Browsing Tag

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Fashion Week New York

NYFW Feb 2020 Shows

February 24, 2020
NYFW Feb 2020 Shows

I worked a lot during this NYFW, which I’m always super grateful for, and in between I got to sit back and enjoy the new collections that came out. Here is some of what I saw and most likely what you might see in stores and on red carpets soon. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Midori Linea Collection

This season Sakura of Midori Linea presented her latest collection of hand made jewelry, named LiVEOutLOUD, before releasing it to the general public. The showcase held at the Gansevoort Hotel in Chelsea included gem stone bracelets, earrings, rings, hand-chains and choker necklaces, a two-in-one with a choker and longer necklace that I was immediately taken with. Models were painted with glow in the dark body paint by Art Basel artist Juan Garzon throughout the showcase. While guests enjoyed champagne and a blow out and beauty bar with looks inspired by the LiVEOutLOUD collection.

 

Oxford Fashion Studio- Pictures are of my favorite pieces from each collection and are courtesy of Oxford Fashion Studio and The Riviere Agency, not my own.

Oxford Fashion Studio held runway shows at pier59 by the following designers:

Na Yeong Baek–  Designer Na Yeong Baek  debuted her “Untamed” collection. This FIT graduate was inspired by the Myanmar culture of the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. Fabrics and silhouettes took inspiration from wavy ceramics that are used as utensils by the locals of Myanmar.

Manishii– This contemporary Indian brand is known for mixing hand-spun cashmere from the Himalaya’s with European tailoring. Vegan leather, tulle and silks made their way down the runway in the ” Pre-Occupied” collection this season.

Matt Sarafa– L.A. based celebrity designer and previous Project Runway Junior contestant, Matt Sarafa mixed textures in this all black collection. Pops of white and black houndstooth prints made appearances in coat linings and long sleeve gloves. Not to mention the fabulous faux fur coats to stop traffic with.

Samantha Darryanto– NYC based designer Samantha Darryanto showed her Anak-ku collection. Soft yet constructed this collection showcased the use of Chinese silk in liquid like dresses and cover-ups.

Mayan the Label– This Saudi Arabian brand pulses with traditional Arabic fashion and mixes those staples with couture grade fabrics, appliques and rich color palettes. Modest yet sexy in its own right, these are pieces I could definitely see in my closet. The coats alone are insanely delicious!

Rene’ Tyler– Designer Angela Rene creates couture gowns in sizes 12 and above for her red carpet clients. Her designs have also been seen on network shows and award shows such as the Emmy’s. Her inspiration comes from her sewing teachers or better known to her as her mother and Grandmother. The Noir Et Blanc collection during NYFW was inspired by Parisian style, elegance and Rene’ Tyler’s ongoing theme of inclusivity. Classic black and white, sultry sequin dresses, houndstooth and dramatic sleeves sashayed down the runway.

Poli & Jo– British brand Poli & Jo showcased their simplistic yet practical  bags and backpacks. Weatherproof fabrics, neutral canvas, leathers found from around the world, and pops of color in the trim encompassed this collection.

NadineByNadia– Created by Nadezhda Kuznetsova, this San Diego based jewelry line was inspired by NYC in the 70’s and 80’s for this latest collection. Leather fridge, hair-wraps, studs and spikes were key players.

MVR– Mexican brand MVR was inspired by the Waitomo Glowworm Cave in New Zealand for this collection. This brand specializes in integrating hand made one of a kind fabrics with street-wear.

Christy + You– Featured in Vogue, Elle, WWD and more this NYC based brand creates avant-garde, yet minimalist pieces. Opposites like crisp tailoring and flouncy ruffles mashed well together in these inquisitive looks.

Networking and Working

I also made my way to a networking event held in Ann Taylor at Rockefeller Center and worked fashion showcases featuring Jus10H, Urbana Chappa, Shabeeg. You can see a bit more of these designers in my NYFW highlight on my Instagram. Did you have a favorite designer, trend or look during this NYFW? Let me know in  the comments and on social media.-T.S.

 

 

 

fashion Fashion Week New York Spanish /Espanol

My NYFW Favorite Shows Part 1/ NYFW Los Desfiles que me Encantaron parte 1

September 23, 2019
My NYFW Favorite Shows/ NYFW los desfiles que me encantaron

New York Fashion Week came and went with fashion shows, networking events, presentations and more. Some of which I didn’t get to make it to, but here are some of the shows that I particularly loved.

