A Little Something

A Little Something

Statement jewelry is my go to in most situations.  Lately, however, I have been feeling like something a little lighter is appropriate.  On days when the heft of a statement necklace feels suffocating I have been adding a barely-there thin gold chain, or a barely-there gold band ring, and small gold hoop earrings. 

The chain was a gift in my teenage years.  It is sweet with three barely visible hearts.  It has been sitting in the back of my jewelry box for years when it seemed too saccharine for the statement I was feeling.  On occasion these days it feels like a nice variation.  I have also found it can provide a glint to balance out larger pieces or articles of clothing. 

While large jewelry can make a statement, small chains and tiny charms can feel like a tiny flirt or a second skin.  Statement jewelry is fun.  Sometimes, however, a little something just feels right.

In the mix

From Moda Operandi

In the mix

My mother recently reminisced that as a child I never liked to wear matching clothing sets.  She reminded me that I had a closet full of many cute coordinating shorts, shirts, and sweaters but rarely wore them together.  Apparently, as soon as I could reach for my own clothes in the morning I would have none of matching and preferred to choose the pants from one set, the top from another, and accessorizing with perhaps a sweater from a third.  This is a preference I have not outgrown.

Mary Katrantzou

Dressing is all about finding the mix.  Coordination is great, and a matching suit definitely has a place in life.  However, if I can mix a few unexpected patterns and make it work, I just feel good.  I am not alone.  This love of the mix is currently in celebration on runways all around.  With laser and digital printing capabilities, prints are having a moment and they are having it in triplicate, all at the same time. 

The mixed print trend is exciting but it can also be intimidating.  While I love the thrill of a successful mélange I often take pause before stepping out into the day.  Perhaps that is part of the fun. 

If mixing patterns makes you nervous start small.  Here are a few tips to help ensure a successful pattern mix:

-Keep patterns in the same color family for a cohesive look.  Picking coordinating colors from within the pattern or combining patterns that have similar a similar tone helps avoid distraction from one to the other.  Many designers are also using graduated colors for the same effect.

-Keeping patterns scale similar also creates a cohesive look and keeps the eye moving. 

-Utilizing prints of contrasting color and scale must be done strategically.  The eye will notice a break from one to the other.  This can work to your advantage or disadvantage so position carefully.

This Peter Pilotto for Target dress is a great example of mixing print scale with a purpose.  The small print on the side panels creates a slimming effect as a color block with similar placement would slim. 

-A tone on tone pattern is an easy way to introduce mixing patterns to your life.  Tone-on-tone can read as a texture to create visual interest but in a subtle way that does not compete with another pattern.

-Natural patterns (from nature) can be used as neutrals.  A leopard does not think it is making a statement it is merely blending in with its surroundings.  Leopard or other animal prints can be used as a statement alone.  When mixing a natural colored animal print with bright colors the animal print acts as a neutral.  Try mixing an animal print with a contrasting color and then a print in the same color family as the contrasting color if you are feeling sassy.  Similar to animal print, grass or foliage prints can be used to ground an outfit as well. 

 

Tone-on-tone pearl patterned sweater.

Peter Pilotto for Target dress.

This outfit is a little unexpected.  With a tone-on-tone pearl patterned sweater, vibrant fluorescent print with both stripes and flowers, a large ruffle that looks like it could go dancing, and gold accents there is a lot going on.  The texture, color, pattern combo however makes me feel alive! 

Have fun mixing it up!

Ode to the Trench Coat

Ode to the trench coat 

April showers bring May flowers and when singing in the rain the go to cover-up is the trench coat.  Developed by Burberry or Aquascutum, depending on who you ask, this wardrobe staple began its famous history in trenches across the pond draping the shoulders of British officers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_coat ).  With pockets for maps and other necessities, detachable linings, and a waterproof construction this jacket is too practical and versatile to be quashed with a treaty and peacetime.  The trench coat, in a variety of reinventions, has invaded every shore and enjoys more play in fashion, and day-to-day life than it ever did in battle (thankfully). 

