I was trying to write an article but got distracted by the Best Winter Trends from Elle Magazine - of course I wanted to share with you lovelies. Which trends will you rock during this winterwonderland?
I've officially started on my road to Sundance 2013 - my friend Dustin and I are creating a short film from ground up - writing, directing, producing, and starring for submission to Sundance 2013! I've also been busy attending fashion shows and hitting awesome spots like The Smile for brunch and hanging with my fashion friends at Ainsley. xxx Candy
I came across Hills alum and fashionista, Lauren Conrad's 7 Days to Skinny Jeans Plan and thought I would share it with you all. I am definitely on a mission to shed those pesky holiday pounds and get my butt in gear for the upcoming bathing suit season as Spring is right around the corner. Please see below for her plan or visit her blog here. Let me know what you guys think and if you plan on giving it a try!
xxx Candy
Let me guess… It’s 4pm and you’re sitting at your desk still recovering from a post-holiday sugar coma. Your favorite “skinny jeans” are tight. And you are trying to convince yourself you didn’t eat thatmanySparkly Lemon Cookies. But you finally admit, “Maybe I did get a little boy crazy with the Gingerbread Men…” (Ha! You showed him.) Now the hunger pains set in. But you think (dramatically), “No! I’m not eating ever again!” False. Skimping on meals is not going to get you back in your skinnies any sooner. If anything, it will mess up your metabolism even more than your holiday binging. Rather, focus on eating nutritious, balanced meals and working out. It will help get your metabolism pumping and your body burning calories, which will have you back in your skinnies before you know it!
Here’s my 7 Days to Skinny Jeans Plan:
The Rules
Commit. Keep your eyes on the prize (a.k.a. those darn skinny jeans) and if possible, enlist a partner in crime. It’s always easier when you have a buddy for support!
Drink lots of water! At least 8-10 glasses a day.
Pick one exercise to do every day (save one day for rest).
Pick one meal from each category for each day.
Pick one snack for each day. (I like to have a snack between lunch and dinner, but the timing is really up to you.)
If possible, try to sneak in your exercise before breakfast. Otherwise, just make sure you squeeze it into your schedule. This is the important part!
Breakfast Options
Greek yogurt topped with walnuts, a handful of berries (or sliced banana) and a light drizzle of agave nectar
Steel cut oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of dried apricots, 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds and a splash of almond milk
Veggie omelet with a slice of whole grain toast (Click here for my favorite omelet recipe!)
Intervals: run for 60 seconds, walk for 90 seconds (repeat 8 times)
Circuit: 100 jumping jacks, 20 crunches, 20 squats, 10 push ups, 25 bench dips (you can do this using a chair), 60 second wall sit, 60 second plank (repeat two times)
1 hour hike with steady incline
Quickie: 20 lunges, 50 jumping jacks (or swap out jumping jacks for jumping rope for 2 minutes)
Sadly there’s no way to un-eat what you’ve already eaten over the holidays. But thankfully there is a solution: If you make a conscious effort to have healthier eating and exercise habits, your body will bounce back in no time! Be sure to follow this plan for seven days straight. It will be tough, you will be tempted and you will probably slipup a few times. Once you’re done, try to maintain this healthy lifestyle (but reduce your exercise regime to 3-4 times per week). I’ll be starting the plan tomorrow so we can all do this together.
Be sure to check in by leaving a comment on your progress in the comments below!
Aside from the skinny jean incentive, why do you want to get healthy and fit for the New Year?
XO Lauren
P.S. On day seven, snap a photo of yourself donning your good old skinnies! Upload and submit the photograph to your LaurenConrad.com profile page for a chance to be featured as my very first Chic of the Week!
Laura Vela, is my definitive breakout handbag designer from The Accessorie Circuit fashion trade show that is currently taking place at the Chelsea Piers. This young and dynamic designer may only be on her fourth handbag collection but style and fashion vets like Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Sarah Jessica Parker are already sporting her unique designs.
