StyleWhipped

Event Recap: Ronnie Kroell & Whitney Mallon's Birthday Party!

Almost two weeks ago, I was actually excited to come home to cold, snowy NYC after a fabulous trip to Aruba. Why? Because I was getting back just in time to celebrate two very important birthdays...one, the gorgeous Ronnie Kroell from Bravo TV's "Make Me a Supermodel" and the other, his equally lovely manager, Whitney Mallon. Ronnie and Whitney not only know how to throw an amazing party, but they are both very special friends to me...

Held at the spectacular new hotspot Juliet Supper Club on far West 21st Street, we were treated to a fantastic night. Juliet was the perfect spot to host the party, with its intimate private room, beautiful black-tiled walls and floor (it's really like being right inside your very own massive disco ball!) and gracious host. Generously sponsored by our favorite Chelsea 24-hour spot Cafeteria (who provided the tower of decadent red velvet cupcakes...) and Moet Champagne and Belvedere Vodka (allowing us to sip one of two signature cocktails...the "Whitney," a champagne and crushed strawberry delight...and the "Ronnie," a refreshing - but powerful! - vodka, lemonade and fresh blueberry number...), this was a night to remember. 

Joined by nearly 100 guests, including fashion- and entertainment-industry insiders like designers (and Project Runway alums) Suede and Malan Breton, as well as "The Real Housewives of New York City" featured guest and host of "Derek Loves Shopping" Derek Warburton, Ronnie & Whitney certainly celebrated in style. And most importantly, none of us forgot why we were there...to wish two incredible, talented people a happy birthday...

~ Alison

   

(All photos courtesy of Andrew Werner Photography)

 

A Stylewhipped Make-over...

Here at Stylewhipped, we whole-heartedly believe in the transformative powers of fashion, make-up...and the right lighting! We also believe that what you do for a living doesn't at all have to dictate your sense of style in your "real life." So when we chatted with Stefanie H., who works in law enforcement in NJ, she was more than game to let us give her a head-to-toe glam-over (gorgeous to begin with, she didn't need a "make-over"...she just needed some guidance on how to bring some serious glamour into her "off-duty" look!). By her own admission, her usual style is "simple and casual" and she was ready for a really chic, fashion-forward look.

On hand to help her achieve that were celebrity make-up artist Nathan Johnson (who recently worked on none other than Sir Paul McCartney...) and famed fashion photographer Sebastian Smith (whose work has appeared in high-fashion glossies all over the world). Oh, and yours truly (!) worked with some amazing designers and companies to sponsor the results you're about to see. We created two looks...one that would make Stefanie feel like the best-dressed woman at any cocktail party, and one that would make her stand-out among the fashionistas on any night-on-the-town in NYC. Shot on location at New York's top new nightclub La Pomme on Manhattan's West 26th Street, Stefanie was a natural in front of the camera and everyone on set had an unbelievable time...

Here is Stefanie, before our big day (already looking naturally adorable...):

 

(All photos courtesy of Sebastian Smith)
 
Pulling dresses and tops from one of my personal favorites, Single Dress, I wanted to see Stefanie in pieces that would be able to be incorporated into her existing wardrobe but would up the glam quotient. For the "cocktail party" look, we chose a black jersey dress with a deep-v and animal-print satin inset in on-trend black & white. Paired with actually-comfortable black satin heels with a crystal-studded rosette detail from Me Too Shoes and an animal-friendly (super important to Stefanie) oversized, flower-adorned clutch from Amici Accessories, this look is so easy to wear. And what did our model think? According to her, "the dress was out of this world...comfortable enough to sleep in but gorgeous enough to wear anywhere...and already scheduled to be worn to an upcoming Christmas party!" And those shockingly comfortable shoes led her to exclaim, "beauty does not have to be painful! I could wear these all day!"

Our cocktail party-ready girl, all glammed up...

  
 
Up next, I wanted to create a look that Stefanie could rock on a night on the town, either with her girlfriends out dancing or to a fab new restaurant with her husband. The core of this outfit was a satin top from Single Dress in a tiny animal print toned down by neutral tones of champange and browns, and super dark indigo jeans from Mynt 1792 (the amazing new line from Project Runway alum Kevin Christiana). I finished the whole thing off with complimenting champagne satin shoes with a dramatic oversized bow from Me Too Shoes and another animal-friendly clutch from Amici Accessories in a deep teal that really pops. And Stefanie's reaction? She felt she could wear the top "day or night" and was so excited by "possibly the best jeans I've ever put on - they are so comfortable but so stylish!" The animal-friendly factor to the bags from Amici Accessories made them "the perfect addition...and without being micro-sized - I can actually fit more than just a lipstick."

