Blog By-Me

Wink Ball.com

2010-09-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

WinkBall.com was interviewing peeps at Lincoln Center about what show they would want to sit front row at and upcoming Spring 2011 trends. Click link here, to hear other interviews. I'm the 3rd interview and I sound like such a dork! I said Rag and Bone, cause I heart them (and cause I didn't want to say Marc Jacobs like everyone else would, and did!) And I said I was seeing a lot of pastels emerging as a trend for Spring 2011, didn't say I'm a huge fan of it, just stating that I'd seen it in the shows so far.

Marc Bouwer Interview

2010-09-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

In lieu on NY Fashion Week that is upon us, like tomorrow... and since I'm finally sticking to my guns (hopefully) and doing this blog thing, please find for your enjoyment some old posts I never got around to posting!

Check out the Modern Glossy interview I did with designer Marc Bouwer and model Candice Swanepoel (a Victoria's Secret model and super hottt) at the filming of Marc's 2010 Fall/Winter virtual fashion show. I think its nice that 2 South Africans are supporting and helping each other out!

I didn't expect such a huge production with tons of lights, screens and crew but it was very cool to be there and get to see there first few looks being filmed.

You can watch the final show at www.marcbouwer.com

Monarchy Spring 2010

2010-09-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Monarchy by Eric Kim, is a Men’s and Womenswear line that has become a favorite among the trend setting Hollywood elite. New York’s own fashion/celeb watchers must have caught onto this LA based brand because it was more like anarchy outside the crowded show. Already familiar with its douchebag couture graphic t-shirts worn by the likes of Spencer Pratt, I was surprised to be presented with a fresh, easy to wear yet edgy collection. There was an American classic color scheme of white, blue, khaki, navy and tan combined with a cool European influence. For the ladies, beautifully draped dresses were cinched at the waist and sheer cropped tops paired with tailored jackets or baggy vests. Volume concentrated around the hips and strong shoulders were accented. The accessories were minimal however did include studded skinny belts and scarves for the men. Also for the fellas were distressed denim, light weight lamb skin jackets, linen pinstripe sport coats and white shirts with military inspired details. This collection can be worn from posh events in LA, to hot summer nights in Montauk. Also, major kudos points are awarded for playing Muse and Kings of Leon in their set.

BCBG Fall/Winter 2010

2010-02-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

It was a pretty simple collection, Max Azria is playing it safe (boring!) I did like some of the layering and the easy, no need to think just wear and look fab style. Here's my review:

For Fall/Winter 2010, BCBGMAXAZRIA presented a sophisticated and feminine collection. Neutral tones were the dominating color in this season’s palette. Colorblocked with vibrant touches of yellow and blue, together with classic shades of black, grey and navy, they created clean geometric silhouettes. Leather piping and trimming details added to the geometric aesthetic. Prints were simple and graphic inspired in muted colors. Embellishments were also minimal. Some sequins and studs appeared to be painted on in brush strokes onto cropped tops and dresses. The main theme was the asymmetrical draping of flowing silk dresses and tops which were then layered and/or belted in almost every look. This collection is for a modern urban woman with a refined yet effortless style.

Video of the finale, for your enjoyment =) I was sitting in the last row so you can't really see the clothes. For the official article and way better pics go here.

Duckie Brown Fall/Winter 2010

2010-02-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

My NY Fashion Week coverage for Fall/Winter 2010 of Duckie Brown! Always a fun and crowed show, they have a great and supportive following. I actually met designers x and x a few years ago while I was studying at FIT. One of my professors does their knitwear and took us on a class trip to their design (and also living) studio. They were so nice and driven in there work, its great to see them still going strong. It was also very inspiring to see that they, being a well known brand, worked right out of their home (a beautiful loft space in the West Village) which showed me that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

"A dashingly dapper mishmash of various tartans, plaids, and tweeds, in red, yellow, black and gray paraded down the runway at the packed Fall/Winter 2010 Duckie Brown show. Almost every model wore a pair of fingerless alpaca gloves. Lean silhouettes of cropped narrow trousers and long plaid jackets paired with clunky boots, exposed socks and over sized bright bomber jackets gave a modern street edge to the 80s rude boy influences. The collection overall was very upbeat and geared towards the man, or boy, who dresses to make a statement."