 

Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's

Humphrey Bogart

The trench literally keeps you warm and dry while figuratively keeping you cool.  Humphrey Bogart wore one, so did Dick Tracey. Cool, calm, and business like.  The trench attended breakfast at Tiffany’s with Audrey Hepburn while Gerald Ford zipped a bullet proof lining into his tan, classic trench.  Many a superhero hides a costume under this garment, Gene Gray, Gambit, and the Punisher come to mind.  In black leather, the trench casts an ominous tone for villains, or a cool low-key persona hiding Neo in the shadows of the matrix.  The trench is somewhat mysterious yet practical, and always crisp.

Twiggy in mod blue trench

Over the years the trench has been reinvented in fashion in many different ways.  It was mod in the 1960s.  Helmet Newton paired it with heels for a sexy look in the 1970s.  Every decade remakes it, details perfected for the feeling of the day.  It has been short, long, pleated, classic and colorful.  It has had shoulder pads, bows, and all kinds of button shapes.  Double rows of buttons and pointed collars are characteristics but not required.  Vintage, new, or revisited in reference, the trench is a staple to stay. (Great slide show: http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20131024-the-trench-coat-for-all-seasons) 

With a chill in the air, and the risk of a shower around every corner, this wardrobe and historical staple has seemed the perfect item to grab from my closet.  Over the years, I feel lucky to have accumulated a variety of trench like options.  They never fail to leave me feeling versatile, invincible, and a little provocative.  

BB Dakota

Forecaster International
Vintage

Kensie

Gap

Mossimo

Old Navy

 How do you reinvent yourself and the trench?

Layers for Warmth

Layers for Warmth

Did I hear that correctly?  Moving from wind chill “warning” to “watch?”  The difference: a “watch” is only -20 wind chill temperature instead of a -25% (or worse) wind chill temperature with a “warning?”  Is that supposed to be a good thing? 

Weathering such cold temperatures fashionably and also accounting for the variation in temperature that is sure to be encountered is a challenge.  While Mother Nature wages her blistery frigid winds, the corporate “man” proves his success by overcoming Mother Nature with an equal amount of artificial temperature fervor.   There are buildings with radiator heat, and the economically minded that keep the thermostat at 60 to keep your goose bumps reeling.  The ranges of temperatures that can be encountered are extreme.  

 

Leg warmers=my friend.

I recall a recent visit to my local supermarket.  I arrived, legwarmers over socks but under my pants.  I was wearing a sweater, a fleece jacket, two scarves, a coat and large mittens.  Upon arrival I instinctively unzipped my coat and removed my mittens.  I stood momentarily for the pharmacy and headed to the juice isle.  I comfortably navigated the frozen food section and perused the yogurt case.  By the time I reached the packaged goods I unzipped the fleece and started to get a bit uncomfortable.  There was comparison-shopping in the paper towel isle before a few trips between the “sale isle” and the sale products normal locations. I broke a light sweat (did I mention it is a newly expanded Super Kroger, I was probably up to a half mile of distance at this point).   Price checking in the organic isle was a little rushed, and by the time I was waiting in line for the deli counter I felt faint.  I ripped off the coat, the fleece, and slowly fanned myself with the scarf.  By checkout I had developed a chill and it took a good five minutes to suit up to brave the polar vortex that waited.  This kind of temperature change may have taken a less prepared individual down.

Me, Grandma, Grandpa

Layering the right fabric is the key to success in both hot and cold temperatures.  For appropriate preparation I channel the cold weather layering diva skills of my Grandma.  Grandma was a special lady that always seemed to find a draft.  She extolled the virtues of layering, and wool.  Actually, she extolled the virtues of layering wool in addition to both layering and wool individually.  She was an adorable lady, strong yet demure, hair curled, wool mock turtlenecks in every color, often also rocking a wool sweater vest, and classic wool slacks.  She defeated those cool winter breezes with layers of natural fiber. 

What you layer is as important as the layering.  Grandma looked for soft wool that wasn’t too scratchy to wear close to the skin.  This is because if you have to layer something like cotton underneath wool, moisture from your evaporating body heat can be trapped in the cotton and cool you down (Cotton is for warm weather to cool, wool is for cool weather to warm) regardless of your insulation.  Polyester can also be a good dry insulator, as can down, fur, and silk.  Not all of these work in the same way, and not all polyesters are created equal, but it’s good to have options.  There are many new concoctions that can also be helpful.  For further study on the science behind new fabric concoctions try this site: http://www.youbeauty.com/body-fitness/cold-weather-clothing .  The right natural fiber will not do you wrong.

