Los Angeles Fashion Fix

Not quite ready to exit the VIP scene yet, thank goodness California is a short drive away.  Invited by 2 designers, a date with a make up artist and a hosting event last week in L.A. was just the right fix for my Phoenix Fashion Week withdrawals.

While drizzly autumn weather puts us in a tented situation, LINDEN SS14 Mosaic Collection by my friend Jennifer Lynn was in full bloom at Los Angeles Fashion Council held on Oct 9 at The Grove.  LA Times reported, “LINDEN is proof that ‘clothing with a conscience’ doesn’t always mean sacrificing style at the altar of sustainability.”  

Jennifer says, "My Spring/Summer 2014 is called Mosaic Collection inspired by Artist Yaacov Agam's who designed a mosaic fountain outside of Paris at La Defense."  Created in 1977, Agam's musical fountain made of polymorphic mosaic surface offering artistic diversity when viewed from different angles, such as LINDEN's clothes...

LINDEN's final walk at LAFC...

By invitation only, I arrived with my Seattle-based pals Maggie Sartain and Maile Cabral, co-founder of Cabral Edwards Management.  

Maile Cabral, Sheila Vertuno and Maggie Sartain

As a PR and brand management expert, Maile’s judicious eyes instantly recognized LINDEN’s edgy style would be the right attire and immediately fitted the Macklorette dancers performing with Macklemore  & Ryan Lewis during their US Fall 2013 tour, starting on Oct 22. I couldn’t agree more, as my all-time LINDEN favorite piece Moto Leggings made of eco-friendly washable salmon-skin leather is also my go-to piece this season.

Wearing LINDEN Moto Leggings at Phoenix Fashion Week with Jennifer Lynn

Continuing to make a fashion scene, I supported my bestie Bri Seeley as her SS14 Silence Collection (pre-order via Luevo.com) debuted on Oct 10 at Eden Hollywood benefitting Step Up Women’s Network.  I loved that Bri chose to feature L.A.’s top bloggers of different looks and sizes highlighting the versatility of her oeuvre.  Standout signature pieces for me are the Jaclyn Skirt from SS13 Escape Collection and the Mischa Dress (#10 image below) 

Bri Seeley SS14 Silence Collection

The show was attended by several Hollywood personalities, including my buddy and date for the night…celebrity make up artist, Maxi Tone.

Wearing Bri Seely Mischa Dress at Eden Hollywood

With Bri Seeley and Jason George, NBC's Blacklist Story Editor

With Robbie Laughlin of E News!

With Arianna Sinclair, Celebrity Wardrobe Stylist and Event Director

With LINDEN's Jennifer Lynn and LOIN CLOTH's Clary Ryan and Sam Mascaro

Make up by my dear friend Maxi Tone, Hollywood Celebrity Make Up Artist

Before the show, Maxi and I had a laid back afternoon playing with make up, catching up about his new cosmetic, his loyal clients Christina Milian, Patti Austin, Keesha Sharp and Lea Salonga, and also talked about women’s general beauty concerns.  Check out snippets of my one-to-one with Maxi…

Like most women, when the face in the mirror looks back at me, I notice the imperfections first.  Women incessantly wonder what regimen, treatment or procedures would fix the flaws magnified by their own minds. After all, to look beautiful means to look perfect.  The goal is to look perfect…NOT!

Let us not fool ourselves! The celebrities that we see on print ads are all photoshopped, the TV commercials have the right lighting and angles to capture the flawless looks that would sell the products advertised, and the models in the runway… they have an army of professionals applying pounds of concealer, spraying body foundations, attaching hair extensions, etc. Believe me, I’ve seen the BEFORE Backstage and the AFTER Runway looks from the front row.

“I don’t create beautiful, I only highlight what’s already within,” says Maxi.  The key is making the most of your looks regardless of your age.  Apply minimal cosmetics to highlight your best features.  Turn heads by showing a natural polished look, NOT a clown face.  And if you decide to enhance more permanently, do not go overboard sculpting.  Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against needles and knives.  Give me a few years and I may also take the plunge. But for the meantime, am just saying…less is more.

