Baltimore Fashion Week: An Internal View

This year, I was an intern for Baltimore Fashion Week. This was my first internship, so I had these grandiose visions of how the event would turn out. Thus, I put a lot of pressure on myself to learn as much as I could about fashion before the event started. I read a lot of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, In Style and the fashion feed on Style.com. These tools became my bible while working for Baltimore Fashion Week. I felt more comfortable with my intellect and knowledge of fashion walking into the event venue.

We were told to wear all black and be on our "P's and Q's". We were there to assist the designers in every way possible. However, most of the designers had their own assistants so there was a lot of waiting around. The good that came out of the wait was the connections that I made with the other interns and the designers. I also had the opportunity to admire the art of making clothing. The event itself was a bit lackluster, unorganized, and unprofessional. However, I would work this event again if was able to assist a specific designer.

I am glad that I had the experience. I saw some great vintage pieces, well-made new age pieces, and high-end luxury gowns. I had a lot of great conversations with designers that have been in the business for many years. The greatest part about Fashion Week is that everyone has a different vision and it all comes together with the music, hair and make-up. Below are the designers i really loved from the two days I attended Baltimore Fashion Week.

They Are So IN!

Kalai Kai by Karen Garalde

Daughter of Soil by Odunayo Ade

Travis Wilcox Collection by Travis Wilcox

Vintage Chic by Reanna Jacobs

Bo Carter by Bozena Carter

The Coldest Winter by Courtney M. Roberts

Rouche' International Cotoure by Rose Jalloh

Faye' Leon by Kim Dixon

Elley Gene by LJ. Green

The Designers I have named are magicians! I saw their work and it was just gasp after gasp for me. They put work into those ensembles. They created those looks with great thought and impeccable craftsmanship. I found joy in the threads of their clothing and I would wear, buy, and style my clients in all of their pieces.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting me on my journey of knowing and loving fashion. I hope you got some smiles from this post. Without further delay, this has been your Dose of Fashion. Open your food hole, digest this web blog, and I hope you feel more wide-eyed than you were 5 minutes ago!

The MET Gala: Sight to Behold

Fashions best and worst dressed celebrities came, saw and conquered the MET Gala. On the red carpet, we saw an assortment of very creative, striking looks. Among the great ensembles were many wardrobe mishaps. Here is my top look, my bottom look and my honorable mentions.

The Top Look

Christina Ricci w/ Zac Posen

I am in deep unadulterated love with Ricci's Zac Posen gown. I am particularly fond of this outfit because of the construction of the dress. It calls to me and says "you will love me, if you don't come willingly you will be stuck in my beautiful alluring webs". Not to mention, Cristina's body does this dress so much justice. Her up-do, choice of ruby earrings and handbag do not take away from the powerful aesthetics of this gown. When i think of the MET Gala 2011, I think of Cristina Ricci, Zac Posen and this dress.

The Honorable Mentions

Beyonce

Standing still, Beyonce Knowles rocked this Emilio Pucci dress. It was a spectacle watching her need help from three people just to get up those daunting red stairs. Over all she looked beautiful, as she always does. I just wish she chose a gown that was more practical.

Andre Leon Talley

I always make a note of what Andre Leon Talley is wearing. He is fashion. I love that his regal robe has a train. I can say this is the 1st man-meant robe I have seen with a train. Talley gets kudos, for innovation!

Kate Hudson

Kate has stunning glow in this Stella McCartney piece. This dress is great for her figure and accomplishes so much for her skin tone. She looks like a seraph.

Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana looks fresh and clean cut in this bright yellow dress by Calvin Klein. Her look is so finished, it is one of my favorites.

Michelle Monaghan

Another clean and  bright ensemble I like is this pink Derek Lam gown worn by Michelle Monoghan. I like how her choice of hair color, nail color and jewelry give this look an edge. This outfit is more than cotton candy, bubble gum and angel farts. I love it.

