Showing posts with label fashion icons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion icons. Show all posts

4.01.2019

01 April

Small Business Spotlight: STAY by Stacey Williams

Swimwear is a closet staple for the summer. It comes in different shades, fabric, and (these days) sizes. The swimwear game has definitely stepped it up in the style department, with a number of celebrities and influencers trying their hand at some of the hottest swimwear collections, complete with cover-ups, tankinis, and more. As a plus size consumer, I am overwhelmed with love at the strides the swimsuit industry has made in the past few years.

Still, there are some characteristics of of the swimwear industry that fall..flat. After the warm spring and summer months are over, our swimwear hits the back of the closet, not to be seen again for another 10-12 months. Wardrobe longevity is definitely an obstacle not mastered by swimwear...just yet. But sometimes, you run into a line that defeats the odds, doing so in the most unique way. 

Enter STAY by Stacey Angela , a high end luxury swim/resort wear label that caters to the edgy fashionista who loves to travel and express her individuality. Founded in  April 2002 by designer Stacey Angela Williams, each piece is a one of a kind tailored, handmade, custom crochet design where every detail is selected with the customer in mind. The Stay by Stacey Angela has expanded recently to include boy shorts, cover-ups, ponchos, two-tier miniskirts, hats, earrings, gloves, and bowties. 

The STAY brand has reached multi-location notoriety and recognition at a number of fashion weeks, pop-up shops, and magazines. I took some time to sit down with fashion designer extraordinaire to talk about the origins of her brand and her inspiration. 

Why did you decide to choose a career as a fashion designer? I decided to become a fashion designer after being exposed to the fashion industry by my mother and my cousins. My mother took me to tons of Fashion fair/ Bob Mackie  fashion shows. I fell in love with fashion instantly.

What skills are necessary for a successful fashion designer? The most important skill and tool that a designer needs is there mind. You have to be able to be open to all walks of life in fashion and art. Inspiration is everywhere if you pay attention.


Stacey surely draws her inspiration from bright and vivid color canvases, that can be seen illustrated throughout her designs. Always sure to remind us of the warm spring and summer months on the horizon, you can often see yellows, pinks, and oranges through her pieces. As someone who's personally modeled for her, Stacey ensures that all consumers are satisfied and represented through her work,respecting all walk of life and the beauty in it.

What's up next for STAY? Paris City Fashion Week! You can get a sneak peek of the spring/summer line over at staybystaceyangela.com. Take a look and tell her i sent you! You wont be disappointed!






Faithfully,
Brieana


11.18.2017

18 November

10 Reasons Why I Love Ipsy

Good day divas and fashionistas! I've recently embarked on my newest business/resume endeavor to become a certified make-up artist. This has led me on a never-ending shopping spree for the latest and greatest beauty products. Although the regular browsing through Amazon.com and wish.com have left me pretty satisfied, I'm a HUGE "tester" girl, and there's nothing worse than purchasing a product you won't use.


Enter ipsy, the monthly beauty subscription that sends personalized must haves for your beauty bag--right to your door! ipsy was founded by some awesome curators who want us to all be ourselves in this vast world of fashion, without breaking the bank.

I got my first ipsy bag 2 weeks ago, and I was not disappointed! In fact, I'm so satisfied that I'm about to outline 10 reasons why I adore this little bag with some BIG benefits!

 This 2 toned bag


If you're limited on space with no shortage of products, bags and boxes are a must to keep your things together.Each ipsy subscription comes in a unique bag each month. I personally took this one and put my lipstick in it. It was the perfect size!

5 awesome products

 Before diving into ipsy's world of beauty, they conduct an assessment on each member to find out what things you'd like to see in your bag. Their products range from glosses and lipsticks, foundations and concealers, and even face masks and cleansers. The high-end diva can also rest assured that her favorite MAC product could be part of her bag one month! There's no skimping on products here. Based on my answers,. here were my picks for the month:

White Lavender Body Lotion
I initially tossed this lotion  behind my favorite Victoria's secrets and Bath and Body Works favorites. But once I decided to try it, it easily moved to the front of my dresser, and at the top of my skincare routine. With hints of lemon in addition to the lavender, this smell good lotion also has a light feel, while also maintaining moisture needed for the harsh winds of the fall/winter seasons.


