Style Bust
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American Idol Top 12 Recap
14 years ago
Last night’s show made me really regret adamantly insisting that my friend’s watch this season. I was so thrilled with last week’s episodes that I was anxiously waiting to see the performances of the Top 12, but overall, what a disappointment.
I will say that Stefano really stood out to me this week. I think he went slightly overboard with the ‘Christina Aguileraesque’ runs. However you felt his passion and he sounded beautiful. Perfect song choice for him (heck, I bought it on iTunes). Pia chose a more up-tempo song and that was enjoyable. Casey, personally I’m confused by the Nirvana song choice for him. I like Casey, I like Nirvana… not sure if I liked them mixed. But it doesn’t matter what I think, the judges praised him, my roommate loved it, and he’s hanging around much longer. I was surprised that I enjoyed Haley’s rendition of Whitney Houston’s, “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” I was really concerned for her to do this song but it turned out better than expected. It may not be her style but I thought it was a strong performance.
Overall everyone was extremely pitchy; there were notes where I just cringed. Naima, Naima, Naima. All I can say is that I can appreciate that she is true to herself and she is certainly unique. Her style is great, for her… but really the girl belongs on a cruise ship, not American Idol. It’s pretty early in the competition and I can hardly even watch a Paul McDonald performance objectively because he practically melts my heart. I even pondered the idea of sending fan mail. Disgusting. I need to pull myself together. Anyway, he didn’t sound great. I guess I should throw in the fact that he was sick but that won’t really give him a pass in my book. From a PR perspective the music industry is big about branding. This show is certainly creating a brand and path for Paul McDonald. I just hope the viewers keep him around longer. Since this week was rough, I think its absolutely necessary that he brings his guitar within the next couple weeks. He needs to show that side of him. Otherwise people are just going to get tired of his sound.
In a way I’m slightly satisfied that most of the performances were sub par. I was really getting tired of the constant love and mushy comments from the judges. It was about time we heard some real criticism and feedback. And just another side note, anyone notice how many times the camera cut to Jennifer Lopez only to see her singing along? Maybe she’s embarrassed about not knowing who Ryan Adams is, but no need to make up for it with the constant lip-synching this week. Clearly I’m bitter about how things went down last night. But I’m tuning in tonight and the rest of the season regardless.
Happy St. Patricks Day everyone!
Interview with Ericka of Ericka Engelman Couture
14 years ago
Ericka Engelman is an established designer in Carmel, CA. Ericka designs under the self titled line Ericka Engelman Couture. Ericka has been involved in a number of international fashion shows, and has a great network of followers and supports throughout the Bay Area. Ericka will be showcasing her collection at this years Give Back Gala, which will be held on April 2nd at the J.W. Marriott in San Francisco.
Ericka spent some time with me to answer a couple of questions about her fashion business.
Style Bust: How did you get started in fashion design?
Pretty much at my mothers knee, I loved watching her create and sew and just as soon as I could reach the sewing machine petal I was sewing too. it seemed like magic to me , to be able to create something out of thought inspiration and fabric. I was creating and sewing for my junior high school friends and doing small local craft fairs when I understood the next magic thing about sewing and that is I could make money at it. The third and most important magic thing about design/creating came to me later. I learned that being able to help someone feel and look more beautiful then they have ever felt before is one of the most soul satisfying things one can achieve.
Style Bust: Are you designing full-time?
Yes I have the great good fortune to be in my 25th year of business in fact April 1st, the day before the Give back gala it will be 25 years. I have a wonderful staff that make it fun and challenging to go to work each day. With out them, a wonderful understanding husband and a lot good luck I would not have been able to live my dream.
Style Bust: What did you study in college?
I graduated out of 11th grade and went right into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, with a full scholarship. At that time the college was only two floors of a furniture building in downtown Los Angeles, they like me have come a long way.
Style Bust: What do you enjoy most about being a fashion designer?
It changes, because we are a couture house and design for our clients the design work is varied and I enjoy the challenge of that. I also like the physical act of sewing and creating fine embellishments . I
also have to say I enjoy the jazz of business which is a good thing because if you don’t embrace that part of your design career your in for some hard knocks.
Style Bust: What’s the most challenging part of the business?
Staying fresh,looking for new inspiration and especially new fabric and fabric treatments. we have lost a lot of our best mills worldwide and the array of colors and textiles have greatly diminished.
Style Bust: Describe the collection you’ll be showing at this years Give Back Gala.
I describe my collection as California bohemian with a European edge. I’m using a lot of colorful and luxurious fabrics , I’m even having some prints made for me. The style ranges from daytime play, daytime
work, casual evening, to all out evening and bridal. The cornerstone belief of my business is that all women deserve beautiful clothes that really fit. Our clients come in all shapes, sizes, ages and lifestyles. These pieces are designed to fit the many worlds we live in.