Blake Lively

Blake Lively embodies her last name in this Chanel Haute Couture gown. Nude illusion is in vogue right now. Just as I saw Rihannas 3rd or 4th attempt at as nude illusion dress, and declared that I was fed up with the trend; Blake comes down the red carpet in THIS. Her sun-kissed skin tone, strawberry blonde hair and facial expression of breathe beckons the viewer. Then you look down, and see this gorgeous embellished Grecian draped creation and simple sandals. This look is rooted in myth and nature. You cannot look at this dress and not wonder what the Chanel Haus was thinking!

Gisele Bundchen

The football star and the Victoria Secret model. They are the modern say, jock and cheerleader. Gisele looked ravenous, wearing a strapless Alexander McQueen gown. She fits this dress perfectly.

Madonna

Madonna is classic elegance in this silk Stella McCartney gown. I adore the color and the playful silver stars running up the dress.

Miranda Kerr

Mirande Kerr looks cute in this short Marchesa dress. It looks very teenage wedding, for me. She looks great.

Eva Mendes

I love Eva Mendes in this wonderfully pleated royal blue Stella McCartney gown. All I can think of is the skill put into those pleats. I digg the silhouette of the top section. It fits eva perfectly. The gold belt and accessories are added class to this classic look.

The Bottom Look

Serena Williams

I am 100% done with these fluffy, plushy dresses. No one wants to be around such a fuzzy, fluffy, dress. With all those individual strands, I bet it was shedding all over the red carpet. For someone who is supposed to be a lover of fashion, Serena Williams often misses the mark on fashion inside and outside the tennis court. This dress just makes her look big and out of place. The royal wedding is over, so she needs to let that hat crawl away.

Thank you for supporting my fashion blog. It means the world to me to be able to talk about that which I love. La mode. This has been your dose of fashion. Open your mouth, and Swallow this post! I hope you feel more grounded in your sense of style than you did 5 minutes ago. 

Ground Breaking, Gasp Making Alexander Mcqueen

Here is an Article slideshow i found on style.com in their news section. It is a joy to read about this man.

http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/042511_Alexander_McQueen/

Alexander McQueen Fall 2011

With controversy in the air, Paris fashion week went on without a hitch. Talks of John Galliano and the affairs of Christian Dior were on the lips of all who were in attendance. My very favorite fashion house is Alexander Mcqueen. I find shockouture the type of drama I like when it comes to clothing, style and fantasy. As Sarah Burton settles into Lee Alexander Mcqueen's big shoes, I realize that she is a fitting successor. This fall's collection is quite grand and lived up to the Alexander Mcqueen brand. Here are my favorite looks from the collection.

Look 1:  Freja Beha Erichsen (IMG)

This first look is a strong and shows trends seen throughout the entire show. I like the contours of the white winter coat and the shape that the zippers give. This outfit sets a tone that this show could be about rough fluffiness. 

Look 13:  Fei Fei Sun (ELITE)

I love the black and white furry hooded vest with those black platform stitched and buckled boots. This look is well done, head to toe. The choice of putting the asian model in this parka vest, makes me think of Alaska, Mongolia, and the winter solstice. It is dark yet warm and alluring.   

Look 22: Lisanne De Jong (NATHALIE)

This coat is art. The construction of the fur top, bottom and leather strapped corset is very well made. This piece is amazing.

Look 23: Sigrid Agren (ELITE)

I adore this dress because it reminds me of Elizabethan times where royals were seen wearing accordion type collars This dress is a strange blast from the past.

Look 27: Nimue Smit (WOMEN)

I adore this ensemble. To me, it is regal theater. I am not saying its a costume but It has the gasp factor, I love in garments. Fashionable drama is what makes our time on earth exciting, on a daily basis.

Look 30: Jac (IMG)

This appliquéd gown is so tough and beautiful. I love how the color of the dress softly clashes with the color of the leather pieces. The color of the chiffon matches very well with the skin tone of the model.