Her handbags are perfect for the Uptown fashionista and even translates to the Downtown chic trendsetter. Did I mention she's was chosen as the youngest designer to show at the Accessories Exhibit at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last February? Read below for my captivating interview with the designer herself and I'm sure you'll fall in love with her just as I did.
Candy Washington: I really love your collections, how did you get your start in the fashion industry and what led you to design your own line?
Laura Vela: For me, fashion has always been a way to express my emotions and the way I see life. It is an art form and I couldn’t imagine my life without it.
I got my start in the industry purely by accident. I started designing bags for myself and my close friends just as a hobby, but then people started asking me to make bags for them. My whole design career snowballed from there and the Laura Vela line was born!
CW: My readers are dying to know, what’s a typical day in the life of Laura Vela?
LV: Hectic. That’s why yoga and coffee are a must every morning before I start my day. After that I start work by checking emails, but usually along the way I will get inspired and drop everything to start painting. Inspiration can come from everywhere; a dream, a phone call or just the mood I am in that day. I tend to view different situations as colors and textures, which translate into my designs. I always have paint in my studio so I can get my feelings out whenever the spirit moves me.
Between checking emails, designing and running in between my press office and sales showroom, I don’t have time for much else. Every day there is something new, and I love never knowing what is going to happen! That is the beauty of being in New York City.
CW: You’ve getting a lot of acclaim from celebrities like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, are there any celebrities you look to for inspiration?
LV: I don’t really see celebrities as celebrities. I see them as everyday people, and I find all people inspiring. Everybody has a story and is interesting in their own unique way, from how they carry themselves to the way they dress and express themselves. I could do an entire collection on someone I hadn’t previously met, just by listening to them and understanding where they came from and what made them who they are today.
CW: Where else do you find your inspiration?
LV: A lot of my inspiration comes from nature. After awhile, the city tends to make me anxious and I have to get out. I feel like myself in nature, it calms me down, and that’s when I am able to do the majority of my sketching.
I love architecture, art and experiencing different cultures. I grew up moving from one country to another, which has had a huge impact on who I am today, and shows in my designs.
CW: As a budding role model to many young women, any advice for aspiring fashionistas?
LV: Find opportunities where others see obstacles. Advice from others is always appreciated, but in the end, you have to follow your own instincts. You never know where they may take you. While I always dreamed of being surrounded by fashion, I could have never imagined actually becoming a designer!
If you want something, go after it.
CW: What is something you know now that you wish you knew when you first started out?
LV: SO many things. While it would have been nice to have someone guiding me through every step, I have learned so much from my mistakes and have grown a great deal from that. Overall, I have learned to be more assertive and confident in my decisions. I wish I would have possessed that quality earlier on, but it’s a learning process.
CW: The January Accessorie Circuit show is coming up, what do you do to prepare for the trade shows? What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of the shows?
LV: Everything needs to be perfect, so it is a lot of organizing, from the line sheets and look books to the booth decoration. It is so important that my booth communicates the message of my brand. There are a lot of people involved and I want everything to run smoothly. I love the creative aspect of designing the aesthetics for the booth, but trying to get everyone on the same page is very stressful!
CW: I know that you are an international traveler, what are some of your favorite destinations? Do you incorporate your travels into your work?
LV: My designs reflect the way I see life, and experiencing so many different cultures provides a unique point of view. I moved to Germany when I was 11 and didn’t speak a word of German. Experiencing that kind of culture shock at such a young age definitely expands your view.
My favorite places in the world are Barcelona, New York, Buenos Aires, and Cascals (Portugal). Barcelona is actually where I found the inspiration for my next collection. The architecture moves me. I find the people, the way of life and just the mood I am in when I am there so inspiring.
CW: We are fashion-obsessed! Any tips on how to wear the latest Fall/Winter trends? What are some of your favorite pieces?
LV: My biggest tip is to never follow logic, just go with your own personal style. I love the juxtaposition of colors and textures. Different feelings can come together to form a singular outfit, like mixing feminine pieces with masculine ones. There is nothing better than a good blazer and an amazing dress, topped off of course with an adorable handbag.