La semana de moda en Nueva York vino y se fue con desfiles, eventos de redes, presentaciones y mas. Algunos que no e puedo asistir, pero aqui les dejo con los desfiles que ame.

 

Perla Del Caribe by Marisa Santiago. This Puerto Rican designer brought the Island of Enchantment to the Concrete Island with her tropical prints and bright colors all set to a sound track of Puerto Rican musicians.

La disenadora Boricua trajo la Isla del Encanto a New York Fashion week con su linea, Perla Del Caribe. Los colores, disenos y la musica elegido, para la mayoria de artistas Boricuas,  tambien representaban a Puerto Rico.

 

Tux Couture X Dawnstar

I’ll just go on the record and say I want it ALL! The prints, structure and play on feminine and masculine tell a story of a woman in charge, who isn’t afraid to wear something diffrent yet classic to the office. The jewelry by Dawnstar and tuxedo’s by Tux Couture paired perfectly together.

Dejame que te cuente que lo quero todo! Las impresiones, la estructra y el juego de femenino y masculino cuentan una historia de una mujer a cargo, que no tiene miedo de llevar algo diferente pero clasico a la oficina. Las joyas hecho por Dawnstar y Esmoquin por Tux Couture combinaron perfectamente.

 

 

L2R The Label

Fashion you can feel good about wearing is what comes to mind when I watched the L2R The Label collection as this self proclaimed “sustainable green UrbanLuxe” label recycle’s and reuses fabric.They also use scrapes to make handbags, hair pieces and Moroccan dolls that are given to orphanes. The line partners with artisans and small factories to create their lines that or influnced by music, vintage time periods and different cultures around the globe.

L2R The Label es moda que puedes sentir orgullosa de ponerte. La linea es creada con tejidos reciclados. Usan tela sobrante para vestimentos, carteras, accesorios para el pelo, y munecos marroquies para huerfanos. La marca se asocia con artesanos y pequenas fabricas para crear sus lineas que se inspiran en los tiempos de la musica antigua y en diferentes culturas de todo el mundo.

 

 

I’ll see if I can put up more of my favorites soon. What were your favorites from the list? Let me know in the comments and on social media.

Intentare poner mas de mis favoritas pronto. Cuales eran tus favoritos de la lista? Dejame saber en los comentarios y en las redes sociales.

 

Fashion Week

New York Fashion Week-Style Fashion Week

September 16, 2018

New York Fashion Week  is over and I finally have time to start writing about what I saw during what is always a whirlwind filled week. This season I got to see some really great collections varying in jeans to gowns that reminded me of my Couture Fashion Week volunteering days in college. I took a few days off simply because I was not feeling great, it was raining or I was too exhausted. As much as it is a privilege to get invited to shows and events, it can be a nonstop week where you lose track of what’s next without an organized calendar. Thank goodness for my mother who always knows how to screw my head back on. How will I survive this week when I’m older? I’ll manage with experience, I guess… or with an intern! If you haven’t already read my The Fashion Industry, Is it for you or Not post, you’ll know I’ve been doing this since I was 18, so I guess I’ll continue to learn as I go.

 

I started off the week, which if you didn’t know always starts in the middle of one week and runs into the next week by attending the Style Fashion Week Shows. Later on in the week I attended the Cenia Convi Jean fashion show which also showcased t-shirt designs my the designers sister. Next stop during the week was a showcase on jewelry by Midori Linea and then a private showing at the JSong showroom. My last stop during the week was the Gypsy Sport show, which was my first time seeing that designer at fashion week. Here’s a roundup of my first set of shows. Click pictures to enlarge.

 

Style Fashion Week

Style Fashion week runs for three consecutive days and features various designers, artists, singers and smaller companies. I attended two out of three days as the third day I felt I wanted to stay home. The shows that I saw during these days included David Tupaz, Bahmardi, Raul Penarada, Hirun Bangkok, Elie Madie and Rocky Gathercole and more. The following were some of my favorites by far.

 

Raul Penaranda

 

 

 

Hirun Bangkok

 

 

Yas Couture

 

Overall all my week was quite a light one in comparison to fashion weeks I’ve covered in the past. I’ll have more  NYFW posts up soon. Which collection was your favorite? -T.S

Event fashion Uncategorized

Bandelettes Annual Gala

April 29, 2018
bandelettes

Sponsored post featuring Bandelettes.