Look 33: Frida Gustavsson (IMG)

I was sold on this dress when I saw it move on the runway. Everything was so well made. The white on white textures gave it a high-end couture look. This is definitely ready to wear for a lady with a dramatic taste.

Again, I am so glad this design house exists. I also thank the heavens that I was so privileged to have been witness to Lee Alexander Mcqueen's reign in shockouture. He made a very big impression on what I should expect from fashion. I really did cry hard when I heard of his untimely death. I could not fathom what the fashion industry would do without him. I see now that everyone in that world is so very creative. They grieved the death of one of their own and now, on with the show. 

This has been your dose of fashion. Until next time, boo, Open your mouth,  Swallow this post, and I hope you feel more inspired now, than you did 5 minutes ago.

The Oscar's Red Carpet Looks

I was delighted by the atmosphere and displays of affection given by the thespian community and the Academy. James Franco and Anne Hathaway, set the bar high for future Oscar hosts. Can anyone tell me what drug James Franco was on? He looks like he was loving life! There were many  fashion ensembles I liked, loved and thought worthless. It was a night full of rich reds that went well with the love of the theater. Without further delay! My Top5, Bottom 5 and People who deserve props.


Before I begin, I must tell you that Anne Hathaway did a great job being fashionable, fun and relevant. She had 8 looks for this event. I really loved all of her looks. She is now the queen of Award Fashion. She can make anything look good.

The Top 5

Halle Berry

Halle Bery stole the runway. Thar dress flowed with movement. I love these airy types of fabrics. With this look, there was the right amount of dream, construction and sparkle.

Mila Kunis

I adored this Grecian goddess gown. I am not a lavender girl, but with the construction of this dress; the whimsical draping and sheer peek-a-boo, sold the look for me. Mila Kunis keeps her sexiness while staying a class act.

Anne Hathaway 

I loved this Hathaway look because of the draping and bundling of the fabric. It is an interesting construction. I love the color. I did not expect that there would be so much red, this year.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee looked so pleased with life in her beautiful gown. She looked very age appropriate and brought back the hope that teenagers would stay teenagers and dress like teenagers. I loved the embroidery. I loved the color. I loved the jeweled headband. I love how this beautiful princess is complete opposite of her ugly, gritty character in True Grit.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is choosing great dresses for her body. This dress pops on the red carpet because of the color, the fit of the waist and the artistry of the back. I loved her hair and make up also. Good Job, J.Hud

Props Go To...

Elizabeth Chambers

I loved the construction of this dress. The part that suffers is the shiny fabric used and the color used. The dress looks a bit cheap. I don't know who this woman is, But I felt this outfit was worth the mention.

Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz looks great in this red dress. Her body looks great and it was nice for her to make an appearance, she's been out of the spotlight for sometime.

Scarlett Johansson

This outfit is a question mark for me. I wonder how did you think up this soft, purplish color? What made you use this sheer patterned fabric? Its a lovely look on Johansson.

Camila Alves

I like the look on Matthew's Date. This gown is one of the only black female ensembles this year. It fits perfectly on Ms. Alves. Her hair make up and jewelry are perfect.

Sandra Bullock

I am in favor of Sandra's look this year. Red does so much for her complexion. I love the cut of the top of the dress. Very nice.

Bottom Looks

Hilary Swank

I am completely aghast at the face that i am seeing this dress again. I have seen this dress in a different color at the SAG awards. I also saw the same dress during the ceremony in Royal Blue. I am just upset. If your going to these events, if you wanna be seen, choose a dress unseen, seen very little. I already praised this type of dress. No more praises for it.

Helena Bonham 

Helena is Shakespeare chic' in this black dress. She is known for dressing low key or strange. She is no stranger to the "worst dressed" list. I will say that her hair and makeup are extraordinary.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman just cannot get it together. She said that she liked the dress because she liked the shape and it was comfortable. I don't think she's searching hard enough for "the dress".

