3D Fantasy: Selita Ebanks inside Marc Bouwer's Wonderland

Soho House was buzzing with celebrities, fashion industry drones (like myself), fashion connosieurs and fashion lovers alike anxiously anticipating Marc Bouwer's 3D presentation starring Supermodel Selita Ebanks (make no mistake, she is a supermodel in every meaning of the word, inside and out). The atmosphere was full of life; all lovers of Bouwer's genius work. From the cast of the Real Housewives of NJ to Johnny Weir it was elbow to elbow with people trying to make it to the theatre room (an intimate 30 seat area where presentation was held.) To describe the show, one word come to mind: 'MAGICAL'. Another word comes to mind is GORGEOUS and that's the only way to descibe Marc Bouwer's creation.From plunging necklines, to sexy low backs, to fringe and to everything that blings, every piece was amazing. In particular, I was smitten by the flowy goddess fuschia dress with the butterfly sleeves, complimented with an oversized gold butterfly neclace- simply DIVINE! What I also enjoyed most was how Bouwer presented a juxtaposition of "Good Girl gone BAD" since throughout the show Selita was in a heavenly dress soft and lovely, then as the next scene works in, she'd be in a serious ferocious outfit- the body fitting mermaid fuschia dress with the black lace- for lack of a better word "BAD-ASS!" It's difficult to describe the entire show without the aid of photos, but check out the you-tube link below and enjoy! Anxiously waiting to attend another Marc Bouwer show this upcoming Fashion Week..Stay Tuned!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L6DyVe658c

Rugged Sophistication: That's the 'General Idea'

Whether trekking through the Alps, getting lost in the Alaskan wilderness, conquering Everest, or simply walking through New York City's Central Park on a cool Autumn evening- General Idea by Korean designer Bumsuk Choi makes the rugged outdoors look AMAZING!! From wool knit shorts, color infused fur hooded jackets, varieties of modern leg warmers, and body fitting outdoor vests- who knew being outdoors could look so CHIC?

By infusing inspirations from both military and mountain outdoors, Bumsuk creates a functional and practical yet undeniably trendy collection for General Idea. Most male consumers often wrestle with the conundrum of finding something that keeps the 'masculine' look but at the same time do still look aesthetically AWESOME!! I must admit I was more than eagerly anticipating this show after I saw Bumsuk, (or at least I think it was him) in the lobby of the Hotel Empire wearing my favorite piece of the collection (camel colored wool knit shorts) - Not even a 9am show time in frigid weather could keep me away, and I surely WAS NOT disapppointed! Every piece, from hat to jacket, to leg warmers, backpacks, and boots; I wanted it ALL!

You Never Forget Your First!! NYFW F/W11

Sure enough the Victor De Souza runway show was definitely a memorable experience. Although it was a bit hard to see pass rows of people, (had to stand in the back) REAL talent truly shines thru. It's definitely a refreshing breath of air to see pops of color: vibrant, exciting, and alive on runway for FALL/Winter. Usually designers reserve strong colors for Resort or Spring lines, and typically stick to dark and muted pallettes like gray, black, cream, chocolate. Victor De Souza breaks the conventional mold and sends forth a rich pallete of colors down his runway. From Yellows, Aqua, Green, and my favorite this rich royal blue, an array of beautiful colors.

My personal favorite during the show was this royal blue and beige lace embroidered dress with a high collar sleeveless moto jacket and lace high gloves to match, exudes such a 'Rock-n-Roll Elegance'. During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NYFW11 F/W runway, Victor De Souza was the first runway I attended, and it sure was a great open for my week. Surely, De Souza is the designer to keep an eye on and I myself is eagerly anticipating what's next to come from this visionary.

Mercedes Benz FashionWeek FW2011

One must wonder why in the business of fashion, (where everything must be new, NOW, and fresh) I have the audacity to post my fashion week coverage 6 months later. Simple, with millions of blogs, magazines, and television coverage talking about fashion week and its events, another blog would seem redundant amongst all that saturation. I decided to wait until the dust cleared and the fashion world is ready for the next season, while anticipating WHO's going to wear this season's hottest trends shown on the runway 6months ago.(note that fashion is always 1 season ahead) There is definitely a method to my madness!

Before I go into the shows I covered during fashion week, I have to mention that one of the most memorable moment I had was being fortunate enough to see Betsey Johnson during an interview. Being only 2 feet away from such an iconic and vibrant figure of the fashion world, it surely was an honor for a stylist who's just starting out in this crazy business. Although Betsey Johnson never noticed me, to be in her presence was inspiration enough!!!

