Fred Segal

Dear Lovelies,

Fred Segal Man opened its doors to preview a few of their new lines. Young socials came out in full force to welcome four artists to the Vans Vault collections in the Conveyor. Sure to inspire sneaker lovers as well as individuals who are collectors of the brand, the new designers featured include R. Crumb, Rick Griffin, and Robert Williams. However it was the launch of two new jewelry lines, Browne & Co. and teraminO that I gave most of my attention to. I was able to catch up with a few friends at the event and even spotted my favorite new trend, the full length coat. I was quite amused by the oversized, warm, cozy mood these coats put me in as I watched, ok gawked at them. Check them out, get inspired! The event was very chill and there was a lot of good energy surrounding the new designers. I did a lot of people watching and even a little ear hustling. One girl was telling her friends how she found this vest on the street as she headed to the event. It was really cute; I wish I had found it myself. Here are a couple of the pics I snapped. Enjoy!

Totally Obsessed, xoxo Love

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Browne & Co.

Just two doors past the Koji BBQ truck Browne & Co. was on display with its beautiful collection of ethnic chains and exotic stones. Using a combination of ornate and distressed beads, and metals the hand made collection is the latest expression of actor turn model, turn jewelry designer Browne Andrews. The unisex necklaces, bracelets, and brooches are intricately paired with interesting feathers, coins, bones, and other delicious notions from places such as Tibet, Egypt, and Africa. Each piece makes for great conversation as well as pretty jewelry. Like the designer himself the pieces are fun, eclectic, and beautiful. After owning one piece you are sure to want to mix and enterchange the charms in order to create your own story. The brand offers a custom experience for clients to create jewelry that is a personal expression of individuality.
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teraminO

Bartolo August III, Creative director for Teramino, never left the counter; anxious and humbled to share a sampling of what’s in store for the label. Like Browne, Bart’s counter was frequented by the ladies, a few industry peeps and good friends. Deep emerald green in unfinished leather with gold brushed grommets was the theme for the night. They pulled a few tricks offering the sweetest leather bow –tie studded earrings for women. I also had my eye on the Chandler bracelet as well as the double loop ring.
Along with the jewelry, a line of Tees for men is now available. Coming in 2010 the brand will offer leather belts, bags, and a line of denim. www.teraminO.com

HIGH SOCIETIES

Dear Lovelies,

Its interesting the many and different societies that this world has. Each has their own set of requirements, whether education levels, financial standings, personal style, or some are merely based on what you are willing to do. As I am writing this I am coming to you live from a place whose society I do not belong to and am completely okay with that. The event itself, which is to celebrate the nationwide DVD release of the award winning documentary Flintown Kids, by director and fellow Howard University alum Omar McGee, is of great value to me. However it’s the other participants and the existing activities that have me cast out of this “club” society. (Yes I am beating around the bush a bit to avoid a negative tone. This is a gossip free zone!). Personal beliefs aside after a certain age the club just needs to be left to the age group who are trying to “find themselves”. Just to give you a taste the music playlist includes “Nuck if you Buck”. HA! I remember getting my groove on to this once, I’m not ashamed.

Flintown Kids Documentary
All of this got me thinking about societies and fitting in. So, I thought I’d do a quick update while in the midst of everyone shaking their derrieres in their House of Dereon. HA! Fish out of water, I digress. Enjoy. (for information regarding the release of Flintown Kids visit www.FlintownKids.com )
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St. John Resort 2010 Collection

I recently attended LA Focus Newspaper’s 12th Annual First Ladies High Tea hosted by Wendy Raquel Robinson and publisher Alis Collins. The event was beautiful. This year’s tea participated in the month long celebration of breast cancer awareness. Honorees included first lady of California Maria Shriver, and Dr. Betty Price of Crenshaw Christian Center. As I was talking to the event coordinator Jasmine Simpkins she pointed out the fact that even after “we” book fabulous hotels, give eloquent performances and speeches, and put on fantastic well organized and orchestrated events the media placed us right back into South Central and down played the entire event as a visit from a Kennedy princess that was hosted by a Pastor’s wife. Gee thanks ABC 7, we see you.

On the best side of the event the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hilton was delightfully set and filled with the “Sunday’s Best Hat Brigade”. I personally spotted a few hats that I would have loved to snag and add to my collection. Nonetheless the event was a success. This year’s fashion show was sponsored by St. John Knits, who previewed their 2010 resort collection. While most of the applause went to the two black girls that were strategically placed amongst the other pale beauties, the collection overall was very chic. The vibrant printed tweeds, pretty color-blocked dresses and even the boyfriend cardigan cut sweaters made me perk up on my chair a few times. If you have the opportunity to partake in next year’s event it’s more than worth the ticket.

