Best of NYSS14 Fashion Week

http://s1211.photobucket.com/user/jnluper/slideshow/NYFW13 

SS Fashion Weeks have come and gone, and know that the smoke has cleared, I want to spotlight some of my favorite looks. 

Now when fashion weeks come around, most people are checking to see what is walking down the runways, and while that is awesome and breathtaking, I am a firm believer that the best of fashion week is not found on the runways. The best of fashion week is found on the show goers, the folks who streamline whats in and what is out. Although it is a dream to watch the new looks from top designers for the season to come, it is just as tantalizing to see how these cool new styles can be worn in the real world. 

I have put together a few of my favorite street and runway looks from this season NYFW-enjoy

xoxo

Get Carried Away with SJP

Vogue.com 

For years, 15 to be exact; women everywhere have been in love with the Carrie Bradshaw look. Sex in the City was an HBO series that not only was addicting, but was also extremely impactful in the lives and openness of women. While actress Sarah Jessica Parker, played a stylish city gal on scene, her own style is one to admire as well. She is a fashion risk taker, who knows her body and is sure of her style. Not afraid to take a chance, SJP can be found on red carpets, or city street corners in NY looking like a million fabulous bucks.  

After all the celeb clothing lines and exclusive looks at every retailer these days, I have grown tired of the cheap and tawdry. The news of Sarah Jessica Parker’s very own show line in collaboration with the one and only classic Carrie Bradshaw brand, Monolo Blahnik, really re-ignites my fashion spirit.

In a recent Harpers Bazaar interview, the actress and show designer talks about her inspiration for the line, saying it will have a lot of vintage flair and Ohio functionality. The shoes will play off new neutrals and classic motifs, and will be exclusive to Nordstroms, with prices ranging from $200-400. Not bad for the true Carrie Bradshaw Monolo. The line will be called SJP, and is scheduled to launch in 2014.  

Gatsby is great

And fabulous…

With the return of the latest Gatsby film, I cannot help but roar over twenties inspired pieces and accessories. Visually this film was beyond iconic, with silhouettes to die for: drop waist dresses, perfectly tailored suits and fringe everything.  Looking outside of clothing, the home décor and accessories gave a whole new orgasmic moment, I loved the pearls, bling, head pieces and extravagant décor. Just when I thought I could take no more wonderfulness, the movie like the book told a beautiful tale of class, love and hopefulness.

Gatsby was a story I vaguely remember from high school, a classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The story was written in the 20’s and was received so so by its’ readers. By the 50’s this novel was propelled to legend status, and today kids in high school read it as part of the curriculum. Even though I could not recall the entire story line, I did remember the facts. A writer living in a small house outside of the big city, finds himself in the midst of drama after meeting the J. Gatsby. While Gatsby was seen as a great mysteriously wealthy figure, Nick finds that the man hosting elaborate parties and owning everything imaginable was actually quite different from what other believed. By witnessing his hope, love and loss… Nick begins to see the lives of the rich and wealthy differently. The novel uncovers the truth about high society, and serves as a loyal friend in a sea of carelessness.

In the latest installment, J. Gatsby, played by Leo is a hopeful man, who spent his whole life trying to be someone. He built a life for him and the only girl he ever loved, only to find that she did not belong to him, and that maybe his vision for the perfect life was not so perfect. Struggling to grasp that the only girl he ever loved may not feel the same, he shows loyalty and sensitivity only witnessed by Nick his poor bond selling neighbor who is the cousin of his beloved. I will never understand the talent of Leonardo Dicaprio, I literally fall in love with him in every movie he does. So believable, so interesting so hopeful he was in this role as J. Gatsby. As we see the story unfold, you cannot help  but feel sorry for this man, and hate the people in the world who think they are better than others. We see that maybe the grass is not greener on the other side, and we witness the loyalty of a friend in Nick Carroway, who wants nothing more than friendship in return.

With Brooksbrothers doing a Gatsby collection, I have to wonder who else will be jumping on the 20’s band wagon. I think we will be surprised to see the spring collections this fall, I am sure they will have some drop waists and fringe. Especially, since all the fashion heavy weights made the Gatsby premier and were floored by the fashion. In the meantime, I hope to create some of the updated silhouettes for myself… Simple cocktails with fringe, drop waists, long pleats

 

Your Trusted Trendhunter: 5 Sleeveless Jackets Under $150

Your Trusted Trendhunter: 5 Sleeveless Jackets Under $150 by polyvore-editorial on polyvore.com

April showers bring May Flowers

April Showers bring May Flowers                                                 www.finditfashion.com

A catchy little phrase often used at the turn of spring, can be used in a second way toward life.

Every day, we face our own battles, struggles between who we are, and who we want to be. Or, where we are, and where we want to go. These are all things we as people contemplate and move towards. These thoughts help define the decisions we make going into the future and beyond. This is where we hit the fork in the road and have to choose the route worth taking. It is where we see what we are made of and what we can endure, the storm, the chaos, the journey.