So here she is, ready for a night on the town...

  
 
Now, no make-over (sorry, glam-over...!) is complete without some serious make-up. Before Sebastian Smith, our incredible photographer, could capture these beautiful shots, make-up artist, columnist, and Beauty Society Executive Make-Up Artist Nathan Johnson went to work. To accompany the "cocktail party" outfit, he created a smoky eye to bring some added sexiness to the overall look. You can create this eye all on your own using Beauty Society's "Smoky Eye Kit" (created by Nathan!), and can also achieve skin as luminous as Stefanie's with the simple application of Beauty Society's "Photo Shoot Facial Primer" with its incredible light-deflecting holographic molecules. Nathan also showed us how important it is to have your wardrobe and make-up work together, and created out-of-this-world edgy make-up with turquoise shadow that instantly picked up the saturated teal shade of the handbag in our "night on the town" look.

We are so thrilled with the stunning new looks that Stefanie got to go home with...so a huge thank you to all of our generous sponsors: Single Dress, Mynt 1792, Me Too Shoes, Amici Accessories, and Beauty Society. And to Sebastian and Nathan...you made an officer of the law into a supermodel for a day - thank you for sharing your talents with both Stylewhipped and Stefanie! Thank you also to my styling assistant, Danielle Rodman, who kept me on track and was beyond organized, and to the fabulous La Pomme nightclub...everyone needs to head to their amazing parties asap!

~ Alison

Designer Profile: FALLS

During this past fashion week, I had to go out of town for a few days right in the middle (I know, I know...but it couldn't be helped!). However, I was able to see a few collections before I left that really got me excited to hurry home to see more. One of those collections was FALLS. I had seen some Falls pieces before this specific presentation (shown in a very cool art space in the Meatpacking district), but the minute I walked in and saw this collection for Spring '10, I was instantly smitten. There was something so natural, so organic, and so...well, just lovely, that I knew immediately I had to learn more...

Luckily, Falls' two gracious designers (Philip Leeming and Leong Ong) made a beeline for me at the presentation and took me through the looks. With their soft-spoken demeanors, quick senses of humor, and pure love of their work, Philip and Leong made me fall for their line even more. There was such a distinct point-of-view, and pieces that could so easily create a wardrobe. Dresses (with prints that Leong hand-drew with markers) were perfectly suited to the woman who is chic and fashion-forward but also really, really feminine. Separates included gorgeously detailed tops, flattering little shorts, and innovative knitwear that could be worn multiple ways. With a color palette that included sand, white, and saturated teal, I think I almost skipped down the street to my next show.

So when the opportunity arose to sit and chat with Philip and Leong about Falls, I jumped at the chance. Even more passionate and eloquent over lunch, I got a crash course in the history of the line, their individual design backgrounds, and even a little mention of Katy Perry (a close friend of the duo, she has joyously worn their clothes...). It turns out that Philip was the Design Director at Kenneth Cole, while Leong was a designer at Ralph Lauren, and they started their venture together by launching a knitwear company called ONG. They even opened two stores (the first was in High Falls, NY where "Splendor in the Grass" was filmed and the name for "Falls" came from). A year later, Falls was created with a more boudoir-inspired feeling. Merging Falls with the funkier ONG was a natural progression to making their careers (and lives!) easier and more cohesive.

I asked Leong how they separate the design responsibilities and he relayed that "I specialize in woven design and Philip in knits/sweaters, so there is a direct division...but it's pretty blurred. I paint all of the artwork for the prints, which are usually the kick-off for the color story and the collection. Philip designs all of the stiches for the sweaters. We research together. There's always a moment in the season where we've got a million ideas, too many [really], and it's overwhelming, so the print is key. Then the overall "look" [develops] depending on where we are seeing the volumes/shapes going, and then we decide what is going to be sweaters/what's going to be woven. We drape everything, including the sweaters, on the form so as to get exactly what we want. From there it's a process of editing, fitting and refining with the official (the ever-patient assistants and interns) and unofficial members of our team [like] our fit model Mali and also our stylist/photographer, Grace."