Just a day in the winter vortex.

It is with such practical knowledge that I braved the chill with warmth in my heart.  I pulled a vivid mock turtleneck, handed down from Grandma, from my cedar chest to start the day.  I layered tights, socks, and knee-high boots.  I dawned a heat trapping skirt (kind of an oxymoron), and layered legwarmers on the distance between the boots and the skirt temporarily for the walk from the house to the car.  A fleece, a coat, 2 scarves, ear warmers, and mittens (along with the legwarmers, now my standard for going outdoors) work together to keep the winter wind at bay.  Who says you can’t incorporate a fun necklace?  Certainly not me, I added a black and white agate bauble to make the outfit.  From the house to the car, and layers peeled off to varying degrees to meet every artificial climate, I was set for the day.  Thanks Grandma.

Fall and its cool breeze

Trying to transition from summer to fall is always a challenge.  Not because of the change of textures, the need for layers, or difference in color palette but because I am never ready to see the foliage wilt and the temperature drop.  Fall is beautiful in a special way all its own but it is a precursor to the cold, and even more frustrating for me, the dry air and static.  

I find what often draws me into this transition and brings me the joys of fall are the new colors.  Often deeply saturated and rich, I cannot help but get interested.  Then, my attention diverted, surprise, its cooler and its fall.

I love the saturated electric cobalt and emerald hues this season.  They topped my “must have” list.  So much so that I hastily bought these Steve Madden pumps an entire size too large.  Thank you Dr Scholl’s massaging gel insoles (and your ability to stick to one another for stacking) and heel grippers.  A little ingenuity and the electric cobalt suede is cozy and in place.

With the back-to-school season I also found myself recalling the favorite days of new school supplies and new classes.  I thought of all the protractors, and rulers and geometry class.  Which then reminded me I have been eyeing the geometric trend for a while and it’s about time I bought a few pieces.  (Ok, all of this nostalgia happened in about twenty-seconds while shopping online, but it did occur.)  I picked up this Maggie London dress and thought, “What a perfect streamlined and work appropriate look!”  Thinking how striking the black and white would look with my new pop of saturated colorful pumps I was excited to dive into the newly emerging crisp air.

The outfit was a hit at the office.  I got immediate compliments from my few female coworkers, and I was productive and direct in my tasks, as I felt confident walking through the halls.... That is, until, I realized the seam that ran below the back zipper, dividing the back of the dress in two halves was quickly coming undone.  Unfortunately this realization came around noon when I noticed the cool draft of the new season on my rear, and upon examination in the restroom could see aforementioned rear through a two inch split.  When exactly this occurred was a bit of concern as I had spent my morning sauntering around confidently.  

After some searching, I was able to borrow a sewing kit.  I took the dress off in the restroom and repaired the hole.  When putting it back on I let out a frustrated and exasperated scream as a different five-inch spot of the seam came undone.  I quickly explained to the other women in the restroom that I was ok despite my scream, and repeated the process of stitching my dress together again.  Luckily the sewing kit had just enough white thread to secure the length of the dress.  Crisis averted.  However, my confidence was diminished as I spent the rest of the day hiding in my cubical attempting not to make any sudden or stretching motions.

This brings up a great lesson in sewing and wardrobe prep.  ALWAYS CHECK THE SEAMS!  Vintage and new this is often the first place a look unravels.  In this case the designer (by flaw or oversight) used a straight single seam stitched on a neoprene like stretch material.  The fabric had much give however the seam did not, and without reinforcement snapped leaving me ass-out at the office.

Not one to give up I am in the process of reinforcing all the seams in the dress.  There are several options for fabric with stretch that I will mention.  Take a look at a jersey seam in something you own.  You will notice there is a stitch that appears to form triangles and criss crosses over itself.  This is important to make sure that the edges do not unravel.  This is also an option for seaming to ensure that the fabric does not stretch beyond the hold of a single piece of thread.  Another option is to sew a separate fabric that does not stretch, or has equal elasticity to the thread, along the inside of the fabric at the seam to keep the stretch fabric from pulling the thread to its breaking point.  This later technique was used along the length of the zipper in the back of the dress but not continued along the remaining bottom portion of the dress.  I suspect this was left out in an attempt to keep the seam invisible, however, a more appropriate approach would have been to use a single back panel of fabric and not continue the seam the length of the dress, or to use a reinforcing stitch.  In any case I would rather have a slightly visible seam than a very visible rear.  

