Weekend Wrap Up: Fashion Week for a Cause

Fashion Week. The two words instantly puts my mind into a dream-like state as I mentally imagine myself in cities like London, Milan and Paris while reminiscing about my days working backstage as a dresser, design assistant and fit model for a few Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks in New York City. Contrary to the widely known Fashion Weeks which draw celebrities, bloggers and photographers, over the last few years cities across the U.S. have adopted the event into their local communities to spotlight emerging talent. 

Emceed by drummer Tommy Lee, I attended the Fashion Week of Rochester event over the weekend which was created to benefit The Center for Youth organization. The event raised awareness and monies for teens seeking shelter, education and counseling from a staff of individuals that are dedicated to offering services to at risk youth. Executive Director and Councilmember, Elaine Spaull, kindly extended an invitation to attend the upscale VIP reception which kicked off Saturday evening's fashion show at the Temple Building. 

The penthouse reception featured a diverse range of student jewelry designers from Rochester Institute of Technology's School of American Crafts including Miss Ghana finalist, Senam Akorli, and professional model Sarah Fairbank. Models, inspired by Mad Men hair do's and make-up, showcased jewelry made of metals, feathers and repurposed items as designers stood by to address attendee questions about their lines and inspirations. Amidst the cocktails and conversations, invitees had an opportunity to connect with potential buyers, press and supporters. Overall, fashion continues to unite fashion lovers for a greater cause while leaving a positive and economic impact on the Rochester area.  

Victoria and I attended the evening in style with an appreciation for the arts and youth

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Weekend Wrap Up: Anti-Fashion Week

Anti-Fashion Week. The words barely rolled off my tongue and you're already giving me the raised eye-brow as if I just echoed a dirty word on a fashion blog, dedicated to personal style-it's ok, say it with me now, Anti....Fashion....Week. Feel better? To your surprise, the term actually is coined by designers to convey their unconventional creations which typically flow against the grain of mainstream fashion trends. 

Rewind, Flashback to Friday.

Over the weekend, I attended the Anti-Fashion Week Trunk Show presented by Subculture Magazine which featured a dozen local vendors showcasing and selling their handmade jewelry, clothing, t-shirts and handbags. As the antithesis to Fashion Week of Rochester, the event featured live demos with make-up artist Tiffany Loveless and gave emerging artists a platform to connect with the community at a pretty reasonable cost- FREE.

Troy Smith greeted fashion patrons at the Brainery as people gathered in support of local artists as some found new favourites while others were reacquainted with former lines. The space lent itself to intimate interactions with both designers and customers similarly to a meet and greet event on a more intimate level. Vendors answered questions about their line, the process of production and leisurely spoke with each other about the week's events. More than anything, the irony of it all made me feel like I was back in the Village in NYC where the trends really begin. 

Future predictions: let's keep our fingers crossed for an Anti-Fashion and Fashion Week of Rochester collaboration, shall we?

Ilana Zatkowsky speaks to customers about her letter press stationery and her sister, Danielle Zatkowsky's jewelry collection

Katie showcases her lovely earrings and chats it up with the designers

Make-up artist Tiffany Loveless gives tips and demos for a flawless look for a night out

 

The Smiths kick it with supporters and converse with local community members

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Target Tuesdays | Peter Pilotto for Target | What to Expect

Hello My Little Targettes!

It's..... T A R G E T | T U E S D A Y S

Ever since the designer duo for Peter Pilotto broke the news about their upcoming collaboration for Target during London Fashion week, I couldn't help but do the following: 1). day dream about being their fit model 2). day dream about being their fit model and last but not least 3). day dream about being their fit model! Ok, seriously! I can imagine myself being the annoying bee in the showroom, flying style boards to rolling around in the luxurious floral printed fabrics just to get a glimpse of the behind the scenes creative process for Target's latest collaboration don't judge me.

Alas, breaking away from my imaginable day dreaming, I decided to really look into what we (as Targettes, Targetistas and Targetistos stake your claim who ever you are) should expect from the wonder boys of Peter Pilotto for Target! Now I'm certainly not a mind reader, nor do I have an inside scoop but I do have a premonition or two of what will be hitting the racks on February 9th!

