The L.A. Fashion Blog

Sevenly: Changing The World One Shirt At A Time...

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:30:00 -0700

I like to think that my love and obsession with fashion is quite obvious. However, nothing brings me as much JOY as being able to share information about fashion companies that are improving our world and the lives of others, by raising funds and awareness, literally one t-shirt at a time.

Launched in 2011, Sevenly, an online fashion brand, partners with a new charity each week, promoting and selling limited edition graphic tees and other lifestyle products to benefit those in need.

[Giving Keys Necklace - $39]

[Sevenly 3 notebook kit - $20]

This particular week Sevenly is supporting the Love Without Boundaries Foundation, a worldwide group of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned and impoverished children in China where thousands of babies are being abandoned because of serious birth defects and or life-threatening medical conditions. Unfortunately without love, care, and the proper medical attention, the chances of these children being adopted vary from slim to none.

[Give Collection I See Stripes Flowy Tank Top - $30]

[Wreath Flowy Tank -$28]

Love Without Boundaries cares for these children by providing reconstructive surgeries. Every purchase helps fund a surgery for a child in need. Sevenly simplifies giving back, by giving you the opportunity to both improve your wardrobe and the lives of others. They have already raised over 2.1 million dollars to date.

A few of my favorites pieces are pictured both above and below. The Give Collection hoodieand the Give Collection I See Stripes Flowy tank are great wardrobe basics; and the Giving Keys necklace, the Wreath Flowy tank and the Be The Answer crew will all add a little bit of edge to your street style.

[Give Collection Camp Zip Hoodie - $44]

[Be The Answer Crew - $24]

So please adopt Sevenly’s philosophy of “people matter,” check out their website and make a purchase. Your purchase helps an orphaned child receive surgery and find a permanent home. Thank you.

Meet the LA based duo behind Larkspur, Felicia Gaxiola and...

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:07:00 -0700

Meet the LA based duo behind Larkspur, Felicia Gaxiola and Amanda Bear.

The girls are running a kickstarter for their eco-friendly lingerie line inspired by their our own vintage collections as well as a 60’s bohemian aesthetic.

It’s Barbarella meets Woodstock but what I love MOST about it is that it’s organic and ethically manufactured clothing.

Check out their website and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Pinterest and @larkspurla on Instagram! Xoxo

#thebest #redcarpet #looks from the #baftas & the #grammys...

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:06:49 -0700

#thebest #redcarpet #looks from the #baftas & the #grammys #JessicaChastain in #RolandMouret & #Rihanna in #AzzedineAlaia

Angela & Roi Relaunch Their Website Focusing On Philanthropy.

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:42:03 -0700

Last September, the L.A. Fashion blog hosted an Angela & Roi handbag giveaway. Miss Megan Nevels was the lucky recipient of not one but two Angela & Roi handbags; the Miranda tote bag and the Gabriella clutch. Angela & Roi are now expanding on their generosity by relaunching their improved website with an announcement that their company will be donating $5 of every purchase to charity.

I love Angela & Roi for making good quality and stylish vegan handbags affordable but even more so now that they have introduced their Donate By Color system which color-coordinates their handbags with the different causes their clients can help support.You can support anxiety, depression, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Cancer and or AIDS research simply by purchasing a functional, stylish and affordable Angela & Roi handbag.

The company is giving fashion lovers everywhere the opportunity to both improve their wardrobes and the lives of millions that have been and will be diagnosed with these diseases. Whether or not you choose to make a purchase, please join us in supporting these causes and Angela & Roi by spreading the word through Tumblr, Facebook, Twitter, and or Pinterest. Thank you.

Lalla Alia Reinterprets The Tales Of Arabian Nights To Fit Your Soles...

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:00:00 -0700

Last August, in the blistering L.A. heat, I pulled into the Ritz-Carlton in downtown, an hour early for my interview with Lalla Alia founder and CEO, Zeineb Souafi. I dashed through the lobby blissfully happy to be out of the car and the stifling heat but desperate for an afternoon coffee. Iced latte in hand, I sat down to review the information I had been provided with and my questions for the CEO.

