a few weeks of each other might come as no surprise.

What might be surprising is that the stores are literally across the street from each other: National Jean Co. at 761 N. High St., in the former home of premium jeans store Dr. Mojoe; and Voodoo Denim Lounge at 780 N. High St., in what was previously Norka Futon.

"Having two of them right across the street from each other increases both of their odds of being successful - if they are strong operators," said Chris Boring, president of Columbus-based retail consultancy Boulevard Strategies. "Fashion is a selection-driven category. Shoppers will go to places where they have more choices, especially for items you don't see at all of the malls."

"It's a great area," said Helen Kim, director of operations at National Jean. "I love this street. This specific location pulls from the suburbs, it pulls from campus. It's a general mixture. All these neighborhood shops offer a lifestyle that lends itself to a day of shopping. There's a lot to do here."

"Exactly," said Voodoo Denim Lounge owner Cindy Zafar. "I think that only benefits us both. The more places you have, the more people come down. It's why people go to Easton or to the mall. That's why we chose the area - you can hit a gallery, a store, a restaurant, all in one area."

Sales trends also favor the two stores.

While total U.S. apparel market sales decreased 5.2 percent in 2009, the NPD Group reported that sales in the $13billion denim industry grew by 3.5 percent.

Jeans differ from other apparel categories in that price is not the key factor for most shoppers. According to Cotton Incorporated, a trade association, 50 percent of consumers say the most important feature for a jeans purchase is fit, followed by style (19 percent).

National Jean, a big name in the world of high-end denim, began in 1992 in Long Island, N.Y., and has painstakingly pursued its customers - who are almost entirely women - by super-

serving them.

The Short North store will be the company's first Midwest location; its other 11 are on the East Coast.

"We do only one new store a year," Kim said. "It's not about opening a million stores, but one store correctly. "

National Jean will have roughly a dozen employees when it opens next week, "then probably add more," Kim said.

"It's not self-service. That's the whole point of a specialty store. We're here to give individual attention."

Those employees will draw on 15 to 20 brands - approximately 1,500 pairs of jeans squeezed into the roughly 2,000-square-foot store - to find exactly the right fashion and fit for customers.

The personal attention is so important to the company that it asks its main vendors to regularly hold seminars with employees to train them on brand specialties and how various fits relate to body types.

And executives visit the stores weekly.

"I learn more by spending two hours in a store than five hours reading papers," Kim said. "I'm in my 13th year (with the company), and I'm still in contact with customers from my first year."

Such meticulous attention to customers is important for premium denim because the prices might otherwise scare them away. National Jean's prices start around $110, typically sell somewhere between $170 and $190, and a few will top out in the $220 to $250 range, Kim said.

Local startup Voodoo Denim Lounge is cut from the same fabric. Zafar has been on the floor as a matter of course, serving customers alongside the store's five or so employees since last week's opening. The staff includes former Dr. Mojoe veterans Kim Hughes and Kevin Van Order, "who is kind of known in the area as the denim expert," Zafar said.

Like National Jean, Voodoo focuses on premium denim and also carries other apparel. Unlike National Jean, Voodoo sells both men's and women's jeans, although more of the latter.

For Zafar, fashion has "always been a passion," but selling jeans isn't just about being hip.

"To me, it's all about people, which is why I'm doing it with Kim and Kevin," she said. "We're all three involved in the buying of the product and managing the store ... . Everyone has a hand in it.

"The same goes with customers. I've been in customer service for 15years" at AT&T and Bank One, she said. "That's key to us - building relationships, getting to know the people who work around here, the neighborhood we're in, asking about family when familiar faces come in."

That focus on customers is why Voodoo isn't just a lounge in name only.

"We've got a pool table in the store, so if a girl comes in to look at jeans with her boyfriend, they can shoot pool and hang out a little bit. It's different for Columbus," Zafar said.

While opening such unusual, upscale businesses "is scary in this economy," Boring said, there is reason for optimism. "Pricey retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch and others are starting to make a comeback in revenues.

"The Short North continues to fill some of the huge void in fashion-goods merchandise in the central part of the city left when City Center closed."

tferan@dispatch.com

EVENT TONITE HONORING MILK BAR

2010-03-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

{milk bar}
Voted Best Fashion Boutique in the Columbus Alive

Would like to thank you for voting us number one with
a night of complimentary drinks and food.

March 18th
10-12 a.m.