My personal daily must dos include diligent hydration, face and lip SPF protection, groomed arches and organic foundation. And if I didn’t get enough sleep the night before (which happens often), I curl the little lashes that I have. 

Let us know...what is your beauty secret?


XOXO,
Sheila

Phoenix Fashion Week Designer of the Year 2013

...and the Phoenix Fashion Week Designer of the Year 2013 is --- Dolcessa - Luxury swimwear for the confident woman. From the get go, I thought that this brand was way ahead of Phoenix Fashion Week itself.  Already an established brand, Dolcessa has graced the glossy and digital pages of national publications like People, Maxim, FHM, etc. It appeared in Sports Illustrated not one, not two, but 3 years in a row, most recently worn by Kate Upton in the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2013.  This high-end stylish swim wear was a crowd pleaser. The cover-ups and the crystal head pieces by Melis Accessories are my favorites.

Watch Dolcessa finale here:

Congratulations to Las Vegas based Katya Leoncio, owner and designer of Dolcessa.

From the competitors’ perspective, I am sure it was a long grueling yet productive 4 months going through the Emerging Designer Boot Camp.  Time well spent and all their hard work shined in the fabulous runway shows they put up during the Phoenix Fashion Week on October 3-5 at Talking Stick Resort. 

The 12 designers were so talented making this year’s competition much tougher than previous years.  As I shared my thoughts with Brian Hill, Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week, just minutes before the show started on the final night of the event, he said “I agree with you, Sheila, it is still anybody’s game at this point.  The scores are so close and the runway challenge will define the outcome tonight.”

Full of excitement, the standing room only spectators cheered as the top finalists were announced, check out a few of the looks from their Summer/Spring 2014 Collection.

Ja’ire International Couture designed by Ja’ire Hattley - "Daring apparel that commands attention." When the 2-sister team presented their first ensemble during the Emerging Designer Reveal in June, I was captivated and the brand set the bar high for my expectations. Unfortunately, the integrity of their first design carried only to half of their SS14 collection, the other half seemed out of place for a spring/summer line.

Medium Apparel designed by Zac McDonald - "Creating premium men’s and women’s street wear." Medium Apparel is one of only 2 local designers selected for the Designer of the Year challenge. I witnessed how this line evolved in just a few short months from what I thought was one-dimensional serigraphy for men's t-shirts back in June to a well-executed brand of unisex trendy art wear as flaunted on the runway.   Here's some his and her looks... 

"

Stephanie Gentry by Stephanie Gentry - "Luxury fashion for the woman who wants to take the world by storm."  I liked the spring pastel hues and the light fabric which flowed perfectly with the desert breeze as the models strutted the ramp. However, there's too many ideas ambitiously crammed into one collection making it seem like the designs didn't belong together.  Perhaps rearranging the presentation can make a difference.

There are no losers in this competition.  Armed with knowledge, experience and industry network, this is just the beginning of a great future. Congratulations to all the designers!  And a huge kudos to the Phoenix Fashion Week team, well done!

Now off to California for the LA Fashion Council runway show at The Grove and the most anticipated presentation of Bri Seeley’s SS14 in Hollywood.

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene.

XOXO,

Sheila

Real Women Real Clothes

Hosted by the Los Angeles Fashion Council, LINDEN Spring/Summer 2014 Mosaic Collection will hit the runway at the Grove Shopping Center on October 9^th, 2013.

Following my “Does Size Matter?” blog a few months back I’m excited to share about an LA-based designer, who has real women on mind - curvy and skinny, tall and petite…you name it, this couturier got you covered!

I met Jennifer Lynn, owner and creator of LINDEN, at Style Fashion Week LA where she showcased “The Wind Up Bird Collection.” I immediately fell in love with her bold yet effortless style! LINDEN is fashion forward and edgy and still versatile to fuse into existing wardrobe.  The brand is about “embracing the modern bombshell in every woman” says Jennifer.  It is conveniently accessible to all body types, true to its latest campaign “Real Women, Real Clothes.”  Her signature is manufacturing 100% in USA with earth-conscious recycled materials making its production runs often limited for a more exclusive collection.

