V-Style

Nanette Lepore To Save The Garment Center

Last week the fashion district in New York held a spirited rally to save the garment center. Held near the Needle and Button statue, the crowd of 600-800 people listened attentively to Controller Bill Thompson, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and Designer Nanette Lepore speak about bringing legislation to promote production in the garment center and honor the city zoning for manufacturers.

From what I read in the Examiner, I was a little confused as to what the solution was. At the beginning of the article it states:

"In 1987 Ed Kotch zoned the side streets of the garment district to remain fashion-manufacturing facilities. With 200,000 jobs in the garment center at that time the impact of rents chasing out manufacturers would be devastating to the community and unemployment deficit. As times have changed and more companies outsource production can we still rationalize this zoning? 'We continue to lose jobs, zoning isn’t an effective mechanism for job preservation. It continues to diminish' [Barbara Randall President of the Fashion Center] says. What can we do that is meaningful? Everyone claims that the rents are too high but yet Randall tells me the garment center has the lowest rents in Manhattan."

After reading that jumble of concerns I assumed the rest of the article would go on to explain how to solve the problem, but the article and quotes seem to vary between zoning not being any help and then saying it is imperative, with no identification of how to get more work in the factories. Bad journalism or ineffective rally?

Either way If the garment center loses its local manufactures it is likely to lose the trade altogether and eliminate the possibility of new or small local designers from producing their collections. Leaving fashionable Americans to wear the same old-same old or huge brands. It is also about the American workforce. Let's figure this out.

A Conversation With Designer Francisco Medavog

Last week I interviewed my friend Francisco Medavog. You may know him as a vintage couture collector that provides Decades with gorgeous merchandise. Or perhaps you saw one of his vintage collections in a Museum. What you may not know is that he was a promising young designer until 1997 when his friend and muse died. Although his love for fashion, sewing and collecting continued he would not make another garment for eleven years.

In spring of 2008, Francisco was encouraged to audition for Project Runway. He created a couture garment in three days and met with Tim Gunn. "They loved me and my designs, but he said Project Runway does not begin careers." Fransisco was told to start designing again and then come back. It would take another year before he designed again.

In March of 2008 Francisco attended a house warming party of mine and was intrigued by my dress. He loved the look, but wanted to elaborate on it. Spurred by the support of his partner and a chance meeting with a socialite wanting him to make her a dress, he designed a dress that was inspired by my party frock. It was not until I interviewed him that I discovered this. Consider me flattered!

From there he designed a collection for Hispanic Fashion Week in San Diego titled Grecian.E.tronic and a line of bathing suits for San Diego's Bikini Week titled Cleopatra 3000 A.D. But the hot news is Francisco's trip to Europe this fall. He will to design a 2010 collection, titled TENOCHTITLAN 3000 A.D. Why he is going to Europe to design a Mexican collection is beyond me, but I hear the creative process is a fickle mistress. Consisting of 100 pieces plus fifteen gowns, Medavog describes his upcoming collection as "rock&roll red carpet inspired by Mexican culture."

After this collection shows his garments will be sold privately, meaning no mass production. His goal is to create one-of-a-kind dresses for celebrities and socialites. "I want people to want it and wonder why they can't have it." Needles to say, for Francisco fashion design is a creative goal driven by ego instead of good old-fashion monetary greed. Can't wait to see what's to come.

Fables By Barrie Bathing Suits

When I thought about my blog for 4^th of July the first and only image that came to my mind was a Fables by Barrie bathing suit. I have never seen patriotic colors look cuter! The American flag triangle bikini takes a back seat to this sailor suit.

Wear this pin-up inspired swimwear to your pool party, beach fiesta, or any wet activity.  Besides the fact that they are flattering, you don’t have to worry about being indecent in front of children. While the Brazilian cut goes wild, Fables keeps it old-school with conservative lines, charming details and creative designs.

Launched by the sprightly and adorable Barrie Kaufman, Fables by Barrie is an American made product that brings about a feeling of fantasy in the wearer as well the people around them. Loving the mood of Fables? Check out her rompers, dresses and bustiers to boot.

 

 

How To Wear Color Block Heels

The color block heels are one of the many interesting choices in shoes this year. I must say I am so pleased with these spotlight shoes that are prancing out of boutiques and stomping down the runway.

PIctured above are some of the runway goodies. From left to right: Dolce&Gabbana, Dries van Noten, Prada.
Second row: Thakoon, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana. 

Due to the trendiness of the color block shoes be cautious when choosing a pair. No need spending money on things that will date you or on something that wears you. Valentino did the best job of embodying this trend.

Often the color block shoe will look too cartoony and a bit cheesy. One pair that you need to be careful with is the buzz brand Pour La Victoire. I prefer the neutral toned instead of the popular in your face purple version. One is chic, the other cheesy.

Try pairing the neutral pair of Pour La Victoire with a solid colored dress in a bold dress like this BCBG frock from Bloomingdales. You can also make a funky look by pairing it with a dress in an unrelated pattern that picks up on its grey and white tones. This Vince dress does just that.

Stylish Work Appropriate Outfits

Most people spend 25% of their life at work, ergo people spend 25% of their life in work clothes. Since the idea of a person looking or feeling boring for a large portion of their days on earth disturbs me and because my friend Betsy asked me to, I shall discuss stylish work appropriate outfits for women.

An easy way to spice up your work outfits is with accessories. Make sure you have bold and fun bags and accessories. Colorful patterns, animal print and rich hues will make most stiff work attire fashionable.