@ THE SOCIAL
a refuge in the arena district
-527 Park Street
-Open to the Public 21 and over

also that night

Zach Sin Present's
The {milk bar} Spring Fashion Show

-Hair By Kat Sasfy & T.J Reed
-Make up by Makenzie Smith

March 18th at The Social
527 Park Street

http://thescoialroom.net
http://milkbarboutique.com

Spotted at Milk Bar was business partner, Kareem, wearing the local line, DRY CLEAN ONLY.
Fabulous!

Hotties spotted at the library

2010-03-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

Willie of Hilliard In Shirt by Express
Spotted clutching law books.

A studious fashionista Kristin of Dublin(right, her mom left)wearing Stella jeans a shirt from Macy's paired this combo with a gray Coach purse.
3/11/10 5:45pm Hilliard Library

Discovered a Great Blog

2010-03-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

Please check out
Pink Diamond PR It's great to see another Columbus resident that is passionate about fashion.
Add it to your faves!

Product Review: L'Oreal 360 Cleanser

2010-02-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

The ads for this product got me! I tried it, I liked it. The scrubber that comes with it is a great exfoliator and my skin feels great.

Website Posts 2010 Annual Listing of Real Business Grants

2010-02-17T11:53:00.000-08:00

Reprinted from
www.dantelee.com

The National Institute of Small Business Grants, a leading global resource for business funding, has published their annual 2010 listing of business grant opportunities. The extensive listing is available online at www.BusinessGrants.org, and is free to the public.

Nike, Microsoft, Intuit, Pepsi, MillerCoors, and IBM are just a few of the companies listed who have programs that are designed to give business grants away this year. Organizations include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dayton Foundation, IFA Educational Foundation and the PepsiCo Foundation. Government agencies include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), FTA (Federal Transit Administration), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and more.

A business grant is a unique form of funding whereas cash awards are given to entrepreneurs and business owners when they qualify for the specified guidelines. There is typically no expectation of repayment. Such grants are given away by major corporations for charity and public relations purposes, but are also given away by non-profits and government agencies to help rebuild or strengthen small business communities.

Because the Internet is saturated with so much fraudulent information pertaining to business grants, BusinessGrants.org was launched in 2008 as the official online resource for real and legit funding opportunities. The site reports on all avenues of business funding, and features exclusive and original news, tips, videos, and a daily blog.

The site also has a Twitter account (@BizGrants) and a YouTube channel to support their social media outreach.

For more details, visit:

www.BusinessGrants.org

Men's Christian Louboutin--What Do We Think?

2010-02-07T07:46:00.000-08:00

Yea or Nay on Louboutins for men?
And..ladies..
Would you date a man who had a more expensive shoe collection than you?

1st sample

2010-01-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

A Fashionable Way To Help Haiti

2010-01-26T16:51:00.001-08:00

I already liked Ralph Lauren and now I LOVE him.
Buy one of these limited edition polos..
Unlike some companies that only give a portion of proceeds..in this case
100% of proceeds go to relief efforts in Haiti.

buy it here

First Lady Clothing Repeats

2010-01-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm reading--Michelle Obama First Lady of Fashion and Style by Susan Swimmer.

And like most of us mere mortals, She too repeats great look.
In the book.. see her rock the dramatic white blouse/cardigan/wide belt twice

And..speaking of the First Family

WTF! The President Can't Be A Model

The White House isn’t happy about the latest Times Square billboard advertisement, saying the president’s image is not supposed to be used for commercial purposes.

The latest celebrity ad to grace a Times Square billboard doesn’t feature an athlete, rock star or actor. It’s President Obama sporting a black jacket made by the company Weatherproof.

But the White House isn’t happy about the newest exposure, saying the president’s image — captured by The Associated Press during his November trip to the Great Wall in Badaling, China — is not supposed to be used for commercial purposes.

“The White House has a longstanding policy disapproving of the use of the president’s name and likeness for commercial purposes,” White House spokesman Ben LaBolt said in a written statement.

Trends of the Decade

2009-12-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

As 2009 comes to a close, "How Not To Look Fat" author, Danica Lo, lists the decade's top trends.
Anything missing from the list? Did you wear these with pride? Weigh in.

A decade of trends
Style of the ’00s: Good, bad, Ugg-ly
By DANICA LO

When is a trend a good trend? When it’s over. Love ’em or leave ’em behind, the ’00s will go down in history as the decade that gave us skinny pants and clunky footwear, scrappy-haired manorexics and bug-eyed stick-insect starlets, overpriced jeans and overdone velour. Here are our 10 biggest fashion trends of the decade — for better or for worse.