Watch this video as she talked about her brand and her Real Women Real Clothes project, just before she got selected to vie for the Phoenix Fashion Week Emerging Designer of the Year 2013.  No surprise at all! Congratulations to Jennifer and good luck!!!

In company of 3 beautiful women, Ashley, Stephanie and Cami, I had the opportunity to model several LINDEN outfits.  Like little girls on Christmas morning, with bins and racks of clothes to reconnoitre, we were so excited we didn’t know where to start! It was invigorating to find California-chic clothes that can easily be balanced with our own personal styles.  Standing 5 feet 9.5 inches tall, I was enthused to find trousers that are actually long enough for my legs.

Jennifer gave us the carte blanche to make our own selections, mix it up, and put together several attires.  For the “Real Women Real Clothes” photo shoot we went for comfortable, functional and realistic looks yet confident, fab and fashionable.  Keeping it real, there was no hair and makeup crew, no professional stylists, no artificial illuminations or backdrops to glam us.

With abundance of natural lighting and breath taking views, the rooftop of the Academy Awards Building in the heart of downtown Los Angeles was a perfect location for a perfect day of photo shoot.  See behind the scenes videos…

This is all about celebrating everyday women of normal sizes and figures, thru the lenses of amazing Jeremy Lee.

For the Phoenix Fashion Week runway show at Talking Stick Resort tonight, I wore LINDEN's Classic Moto Leggings with H&M halter top, BCBG soles and my new favorite arm candy, Rebecca  Minkoff leather MAC.  I was not interviewed at the red carpet, but if I was asked why I support LINDEN, I would say, "There is depth in this brand that carries a strong message. LINDEN is 100% made in USA which is great for our economy. The clothing materials are sustainable and eco-friendly, yet rich and comfortable.  I appreciate the "art" in each piece, and I love the combination of LA-chic and edgy style. Finally, it is refreshing to see designs that compliment diversity in real women's figure."

Hosted by the Los Angeles Fashion Council, LINDEN Spring/Summer 2014 Mosaic Collection will hit the runway at the Grove Shopping Center on October 9^th, 2013.

Get your FASH on and happy styling!

XOXO,
Sheila

Fall Allure

When designer Allie Olson invited me to style one of Allie Ollie Fall 2013 Collection pieces, I was glad that she selected the Emerald Elegance line for me.  No room for less bright colors this season.  After all, emerald is Pantone’s color of the year!

Green does not complement my skin color.  However, when mixed with gold, grey, and a hint of orange amalgamated into a damask-like pattern, the combination is quite attractive such as shown in this Emerald Elegance Perfect Shrug.  The rich, lively and radiant pattern is a perfect autumn blues fix!

This shrug is so versatile and can easily be incorporated into anyone’s wardrobe.  Click here for ideas on accents and accessories, meanwhile here are a few simple looks: 

Business wear for office and conference events:  Worn as a jacket over a neutral classic one-piece dress, the Perfect Shrug definitely livens a day at work. Keeping it low key with matching beige clutch and Manolo-esque Briti pointed pump.

Evening look for a night out in town:  The Perfect Shrug is cinched on the sides, leaving the front open to show the pearly white H&M top, tucked in a Bri Seeley Jacklyn skirt.  The black beaded vintage purse and black satin Antonio Melani strap shoes give just the right bold contrast to the outfit.  A pair of chandelier earrings pick up the bling embellishment on the jacket and completes the look.

Dressed down for casual weekends:  One cannot go wrong pairing the Perfect Shrug with a cotton top, denim jeans and leather boots. Very comfortable and simple.

Notice the shoes? Trends come and go, but for me closed-toed pointy shoes are always a classic. 

Get your Fall FASH on and happy styling!

XOXO,
Sheila

Bri Seeley Exposed

I spent most of my summer close to my parents who moved back to California just about a year ago.  Dual purpose, while visiting my folks, I stayed with my girlfriend, Bri, to get a peek and write, with her consent of course, about her life as a designer.