JonteBlu Lip Liner
No dry lip liners here! I've never used creamy lip liners before, but they are easily being added onto my growing MUA list! The creaminess doesn't clump or break (yes, I've had enough uses to test it out. Don't judge me), and it allows you to pack on your gloss, balm, or lipstick, without worrying about coloring outside of the lines. 



"It Cosmetics"-Your Skin But Better
I've heard great things about the revolutionary new make-up brand, that basically enhances your natural skin. This full-coverage foundation, covers all of those pesky pores and lines, without getting too caked on. I wasn't lucky enough to get my skin color to test it out, but I'm sure this color can be used to a contour. 


Tarte Deluxe Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush
Blush, an often forgotten staple in my make-up application, was instantly revived after receiving this product. The dusty rose color (affectionately named Feisty), provided just enough rosiness I needed without the clown effect I normally achieve when applying blush. And it literally lasts ALL day! Score!


Trestique' Mini Brow Pencil
I don't know about anyone else, but brows are tough for me. I mean sure, we've all heard the "sisters not twins" mantra, but some days I can't seem to get it right. This brow pencil really helped me get the shaping together! The angled tip was just what I needed as a novice brow drawer. Thank you Trestique Gods!


1 Awesome Community
Ipsy doesn't just stop after sending you some awesome items! Their site comes armed with tutorials on how to apply products, fin videos, and a platform dedicated to eradicating prejudice and labels. Click here to find out about Ipsy's collaboration with Ditch The Label.

1 Every Month
The fun doesn't end until you want it to! Each month., the ipster community is working behind the scenes to make sure you're living your best life with the best items. Each month, you get a new bag with new swag.

1 Low Price
Now after all that goodness, I know some of you are waiting with bated breath on the sky high price of beauty. Well I am happy to report that ipsy's price is an affordable $10/month! YES, that's right! $10 for 5 beauty products and an awesome bag! I spend 10 bucks a week on coffee (and that's being generous).

If I've piqued you interest at all, head over to ipsy.com to take  FREE assessment and get started on your bag today. I pray you love it as much as I did.


Faithfully,
Brieana








7.27.2017

27 July

When Fashion Meets Culture: ASC Fashion Week

       A fashion week is a fashion industry event, lasting approximately one week, wherein fashion designers, brands or "houses" display their latest collections in runway shows to buyers and the media. These events influence trends for the current and upcoming seasons.

       But there are some fashion weeks, that not only focus on hot designs and trends for the spring and winter seasons, but also focus on the melting pot that is fashion, showcasing excellence in diversity and production.

       ASC Fashion Week focuses on designers from all over the globe, starting as a mere fashion week, but in the process has become a foundation for the development of brands paving the way for many to emerge as mainstream fashion houses, artists, and models. Their shows have garnered an audience of 400+  with up to 20  designers showcasing their collections.What sets ASC Fashion Week apart from your typical fashion extravaganza is their ability in every project  to successfully bring together a blend of Fashion, Art and Culture.  ASC Productions' collective platform and atmosphere brings together designers and artists from around the World to showcase their talent, skills and expertise. Their production and collective environment creates an explosive energy; collections bursting with colors, creating an atmosphere on the catwalk to remember.   

      The events held under ASC Productions attract exclusive National and International Designers, Hosts, Red Carpet Hosts, National and International Media and Photographers. Their shows draws creating networking opportunities for attendees to meet with celebrities designers, artists, fashionistas and other people who love the fashion industry.


Stayed tuned for more info on this trailblazer of an event. I'll be covering their events for Spring/Fall 2017. For now, feast your eyes on the designs of 15 designers who graced the runway last year.


