Fabulous Fete

By Laura Medina

Jennifer Sbranti, The Hostess with the Mostest

February 11, 2009

If the market is getting you down-don't!

Right now is the perfect time of the year to celebrate; and it doesn't have to be Valentine's Day.

You, with a little help from your buddies, can throw theme parties celebrating your interests.

There are plenty to pick from. You can steal the recent Grammys and throw your own Grammy party with a musical genre theme, blues or the Grammys' bash of Summer of Love then show up as your favorite hippy.

Or if fashion is your passion, steal the main trends from New York Fashion Week and present your own fashion show.

A good example is the upcoming Oscars Awards. This a good excuse to dress up and glam up.

Jennifer Sbranti, graphic designer turned party planner, is here to help with little fuss but a lot of bang while staying down low on the budget.

You can get the ball rolling by mailing invites as Oscar nominee ballots so your guests can pick which actor and movie will win Best Actor and/or Movie as they rsvp. An extra incentive is giving her or him a prize of a care package of popcorn, candy, and theater tickets.

To truly get everyone into the mood, ask them to come dressed up as their favorite Old Hollywood movie star. Politely suggest a classic actress or actor, other than Marilyn Monroe or Brad Pitt. Mildly nudge them towards a sultry Ava Gardner or the modern classic Steve McQueen.

Once you mail out the invites, it is time to get the ball literally rolling.

While raking the yard, pick out some nice strudy branches or leaves, shake them up then properly clean them.

Once washed and dried, spritz gold and silver metallic spray paint all over them then coat them in glitter until they dazzle and sparkle.

You can do the same thing to quirky and cheap picture frames.

While the bedazzled foliage is drying out, you go out for a fun treasure hunting trip to Michael's Craft store, the Dollar Store, Wal-Mart, or even HollywoodMegastore.com, for unique but cheap Hollywood decorations.

Buy red felt at the fabric store or Wal-Mart for your red carpet which you can reuse later for Christmas. For the sewing-handicapped, you can order one for $10 at www.HollywoodMegastore.com. While there, you can pick up life-sized, standing photos of Marilyn Monroe or Charlie Chaplin there.

Can't go to Hollywood Mega Store? Take out those dusty old glossy magazines or discounted Hollywood art books, pick out the most glamourous black-and-white photos then gently slip them into frames and vases, emphasizing Old Hollywood.

In the decorating department, you can pick up clear, plastic beads and pebbles a plenty to bedazzle satin ribbon strips or fill translucent vases with.

Even yards of feather boas and piles of cheap peacock feathers can give unexpected glitz.

Dot the red or black peacock feathers in vases. Offer your unimagative guests boas for instant chic and fun.

You can even trim rims of cocktail glasses with boa snippets at the bottom, making them very femme fatale.

At Michael's, they even sell ready-made embellished rhinestone stickers, spelling out, "Fabulous" and "Superstar."

Just peel off and peel them onto strips of satin ribbons then neatly wrap and tape around the vases.

Sticking those dedazzled, metallic painted tree branches in those decorated vases gives a wonderland effect.

To make it look like "InStyle Magazine" came in and did a job, drape cheap twinkly, plastic beads and costume jewelry from the 99 Cent Store to make it even more glamourous.

Can't have a party unless you have nibbles and refreshments.

No, you don't have to hire a caterer.

Just bring out some ivory ceramic plates or silver-plated platters then arrange them buffet style.

Pick out the most interesting and best cold cuts from your local deli or supermarket. If you have a decent grocery, you and the butcher can play a game, "What's the coolest meat?" then you select the yummiest slices to really entertain your guests.

To balance out, intermingle the spread with dried fruits, even jam, crackers, and cheese cubes or/and slices.

Visit your local liqour shop or section and pick up those poor, neglected flavored syrups to perk up any old soda or seltzer water or give that juice (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) an extra kick.

You don't have to hire waiters filling up glasses. You can fill up pitchers of these brews, buffet-style.

Once the twinkle has been sprung and the guests bedazzle on the red carpet, you and your friends can watch and celebrate the Oscars in the comfort of your own home on a dime.

Or, you're a boutique owner or a young and upcoming fundraiser, here's your chance to shine without crashing your account.

Thanks to Jennifer, we, too, can be glamourous with little fuss or muss.

Valentine Treats for Your Sweet...