Ladies! Lets chat real quick on how much we love the thigh gap! NOT!! In fact I’m pretty sure that most of you ladies reading this are perfectly fine with not having a thigh gap. As you should be, because lord knows we don’t all need to look like the original Barbie. As someone who has worked on multiple sides of the fashion industry, including production of clothing I have seen how the industry has struggled to get the correct sizing for plus size women. But slowly over the years with voices like that of Ashley Graham, screaming load and proud about her natural curves the industry is changing. Because there is one thing that all women want, to feel beautiful! As a Bandelettes model told us at the end of the night ” I want to wear sexy clothes too!” As a professional FIT model, she has grown an understanding of how clothes are supposed to feel and fall on the body. Which also means she knows how many times a brand has to fix or remake clothing to correctly fit a plus size woman. Getting it right the first time in what women needed was Bandelettes. This genius invention of sexy thigh bands allows you to wear your skirts and dresses without fear of chafing! No more uncomfortable sweating or painful cuts or having to wear shorts under your cute skirts, dresses or shorts.

 

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Created by Rena Abramoff and Julia Abasova, these boss women came from their native countries with non fashion backgrounds. Once they met, they knew they had to create something groundbreaking which lead to the creation of Bandelettes. With a body positive message behind the brand it didn’t take long for women including Project Runway designer Ashley Nell Tipton to take notice. She made an appearance at their first Annual Gala with testimonials on how much she loved the brand. And her tune has not changed as she and the brand recently unveiled her own limited edition designs earlier this month.

The annual gala was held downtown at the recently opened event space, The Mezzanine in the financial district. Special guests included Becca McCharen-Tran, designer and creator of the boundary pushing brand Chromat. The CFDA Fashion Fund Alumni first partnered with Bandelettes last September when she sent models down the runway in the SS18 Serenity collection accessorized with Bandelettes. The partnership, a merriment of body positive brands continued in the AW18 Wavy collection and hasn’t stopped breaking molds since. Becca was the absolute sweetest and took a picture with me! Also in attendance was drag queen extraordinaire Coco De’Ball who performed. The drink of the night was a strong “Thigh-Piranha”, a take on a Brazilian cocktail. While a fun photobooth, a great DJ, hor d’oeuvres (that I and other bloggers stuffed our faces with) and cupcakes with mini sugar Bandelettes filled the room.

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I seriously can’t say enough how Bandelettes have saved my thighs during the warmer months. A question I was asked by a fellow blogger was “Can you see the lines under your dress”? And honestly I’ve worn a pencil skirt with Bandelettes and they were not visable at all. Thanks to the thin fabric and strudy silicone bands they are virtually invisable and stay in place. Bandelettes come in a range of colors and designs from neutral to bold, thanks to their designer collaborations. And ever the inclusive brand they come in sizes A-F (pantyhose sizes). Have you tried Bandelettes? Let me know in the comments and on social media. Read more about Sparkling Carla here and read more about Bandelettes here!

– T.S.

*Click to view individually

Event Travel

Mazda Brunch

March 18, 2018
Mazda

This is a Sponsored Post featuring Mazda

 

Saturday I attended a Brunch with Mazda and DiMe Media at the New Leaf Restaurant in the Fort Tryon state park of upper Manhattan. Bloggers got to view their newest cars and learn about the company. Mazda, a Japanese car company has been around since 1920 but did not become a full auto maker until 1946. It was birthed in Hiroshima Japan, and during WWII it was one of the only buildings left standing. Mazda which was pioneered by Dr.  Kenichi Yamamoto and Felix Wankel became the first company to invent the rotary engine. 47 Engineers or Samurai as they were nicknamed, along with these two masterminds perfected the engine.

Mazda, a relatively smaller car company compared to other massive manufactures, takes up only 2% of th U.S. car market. Reaching a niche market whose core values of perseverance, passion, harmony and family align with theirs. Values that are of high importance in the Latino community as well.  The purchasing power of Latinos/ Hispanics grew to over $13.9 trillion in 2016 and is expected to grow to over $16.6 trillion or more by 2021. With these stats and aligning values it is easy to why Mazda and the Latino community merge well together.

 

And like business people who reinvent themselves to survive, Mazda has reievented itself with continuing to create new technology. Through various economic crisis Mazda continually reinvented their cars to be more cost and fuel efficent for their customer. During the mid 70’s oil crisis they unveiled the GLC model. During the 90’s they unveiled the ultra popular Miata. During the 2000’s financial collapse, they reveled the economic Skyactiv technology. All while making sure their customers, people who love to drive get exactly that feeling of freedom in driving.