Hello fall.  May your static be minor, and your cool breezes be appropriately placed.

Orange Pumps

Osha orange pumps

I made these shoes.  The process was silver and orange waves of highs and lows.  The shoes started out a beautiful mirrored finish.  Tahari pumps, they were both comfortable, solid, and versatile.  I was dismayed when the mirror finish, after a good year of considerable wearing, rubbed off in a pattern tracing my toes.  I looked at this as an opportunity for recreation.

Experimenting with silver and gold leaf in recent projects I was convinced I could recreate the silver shine with leaf paint.  This was a disaster.  The silver leaf was more of a silver swirl than a shiny seamless finish and the sealing lacquer I applied as a top coat turned a puke like yellow.  Just gross.  

Impressed with the overwhelming pops of color swirling through my favorite fashion periodicals I thought of one thing, OSHA orange.  You know what I am talking about, the orange that is used to mark danger and construction guidelines.  What could be more eye catching?  I took the shoes in their silver yellow puke state to Home Depot where I consulted with a portly bearded man that barely looked at the shoes as I described my predicament.  His only word of advise was to sand the finish.  I thought this a little too simple and nontechnical but I trusted his guidance.  

after coat #1 note the dark spot on the left

Approaching the new orange shoe idea with gusto I purchased a hand held sander and removed all of the silver leaf paint (in a cloud of possibly toxic dust) and ruffed up the remaining mirrored finish.  I then took to applying several thin coats of the Osha orange paint.  Let me provide you with a caution: even if you paint on a box or disposable material, spray paint produces a cloud of small paint particles that can drift and paint other, not so closely, surrounding surfaces.  Luckily there was a rain before I started this project so my porch and patio furniture was wet and the orange mist easily washed off.  The first four coats looked good so i left them to dry.  Upon drying the results were less than exciting.  Splotchy, uneven, and generally unwearable.  They were not ready for my intended first wearing.  

painting in the grass.  coat #2

In sunnier weather my favorite spray painting location, the grass, was accessible.  Before giving up I decided to try a few more coats.  I took to applying another four thin coats and allowed the shoes to dry in the sun.  This was the final step needed for a stunning, even coat.  

making friends with orange shoes

Wearing the shoes the first time my toes were a little orange but I felt good.  As intended my creations are eye catching and fantastic.  Unfortunately the paint cracked the first time out.  It kind of looked attractive with the silver showing through the hairline cracks.  I have spray painted vinyl chairs before with much success and no cracking...that may have been a different type of paint.  With the second wearing many of the cracks gave way to chipping.  Still I don’t hate it.  They still grab attention, the silver peaking through almost makes me feel as though Tahari is erupting silver from beneath.  Last wearing I hid some of those cracks under jeans.  Worst case scenario, should this continue to progress to a less attractive state, I still have a sander and half a can of spray paint available for round three!  

wearing the shoes with a "dress" that is actually my aunts Liz Claiborne skirt circa 1980s belted with calvin klein and accessorized with FoundryM 

Cincinnati Fashion Week 2011 Recap

Last week was the second annual Cincinnati Fashion Week!  If you didn’t know Cincinnati has a fashion week, now you know!  Get excited for next year’s events now because the 2010 lineup was a blast, 2011 was a combination of unexpected elements that improved upon itself by the minute, and I can only imagine what fantastic things 2012 will bring.  This was an exciting week and even more exciting is the continued focus on Cincinnati as a destination for talent and entertainment.

I must preface my recap with a disclaimer.  Unfortunately this year I did not make it to all the events.  I missed Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday (I know that is half the week).  Even more unfortunate I am told Monday and Thursday were total parties.  However, on the fortunate side I had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous young blogger team of “The Fagazine” fashion blog (www.thefagazine.com) early in the week so I never felt out of the loop.  