Check out the official article and better photos h ere.

Lilith Shoot

2010-02-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Some pics from a shoot I did for Modern Glossy at an awesome boutique in Soho called Lilith. We had tons of fun layering as many pieces for each look!

You can read the article here.

McQueen =(

2010-02-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on his death very well put by my friend Rachel, written for Modern Glossy right as the news broke:

The fashion world lost a creative genius during these last few whirlwind hours. Lee Alexander McQueen, London born, worldwide known, suffered from death in the form of taking his own life. Not much is known at this point of how or exactly when, rightfully so, as the media is respectfully asked to refrain from intruding on McQueen’s family and friends’ mourning process. But what we do know of the former designer of the House of Givenchy, is that an amazing talent and mighty force in the world of fashion was taken from us in a devastating way. Many can speculate why McQueen chose to take his own life, as his own mother, [with whom (from sources) he had an extremely close bond] died recently.

All of us at Modern Glossy, are incredibly saddened at the news, and we’re honored to have shared and to have experienced a world with someone so visionary and larger than life. Mere days away from his McQ showing at Milk Studios, Lee Alexander McQueen is gone from our lives, no longer creating, no longer able to inspire others with his future creations. It is a dark day in the fashion world, and many of us are left asking why.

But, why, is the wrong question to ask. The right question is how.How can we remember Alexander McQueen.

We can remember him as a man with incredible passion and drive, incredible talent, and one of the greatest modern day fashion designers of our lifetimes. Lee Alexander McQueen, you will be truly and sorely missed

Check out this great montage I found.

Gaga for Gaga + David LaChapelle

2009-12-22T13:30:00.001-08:00

Love her! Love him!

N.E.E.T. is pretty damn neat!

2009-12-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Check out N.E.E.T.! A really great on-line magazine that features indie designers from every corner for the world. You can click on any item you may like and be directed to that designers on-line shop. It takes a few moments to load the magazine but worth the wait! Once it does the pages flip through very quickly.

Here's their blog.

1/2 off Luella

2009-11-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

So we hear the industry is getting better. For some, maybe yes, but not for poor Luella. The super cool, young British designer had lost financial backing. Sucks, but at least whatever inventory they have is 50% and more off! www.luella.com

I'M FAMOUS!!!!- ok, not really....

2009-11-03T18:20:00.000-08:00

New York Magazine featured one of my headbands!! So its all the way in the teeny tiny corner and I had to look thru the magazine 3 times to find it, but hey! I was excited!!

www.byme.etsy.com

Purdy Painting

2009-10-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

Check out this painting by MaryKeys10 inspired by one of my photos! Pretty cool huh?

Here's her etsy site: www.marykeys10.etsy.com

Alice in Wonderland Trailer!

2009-07-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ahhh can't wait!! Click link below to watch the trailer!

http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/imdb/vi4240966169/

New Stuff on Etsy!

2009-07-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Check it out! http://www.byme.etsy.com/

Ethereal Fashion-LIC

2009-07-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the fashion show I did last night! Went well, great turnout! Love when people come out to support local/upcoming designers. =)

Thanks for all who came!

Spring Fashion Trunk Show in LIC

2009-05-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

SPRING FASHION TRUNK SHOW

Hosted by:

Ethereal boutique and Subdivision boutique

Location:

Maducatis Rustica restaurant

46-31 Vernon Blvd.

When:

May 6,2009

5:30pm-8:30pm

These two amazing boutiques have teamed up to present a one night shopping event!

Enjoy the spins of Dj Jennifer, while sipping wine!

Don't miss the raffle, worth $1,000 of fashion!

Come support local business and local designers!

Please RSVP to: adriana@ethereallic.