Style Bust: Why should people come and see the show?
This is wonderful opportunity to see a variety of fresh young designers sharing their personal passion with the world. Where else can you experience beauty while supporting noble causes?As to the question,why did I want to participate? It has been a difficult couple of years for our nation and our world and I wanted to work toward something that was collaborative , beautiful and uplifting after all that really is what fashion is all about, xoxo.
Style Bust: How can people learn more about your collection, brand, etc?
Q and A with SF Based Fashion Designer Jess Lindgren
14 years ago
I’ve been fortunate enough to know Jess Lindgren for all my life since she’s my older sister. I have fond memories of putting on fashion shows in our backyard as young girls. It’s been a lot of fun to watch her grow into the stylist and designer she is today with her self titled label Jess Lindgren. She’s gives me a lot of outfit advice, helpful pointers, and recaps of the best fashion trends. I can’t even begin to count the number of times she’s outfitted me for parties and events.
Here are a couple of questions and answers with Jessi Lindgren, my sister.
Style Bust: How did you get into fashion design?
It kind of just happened. I’ve always been into clothing, but actually designing and making clothes started a few years back when my parents gave me a sewing machine for Christmas. Since then I’ve been making clothing for my sister and myself. Anytime we have an event or family function to attend I make our dresses!
But, I used to make clothes for my Barbie’s – maybe you could say my interest in fashion design started back then!
Style Bust: What is your philosophy on fashion?
I’m a believer in wearing the old with the new. Trends can be very uniform looking which is why I love mixing a trend with something classic or vintage. Mixing adds a little character and personality to an outfit. Though, I’d say above anything else, its most important to wear whatever makes you feel good!
Style Bust: Where and what did you study in college?
I took some classes at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Upon learning how awesome San Diego was, I transferred to FIDM in San Diego and studied Merchandise Marketing.
Style Bust: Are you working on your fashion line full-time? If not, what else do you do for work?
Unfortunately for me, designing clothes doesn’t pay the bills. You’ll find me at the Woodhouse Fish Co. most days, serving some amazing lobster rolls and other seafood goodies! And you can read my weekly blog posts right here at Stylebust.com.
Style Bust: What’s your favorite part about designing?
It’s really rewarding to have an idea, buy some fabric and in the end be able to say, “wow, I actually made this!”. It’s exciting to see someone wearing your designs!
Style Bust: Describe the collection you’ll be showing at the Give Back Gala.
I’m designing a resort-wear collection that has a bohemian vibe. And for once, you’ll see NO black!
Style Bust: What inspired this collection?
My inspiration for the color story comes from a photograph my boyfriend took on our drive back from Stanislaus Forest. It just finished raining and the colors were absolutely gorgeous. As far as my designs go, I was inspired by rockstar girlfriends from the 70’s (Bianca Jagger, Francoise Hardy, Jane Birkin – you get the picture).
Style Bust: Why should people come out and see your work at this show?
I don’t think anyone should attend the Give Back Gala just to see my collection, I think people should come out and support two great charities and see some extremely talented and hard-working designers!
Style Bust: How can people learn more about your designs?
You can visit my website: Jess Lindgren (thanks to Nicole and Tyler for hooking me up)! Or email me [email protected]
Interview with Sacramento Based Fashion Designer Tiana Vega
14 years ago
Tiana Vega is my favorite thing about Sacramento, California. She is upbeat and a ton of fun to be around. Her personality comes through in her unique self titled clothing line Tiana Vega. I’m looking froward to working with her for the upcoming Give Back Gala fashion show.
Here’s a couple of questions and answers with Tiana.
Style Bust: How did you get into fashion design?
I have always had an eye for fashion. My infatuation in the fashion industry stems from my the early years of my childhood so I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up. After high school I attended FIDM where I got my degree and have been working freelance ever since!
Style Bust: What did you think about the fashion school experience?
I attended FIDM in Los Angeles to obtain my degree in fashion design, my experience there was nothing short of amazing! I met a lot of great people who I still keep in contact with! It’s always fun to see what everyone else is doing with their experiences they’ve gained after school!
Style Bust: Are you working on your fashion line full-time?
Yes I am. This is my job…I eat, breath and live for designing! I couldn’t see be happier doing anything else.
Style Bust: How long have you been designing fashion as an independent designer?
I have been designing fashion as an independent designer for about 2 years now.
Style Bust: Describe the collection you’ll be showing at the Give Back Gala.
The collection has a 1940’s flair with intricate beading and beautiful style and cuts in each piece.
Style Bust: What inspired this collection?
This collection is actually inspired by my grandmother who passed away in November, I was close with her and so losing her was pretty hard on me and my family…but I decided to use her sense of elegant and graceful style to inspire me to create a beautiful collection dedicated to her and the beautiful woman she was.
Style Bust: What inspired this collection?
