Style Bust
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Not Your Grandmother’s Crochet
14 years ago
Seductive, crochet cocktail dresses. Intricately textured wedding gowns. Face framing shrugs and shawls, pleated and laced.
If you want a statement couture dress, you want Violetta Vieux.
The Fabulous Ms. Vieux. Photo: Wild Plum Photography
We sat down for a chat over lattes, just days before her debut in the Couture runway show of the all new San Francisco Fashion Week. Serious Excitement!!
I first met Violetta at FIDM: me as a lowly fashion design student, she as the new draping instructor from Moldova by way of Paris, where she earned her Masters in Couture and Creative Patternmaking from ESMOD International Fashion University. Frankly, I was intimidated. I knew she spoke 5 languages, had stacks of awards, worked in couture houses, and probably dreamed up more amazing designs in her sleep than I could in a year. She also turned out to be one of the nicest people alive. I consider it serious good fortune that I got to be under her tutelage. ( She was also amazingly patient with my borderline seamstress skills.)
Fast forward to a sunny morning in downtown SF, where I got the lowdown on her company VioGemini and the upcoming shows.
Textured mermaid gown in satin from VioGemini. Photo: Wild Plum Photography
Violetta is flush with triumph at finding the music for the show just that morning- an ethereal, haunting piece that perfectly evokes the themes of the new bridal collection: winter, ice, the intricacy of snowflakes and clouds.
Embellished satin gown from VioGemini. Photo: Wild Plum Photography.
” I wanted to present something fresh and original for every bride, as well as continue to explore singular textures” she says – a hallmark of her previous award-winning crochet work. She has a wonderful approach that any modern bride can appreciate; a “design-it-yourself” concept that is realized through several functional pieces that can either be worn together or separately, depending on the occasion. Adding to the customizable nature of the collection, each piece is offered in a variety of colors( yow color!), fabrics, silhouettes, and lengths, with several options for detailing. Rounding out the collection is a full complement of accessories including shrugs, boleros, ring pillows, veils, corsage flowers, shoe-clips, hairpins,and garters—made with matching fabrics and rhinestones.
Crochet wedding gown from VioGemini. Photo: Wild Plum Photography.
I say, “Brides- to- be, get on this like white on rice!” Don’t miss the full collection being shown during San Francisco Fashion Week: Runway #3, Couture/Avant Garde.
Having already been down the aisle, I think I’ll go for the cocktail version
Crochet, fur and metal cocktail dress by VioGemini. Photo: Wild Plum Photography
No wall flowers in LBD’s here! The craftsmanship and creativity continue to amaze. This, my lovelies, is fashion.
For more on Violetta, check out her interview in San Francisco’s 7X7
Need a fresh look at fashion? Come say hello at Downright Red!
Beauty and the bride
14 years ago
With all of the excitement of my sisters wedding (which is in a couple of weeks), there’s also some last minute important business that needs to be taken care of – the hair and makeup!
My sister is having her trial hair and makeup session this week and has asked me to help find some hair and makeup ideas. Since she has fine, straight hair – a messy bun will look really nice and create some volume, while adding texture. As far as makeup goes, my sister doesn’t wear a lot of makeup on a regular basis – so why change that. I think a minimal look, with a bold lip or a smokey eye would look very chic – especially with her messy chignon!
The hair accessories are a nice touch, they definitely dress-up the hairstyle a bit more. I love Michelle Williams hair (bottom left), it’s the perfect messy look.
I love the bold lips, especially the coral color (in my opinion, coral lips look good on everyone). Natalie Portman’s smokey eye (bottom left), is sexy and very pretty.
10 Swim Suits To Avoid In 2012
14 years ago
Mercedes Benz Miami Swim Week wrapped up on July 18th. Looking back at the shows, I noticed there were a handful of swim suits to avoid (at all costs). Below you’ll find the top ten bathing suits to pass on for Summer 2012.
This white crochet bathing suit by Dolores Cortes would get soggy if worn in water, not to mention tan lines would be awful.
Crystals an rouching probably wouldn’t hold up well in chlorinated water. Actually they probably wouldn’t hold up well in the ocean either. Swimsuit by Norma Kamali.
A Diesel swim suit made of blue glass shards from bottle of Skyy Vodka is worn down the runway by The Hills star Kristen Cavallari.
Black leather swim suit by Dolores Cortes. similar to the crochet swim suit by the same designer above, this would leave terrible tan lines. It’s also be really stick and sweaty at the beach.