The day consisted of a Ride and Drive experience, Mazda educational presentation, 3 course brunch and trivia with prizes. I won a bottle of  Secret Cellars cabernet sauvignon 2015 in a gorgeous leather Callaway wine carrier. With thanks to the ladies there who helped me answer the question! The delicious meal consisted of a Baby Spinach Salad, an entrees choice of Spring Linguini with Peas, Pan Seared Salmon with peas and asparagus or NY Strip Steak with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The meal was topped with a chocolate mousse cake that was hard not to devour!

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The following were the cars bloggers got to ride and drive. I drove the Mazda CX-3 and fell in love at first push of the start button. It was my first time driving a Mazda, so I was not sure what to expect. Perhaps I expected a sports car with a lot of power. But what I got was power, agility and a smooth ride. Now ask anyone who drives or has been driven around New York City, its never a smooth ride! Although with a Mazda the pot hole filled roads are not as bad. I also rode in some of the other cars with fellow blogger Renee of Getting Fit Fab.

All Mazda’s come with Kodo (soul of motion) design and Skyactiv technology. The Skyactiv technology with G-Vectoring control, was something I experience when it warned me and subtly adjusted my steering while turning. It also works to adjust the cars power and weight as you make turns and take curves. This technology was made with the Japanese “Jinba Ittati” or “horse and rider as one” philosophy in mind.

The cars showcased at the brunch were the following: Mazda CX-5, Mazda CX-3, Mazda 3 as well as the Mazda 6, Mazda MX, Mazda CX-9 and the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

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What’s in the future for Mazda? Diesel friendly cars, hybrids and co-pilot installed technology that can pull the car over when the driver is in trouble. You might say “well why haven’t they unveiled these already?” That is because they have yet to perfect these concepts. Mazda, true to their core values does not unveil new technology without it being tested and perfected. With awards for “Best Car Brand in 2017″ by U.S. News and World Report and ” Most Fuel Efficient Auto Manufacturer” by the EPA among other awards, it wont be long until their upcoming releases receive accolades as well. I’ll be attending the NY Auto Show later this month, so stay tuned for more Mazda loving posts.

 

 

T.S.

Beauty Event

Glambition Beauty Night Out ’18

January 25, 2018
glambition

I love empowering events that help entrepreneurs and especially women entrepreneurs. That’s exactly what Glambition ’18 was! As one of the guest said to me what’s not to love when glam and ambition are combined? The event was held at the gorgeous Google NYC Headquarters in Chelsea. The day was full of powerful speakers and businesses with innovative products and services. The event started with delicious light refreshments and a chance to network with the beauty businesses there. Here is what else this great event had to offer!

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Exhibitors and panel speakers included the following:

New York Life

The life insurance company educated the various age ranges at the event on this topic that many feel nervous about. The educational talk taught me among other things that you can start your life insurance savings at any age even at a few months after birth!

Vera Moore Cosmetics

With a background in acting Vera saw first hand the struggle makeup artists had in finding makeup that was suitable for people of color. With a new-found passion, she set out to create cosmetics that would not turn greasy, rub off or change colors when applied. Her years of experience have gained her many accolades not only in the beauty industry but in acting, publishing and business.

Jane Carter Solutions

Jane Carter herself was at the event along with her well-known line of hair products. Catering to women with curly hair her line has products for every type curl.

NY Beauty + Cosmetology Chamber of Commerce

Founders of the Cosmetology and Beauty Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance giving great business advice. The commerce offers education, guidance and create opportunities for those looking to grow in the cosmetology and beauty arena.

Salud

With a focus on health, wellness and beauty Salud offers all natural solutions to everyday needs. I was recently featured in a YouTube video for Salud and wrote a blog post on why I use their products. They were also showcasing a most delicious tea!

Glamazon Cosmetics

Created by model Kim Baker, Glamazon Cosmetics caters to all women who want coverage and color variety within their makeup. Originally a model for Whilimenia she like Vera Moore has full knowledge on the struggles women of color have with makeup. Glamazon Cosmetics liquid lipsticks are one of my go to’s as their longevity is reliable.