Lalla Alia, founded in 2010 by Zeineb and her business partner Pierre-Yves Cahart, is a luxury accessory brand of oriental inspiration headquartered in Switzerland. Zeineb is of Moroccan decent but has travelled far and wide and lived in Paris, New York and Geneva. She attended the Parisian Sorbonne University and the Wharton School of Business. She speaks Arabic, French, English and Moroccan fluently.

Given Zeineb’s credentials, I found myself wondering whether to conduct the interview in English or in French. It was more than likely that having attended the Wharton School of Business she would excel in English but I grew nostalgic for my boarding school days and began to hope that she might feel more comfortable in French.

Suddenly my phone rang, snapping me out of my reverie and on answering it, Zeineb kindly informed me that she was, unfortunately, due to some meetings, “inexcusably” late. How very un-Swiss like, I teased. It was shortly thereafter that she arrived in a great flurry in her sky-high Marrakesh wedges and structured white cotton dress, apologizing profusely for making me wait. Absolutely undeterred, I sat down with her for our chat.

Now the interview itself was conducted in French, so please forgive me for any translation mistakes I might’ve made. I have also posted the interview in French as well, should you prefer.

Now tell me, how was the company started?

I have a financial background. For ten years, I did finance and with the last crisis, well they were saying that it was the end of the world- but in finance it’s always the end of the world! So I told myself that if the world was truly ending, I might as well do what I have always wanted to do already having lived ten years in Paris, two years in New York, and now in Geneva. I always found that there was something missing in buying CHANEL, Dior… There was always a touch from where I’m from missing. I love seeing a tassel or a little something that reminds of where I’m from and that’s how it started, in doing some research that I stumbled upon other “oriental” luxury brands such Azzedine Alaia and Elie Saab- but then I found that Elie Saab was strictly clothing and realized that-

Comment avez-vous crée la companie?

Ben globalement j’ai un background finance. Pour dix ans j’ai fait de la finance et avec la dernière crise… À chaque fois c’est la fin du monde… en fait, c’est toujours la fin donc, je me suis dit, puisque c’est la fin du monde qu’il fallait faire ce que j’avais vraiment envie de faire et j’avais envie de faire quelque chose de différent ayant vécu dix ans à Paris, deux ans à New York, et puis maintenant Genève. Je trouvais qu’il manquait toujours quelque chose en achetant CHANEL, Dior, il manquait toujours ces petites touches de là où je suis. J’aime avoir le petit «tasell» ou la petite chose qui me rappelle chez-moi et j’ai commencé comme ça, en faisant des petites recherches que je suis tombée sur d’autres «marques de luxe» comme Azzedine Alaia par exemple. Mais il manquait encore quelque chose, puis j’ai trouvé Elie Saab mais ce n’était que des vêtements et alors je me suis rendue compte que-

That it was in fact only the name that was oriental…

Exactly! I thought to myself that there was really a niche for this sort of thing and I began to research artisans, materials … and it really kicked off that way! And why Lalla Alia? Lalla Alia because Lalla translated from Arabic means height, magnificence, and Alia is lady and/or distinguished princess. Then the following two years involved a lot of traveling, researching the best distributors, factories, etc.

Que c’était en fait que le nom qui était vraiment oriental…

Exactement ! De là je me suis dit qu’il y avait vraiment une niche et je suis partie à la recherche d’artisans, de matériaux, et de matières et puis cela a débuté comme ça ! Et pourquoi Lalla Alia ? Lalla Alia parce que Alia c’est hauteur, grandeur en Arabe, et Lalla c’est «Lady», ou « princesse distinguée ». Après, les deux années suivantes sont devenues un travail sur le terrain ou j’ai cherché les meilleurs fournisseurs que ce soit en Italie-

At this point, were you working alone or together with Pierre?

Pierre and I met at General Electric. I worked there for a year and a half in Paris and we unfortunately lost contact … We ran into each other again at a period where he was looking for something different on a professional level as well. It was really something that reunited us. We both attended Wharton Business School and it was in fact in their newsletter that I saw his name and contacted him about starting this venture with me. We said why not? Does it have any potential? Let’s find out.

À ce moment, est ce que tu travaillais toute seule ou avec Pierre?