Heart Lock from Dooney & Bourke Desk Set

By Laura Medina

February 3, 2009

And not on your hips.

These Valentine keepsakes are valuable as they are useful.

Dooney & Bourke Valentine Desk Set

They say if you want your heart desires to come true, you either visualize it or jot it down. Eventually, all of them will materialize.

If you secretly like somebody or care and love those around you, you can help them out for under $100 with this special red leather patent Dooney & Bourke Desk Set for $65.

It has the essentials for making your wish come true. Or, if you need a practical but thoughtful wedding gift later this Spring and Summer, you can buy the bride this gift set then she'll write you these "Thank You" notes using these cards already included in this set.

The plush red leather paper weight will your entries in your diary nice, neat, and align.

If you really want your dreams to come true or have a really chic travel scrapbook, scribble and paste your photos in the matching red journal that comes with a heart lock and keys to keep them top secret.

If you cut and paste any of the following gifts in your journals, perhaps your true love will get you...

Fratelli Rosetti's sandals

A pair of these strappy Fratelli Rosetti sandals in red, of course, for that romantic night on the town.

Maybe, you want to take advantage of all those Bahama discount get-aways...

Gottex Red Ruffle Bikini

in this red bikini with dainty ruffles by Gottex.

Carnival Double Finger Ring

If you're more romantic and old fashion at heart, these heart-felt mementos, from Little Rooms by Ester Delug, with a vintage touch will touch your heart.

Connecting with her childhood memories of playing with her dollhouse, Ms. Delug uses miniature features as keyholes and toy furnitures and knickknacks as the main focal points for her enchanting jewelry line.

Entry Lock Belt

If you find the cute rings a little too precious for everyday wear or if you want something with more attitude, Ms. Delug has you covered in this black leather belt with a gold vermeil Entry Lock Buckle. It also comes in sterling silver. This can softens a pair of high-waisted jeans.

Lock Cuff

Another bold option is her Lock Cuff, an entry into your own soul.

Entry Lock Pendant

A good conversation starter in a bar or a club is this Entry Lock Pendant, a daringly feminine insignia.

Stork Scissor Necklace and Ring

Subtly switching from Victorian to Art Nouveau, this subversively sexy bird-slash-pair of scissor can unleash passions if viewed closely by an piqued paramour.

If unattached, use this Stork Scissor jewelry to set your confidence free for a new adventure in life, with or without a mate.

Don't worry. Ester Delug's Stork will lead you to your soul mate.

Deep Fashion for Thoughtful Folks by Laura Medina

Monarchy Deconstructed Black Leather Cape

Now that the holly jolly holidays had came then passed, it is time for some serious clothes, not dowdy clothes.

Want a new wardrobe stocked full of clothes you never seen or had before?

Sick to your gills with All-American Preppy this and Prim & Proper Brit Preppy that?

Are you bleeding khakis and need some hip but classic jeans to wear?

We are discussing about a functional wardrobe that is equally elegant as it is practical. Less sporty, more luxurious yet durable enough to withstand any recession which metamorphes into a closet classic.

The back view of Monarchy Black Leather Deconstructed Cape with Hood

Monarchy's Eric Kim insistence on quality fabrication and construction, which he developed at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, is what makes him stand out in a new, emerging market of "Urban Couture." It does not hurt his original career choice were furniture designer and architecture, which explains his attention to fabrication, finishes, and tailoring.

Christian Audigier maybe the king of "Urban Couture," but Mr. Kim is growing a loyal fan among influential press and media people who can actually pick who is the leader in a particular field.

Fashion insiders, such as fashion photographers literally love his tee shirts to death, until they wear holes into them-and that says a lot.

Mind you, Mr. Kim does not play the popularity game with the masses. However, he is steadily earning respect for focusing on classic but edgy tailoring in timeless yet comfortable textiles and details that are fad resistant.

Monarchy Tan Cropped Motorcycle Jacket

He concentrates on reintrepreting wardrobe classics and renovating real all-natural knits and leathers in innovative finishes and polish.

By putting all those technological alterations together, Mr. Kim brings forth a new collection of clothes that have rarely been done before, a new league of causal but sleek attire in weather-protective finishes, a much luxurious choice compare to the more utilitarian North Face.

Monarchy Sleeveless Black Knit Jersey Hoodie Dress

Mr. Kim takes the staid little black dress then rebuilt it into a soft but slinky number that is easy to wear and take care of in jersey knit.