Chakra Salon and Spa: Blazing a 'Zen' trail in the heart of Asbury Park, NJ

In a sea of chaos it's wonderful to find a ZEN oasis like Chakra Salon and Spa, where residents of Asbury Park, NJ can relax, unwind, and most importantly find their inner 'fierce-ness'.
As the town of Asbury Park focuses on reconstructing, and revitalizing itself to its former glory; in the hay-day of being the shore escape for many wealthy residents of the tri-state, it's great to see businesses return to the area- and Chakra Salon and Spa is definitely blazing the trail for reviving life back into Asbury Park.

Owner, Raymond Vail with his partner Michael Wyckoff and their team of stylists and masseurs offer a peaceful and relaxing experience within such an upscale establishment; with services ranging from hair, nails, and massages- one can escape their everyday stress and calmy drift in pure bliss! Between the water feature gently cascading from its copper wall and the sitting buddha serenly placed in the foreground, I couldn't help but feel 100pounds lighter as the stress of everyday life come off my shoulders.

Located on 518 Bangs Ave. Asbury Park, NJ Chakra Salon and Spa is minutes from the Asbury Park boardwalk and seconds away from Main Street. One may contact the establishment at (732) 455-3960 to schedule your day of pure relaxation, or visit their website at ( http://www.chakrasalonandspa.com/ ).

Red Carpet Glam: Budget Friendly!!!!

Who doesn’t want to look as stunning as Angelina Jolie in her sparkling green Versace Atelier dress, or show off your sexy legs like Jennifer Lopez in her white goddess Zuhair Murad? Any woman would love to look ‘red carpet’ amazing specially when going to a black tie event, but with dresses costing thousands of dollars it almost seems impossible. Well, it is possible and more importantly it is AFFORDABLE! Designers like Marchesa, BCBG Max Azria, and even Tadashi Shoji make affordable ‘red carpet’ dresses that are budget friendly and with a glamorous impact. BCBG Max Azria’s one shoulder pleated silk gown with the thigh high slit can easily duplicate J.Lo’s look for a fraction of the cost at only $498.00 (check their website http://www.bcbg.com/). For the ladies that opt for the demure goddess look like Angelina Jolie at the Golden Globes, BCBG Max Azria also offers a similar dress in heather gray silk starting at a great $298 price tag. But for many, the lure of wearing a dress from a highly sought after designer like Marchesa is simply to difficult to resist, and ladies it is no longer out of reach! No longer do we have to work an extra shift or miss out on this month’s rent because with Marchesa’s affordable ‘NOTTE’ line sold at Sak’s Fifth Avenue, the dream can now be a reality! If you loved Amy Adam’s one shoulder Marchesa number during the Golden Globes, take a look at Marchesa’s Notte draped silk crepe one shoulder gown with a gathered bow detail $990 at Saks.com, YES! It is definitely an eye catching stunner! ‘Red Carpet’ no longer means ‘out of reach’, shop smart, look great, and more importantly stay on budget and be the STAR that you truly are.

Girl, You're Only a Size Small: 9 Months Out the Year!

Ladies, you are not alone! The festivities of the holidays can bring on endless dinner parties by friends, family, and even work, and for the ‘figure’ conscious woman this spells disaster! No amount of gym visits can deter the average person from denying themselves of that tempting homemade pie, golden brown turkey, and everyone’s weakness- CHOCOLATES! Don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world. For several years my friends and I joke that from November to January we all go one size UP and that’s simply the reality- but it doesn’t mean you have to lose your sexiness ladies. For a svelte and figure flattering look during the holidays and then after, I discovered that the Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) wrap dress is a timeless essential to any woman’s wardrobe and a ‘must-have’ piece. With a myriad of prints, cuts, and designs the choices are endless. A DVF wrap dress can range from a plunging super sexy front, to demure covered silhouette appropriate for any work related function. Now, for the everyday look whether you want to look great shopping in the mall or strolling down Madison Ave. NY ( and still need a bit of forgiveness from our clothes), anything with a SPANDEX blend is a gift from the fashion gods! Jessica Simpson has definitely established herself as an affordable yet sexy fashion line, and with her cotton-spandex blend denim jeans she’s helping every lady look chic and comfortable- even with the extra holiday pounds. Pair up Jessica Simpson’s ankle-zipped cropped denim jeans with your sexiest stiletto pumps and your legs will go on for miles! So during the 3 months out of the year where you may not be the perfect size small, take these tips and use them to celebrate your body and enjoy the holidays- and go for anything covered in CHOCOLATE!!!