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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Top Two Fashion Moments of 2014

On the eve of the new year I wanted to take a look backwards at my two most memorable fashion moments of 2014. These two looks stood out to me from the year as major "moments". There were many beautiful dresses that walked the red carpet in the last year but when I sat and thought about it these two were stand outs.

One of the most stunning statements was Lady Ga Ga in a luscious blue velvet gown (by Brandon Maxwell) with a matching turban and one half glove. The dress is complete with a pocket and a 6 foot long train cascading from her shoulder! Old Hollywood glamour re-styled current. I adore how chic and sophisticated this is.






Sarah Jessica Parker made a major style statement at the 2014 MET Gala wearing a gorgeous gown by the late Oscar de la Renta.


To me she was the ultimate Couture Cinderella in this gorgeous gown, a hybrid paying tribute to the nights honoree, designer Charles James and to Mr. De La Renta.  Another example of fashion's past being presented in a new and relevant way. From the front, the ballgown paid tribute to the night’s honoree designer, Charles James,
Austine Hearst in Charles James Clover Leaf Gown, ca. 1953


but from the back, it was all about de la Renta: She had him “sign his name” across the train, which was designed to look like a dress form. “I said to Mr. de la Renta, Please let me use scarlet embroidery thread and flash your name across the back,” Parker said at the time. “It was my idea. He would never in a million years have done it, he’s far too modest.” (as reported by PeopleStyleWatchMag).




 Every Detail stunning, the jewels, the gloves, the hair!

The Hair was exquisite
SJP was a modern day Cinderella in gorgeous Mustard SJP Collection "Fawn" Heels. The satin equivalent to the iconic glass slipper. 


Who tops your list?


Monday, December 29, 2014

Game of Thrones: A Family Affair

Every year I dream, organize and stage a family photo shoot for our Christmas Card. My visions are clear and the work begins with sourcing the perfect wardrobe, props as well as connecting with the perfect photographer which is an arduous task. I do all the styling, set up and art direction myself. My family is very cooperative and love to indulge me, often surprised with the result.

Last year we had an Alice in Wonderland Theme. All of the kids were amazing sports and we had a great photographer in Tamara Wickstrom who captured exactly what I had envisioned in an outdoor setting.

 This year I have chosen the Game of Thrones, the HBO Show based on the fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin.
W went indoors and I turned to the talented Kevin Falerios of Kevin Falerios Epic Photography to assist me in making my dreams become a digital reality.

COSTUMES & CHARACTERS:
I collected and planned wardrobe for over 5 months. I wanted my family of characters to be inspired by the show's characters but not cos-play clones. I wanted to capture the spirit of their 'style' but in my own way.
My daughter as Arya Stark 
The Dress I re-styled and fitted from a medieval costume we had on hand from a previous Halloween. $0
Cape: On-line $11
Sword: Dollerama $1
Faux Fur Collar:  Ali-Express $13
House Stark Pendant: Ali-Express $2.75
Braid Hair Extensions: Beauty Supply: $6

Character Inspiration:

My Step-Son Dylan as King Joffrey Baratheon
Caped Sleeve Brocade Doublet Jacket was designed and created by: Gryphon's Wing Designs on ETSY ($600)
Pleather Leggings (Amazon): $17
Medieval Ring Belt (Amazon): $22
Boots: JustFab $39.99 (Borrowed)
Myself and my BFF supplied the cocktail rings

Character Inspiration

My Husband as Stannis Baratheon
I hand made the Stannis Breastplate using Cardboard, metallic paint, metal chain mail hoops, hot glue and nails. I opted out of using the flex all (as pictured) but it would have have the plate a smooth appearance. I enjoyed the cardboard texture. ($14 for materials + TIME)
A work in progress

Pleather Leggings (Amazon): $17
Military Style Jacket (My Own) - I.N.C. International Concepts ($80)
Over The Knee Boots - Freda Style - JustFab.com ($39.99)
Sword - From a previous Halloween Costume, Re-painted

Character Inspiration


My Step-Daughter as Daenerys Targaryen / Khalisi
Wig (ebay): $20
Bracelet (Amazon): $10

Character Inspiration:

Me having a Melesandre of Ashai Moment
Dress: Designed and created by: Gryphon's Wing Designs on ETSY ($600) (The exact gown will be available for sale soon OR you can have a custom creation made)
Choker: HBO Melisandre Choker - Spirit Halloween: $15
Wig (Ebay): $20

Character Inspiration:

My Son Blake as Tyrion Lannister (The Imp)
Custom Made Toddler Doublet by Mossy Rose CB on ETSY - $35
Long Sleeve Shirt/Pant/Boots (Blake's Own)
Hand of the king pin (pictured in the group photo) (Amazon)- $7

Character Inspiration



The final image was so epic we had it printed on a 2.5' x 6' banner! 