An edgy classic.

Monarchy Padded Flight Jacket

His true love are sport cars and motorcycles-and the accompanying wardrobe and accessories.

In fact, his Director of Operations, his wife, Vivian Lee, met over their mutual love of Porches.

As a sports car and motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Kim's passion brought him together fellow motorhead, Henry Kim (no relations), his business partner.

Monarchy Double Breasted Motorcycle Coat

No wonder, with this triad of automative fans, Mr. Eric Kim has this laser beam-focus on reworking All-American classics, such as the motorcycle jacket and flight jacket which came from the engineering world.

Monarchy Monogramed Flight Jacket

With a hard-core of team of sportscar and motorcycle fanatics at the helm, Monarchy, as a company, is more interested in being an American alterative to Italy's modern, sexy, and luxury causal sportswear titans of Diesel (who also reworks American classics, no different from Mr. Audigier), Miss Sixty, and G Star.

This puts them in a different league, set away from the typical preppy American mall brands, lauching them on the path of premium denim and high-end streetwear, long dominated by Italian brands.

Monarchy's Eric Kim taking his bow while his model wears an Alligator Cut Out Jacket

As of now, Monarchy is determined to be in a head-on collision course with Diesel and Miss Sixty, selling at Nordstorm, Bloomingdales, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Mr. Eric Kim, as we know, is the only true blue American designer refreshing the American heritage of the automobile and the motorcycle.

Never worry if you cannot handle a Harley, you make his tan motorcycle jackets and coats your everyday wear and people will think you're smart.

Remember, Mr. Kim meant his clothes to be classics, trends.

Intelligent Clothes for Smart People Everywhere by Laura Medina

Orthodox Burgundy Fur Collar Bomber Jacket

To paraphase "Full Frontal Fashion TV's" host, James Aguiar, Orthodox is LA clothes for New Yorkers.

To be more accurate, they are real clothes for real women and men. Futuristic touches, such as belt buckles with precise Princess-Line tailoring, offers a refreshing but classic take on sensuality.

An unisex or an androgynous relief from the overtly girly-girly sexiness that had been pounded into everybody's head since Paris Hilton hit the scene seven years ago.

As Orthodox's founder, Eric Niccoli, sense the average woman,-and man, is suffering from a saccharine overload of baby pastels and babydoll tops and cheap chiffon in tacky fabrics.

Orthodox Abbey Dress

When women customers asked for a more fitted, more female figure-friendly cuts of his menswear line, he knew there's potential for a cleaner, more tailored womenswear line.

Mr. Niccoli finds filling a woman's unique wants and needs challenging yet fun, such as the issues of everyday wear ease, presented here in a sophisicated but romantically flowing Abbey Dress with a generous empire waist.

Orthodox Belt Buckle Sweater

He unconsciously created a "Boyfriend/Brother Wardrobe" for women to borrow.

With the military stylings of strict tailoring and strategic zippers and buckle placements, the Belt Buckle Sweater, above, can be worn alone as a very femme fatale sexy sweater dress with dark hosiery and a black, high-heel, knee-high boots.

Orthodox Streamlined Bomber Jacket

As Creative Director/Designer, Mr. Niccoli sucked the puffiness out of the bomber jacket then tuck it into a leaner safari-like jacket then polished it up with functional zippered welted pockets, neatly placed on the torso.

This "Motorcycle Chic" taken to a new level. Replacing the staid blazer with this mean and lean bomber, giving men, not a macho attitude, but a mature yet industrial savviness.

Something that an uber New Yorker, as in James Aguiar, can wear scooting between Manhattan and Paris.

Orthodox Franz Kline Brush Stroked Blouse with high-waisted mini and leather jacket

For the intelligentsia set or clique, Mr. Niccoli used Abstract Expressionist, Franz Kline's "action brush strokes" as New Wavish patterns for this blouse and a dress.

Orthodox Multi-Stripe Wrap Sweater

Not of Orthodox is dipped in moody, inky colors or restricted to strict tailoring.

Remembering how actual women live or want to live, here is this warm weather-friendly wrap sweater in season-less rainbow stripes.

The man, himself, the Creative Director/Designer, Eric Niccoli

Starting out with a simple agenda, designing classic, not staid, clothes that are fashionable, not faddish, Eric Niccoli unexpectedly constructed a subtly sensual clothing line where women still want to dress like women, not little girls; and where men want to dress like men for the twentieth-first century, not their grandfathers.

