I’ve always loved the Rodarte Sisters. Their designs are so distinct and sexy. This season, I love the homage they paid to the 80’s and the mid-west. Lets start with the color palette; beautiful metalics, sexy animal prints, and even a combination of the two. There where lovely fabrics in soft silky textures, as well as floral fabrics with lustrous sheen. The flannel shirts where sexy and I loved the way they only closed the top, so gangsta. The design accents flattered the 80’s silhouettes nicely; fringe hanging from the asymmetrical cuts of the dresses, wide studded belts on the hip with suspenders to match. There where lots of masculine elements to the collection too; the combination of blazers and hip high Bermuda shorts where sexy yet adorable and the shoes; masculine too, and cowboy style. Speaking of adorable, the layered flounces on the dresses where so cute and wearable. Flounces, Asymmetrical skirts, dangling fringe, scorpions, and blazers with small lapels… you can’t get more 80’s then that! The accessories with the locks on them in my opinion symbolized the longevity of the 80’s era. Golden locks for the golden era of punk and funk! That’s why at the end of the show (which was tre tre fabulous!) the beat for eyes without a face played. The whole production of the fashion show was creative and fun. Even the themed screamed 80’s with that kind of tube lighting on the floor…sweet. All and all, I would give this collection a thumbs up, but what do you think? Comment and let me know ;)

I’m always researching fashion….so tell me why out of the blue, I decided to research BRAZIL? Yes, Brazil of all places. In terms of fashion; Brazil is the number one manufacturer of Denim, has 33,114 companies that are fashion focused, it’s the worlds 5th largest textile producer, the 4th largest apparel producer, and has an annual turnover of 15 billion dollars a year (based on US import and export for apparel). This is just the tip of the Iceberg in terms of fashion for Brazil; I’m more interested in their overall fashion scene. I have a tendency to compare any fashion capitol with warm weather to Miami. I know I shouldn’t, but Miami fashion is like no other; its booming, energetic, sexy, modern, and sun-kissed. Brazil is the same, but to me the culture is more enriched. There is a certain consistency in their fashion in terms of color, fabrics, and design. Colors tend to be more bright, even when earth tones are used. The designs of the clothing tend to be sexier with cuts being sleek and “body hugging”. That’s what I like about women’s wear in Brazil. They appreciate all body types especially curvy ones.

Brazil is THE hot spot for denim production; I don’t get why I’m not seeing more well known denim collections booming out of Brazil. Maybe they do but the collections haven’t surfaced in the U.S as of yet? Who knows? One thing’s for sure though, the modeling talent. Some of the most beautiful fashion models are from Brazil. One that comes to mind is the famous Victoria Secret Model Adriana Lima. She is just one of the many models that grace the runways during fashion week. I’ve had the great opportunity to write about a few Brazilian designers who showcased their work at Miami fashion week. It was quite interesting. Their inspirations come from real life experiences, such as Carnival! (of course), the beautiful mountains, beaches, and people. Religion plays a role too in reference to design focus. Brazil IS the country to watch. The beautiful people, delicious food, booming economy, and of course FASHOIN! I will attend Fashion Week Brazil someday! I can’t wait!

This is the first of many books I will be posting in this section. I think this is an interesting take on the famous designer Bill Blass’s life. The book was written by Cathy Horne, and I believe it is an authorized biography. After all, she knew him personally and stayed at his house sometimes. I’d imagine a lot since she wrote this book…but I digress, this book is a must read, and I’ll tell you why. First off, the book begins with earliest memory. It speaks of how he came to love fashion and his early influences. A lot of people in the fashion industry back in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and even early 90’s were all connected. Seriously, I’ve red Diane von Furstenberg and Calvin Klein’s autobiographies and they all mentioned each other at some point in their careers. Bill Blass’s autobiography talked about how he worked his way up the social ladder and met key people in fashion by merely networking. He talked about how all the designers helped one another and even said that they were genuine friends. I thought it was funny when in the book he explained how one of his socialite friends tried to trick him into marrying her! Yeah, that’s kray, but true. It’s amazing how he just would buy a bottle of wine and make some nibbles just to interact with people. It wasn’t just about business, but because he genuinely enjoyed the company of his friends. He even knew famous photographers like Annie Leibovitz. Like I said before, it’s just an interesting book. This book can even help clue you in on tips for surviving and *gasp* succeeding in the fashion industry. What I learned from this book is that you have to reach out to people and grow your network. Don’t focus on how much money you have in your pocket, but more on meeting new people and getting your name and designs out there. You’re passion and drive will draw people towards you…The right people. ;) Till Next Time

I use to be head over heels in love with the color pink. Don’t get me wrong I still am, but right now I’m feeling PURPLE. I’ve been buying purple clothes, purple accessories, and now I think I might wanna try decorating with purple. Evidently It’s one of the most difficult colors to use in interior design. That’s interesting, considering that back then purple was the signature color of royalty. You would think due to that fact, it’s usage would be more prevalent. Personally I don’t see the difficulty. Whether it’s lavender or deep purple, it all depends on who you are and what the function of the room is. I’d assume that if you’re decorating the kitchen purple then you would have to consider the lighting and what it would do to the shade you pick for the walls. I used the kitchen as an example because usually there’s a lot of light beaming in. Bedrooms may have one or two windows, so going dark for the wall might not be too bad. I would opt for a lighter shade of purple in the bedroom though (like the picture above). It’s uplifting and light. Lilac, Mauve, and Violet used in home textiles is a bold design statement, so if you’re hesitant about purple walls, that would be a great option to take. Just an idea; me on the other hand, I don’t like following time old decorating rules. Whatever you do, make it YOU. Nothing has to match, blend, or go…unless you want it to. Lost and found decorating has given me new inspiration. I put together whatever I want however I want. If it makes sense to you, that’s all that matters essentially. :) Till next time!

Prada Spring 2014 Collection… Thats what it’s about. I just HAD to write a review since the fashion world had been raving about it ever since it premiered at fashion month. I’m usually attracted to fashion that has a unique appeal to it. The items in Prada’s Collection this year definitely stood out in a quirky non-traditional way. Dresses with faces, and coats with sparkling brassieres on the outside; the collection went against the grain and pretty much said “to hell with tradition, my vision is WILEY to the fullest!”… go on…Google WILEY… I dare ya ;). Anyway, the color palette was far from subtle, and rightly so, because the ultra creative designs deserved an equally daring color palette. The dresses that had faces on them did not have a cut that would flatter a curvy figure, but regardless, the coats where absolutely stunning! This collection is definitely for a daring stylish chic, but believe it or not anyone can wear it. If you look at the peices indevidually, you will start to get an idea of how you can incorporate them into your own style. I like designers who are able to stretch their creative bounderies. For people who invest time and energy in fashion, (and it doesn’t matter what area you’re in), please make a true effort to find the most creative mediums to translate your art and then challenge yourself creatively. The collection is memorable, although I have to admit, the “face” dresses might have already been done, BUT….but…it hadn’t been done by Prada till now, and it’s FaB U Lous!

K, till next time…