Dresses:
After announcing their collaboration last month, Target revealed that the Peter Pilotto line will feature nearly 70 items from flirty frocks to skirts. Known for their striking red carpet looks worn by Kerry Washington, Kristen Stewart and many others, it’s more than likely that the duo will incorporate their brightly colored dresses for the everyday women running to the office or a summer festival. A cotton version of their signature dresses would provide comfort, shape and balance for those looking to sport the colourful frocks.

Shorts:
For their 2013 resort collection, the Peter Pilotto line featured an item that I could always use a little more of in my summer wardrobe… printed shorts, with pockets! I have a few printed shorts that I absolutely love, but to be honest it is quite difficult to find shorts that are not denim that can be paired with stiletto heel for a more refined look. I’m hoping that the duo will be brave enough to create a pair of shorts for those of us more willing to take a fashion risk. 

Scarves: 

In the past, the darling designers have mentioned their fascination of nature, embodying a sense of surrealism in their patterned designs. I’m hoping that the reoccurring prints will spill over into their bags, clutches, and wristlets. There's nothing more versatile than pairing floral motifs, embroideries and abstract prints into a summer collection. Wishful thinking, I know, but a girl can dream… {^_^} 

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Target Tuesdays | Phillip Lim for Target | Styling Tips: Part 3

Hello My Little Targettes!

It's..... T A R G E T | T U E S D A Y S

I couldn't have kicked off the first of the month with a better outfit....clearly, out of the three Phillip Lim for Target Styling series, I've saved the best for last. This shirt dress embodies a few details that you may have missed in my Fab Finds post, including the tailoring and hem length all rolled into one. Ironically, I didn't see too many ladies rocking this dress on the blogosphere or in any Instagram pictures or Twitter #philliplimfortarget hashtags...my assumptions are pretty spot on as I realized that the dress is still available on the website in all five sizes here. After reading my styling tips for pairing a blazer with a dress to flatter your figure, I hope you'll re-think this cute little floral printed number. 

Previous Posts: 

Phillip Lim for Target Part 1 | Phillip Lim for Target Part 2 

Style Tip #1: Hemline & Shape
How adorable is this floral shirt dress?! The options are endless when layering a blazer over a dress for a seamless transition from the 9-5 meetings to an evening out, but it is important to understand the proportions when outfitting your look. Noting the length of the dress is pretty important to determine the type of blazer that will best accent the dress and your figure. The contemporary length of this dress with the flared back is pleasantly unexpected and can be pretty tricky to pair with a blazer if done incorrectly. Since the dress falls above the knee, pair a blazer which falls naturally below your waist to elongate your body and (this is super important) pair a belt with it to accentuate the waist to prevent the blazer and the dress from becoming too boxy. The combination of the blazer and the belt will add shape under the layers without loosing your figure.

 
Style Tip #2: All in the Sleeves
Push the sleeves above the elbow to mirror the amount of skin that is shown from your legs to create balance. In my opinion, there should always be a subtle symmetry in your wardrobe if you're splitting your body in half, from the neck to the waist and the waist to the ankle for a super sophisticated look. It's especially important since the oxford collar lays so closely to the neck leaving little skin for a more refined look.
 

Style Tip #3: Detail and Colour
Choose a blazer that has a little oomph to it to play up the femininity of the dress. I love a good pleated garment whether it's a skirt, dress or blazer. The knife pleats on this navy beauty forms a smooth line which contours towards my body and then feathers outward. It's a simple detail that gives the illusion of hips when layering a form fitting dress to add more shape and curves. The navy colour unifies the entire look and neutralizes the print if you are overly concerned that floral prints and color are too much of a fashion risk for your wardrobe.  

Overall, these three tips for pairing a blazer with a dress will intensify this chic silhouette for a modern yet comfortable look.

 Phillip Lim Shirt Dress

Calvin Klein Blazer

Ann Taylor heels

Hope you enjoyed the three part series to avoid being a Target twinsie. These styling tips for incorporating Phillip Lim into your wardrobe will work like a charm.  Kudos to the hubster, Lucas for making this look one of my favs. Signing off as the OscarPR Girl for Target. 

Lisa

 {^_^}.

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