With attainable price points (there are loads of options for around $300!) because the designers "love to see people wearing it" but luxury finishes and detailing, Falls has the potential to appeal to so many different types of women. The soft drape of a dress can be interpreted as sensual and girlie, but that same dress can also be topped with a black leather jacket and suddenly becomes the epitome of downtown cool. In their own words, Falls as a whole line is "versatile" and can be "worn head-to-toe or layered into existing pieces in a wardrobe." My personal favorite pieces from the current and upcoming seasons include a striking short floral dress (the first image above), a long black-and-white printed dress with an unexpected neckline detail, and a true "party dress" in hot magenta chiffon.

Philip mentioned that the inspiration for Spring '10 (which is really a relaunch of the line) came from "an exhibit we'd seen entitled 'yardwork' by Gary Hume at the Matthew Marks Gallery (Gary's work and color use is a consistent source of inspiration for our prints). Starting from there, Leong created the prints, which really inform the rest of the collection for color and feel, [which is] very upbeat and light for spring! We'd also been looking at vintage lingerie pieces from the '30's and '40's for inspiration and styling, and the intricate hand finishing, pleating and construction of the fabrics used then. We wanted to create mini pleats, pointelle patterns and tissue-weight layers in both the woven and the sweater part of the collection."

I have to say, every goal that Falls wanted to reach, they have. They are now, season after season, designing amazingly covetable collections that truly reflect who they are and who their customer is. Coupled with their contagious enthusiasm and geniune talent (and an itch to collaborate on a collection of shoes in the near future), Falls impresses me more and more everytime I talk with the designers or glance at one of their pieces. So as I thank them for taking the time to chat with Stylewhipped, remember to keep an eye out for great things to come from Philip and Leong...

~ Alison

To see more from Falls, visit them online at www.fallsdesigns.com/Falls or shop the collection on www.shopbop.com.

   

 
 
 
 

High Tea with Alison & Sebastian: An Interview with Kevin Crawford

"High Tea with Alison & Sebastian" is our newest column. Stylewhipped's Alison Stewart and fashion photographer Sebastian Smith bring you interviews with fashion-industry insiders, models, actors, and other luminaries we admire, generously brought to you from our very favorite spot for tea service, Soho's Sanctuary T. "High Tea" will be published whenever we find someone interesting we want to chat with...

So who was our first guest? None other than the sought-after party planner Kevin Crawford, who met us at Sanctuary T wearing a fitted white shirt, skinny tie, the narrowest jeans and a fashion-y cap pulled low over one eye. With his cool-kid persona, yet totally open and heartfelt way of telling his story, Kevin was absolutely the perfect choice to kick off Stylewhipped's newest column.

Kevin grew up in New Jersey (instant bond, us Jersey kids...), and started going to clubs in the city when he was in high school. He quickly got a job working working with Steve Lewis at Red Zone...which of course turned into promoting parties, planning parties...you get the idea. Kevin was immediately embraced into the see-and-be-seen scene of NYC nightlife, and eventually made his way to Miami to continue to work in the booming nightclub and party business of South Beach. During this time, he worked with the best of the best...and met the cream of the crop (all culminating with a photo of him and Madonna...her arm slung around his shoulders like old friends).

Unfortunately along the way, Kevin not only developed amazing relationships and contacts (he currently maintains a 15,000-member mailing list), he also developed a drug and alcohol habit. Now clean for over three years and very forthcoming about his struggles, Kevin knew he had to change his life, but also had to figure out how to stay in the nightlife/party business while sober. His dedication to creating inspiring, beautiful events for everyone from Sony to Giorgio Armani was his muse, helping him to create his now-successful business, Kevin Crawford Inc. Back in NYC, where Kevin has worked with big-name venues like Lotus and his current biggest client, The Brier Group, he has also had the opportunity to take creative license with corporate clients who wanted the launch of a new product to be as fabulous as a fashion party, and even produced a (very well-received) short film as an intro to a designer's runway show.

