A revolutionary digital space that explores life as we all evolve within it. I present my personal commentary on Fashion, Style, Art, Parenting, Crafting, Music, Literature, Culinary delights, Inspirational people and their stories. I aim to share the tips, tricks and knowledge that I have gathered on my journey in an effort EMPOWER and INSPIRE! Xxo
My latest fashion escapade: IMAN Global Chic Classic Couture Luxurious Cape with Patent Trim.
When I prepared my Style Maven feature on IMAN I discovered this jewel in her fashion line for HSN.
It is a really chic caplet coat with a button detail on the bottom of the arm slits. You can undo and wear as a fabulous open cape. You can ROCK this look @ any size or shape; I am 6 months pregnant and it looks/feels fantastic.
It currently comes in 6 colors: White, Camel, Grey, Chocolate Brown, Purple and Black (on a wait list) and 4 sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/1X and 2X/3X
I also love the fact that IMAN actually wears the pieces from her line.
Cape in Camel
Cape in Black
Be a caped fashion crusader and grab yours NOW ~ ON SALE (Reg. 89.95 & NOW: $49.95): http://www.hsn.com/
One of my obsessions is peacock feathers; their colors and patterns used in fashion -in textiles & prints, jewellery and peacock-esque accessories.
I have recently found one of my favorite pieces. It is a peacock feathered bib necklace that has 14 feathers or "eyes" and is feather fabulous. Where did I unearth this amazing piece? Forever 21 ladies! Your's for a mere $11. It appears to be sold out on their web site but check your local Forever 21 location.
to this amazing, over the top piece of art work like this:
The $1.5 million Peacock dress unveiled at the wedding expo held in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province. The wedding dress decorated with 2,009 pieces of peacock feathers took eight handicraftsmen two months to finish.
Or Miley Cyrus in her music video for “Can’t Be Tamed,” wears a corset dress made of peacock feathers and approx. 2,400 tiny metal pieces yours for only $25,000!
Some of my other fav peacock pieces:
House of Harlow, 1960 - Gold Plated Peacock Cuff @ $180
SJP in a sequin peacock print dress.
PRADA - 2008
Alexander McQueen Runway
Same McQueen dress in VOGUE (Sarah Jessica Parker & Chris Noth)
Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman (in a Marchesa Gown)
Eva Longoria
Manish Arora Fall 2009 - Runway
Same dress on Katy Perry
Holly Madison @ Hugh Hefner's 80th Birthday in a Peacock Corset
DID YOU KNOW? The term "peacock" is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes. Technically, only males are peacocks. Females are peahens, and together, they are called peafowl.
What a grand legacy and family business: SHOES! I could not think of a better legacy to leave my daughter than an archive of fabulous footwear or for my love of shoes to creatively inspire a lifetime of her work. However, today I am referring to the Weitzman family. Stuart Weitzman is one of the most famous shoe designers and manufactures in the world. Selling high-end, well made shoes in over 45 countries.
It was his father, Seymore Weitzman who started it all when he opened a shoe factory in Massachusetts (1950's). His "Seymore Shoes" also sold under the label "Mr. Seymore" and it is where son, Stuart Weitzman started to design shoes for his father in his 20's (in early 1960's). When Seymour Weitzman died in 1965, Stuart took over the business with his older brother (Warren Weitzman). The business was sold in 1972 to a Spanish company, but Stuart stayed on and continued to design for the company. In 1994, he bought back the family business. He continues to manufacture his shoe designs in Spain. He is the head of the company today and is currently active in all facets of design and production of his fabulous footwear.
"I Design Shoes to make Women HAPPY"
A Fascinating 8:40 of your life! WATCH
He has quite the celebrity following as well. He has shared his sole with red carpet Style Mavens and screen fashion icons alike.
Click on image to ENLARGE:
From where I sit, Carrie Underwood and Angelina Jolie are true Weitzman women.
Angelina Rocks the nude pump in many forms;
My favorite looks for Carrie:
Mr. Weitzman is a traditional pattern maker which is not very common with contemporary shoe designers. He is also known for his use of unusual textiles and materials in his shoes. Which includes but is not limited to: cork, vinyl, lucite, wallpaper, lace, mesh, and 24-karat gold.
Stuart Weitzman is a quality product. Over 200 operations go into each pair of shoes; 100 of those by the skilled hands of master craftsman. For example some are hand stitched which could take up to an entire day per pair to complete.
They have a sale on right now: My pick: The IRONLADY black buckle boot. They only have a size 10.5 left. .. which in designer shoes will fit me :) Regular $525 on for $262. My birthday is upon me. I think this would make a fabulous edition to my closet.
Can't afford them at regular or sale price points? Never fear fashionista, you always have options.
I have been reading the fashion news and blogs (as I do on a daily basis, thanks girls!) and there seems to be a buzz about Rachel Zoe's new collection and an issue with a "copycat" creation.
First let me give you the history for those of you who have not seen the story. Rachel Zoe is a brilliant celebrity stylist turned designer; first for her line with QVC and now with her new contemporary collection. The clothes, made in partnership with Li & Fung, are positioned in the contemporary market, Price range: $250 (day dress) - $700 (full suit). She has already done affordable for QVC and hopes to widen her market.
She just unveiled her new collection and there is one piece in particular that it seems we have seen before.