This is the market "girls night out" (with booze) that I'm doing in LIC tomorrow! I started selling my accessories at Ethereal Boutique in LIC , (on Vernon Blvd right by Water Taxi). The area is very up and coming. There are lots of high rise luxury condos being built, tons of artists and young people moving into that area drawn to the trendy boutiques and cozy restaurants that are springing up. Its a great, new area to check out! Hope you can make it!

XxMaria

The new 230 Fifth...in Queens!?

2009-03-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing I love about summers in NY, it's happy hour on rooftop bars! That's why I'm super excited about Ravel, the new boutique hotel in LIC. In May it's opening its upscale rooftop bar/lounge to the public. That's 6,500 square feet of Miami style cabanas, frozen drinks, "gourmet" menu, live DJ spinning till 1am, and an outdoor movie theater on a smaller roof deck.
Ravel's website describes "Nestled between the 59th Street Queensboro Bridge and midtown Manhattan, the Ravel offers guests a true city experience without the hassle".

Haha, Queens baby I love it! Let me translate:
A city experience with out actually crossing the bridge! (aka an over priced wanna-be bar next to one of the biggest housing projects in the country and across the street from a power plant)! We can drink our (Manhattan priced) margaritas and mojitos overlooking the beautiful views of the bridge and Midtown (aka over-looking the ghetto mean streets of Queensbridge that were once home to Biggie and Nas), to the banging beats of a DJ, (or gunshots from from down below). I'm so checking this out. Either way the pics looks really nice!

The Rooftop at the Ravel Hotel

8-08 Queens Plaza South

Long Island City,NY 11101

718.289.6101

http://ravelhotel.com/

Special night of shopping and drinking!

2009-03-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

My store has put together a mini-flea market with a local restaurant/bar/cafe in Astoria, Queens. I will have a separate table from Candy Plum and will be selling of new stuff! Trying to make some summer dresses to preview there but they probably won't be done. Either way, info is below. Come and support local business and local talent! Especially in this hard economy, its important to keep your money local people!Carnaval a Brick Cafe

I am very happy to announce that KrisTees & Candy Plum boutiques have gotten together once again to bring you another AWESOME Astoria Event!

Carnaval a Brick Cafe will be held on Thursday, March 26th at the Brick Cafe on the corner of 33rd Street & 31st Avenue.

Starting at 6PM and going till 10PM, we are inviting you to enjoy a very intimate evening of shopping among local designers launching their new spring lines… from tees, to jewelry, baby wear, house wares and accessories, there is something unique and handmade for all! Upon entering, you will receive a complimentary aperitif and then it is off to an atmosphere of spring innovation!

RSVP for the event to astoriafashion@gmail.com or call 718.721.2299.

We’ll see you there!

Sponsored by:
Brick Cafe www.brickcafe.com
Candy Plum www.candyplum.com
Kristees www.kristeesny.com

Christian Siriano Fall'09 NY Fashion Week

2009-02-27T11:26:00.000-08:00

When Marc Jacobs showed his first show, did the people watching know what was to come from him? When did people realize the theatrical Juan Galliano was going to be John Galliano, or a young rebellious Lee Alexander McQueen become Alexander McQueen? That’s what I was thinking while viewing Christian Siriano's show. Could this be the start of the next great designer? He’s got the talent, and he sure got the personality and style. He showed at the Salon at Bryant Park, proving the recession to be a great opportunity for some. Because so many designers canceled their shows for more intimate/less expensive showings, they invited him and other up and coming designers to show at the tents.

So in light of Marc Jacobs show bringing it back to an era when people dressed to impress, I took an embarrassing long time to get ready. I even made a new feather comb for my hair. Every fashion related event I go to I always try to wear something I made, cause hey you never know who will be there! So anyway, I tried to dress up in hopes of getting my picture taken, and I did, 3 times! Not by the Satorialist tho, which is on my bucket list by the way, better luck next time!

People waiting in line for standing room. We made our way inside and I snuck into a seat in the 3rd row. It was funny to see the photogs scrambling for pics of the celebrities like:

Nina Garcia (from Elle magazine and Project Runway)and Mark Indelicato (from Ugly Betty)

(Getty Image)

Leigh Lezark (from The Misshapes)

(Getty Image)

Katrina Bowden (actress?? who cares??)