CW: What can we look forward to from Laura Vela in your upcoming collections?
LV: Sophistication and elegance combined with a free spirit and fun. You will see a wild mix of textures, prints and geometric shapes.
CW: If you weren’t a designer – what would you be doing?
LV: I would be painting all day in my little terrace and probably still designing for myself. I need fashion and art in my life. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
CW: What is something you want our readers to know that they can only find out here?
I love to dance ballet and play the piano. Playing the piano calms me down. I also like to dance ballet, but you really don’t want to see that.
Trade Show Round Up: ENK Intermezzo/Accessorie Circuit, Moda, and D&A
by Candy Washington
As I entered Pier 92 on this warmer-than-average day in January, I couldn’t help but notice there were fewer cars and taxis than usual pulling up to the gates that led to the trade shows, but the fashion buzz and excitement remained the same. Buyers, press, and sales reps still filed into the Piers, the Javits Center, and even down the road at D&A. The top trends for the season, and seen from show to show, were color blocking, a return to simplicity, natural tones, neons, the 70′s, embossed snakeskin, mixed fabrications, and softer silhouettes.
The first booth that caught my eye was newcomer, Cut 25. A mixed fabric black leather dress is a must-have for pre-fall and the same dress yet in a deep teal would be ideal for spring. There was also a lime green and light blue color block dress and a salmon mixed fabric jacket, which is my editor’s pick from this collection. Although its the designer’s first time at the trade shows, the collection was representative of some of the most dominant trends for the upcoming season. Lucas Jack: London, another newbie, displayed highly desirable rings, necklaces, and arm-cuffs made from resin and soft golds and silvers with price points starting at $35 and up.
Qi was a stand-out brand, along with its sister company Ainsley. The cashmere cardigans at Qi pulls off color blocking perfectly and is also known for its knitwear. Its looks are vibrant and sexy yet practical. Nevertheless, it is afforable with all price points being lower than $200 and with Fall delivery dates of 7/30, 8/30, and 9/30. The line also boasts long silk maxi skirts in both solids and prints. Ainsley is for the more whimsical girl and the theme of its latest campaign being ‘Journey to Palm Springs’ did not disappoint. The line has an international and quirky appeal but also speaks to the girl-next-door shopper. My favorite piece was a long silk maxi dress with a 70′s inspired butterfly print. There was a also a silk pleated short that is a must-have for stores.
If you are in the market for dresses Stella &Jaime has pretty, soft, and simple dresses with a bit of a sexy edge. The line is also branching out into handbags, some with 4k gold embellishments and a growing celebrity following. Liebeskind Berlin offers leather bags in a variety of colors, the most notable being the natural and neutral toned. Leigh & Luca has soft printed scarves and Gold Hawk has silk, lingerie-esque tops and very feminine pieces. Jane Tran heralds haute headbands and fascinators made from metals, pearls, lace, and mesh.
Since going green is no longer a trend but an embraced way of life, over 40 eco-friendly fashion brands presented at the shows. A break-out brand includes Matt&Nat that houses distressed and smooth leather bags, messenger bags, wallets and portfolios in an array of colors from black, brown, dark purple, blue, grey, and earth tones.
For the New York fashionista in me, I had to stop and peruse the looks at Miilla. The line is for the fashion-foward SoHo girl who is cool enough to wear the pieces at her 9-to-5 and then rock them out-on-town with the girls. The line is simple yet versatile, edgy, and chic. Miila also keppes it fresh by mixing fabrications.
Over at Moda Nakamol Designs, an accessories line based in Chicago, proved to be one of the busiest booths. All designs are hand-made to order and manufactured in Thailand, as the designer is Thai, and the line has a variety of wrap bracelets and necklaces on thin chains with beads, crystals, and pearls. One of their statement pieces was a clear multi-strand crystal couture necklace.