What was meant to be a 45-minute tea service and some chatting turned into a 2-hour talk, with Kevin recounting stories that had us in tears (the good laughter tears...). All three of us chimed in about how fashion shows have lost their "production" value and designers need to let people like Kevin really bring the "show" back into "fashion show." We all miss what John Galliano does in Paris, with halograms, live animals, and fake snow! I also asked Kevin when he considers an event to be a success...was it when the client is happy? Or is it when he is happy? His answer was what I expected...that he is a perfectionist about anything he puts his name on, but is always satisfied when his client is happy. We comiserated about how there will always be a backstage glitch or a light show that doesn't work in entirety, but when you have a good turnout and the host has just as much fun as his guests, you've done a good job.

Kevin's creativity, drive and desire to produce new and exciting events made him such a pleasure to interview. From editor's lunches to full-scale, multi-tier launch parties...from a Sunday night party to a celebrity-hosted fashion show...Kevin (and Kevin Crawford Inc.) is key to the perfectly planned and promoted events. The fashion world is lucky to have people like Kevin, whose very nature leads him to succeed...and leads us to attend some very, very cool parties...

~ Alison

Drop Jewels: The First of Many...

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting jewelry designer Julia Fernandez-Pol, the up-and-coming creative force behind Drop Jewels. Julia is a trained artist who has applied her incredible eye for color and balance to a gorgeous collection of unusual, statement-making pieces of jewelry. There will be a full column profiling Julia, her company, and her fantasty-inspired earrings, rings, cuffs, and hairpieces coming soon to Running With Heels. But until then...I had to give you a little preview...

These "Mandarin Earrings," with their bold, uniquely Asian influence, are true stunners. Julia was wearing them when she and I met, and it took me a moment to even notice what color hair she had because I was completely mesmerized by them!  Created with stones like yellow agate, fresh water pearls, chrysophase, lapis lazuli, black calcedony, and madarin garnet all held together with colored copper wire, these are the only accessory you need to totally transform an outfit. They are equally amazing with a long white dress for evening or jeans and a grey t-shirt for an afternoon coffee, so don't forget to look for my upcoming column on RunningWithHeels.com that will give you many, many more examples of Julia's work and the inspiration behind it!

~ Alison

Music, Fashion & Dustin Hoffman...a Chat with Blake Hayes...

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of getting to know Blake Hayes, a super talented on-air and on-camera personality who is currently the weekend DJ on WPLJ (95.5) in NYC. I knew Blake was fabulous on the radio, but until I had the even bigger pleasure of filming a video for Running With Heels with him, I had no idea just how far-reaching his talents were!

Since graduating wtih a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the esteemed Emerson College, Blake has made his mark not only for PLJ, but for Comcast Cable, QVC, E! News Canada, and many other news and celebrity entertainment outlets. He has interviewed everyone from Ben Affleck to Kate Walsh to Reba McEntire to Richie Sambora, and reported from fundraisers, red carpets, and movie press junkets. And with a voice and poise about 20 years beyond his age, I know there is a lot more to come...just take a look at his TV reel and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about...!

So I asked Blake to chat about music, celebrity interviews, and of course, fashion. Here's what he had to say...

Alison Stewart: Ok, let’s talk about you first. How did you get into the radio/on-air/on-camera industry?  

Blake Hayes: My uncle swears he has a tape of me doing my own radio show when I was 5...but that has yet to be found (thankfully).  When I was 12, a friend and I created our own radio show (we were the only listeners and it broadcast to a cassette tape).  Those tapes do exist.  They're terribly embarrassing.  I got my first REAL radio job when I was 17, at KC101 in New Haven, CT.  Then I discovered TV/video production in high school, studied broadcast journalism at Emerson College in Boston, and my career began!

AS: My mother just unearthed a tape of me singing when I was 2 1/2...definitely best kept to herself! So who's the best person you’ve ever interviewed? And who is one person you’d love to interview? 

BH: Dustin Hoffman was one of my favorites to interview.  I really admire his work and his career is really amazing -- but he's one of the nicest, most laid back stars I've ever met.  And the second time I interviewed him, he told me about hooking up with a stewardess in an airplane bathroom in the 1970s when he was between marriages.  I couldn't believe I got that on tape!  I'd really love to interview Madonna, if only for the challenge.  She rarely does interviews and is really one of the biggest living icons of the last century.  Her impact on music, fashion, and pop culture has been pretty huge over the last three decades.

AS: Obviously, we have to cover music. What's your all-time favorite song? Artist?  