If it was not for the rain, we would not appreciate the sunlight; a thought that rings especially true with me these days. I came to the Dominican Republic after careful conversation with my husband on his own plans and goals for the future. We knew this is where he could break into the baseball world, and without a thought against it we packed out belongings and flew to a new life. Now, the DR is a beautiful place filled with rich culture, great beaches and incredible possibilities. I guess that is the perk to most developing countries, they have so much potential.

Knowing what it was my husband wanted to do, baseball, it was our goal to get him as a scout for a MLB team and headed in a management direction. Only, we had no idea how hard it was going to be. To ease the minds of my parents, and better the idea of us leaving a well- paying job and life for something a little more rough around the edges; we fibbed and said he had already obtained a scouting position and we had to go so he could begin work. In reality, we had no idea where we were going to start with his dream, and we came to the DR only after the advising of a MLB director to come here and there “may” be a position open.  So we came, and to our luck, no position was open. We heard nothing for months, running through our precious savings and running out of hope.  I landed a job as a teacher at a local bilingual school to help pay bills and buy food, knowing it was not what I wanted but what I needed to do.

Just when we both thought we couldn’t take anymore, a call came. The call was from Abe’s father who wanted to inform him that the Texas Rangers wanted to sponsor Abe to go to “scout school,” a two week program here in the DR, that prepares soon to be scouts, new scouts and old scouts for the world of scouting. This was just the opportunity we had been waiting for, and after two long weeks, Abe returned with not only valuable knowledge, but an abundance of contacts!

We were so sure, he would have a job by Christmas, and we felt confident that our lives were finally on the up and up. Interviews came and went, but nothing. Then one week before we were scheduled to leave, Abe had an interview with the Director of the White Sox, a God send it you ask me. When he showed up at the hotel to meet Mr. Marco Patty, he was not there. Fratically, Abe waited, if only Mr. Patty knew how important this was to my husband, if only anyone understood what we had been through. After three long hours of waiting Mr. Patty pulled up to the hotel, surprised I am sure, that Abe was still waiting to meet with him after all this time. They talked for hours, into the night and when everything was said and done, Marco felt that Abe maybe just what he was looking for. This is what I like to refer to as a Christmas Blessing.

During the next few weeks, Abe had the chance to tag along with the other White Sox scouts and see what they do, while giving his own skills and knowledge of baseball. Something he did worked, because after two long weeks, many months and a lot of stress he was offered the job. Finally, he would be following his heart and working toward his dreams.

Meanwhile, still working at the school, I was unhappy about the pay, my circumstances and the future of my career. I was happy for my husband, but unsatisfied with myself. Scared to bring up the subject to my husband, I hid my feelings and became more and more on edge. Finally, I discussed the idea of moving back to the states without Abe in order to get my own career on track. To my surprised he was in 100% agreement with my thoughts, unselfishly looking at the big picture and not the present circumstances. I was proud of where our relationship had come, and what we had evolved to. It was good to feel completely confident in something.  It was nice to see where we had come and how much trust and respect we both had for each other.

With his confirmation to search for the job of my dreams, I began to reach out to people and companies I had been interested in for years. Belk, being one of them. Not only is Belk one of the best department stores in the south, but for someone looking to get into merchandising and hoping to be a buyer in the future, it was a very good choice for me and happens to be located near my hometown.

At this point, I had applied so many times, not only to Belk, but to many other buying programs and merchandising positions in the area and throughout the U.S., becoming depressed because I felt that I would never hear back from anyone. Then, almost within weeks of our conversation, I got a call late at night. Thinking it was my father, and hoping to tell him Happy Birthday, I was surprised to hear a women’s voice on the other end. The women said she worked for Belk and wanted to see if I could come for the Merchandise Assistant interview that Friday. Without a hesitation I said yes, and begin making flight arrangements.

When I got to the Carolinas, I became overwhelmed with the ideas of getting and not getting this position. The pressure of landing the foot in the door dream job of a lifetime was too much to handle, and became worried that I would not be able to step up to the plate. Come interview time, I sat in the car for an hour at the Belk building reading over notes and names and information that I wanted to discuss. I went into the interviews and gave them my all, but was a little weirded out by the way things ended; Very matter of fact. I was unsure I had showed my passion and determination to succeed.  Reliving every word and every hand shake, I was gradually making myself crazy.

Flying back to the DR that weekend, with many things in the air and unresolved,  I could not help to feel overwhelmed and concerned about what would happen next. To ease my mind, I decided to reach out the Belk Company and all the people whom I had the pleasure of interviewing with. I told them how grateful I was for the interview, and reminded them of the skills and qualities I had to bring to the company. By Monday morning I received the call. I had been extended an offer and would start by the end of the month. Prayers answered, now I am packing my things and headed back to the place I had to leave to do the thing I love. These are just some of my most recent storms, but just like everything, they too have calmed and the sun has resurrected from a dark place.  I guess April showers really do bring May flowers. 

Mark Schwartz Tuesday Illustration Inspiration

"Mark Schwartz is an accomplished shoe designer and artist. He has been designing shoes for over 20 years for some of the biggest names in our industry.