For the final card I did a word play on the major line/theme in the series thus far, "Winter is Coming" and swapped it for Christmas is Coming ...



Happy Holidays from my house to yours .... all quiet in the realm to enjoy a wonderful 2015! 



Sunday, December 28, 2014

Brighter Days Ahead

Alice in Wonderland: Rear View. As seen by me 12/3/14
Central Park. New York, NY

Greetings my dear reader and digital strangers.  My blog has been dark for a while due to an overwhelming schedule with my children, travel, and a fashion adventure or two.

With only 3 days left in 2014 I. AM. BACK. I somehow got caught up in a life vortex and fell down the proverbial rabbit hole that left little time for sleep let alone one of my personal passions, writing.
Alice in Wonderland & me 12/3/14
Central Park. New York, NY

I am looking forward to brighter days ahead where I prioritize more things in my life that I take pleasure from, writing being at the top of the list. This is not to say that my family obligations, the holidays and travel have been dark or anything short of AMAZING. They have all been life changing, glorious and then some but I just feel the serious need to illuminate my own personal space with the things that I enjoy doing for myself. I constantly preach to anyone who will listen about the importance of self love and self care, two seemingly unattainable items in the life of a busy woman but I am here to tell you that they can be attained if you are organized, sadly something that I am currently working on and have yet to master. I have periodic moments when self-care is the program but as anyone with little children can attest they are the priority and 'my' time is few and far between.  When I get it I am usually to exhausted to maximize it's potential. I come third sometimes but with  two bio, two step children and a husband who I adore I am usually sixth or so. I gladly take this place in line and enjoy caring for everyone but it is time that I carve out pieces of my day that are totally devoted to MOI. My husband is a great support and help but I periodically loose myself in the service of others and feel that it's time to come up for air, compose myself and attempt to get organized. We can do it ALL, right? A looming new year always motivates me and shines a light on my habitually unorganized ways.

I am preparing a New Year's Eve activity for my family in the hopes of staying focused this year.  I am not a linear thinker and a total child of chaos theory. This visualization technique I hope will help me as I cannot follow lists, or carry out tasks for myself  in any order at all. As I type this I can picture the synchronized eye roll about goal setting for 2015. Like the diet I will be on until January 4th and then go back to carbs and copious amounts of champagne.

This is something different.


I'm creating a 2015 GOAL JAR. All of my goals will be written on colorful note papers and placed in the jar. The beauty of it is no expectations for a 'completion date', order or timeline so long as the jar is empty by years end. Once a goal is complete it can be removed from the jar, tossed, pressed in a book or pinned to a 'dream board'. There will be a master list of course but having this jar 'staring' at me with it's brightly colored goal's will serve as the ultimate reminder of the promises I am making to myself. At year's end I will be able to see my progress or the lack thereof.

Wish me luck. Brighter days ahead for us all ...


Thursday, December 11, 2014

Compassion Fashion: Eileen Davidson

Eileen Davidson is an accomplished Emmy Award Winning Actress for her work on Days of Our Lives and The Young and the Restless. She is also the newest cast member on Bravo's hit reality series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She is a published Author and busy Mother.
In conjunction with all that is listed above Eileen has a heart as big as her many talents as well as a love for fashion. We have combined her compassion with her love fashion bringing you an opportunity to shop her personal closet and her jewelry box direct from the set of Days of our Lives. Give the gift of fashion this holiday! 


Eileen supports the amazing charity No Kid Hungry and by selling her clothing, shoes and accessories she is not only making women a little more fabulous she is also feeding American children through this amazing organization.

Did You Know? 48.8 million Americans—including 16.2 million children— live in households that lack the means to get enough nutritious food on a regular basis. As a result, they struggle with hunger at some time during the year.


YOU CAN HELP:

For every $10 dollars donated/sold No Kid Hungry can provide approximately 100 meals!

Currently Available:





Designer Shoes: Jimmy Choo - Worn Once by Eileen For a Photo shoot.


Jewelry from Days of Our Lives worn by Eileen as her famous character Kristen DiMera.


Help Eileen Help American Kids!