BH: This is a tough one.  I get bored of songs easily, especially when we play them at the radio station; I hear them a few times a day and they burn out FAST on me.  Billy Joel is my default fave.  I've never gotten sick of hearing his music and I am very familiar with almost ALL of his songs.  At the moment though, I'm loving Jon McLaughlin, James Morrison, Coldplay and Melissa Etheridge.  Lady Gaga is also getting a lot of spins on my iPod.

AS: Lady Gaga was a sleeper hit for me...never expected to like her, but I kind of love her now! What's the best concert you’ve ever been to? Do you have one you wished you’d gotten to go to?

BH: Hands down, George Michael's 25 tour was the best show I've seen.  I wasn't a huge fan of his beforehand, but I got tickets through the radio station for his stop at Madison Square Garden.  It was his first US Tour in 17 years.  His voice was amazing and his energy was so contagious.  I became a huge fan of his after seeing that concert.  I wish I'd seen Billy Joel at Yankee and Shea stadiums; he's one of the only artists to perform at both venues.  He's my "favorite" but I've NEVER seen him live!  Does that make me a bad fan??

AS: That's actually pretty crazy - we'll have to get him to tour again just for you! Let's change lanes over to fashion for a minute…how would you describe your own style?

BH: My style is casual but a little dressy... most importantly COMFORTABLE.  I always wear sneakers, usually Chuck Taylors.  I love vests.  I constantly mix modern clothes with vintage shirts, vests, or a jacket.  I'm a fan of layers.  I couldn't care less about labels.  I love what looks and feels good, and reflects my personality: professional, mature, but fun and maybe a little youthful.

AS: You do wear a lot of vests! (and I have to say, they are super cute...) What’s your favorite look on a woman?

BH: I suck at picking clothes for women.  One of my best friends, Ashley, gets so frustrated when I help her shop because I am NO HELP AT ALL.  My only strong opinion about women's style is when they show too much skin.  I think it's much more sexy when a woman wears clothes that show off her body but don't expose too much skin.  There's a fine line between looking good and looking skanky.  Remember, only one letter separates HOT and HO.

AS: Well that's one I'm going to have to remember...! Let me throw out some trends going on in fashion right now, and give me your immediate response…gladiator shoes? Cage heels? Sequins during the day? Plaid? Destroyed denim? Sometimes women gravitate towards certain looks because they are trends…and we forget how they look to others…and men!

BH: Gladiator shoes are a little odd, but certain women can pull them off... they take some confidence.  I don't even know what cage heels are.  Haha!  Sequins are cute, but wearing a full-blown sequined gown during the day would obviously be a little much... but I don't have a problem with some sequined accents in the sunlight.  Plaid is tough to pull off unless you're carrying a bagpipe.  Again, accents could work.  I love destroyed denim, but only in casual situations.  I think any trend is totally subjective; just because something is popular or "trendy" doesn't mean it will work on you.  Anything you wear should reflect your personality and work for your body.

AS: I AGREE! I always tell my clients that just because something is trendy it doesn't mean it will look good on everyone. And sometimes "high fashion" (like those cage heels...) is just an inigma and distracting to people you're trying to impress! Do you have a favorite menswear designer? If you could have a tuxedo made for you by any designer, who would it be?

BH: I really like Marc Jacobs, just because he's fresh and has such a range of styles in his designs.  I also love that a lot of his accessories are affordable.  A tux by Cavalli would be nice.

BH: How do you feel about musical artists becoming fashion designers (think P.Diddy/Sean John, Gwen Stefani/L.A.M.B., Jessica Simpson/JS Shoes...)?

BH: Fashion and music -- really the entire entertainment business -- are so intertwined that it totally makes sense for musical artists -- or other entertainers -- to get involved in fashion.  However, artists like Jessica Simpson seem to get into fashion as a sort of "after-thought," not because they're passionate about it -- and have a talent for it.  It's more of a PR thing.  But it doesn't bother me. 

AS: You're completely right - I wish only those who are so creative and artistic that music alone doesn't complete them would get into designing. Do you think that the music industry affects fashion more, or vice-versa?

BH: Fashion and music may be very intertwined, but I don't think they have much direct impact on each other.  But could an artist's STYLE affect fashion, maybe inspire a design?  Sure.  I bet a lot of designers have been inspired by icons like Madonna, John Lennon, etc.  Music and fashion are two forms of art; I think any art tends to inspire.

AS: I have to ask…do you watch American Idol? Who are you hoping wins?

