Wednesday, December 31, 2008

happy new year!

As the new year is fast approaching, the time comes for most to make resolutions. I personally try to avoid them, because I don't need more things on my to-do list that, but I do want to try to be a more socially and environmentally concious person in the way I live and the way my career choices takes me. That being said, when I was on the Domino website making sure I hadn't been missing issues, I found a project they embarked on. 
"The domino design project—the transformation of an eight-story, 40-unit apartment building in the South Bronx into beautifully furnished homes for families living with HIV/AIDS—began nearly two years ago for domino, when interior designer Sara Bengur approached us about joining forces. Bengur and seven other talented designers signed up to turn the bare apartments at the Woodycrest House into high-style homes. We solicited donations for everything from armoires to cutlery, and they rolled in at a generous level and pace: Pier 1 Imports gave the team carte blanche to shop its wares; Jonathan Adler donated all the bathroom accessories;Dyson offered up a yellow vacuum cleaner for each apartment; Benjamin Moore provided the paint for both the units and the public spaces." [domino online]
The article went on to list all the different companies and designers who donated to the project. I hope that some day wherever and whatever I'm doing in the fashion industry, I can be a part of something like this, whether its financially, or with my services. Here are some photos of the empty apartments, and the finished results. Kudos to everyone involved in this!





Also, if you're in a charitable mood this New Year, another really great charity helping families afflicted/affected by HIV/AIDS is Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. They hold really great fundraisers in the NYC area, so if you live there, I suggest checking them out some time. They hold an awesome Flea Market every fall, a Broadway Bares cabaret-type event [that is exactly what it sounds like!], and a Stars in the Alley meet & greet with Broadway celebs and soap stars, among many other things! 

Happy 2009!!!

Monday, December 29, 2008

pre-fall fabulousness...

In avoiding the nasty weather that living way, way, way up in northern Michigan brings from late September til mid-April, I found time to catch up on the pre-fall '09 collections. I love the mix of evening wear, summer seperates, fun sweaters, tights, and richer color palettes, and think a lot of these pieces could easily be incorporated into my mid-west weather late-winter/early spring wardrobe and carry me into summer as well. I also loved the pants in a lot of the collections, most had some kind of slim, skinny trouser, and others had the figure flattering relaxed fit, but my favorite were a pair of Alexander Wang pants that were full in the thigh, then got super skinny and scrunchy around the mid-calf. Diane von Furstenberg had some ridiculously comfy looking dresses and sweaters, and Nicole Miller related to that on the slightly boho-chic level. Zac Posen and J.Mendel brought it old-school Hollywood, Zac channeling the '40s, and J. channeling more of the '30s vibe. I tried to give a good overview of my favs, but  once again Rag & Bone won me over and I included nearly every look as my favorite, because I simply couldn't decide!!! :) Enjoy!








badgley mischka


burberry prorsum


doo.ri


diane von furstenberg


j. mendel


monique lhuillier


nicole miller



rag & bone


roberto cavalli


tory burch


alexander wang

zac posen