Heading out to Tuesday’s event I had the internal monologue, “do I bring my big camera? It doesn’t really go with my outfit and will I lose the moment trying to capture each piece of it on film? But will I be satisfied with my elf quick pics?”  I opted to leave the large camera at home and was regretting it when I met my new friends Zach Shumate editor-in-chief of The Fagazine, Ryan Seminara contributor and photographer of The Fagazine, and Drew Reidenbach freelance publicist at The House of Orange.  Not only are these guys incredibly fun but we also have similar taste in fashion.  When I “oohed” at a design or pattern that caught my eye I found Zach “aahing” and Ryan snapping amazing photos simultaneously at the same things!  Needless to say I did not bring the camera or give it a second thought the rest of the week.  To check out the detailed designer pics, play-by-play of the pre, post, and everyday’s fashion week events I highly recommend reviewing all of the posts from May 9 to 14 on www.thefagazine.com.

And now for my personal commentary:

Tuesday May 10, 2011 

Men's Fashion Refinery

What do beautiful men, dapper fashion, orange caution spray paint, beer fermentation, and personal brand management all have in common?  Unexpectedly these were all elements of Tuesday’s “Men’s Fashion Refinery.”  Held at the future location of the Christian Morelein brewery in Over-the-Rhine.  This event combined many elements I find interesting and warmed my industrial chic heart.

[For anyone unfamiliar, Over-the-Rhine is an area of Cincinnati with a rich history.  Settled by German immigrants in the early 1800s, in its prime it was referred to as the “Paris” of the US with high levels of beer production and consumption, entertainment, and success.  Few know this is where Annie Oakley first ran into Buffalo Bill and auditioned for his crew, and this was the first place to introduce Burlesque to the US.  Cincinnati (Over-the-Rhine most severely) was devastated by Prohibition.  Recent and ongoing revitalization of the area has been successful in breathing new life to these streets, successfully highlighting the beautiful architectural details and introducing a new generation to the rich history.  Which brings me back to Men’s Fashion Refinery.]

I dressed casual for Tuesday but I also dressed for single men.  Jeans, flowing tank belted because men like to see a figure.  I opted for funky fresh accessories with a large white FoundryM garden chain and white watch.  For punch of color I went all out with my DeGroot hand bag (yeah for DeGroot, a local accessories designer) and personalized Tahari pumps spray-painted orange.  The OSHA orange spray paint caught a lot of attention and coordinated with the décor’!

I parked on a sidewalk, walked past a local porch party, and entered a visually stimulating warehouse full of Range Rovers, BMW, and Jaguars’ on display and a sign that stated my entrance constitutes release of my image for the filming of a mysterious production.  I grabbed a new Christian Moerlein summer brew, scanned the crowd of ridiculously dapper looking men of all ages, and perused the tables of local male fashions.

Men’s’ fashion is an area of fashion to which I have only recently been introduced.  In my limited experience it seems the success is in the details.  It is exciting to see Cincinnati has a great representation of beautiful modern and youthful menswear. 

Artfully Disheveled designer Christopher Berre focuses on high quality and interesting patterns with his collection of ties and pocket squares.  As a constitutional amendment supporter and adventurous type I am particularly fond of “the six shooter” tie pattern.  Not to mention I now have a crush on the voice of the “the network” blog on www.artfullydisheveled.com Not sure who is posting but I am following.  Products are available for purchase locally at 45/46 XY Inspired on Erie Ave and Pomegranate & Lime on Wooster Pike in Cincinnati; on the Artfully Disheveled website; New York, and Chicago.  Check out www.artfullydisheveled.com for more information.

Corwyn Apparel designer Corwyn Thomas also focuses on high quality and interesting patterns with much success but what really grabbed my attention was the brand new bow tie that is not yet available for viewing on www.corwynapparel.com (get excited as you are now privy to a new trend) they called it something specific and for the life of me I cannot remember what they called it (!?!Blog fail?!?), “The block” perhaps?  Let me describe it: bow tie in solid colors from pastel purple to electric orange all with white trim tied fat and slightly undone.  Love it!  You will have to visit the showroom to see these in person which may sound like a chore but after talking to Michael Warner the regional sales manager about the private fittings and events they host I am not only sold on the “block?” bowties but also on the experience.  Join the mailing list or contact Corwyn apparel directly by visiting www.corwynapparel.com