This satin and lace lingerie-like swim suit is part of the Beach Bunny Swimwear collection. Everything about this suit is ridiculous down to the rhinestone details.
This black and white, 60’s inspired suit from Red Carter looks like a mess of too many details, including the clear accessories.
The suit above by Beach Bunny Swimwear is actually cute, and wearable. The raincoat looking bolero is an awful addition to the look.
Weddings have been on my mind lately, to this wedding inspired bathing suit by Beach Bunny Swimwear really caught my attention. Haha – it’d be perfect for a beach wedding. I’m not sure I’d want to know a girl who would think wearing a suit to her wedding would be a good idea though.
This X Mark tie dyed one piece bathing suit by Dolores Cortes is a bit much.
I don’t even know what to say about the leopard print half skirt by Cia Maritima.
hey! not so fast…before you toss that bouquet to your entourage, read this.
14 years ago
BRIDESMAIDS may have been a raunchy R-rated movie title last spring but its also today’s blog topic.
We all know, hiring a PRO Makeup Artists makes a huge difference as a bride preps for her BIG day, but do bridesmaids need to shell out to get their makeup done too?
My answer: Yes! if you want to remain friends and don’t want the bride flipping out (Jeffrey Lewis style) just kidding! Honestly, most brides are low maintenance these days. Despite the ratings of Bridezilla, how many brides do you know that actually rage out like that…In fact, I find today’s trend is just the opposite – BRIDES are leaving the glam up to the person but in doing so, could leave a lot to chance – absolutely!
In my professional-humble-opinion let’s explore why you should take a stance on the matter.
a.) booking a PRO, you’ll have a consistent makeup look throughout your group photo’s.
b.) booking a PRO, is a treat for your entourage party
c.) booking a PRO, eliminates stress to your wedding day – picture your bridesmaids driving around town to from salons to makeup counters trying to get some eye-candy & lash action only to show up 45 min late, add to it – what if she goes extreme with the makeup and meanwhile back at the ranch, the others are only wearing mascara & chapstick, “see the risk?”
Bottom line, we all know, “blank” happens — especially during a wedding so ladies if you’re honoring your girl for her biggest day, don’t act up, don’t try and steal the thunder just ac·qui·esce; support the blissful union and go with the flow — get your makeup done by the PRO – “remember it’s not your day but rather hers”.
Now Brides to be, I think I’ve spelled it all out – “put your girls in the trusted hands of a trained professional” don’t leave anything to chance…hello, especially glamor!
A closet full of options
14 years ago
I’m a person who has a lot of clothes, but I wear my “favorites” to death. For the past few months, I’ve been experimenting with my closet and finding new ways to style my clothes and wear them in ways so they feel/look fresh again.
It’s actually quite easy to work with your favorite pieces and create a weeks worth of interesting and fashion forward outfits. You just have to get creative and play around with what you’ve got (checking out The Street Peeper and The Sartorialist for some inspiration isn’t a bad idea either)!
Favorites:
Look 1:
The salmon colored shift dress is the main focus for this outfit. Keep accessories and shoes simple. Although this look is casual – it’ll liven up any dull office!
Look 2:
This is a very chic and classic look. Wear the blouse loosely tucked in for a more laid back look.
Look 3:
This is a playful yet professional outfit (perfect for the creative types). I think a brick colored pencil skirt should be a staple in everyone’s closet!
Look 4:
Colored denim is huge this season and perfect for a workplace that allows you to wear denim. Layer a cropped sweater over a silk blouse for the ultimate Fall look.
Look 5:
This is a great Friday outfit. The sweater is perfect for the office and after work, stuff the sweater into your PS1 bag and you’re ready for dinner and drinks!
*Outfits created using Polyvore
I keep my closet stocked with classic and minimal looking pieces in neutral tones – that way it’s easier to mix and match what I have. Since my clothes are pretty basic, I like to accessorize with stacks of bracelets and while color is important this season, I’m trying to add a pop of color to my every day looks – whether it be a shoe, bag or even nail polish.