On trend with a return to simplicity, Tiger Mountain, an accessories line, featured a ‘Copper Collection’ of pounded, simple , flat copper pieces with owls, birds, trees, Buddhas, and more on small emblems on necklaces with thin metal chains and rings.
Also on trend with color blocking and neons, Melia Bianco Accessories displayed handbags with bright solid colors, neon solid colors, and natural-toned solid colors, that are perfect for both day and evening wear. My editor’s pick is their medium-sized bronze purse with a large wooden closure.
The overall vibe at Designer’s and Agents was young, hip, cool, and laid-back. The brands and designs shared this motif as well. Koch was a stand out collection and also an eco-friendly line, with a practical light grey sequined jacket that is easily dressed down for everyday wear, oversized sweaters and tops with metallic thread woven through, cute shorts, and bird print tees. The line also included fabric belts with fish charms and feathers. Another green fashion brand and recipient of a D&A Green Leaf Award, was allagiulia, that makes shoes out of recycled materials.
Bella Luxx is the go-to brand for comfy jersey knits, simple pieces, and basics. Don’t forget about daftbird that also has some of the softest, most wearable, and comfortable tops and bottoms. Tracy Watts had cool hats and fedoras for all seasons and their top-seller is a crushable ivory hat. Their prices range from $70 to $125. Sea Bags brings the nautical theme to the next level with canvas bags and totes with anchors on them and their bags are made from recycled sails.
Calleen Cordero Designs was one of the edgier brands at D&A with black leather bags, studded belts, and mixed fabric and embellished shoes. The brand definitely speaks to the hipster, downtown, fashionable girl. For the more conservative girl, look to KaloSoma for solid color and natural colored canvas shorts and bottoms.
I originally wrote this article for FashionEdits, view it here.
Torn between attending the January vs. February fashion trade shows this upcoming season? From ENK, the Accessorie Circuit, PROJECT, Dallas Market Center, to LA’s CLASS shows and more, there are so many choices, with the first being, which month to attend? Don’t fret my fearless fashion friends, here at FashionEdits we are giving you the skinny on which trades show month will be the hottest and why.
Our industry insider, Anne, who works closely with top brands like Rebecca Minkoff, White and Warren, and Three Dots for their Canadian distribution, tells us exclusively that even though some stores, especially those traveling from Canada, opt out of the January shows in favor of the larger event in February, the January shows still prove extremely lucrative – going for quality vs quantity. The traffic is still heavy in January, but you get more one-on-one time with the buyers which leads to larger and often repeat sales. This trend seems to be due to the heavy emphasis on accessories in January and many buyers are focusing on immediate buys so the January ship dates work in their favor.
Michelle Rowe who represents the famed Lauren Merkin handbag and accessories designer collection, echoes this same sentiment. There is slower and less traffic during the January shows where as February sees a flurry of buyers, press, and more booths. However, January proves to be the most lucrative time for order placements and one-on-one time with buyers and vendors, especially those looking to stock their stores with accessories, handbags, jewelry, and shoes. So less traffic in January but the quality time means more for the bottom-line.
Since during the February shows the majority of fashion brands are showing their Fall and Winter collections for July and August delivery, many buyers and retailers are wary to buy accessories and handbags so far ahead of season.
Obviously this buying and selling trend for accessories would be the opposite for apparel. So if you have your accessories covered and are looking for the top clothing buys, then the February shows are not-to-be-missed. During the February trade shows not only does the traffic increase but there are also more booths and brands to peruse, and it is the optimal time to place your orders for Fall and Winter designs.
Another reason to swing by the shows during February is because you most likely find new and emerging designers during this time – and who isn’t looking for the next big thing?
Nonetheless, it’s clear that both months are inherently invaluable to the fashion community as trade shows, from New York to Los Angeles, are the glue that holds all fashion facets together. Even the fashionistas from somewhere in between, like Dallas, Texas, knows the importance of trade shows.
“Each Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market has become valuable to retailers as they continue to buy closer to need,” said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. “Our five annual Markets including January are order-writing shows and are a smart business investment for buyers.”