(Getty Image)

Aubrey O'Day (Danity Kane) looking like a tacky drag queen with her stupid dog.

(Zimbio Image)

Tori Spelling (she "designed" the jewelry for the Collection). Major paparazzo scuttle when she arrived, also looking like a drag queen.

(Getty Image)

Show began once she finally sat her bony butt down. And it was good.Egyptian inspired and ethic influenced. Warm, earthy and golden palette. Neutral yet warm, earthy palette.Shot of one of Christian's shoes for his Payless collection worn by the models.Structured coats and jackets.Soft billowy fabrics.Refreshing splash of teal.Glittering metallic gold.Finale look was the show stopper and got a loud round of applause pic. Did I mention Heather Huey made the hats? Also how I got the invite. I believe there is much to come from this promising young designer. Click this link for more better photos of his collection: http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2009/fall/main/newyork/womenrunway/christiansiriano/

Marc Jacobs Fall 09/10

2009-02-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Marc Jacobs never disappoints. In backstage interviews he mentioned being inspired by a "New York's dying energy, and it's love for dressing up". His Fall 09 collection was a colorful throwback to a time in the late 70s and early 80s in NYC when people really dressed to impress. Club-goers took hours and hours to get ready, piled on hair and makeup products and really took pride in their look. It was an artistic expression through their individual and unique style. Each of Marc's models had different hair and makeup as an ode to that celebration of personal style. Reminds me of the stories my ex-boss told me of when he lived and partied in that era. Him and his friends would take not just hours, but days for them to create their outrageous outfits which would sometimes get them arrested. The best story was of his friend who got arrested for dressing like a half-naked, crucified disco Jesus covered in blood and glitter to the opening of Limelight in 1983, (a grimy nightclub that was originally a church). Oh, I miss my ex-boss =(

(Getty Images)

Click on this link to watch the whole show!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypE7vZA_QGs

NY Fashion Week Fall '09- Designers On The Rise

2009-02-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Last week I went to “25 The Show” at The Hudson Theatre, right in the heart of Times Square. Hosted by Showroom New York and GIDC, which help showcase up and coming designers. I was invited by my friend Heather Huey (the Mad-hatter), who was asked last minute to do the show. Heather makes incredible hats that are truly works of art. Another friend of hers, Dres was participating. He makes designs and accessories out of perforated leather and latex, very nice.

So it was a journey to get there. Of course I took forever to get ready, lost track of time and left the house not even liking what I had on. Went the wrong place, hopped in a cab with the worst driver ever who didn’t know where he was going. Finally I make it to the show totally late and met my friends just in time for them to give away my seat. Apparently some of us weren’t fabulous enough for front row? Excuse me? “What’s your name?” I snobbishly asked the nervous girl escorting some tacky people to take our seats. “I just want to know so I can use names in my article when I critic this show. By the way, nice outfit. Where’d you buy it, Wet Seal? And you’re the one judging the seating arrangement accordingly to who is fashionable?” She ran away in tears and my posse took our rightful seats, or at least that’s how the scenario played out in my mind as I made my way upstairs into the last seat available. I sat by some other friends, one who came representing wearing some Heather Huey.

All was OK once I spotted Frenchie aka Angelique from “Rock of Love” in all her white trash glory! Trust me the blurry pic does her justice.

Show started with a burlesque pin up style girl carrying out signs with each designer’s name. She was cute and funny at first, got annoying towards the end. Dres and Heather totally rocked it; of course I’m a little biased because they are my friends. Some other designers I liked were:

Anna Maria Horsford- beautiful evening-wear with some serious bling!
Gina de Silva- edgy and wearable party clothes

La China Loca- a gold leotard wearing streamer swirling opening act, funky clothes and a giant pink pig? Only in fashion the weird and unexpected is considered refreshing. Also had the first shirtless male model which was the highlight of my night so far. The woman next to me agreed as she strained to take a picture.
Dres- ready-to-wear collection which incorporates industrial design, adding a tough edge to soft feminine details.
Best for last was Heather Huey hats!-marrying exquisite millinery techniques with artistic consciousness.