Well this collection has a fresh new take on the following seasons coming up, so if you’re a fashionista and you are always looking for new and exciting fashion forward pieces, than coming out to the fashion is a must!
Style Bust: What have been some of your biggest accomplishments as a designer?
One of my biggest accomplishments was when I teamed up with a nonprofit know as Sweet Dreams Foundation and produced one of the largest fashion shows in Sacramento, raising a good amount of not only publicity for our charity but the money they needed to help a local child get the remodeled room she had always wanted.
Style Bust: Where can people find out more about your collection?
To learn more about me and my designs you can go to my website at www.tianavega.com.
Why Paul McDonald Is Great For American Idol
14 years ago
If you have written off American Idol because your tired of the same old singing competition, with the same mediocre songs, it’s time to tune in… because the times they are a changing. And it starts with Paul McDonald. Each week Randy Jackson has said how good it is for American Idol to have Paul on the show. Paul is bringing so much that hasn’t been brought before. But I’m seeing a lot of talent I haven’t seen on this show before. So why is it that Paul is so great for the show?
His voice is so unique in the mainstream world, most just haven’t heard it. Here he is on national television, on a show that gets millions of viewers each week, and he’s single handedly going to be bringing the sounds of Ryan Adams, Mumford, and Wilco (and hopefully Wilco is in the AI catalog because Paul would do Jeff Tweedy proud I’m sure). Now is the perfect time for Paul to be on American Idol, this music has been just waiting to break through, the amazing response to Mumford and the Avett Brothers at the Grammys this year shows that people are feeling this genre.
Last night he performed “Come Pick Me Up,” by Ryan Adams. Brilliant song, Ryan Adams is an artist that makes you feel something. How sad is it that Jennifer Lopez had never heard of him? I guess too often I am stuck in my music bubble that it’s hard to believe someone that’s in the music industry hasn’t heard of people like Adams. It was like after the Grammys… and people were saying, “who is Arcade Fire?” That killed me. AI’s viewers need Paul, and he said after his performance last night that, “he hopes we get it.” I get it, I love that song, I feel that song in the pit of my stomach, deep in my heart. And I guess I realize that not everyone is going to get it but it’s just so refreshing to hear him on the show. I have a feeling that more people will get it when he pulls out his guitar and sings. I cannot wait for that moment.
With Paul it’s really a win-win. For the show its wonderful to bring in this entire new catalog of music and cater to a larger audience. On the flip side, for the all of the artists that he’s covering its great exposure. Paul has selling power. As of 11 PM last night Ryan Adams was the second most searched topic on google.
Paul was in two bands prior to American Idol, “Hightide Blues” and “The Grand Magnolias.” Both bands have had albums on sale on iTunes. The Grand Magnolias have sky rocketed to the top of the Rock Charts on iTunes since Paul’s appearance on American Idol. Interesting to note that when I went to check the chart position today, I was unable to find them on iTunes. There’s a strong possibility that it has been removed due to legal issues with the show. I will keep digging for information and keep you updated as I find out.
I’ll be writing every week about American Idol. Early front runners in my mind are Pia and Casey. Pia definitely has the look and voice for an Idol. She is the more obvious choice in my mind. Casey, I love him. He reminds me of the guy next door, jamming on his guitar, the kind of talent that is generally overlooked. You can feel the music and his passion when he sings, I can’t imagine what it’s like to watch him perform live. I love Scotty too, such a strong country voice. I don’t even like country music that much but I do really like him. Personally I love Paul, no surprise here. But I’m not confident he can win the entire thing, nor do I think it would be good for him in the long run. He needs his artistic freedom and I’m not sure that he would be able to accomplish that as the winner. It will be interesting to see how this season pans out, I definitely would recommend people try watching American Idol this season… there’s sooo much talent this year, if you love music you have to see it.
Q and A with SF Based Fashion Designer Jennifer Ly
14 years ago
I’ve been working with Jennifer Ly over the past couple months in preparation to the Give Back Gala, which she will be participating in as a designer. I’ve asked her a couple of quick questions to help our readers get to know here before the big event!
Style Bust: How did you get into fashion design?
Completely by chance, although I’ve always been interested in fashion even at the earliest age of my life. I actually majored in Computer Science before deciding to pursue fashion.
Style Bust: Where did you study, and what did you think about the fashion school experience?
I studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco. My school experience was fast and intense. My teachers were amazing and pointed me in the right direction to reach my full creative potential. I really owe a lot of what I’ve accomplished in my career to me stepping stones at FIDM.
Style Bust: You’re working full-time at Gap Inc. Can you tell us a little bit about your role there?
I’m currently a Designer for OLD NAVY. I design all the denim and woven bottoms for girls ages 5-16. I design all silhouettes, washes and finishes, and manage all product from development to production.