BH: Adam Lambert is one of the most talented people I've seen on that show.  Even if he doesn't win, he'll have a great career ahead of him.  I also think Kris Allen is a very marketable guy.  I'm pulling for both.  I haven't watched this season as much as I did last year, but those are the two that stick out for me.

AS: I adore Adam Lambert...insanely talented! Speaking of a great career ahead...what’s next for you? What do you want most to get involved in?

BH: Ideally?  My own TV show... with very personal, casual interviews.  Big celebs -- music, movies, etc -- but also up-and-comers.  New singers, actors, designers.  Talking with them, seeing their stuff, performing, etc.  A mix of vets and green-horns.  Keep your fingers crossed.

AS: They are officially crossed :) Thanks so much for chatting with StyleWhipped!

~ Alison

 

NY & Co. Celebrates Carson Kressley's "NY Style Picks"!

On Tuesday evening, Running With Heels editor Morgan Williams and I went to what turned out to be a really fun, fabulous event for NY & Co. Held on the penthouse terrace at The Hotel on Rivington on the LES (the rain thankfully held out for us...), the event spolighted NY & Co.'s spokesperson Carson Kressley and his "NY Style Picks" for the upcoming season. We actually had all three floors of the penthouse, complete with champagne-pouring bartenders and DJ Peter Paul spinning dance music for all the fashion industry insiders. The lovely (and my fellow University of Maryland alum!) NY & Co. Director of Public Relations Marielle Gelber really put together a special evening.

Besides meeting the adorable Carson in his black glitter "party shoes" and pink pocket square (seriously, this man is dapper...), I had a chance to catch up with Richie Rich from Heatherettte, whom I had last seen roller-skating at his own party (there were no roller skates on Tuesday, but he was wearing some fabulous slouchy boots with 4-inch heels...). We also had a fantastic time getting to know NY Giants linebacker Danny Clark (how can we not love a football player who loves fashion?!), and while I'm never a sucker for a gift bag (after 4,000 fashion events, how many lip blams do I really need?!), Marielle gave us some serious presents to take home (definitely watch out for me wearing the fab sweater and right-on-trend tie-dye scarf in the next few weeks)! 

Morgan and I also recently partnered with NY & Co. on a series of videos that will be up soon on Running With Heels...and our models (not to mention the two of us!) went totally crazy for the fashion-forward yet super affordable clothes the chain is putting out. You can check out the entire collection online, or stop in to their huge store on 58th & Lexington next time you're in midtown...I promise you'll be pleasantly surprised!  

~ Alison

Cute New Company: Lolly38

Every year, I go to the Shecky's Girls' Night Out shopping event...a million indie designers, jewelry, handbags, clothing...and I always buy a number of things that I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. This year, Cindy finally came along with me and we had a blast buying fabulous little dresses and gorgeous, blinged-out earrings. But it was our walk to the coat check when we were leaving that I have to mention...

As we fought through the crowd, I hear a man's voice yelling my name...and it turns out to be my friend Al from my building. And then it turns out that he's there helping his sister at her booth...and that's where Lolly38 comes into play. The entire booth was filled with the most adorable stretch-jersey women's underwear. They had funny sayings like "Hot Mama," "Cutie Pie," and "Smarty Pants" screen-printed on them, and there were other pairs that had skulls and peace signs (all in black, white, grey, turquoise, red and pink).  

Katie Kozloff, the woman behind Lolly38, is just as cute as her underwear (along with it's clever tag line "What's Under Your Wild Side?"). After getting her MBA and being unhappy in her job about a year ago, Katie started Lolly38, screen-printing everything herself (which makes each piece unique) in her basement workshop. In her own words, Katie "wanted Lolly38 to create underwear that would make women feel flirty and cute, no matter who was going to see it." And at $10 a pair (or 2 for $16), this is the perfect pick-me-up gift or bachelorette party favor (or something you buy yourself at any time!). Already in demand, Lolly38 was just chosen as the editors' "Hot Picks" (a small group of only 10-15 vendors) for both the Philadelphia and Chicago Shecky's events.

Available at those upcoming shows and through her website (www.lolly38.com), this is one you definitely want to check out!