Our flat is in the hilly part of Silver Lake with a killer 360-degree rooftop panorama of the downtown Los Angeles skyline, a lookout as far as Santa Monica marina, sight of the famous Hollywood sign, Dodger Stadium area, East L.A. and a bumper to bumper aerial view of cars along Highway 101. Except above Room 4C, forbidden area…that’s another story, the roof is actually a great spot for unwinding or partying.

Bri never missed a day of work. She’s always out the door by 9am, off to her studio in LA Fashion District.  I managed to tag along a couple of times and got a glimpse of her day.  After a double shot of espresso in the morning, she checks her voicemail, replies to her emails and social media queries, and rearranges her calendar for meetings with buyers. At this time of the year, designers are done with their spring/summer collection samples, line sheet and look book, therefore pattern making, cutting or sewing are already done. It’s all about marketing and manufacturing at this point.

After a quick lunch, I did a photo shoot with a few bloggers who came for fitting in preparation for Bri’s 10.10 event.

  

That took the whole afternoon and well into the evening, though, Bri and I managed to stop by a sample sale before braving the 20-minute drive home through the traffic.

While I gathered a lot of insights about the fashion industry, I also learned that her activities and schedule are not very much different from mine and probably yours as well - long days, meetings, networking and deadlines. So instead of writing about her life as a designer, I thought it'd be more fun to expose 10 things that you do not know about the real Bri:

1. Her real name is Brianna, nicknamed NaNa
2. Bri is not the only creative Seeley in town. I actually met the other 2!
3. Her obsessions are Alliver and Peechez, her kitties.
4. She prefers champagne over wine. Perfect, I didn’t have to share!
5. Bri is writing a book like Taylor Swift writes her songs. Get it?
6. I like it that she doesn’t have a television, therefore music (except Country) is on at home all the time.
7. She prefers gummies over chocolate. For real?
8. Bri hates doing the dishes. I know…I lived with her!
9. Bri makes a mean tiramisu, so she says. I have yet to try and I’ll be the judge!
10. Finally, her 15^th birthday theme was Star Wars. You’re going to have to ask her yourself what character she dressed as.

Join designer Bri Seeley in her L.A. Runway Debut presenting S/S14 “The Silence Collection” at Eden Hollywood on 10/10, 8pm. Bonus - you can buy the clothes off the runway on this site that same night! This event benefits Step Up Women’s Network to help 250 girls from under-resourced communities and help them grow into confident, college-bound, career-ready women.

Click here to get your tickets for VIP experience including a private pre-reception with Bri Seeley, not to mention the swag bags!

Get your FASH on and make an appearance.  See you there!

XOXO,
Sheila

Freedom with Fashion - Humanity & Education

Expressing artistry in fashion with humanity and education in mind is definitely haute! 

Featured here are designers Efua and Stephanie with very diverse backgrounds in creating beautiful clothes and the inspiration that drives their passion for what they do best.

Stephanie for Stephanie Gentry and Abba for Proverbs By Efua

Efua Mensah-Brown, Chief Creative Officer of Proverbs by Efua  

While her love for fashion started at a very young age, Efua's academic background in Finance and Economics immersed her into the business world.  In the midst of busy company travels that moved and settled her in 5 different countries, women's fashion remained close to her heart.  With a hectic corporate life, Efua grew to appreciate high quality and classic pieces versatile enough to keep up with her profession's daily grind.

It is not until after she first heard about “human trafficking” in 2009 that would inspire her to change course and follow her dreams.  Fast-forward to today, Dubai-based Proverbs by Efua, offers luxury women’s clothing for a cause, contributing 20% of profit to help solve the multi-billion dollar human trafficking problem. In 5 years, her goal is to put up a bigger fight to help eradicate this abuse aiming to raise and donate $75,000.  To most of us it sounds impossible to end this massive and complicated crisis, but to Efua saving one life at a time makes a world of difference. This is her fashion stance for freedom, her “Style of Freedom.”  Efua says, “If we do our part to help one girl, we have helped to make this a better place." 

Hear it from Efua herself...