Her "new" dress:
Rachel in 2007 wearing Vintage (From What Goes Around Comes Around):
Rachel @ the Marc Jacobs after party in 2007
And styling the same dress in an issue of Teen VOGUE (2007) - Right
My 2 cents:
The entire business of fashion is based on recycling. The recycling of ideas once used into something "new" and "fresh". All designers look to the past in order to move into the future. In this case it may be a more literal interpretation of a fabulous vintage pieces but in reality .. who cares?
Also Vintage now is a one-of-a-kind business, there is usually one pieces in one size. If these dresses are interpreted and replicated to some degree for this generation of women (in a range of sizes) they will be able to enjoy the Vintage inspired glamour that I feel society is really laking. My entire business Evolution Vintage (http://www.evolution-vintage.com/ ) is based on taking Vintage pieces and Styling them current. Rachel has taken it one step further. I wish I had the resources to be able to design collections that will bring a Vintage flair to current, chic women around the world.
From a business perspective the RZ camp should be thanking Jane Keltner DeValle, Fashion News Director over at Teen Vogue who tweeted the comparison photos for the world to see. This is an amazing PR opportunity for Rachel's new line. There is nothing like creating a buzz to generate sales. From my seat in the cyber front row, this show will go on to be a success. These dresses will now sell like hot cakes.
IMAN has been on the fashion scene since her arrival from Somalia in 1975. Her first modeling gig was for VOGUE in 1976. It did not take long for the fashion world to take notice of this exotically beautiful woman. She spent 14 years at the top of the business adored by many of the world's most amazing designers from Gianni Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Halston, Calvin Klein, Donna Karen, and Thierry Mugler (just to name a few). My personal Favorite was her Thierry Mugler shows of the early 1990's.
She continues to Model but she is MUCH more than an exotic beauty. She's a Mother, Wife (of musician David Bowie), Designer, Entrepreneur, TV Show host, Author ("I am IMAN" and "The Beauty of Color"), Humanitarian and FASHION ICON! (confirmed once again when she WON the 2010 CFDA - Council of Fashion Designers of America 'Fashion Icon' AWARD)
Iman was approached by HSN execs in 2007 to start a fashion line based on her style, marketability and high profile. Iman started her GLOBAL CHIC COLLECTION with a collection of caftans (which she collects and LOVES). Iman's Global Chic collection has evolved into one of four best-selling items among more than 200 fashion and jewelry brands on HSN. Her line includes clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories. I appreciate that IMAN designs the things she loves and uses. She actually wears and uses items from her collection and you can too. SHOP HER COLLECTION
In 1994 she started a line of Cosmetics with a focus on the needs of ethnic women and being able to provide them with the various shades that were missing from the market. As of 2010 Iman Cosmetics has reached the $25 million dollar a year mark, based around reasonably priced items for sale at large retailers (Walgreens/ Target/DrugStore.com). Her vision started when she began modelling in the late 1970's and there was no foundation to match her skin tone. Her products run from $7.99-$14.99
What is unique about her website is that you can "Meet your Match". You compare the current foundation shade you are using from top brands (M.A.C., L'Oreal, Revlon, ect) and match it to the equivalent shade via Iman Cosmetics. Give it a try HERE
In addition to running a global beauty brand and creating a fashion/accessory line she is now also host of the BRAVO TV show: "The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection", season two with fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi.
I love her no non-sense approach with her critiques to the designers. She illustrated her eclectic style sensibilities wit her wardrobe for the show. I was so impressed to see her wear a 1990's era Azzedine Alaia leopard print dress in one of the episodes. A nod to fashions rich history.
She is a busy lady with a BIG heart! She represents and works for several causes, including: Keep a Child Alive, Children's Defense Fund, Stand for Children, For All Kids, Action Against Hunger, and SEVERAL Others. She represents not just by writing a cheque but by investing her time, contacts and resources to making a difference in the lives of others.
I had a chance to ask IMAN a few Style Maven Questions;
LISA: Can you describe your personal Style aesthetic AND attitude about fashion?
IMAN: I love fashion but I don't like to be trendy. My personal style is classic and timeless just like a great black cashmere sweater or hermes birkin bag.
LISA: What are the key components / pieces in your closet?
IMAN: I love pants so they are a staple in my closet from skinny to wide legged ones low to high waisted. I love the mix of the high and low as I constantly pair my Chanel, YSL and Alaia's with my IMAN Global Chic from hsn.
LISA: How do you feel about Vintage Clothing and Accessories?
IMAN: I live for vintage! first because it flatters my figure and secondly it is unique and you will not see it coming and going. One of the first things I do every morning is go on 1stdibs to scour the vintage clothes and accessories.
LISA: What are your favorite Vintage pieces (Clothing and/or Accessories)? Do you only wear designer vintage?
IMAN: I don't wear only designer vintage but I do have some like Ossie Clark/Galanos/Balenciaga but unknowns as well if it looks good on me I am getting it.
LISA: What are you wearing this WINTER? Tell our readers the key elements for your Winter 2011 wardrobe.
IMAN: Lady luxe is what I am craving this winter and kitten heels. Nude coloring still my fave. I am also feeling fur as I think it is the new knitwear. Structured and modern... fresh but pulled together.
IMAN Style Sample (Click on images to ENLARGE):
It's my hope IMAN puts Evolution Vintage on her list of Vintage eBoutiques to scour for her next fashion treasures.
FOREVER 21