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Celfie Cosmetics

Known for bold colors this NYC start-up had everyone saying ohh and ahh to their Matte and Glitter Palette. Another ingenious invention by Celfie? The lipstick with a light built-in and mirrored cap! And as one girl exclaimed “perfect for the club!”

Swisse– Australia based Swiss offers vitamins and supplements that are loved by Nicole Kidman and many stars alike. I’ve started taking their Blood Orange Hair, Skin and Nails dietary supplement. The drink contains only orange extract, Silica that promotes hair growth and Vitamin C which can help prevent sun damage to the skin.

Faces Beautiful– This vegan makeup line showcased their Face in a Case magnetic makeup organizer. Not only does the case hold makeup but it doubles as a wallet and cell phone holder. Carrying makeup in a messy bag is longer necessary!

Model Citizen– A rental, lending and shopping platform that allows you to share your great fashion finds.

Cocotique-A deluxe subscription box curated for women of color.

Minfo– An app that allows you to scan or hear an ad and directs you to the company website immediately. No need to wait to hear the ad again to catch what you missed!

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Speakers also included C-Suite Coach creator and Google Digital Coach Angelina Darrisaw, Editor-In-Chief of Bella Magazine Courtenay Hall,  Hello Beautiful  editor and Model Citizen creator Daniel James and Google’s Strategic Partnership and Program Lead Aisha Taylor. While I got the chance to lead the Blogger Round Table speaking about the goodies in our swag bags. You must attend Glambition’s next event to take in all the advice that comes with such knowledgeable business owners and successful women. I’ll be sure to share info on my social channels when the next Glambition is planned. Did you go to Glambition Beauty Night Out 18? I look forward to the next one!

T.S.

 

 

fashion Fashion Week Uncategorized

New York Fashion Week: Latinista Showcase

September 24, 2017

A show I never miss is the runway showcase of Latinista Fashion Week during New York Fashion Week. It’s an event that always propels Hispanic and Latino designers and creative professionals. This fashion week there were show favorites, César Galindo and Cenia NYC and some designers I didn’t  recognized such as the Chris Barreto Collection. Project Runway season 11 contestant Layana Aguilar also showcased her newest collection. I could not stay for the entire showcase but here is what I did get to see.

Layana Aguilar

I was excited to see what Layana had in store this fashion week. I watched her season of Project Runway and remember loving her aesthetic. This show confirmed my love of Layana Aguilar’s designs. With a message of spreading love the collection was just as sweet with its pastel colors. The One Love Collection included a color story of purples, blues and pinks in pastel shades.  A mix of sportswear and eveningwear the line includes laced up  bombers over cocktail dresses.While touches of edge were introduces with metal claps as fasteners to tutu inspired dresses. Intricate floral applications made  clever appearances on bralettes and underneath the train of highlow hemline dresses. Styled with modern silver and blush wedges the looks were sweet yet modern. Hair was styled in high rise buns with gelled sides, that reminded me of JLO in her hip hop infused videos and looks. In Layana Aguilar’s previous collections fun prints and the theme of empowerment is seen throughout as well. I totally want many of her pieces in my closet! See more of her work here!

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Cenia NYC

Cenia did not disappoint unveiling her newest Olive and Logan collection. Cenia’s always gorgeous dresses are made to fit every woman’s curves . Perfect for the office, a cocktail event or elegant gala the dresses were modern in color and  classic in cut. Colors traversed the colors of the rainbow with bright orange to white with every color in between. Prints were introduced through watercolor floral, geometric prints and lace. Knits that were manufactured in Turkey laid the ground work for dresses that hugged the body just right. Shoulders and necklines varied in interesting  styles with flares caps, asymmetrical lines and bare shoulders. The line which ranges in sizes xs-3x showcases the clothing everyday women want to wear, both fashionable and comfortable pieces for every type of event in their lives.  This is an aspect the fashion industry has gotten much better at realizing, but that Cenia is pushing forward with her designs and Olive and Logan Collection. Not showcased at the show was the Convi Jean Cenia created which hugs bigger bottoms and small waist. To solve the problem of the back gap women get when they wear jeans zippers are placed into what would be a traditional dart placement. The zippers allow the jeans to convert into a tighter or loser size depending on your waist size.  Learn more about Cenia’s collections here!