Jonathan Mezibov was the third menswear designer featured at Tuesday’s event.  He also provided a stunningly handsome collection in Saturday’s Fashion Finale runway show.  Beautifully tailored slim cut shirts with modern proportions in interesting patterns are the focus.  I was especially partial to the spread collar button down with a bib front in deep purple.  It had a pleating detail similar to a tuxedo.  Interesting enough to be noticed in a crowd but casual enough to be comfortable out on a Saturday night.  The purple is not yet shown but look forward to shopping for it on www.jonathanmezivbov.com

Moving from the expose` of all things male to a large back seating area for an interesting presentation on personal branding.  Key take-away:  be mindful of fit, location where wearing something, personal ascetic and differentiators, and attention to the details.  Elbow blowouts no more gentleman.  It may just blow your dapper man brand.

At any moment a model like photographer may be in a subbasement in Cincinnati looking stylish.

After the presentation the brewery tour was an interesting end to my evening.  As this is the “future” location of Christian Moerlein, the brewery that was toured was the 1880 brewery that originally inhabited the location.  This was great.  Similar to the “underground tour” described in one of my earlier blog posts, we started in the clean and refurbished warehouse main setting, traveled down narrow stairs, a hole in the floor accented with the previously mentioned orange spray paint, and into dank, mud dug tunnels to the malting subbasements that produced the millions of gallons of pre-prohibition brew.  I loved the relaxed tour guide, beer in hand and full of knowledge, and was especially amused by women in four inch heels climbing and trekking where heels have never been before.    

Tuesday was an evening of adventure.

Wednesday May 11, 2011

Tea with Mary

You know I love a day at the museum.  So it is no surprise I loved Wednesday’s Tea with Mary Baskett.  I arrived at the Cincinnati Art Museum too late for tea but in time for Mary and Cynthia Amneus, the associate curator of clothing and textiles at the Cincinnati Art Museum, to provide a video tour of Mary’s extensive collection of Yojhi Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo (Comme de Garcons) and Issey Miyake.  Collecting since the 1970s Mary is dedicated to these designers.  Hearing her descriptions you can feel her appreciation and fearless dedication to wearing their creations.  And I love that she totally makes it all work. 

I loved hearing Mary’s stories of how and where she acquired key pieces.  Seeing the passion Mary clearly has for the unconventional forms, especially for the designs of Rei Kowakubo, was really inspiring.  I want to start a collection of something specific and stay dedicated to being stylish and rocking it for decades!  I was really struck by the soft spoken description of Japanese fashion appreciation of “the beauty in being undone.” 

After hearing this phrase I couldn’t help but get a little ticked at myself for not being so fearless and not celebrating the beauty in being undone.   I had intended to make a fantastic orange skirt out of fabric repurposed from the table decorations at my friend’s baby shower.  It was a great punching color but with limited construction skills and no pattern I abandoned it as part of my outfit because it ended up a little lopsided, kind of incomplete looking, and a little unflattering with little fit.  As I looked at Mary in her beautiful green skirt with a thick roll at the waist looking totally chic all I could think about was how I needed to be more fearless.  Her is what I wore and here is me celebrating my homemade creation since I didn’t on Wednesday.

 

What a beautiful place for a reception on the stairs of the art museum.  Great place for stiff drinks, delicious appetizers, a dj, and mingling.  I was excited to have an opportunity to express my love of the clothing and textile exhibits directly to Ms Amneus and I am now considering becoming a friend of the art museum.  Did you know if you are a friend of the art museum you are able to actually make an appointment for personal art consultations with a curator?!?  I don’t have any art to consult about but just knowing that is an option totally makes me want to join!

What a beautiful place for a fashion show as well.  Models, hair by Mitchells, dressed by Fetish boutique, and makeup like little porcelain dolls with pursed lips, paraded down one side of the stair case, into the crowd, and then up the other.  Fantastic showing!  (Check out http://www.thefagazine.com/2011/05/cincinnati-fashion-week-day-3.html for great shots of the show).  With so many interesting and wearable options on display it was hard to pick a favorite but the hot pink zippered shoe-booties paired with a structured grey dress may have pulled into the lead for me.  Well that or the all black leggings, black top, and red pumps accented with a black fedora painted with a woman’s face that Mary Baskett’s friend, equally as chic as Mary, was wearing.  Wednesday was possibly the coolest tea in history.

