Sunday, March 31, 2013

Bri Seeley Trunk Show

            
 

Less than 24 hours after MIM Rocks Fashion 2013, I went to Bri Seeley’s Trunk Show at Divaz Boutique for cupcakes =) and designer sale!

Yummy!

Bri Seeley with her intern Sydney Reiman
Bri in her Kori top and Jaclyn skirt / Sydney in black Arianna Ombre Sheer Chiffon Skirt


It was awesome to see the Escape Collection up close and personal, and actually try on some pieces before they are available in the market via Zappos.com.  My favorites are the Harper Sheer Silk Chiffon Backless Dress and the Lily Ombre Sheer Chiffon Dress in black.  


Unfortunately, my size was not available. Though I did not leave empty handed.  From Bri Seeley's Illumination Collection, I procured the Emma tailored short that sits slightly below the natural waistline, with cuffed hem, pleating details, and pockets. And, of course, the matching Juliana swing style crop coat with a standing collar, featuring a deep pleat and a rounded hem that ends below the waist in the back.  The fabric is, oh so soft 100% Italian wool, and it came with personal styling advise from the designer herself, Bri Seeley. Did I mention that I got it on sale...50% off! Can't go wrong with gorgeous clothes at fab prices =)




Thanks for stopping by.  Get your FASH on and happy styling!

Bri Seeley shorts and coat
Gap shirt $2.99
Solemate flats
Hermes purse
Macy's necklace and earrings
Hermes bracelet

Makers from USA, Italy and China


     




MIM Rocks Fashion Under the Stars




Phoenix Fashion Week (PFW) returned to the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale, AZ on March 29th for their 4th Annual MIM Rocks Fashion under the stars. Presented by the Focal Point Salon, the event benefits the M.U.S.I.C. Foundation of Arizona, a non-profit organization supporting music and youth programs.  Supporting from Hollywood, the Grammy and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx kicked off the night with a special message.

Paying tribute to local top stylists, the affair brought in the best of the best from Tucson and Phoenix.  Or did it? You be the judge, here's my view from the front row.

Clothes Minded styled by Rochelle York
An advocate for Arizona designers, Clothes Minded hosts a weekly mini fashion and trunk shows featuring the likes of JHaus, Shawl Dawls, etc. Opening the runway, Rochelle’s styling is like a Hawaii vacation.  White, emerald, aqua blue and coral hues combined with floral prints, bring to mind the all-year bloom and blue waters of Maui.  I love the simple pulled back hair bringing focus to the bold statement necklaces. Introducing denim in the last few looks, she closed with a dramatic ala-Angelina Jolie leg-baring, one-shoulder, floor scraper denim dress to die for.  Watch runway video here.

Divaz Botique by Yeka Bruner
Based out of Tucson, Yeka was recently named as a Glamour Magazine 2012 “Glam-bassador” and was awarded by the Sterling Star Academy of San Francisco the “Rising Star Award.”  With Divaz Boutique vast clothing selection, Yeka constructed fashion forward flowy and lacy get ups in white and pastel.  I was impressed with how Divaz’ affordable clothing looked expensive in the runway. The shoes are the best part and my fave was the nude T-strap wedge.

Divaz in Fierce White styled by Yeka Bruner



































Spring Flowing Divaz styled by Yeka Bruner




































ENVY by Khanh styled by Fawn Cheng
Bold and geometric lines are easily recognizable of ENVY brand. It was refreshing to see Khanh’s growth in designing since he debuted his overdone and shoddy-looking club wear last October 2012. Setting the right vibe for Fawn’s styling, the runway opened with dancers jazzing in suits and hats.  The crowd was entertained and energized as the collection showcased strategic cutouts, sexy uneven hemlines, while the fabric swayed along with the music. One word...sophistication! Must see runway video here.

ENVY pin up styling with red puckers by Fawn Cheng
































Amir’s La Voute styled by Amir Saebi
With a flare for vintage pieces, Amir styled men’s fashion with his own designs along with luxury names.  There are a few items that I really liked individually and found myself zooming my camera into, like the Nuestra Senora del Rosario tie (middle photo below), and the Chanel suspenders. Unfortunately, after watching a few ensembles walked by, I was ready to flip the channel like a commercial on TV. Couldn't tell if he was going after a European vintage look like he said or the 90's with that boombox tote. Most of the clothes did not even fit the models. The pieces just didn’t work together for me, and overall left me confused.