Our parting advice: if accessories are your thing, January is your time to shine, but if you need to add apparel and clothing to your arsenal, you best bet is the February shows. Either way, we’ve got you covered, so stay tuned for our fashion and trend recaps of both months of shows.
Hey guys, see below for an awesome interview my friend Christa Scherck of Celebrity StylePublicity did with ShoesTV. Read the article on their site here. Let me know your thoughts. xxx Candy
The shoes you put on your feet have a habit of speaking loudly and clearly in a language that anyone and everyone can understand. But have you ever thought about what exact message your shoes are sending about you?
We think about it. In fact, we think about it every day (It’s kinda our job). And it’s celebrity stylist Christa Scherck’s job to think about the messages that her clients shoes are sending, too. So we thought we’d get Scherck’s point of view on a cross-selection of shoes from the ShoesTV vault. Listen closely.
It looks like a great commuter shoe. The woman who wears these has a good job, she knows that these shoes are worth the investment. She’s focused on her career. She has some stability in her life.
These look like a splurge! These are the shoes of a high-level executive who probably isn’t on her feet too much. A mature woman could wear these, maybe even a woman who’s into her 50s. She’s self-assured, creatively minded, and experienced. They look very artistic, and on the right women they could make a big statement.
It’s a sexually powerful shoe. It could work for the woman who wants to go out with her friends to the clubs and wear her little man-catching dress, but it could also work in a high-fashion sense. These shoes would look great with a minimalist color-blocked dress—minimalist meaning no buttons. That’s how you can balance a shoe like this.
"Sensible" is a good word. These are not the shoes of a girl who bends the rules or pushes boundaries. These shoes are very on-trend, and I can see these for a teenager or a soccer mom at the park.
At first glance I did not like these shoes. I felt that these are for a woman who is insecure and doesn’t want to show her legs. Then I realized that a shoe like this would look great if you paired it with light pink socks and a cap-sleeve pencil dress. It could look very Prada or it could look very Anthropologie. The girl who chooses shoes like this is playful and she likes cute, happy things. She’s very romantic. And this is a very romantic, sensitive shoe.
I want them! These are super stylish shoes. They make me think of a woman who's vacationing in Aspen. They can look great with skinny jeans or knit legging, and at the end of the day you can put on your cashmere robe and feel glamorous wearing them around the house. Anyone who wears these is going to feel luxurious.
Came across this and thought I would share - awesome message.
In light of the shameful H&M ad campaign using digitally created model bodies (http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/h-m-virtual-models-lingerie-bikini-ads-article-1.987589), I'd like to bring to your attention the efforts of Katie Halchishick, a former plus size model, who's Healthy is the New Skinny campaign works to combat the harm these industry ideals cause with an informative multi-media school assembly program that sheds light on body image issues that are plaguing young teenage women around the country.
Katie, once a plus size model signed to FORD, often maintained an unhealthy high weight to insure a successful, lucrative career. At times she was even forced to wear fat suits if her weight fluctuated under the plus size industry standard. When Katie made the personal choice to embrace a healthier, more natural weight, she soon discovered there was no market for natural looking models who were sized between 4 and 10. She decided immediately to change that. Thus Katie began Natural Model Management, an LA based modeling agency that champions using models with healthy physiques in the unrepresented "middle range" of sizes. At Natural Model Management, Katie works with the young models to embrace healthy body images for their individual body shape; never pushing for extremes, but instead supporting and nurturing each models goals.
Katie has started a powerful movement that includes efforts like the Healthy is the New Skinny website. An online haven for nurturing healthy mindsets, the HNS website includes posts, videos, and interactive message boards that focus on a more "natural" look at the fashion industry. From this campaign, branched the PUP (perfectly UnPerfected) Program (www.hnspup.com) with Dr. Hugo Schwyzer, a powerful multi-media workshop designed to transform how middle school and high school students think and feel about their bodies while stressing the importance of healthy lifestyle choices. Currently, the team is gearing up for a tour of Seattle and Los Angeles based schools in February and early spring, respectfully.