THE RACHEL ZOE LOOK

Rachel Zoe, a veteran Hollywood stylist (far left) who built a career on perfect taste, an eye for vintage and a knack for pulling glamorous gowns, finally found her fame by creating one of the decade’s most iconic looks. Zoe’s signature — dressing super-skinny starlets in boho get-ups, tons of accessories and huge shades — is seen here on Mary-Kate Olsen and Nicole Richie (pictured).

VELOUR TRACK SUITS

Juicy Couture started as a maternity jeans company in the late 1990s, but it wasn’t until the Juicy Couture tracksuit made its debut in 2001 that the company became a household name — and a retail success, earning more than $45 million that year. The low-slung, flared sweatpants and slim-fit hoodie have since become ubiquitous — gracing the backs of nearly every celeb in Tinseltown. The Juicies reached a fashion high in 2003, when Vogue flew designers Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor to Couture Week in Paris, and Dior designer John Galliano told them he wears his Juicy Couture sweatpants to work every day.

TRUCKER HATS

Popularized by celebs such as Pharrell Williams and Ashton Kutcher, trucker hats were the trademark of too-cool-for-conventional glitterati. The rapid rise and fall of Von Dutch — helmed from 2002 to 2004 by Christian Audigier, the same evil genius behind Ed Hardy! — left the trend dead and long forgotten by 2005.

UGGS:The Uggi-fication of America reached a high point this decade. The ubiquitous Ugg boots — sheep for your feet — are one of Australia's hottest exports, with up to four-month waiting lists every winter. No surprise, since they go with everything, from mini-dresses to jeans. Well, kind of.

EMO:This decade’s teen angst was best measured in guyliner. The mainstream emo scene (mainstreamo?), born from heartstring-tugging emotional rock surrounding bands such as Dashboard Confessional, Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz (above right) and Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, created a generation of smudgy-eyed, flat-ironed, skinny-jeaned, androgynous kids — a demographic that single-handedly keeps Hot Topic in business.

CROCS:Whatever you do, don’t call them plastic! Crocs were born in 2002 to a Colorado-based manufacturer that acquired the design from Canadian company Foam Creations. By 2007, Crocs were selling more than 30 million pairs a year worldwide — to everyone from outdoorsmen to soccer moms. The footwear trend may wind up a relic of this decade, though — the company reported a loss of $22.4 million at the end of its first quarter this year.

HIPSTERS:With the publication of “The Hipster Handbook” in 2003, hipsters became cemented in pop culture — a disaffected generation of upper-middle-class young adults sharing interests including but not limited to indie rock, thrift-stores, creative haircuts, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and Converse. They can be found in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, or at a Misshapes party.

$$$ SHOES:Thanks to Carrie Bradshaw’s impossibly expensive (Seriously? She’s a writer!) shoe collection, American women were seized by designer-shoe mania this decade. Manolos and Louboutins and Jimmy Choos, oh my. $1,000 footwear fetishes also contributed to the birth of high-low dressing — designer shoes with H&M? Yes, please.

LEGGINGS:The most flagrant fashion faux pas of the late '00s? Hands down, the leggings-as-pants phenomenon. While the '80s had shiny stirrups, the noughties relished spandex of the footless variety. Celebs such as Lindsay Lohan and the Olsen twins loved leggings so much, they even started selling their own. But while the garment’s stretchiness is democratic, its fit is not.

SEAN JOHN:By far, one of the greatest retail successes of the decade that doesn’t make us want to barf is Sean John — the label launched in the late '90s by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. An early entry in the celebrity clothing-line genre — with staying power, that is — the label hosted the first nationally televised New York Fashion Week show in February 2001 and has expanded to produce all categories of sportswear, accessories and fragrances.

LOW-RISERS:

Denim reached a new low this decade — in terms of rise, that is. Stars such as Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilera shamelessly dared to bare their hipbones and more, spurring a nationwide, um, crack epidemic. As waistbands got lower, G-strings got higher (as well as fancier and more bejeweled) — until 2006, when Paris and Britney Spears decided to dispense with underwear altogether.

Is This a Jeans Commercial or Porn??

2009-12-30T21:33:00.000-08:00

I understand that fashion has taken quite a hit in this economy and you gotta do what you gotta do to sell product, but this Calvin Klein commercial could make Adam Lambert blush.

Pantone Unveils Color of the Year for 2010

2009-12-29T22:23:00.000-08:00

PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise

Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times

CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 8, 2009 –Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the color of the year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

In fashion, Turquoise makes a statement that can look elegant and dressy in fine silk and gemstones, or casual and fun in cotton and athletic apparel. Because of its versatility, Turquoise is a great accent color in jewelry, purses, shoes, hair accessories and even nail polish for women, and ties, shirts and sportswear for men.