Born in New York City, Mark has traveled the world gaining inspiration for his ideas from artist Andy Warhol, who Mark beneficially watched at work and knew for two years. Warhol encouraged and helped Schwartz cultivate his artistic renderings of shoes while Schwartz was working for Roger Vivier as an assistant designer and creative director. Mark Schwartz is now pioneering a new shade of talent within his work by exploring the grace and eclecticism of footwear as works of art." 

I love his work, such a creative genius. This makes me want to go and draw. For more check out virtualshoemuseum.com

Sample Sized?

The comparison between a model sized women and a average sized women...scary.

What size do we consider "Sample size"? While watching fashion weeks over the last month, I can help but think how wonderful it would be to see more NORMALALITY in the shows. What is the deal? While I want to see average women, I do understand it is because these clothes are often made off the mannequin sample size? The clothes that make it to stores and into retail are mass-produced at many sizes... Often times, runway clothes are "sample- sized." In order to change this, we must change the size we consider "Sample". 

I was looking at various runway shows from the fall collections, and began to read through some of the comments. I was surprised to see how many people have a problem with the size of the models walking the runways of the shows; asking “why are models so skinny?” or “It looked nice, but I am not 6feet talI, how am I going to wear those clothes?”

Now, I am familiar with the sample size, and understand that the designers mass produce clothing based on what the buyers like and want to purchase. Because of this, only one or two samples are made of each piece in most cases unless the piece is a signature of the collection. I too would like to see how clothing hangs and wears on people of a normal size and stature. Although, this may not be the most visually stunning way to present clothing, it would be the most practical especially for the buyers eye.

I challenge designers to make a few normally-sized pieces per runway, (atleast for the ready-to-wear collections). This would allow the population to appreciate the clothing more, because we could visualize someone like us wearing whatever it is. Sometimes, when we watch these shows, all we think is, that won’t look good on me because I have _____ (filling the blank with whatever beautiful curve or feature you may possess that runway models do not).

I began to dig and do some research on this subject matter, as I find it extremely interesting.

I want to know why runways are not filled with people of normal size regulations? I also want to understand the details behind the clothing samples, because I feel the sample size is the basis for the model size. Let's explore...

A “sample” size is the size the original garment is made into for a designer’s new collection. Prior to mass production (which depends on buyer need and consumer want) these sample sizes are all the designer has of their collection. But why can’t we change the size that we see has “sample”?

For more visit me at:  finditfashion.com, @J_Cultura or jculturafashion.blogspot.com

In an effort to change, “‪Vogue editors recently signed a letter in support of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s initiative to promote a healthier body image for women in the fashion industry.”-- Stylaphile Magazine.

The problem with the long-standing depictions of skinny, rail-thin models on the runway is that young women are so influenced by what they see. After seeing women in media and on runways, it is hard to look past comparisons between ourselves, and what we see. Women cannot help but want to be something they are not (taller, thinner, prettier…etc.), a body dimorphic that we have been guilty of falling into. Our society is full of people who long to be someone else, or something better. Not that the models in shows and sample sizes are going to change the world, but changing the mindset of the average consumer, would make an impact.

The argument being made by editors and fashion savvy women everywhere, is that the sample size be changed form a 2 to something that is more average for the typical women. A size 4 or 6 may do the trick! By doing this, clothes will not only seem more wearable, but also it would slowly begin to change the women psyci. Long lasting wins for the designer with increased sample sizes could lead to higher sales. The designer begins to make clothes that flatter a different body type, a healthier more realistic body type then more realistic people will be likely to purchase an expensive piece. If the world of fashion would change their outlook on what real women are, the only people that would suffer are the 6ft rail thin models, roughly 3% of the female population… I’ll take the odds (I am sure they will be alright in the working world.)

http://stylaphilemag.com/2012/06/13/change-the-sample-size-change-the-world/

ttp://www.fashionindie.com/british-vogue-editor-claims-sample-sizes-are-too-small-for-established-star-models/

For more visit me at finditfashion.com, @J_Cultura or jculturafashion.blogspot.com

DKNY Full Show - Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear at New York Fashion Week

Miguel - Candles In The Sun

Adore Miguel, such a talent. This song is powerful, and serves as excellent inspiration today...
"Take a look around"

inna Cinch...

Recent runways have been adorn with belts: metal plated, beautiful leather tones, bold color, tribal inspiration just to name a few. Not only are belted looks a style do, but what they do for the silhouette is a must! A perfectly cinched belt can create curves if needed and uncover the beautiful waste line of a women's figure.

Fall runways are filled with beautiful belted looks, most impressively the looks that are belted in an unexpected way. i.e. Oscar de la Renta's belted blazer or DVF's beautiful white maxi with a bold black belt at the waste. 

My advice: if you feel like you look dumpy ... just cinch it. 

Casa de Campo Inspiration

Casa de Campo Inspiration by jennifer-fernandez featuring a coast handbag

Christopher Kane mini skirt
openingceremony.us

Victoria s Secret swim suit cover up
victoriassecret.com

C. Wonder flat shoes
cwonder.com

Coast handbag
$93 - coast-stores.com