                                                       Caren K by Kiran Khan


Kas and Lava Luxe

Thunyatorn

Rose Burger


Batax


Ukiyo Designs


Flowture Designs


Anya


Girls In Ballet School


Nanalola Couture


American Umma


Posh Me'Ke


Demode


Enrootz


Juda Charles Designs


Francoise Fashion


ASC Producers:
Amit Singh Chauhan 
Kiran Khan

ASC Production Team
Jessica Spencer
Katherin Gisela Laparral
Lisandro Barcelo Kartiar
Marcus Isaac
Own Murtajiz Naqvi

 Be sure to visit ASC Fashion Week for updates, registration opportunities, and more awesome designers pics.

Faithfully,
Brieana































4.27.2017

27 April

Power Suit

Fashion bucket list item #53526748: A nice, form-fitting, head spinning pants suit.

I realized this year that in addition to my regular vision board with all of my dreams aspirations, and hopes, I also need to add my fashion vision board to that list. I'm going to fill it with all of my wants,. fashion icon inspirations, and outfit to-do's. If I had thought of this a few years ago, an all white suit would have been on this list...FOR SURE.

I had an event the other day. The attire: formal. So in come the last minute mad dash for a nice form-fitting lacy gown (as I do best), and when I came up empty and almost lost hope, my darling mother rushes into the rescue with a pretty risky idea.

"Didn't see you see those suit separates the other day? What if you wore those? How crazy would that be?!"

Now we're talking ball gowns, pressed edges, and the most expensive jewelry. And here I was toying around the idea of wearing a SUIT. But if there's one thing I've learned in my few years in the blogospehere is that fashion is whatever the heck you want it to be. And that night...I wanted it to be an off white suit.

These pieces came from Dress Barn. Another surprise deviation from my normal go-to shop, as Dress Barn always felt a little mature for my tastes. So now I had the task of dressing up a power suit, while not trying to look too mature.

I paired the powerful outfit with this shimmery rose-gold body I scored from Charlotte Russe, as well as this gold chandelier choker.

Top it off with a pop of color on my feet, and I was ready to go head to the ball...in a pants suit. Take THAT dress attire.


Don't forget to subscribe to my blog! Stay tuned for more daring choices and great finds1

Cropped pocket blazer here: Plus|Straight


Pants:Here 



Faithfully,
Brieana

4.22.2017

22 April

Small Business Saturday: NChantment: A Unique Boutique Experience

“What do women want? Shoes.”

“For women, shoes are the most important. Good shoes take you good places.”  

“The stiletto is a feminine weapon that men just don't have.”  

There's lots of good quotes about women and their most coveted item of clothing; shoes. Let's face it; it's a love story that will go on and on, chapter for chapter. What started as a love story to find the Missus at the ball (Cinderella anyone?) has carried on through the ages in making us feel sexy. powerful, and meaning business.

Enter the beloved shoe store. The gatekeeper of fashions, trends, low prices, and lots of sizes. But my biggest gripe about shoes stores? The long lines, the lackadaisical customer service, and the well-meaning clerks who just don't get me. They don't REALLY know what I want. They don't quite get what I need. And as hard as they try, a busy shopping hour in a shoe store can leave me at the corner of  a meaningful shoe purchase and "Ill try again another day"

So I went on a quest to find a store that had all of my needs for a successful shopping:
1. Personalized customer service
2. Styles that every store doesn't carry.
3. An online website (you guys know I love a good online shopping hall)

Nchantment satisfied all three of these needs and then some. With their vision to "empower women financially and personally through their passion and love for fashionable, well-branded shoe and accessory products", NChantment held me down with pieces that don't break the bank. I got to preview some of their selection, and I promise you that you won't be disappointed. Just in time for spring, they promise lots of metallic pinks, rose golds, and much more! I loved it so much...I had to get in on that action! Say hello to resident blogger and  virtual style visonaire. I'll be heading back to my roots over at Polyvore, featuring some items soon to come from NChantment. And if there's anything you don't see online, don't fret! It's coming soon!

For now...check out some of these collages and head over to the site. (You might find a coupon there.)

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Link to items: Polyvore

Link to items: Polyvore

Link to items: Polyvore
Interested in any of these fab finds right now? Don't fret! Contact Tiffany Viorla-Calder, personal fashion and styling consultant of NChantment.

Faithfully,
Brieana