Amir's La Voute styled by Amir Saebi































Amir's La Voute styled by Amir Saebi




























Bri Seeley styled by Brian Swan
From Los Angeles, my new favorite designer, Bri Seeley graced MIM Rocks Fashion showcasing her Escape 2013 Collection as styled by Brian Swan of Zappos.com. I was happy to see her back in the valley, as Phoenix is where the pivotal event of her career took place when she won the PFW 2012 Designer of the Year last Fall.  Coming to Zappos.com in May, Bri Seeley’s creations will never disappoint.  I tried some on at her trunk show <--check it out. I loved them! 




Win an official MIM Rocks Fashion swag bag by casting your vote for your favorite stylist on the Phoenix Fashion Week's Facebook page.  And check out MIM Rocks Fashion 2013 Street Style!

Thanks for stopping by.  Get your FASH on and happy styling!

XOXO,
Sheila




                                                       

Friday, March 29, 2013

Street Style at MIM Rocks Fashion 2013



No doubt, it was a pleasurable night with my girls at MIM Rocks Fashion 2013.  

My besties enjoyed the days and hours leading up to the event... planning out and shopping for their outfits, getting nails done, hairstyle by Regis, make-up by MAC, etc.  But hey, that's exactly what we love about being a girl!  They all looked fantastic as they graced the red carpet. Oh wait, there was no red carpet, I guess they're going "green." 

Here are some fun moments in stills, the rest of the night is just too much fun to capture =)
















































Thanks for stopping by.  Get your FASH on and happy styling!

XOXO,
Sheila







Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Style Fashion Week LA Fall 2013





It was merely an hour flight to Long Beach, after a laid back pre-board wait at the newly renovated US Airways Club at Terminal 4 of Sky Harbor Airport on Thursday afternoon.

But my drive from Cerritos to downtown L.A.’s fashion district that evening was anything but relaxing!  And the nervy stroll from the parking lot, 2 blocks over to Vibiana for Style Fashion Week LA runway event was as edgy as my outfit.


  With Designer, Bri Seeley


With Fashion Stylist Franzy Staedter & Taniya Ahmed of Shawl Dawls

On the contrary, I had an awesome time meeting up with my fashionista peeps at the red carpet and making new acquaintances from all sorts of arty background.  It was amazing to experience the tight network of the designers, stylists, actors, bloggers, retailers, etc. backing and cheering each other.  The night was literally oozing with passion and talent.

                   Bri Seeley                              With Lamar Legend                           Franzy and Lamar
                                

Let the sashay begin!

Lights, camera and runway at Vibiana







First was Linden Fashion's Fall 2013 "The Wind Up Bird Collection." Linden Fashion is a contemporary, fashion forward, California-chic line, created by Jennifer Lynn. Supportive of "green revolution," Lynn regularly makes use of recycled materials in an effort to reduce her production's carbon footprint, hence a more desirable, limited and exclusive brand.

The Wind Up Bird Collection Fall 2013 by Linden Fashion

My favorite look by Linden Fashion, designed by Jennifer Lynn

Linden models final walk


Second up was Madisonpark Collective Fall/Winter 2013, designed by Trey Alligood III, bringing vintage American garment a modern twist. Like Linden Fashion, Madisonpark Collective's high-quality garment is made from reclaimed and recycled fabrics that includes eco-friendly and water-efficient processing and washing.  Alligood's Fall collection had a rugged and rustic feel, yet amazingly refined.  The presentation included an energetic opening, mid and closing dance sequence.  Overall, the show was entertaining and HOT! 




Madisonpark Collective designer, Trey Alligood lll (center)



After party with Jennifer Lynn and Lamar Legend at the Edison
         

Thanks for stopping by.  Get your FASH on and happy styling!