Pierre et moi, nous nous sommes rencontrés à la General Electric. J’y ai travaillé pendant un an et demi à Paris et nous nous sommes malheureusement perdus de vue et lui aussi est passé en banque d’affaire. Nous nous sommes revus à une période où lui aussi cherchait quelque chose d’autre au niveau professionnel. C’était vraiment quelque chose qui nous a réunis à nouveau, et nous sommes passés l’un après l’autre au Wharton Business School et c’est de là que j’ai eu son nom. J’ai communiqué avec lui et nous nous sommes dit pourquoi ne pas créer quelque chose ensemble, est-ce que ça aurait du potentiel.

I have to tell you that while I’ve never been, I am fascinated by Morocco.

It is a country of contrasts, a warm country that one should really visit and I would be thrilled to welcome you should you like to visit…

Je n’y suis pas encore allée, mais je dois t’avouer que je suis tout à fait fascinée par le Maroc.

C’est vraiment un pays ou il y a beaucoup de contrastes, c’est un pays chaleureux que tu dois absolument visiter et je serais ravie de t’y accueillir si tu le souhaites-

That’s so lovely of you!

Of course! The people are really lovely and there really is a burning desire to do a job well done. They have a beautiful cultural heritage that unfortunately they don’t really value or at least isn’t recognized internationally. You will see everything that is sewn in the look book- you give them a piece of leather, and they sew it by hand in a very unique and particular way (you’d think it was done by a machine) but they’ve been doing it for so many generations, they’ve grown accustomed to it. It’s become average, almost boring.

We also worked a lot with the Italians, who have a bit of a superiority complex when it comes to leather and shoes. However for the first time, thanks to the crisis, these companies are willing to try something different. Before, these societies were entirely inapproachable working with established brands, such as CHANEL or Tom Ford.

Ah, c’est gentil!

Mais bien sûr! Il y a des gens si gentils, ils ont vraiment le souci d’accomplir un travail bien fait; et ils ont un héritage culturel qu’ils n’estiment pas à sa juste valeur ou qui n’est pas forcément reconnu au niveau international. Tu verras tout ce qui est broderie dans le lookbook- on leur a donné des morceaux de cuir qu’ils ont brodés à la main, de façon assez particulière, on dirait que c’est fait par des machines et pour eux, qui font ça depuis des générations, c’est devenu normal, presque banal. On a aussi beaucoup travaillé avec les italiens qui ont un peu un complexe de supériorité dans le domaine des cuirs et des chaussures mais pour la première fois, grâce à la crise, ils sont devenus plus ouverts à essayer de nouvelles choses. Avant, ces sociétés, qui travaillaient avec CHANEL, Tom Ford, etc. étaient complètement inaccessibles.

Donc oui, durant les deux dernières années, nous nous sommes consacrés à la construction de l’identité stylistique de la marque. On voulait que notre compagnie ait une ADN très particulière avant même que l’on commence à discuter d’argent. Tout ce qui était finance n’était simplement pas sur la table.

The last two years have really been spent constructing the stylistic identity of the brand. We wanted our company to have a very specific DNA before we even began to discuss money. Finance or financing the company was simply not on the table.

We are currently developing the first boutique in Dubaï. We hope to open mid 2013, but we are really stressing that it carries our message and has that particular DNA we envisioned. We are also in discussion with the major department stores, here in the United States, to open our first boutique in New York City by the end of 2014.

It is very exciting to meet people, and watch them get hooked, and find that fashion isn’t left or right but that ultimately there is a centre, that it isn’t always the same thing being rehashed.

Nous sommes en train de développer la première boutique à Dubaï, que nous espérons ouvrir à la mi- 2013 et justement nous voulons qu’elle représente cette ADN particulière, et puis nous sommes en discussion ici, aux États-Unis, avec les grands magasins pour essayer, d’ici la fin 2014, d’ouvrir la première boutique à New York.

C’est très excitant de rencontrer les gens, de voir qu’ils accrochent, et que la mode n’est pas de gauche ou de droite mais qu’effectivement il y a aussi un centre, que ce ne soit pas toujours la même chose. Il n’y a pas qu’une seule chose qui marche.

Until now it’s been limited to folklore and passing trends. Marrakesh is a popular theme because it’s considered cool and hip. GUCCI did a Marrakesh collection; Tiffany & Co. did a Marrakesh collection- Yves Saint Laurent moved to Marrakesh! But I regret that it hasn’t progressed. I have travelled to China, to Shanghai and I discovered extraordinary things! At the same time, I can acknowledge why there is a fear of the Chinese but they are hard workers! They really want to succeed and to defend their culture. Sadly, if one keeps purchasing the same brands, PRADA, Versace, etc., you never experience it first hand.