Stephanie Gentry, Designer of Gentry

Atlanta-based, Stephanie, hit her first major milestone when she won ThunderLily’s Emerging Fashion Designer competition.  ThunderLily is a fashion incubator based in New York with a mission to “Set Fashion Free” by providing tools that enable young designers to fast-track their creations from imagination to reality and help them quickly penetrate the unforgiving almost exclusive fashion business.

Stephanie paved the way to freedom and accessibility for many aspiring designers to pursue their passion. As a forward thinker her vision is to transform the industry by creating technical capabilities that will allow emerging designers the edge, free range and options in producing their designs digitally in 3D.  Stephanie’s brilliant innovation triggered the interest of an Ivy League school, Columbia University who partnered with ThunderLily to develop the 3D software that she currently utilizes.  This technology would literary eliminate geographic barriers and open up a virtual world for remotely located designers to engage and get involved, especially the ones who are not based in couture capitals of the world.

A dream realized for Stephanie, she designed her entire Spring/Summer 2014 Urban Chic Collection in virtual space, true to her mantra, “follow your dreams, no matter how big or small, you never know where they might lead you." 

See how dressing a 3D fashion model looks...

Check out these two designers as they launch their SS14 line during Phoenix Fashion Week at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 1-5, 2013. Click here to get your tickets.

See you there!


XOXO,

Sheila

Game Changing Fashion

Ahh… it’s that time of the year when all sports are almost in play!  MLB on its 135-ish game…how many more to go?  NFL season opener in less than a week, I’m excited to be a couch potato again on Sundays and Monday nights…oh and Thursday nights too =) Rooting for the Da Bears of course! NHL starts in about a month, though it seems like I was just celebrating Blackhawks championship. NBA in a couple of months, but who cares, it’s rigged anyway, right? For now, I am enjoying US Open Tennis.   Past the 3^rd Round, I look forward to seeing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal finally meeting in the center court of Flushing Meadows.  

But who are the real power players this year, fashionably speaking...

Japan brand Uniqlo dressed the world's number 1 player, Novak Djokovic in an edgy high-octane red and black combination for night matches. I like the edginess of this outfit parallel to Novak’s strong passion and personality on court.

Novak Djokovic photo by Ftape.com

The loudest ensemble is by no less than Venus Williams, between the bright floral printed dress by her own line Eleven, her pink and purple braided hair, bedazzled nails and a huge statement ring.  Individually, I like the pieces, but together the style is all too over powering.

Venus Williams photos by USA Today

Always charming and looking polished as his game is Roger Federer in his Nike daytime game outfit.  Simply classic in blue and white! I wonder if his friend and style adviser, Anna Wintour weighs in on what he wears on court. Anyway, I hope this grand slam event yields him a lower number than #7 going in.

Roger Federer photo by CNN

And then there’s Stella McCartney’s design for Adidas sporting unpopular geometric patterns and confusing cutout on former top seeded Caroline Wozniacki.

Caroline Wozniacki photo by Getty Images

What do you think? Leave a comment.

There’s color blocking on some women’s attires, some more pleasing than others. But I didn’t see anyone wear skimpy outfits as controversial as Miley Cyrus’ VMA performance. Overall, there’s no game changing pieces this year. Click the links to see what others count as fashion aces and faults. 

Speaking of change, this one is big…

For the first time in 70 years, a plus size high-end clothing brand in sizes 12-24, Cabiria, will debut its label on New York Fashion Week’s runway at the Lincoln Center on September 6^th.   Kudos to Eden Miller, creative designer of Cabiria, for such feat.  This is a huge milestone not just for her and her line but also for the fashion industry as a whole.  The days of size double zero models feasting on cotton balls dipped in orange juice may soon come to end as there’s a new future ahead. 

Remember my blog "Does Size Matter?" I hope that the major fashion weeks will be a level playing field inclusive of all size designers someday.

Visit my new Facebook Page: “Chasing Sheila” for New York Fashion Week’s schedule and list of designers.  Remember most of them do live streaming!

Don’t miss out! Get your FASH on for the New York Fashion Week. Happy streaming!

XOXO,

Sheila