~ Alison

 

Spotlight On...Indie Designer Pretoria Monique

By chance, my friend Nathan Johnson (my Stylist Studio "roommate" on RunningWithHeels.com) met fashion designer Pretoria Monique at an industry event I was unable to attend. Being a make-up artist, Nathan is always looking for new talent in the fashion world, and the minute he saw the designer's line sheets, he told her to call me. And I'm so glad he did!

As soon as I saw Pretoria Monique's website (www.pretoriamonique.com), I knew I had to meet up with her at the boutique Runway in Soho, where her very first collection is being sold. Designing resort and summer collections only, Pretoria Monique's dresses are every girl's fashion-should-be-fun fantasy...they are flirty, colorful, flattering, bright and well...fun! And the designer herself? Talk about lovely...a gentle, easy-going woman with a fiercely buzzed haircut, it turns out we went to the same college (University of Maryland) and even lived in the same quad of dorms at the same time! And she loves color and prints...hmmm, she might just have to be my new best friend...

After seeing the delicious dresses at Runway (some long, some short, all adorable-and-sophisticated-rolled-into-one), Pretoria Monique and I sat down for tea and talked Southern roots, fashion, and following your dreams. Here's what she had to say...

Alison Stewart: You mentioned that you don't have a background in design...so how is it that you've now become a fashion designer?

Pretoria Monique: I have always wanted to be a fashion designer.  Fashion design is my first love and passion.  But growing up in the South, not too many people nurtured the artist mentality.  Therefore I ended up in corporate America until the summer of 2008.  During 2008 I was laid-off twice.  After the second lay-off I decided I would be better off following my dreams. When I first moved to NYC I interned with a designer. I also took courses at FIT and Parsons in the evenings, after working 12+ hours a day. I did this to prepare for the day I would finally leave the corporate world and follow my dreams.

AS: Well, obviously there will be many women who are glad you took that leap!  Tell me about this first collection...what was your inspiration?

PM: My family and friends were the inspiration for this collection.  I needed motivation to start this project and my family and friends were their for me.  I used their love and kindness to design the varied styles of my 2008  "Gallery of Friends" Resort Collection.

AS: I'm sure they love it and were happy to always support your vision. Who are your personal favorite designers? Who's style inspires you?

PM: Christian LaCroix, Roberto Cavalli, Ralph Lauren, Betsy Johnson, Vivienne Westwood, Anna Sui and Oscar De La Renta.

AS: Nice...! Ok, back to your collection. Who do you see wearing your pieces?

PM: Everyone! I would like to be the "you have to have at least one Pretoria Monique dress in your closet" fashion designer. But specifically those who love the fun and sun and travel during resort season.  I love to travel and have always enjoyed being "the one" with all the awesome dresses for every event. 

AS: I love your inclusiveness, and I could definitely see so many women of different backgrounds with different bodies wearing your dresses. Give my readers the specifics about where they can buy them, and are you available for custom designs/fittings?

PM: My collection is currently available at Runway at 450 Broome Street in NYC's Soho, and absolutely yes! Custom-made/Made-to-measure is my favorite.  I get to meet the client and that's a lot of fun for me.  I totally adore designing dresses for Weddings and Special events.

AS: With that all said, where do you see your line and yourself as a designer in five years?

PM: In five years I see my designs everywhere.  As a designer, in five years my vision is to be established as the go-to designer for Resort, Wedding, Cocktail Party and Special Event dresses. I would love to have every resort traveler and bride in the world packing their suitcases with Pretoria Monique dresses. 

AS: Hmmm, I have a feeling you might just achieve that! Speaking of achieving, there's more to life than fashion. What else do you hope to achieve in life?

PM: In this life, I hope to find love and happiness.  And so far, that's the direction that following my dreams has taken me.

AS: Thank you so much for spending time with Stylewhipped's readers...and I want to wear one of your dresses soon!

PM: Thank you...and anytime!

~ Alison

"Dressed to Kilt" Event...check out the video!

Last week, I had so much fun attending the annual "Dressed to Kilt" event that kicked off Tartan Week in NYC. With me were Running With Heels editor Morgan Williams and the fabulous, talented radio & TV personality Blake Hayes. We filmed interviews with the celebs on the red carpet (including the forever-amazing Sir Sean Connery!), captured the funniest runway show I've ever seen (think Mike Meyers in a kilt!), and Blake even interviewed me to sum up the evening.

Check out the video...I promise it'll give you a new appreciation for a man in a skirt!

~ Alison