Mr. Penn
The fashion industry and photographers around the world are sadly tipping their hats to legendary photographer Irving Penn. The captivating lensman, recently pasted away at the age of 92. His career, since taking off after World War II, has been closely documented and watched for inspiration and creative direction. His illusive style relied more on natural lighting, shadows and were vividly told in spaces that were almost empty, as oppposed to hot studio lamps and conventional story telling. The trick or the genius to his approach came from his imagination, the subject, and the photography as a medium itself. His work for Vogue, “created a marvelous world that could be experienced vicariously for the price of a magazine”, as Mary Panzer of the Wall Street Journal puts it. In fashions exclusive fantastical society, where women have silent children, never wrinkle, and wake-up with freshly made up faces Penn honed the idea, through his shots of keeping this fantasy alive. As he explained, “there is no room for less than perfection.” Penn was born in Plainfield, N.J., and grew up in Philadelphia. He studied graphic design at the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art. His work has been captured and studied all over the world. Photos of his work are now on display at the Getty Museum.

Until next time lovelies,

Totally Obsessed, xoxo Love

MyClothingCalendar

Dear Lovelies,

I must confess I am a repeat offender! I am, and I have no shame about it. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I have been doing it for so long or the fact that I really enjoy my clothes. In a minute I will put on the same pair a jeans or dress that makes me feel really great. I will, more than likely do a remix, but at times I myself have wondered “Did I wear this the last time I saw so-and so?”. I probably did, and still put the outfit on. Listen if it works, it works. I am a firm believer in wearing clothes not storing them.

In the course of thirty days it’s amazing the amount of outfits we can come up with. Add a sweater, change a belt, swap a pair shoes, and Voila Presto-Chango new outfit. When you were a kid it may have been your favorite polyester lavender ruffled princess dress with the plastic wand. Perhaps it was your Superman cape that you tried to put over every outfit and tuck into your uniform shirt so you could wear it to school. Nevertheless we sometimes have emotional attachments to some of our favorite clothes. For the sake of not wearing it over and over, and in the exact same way, a cool way to keep up with your wardrobe is to journal about it.

Remember how you watched Cher and Dion on Clueless go through her virtual closet and wished you had that same type of luxury? Well MyClothingCalendar.com is the newest social networking site. Created by New Jersey based hubby and wife duo Matthew and Andrea Wolkofsky, it allows the same experience as the spoiled rich girls of course minus the revolving closet. The site is fantastic and so simple to use. You can now journal your wardrobe, your outfits, where you wore them and with whom. How cool is that and it’s free! Yes totally and completely free. (Having an aha moment yet?) Upload your pictures and create your own red carpet moments. The site which isn’t even a year old yet has gained a large following.

I went Behind the Seams with mommy of the site Andrea Wolkofsky. Read on to here how she is balancing house, career, and even moonlighting to take MyClothingCalendar into its next few phases which will include member interactions, tips, blogs and so much more.

Totally Obsessed, xoxo

Love

Name Andrea Wolkofsky

Age 36

City/ State Hillsborough, NJ

Profession/ Title New Business Development for a Graphic Design Agency

About yourself? Married, with two amazing kids, one boy (6 1/2-Ethan) and one girl (5-Ella). I work full time, so spare time is rare in my world. But when I have it, I enjoy exercising, shopping and hanging out with my girl friends. Oh and the occasional date I get with my husband is always a pleasure!

Childhood Nickname Andi

Childhood Dream Being an Olympic gymnast

Favorite Shape Heart

Favorite Flower I know nothing about flowers but I guess I’d have to say roses since its the only one I know.

If you had to wear one item everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sweats

Worst style moment? My “nada nuff” sweater and acid washed stretch jeans. I’m sure if you look at the bottom of the photo, you’ll find me wearing scrunchie socks with Keds with no laces.

Most memorable childhood outfit My T-shirt that said ANDI vertically down the front right side

In high school my style was…Pretty awful. Spandex, short skirts, neon, big belts, headbands. What do you expect? I was a product of the 80’s!

Bright idea gone wrong? Taking up gardening? Yeah, never happened. Got all the stuff and 5 years later, sold all the stuff at a garage sale.

Dine in or out? Oh my, totally OUT. I do not cook. I allow my family to survive on basic meals, but give me a choice, and its dine out please.

Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise

What current trend would you most like to see disappear? Skinny jeans. If you have had children, and have hips, skinny jeans are not your friends.

Worst trend of all time? NEON

How would you describe your work style? Business Casual

Favorite place to style watch? The New Jersey Boardwalk

What do you eat for breakfast? Recently it’s been a slim fast protein shake

Describe any given weekday? Busy from morning to night. 5:30 get up for a 3 mile run; shower; get kids up and ready for school; eating breakfast by 7:30; kids off by 8:00. Work from home, or in the office, or at a client site; pick up kids by 5:00; kids activities or play dates; dinner; kids showers; bedtime; 8:00 pm back on the computer for work; in bed by 11:00 if I’m lucky. If I have time, I can do laundry, dishes, or hang with the husband

What’s the last book you read? The Accidental Mother and My Sisters Keeper

What’s the first thing you think or say in the morning? Uuggh, another day