Sex and the City 2 Trailer

2009-12-23T10:19:00.001-08:00

Mary Had a Little Sunglass Line

2009-12-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

Quote From Mary:
"I don't know if you watched me sing the national anthem on the World Series with the Yankees. But the glasses I wore and then took off are from the Melodies line. I had to put them on display [laughs]. I designed those myself along with the eyeglass designing company [SpyOptics]. It's my version of what I wear. I have a lot of sunglasses that I'm fond of, so I took my favorite pairs and said, "Let's try to figure out something from these." And they figured it out."

And..don't miss your chance to smell like Mary too!

"I also have a perfume line coming out next year under Carol's Daughter called My Life. I did all the work, smelling different scents every single day. I put in a lot of time to make this perfume work because I wanted it to smell like when people compliment me and ask, "What are you wearing, Mary?" So I made a version of what it is I wear, trying to figure out what it was that got to them."

New York Trip Productive--Jeans Line On The Way

2009-12-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

Just got back from NYC where I met with Walter of Walter Pattern Services. He's a delightful, immensely talented F.I.T. grad who is taking on the job of making my
jeans line dream a reality!

Booty-ful From Behind

2009-12-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Victoria's Secret model, Selita Ebanks, has lifted the lid on one of the MANY secrets that Victoria has.
The leggy stunner admits that before an angel gets her wings and flutters down the runway, her posterior is painted to perfection.

Her quote:

"It's all about creating the illusion of this amazing body on the runway. People don't realize that there are about 20 layers of makeup on my butt alone."

It doesn't take a genius to see that the economy has REALLY affected the fashion industry.
Now, a shoe designer has made a statement in that regard.

Designer Stuart Weitzman is giving his Million Dollar Shoe the boot for next year's Oscars, Page Six reports. He explained, "With so many people struggling financially, and unemployment at 10 percent, I don't think it is appropriate. The actresses still want to go for glamour, but this year it will be more understated."

Would You Wear These Shoes??

2009-12-16T16:50:00.000-08:00

Maybe Katy Perry could pull these off..

Fabulous Coat!

2009-12-15T16:01:00.000-08:00

The Jennifer Hudson Christmas Special had a high fashion highlight!
It's by Burberry!

Buy a similar one
here on BlueFly.com

Male Model Face Off!

2009-12-10T15:22:00.000-08:00

Who's Hotter
Gucci Model, Adam Senn

or
Model/Actor Nick Denbeigh

Weigh in..can't wait for your comments

Jennifer Hudson Wears My Favorite Wig On Oprah

2009-11-30T15:14:00.000-08:00

Lovin' the hair on J-Hud on today's Oprah featuring holiday duets.
When on the couch, Oprah totally gushed over J-Hud, her new baby and her upcoming role as Winnie Mandela --ignoring Sugarland.

In pic below..same hair..
Showing that you don't have to be a size 0 to look fabulous in Versace.

SPRING 2010 Ready To Wear

2009-11-18T15:14:00.001-08:00

Balmain was among several lines to show silver pants/leggings. The pointy shoulders are still hot! I would wait in line overnight for one of these jackets!

Chanel went girly..Mary had a little couture.

Love this preppy look from Versace. I'll wear leg warmers to sub for knee-high sandals.

marc jacobs

More military influence from Balmain

Pink Hair Spotted In Plain City

2009-10-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

This lady makes pink hair almost look natural. Spotted at a gas station off 71 South..she brings pink out of its punk funk and into the mainstream. Do we like?

What I Wore Today

2009-10-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

This outfit is one of my favorite Goodwill finds. Every item is 2nd hand..even the Nine West boots..(yeah, can u believe someone gave this stuff away??)

Nia Long--Stunning!

2009-10-02T15:35:00.001-07:00

Now officially getting my "hottest chick in the game" award, Nia Long.

I wish I could have her hair and makeup crew for one night!
Can't wait to see Nia in the documentary, GOOD HAIR.

BTW...how is it that she looks younger

now than in 1991's Boyz In The Hood?

Over the Knee Boots..Yay or Nay?

2009-09-28T14:39:00.000-07:00

They look great on Jessica and Halle..but will you, a Columbus Fashionista wear them?
Weigh in..would you or ARE you wearing this trend in Fall?

And if you have a great pair..send a pic!

THE STORE IS NOW OPEN!

2009-09-26T20:56:00.001-07:00

Purchase Columbus Fashionista gear at the link below!!
More to come!!