He surprisingly outfitted a new generation of a Bloomsbury Group for the new century.

Fantastic Futuristic

By Laura Medina

The new stylings for the new year is a jambalaya mix of nineteenth-century undergarments sliced through with "Blade Runner" New Wave bobs and makeup.

If you can pick and choose among the era-mixing collection, you can quickly find something you can right now, like this checkered coat.

The New Year rocks out in glamorous Lurex leggings or...

the more fashion-forward Lurex-infused denim that are popping in twill and other wovens. This is the subversive trend of the upcoming year-subtle, shimmering fabrics in, loud baubles out.

For a night out, you can rock the metallic leggings or denim by pairing them with a faux-fur jacket or a Mid-Sixties Mod Edwardian Coat in black velvet.

Both can be had at an accessible. You either hunt them down at a vintage or consignment boutique or hit your local tween/teen store at the mall. Knock-offs are wonderful!

An more elusive trend is Victorian underpinnings or foundation lingerie in creamy linen.

This is the new "underwear as outerwear," a modest one but with more versatility. This can make your office outfit more feminine which can be stretch out for a demure religious service look or a romantic but just as chic Summer cover-up.

Bohemia blossoms out in big floral Maxi prints. Less Hippy, more Bloomsbury Group, a collection of proto-hippies rebelling against the restrains of Victorian values at the turn of the century than Fifities' Eisenhower's values.

Welcome the New Year and the arriving Spring then the eventually Autumn in Bloomsbury's softer silhoutte and knits, bursting in flowers with deep intellectual romanticism.

Razzle Dazzle Into the New Year with Uptempo Clothes and Totes

Ombre Fringe Dress

By Laura Medina

December 18, 2008

Swing into the New Year with a sneak peek into Foley & Corrina's hottest new offerings for Spring/Summer 2009.

Ombre Fringe Top

If you're lucky enough to get your hands on these shimmery numbers, you'll be set for New Year's Eve.

Strapless Ombre Fringe Dress

Don't fret. Since these are from Foley & Corinna's Spring/Summer Line, you can still get them...

Tiered Bow Dress

and wear them for a very long time, well into Summer soirees and Spoleto cocktails and events, school dances or even the prom. You might unexpectedly be mistaken for a "Gossip Girl" since Foley & Corinna does outfit the stars, Leighton Meester, and the most of the cast of that tv series.

Rainbow Shift Dress

You might be happily mistaken for the Hippie-influence, free-flowing Upper East Side prepster, Serena van der Woodsen in this rainbow striped dress and the following outfits.

Layla Handheld Totes in Butterscotch, Black, and Ivory

Even if you feel like you're too old or if the clothes are a little too frilly for your internship or first job, you can justify in investing in these roomy, hardy totes and bags that are a great compliment for any age and job.

These Layla Totes can hold your entire life, notebooks (both the computer and the paper kind), a Blackberry, a cell, a scarf, a makeup bag, even a light jacket.

Jitney Totes in Coal, Beige, and White in Black Trim

You can do a "Mom and Daughter" team with these very classic Jitney Totes. Great Spring/Summer carry-alls for the beach, something to stash your lipgloss, sunscreen, bronzer, iPod or iPhone with a cover-up and hat.

Retro Dandelion Mini Dress with Sleeves

Foley & Corinna isn't just swinging party and evening wear. They also make some sweet contemporary day wear that can help you ease into those humid, muggy Spring/Summer days.

As proven above, their day wear can be simply dressed up with a functional but chic Layla tote for town.

This dress can also be worn as a tunic with skinny jeans and boots.

Cosmic Jungle Triangle Cup Top with Perforated Crossbody Bag

You can really stretch a wardrobe by pairing a frugal jean cut-off with the airy Cosmic Jungle Triangle Cup Top.

The Crossbody Bag is a wise high school/college investment, hauling all your books and laptop and iPhone from class to beach or vice versa.

Baby Disco Pouches and Bright Multi Macrame Clutch

You can wear a Foley & Corinna Crepe and Chiffon Pieced Tunic for the office or a more formal night out when you pair it with an equally creamy silk camisole. Save the Metallic Linen Shorts for the clubs. Lurex-infused fabrics are the next big trend in fabrication, giving outfits that subtle Space Age Sheen.