For a fun suit look, any modern, fitted cut suit in a warm grey, black or white will work. Express has some great pieces to mix and match. Try wearing this black suit with this white button down top with the white vest. Then add some jazz with this gold necklace from Nordstrom and some gold knot studs in the ear. Top it off with these black & gold pointy pumps from shoes.com. This Elisa Gonsalves ring will be the cherry on the sundae.

Another option is the pencil skirt and top. Try this turquoise blouse from Express with a white pencil skirt and these wild heels from shoes.com. Top it off these fun earrings from Nordstrom and the Elsa Gonsalves ring. Víola. You look fabulous in the office.

Pink Pooch Designs Creates Famous Faces Cuff

In the mail today I received a very cool Famous Faces bracelet by Pink Pooch Designs. I must say I was bit uncertain about whether I would like a beaded bracelet with a face on it, but I love it! I thought it might look cheapy, but it is beautiful in its design and the clasp is quite charming.

As a side note, I can’t stop playing with it. It feels like soft chain mail.

I received the Marilyn Monroe bracelet, but the James Dean, Audrey Hepburn and Bettie Page ones also look divine. They also sell bracelets with current celebrities, but there are very few living celebrities that I would want to wear. Maybe Madonna or Shannyn Sossamon. Maybe.

In regards to how to wear them, by itself looks fabulous, but if you want to add more funk to it try layering. You can add some silver bangles or an interesting cuff for some extra edge.

Web Snob Gone Wild!

Stiletto Jungle contemplates Yummie Tummie, the shapewear that's meant to be seen.

All About the Pretty is really enjoying her custom Bobbi Brown Palettes.

Bag Snob ponders Louis Vuitton: To Louis or not to Louis?

Beauty Snob snags an interview with Jose Eber!

Calculatus Eliminatus guides you through the scary world of logos on t-shirts.

Cheap JAP keeps it classy by showing us The Top Five Things Not to Buy at American Apparel.

Coquette gets crafty for the DIY Paper Hermès Kelly Bag.

Fashion, Evolved examines the innovative new fashion factory called Catwalk Genius

Fashiontribes travels to the Age of Discovery on a sexy Steampunk time bender.

I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Helena Christensen's entire look for under $125.

KRiSTOPHER explores Tokyo.

LADYBRILLE.com

Papierblog looks at the wisdom behind Banana Republic Monogram stores.

Quinta Trends finds a Chilean designer in New York: Maria Cornejo.

Second City Style asks who wore it better (and why) in our weekly Celebrity Fashion Smackdown.

Straight to the Closet or Leave it On the rack? You decide at Shrimpton Couture.

Stain Leather Solution: I thought my light leather bag was beyond repair, but found it could be fixed for a small fee!

Pinching your pennies? Look like a million while saving money and gas with over 200 cheap chic online finds at StyleBakery.com.

Stylehive's Next Big Thing: Cassie Kogler of New York Couture.

Stylenotes chats with Jack Mackenroth of Project Runway's Season 4.

SugarShock Beautymay never go back to regular shampoo and conditioner again now that she's discovered Wen Cleansing Conditioner.

Sxy Fashion Queen loves celebrity coloured jeans trend.

The Coveted Shares her tips on How to Buy Vintage Clothing

The Shoe Goddess dishes about Christian Louboutin.

WE LOVE BEAUTY.com chatted up celebrity stylemaker and hairstylist Adir Abergel to get the 411 on Christina Ricci's Met Costume Institute Gala sleek pony!

Unique Pyramid Purses on E-Bay

With so many trendy purses looking the same I can’t help but want something different for a night on the town. I am always on the look out for anything fashion forward or unique but lately I have not been able to find any purses that really fit into that category... until now.

On my usual monthly glance at E-bay (more than monthly and I would be broke) I came across some fabulous, totally inexpensive, evening bags. I bought two, one in striking blue and one in a mustard color.

These sturdy pyramids purses are made from raw silk and never loose their shape. I can fit my cell phone, my “party” wallet, my keys, business cards and all my necessary make-up. I have been loving the compliments I have been getting.

It could also be used as a gift bag or make-up carrier, but I prefer it as a purse.

Something else I love is the E-bay seller I bought it from has 100% positive feedback. I usually don’t like to buy online but with this seller I feel so confident. Now if you will excuse me I have to make up a reason to go out so I can show off my bag.

All the Lovelies of Week In Chic

A Few Goody Gumdrops: I'm Feeling "Ele-phantastic." Pair Hermes Wide Enamel Bracelet With Eelephant Design, Dolce & Gabbana Elefante Hobo Bag and Elephantastic Nail Enamel.

Cheap JAP finds a way to wear leather and still be green.

Coquette loves grey handbags for Summer.

Fashiontribes heads South of the border for a taste of fresh fashion design talent from Mexico.

I'm Not Obsessed shows off Michelle Trachtenberg’s Jewelry Line “Bella Veritas.”

You feeling lucky? Visit Stylenotes for the chance to win a $100 Lucky Brand Jeans Gift Certificate!

The Coveted opens a European Vintage Shoppe

The Fashionable Housewife is giving away a FREE Missouri Creve Coeur Bag!

Win a Twisted Silver Bracelet!

There are three Twisted Silver bracelets that have been rumored to be on the Top 10 accessories list recently and will be released for on-line sales this Tuesday, May 6th… but you may not have to buy them.

You can enter to win one of these hot cuffs. In order to be the victor you must first go to Twisted Silver.com and take a gander at their collection. Then you return back to V-Style and add a comment to this post stating which Twisted Silver piece is your favorite.

You then sit back, relax and wait for me to contact you on Wednesday May 7th and declare you the winner. Good luck ladies! --> Contest is Closed, thank you all for your submissions. Congratulations Lauren!