Best Dressed At Re-Opening of the Brownstone

2009-09-19T00:29:00.000-07:00

A number of fine fashionistas came out to the re-opening of the Brownstone. No fashion don'ts in the house. Here's a few standouts:

Erin in Express

Chantel..great dress. Shoes by Baby Phat

Julia in Bebe, Me in Forever 21

Four Lovely Ladies

Kevin in Vintage Rag, Sherry in White House/Black Market

Calvin in Faconnable

Mascara Face Off

2009-09-16T18:20:00.001-07:00

The search for the best mascara is over. DiorShow vs. DiorIconic..

Which do you pick as the winner? While they both look great and the difference is subtle. I chose Iconic.

And..I am so excited that I have finally replaced what WAS my favorite lip gloss, LORAC lip polish in Tender with something that isn't DISCONTINUED. DiorAddict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Linen Beige or 317.

Both lip colors are ones that I saw mentioned that Alicia Keys wears and knew they'd look good on me.

Big thanks to Felicia at the Dior Counter, Macy's Easton!

Rachel Zoe Weighs In On Fall Trends

2009-09-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Over the knee boots? Check.. Liquid leggings? Hmmm..RZ takes us shopping.
click here

Who Doesn't Want to be RICH & SKINNY?

2009-09-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

One of the hippest status-jean lines is Rich & Skinny. I love the name..love the jeans (especially the 'super skinny' in black) and the designers also feature a web show on their site. How awesome..a storyline behind your clothes..I wish I'd done it first.
watch the show here

Christian Siriano For Payless

2009-09-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been to Payless in awhile..my how things have changed.
One of Project Runway's Standout stars, Christian Siriano, has a shoe line
for Payless. Take a look.

When the shoes arrive at Payless, they are toned down a bit.
I'll let you know when they're available. It's great that even low price point style has celeb fans. Here's Mena Suvari in Christian Siriano for Payless.

Baroness Monica von Neumann Is Interior Design Royalty

2009-09-12T08:49:00.001-07:00

From Detroit to Baroness..Quite a story. Note to moms..send your daughters to Swiss finishing schools.
I'd like to see her closet.

As a small child growing up in the oftimes dreary world that is Detroit, never in Monica's wildest dreams did she imagine that she would be given a royal title, not to mention be a dazzling doyenne of Hollywood, Palm Springs and Europe.

As a youngster, Monica's family moved from Detroit to Los Angeles where she studied dance and modeled for Yves St. Laurent and Dior which took her to Europe in her teens. Her beauty and poise granted her access to circles which included Sonny Bono, who introduced her to Austrian Baron John von Neumann -- the first importer of Volkswagens to the U.S. and son of the doctor to the King of England and Spain.

After a few years, Monica went to a Swiss finishing school under the tutledge of Baroness Heidi von Salvisburg of Vienna and again ran into Baron von Neumann. The two fell in love, were married where she gained her title, 'Baroness' and eventually had a daughter.

Moving in exclusive cicrles as a Baroness, she travelled between homes in Geneva, Cannes, New York, Palm Springs, and Bel Air. Tragically, she lost her husband, Baron von Neumann to cancer in 2003.

After a few years of mourning, the Baroness is now poised to show her skills to the world, she now spends her time with her now grown up daughter, doing interior design for friends and family, writing and is currently working on a TV show on etiquette, interior design, entertaining, etiquette, and culinary arts. She has renovated and revamped her many homes-all of which include items from bargain shops (Target and Pier 1, for example) to vintage and high-end design boutiques.

Oh..and like me..she has a blog

Clintonville Welcomes Hipster Baby Boutique

2009-09-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from ColumbusUnderground.com
Bye-bye, boring bibs and generic onesies. Nowadays part of the fun of raising a wee one is the ability to show off your parental spunk, and Lottie Da baby boutique in north Clintonville aims to outfit babies and toddlers in the coolest threads imaginable. Owned by Amy Routh and her husband Adam, Lottie Da opened two weeks ago at 4705 North High Street. In addition to clothing and toys the boutique carries custom nursery décor, bedding, accessories, and gifts. “Our products are very unique and designed to put a smile on your face,” Amy said. She offers a baby shower registry and is the only U.S. retailer to carry the Scandinavian Snoozy and British clothkits brands.
Lottie Da’s custom design offerings drastically set it apart from other baby retailers. Clients can work with Amy and her local seamstress to select fabrics, crib bedding, and curtains for custom-made diaper bags and nurseries. And since forty percent of the items at Lottie Da are homemade, much of the store has a one-of-a-kind feel. Amy is particularly smitten with her boys clothing selection. “It’s hard to find edgy boys clothing but I tracked down some amazing designers from Chicago and Brooklyn, and even some punk-rockabilly stuff from L.A.,” she said.
Amy’s inspiration to open Lottie Da was sparked when she was pregnant and working as a designer for Lane Bryant. During her travels to New York and Hong Kong she found hip baby items that she wished were sold in Columbus. “I didn’t want to buy the same run-of-the-mill things that everyone else had,” she said. After incessantly researching her favorite baby vendors and finalizing her merchandising strategy, she built custom-made fixtures and hired a local muralist in order to create a polished bohemian baby Mecca. “People who come into the store usually hang out for an hour because it’s so much fun to look around,” she said.
Lottie Da is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 to 6:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 8:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 5:00. Call 614-754-1261 or visit lottiedababy.com for more information.