By 2050, 99% of the world population will come from these oriental countries and yet not one single fashion brand represents them. The Emirates, for example, are first in aviation but are severely lacking representation in all of the other industries.

Malheureusement, pour le moment ça s’était limité au folklore et aux tendances. On aime bien Marrakech parce que c’est sympa et c’est «branché». GUCCI a fait la collection Marrakech, Tiffany & Co. a fait la collection Marrakech, Yves Saint Laurent s’est installé au Maroc [c’est à ce moment que je me suis mise à avoir des «flashbacks» des épisodes de Ab Fab] et je trouve dommage que ça ne progresse pas. Moi je suis allée en Chine, à Shanghai, et je trouve qu’il y a des choses extraordinaires. En même temps, je comprends pourquoi les gens ont un peu peur mais ce sont [les Chinois] des bosseurs, des gens qui ont envie de réussir et qui veulent défendre leur culture. Mais quand on achète souvent les mêmes marques, PRADA, Versace, etc, ça ne se voit pas.

Justement d’ici 2050, quatre-vingt-dix-neuf pour cent de la population mondiale viendra de ces pays là et il n’y a pas une seule marque qui les représente. Par exemple les Émirats sont premiers en aviation, mais par contre, dans les autres industries, ils ne sont même pas représentés.

I find it interesting that you brought up the “fear” aspect. It is my experience that while often times one finds a great divide and or political strife between the East and West, the East does not fear or feel threatened by the West culturally to the same degree that the West feels threatened culturally by the East. Do you feel that that plays into why oriental style, designs and silhouettes have not been explored?

Je trouve intéressant que tu aies mentionné l’aspect de la «peur». Je reconnais que pendant qu’il y a une grande division politique entre l’Est et l’Ouest, l’Est ne se sent pas aussi menacé par l’Ouest que l’Ouest par l’Est au niveau culturel. Est-ce que tu penses que c’est pour cette raison que le style et les silhouettes orientales n’ont pas étés autant explorés?

A large part of Europe colonised these countries for example England colonised India, France colonised Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and so there is a sense of superiority in regards of one culture to another. There wasn’t much consideration or appreciation of the beauty of said culture.

Morocco didn’t gain its independence until nineteen fity-

Six?

Yes very good! [She smiles. I smile too, a little smug but I always loved history.] It took thirty years to stabilize and reconstruct it and some very extreme things were done in order to maintain power. [I tangent here to tell Zeineb that I loved Malika Oufkir’s Memoir/Autobiography “Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail,” which describes some of the extremes that did in fact take place during the stabilizing of Morocco. If you have the opportunity to, pick it up. She also mentions that her family are in politics in Morocco]. It also took time for the people to become conscious of their cultural wealth and worth, for example our style of embroidery. It’s an “added value” that doesn’t necessarily belong to other cultures. Well the Arab Spring- that’s it!

Il y a aussi une grande partie de l’Europe qui a colonisé- par exemple l’Angleterre a colonisé l’Inde; la France, le Maroc, Algérie, la Tunisie et donc du coup il y a un supériorité par rapport à une culture à un n’autre et alors il n’y avait pas de considération ou on a pas mit en valeur ou chercher la beauté de ces cultures.

Le Maroc n’as pas eut son indépendance qu’en mille neuf cent cinquante-

Six?

Oui, ben bravo! [Elle sourit. Je souris aussi, un peu suffisante, mais j’ai toujours adoré l’histoire]. Mais il a fallu trente ans pour le stabiliser et le reconstruire, et pour préserver le pouvoir il y a eut des choses extrêmes qui ont été faites. [Je m’éloigne un peu, ici, pour dire à Zeineb combien j’ai aimé les mémoires autobiographiques de Malika Oufkir – « Stolen Lives : […] » qui décrivent les mesures extrêmes qui ont eu lieu pendant la stabilisation du Maroc. Si vous en avez la chance, lisez-le. Elle mentionne aussi que sa famille travaillent dans la politique au Maroc]. Mais il a aussi fallu du temps au peuple pour prendre conscience que nous, ce qu’on fait, la broderie par exemple, a de la valeur, c’est une valeur ajoutée qui n’appartient pas nécessairement aux autres cultures. Ben, les révolutions arabes c’est ça!