Hip Scarves: I’m Officially Starting This Trend Here and Now
14 years ago
I don’t know about you, but I like a minimum of 2 feet of open space surrounding me at all times when I’m on the dance floor. I blame dancing at the clubs on my lack of wanting to dance with partners because it always seems that some drunk weenie with no courage winds up dancing on my back without me even knowing he is there until the song has finished and I happen to break into my favorite closing dance move that somehow involves both my elbows and my head thrust backwards (kinda like the Running Man but with a LOT more intensity). Perhaps that’s why I like belly dancing so much, because you aren’t inviting others to share your dance space. Not only does belly dancing give your stomach that curve in it that gives you the hourglass shape, it also lets you wear another piece of clothing embellished with sparkles: hip scarves. My thoughts are that you shouldn’t attempt to wear a hip scarf to an office job, but for going out, you can pair them with leggings, fun jewelry, and simple heels.
Unplugged at the Park
14 years ago
A couple weeks ago I jumped in the car and headed down south for a vacation and to check out the music scene in a couple cities along the way. I have to say that I was really impressed with the music happenings in Atlanta. What comes to mind to most when talking about music down in the ATL is hip hop. Well the city hasn’t limited itself to one genre of music any longer. There is an expanding indie scene and many outlets for musicians to get their music heard, one of them being Unplugged at the Park.
Piedmont Park is beautiful on it’s own. Located in midtown overlooking the downtown Atlanta skyline. The park is a buzz with many people, often with frisbees and dogs. It’s a very relaxing, peaceful, and fun environment. On the corner of the park sits a bar and restaurant called, Park Tavern. There’s plenty of seating and a small brewery inside the restaurant. Outside they have a large tent with a stage and many tables for seating. The menu features a variety of sushi and claims to have the best burgers in midtown. Every Sunday Park Tavern hosts a free concert with national touring acts and local bands. The event is in it’s 9th consecutive season and is sponsored by Miller, Bacardi and 99X. It’s a beyond brilliant idea and I have to wonder why every major city isn’t doing something similar. Chicago offers free concerts at Millennium Park but it largely features classical musicians. I think it would be a great idea for mid-size cities to embrace the Park Music series to support singer-songwriters.
The event runs through to the beginning of October. The calendar of artists is worth checking out, I am familiar with quite a few bands on the roster this year. I happened to catch Joshua Fletcher & the Six Shot Romance and was very pleased to discover this band. I knew upon arrival that I would like their music. One of the members was running through the parking lot while slipping a pair of toms shoes on his feet. A couple members had longer hair and the lead singer was super clean cut. They are an eclectic group that sparked my curiosity about how they all could have came together. Each of them were so unique and I think thats part of the reason I feel like this band is so special. I want to see them again because it wasn’t an easy task to take in all that they have to offer. The drummer was super cool and smooth, someone I would have loved to just sit in on a jam session with. Joshua Fletcher had skinny jeans on that were rolled and combined with cowboy boots. He played his guitar and harmonica with so much emotion, and pretty flawlessly I might add. The bass player was quirky and seemed content in his own world, but still connected. I couldn’t help but appreciate their style. I did a quick listen of their ep after the show and it doesn’t quite do the band justice. The beauty of their sound is perfectly captured through their live performance, with each instrument blending and layering extremely naturally.
Honestly, one of the best events I’ve been to in awhile. Great food and music while being in a beautiful park, it’s the perfect combination. You can’t go wrong, there is something to offer everyone. I recommend that if you are in the Atlanta area check it out at least once. And if you know of any events going on in your city similar to Unplugged at the Park, comment or tweet me the info (@MusicITZLife).
Fishtail it!
14 years ago
I’m a loyal supporter of braids: french, side, small, large, crown, you name it. While I have been stalking the fishtail braid for months–it always looked too complicated for a hair novice, like me, to even attempt–I recently tried it and was pleasantly surprised to find it’s a piece of cake! There are several tricks for successfully fishtailing one’s hair. Firstly, I suggest having semi-dirty hair: if your hair is clean, it will slip right from your hands. Wait a couple days and try braiding in between washes. Secondly, the longer the hair the better. While it is certainly possible with medium length hair, the fishtail braid will look more distinct with longer hair. Plus, the standard fishtail braid hangs from one side–it is much easier to bring all the hair to one side when there is longer hair to bring. Thirdly, it helps to add some wax for texture, or Marakesh oil for smoothing fly-aways and adding some shine. As for the process, I suggest watching some online videos, which detail every step.
1. How To: fishtail braid video by Foxy Locks Extensions
2. Tutorial How To Do a Fishtail Braid by BebeXO
If you’re up for the challenge (it’s easy, I promise), watch the tutorials and take a look at these photos, and you’ll be fishtailing in no time.