Fall Fashion Favorites

2009-08-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for some inspiration for your fall fashion choices..check out these picks from Ralph Lauren's Rugby line.
The look says I'm the hippest chick at boarding school.

While there's no Rugby store here in the Capital City you can buy the items
here

BTW..did you know Ralph Lauren owns 5 homes, one of which is in Jamaica? I'm jealous.
The Rugby line is just one of his many lines which includes Polo, Lauren, his home collection..etc. His success has touched nearly every American home or wardrobe.

Great Smoky Eye Tutorial

2009-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

This young lady from California does makeup tutorials on you tube.
This one is one of the best..Try it and see!

BTW..she also has a blog on makeup..
click here

Denim Trends For Fall

2009-08-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

Are Miss Me jeans THE denim line for fall '09?
They're selling fast at Macy's Tuttle Crossing.
Are you feeling the embellished pockets? What will you wear them with?

Obsessed w/looking celebrity slim? A Blog For You

2009-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

If you, like me, envy celebs for being able to stay skinny despite having access to all the free food and booze you could imagine and their uncanny ability to pop out a kid and walk the runway days later..then check out
THE SKINNY WEBSITE

Another Athlete Wife Starts A Fashion Line

2009-08-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

If you can't wait to get some She by Sheree..then you might want to hook it up with your Cookie Johnson Jeans..
Mrs. Magic's new line is available exclusively at Nordstrom.

Got an extra $141-$198 for some jeans? Check out the selection here

On another note..just wanted to give it up to British designer, Jenny Packham, for creating one of the most show-stopping frocks of 2009.

Worn by Carrie Underwood at the People's Choice Awards a while ago, but I still see this dress in my dreams.
In fact, I think a white version would look good going down the aisle? Agree?

Michelle Obama exits Air Force One in a dress by Target's Merona line.
That's why I love the 1st lady!

Funny Graphic Seen on a T-Shirt

2009-08-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Because you need a laugh in the middle of the week.

In or Out For Fall?

2009-08-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

What's Up For This Fall?
Ugg Boots

Still In
Sooo OVER!

view results

Fall Fashion Continued..
True Religion Jeans

Still In
Sooo Over!

view results

Fall Fashion
Ed Hardy

Still In
So Over!

view results

ESCADA files for Bankruptcy

2009-08-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like the recession is hitting the luxury fashion houses..
Bye Bye Escada.

I liked their sweet-smelling limited edition summer fragrances, didn't you?

R.I.P.

Associated Press
FRANKFURT -- German fashion company Escada AG filed for bankruptcy after being unable to obtain sufficient financing, a Munich district court said Thursday.

The Munich-based luxury label, famous for women's fashion and accessories, was expected to make the filing this week after it failed to get the necessary support for a bond swap.

Escada, once one of the biggest fashion brands in the world, has seen its sales and earnings decline in recent years.

Best Closet In Columbus

2009-08-11T20:18:00.001-07:00

Do you have a closet that would give Kimora or Mariah a run for their money?
I'm looking for the best closet in Columbus..
send pics to alona@columbusfashionista.com

BTW..another great closet..or CLOSETS..
Paris Hilton..

She's Got the Look Winner Has Roots In Columbus

2009-08-04T13:45:00.001-07:00

Cindy Cohen, 40, winner of TV Land's over 35 year-old modeling contest, "She's Got The Look" has roots in Columbus. Not sure to what extent, but on her myspace profile she lists Columbus, OH as one of her hometowns.
click here
Anyway, the story on this lovely lady is that she pulled herself up from single motherhood and homelessness to be a successful real estate agent and the wife of a wealthy magazine publisher, Simon Cohen.
For pics of the wedding seehere

Fashion Loses An Icon

2009-08-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Cosmopolitan--August 1973

NEW YORK — Naomi Sims, whose 1968 Ladies' Home Journal cover shot was a breakthrough for black fashion models, has died. She was 61.