If the previous fringe tops and dresses are too much for you, you can always carry a fringe clutch in bohemian macrame.

See, Foley & Corinna has everything for everyone for Spring and Summer.

"Love, Glamour, & Luxury" Kevan Hall, A Designer's Designer

The Masai Collection's Zebra-Print Dashiki with rhinestone trim

by Laura Medina

December 17, 2009

Black & White Gingham Halter Blouse in Silk Dupioni

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Kevan Hall, Vanessa Williams' favorite red carpet fashion designer, offers insight into what goes into bring a fashion collection from concept to runway to store.

For each and all collections, whether it be his current Spring 2009 Collection, "Stage Door" or his previous smash hit, "The Masai" Collection.

He always starts with an inspiration. Then, to gain the correct historical or cultural information, he does research.

For his latest collection, Mr. Hall studied Old Hollywood/MGM Studio costume designer, Adrian Gilbert. Fascinated that Mr. Gilbert took his haute couture training at Parson School of Applied Arts and Design in Paris to MGM Studios where he set the impeccable glamourous image that stuck with Hollywood forever.

He was further intrigued that Mr. Gilbert or simply known as, "Adrian," took his personalized studio couture into high-end ready-to-wear. His influence trickled down into mass production and major fashion trends, setting the style for the Forties and Fifties. In turn, influencing the style and mood of the AMC's hit tv series, "Mad Men," which influence the current set of present-day New York designers, as in Marc Jacobs, doing his own intrepretation of Adrian.

Mr. Hall learned Adrian did eveningwear in gingham, influencing a Califorian sportswear/contemporary designer in the Forties and Fifties, Claire McCardle. She followed suit, using gingham in sportswear, making it a popular pattern in the Fifties.

Lurex-infused wool steath dress

Armed with the history and information, these set the upcoming collection's tone.

Unlike most brands, Mr. Hall does all the sketches himself on a set of croquis. Croquis are pre-drawn patterns of the human body of different genders and ages that are anatomical correct. By sketching around these accurately measured figure patterns, he can see how realistically his sketches are.

White Kalaris Gown with Ceremonial Neckband from the "Masai" Collection

From there, he shops for fabrics that will fit the theme of what the collection is.

Once Mr. Hall buys all the fabrics he needs, he works with his pattern-maker. They start to see things, the draping or the flaws. Eventually ironing out the kinks, they design the blueprint of every outfit that is going to be in the line.

When Hall approves the designs, he assembles his team in his atelier, his workshop and waiting room, more pattern-makers, the sewers, and his assistants. "I can't do everything."

They start to cut and sew the real sample garments people will eventually see on the runway.

This is where the merchandising begins, when Hall starts to plan his fashion show. If he is not showing during a fashion week anywhere on the globe, Hall displays his collections in charity benefits or do a traveling trunk show at Neiman Marcus at a town's or city's best boutiques.

While his team puts the line together, Mr. Hall figures a sexier look and cut for publicity for the runway show.

However, for a more intimate trunk show, he shows more realistic proportions and cuts to the retailer. Hall also has the flexiblity to present his garment in a multitude of looks, pairing a blouse with a trouser or a turtleneck or taking a complete outfit then breaking it into separates. The ways a real woman picks and puts her wardrobe together.

When it comes to selling to women, his advice, be realistic when selling to real women.

At his last Los Angeles Fashion Week show, Spring 2009, the city's creme de la creme showed up in support, Candy Spelling, Dana Delany, Christine Devine, and his honor, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The women proudly wearing his creations.

Based on his observations, Full Frontal Fashion TV host, James Aguiar commented Mr. Hall knows the importance of the press and buyers at a fashion show.

Depending on the level of each show, either Mr. Hall or his assistants personally meet and greet the customer or the client.

The man himself, the classy Kevan Hall

Mr. Hall has a loyal and steady following among fashion-conscious but not trendy-hungry women of a certain age.

Mr. Aguiar added he is the leader among the current crop of Los Angeleno designers.

His selection in design and fabrication have made his creations timeless pieces that still generate heat and popular demand.

His popular Zebra-print Dashiki with the rhinestone trim now reached mythical proportions.

He sent it out to Tunsia for an "O" Magazine shoot then it went missing in action. He plans to track it down and get it back because so many people still seek it.

Oh well, remember Mr. Hall's mission statement every time he releases a line, "Love for all things glamorous and luxurious".