XOXO,
Sheila


Ralph Lauren Eyewear
Chanel Accessories
525 America Top
Gap Brassiere
H&M Pants
Enzo Angiolini Peep Toes
Vintage purse (gift) $0

Makers from China and Italy


   



Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Spring Forward




We Arizonans need not spring forward our clocks last weekend, but we're definitely always up to Spring Season action.  Here are some fashionable events for the next couple of weeks:

March 14–20:  "Dior Exclusive Color Event" at Saks Fifth Avenue Biltmore.  Explore Beauty and Fragrance for her.  
Saks.com


March 15:  Annual "Suits and Sneakers" at W Scottsdale.  A celebration of custom-made suits and the latest in sneaker culture features a fashion show by Elevee Lifestyle. Click here for details. 


March 20–24: "Fendi & Me Event" at Saks Fifth Avenue Biltmore.  See the latest of Fendi's famous “baguette” handbags.
Saks.com


March 22: "The Red Carpet Event" at Saks Fifth Avenue Biltmore Fashion Park.  This event is organized by and benefits The Wellness Community, a national non-profit organization that provides support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones.  For details, click here


March 23: The 15th Annual Compassion with Fashion “7th Inning Fetch” at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.  The Arizona Humane Society will take the field at the Biltmore for a grand slam silent auction and an unforgettable fashion show featuring all-star adoptable pets!  It is charitable and fun. For reservations, click here


March 23: "Celebrity Fight Night XIX" at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is an elite charity event graced by big celebrities and athletes. The CFN has raised over $80M since inception primarily benefitting Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. For details and reservations, click here.


March 29:  The 4th Annual MIM Rocks Fashion “A Tribute to Top Stylists in Arizona” at the Musical Instrument Museum in Scottsdale, AZ, presented by Focal Point Salon. Phoenix Fashion Week 2012 Designer of the Year, Bri Seeley, is back in the house to showcase her Escape 2013 Collection. For tickets and details click here.


March thru July: "Digital Print Fashion Exhibition" at Phoenix Art Museum Ellman Fashion Design Gallery, featuring cutting-edge advances by contemporary designers including Mary Katrantzou, Alexander McQueen, Ralph Rucci and Issey Miyake. For details, click here.










Sunday, March 10, 2013

Fashion Made in USA





Most of my blogs list the makers of the outfits I feature. Not surprising that only less than 5% of which are made in USA.  Many of us still remember the scandalous USA Olympic team uniforms by Ralph Lauren made in China.  Today, I’d like to highlight a couple of designers who holds true to their American dream. 

Philippine born and Cebu native designer Monique Lhuillier, is a well-established and internationally recognized leading lifestyle brand who continues to climb the peaks of fashion heights.  It’s hard to miss Monique as her couture inventions are in most red carpet events draped around Hollywood A-listers.


Photo credits "red carpets-fashionawards.com"

Monique is in almost every glossy publication, not just the likes of Vogue and Cosmopolitan, but also in home décor magazines.  I am not surprised to find her in my monthly travel reading, Departures as well.



Monique's successful career in fashion debuted with her line of sophisticated luxury bridal and evening gowns in 1996, which has since expanded to RTWs, fine jewelries, footwear, as well as tabletop, bed, bath and home collections.  Her creations, except for shoes that are made in Italy, are all crafted domestically. In her hometown, Los Angeles, to be specific!

Speaking of American made, a fast emerging designer, Bri Seeley, is not only acclaimed for her contemporary designs inspired by history and nature.  Like Monique, Bri’s high quality materials, and apparel are also all meticulously made in USA. It is a critical differentiator of her brand, which I admire.





Since bagging the Phoenix Fashion Week Designer of the Year Award in October 2012, it has been a hectic success for Bri. She had a Spring 2013 runway show in the Style Fashion Week LA last Fall, migrated to Los Angeles from Seattle earlier this month, and had a major break through on TV when Kacie Boguskie (aka Kacie B) of The Bachelor wore the “Adriana Skirt” and "Grace Blouse.”  Both are from Bri’s “Escape 2013” designs, arriving on Zappos.com in May.

I cannot wait to see Bri’s Escape Collection in the upcoming MIM Rocks Fashion fashion show event, where I will wear no other than her best-selling black “Jaclyn Skirt.”  Thank you, Bri! It fits perfectly!


I promise this Jaclyn skirt will look much better on me than on my bed =)

By the way, don't miss the 4th Annual MIM Rocks Fashion: A Tribute to Top Stylists in Arizona presented by Focal Point Salon and produced by Phoenix Fashion Week.  For tickets and more information, click here.  See you there!