I love the idea of breaking cultural barriers- for example I am very proud of my Irish and Polish heritages, but I like to think that I am very open to experiencing new and different cultures. It’s also the concept for L.A. Fashion. I want it to be a melting pot of luxury avant-garde design and L.A. street style.

J’adore l’idée d’ouvrir les barrières culturelles- moi par exemple, je suis très fière de mon héritage Irlandais et Polonais mais j’aimerais bien penser que j’ai une sensibilité à la culture. C’est en fait le concept pour L.A. Fashion. Je veux que ce soit un mélange de mode avant-garde, de luxe et de «street style»…

And I love that! The fact that you can wear Lalla Alia with jeans! Being normal doesn’t really pay off! You have to be original! At the same time, it’s also great to feel elegant and beautiful! And that’s it, oriental culture is incredibly varied and it should and will have its place in this industry and that’s the message we’re trying to get across. You just need time and lots of energy because it’s not easy.

Et moi, c’est ce que j’adore ! Le fait qu’on puisse porter Lalla Alia avec un jean! La normalité ne paye pas trop, il faut être original, mais en même temps c’est chouette de pouvoir aussi être élégant et beau! Et justement cette culture orientale est très, très vaste et elle a sa place dans cette industrie et c’est ce que nous essayons de défendre. Et il faut un temps fou, et beaucoup d’énergie parce que ce n’est pas évident d’y arriver au final.

So the design process, how and where does it begin?

Usually, we start by showing the designers materials, historical sites, textiles, and or architecture and asking them to produce a sketch based on those things. We then choose what is in line with the concept of our collection.

I am very hands-on and I travel frequently to oversee everything. Often times, I will watch over the couturiers and impress upon them the importance of the quality of their work. It is all very personal because there is strong desire, for me, to see the brand develop the way I have imagined it in my mind. When you delegate to somebody, there is always something that does or doesn’t sit right, and its still the beginning so I am still the first and last to decide. Quality is the most important factor. I don’t want a “cowboy brand,” a brand that’s cool and hip for a hot minute and then that’s it. I stress quality because ultimately that is what remains unaffected by time.

Alors ou est-ce que ça commence?

En général, nous commençons par montrer aux designers les matériaux, les sites historiques, les textiles et l’architecture et nous leur demandons de produire une esquisse basée sur ces choses. Ensuite, nous choisissons ce qui est en accord avec le concept de notre collection.

Je suis très pragmatique et je voyage régulièrement pour tout superviser. Souvent, je veille sur les couturiers et je leur dis qui va porter ces chaussures pour leur expliquer l’importance de la qualité de leur travail. C’est très personnel parce qu’il y a vraiment ce désir, pour moi, de voir la marque se développer de la façon que je l’ai imaginé dans ma tête. Quand tu délègues à quelqu’un, il y a toujours quelque chose qui va ou qui ne va pas, et c’est encore le début, donc je suis toujours la première et la dernière à décider. La qualité, c’est ce qu’il y a de plus important pour moi. Je ne veux pas un « cowboy brand », une marque qui est sympa, qui est branchée pour un instant et qui passe. J’insiste sur la qualité parce que les objets de luxe ne sont pas affectées par le temps.

Where do you purchase your materials?

Morocco, India, China- but in terms of China, I am very careful because for now there is still that “cheap” connotation. I’d say 90% comes from Italy, Morocco, and India especially for the embroidery- I’m trying to get the best of each country.

Today these companies want to speak face to face. Its what makes the difference, it’s what allows us to work with the best.

Où est-ce que tu achètes tes matériaux?

Au Maroc, en Inde, en Chine- mais en Chine, je fais vraiment attention parce que pour le moment il a encore la connotation «bas de gamme». Je dirais que 90% viennent de l’Italie, du Maroc et de l’Inde pour la broderie- j’essaie de mettre en valeur le meilleur de chaque pays.

Aujourd’hui ces compagnies aiment que nous les rencontrions face à face. C‘est ce qui fait la différence, c’est ce qui fait que nous pouvons travailler avec les meilleurs.