Saturday May 14, 2011

Fashion Finale

Enter through the side door, pass the docked boats, take the open walled elevator with the suited elevator operator, and emerge into the stark white walls and artfully columned industrial chic space that is “The Edge!”  All white chairs and a white runway snaking through the space ensure a perfect backdrop for the designer creations.  Seating section wrist bands color coordinated with vitamin waters placed on chairs were a subtle way of directing attendees to the appropriate section and the runway route was a brilliant way of ensuring that everyone was sitting first or second row. 

Outfit watching while waiting for the show to start was also incredibly entertaining.  Everyone did it up demonstrating personal style to the max.  Of course, I made my outfit, whip stitching an uneven hem 20minutes before leaving, and emboldened by the mantra “beauty in being undone” I wore it safety pin backing up my hook-and-eye closure and all.   The idea was to let the beauty of the intense purple fabric envelop me.  Creating a new shape with the fabric but still focusing on the fit needed for a curvy figure by letting it show through.  Lets be honest, I really didn’t need much more than that fabric to look fabulous.  I think the effect came across, imperfections and all.  Wasn’t the most polished look but I got some compliments and, most importantly, I loved it. 

The show:

Lindsey Lusignolo artfully combines tulle, Swarovski crystals, feathers, architectural details and great attention to fit to create drama and just a generally spectacular collection.  Focusing on custom bridal and evening wear pieces she offers the option of a couture experience through direct contact and collaboration http://www.lindseylusignolo.com/ and, coming soon, a showroom on Main street in Cincinnati. Had I seen some of the designs demonstrated in the runway show ahead of time I probably would have contacted Lindsey Lusignolo for a dress to the event in lieu of my creation, (although as a local favorite I wouldn’t have been the only one attending wearing a Lindsey.  Probably still would have been ok with that…). 

Personal favorites from Lindsay’s collection included the cream floor length satin gown with plunging back and silver Swarovski crystal and tulle leaf detailing; black sweet heart neckline with sculpted bodice and feathered explosion cocktail length number; and the maroon with electric violet sheen taffeta and violet tulle accent cocktail length dress.  Oh and the finale bridal number cream with a grey tulle explosion with grey origami like bustle, I can’t even put to words you are going to need to see for yourself (http://www.thefagazine.com/2011/05/cincinnati-fashion-week-finale-lindsay.html#more)…I could go on all day but the pictures say it all. 

I mentioned Jonathan Mezibov when talking about Tuesday  (see above) but while talking about the runway show let me reference more details by providing another link http://www.thefagazine.com/2011/05/cincinnati-fashion-week-finale.html

Laura Dawson is another designer with local ties.  I loved what she put down the runway and I love that she also has an online store http://www.lauradawson.com/ She is currently working out of London with distribution around the globe but for Cincinnati fashionistas this online access is key.  Her playful designs are full of interesting details and brilliant colors.  Personal favorite for me was the pink “scuba skirt” and fitted crochet sweater.  I loved the pattern of the sweater, they way she styled it with nothing underneath, and it looked super soft.  She also featured many beautifully fit and detailed fall trenches that for a split second made me excited for the first falling leaves before even reaching the summer months (that NEVER happens) http://www.thefagazine.com/2011/05/cincinnati-fashion-week-finale-laura.html for the full playful play-by-play.

If you love femininity with a bit of playfulness you are going to love Amy Kirchen http://www.amykirchen.com/ Her website does not give you the full extent of awesomeness that she showcased at the 2011 Cincinnati Fashion Week show.  She also has a boutique on Main Street in Milford Ohio and I am planning a trip as we speak to shop for spring.   I want the white large pocketed and belted romper and black jumpsuit.  The jumpsuits, the rompers, the patterns, the a-line skirts, and tailored office looks with blouson top blend references of the 1950s’, 60s’, and 70s’ but their modern tailoring and relaxed sex appeal say, “I’m not going to be your house wife or secretary unless it suits me.” http://www.thefagazine.com/2011/05/cincinnati-fashion-week-finale-amy.html

Amare Sinh is edgy and elegant. http://www.amaresinh.com/ blending cultural influences from around the globe the designs are a unique blend of colors and textures.  I love a texture fashion play.  On the website the gold blazer is something I could see heightened to classic status in my closet.  At the show, I was impressed with the designer’s use of full faux fur pelts in a way that still highlighted the lithe figures of the models.