All of the men on the red carpet looked smashing. Everyone looked happy, humble and excited to root for their favorite films of the year. The fashion was fitting of the prestigious event. I am glad that most of everyone was on their A game. Especially Ms. Anne Hathaway.

This has been your dose of fashion. Until next time, Hun, Open your mouth,  Swallow this post. And I hope you feel better now, than you did 5 minutes ago.

America's Next Top Model Cycle 17 Auditions

       Last Weekend, I decided to take a last minute chance and chronicle my friends, Tamika Mason and Mekiesha Sewell, journey on the Top Model auditions. My best friend called me, invited me to audition for the show, but I felt as if that wasn't my natural born role. Lord knows, I love the fashion world, I love wearing high heels and I love wearing expensive clothes that I don't have to buy; but I am 5'3'' and Increasingly endowed. As I said in my Vlog, "I could be casted for Top Heavy Top Model". 


       I went to the auditions to support my friends, and to look at the models and perhaps pinpoint the ones that I would use for a fashion show.  On the way to the auditions, I helped Tamika with her application. The questions on the application were about your personality, aspirations and relationships. Here are some of the questions. Do you have aspirations of Acting or Singing? If so, Elaborate. Are you in a relationship, If so, How is your relationship? How would you rate the relationship on a scale from 1-10? Who is your hero? How is your relationship with your family? There were 73 questions in all.


      After finishing the application packet we had to sign a release form.  After several wrong turns and detours, we finally made it to the Gaithersburg mall at 3:30pm. The auditions were to start at 5:00pm. We put our make up on, in the car, and chose which shoes to wear.  when we got to the line we were at the center of the mall. Many people were ahead of us, but we couldn't tell where the line begun. Waiting in line was fun and exciting for me. However I wasn't the one competing in 3 to 4 inch heels.


     There were a ton of beautiful, thin, tall women. My friends kept looking around at the competition, getting a little more nervous as the line progressed. We started to talk to the people around us. There were two Middle eastern girls behind us. I never got their names, but they were super excited about the goings on. In front us, were two girls who were making outfit changes, to and fro. They felt the pressure of the crowd of contestants who wore leggings and intricate blouses. 


    They would have their spot held in the line and go off to a shoe store. We would move closer to the judges and these girls would go off to another store in front of us, and buy leggings and a shirt; completely changing their look A word of advice ladies, Prepare for the audition the day before and be comfortable in what you are wearing. I advised my friends to wear a simple spaghetti strapped shirt and sweetheart jeans. This way the judges have nothing to depute. The personality and physical features of the model speak for itself.


    When they got up to the judges. I was baffled that there was no private room the judges had the auditions. The judging happened in front of a folding table with a CW table cloth and the runway was really short. there were 4 people administering the judges. One of the judges looked as though she could have been a petite model from cycle 14. She was kind of disrespectful to one of my model friends because she was eating while the audition was going on. How Rude!! I wished the experience was more extravagant, but I knew I was not gonna meet Tyra, Mr. and Ms. Jay, Twiggy, Nigel, or  André Leon Talley (whom I was very keen on seeing).  They answered the judges questions, announced themselves to the camera with a cue card of their info and walked twice back and forth on that small runway. 


    I think my girls did great. But they thought having that experience was not worth the wait. It was fun to take a chance though. If they do not make it this cycle they will audition online in the comfort of their atmospheres. I hope one or all the people i have met that day makes it on the show and furthers their modeling career. Because really, this is a great opportunity. I have seen many models that did not win the competition go on to being in major way shows, be in commercials, magazines and have perfume campaigns (Reena).


Here is a video and some pictures i took along my journey into the modeling world.

the long line 

Tamika Mason 

Mekiesha Sewell

My Models and I 

Taking Profiles

The Girl That Changed Her Clothes a Lot 

Waiting in Line

This has been your dose of fashion. Until next time, Hun, Open your mouth,  Swallow this post. And I hope you feel better now, than you did 5 minutes ago.