Sims, said by some to be the first black supermodel, died Saturday of breast cancer in Newark, N.J., said her brother-in-law Alexander Erwiah, the president of Naomi Sims Beauty Products. It had been decades since she left the runway to become an author and launch her own beauty empire.

Sims attained success at the same time that the "Black is Beautiful" movement was taking hold, and her accomplishments as a barrier-breaking African-American model helped pave the way for the black runway stars of the 1970s, including Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn and Beverly Johnson.

Folks Show Off At Jazz & Ribs Fest

2009-07-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Oh no..Fashion Commandment--Thou shalt not come outside with your azz cheeks hanging out.

Okay..I appreciate the fact that they are WEARING bras..but this look is not OK. I know for a fact that you can buy a bustier in EEE..lets get it together

Lest I forget..99% of the festival goers were not in need of a fashion citation..and I'll even give credit to the chick above for looking fab with the silver accessories..although in all black long sleeves she was probably hotter than Satan's azz crack.

Best dressed at "Aspiring Affluent" at Patio 5

2009-07-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Fashionistas braved the rain to come out and support the Black Engineers and Black MBAs while enjoying a top notch affair. Supporters came correct as there were no fashion don'ts in the house.

A few of the best below..

Aiuluris with party host, Sherry Lloyd. Aiuluris in DKNY top, GIVENCHY pants and TIFFANY ring from his boo.

Not one, but TWO GUCCI INDY bags in the house as carried by ladies from Houston and Virginia. As THE status bag right now..the Gucci Indy says, "Step off scrubs..you can't afford me."

Yours truly took a fashion risk with this RALPH LAUREN tutu trim skirt. Do we like?

I got some new shoes on and suddenly everything's right..

2009-07-20T17:06:00.001-07:00

My new Coach flats..got 'em at Macy's..you have permission to be jealous

And I know this blog is about fashion..but this pic of Marcus Ray of Northside is just too precious.

A must read for all Fashionistas

2009-07-20T17:05:00.001-07:00

Vogue Fashion, 100 Years of Style by Linda Watson

New Graphic

2009-07-20T16:46:00.001-07:00

What do u think y'all?
My friend Amy of http://the-glorybox.com made it!

A Must Read For All Fashionistas

2009-07-17T21:22:00.001-07:00

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Influence

I'm not a fan of the twins' usual bag lady look, but
I give them props for doing their own thing.

The book features MK and A interviewing various
designers, photographers and other fashion icons
like Karl Lagerfeld, Lauren Hutton and Christian Louboutin just to name a few.

Oh hell naw!

2009-07-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with this look?
1. Too short skirt
2. VPL (visible panty line)
..and this is just a start..

10 Things You Should Never Wear

2009-07-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

10 Things You Should Never Wear
By Leslie Barrie

Everyone’s heard about the key items that should be in a closet: black trousers, a classic pump, a white oxford shirt, etc. But what about those items that should not be in there— the ones that tempt you to betray your fashion sense and keep you from looking like your usual, put-together self? Yes, these items may be comfort pieces, but most likely they fit like anything but. So rid yourself of them now before you pull an Eve and pick that red apple. Check out our list of items to purge.

Booty shorts.
Jessica Simpson could pull them off in Dukes of Hazzard, but, then again, it was a movie. Translating this trend to real life is a different story. Short shorts can be pulled off successfully—think loose-fitting nautical pairs for spring, but it’s the unsuccessful versions that we see the most of. If you are unsure if short shorts are right for you, take it as a sign and stick to their adorable cousin, the Bermuda. Still holding on? Walk a lap around your bedroom. If you have to yank them down more than once, it’s time to give them the boot. Because when you step out of the house, don’t think that everyone around you is oblivious to your pain. It’s visible.

Cropped tops.
Unless you’re at the beach or in your PJs, don’t forget that showing off your stomach is definitely circa 1998. Put your baby tees in your pajama drawer and store your skimpy “going out shirts” in the attic. If you’re not ready to toss them out just yet, try layering the shorter top over a longer tank.

Shoulder pads.
You’re not a football player. And if by some slim chance you are, you wouldn’t wear your game gear to the office, would you? Maybe you think that shoulder pads make you look “serious,” but, really, it’s unflattering and frumpy. Cut them out now.

Low rise pants.
Skinny jeans in. Low rise out. Please help humankind and wear either a long top with these pants or ditch them altogether. Do not use Britney Spears as your fashion muse and keep your extra-extra-low-rise-plumber-crack pair around.