Cala Ossidiana swimwear collection http://www.calaossidiana.com/ was understated with its focus on solid colors and classic lines but with mesh insets, knot backs, and seductive extra long ties these suits were anything but basic. http://www.thefagazine.com/2011/05/cincinnati-fashion-week-cala-ossidiana.html If you like prints you are out of luck but if you like multiple options for how to move the bikini strings to avoid tan lines, and not seeing other people wearing the same suit, you are going to want to check the Cala Ossidiana options.

Amanda Valentine http://www.amandavalentine.com/ hand makes each piece.  Where Amare Sinh was a texture play I would describe Amanda Valentine as a pattern play as she artfully combines interesting patterns in unexpected ways.  I found her sliced dresses to be visually interesting and I really loved the statement jewelry pieces that adorned many of the looks.  She has a link from her website to her etsy store which I am hoping to find freshly stocked in short order.

Arbitrage made its second Cincinnati Fashion week appearance. http://www.arbitrage.com/ You may find the Arbitrage man familiar from Cincinnati Fashion week 2010 or you may find it familiar from some of the many Hollywood hunks that dawn the duds on the red carpet.  The interesting details are really what make this line.  Last year seemingly basic shirts were lined in poker themed patterns and this year, while patterns still played a role in the collection they were toned down and subtle by comparison.  My favorite part about the Arbitrage 2011 runway showing was the interesting and cool hooded shirt.  I could see it paired with a 22inch funky fresh garden chain from Foundry M on a casual weekend!   Favorite item on the Arbitrage website: “movember” Manchu mustache shaped cufflinks!

Melissa Tabor http://melissatabor.com/ does dresses well.  Exposed zippers, check; understated colors and interesting textures, check; fit and structural details, check and check.  I found each of her pieces to be incredibly wearable.  While she represented options for every occasion (love the formal cream low back number) I found the structured top day dresses and interesting suiting to be the strong point of the collection.  They could easily be styled to go from day to evening and provide comfort for a woman on the go in places often overlooked.  Pockets for a day dress are borderline essentials anymore in a skirt full enough to handle them and her zipper ties allowing for self closure (or easy opening) were unexpected, looked chic, and are totally convenient.

Avni Trivedi is all about fabric. http://www.avnitrivedi.com/ Focusing on sustainable fabrics, sourced from traditional artisanal production means across the globe blended old world culture with new areas of global importance.  Many of the silhouette proportions were unusual but allowed for the fabric to remain the focus of the design.  Personal favorites were the white shirt with floral embroidered hem, the use of scarfing, and the finale dress that was a beautiful combination of fabrics and demonstration of draping.  Also, while I do not think I could ever wear a horizontal striped pant I still remain strangely enamored with them… check out the full details at http://www.thefagazine.com/2011/05/cincinnati-fashion-week-finale-avni.html   

The After Party

After three fantastic hours of fashion awesomeness it was on to the after party at the Weston Art Gallery.  Have you been to the Weston Art Gallery?  Admittedly this was my overdue first trip.   My intention was to tour the exhibit before diving completely into the “Exhibitionism” themed party but we decided to get a cocktail first… A return visit to the gallery is in short order as there was no turning back after making the trip to get drinks.  The cocktails were located through the gallery, past the participation art (the half naked man you could paint at your whim), past the wall of large round mirrors, past the woman in the bathtub full of feathers, past the floor to ceiling delicate white fringe, past the dance floor, the deejay, the face painting artist, spoofs of recognizable art in the buff, and past countless patrons in all levels dismissing their inhibitions.  Everywhere you looked there was something interesting to look, touch, or taste.  The x mango flavored vodka with soda and a splash of OJ was reminiscent of the vitamin water I had earlier and just as refreshing.  After a few of these, a little dancing, and a bit of saucy “Framester” photo booth pictures with new friends, and the night was over before I made it back to check out the art.  This party was refreshing art in itself. 

…Ok the evening may have ended a little later after chips, guacamole, and after several more hours of dancing but that is going to be for another blog.  I am fabulously exhausted!