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Chris Barreto

The Chris Barreto  Collection reminded me of abstract art paintings in a museum. Not surprising when this Brazilian designer is also an artist! Multiple colors and prints were the name of the game. Dresses ranged from mini to maxi lengths while  blouse and skirt sets were loose and comfortable. One of my favorite pieces was a form fitting, square box neck line, spaghetti strap dress with side slits. I don’t wear a huge mix of colors in one outfit but the muted orange, pink, blue and reds were mixed perfectly. The line also included comfortable afghans perfect for hot summer days. Much like that of a painters masterpiece the Barreto pieces included the designers signature placed discreetly onto the fabric. Which if you did not look closely would be mistaken for a part of the painterly prints.

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The Latinista Fashion Week Presentation always shines a light on the latest and most talented designers. While the focus is on fashion, Latinitsta also showcases great causes like Friends of Lead Free Children. This great organization provides medical needs and personnel to impoverished women and children in the Dominican Republic. Also showcased at the event was the gorgeous enrealment artwork by Ecuadorian Bronx based artist Jenny Alexandra. The artwork consist of colorful mandalas that were painted and drawn with a combination of mixed media art forms. The equisitly detailed paintings and pictures consists of many lines, prints and shapes that I imagine take hours to create! With a focus on relaying emotions and shining a light on mental health Jenny’s goal is to make people connect and reflect on both the bad and the good in the world around them. See more of Jenny Alexandra’s work here!

I loved attending Latinista Fashion Week once again and seeing the amazing Hispanic and Latino talent we have in the fashion industry. Did you love them as much as I did? Let me know your thoughts in the comments and on social media.

T.S.

Event fashion Uncategorized

Tradeshow Findings: Vintage at Intermezzo

August 27, 2017
nyc tradeshow

The newest part of these tradeshows is vintage which showcases an array of local vintage dealers who curate collections of both name brands and unknown pieces. During my walk through Vintage At Intermezzo aisles I saw a great smattering of original, timeless pieces. I found original Chanel toe capped sling backs and Gucci interlocking purses all with a respective price tag to match. Those pieces may be worth those exact prices, but I’d need to work a very long time to be able to acquire them.

So I was so happy to come across the Empyrean Vintage booth. A mix of affordable no name no labels and famous name brand pieces with personalities of their own. Every vintage piece has a story, and that is exactly how owner Natalie Como feels. I got stuck in her booth not only drooling over all the amazing finds but chatting with this infectious personality as well.

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Vintage has always been a part of Natalie’s life as her mother also owned a vintage shop in NYC called Siam Limited. During this time her mother would reconstruct the items and give them new life. For example she would repurpose ordinary denim into unique finds with fun pink rhinestones. Like heirlooms Natalie inherited the love of vintage as well as an array of unique pieces from her mom. Although her dad was as Natalie put it a “snazzy dresser” so there was no shortage of style inspiration for her.

When she did a stint in the corporate world her ability to express herself through her clothing is what entertained her in a droll environment. As Natalie sources the world of vintage for herself and her customers she does so with instinctual emotion. She respects the history and the story that comes with each piece. Although she doesn’t get too attached to items unless they were passed down to her from her mom or symbolize a pivotal time in her life, like her prom dress. Natalie feels vintage is meant to be passed along, each person giving each piece a new story.

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As to what her favorite era of clothing is, everything but now! For Natalie there was more personality in the way people of the past dressed. You can see her love of the era’s foregone in the colorful bold print dresses and high waisted bell bottoms she wears. As to why her pieces or so affordable in comparison to other vintage dealers? Refreshingly hiking up the price is not her focus. Her knowledge of what the piece is worth combined with her belief that vintage pieces have stories to be passed on are what influence her pricing decisions most.

So what is next for Natalie and Empyrean Vintage? Eventually Natalie would love to open her own store and continue to showcase her pieces in other vintage boutiques. Joining a supportive environment of vintage dealers under one roof known as a Vintage Collective is also on her to-do list. Currently she has upcoming dates for pop up in Vintage on First a vintage collective located in Hoboken, NJ. Empyrean Vintage has also gained notoriety around the globe as Natalie recently styled her pieces for the Dubai based brand “Mesh”.

After hearing Natalie’s story and falling in love with the pieces I saw in her booth I could not leave without snatching a piece for my own collection. If you follow me on Instagram you’ve seen me style vintage pieces passed on to me with modern apparel. And so was my plan for the no label Asian inspired, high split long length top. Here are a few of the ways I styled the piece.

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You can find out more about Empyrean vintage here! ( The link is correct, Natalie is in rebranding mode). Do you own vintage pieces? Let me know in the comments and on social media and check out my post on the other brands I loved at the tradeshow here!