Here’s a pic of Heather and Dres. Cheers to you guys!

Greentopia for an "eco-friendly urban lifestyle"

2009-02-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

Throw out your little black book and get yourself the Green book! The first edition of Greentopia for NYC (available for many other cities too). Its a definitive guide to more than 1,300 eco-friendly businesses and resources with lots of useful info necessary to live a healthy, sustainable lifestyle and minimize killing our environment. Al Gore would be so proud.

Heres the link to their website:
"http://www.greenopia.com/NY/local

It looks like a green Zagat book. My store is featured in it, so come to Candy Plum and shop green! We are on page 121 (hollerrrrr!). "Clothes and jewelry by local artisans and designers using organic or recycled materials". If you see this around your neighborhood pick it up, its like 16 bucks and it's really useful for an "eco-friendly urban lifestyle". Or just check out their website for the hottest and greenest local listings. And don't forget to stop by Candy Plum for some eco-friendly one-of-a-kind digs!

How to do your part in all this stimulating!

2009-02-20T20:21:00.000-08:00

Why you should support local business!

Nearly 2.6 million jobs were lost during 2008, the highest yearly total since the end of World War II in 1945. This week alone, major corporations have announced more than 80,000 job cuts, bringing this year's total to well over 200,000 (from Cnn.com). And its only February! Shit has really hit the fan and its going to continue spraying allover our failing economy. Speaking of shit, another S-word that we keep hearing to describe America’s current situation is “stimulus”, as in “stimulate the economy” and “stimulus package” (not the kind you find next to the register at your local gas station). I don’t know about you, all this talk about stimulus but no real action leaves me frustrated, disappointed and feeling rather under-stimulated (kinda like a certain past failed relationship). Disappointed in our government’s abilities and lack of any significant action, frustrated how our capitalist society just keeps the rich richer and the poor poorer. How the government can grant Citigroup millions of dollars to help bail them out and they just go buy private jets? What the frgd9jkifo0fiehufoiefz???? Makes me so angry I feel like taking all my money out of my Citibank Saving Account. Yeah, all $4.61 of it.

So what can we do to help the economy? Shop local! The government is (supposedly) giving us stimulus money to go out and spend it on our failing economy, even though most of us like me will probably just use it to pay off their monstrous Amex bill. So this is why you should shop local and small businesses.

Local businesses are kick ass because they give our beloved neighborhoods originality and character. Local businesses create good jobs, and they boost the local tax base, which in turn improves our schools, our parks, and the quality of life in our town. They are the foundations of the American dream, a fundamental part of democracy and make a huge contribution to the quality of life in our community. Also, local business people are the unsung heroes of our community the leaders, the ambitious, hard working people who have ideas and act on them. Big chain stores are the devil. They make the public think they have cheaper prices, mostly because they out source their labor to 5 year old Chinese kids and pay them 10 cents an hour. Keep your money local! Don’t give it to the greedy Walmarts, bankrupt Circuit Cities and Citi groups of capitalist America who will use it to buy private jets and don’t reinvest it back into our community. By keeping your money local, it is mostly likely to continue being spent locally, helping improve our area’s economic state.

Astoria, Queens has lots of new and unique places to shop an eat and is a melting pot of different cultures, all which give us a wonderful opportunity to support local business and help keep financial resources in the area instead of distant corporate headquarters. Local business builds a bridge to a more sustainable world where we can consciously choose our current state of being, our future and take charge of our economy.

So with all that said…here's the shameless plug! Come and do your part in all this stimulating we should be doing as Americans at Candy Plum Boutique on 36th Street and 31st Ave in Astoria, Queens. We have sales every week on t-shirts for men and women, dresses and jewelry. Not only will you be supporting local small business, but also local independent designers. Thx!
xxM