So the upcoming collection, how many styles are there?

We have 49 models. That’s seven styles for seven groups with a variation of three standard colours. We are also discussing the possibility of opening a customization section where one can pick the colour of one’s liking. I think that’s also the advantage of being present with established connections with distributors in several countries- is the power to quickly react to the demand.

Donc la collection qui vient, combien de styles est-ce qu’il y a?

Nous avons 49 modèles. Ce qui fait 7 styles par groupe, en 7 groupes et puis il y a une déclinaison de 3 couleurs de base et on discute la possibilité de créer une section «personnalisée», où l’on peut choisir la couleur que l’on préfère. Je crois que c’est aussi là l’avantage d’avoir des contacts établis avec des fournisseurs dans plusieurs pays - c’est la force de réagir rapidement à la demande.

To my delight, I spent the rest of the afternoon with Zeineb discussing not only Lalla Alia and fashion, but the wonderful opportunities our work provides us with to connect with others, within and outside of our industry. There’s something very powerful about a start-up that not only wants to generate industry in countries whose talents have been, until now under appreciated or all together overlooked but, in addition, desires to improve the education of the underprivileged. Read more about the Lalla Alia Foundation here. As for me, I believe that Lalla Alia shoes will soon take the fashion world by storm. Happy hunting fashion darlings! Xoxo

TEASER BLOG POST: I realize I haven’t posted in a while...

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:18:47 -0700

TEASER BLOG POST:

I realize I haven’t posted in a while (for good reason) but several posts will be going up in the next few days. In the meantime, here’s a little teaser of what I’ve been up to! Xoxo

@Shoptiques @hot8yoga #BeYourselfBeDifferent #YogaOnTheBeach...

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:41:34 -0700

@Shoptiques @hot8yoga #BeYourselfBeDifferent #YogaOnTheBeach #BYBDLA in #SantaMonica!

#HappyMonday! My fashion-savvy yogis will especially love this post! I’m so excited to announce that Shoptiques, with the help of Hot 8 Yoga, are hosting a Yoga On The Beach Day in Santa Monica from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th! The first 100 yogis will receive a complimentary pink yoga mat and gift bag filled with all the workout essentials! Shoptiques and Hot 8 Yoga will be hosting two classes, one from 1 to 2 p.m. and the other from 2 to 3 p.m. and guests are welcome to attend one or both classes.

If you are not familiar with Shoptiques.com, Shoptiques is the go-to website for any jet-setter that wants to shop the hottest, trendiest boutiques in all the major U.S. cities but doesn’t necessarily have the time or finances to do so everytime they get the urge. Shoptiques brings the boutique right to your ~~bed~~ living room. As for Hot 8 Yoga, well, you’ve truly been missing out if you haven’t tried any of their classes.

I will be bringing my sister Anouska along (an expert yogi if ever I saw one) but I hope to see many more familiar faces! This will also be a wonderful opportunity to meet the fab NYC Shoptiques team! All the girls will be in attendance and able to directly answer any questions you might have about Shoptiques and or the boutiques they sponsor! Hope to see you there! Xoxo

BLOG POST SNEAK PEEK: @MADISONPARKco #BAD by @michaeljackson...

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:30:00 -0700

BLOG POST SNEAK PEEK: @MADISONPARKco #BAD by @michaeljackson #LAFW #fashionshow #dance

To my utter embarrassment, this short video is a dead giveaway as to what my type is…

Also, I apologize for the quality of the video but it was taken with my iPhone! Xoxo

Lights, Camera, LAFW Spring 2013.

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 09:00:00 -0700

I began LAFW at Carondelet House with the J en Awad SS RTW 2013, “Down The Rabbit Hole“fashion show hosted by the Los Angeles Fashion Council.

Carondelet House, constructed in 1928, is a breathtaking Italian villa inspired venue, with dark hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and two exterior courtyards. The setting was warm and inviting and the crowd; ranging from efficiently dressed press and potential buyers to daring, trendy creatives, was buzzing.

Jen, a FIDM graduate, is of Egyptian and Peruvian decent and has been immersed in, fascinated by and practicing the arts- whether it be fashion, painting and or music since she was a little girl. In fact, when she’s not designing, she still takes the time to rock out on stage. She is boisterous, witty, self-deprecating and a real character and it’s reflected in her clothing. Her spring collection was a triple threat- fun, feminine and flirtatious.