T.S.

Career Event fashion Life Lifestyle shoes Travel Uncategorized

Working a Tradeshow

August 13, 2017
Childrens Club Fashion

For the past few months I worked for Children’s Club, the leading tradeshow for children’s fashion in NY and Vegas. I’ve done so in the past and have written a post about what it is like to attend a show and the brands that were there. Read about that here! As part of a new section of my blog I will start writing about what it is like to work in the fashion industry. Today I will be talking about what it is like to prepare for and set up a tradeshow.

Before a tradeshow occurs there are months of preparation for an event that is only three days long. For every tradeshow there is a team behind it who guides every company that wishes to exhibit at the tradeshow. During my time working for Children’s Club my responsibilities include inputting contracts, chasing money and selecting pictures sent to us by the brands. These pictures would be put on social media, a slide show shown during the show and in the brand book that’s given out at the show. I also was in charge of interacting with the brands on Instagram.

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The process of brands selecting a booth starts with the contract. Each brand is given a contract which gives them options on what type of booth they want, where they want to be located and who they don’t or do want to be located near. And lastly they have to sign the contract, something believe it or not some brands forget to do. Once this first step is taken a tradeshow manager or I can input the contract into the system which officially puts the brand into the tradeshow. After I’ve put in contracts and helped double-check all of them, it’s time to chase down money from brands who have yet to pay the full price of their booth.

Once we’ve collected all the money owed it’s time to floor plan. Something I helped with occasionally, but that is predominantly done by the rest of the team. Booth size, type of booth and the brands’ wishes are all taken into account, although you can’t please everyone and some brands will complain about their positioning and price. There are also the brands who pull out of the show or try to, without realizing they sign a legally binding contract. There are some sad excuses given when the brand has to explain why they are breaking the contract. Although life happens and family or legal issues has forced brands to legitimately back out.

After months of this detailed preparation the show dates are upon us. It’s time for all the brands and teams from UBM Fashion to make their way to the Jacob Javits Convention Center to set up and attend the show. Set up days can be hectic and they are longggg.  They consists of most of the brands coming into the Javits all in one day and setting up the merchandise in their booths. At this point the actual booths are already up, and if the brand is satisfied with their booth they start to put in their merchandise. Operative word is IF, because most of the time set up day consist of all the UBM fashion crew (including me) being pulled in every which way with a million and one questions.

During these days my job predominantly consist of helping salesmen recheck that all of the more than 500 booths have the correct signage. I also help collect samples from all the brands that have the opportunity to showcase their merchandise on mannequins. These are place in the front of the tradeshow entrance. This is basically a free ad for these brands, a great opportunity for them. At the end of each day the mannequins are dressed with the samples I or a salesman collected. I had never changed a mannequin until I worked at UBM! Those things can be uncooperative but look adorable once all dressed and arranged into a group of coordinated outfits.

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Childrens Club Fashion

At the end of the day is when the mannequins for which I picked up samples for are dressed. I dressed the girl in the front with the striped top. Outfits are arranged as best as possible with what each brand gives us.

Childrens Club Fashion

Crates of merchandise are delivered, forklifts are being driven in every which way and carpet is yet to be laid. These days call for jeans, t-shirts and sneakers.

 

 

Finally the opening day of the tradeshow begins and the Javits is full of vendors, wholesale buyers, press, fashion professionals, UBM staff and tradeshow workers. Aside from the actual tradeshows occurring there are also side events. Special speakers like fashion legend Iris Apfel and Accessories magazine editors hosted talks and Q&A’s this year. Children’s Club always hosts a fashion show with Petite Parade. Basically toddlers to teens strutting their miniature stuff on a catwalk. The three-day tradeshows wrap up, with hopefully many orders filled and sales made. Almost immediately preparation begins for the Vegas tradeshows.

In my next post I will talk about what it is like to attend the Women’s tradeshows. I came across some awesome brands and can’t wait to tell you about them. Let me know if you are interested in more of these job post. As I am thinking of making it apart of my blog thanks to my ever-changing career.

To learn more about the UBM fashion tradeshows click here, here or here! 

Lastly since my post was a bit different this time around here are links to awesome fashion/travel blog posts from my great Instagram blogger group. All super stylish ladies!

Read about a trip to Poland! By Monica of Jersey Girl Texan Heart & great outfit posts by Yaudy Cristina here!

T.S.

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