Feathered jeans.
They’re a lose-lose. Not only do bleach marks give the jeans an inexpensive look, but the whiskers make you appear wider in the thigh region. Any pair with appliqués is also not okay. Rhinestones and decals just make it look like you went a little crazy with the glue gun.

Netted tops.
You would think this one would be obvious. And yet you still see this MAJOR fashion don’t at clubs and on the pages of celebrity magazines. Leave the nets to the fishermen. We don’t want to see your bra. Even if it is a cute color.

Scrunchies and hair claws.
Use these for at-home purposes only. They were cool when you were in the second grade, but now they look, well, elementary. If you need a way to hold up your hair when you’re straightening, curling or blow-drying then, by all means, scrunch away. But the minute these accessories see the light of day, you’re entering the fashion danger zone. If they match your outfit, it’s still a no.

Pleather.
Either opt for the real deal or, if you’re against animal products, don’t even go there. It looks cheap—probably because it is. People easily recognize that it’s fake, so don’t try to pass it off as pleather without the “p”.

Bad beach wear.
Just because you’re going to the beach, doesn’t mean you can get away with wearing anything. Cover-ups can be especially terrible. Just remember, see through = not a do. And make sure to buy a swimsuit that fits. One-piece swimsuits are really in this season, so don’t rule them out!

Skin-tight white.
Tight white pants show off everything. Capri and short versions show even more—and not in a flattering way. If you still have these in your closet, you need to either opt for a shape that gives you some more room or rethink the color. Anthropologie, J-Crew and many other retailers have some great, relaxed pairs for spring and summer. If the main fabric is spandex, chances are they need to be retired.

Getting rid of these items doesn’t mean you have to throw everything in the trash. Your booty shorts may be someone else’s Bermudas. So be a good samaritan and donate them to the Salvation Army or thrift shop. Because if you don’t, you won’t have room for that adorable spring dress you’ve been dying to buy.

WAIT..before you eat that!!

2009-07-14T04:19:00.001-07:00

Check out this pic..inspiration to remove the fork from your mouth.

Best Dressed At The Who's Who in Black Columbus Event

2009-07-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yours truly was there..looking marvelous from the back

Classy lady, classy pearls
Joyce Beatty, Sr.VP Outreach & Engagement, OSU
Georgeous in a flower pin. Love the fabulous hair too..embrace the silver!

Award for best highlights

This pic doesn't do Yolanda Harris justice..fabulous this evening

My new hair crush

2009-07-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

I'm totally into former Playmate of the Year Sara Underwood's hair. The dress...not so much :(
So..as far as the hair goes.. Do we like?

Seen On Sunday

2009-07-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Hat!

I'm all for hats, gloves..the whole 9 at church..

Ladies of the flag corps--in their caftans from retail outlet, Simply Fashions..

very Jackie O on holiday..

Best Dressed Couple, he in Crisp, cream Sean John. Pastor in his Stacy Adams.

My Current Fashion Crushes

2009-07-12T13:22:00.001-07:00

My current crushes are the Michael Kors peep toes seen above, the Steve Madden wedges seen below and the black Gucci Indy bag above right. I don't yet have the Indy..will soon, you can bet on it.

Great Moments In Fashion History

2009-07-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Fashion history was made in the summer of 2008 when I wore this fabulous Chloe dress to my friend's wedding in Washington, DC.

I have to say this is one of the best pics ever taken of me..I don't look this good everyday.

This dress is part of a great moment in fashion history because I checked for months for it to come up on eBay..and it did..(doesn't everything find its way there?) and it's the exact dress Kate Bosworth wore to an event. I saw it on her in a magazine and made it my mission in life to get it. I'd like to think Kate's stylist pulled it right off her bony back and auctioned it off. Anyway, I dieted for months to get into it..still had to alter it to fit though.

2009-07-12T13:08:00.001-07:00

So on Saturday a neighbor of mine had a yard sale and I got 2 python print belts..$1.00 each!!

Unfortunately, these belts belonged to a size 4--and while I'm working my way down the size ladder I'm not there yet. So I had to go MacGyver on 'em and fashion myself a new hole or two.

I thought I was going to wear it to my friend's daughter's 1st birthday party along with one of my go-to outfits.. black shorts, black button down, fabulous stilettos. Something I pulled out of the Jennifer Aniston playbook. However, the belt was still too tight.

I'm gonna fit into it one day..I'll keep you posted.

Anyone else worked on a belt this way?

We're Live!!

2009-07-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Wow..This all started with an idea that came to me last night while attending the event unveiling 7th edition of Who's Who In Black Columbus.

Sadly, I didn't have a camera with me to document all the fabulousness that abounds in Central Ohio..but that all changes..NOW