While the bows and color scheme did invoke the heroine of the show, Alice, the copious amounts of lace, peek-a-boo cutouts and polka dotted sheer materials suggested a more mature, perhaps agent provocateur Alice.

When asked, Jen told me that her client was the creative woman. The woman that like her, without meaning to sound cliché, lives (insert the long list of other bodily functions here) and breathes fashion. The woman that demands that her clothes reflect her creative pursuits.

Backstage, I did not find it at all surprising that Jen cited Dita Von Teese as one of her muses. The woman exudes sex, confidence, and retro glamor and to wear one of Jen’s pieces one must unquestionably embody one if not all three of those traits. Jen Awad is certainly not for the faint hearted. Contrary wise, perhaps subconsciously she designs for the woman that needs that confidence boost!

I fell in love with three very memorable looks; one from a previous season, the floral chiffon (pictured above), and two from the spring collection, the cotton candy colored, full skirt, bow and cut-out mini dress (also pictured above), and the all black, lace, full skirt, cap sleeve mini dress. All three were must-haves. The beauty and styling were the icing on the cake with braided buns and pointed patent pumps (yay! they’re back), both big trends for the upcoming spring season.

I felt so inspired by the hair at Jen Awad SS 2013 RTW, I booked an appointment for the Braid Bar at Nine Zero One in West Hollywood the following day to have my hair braided to perfection for that night’s Urban 1972 event.

Urban 1972 celebrated LAFW with a “Stepping Out“ kickoff party, offering delicious treats in both wearable and edible forms. The company is dedicated to bringing 20-something trend setters affordable and yet fashionable clothing and accessories. Also, I’m quite sure that if you type in “U72VIPs” at the checkout while you shop at Urban, you might even receive an additional discount! Thank me later!

It was near impossible to drag me away from the candy bar, especially considering the unlimited supply of red licorice (my favorite), but as fate would have it, I ran into friend and fellow L.A. based fashion blogger Arthur Trujillo who was immaculately dressed in his signature all black. We were able to spend some quality time catching up and discussing the upcoming week’s events.

While the Urban 1972 event wasn’t quite what I had hoped it would be, I had the immense pleasure of being introduced and making friends with Christina Giuseppe, her brother Giovanni and the irresistible and incomparable Doug Haley, all pictured with me above. From that moment on, I began what I believe to be a life-long ~~girl crush/love/romance~~ friendship with darling Christina, and together we shall someday concot a plan to convince our dear Dougie that he is in fact straight, be one big happy, polygamous, perhaps bicoastal family, and live fashionably and fabulously ever after. Meeting them was not only the highlight of the night, but of LAFW. However it wasn’t until the Madisonpark Collective show, a few days later, that we were all reunited.

Now hold on to your knickers ladies during my upcoming sneak peek of the Madisonpark Collective fashion show post! Xoxo

Watch @State_Of_Style’s #redcarpet coverage of the Maison...

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:30:11 -0700

Watch @State_Of_Style’s #redcarpet coverage of the Maison Martin Margiela for H&M #launchingevent in downtown #NewYork.

Featured in the video are Alan Cumming, Helena Christensen, Margareta van den Bosch, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Doutzen Kroes and more.

@JenAwadLA #LIFESTYLE VIDEO #LAFW #fashionshow The Jen Awad show...

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:33:56 -0700

@JenAwadLA #LIFESTYLE VIDEO #LAFW #fashionshow

The Jen Awad show was the first of many #fashionshows I was invited to during L.A. fashion week and I must say it was one of my favorites. Jen is also so much fun to be around. Her energy, her humor, it’s intoxicating. Very appropriate for someone who likes to keep things “classy and trashy” all at the same time.

Watch her lifestyle video above and stay tuned for more about Jen and her inspired label.

#PFW @MaisonValentino #RTW #SPRING2013...

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:28:09 -0700

#PFW @MaisonValentino #RTW #SPRING2013 #valentinoforever

I’m sure you’re familiar with the expression, “Diamonds are forever” n’est-ce pas? Well as far as I’m concerned, Valentino is forever. It’s just breathtaking in its understated elegance, romanticism and sensuality. These particular looks are so stylish that not only do you notice the woman wearing them, but you are more intrigued by her because of what it is that she is wearing.

