Michael Phelps... A budding thespian?

I am pretty sure I am the only one who watched Phelps make his acting debut on Saturday Night Live. I have to admit, I sort of thought he would fall on his face, but that didn't happen. He completely surprised when most of the skits were actually kind of funny. I liked the Michael Phelps diest one the best. He poked fun at himself and you've to got love a guy who does that. Though he wasn't in the opening skit that was pretty hilarious too. It was nice to hear Phelps is actually a big fan of the show and that growing up his favorite was Chris Farley.

Phelps on SNL: "This is actually the ninth most important part of my life." If have no idea what he's referring to, I can't help you.

Love and peace

Tonisha

Design Profile: Reizend Couture

So recently, I have been on the hunt for budding designers and through a little site called MySpace I finally found a young fresh designer, Lauren Schmidt whose line, Reizend Couture, has a vintage aspect mixed with new ideas from today. I got a little interview with her and here it is:

Explain your style to those out there. Where exactly did these ideas come from?
My style comes from my background and interest in the arts, which has been my passion my whole life. Particularly, I would describe my fashion style as graphic, fresh, innocent-sexy and a little Victorian/Gothick. A lot of my inspiration comes from movies and popular culture, as well as a bit of history. I find the greatest sense of inspiration from fabrics and interesting color combinations. Whenever I walk into a fabric store, I come out with a lot of ideas!

Who are some of your biggest inspirations?
Dolce and Gabbana are my favorite fashion designers and I think they are the best in the business. Since I am an artist at heart, I am always captivated by their bold and cutting-edge designs. They are a huge influence on my passion for fashion. Jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino creates absoultely original designs, and a great majority of my jewelry is inspired by her aesthetic. Also, I love the work of costume designer Colleen Atwood, who has designed the costumes for nearly all of Tim Burton's films. She's a genius.

When did know that designing was something you wanted to pursue?
I really wasn't too interested in fashion until I was 13, when I bought my first pair of bell-bottom carpenter jeans. I discovered how just an outfit could change your whole mood and confidence. I knew I wanted to design when I saw my first Dolce and Gabbana fashion show on the Style network about 6 years ago. I figured out that fashion is another form of artistic expression... a beautiful garment can be like paint on a canvas.

Do your designs and creations match that of your personal style?
My personal style is at times colorful and graphic as well, although my day-to-day wardrobe is more casual. One of my main reasons of designing is to make something I can't find in stores, something that I would want to buy myself!

Do you enjoy the whole process of designers of is it just one part of it that makes you happy?
Certain parts of design are certainly more fun than others, but the whole process is very rewarding. Brainstorming ideas and choosing the fabrics/notions is definitely one of the most fun parts. Pattern drafting and sewing can be difficult and tedious, but the end result is always worth it! I love seeing a completed piece on my dress mannequin!

Would you prefer to have your own line or collaborate with another designer?
I always dreamed of having my own line, but I am not opposed to collaborations at all. It would be great to work for a design company and learn from them as well. There is always much to learn from others who have been in the business.

How far do you plan to take these designs? See yourself at New York Fashion Week?
It would be absoultely a dream if I could one day show at Bryant Park! I plan on designing more as a hobby, as I am currently earning my Bachelor's degree in Art Education. But I will always have a passion for design, and if I could be successful at it, then that would definitely make me happy!


You can look her up on MySpace, I think she's great. Love and Peace,

Tonisha

A little late...

Hey, I'm the other contributer to this blog! I was thrilled when Emmy contacted me, but alas, due to a variety of factors (thunderstorms in eastern massachusetts left me sans internet, as did a family vacation) I haven't posted until now. Here's a photo:

My hair's quite a bit longer now... Anyway, my name is Marie-kristine, I'm 17 and about to be a senior in high school. I love fashion and I read waaay too many fashion magazines. My fashion icons are Louise Brooks and Jane Birkin with a little Jackie O thrown in. I'll be mainly posting about fashion, with a bit about my hair, my life and college applications thrown in depending on the month.
If you're curious about my blogging style, check out my original blog, L'air du temps at http://www.mademoisellemariekristine.blogspot.com

Who will be auf'd next?

One of my favorite shows is Project Runway. Yesterday, my first day back to school and I was counting down the hours until 8 P.M. I thought this would have to be the most creativ challenge yet. Making clothes from this Saturn car I thought it was absolutely cool.

Leanne, one of my fave designers won the challenge. But sadly Keith had to leave us. I don't realy mind because his designs were starting to get a little... you know what I mean. Michael Kors even called his drag queen outfit a dowdy chicken. That was the drag queen challenge.

In the end, Keith kept crying, but I kept thinking he needs to suck it up and build a thick skin. As in the words of Heidi Klum "In fashion, one day you're in and the next your out.

http://www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/season/5/photos/gallery.php?e=episode_7_rate_the_runway

I couldn't post, so here's a link.

fall essentials e to f!

E is for Elegant Blouses Paired with Ripped Up Skinny Jeans

F is for Florals

Kimchi Blue Botanical Dress, $68, Urban Outfitters

Printed Floral Tote, $58, Urban Outfitters

More Fall Essentials E-H

Hey!
I thought I would add onto Emmy's Fall Essentials A-Z post (look below for A-D!). Very fun :)

Here is E-H!

E is for Elegance
Elegant items are all in for the fall! Mix and match an elegant dress with a slouchy cardigan or vest. Add a pair of skinnies to a classic and elegant shirt.

with

F is for Florals
Oh my, watch out for bees because florals are totally in for the fall. From floral dress to skirts to shirts to jewelry -- wear them all! (forever 21, forever21, oldnavy)


floral shoes!

G is for Girl
Although, you may be anticipating to wear "menswear for womenswear", don't throw away those girly items stowed away in your closet. Oh yes, girly pieces are definitely a fall essential! Go with the frills, pastel items, head bands, etc. (urban outfitters)



H is for Hussein Chalayan
You might not have heard of him (I admit, I didn't hear of him until today!), but his Fall 2008 Collection is wonderful. To me, the collection has a rock-elegant-chic feeling to it, and I love it!
(style.com)



Adios,
Jennifer

btw, my first day of high school was exciting!

fall essentials a to d!

Here it is: The first installment in a thirteen-part series, Fall Essentials A to Z! I present you with Fall Essentials A to D...

A is for American Apparel

Le Sac Dress, $38

The 7 Ways to Wear It

B is for Bows

Asymmetrical Bow Cloche, $34, Urban Outfitters

Satin Bow Headband, $3.80, Forever21

C is for Comic Books

My Comic-Book Inspired Polyvore

D is for Dots

Forever21 Dress