Style Bust: How long have you been designing fashion as an independent designer?
I haven’t been designing fashion as an independent designer at all. Upon graduating from FIDM I got several freelance design gigs and never really had the time to focus on my own work. This collection is my first I’ve ever done.
Style Bust: Describe the collection you’ll be showing at the Give Back Gala.
My collection is playful and quaint. I love the use of clean lines with a variety of textures and mixed symmetry. The color palette is soft with tones of white, grey, blk and mauve.
Style Bust: What inspired this collection?
The collection was inspired by whimsical winter snow. I was inspired by 70’s silhouettes and early roman body adornment.
Shatter and Shellac
14 years ago
First I want to give an update about Black Shatter from OPI. I bought the Serena Williams Glam Slam online and as soon as it arrived I tried it on.
The product works exactly as it should, it was very easy to apply and the effect came out immediately. Each nail had a different pattern and expect the polish to feel bumpy because of the shatter effect. As always I used a base and top coat and the polish lasted for about 5 days without chipping.
I tried Black Shatter with other polishes, even though it does work well, it looks better when you use the glittery polish underneath like the ones in the Katy Perry line.
And talking about unique nail polishes, I recently had a manicure at this really cool and tiny nail salon called The Nail Bar @6th in downtown San Diego where they specialize in natural mani/pedi. They used coffee to soak the hands and feet and sugar as a scrub, the results were great!
In this salon I was introduced to Shellac, a registered trademark of CND, sold only to licensed professionals so your best bet is to find a nail saloon that offers it. The unique thing about Shellac is that it a hybrid between gel and nail polish and lasts up to 14 days without chipping or fading.
The process of getting the Shellac can last up to 30 minutes since the manicurist applies coat after coat of the specialized polish and needs to let your nails cure in a UV lamp between each coat. Salons are encouraged to charge extra for this service, but for a busy woman, this can be worth it since you won’t have to worry for 2 weeks at least.
The end result will be nails with a very thick coat, which will actually protect your natural nail and encourage growth. To remove the Shellac it is encouraged to do it at the nail salon, but you can probably do it at home following these instructions I found on YouTube.
Personally I liked it, but its not my thing to have one color too long. I’m addicted to changing my nail polish colors at least twice a week and after one week I took the Shellac off. So I can’t really say if the 2 weeks on my hands is real, but I can say that I had the appointment 3 weeks ago and the Shellac on my toes still looks perfect.
I probably will use it again when I go on vacation or a business trip just so I don’t have to worry about the maintenance and can concentrate on the important stuff (fill in the blank as you wish).
How to Buy Used Jewelry
14 years ago
Used and vintage is a great way to quickly add more statement pieces to a jewelry collection. Retailers today are capable of making many great (and mass-produced) statement pieces of jewelry, which I am guilty of buying, but in my opinion it’s easier to find statement pieces in the used and vintage jewelry space. Mainly because this way you know the girl next to you at the bar has a slim chance of wearing the exact same jewelry. Pre-owned pieces have also been test driven, if the piece has withstood wear and tear by previous owners and still looks good as new you’re paying for quality (quality is often missing in new jewelry).
Here are a couple of my personal tips for buying used and vintage jewelry.
1. Swing by your local thrift or used clothing store and try on a couple different used pieces. Like clothing, jewelry has its own ‘hanger appeal’ and see if there is a certain style or era that speaks to you. It’s good to check out the pricing and have a live person there to ask questions. I urge you to ask questions, this will make you online hunt for pre-owned jewelry much easier. If you find a piece worth buying, congrats! Mission accomplished.
2. Visit ebay, free classifieds on olx, etsy, and Lang Antiques. I’ve just mentioned my favorite sites here, I realize that there are many more for used and auction type sales that have been left out. If I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking for I enjoy browsing the results for ‘used jewelry’, ‘vintage jewelry’ as well as ‘costume jewelry’.
3. I find more often than not that what I’m looking for falls within the category ‘costume jewelry’ so be sure to check these pieces out before ordering.
4. Lastly, if you decide to order or bid on items online, remember images can be slightly deceiving, so my rule of thumb is to be realistic about prices and expectations. I’ve definitely done my fair share of overpaying for vintage jewelry, and it doesn’t feel good.
Why I buy used jewelry:
Personally, I love the history that previously owned jewelry has as opposed to “new”, although I do buy and wear new jewelry as well as my older stuff. New jewelry has sentiment to the purchaser, the person who handed over some hard-earned money for something new to wear. Reused jewelry has generations of sentiment, history and stories (I’m sure). Used and vintage pieces often times come from an era long gone. I find great pleasure in owning and wearing jewelry when I know that few to none own the exact same piece as me because it’s a rare, less trendy piece from a earlier time period.
Some can also argue it’s environmentally friendly since the piece is already produced. And remember….even the Queen of England wears “used jewelry”.