Sheer fabrics are another big trend for spring 2013 that I’m very much looking forward to wearing. What trends are you looking forward to? Xoxo

#PFW #VIKTORANDROLF #RTW #SPRING2013 Something is inherently...

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:06:00 -0700

#PFW #VIKTORANDROLF #RTW #SPRING2013

Something is inherently wrong with you if you are not #dying over these gowns. I love their construction, the way they move, the color and how beautifully the bow ties everything together… Bravo, gentlemen!

I’m also dying for these very chic Victor & Rolf pieces below. However, they do feel a little Lanvin… Thoughts?

#PFW #DRIESVANNOTEN #SPRING 2013 #RTW #MYFAVORITES If you know...

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:04:00 -0700

#PFW #DRIESVANNOTEN #SPRING 2013 #RTW #MYFAVORITES

If you know anything about me at all, it’s that I love red lipstick (well, lipstick in general but especially crimson red), menswear, a little grunge and anything oversized.

This collection delivered on all counts but the three looks above were by far my favorite. The sweaters, the florals, the contrasting and layering of light and heavy fabrics. It was a somewhat dark take on spring and I loved it.

Below are some potential purchases I’d love to make inspired by this collection. Très rock n’ roll…

In case you missed it, here are some of the cool things I was...

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 06:48:04 -0700

In case you missed it, here are some of the cool things I was able to intern on thanks to Anita Patrickson! She’s such a sweetheart!

Kate Walsh for the cover of Arizona Foothills magazine, Juliannne Hough for the 2012 Emmys and Jane Levy for an editorial in the October issue of ELLE magazine.

The first images from the @MMM_Official for @hm campaign have...

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:50:16 -0700

The first images from the @MMM_Official for @hm campaign have been released!

The collection launches November 15. Quirky tailoring and oversized shapes, signatures of the house, prevail in this lower-priced, weather appropriate collection. The ad campaign was photographed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and features a lot of outerwear.

What do you think? Are you excited for this collaboration?

-JK [images via Fashionista]

#MFW #SPRING2013 @Roberto_Cavalli #RTW I’m finishing...

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:25:35 -0700

#MFW #SPRING2013 @Roberto_Cavalli #RTW

I’m finishing up my favorite picks from #MFW with a bang! This collection was unbelievable! If you don’t believe me, see it in its entirety here. These are the kind of clothes that make me love being a girl- so sexy!

What do you think? Xoxo

#MFW SPRING2013 @dolcegabbana #RTW #topthreelooks I have...

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 12:11:49 -0700

#MFW SPRING2013 @dolcegabbana #RTW #topthreelooks

I have loved the Baroque-inspired clothes and Sicilian-inspired campaigns by this dynamic duo but sometimes you can get too much of a good thing. I had a sense of déjà vu looking through photos of the collection. These three elegant looks spoke to me in that they felt very Dolce & Gabbana without having to spell it out.

Thoughts?

#MFW #SPRING2013 #JUSTCAVALLI #RTW These looks really speak for...

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:06:24 -0700

#MFW #SPRING2013 #JUSTCAVALLI #RTW

These looks really speak for themselves. It was sexy, it was rock n’ roll, it was classic, signature Roberto Cavalli. Just Cavalli!

Above are my favorites! Clearly leopard print isn’t going anywhere which I makes me very happy!

Here are some fun ways to make your outfit a little more wild:

#MFW #SPRING2013 #ALBERTAFERRETTI #RTW The Alberta Ferretti...

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:32:00 -0700

#MFW #SPRING2013 #ALBERTAFERRETTI #RTW

The Alberta Ferretti Spring 2013 RTW collection felt like a retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale of The Little Mermaid. The surroundings were tainted a dark iridescent blue and as soon as the show began it seemed as though the models were emerging from the depths of the ocean in their anemone-inspired nude, seafoam, cerulean blue, navy and black, chiffon and organza creations; and just like the little Mermaid struggled with her conscience between what is right and what is wrong, the collection also seemed to be a mediation on the interplay of light and dark in both the realms of color and fabrics. Above are my favorite looks.

Shop some of my other favorite Alberta Ferretti looks below: