Raising an Olympian - GABBY DOUGLAS

August 16, 2012Candy WashingtonComment

This is the sweetest and most inspiring story!

Coco Rocha Takes On 'Alter Ego' With White House Black Market

August 13, 2012Candy WashingtonComment

This just in... xxx

WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET - FALL 2012
Model Coco Rocha will take center stage in a television ad entitled 'Alter Ego'. Performing a carefully choreographed dance routine, the multi-talented Rocha demonstrates that being a great model can sometimes mean more than just striking a pose. For the spot she perfected her moves with the help of Broadway choreographer Laurin Latarro. Featuring approximately 12 different head-to-toe looks in the 30 second spot - Rocha becomes the tap dance equivalent of a quick change artist. All plays out with a surprise reveal that takes the concept to the next level.

The TV spot is part of the White House Black Market overall Fall 2012 marketing campaign that includes broadcast, print advertising and direct mail.

The print ads and marketing images, photographed by Glen Luchford, also carry through with the dance theme. Shot on the same set at the TV spot, the images feature Rocha in various states of dance as well as some more traditional fashion poses.

Production Credits:
Model - Coco Rocha
Director - Matt Bieler with participation of Johan Renck Photographer - Glen Luchford
Creative - Ceft and Company New York
Choreographer - Laurin Latarro

Avril Lavigne brings Abbey Dawn to MAGIC

August 13, 2012Candy Washington1 Comment

I just got the insider scoop that Avril Lavigne's fashion line, Abbey Dawn, will be showing at MAGIC in Las Vegas. Read below for the details!

The global superstar, singer/songwriter and designer will celebrate the launch of her Spring 2013 Collection at MAGIC. Staying true to her rock and roll theme Avril incorporates new colors and patterns into her apparel collection of dresses, blazers, hoodies, tees, shorts and leggings. Abbey Dawn has expanded its lifestyle brand into multiple categories for spring 2013. Abbey Dawn introduces a new rollout of chic swimsuits and cover-ups. Abbey Dawn’s accessory collection has expanded immensely now including an extensive shoe and handbag collection.

Abbey Dawn is the lifestyle brand of world-renowned singer/songwriter and eight-time Grammy nominee Avril Lavigne, who continues to influence fans with her bold sense of style and sound.

Abbey Dawn is for those who have the confidence to express themselves in a way that doesn’t conform to the traditional rules of fashion. Using bright colors, street savvy prints, and vintage washes, Abbey Dawn is a reflection of Avril Lavigne’s rock n’ roll lifestyle and attitude towards fashion. For more information, visit www.AbbeyDawn.com

It's a jungle out there: ENK's Intermezzo and Accessorie Circuit Fashion Tradeshows

August 9, 2012Candy Washington2 Comments

The summer is winding down and it’s a jungle out there – especially when it comes to ENK’s Intermezzo and Accessorie Circuit fashion tradeshows that took place in New York from August 5-7, 2012. The first thing that I noticed was its new, tropical-themed design with large green leaves and colorful flowers. I couldn’t wait to see if the accessory and apparel booths inside mimicked the new jungle theme. The layout of the shows was typical in fashion, rows and rows of established and emerging designers displaying the latest and greatest fashion finds.

What did mimic the jungle theme were the trends in accessories and apparel. One of my breakout brands this season is Double Happiness Jewelry. One of its collections is inspired by The Hunger Games and each piece of jewelry is named after one of the characters. Each piece is handcrafted and made in the USA. The necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings are created from polymer clay or carved from wax, and are mineral washed. The gold pieces, there are also silver and black, are treated in gold leaf. Double Happiness also had an impressive holiday-inspired line that incorporated greens, reds, and purples. Its price points range from $100-300 depending on the piece.

Honing in on the jungle trend, Fahrenheit NY offered earthy belts and accessories and Amy Kahn Russell displayed rainbow-colored necklaces and jewelry. For back-to-basics, Monrow has comfy basic knits in tees, tanks, tops, hoodies, and bottoms. If you are gearing to stock your stores and closets with warmer attire for the upcoming fall and winter seasonal then turn to Carolina Amato for chunky knits and furs. Become one with nature as a boho-babe in designs by Calleen Cordero and swing by Sorrelli Jewelry for statement jewelry pieces. Other stand-out booths were Remi & Ried for scarves, leather bags, and skinny belts, Dareen Hakim for awesome bags, Parker for fun and flirty ensembles, Free People for the quintessential haute hippie look, Walter for prints, blazers, and the casual luxury style, and Romeo & Juliet Couture for sequined tops and dresses.

Quick trend guide:
Clean and sleek silhouettes
Return to simplicity
Return to nature
Fur
Leather
Silver and gold
Prints

So long sweet summer: A look back at the trends

August 9, 2012Candy WashingtonComment

This summer is all about being pretty in pastels. Sorbet hues and candy-colored accessories, tops, and bottoms dominate during hot summer days and nights. Find light and lovely tops and dresses at Lily Pultizer and shop an array of designer duds who offer soft and sweet pastels at Shopbop.

White

It’s time to get white hot this summer. Adding white to your wardrobe instantly turns up the heat on any look. For a sultry white ensemble that can go from the boardroom to the beach, check out Stella McCartney’s summer 2012 collection. If you’re on the prowl for t-shirts, summer sweaters, and casual dresses stop by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Of course, White House Black Market will have the latest and hottest in white apparel.

Peplum

It’s time to get picture perfect in peplum for summer. The peplum silhouette is the ideal look for spring and summer weddings or any other occasional that isn’t quite black-tie but not as casual as cocktail hour. The designs at Alice + Olivia harness the power of peplum and for a lower-price point turn to Urban Outfitters for an edgier take on this classic look.

Transparency

Peek-a-boo, I see you this summer. Transparency is the go-to trend and an excellent way to beat the heat while adding dimension to your wardrobe. There are several ways to rock this look: for sheer skirts, long and short, visit Pixie Market and for see-through tanks and tops check out Free People.

Colorful Jeans

Thought playing with crayons was just for kids? Think again. Rainbow-colored jeans are all the rage this summer and will add a colorful pop to your closet. The Gap offers a spectrum of colorful denim options and for a variety of designers doing denim in a colorful way pay a visit to your nearest Nordstrom’s.

Stripes

You’ll find yourself behind bars this summer if you don’t partake in the stripes trend. Whether they are horizontal, vertical, wide, or thin, stripes puts an extra strut in your stylish step. Score some stripes at Uniqglo and don’t forget about Steven Alan for your stylish stripes needs.

Prints

Summer is the time to party in prints. From floral, tribal, animal, to polka dots, wearing prints is an easy way to make a fashionable statement while leaving your mark. Madewell possesses pretty print dresses, tops, and even denim. To bring out your more sophisticated side while still being playful in prints, shop at Club Monaco.

Bra-tops

Blame it on an 80’s Madonna, but bra tops are back in a big way. Bra tops allow you to cool off during the dog days of summer. If you’re into a more racy look find your top at Miss Selfridge, but if a more subdued look is your style then opt for this trend at Topshop.

Hi-top Sneakers

Ready to up your street cred? All the cool kids are wearing hi-top sneakers this summer, even the models. Nike designs the kicks in almost shade of the rainbow, Aldo offers the look in multiple fabrications like leather and suede, and Guiseppe Zanotti embellishes the sneakers with metal studs and neon colors.

Suspenders

This summer’s main accessory is the suspender. Made famous by geeky Urkel in the 90’s, suspenders add a little flair with a hipster twist to your wardrobe this season. American Apparel is stocked with varying colors and lengths, and even has a unisex option of savvy suspenders while Macy’s provides a broad range of suspenders in men, women, and kids.

Olympics

Ready to go for the gold this summer and revamp your closet with Olympic-inspired fashion finds? Be sure to stop by Topshop, a London-based store that is now a shopping staple in the heart of Soho. Topshop offers a cool ‘Made in Britain’ section, so if you can’t make it to the UK for the games, at least you can look like you did! If you’re looking to go the extra mile, pick up metallic accessories in gold, bronze, and silver. Our go-to spots are J.Crew and Rebecca Minkoff for the perfect sparkly additions that will give any outfit the Midas touch.

Love is in the air: your fashion map to finding love

August 9, 2012Candy WashingtonComment

What's even more nerve-wrecking than waiting for your crush to finally ask you out is finding the perfect first date outfit to knock 'em dead. Don't fret my smitten fashionistas, I have put together the ultimate shopping love map that leads straight from the stores to your lover's heart (with the a little help from beSleek).

To be confident throughout the night, start with a sexy foundation - lingerie.

La Vie en Rose
Even though your special someone may not get to see your lovely undergarments, you’ll feel even more beautiful knowing you have a sexy secret under your date night outfit. Before you start the hunt for your main outfit, stop by La Vie en Rose to pick up some seductive underwear. Need a helpful hint? Men typically like darker hues like navy and black. Opt for a wistful white if your date if during the warmer months to compliment your tan. For a more traditional look, choose bra and undies in a classic fit to make a soft and charming first impression.

Add some color to attract his attention

Bedo
A surefire way to ensure your date only has eyes for you is by adding color to your first date outfit. Colorful dresses enhances the femininity of any women and when done correctly, it compliments all shapes and sizes so be sure to choose wisely for your body type because nothing is more sexy than a woman comfortable in her own skin. Our favorites are: the two-tone sundress ($ 64.95); the bandage tube dress, for sexy curves; the maxi striped dress for a casual vibe ($ 39.95).

Comfort equals sexy confidence

Jacob
Jacob makes soft, casual and comfortable basics, which can help you keep your cool when the heart palpitations become too intense! Avoid fabric overload like wraps an shawls and choose to amp up the sex factor. Of course you should show some skin but keep it classy and leave something for his imagination. We love these three styles of cropped pants: fitted black pant ($ 49.99), the tight trousers (29.99), and the floral print pants. Pair them with a simple tee or jazz up your black pants with a sleeveless striped blouse, striped ($ 24.99) and add bracelets for a pop of color. Grey pants with white sleeveless lace camisole ($ 34.99) paired with low converse or ballerina flats will help you pull off the casual cutie look. Want to wear prints? Be sure to match your printed pants with a solid top like a plunging black camisole.

A perfect pair of jeans is your perfect companion

Buffalo
No matter where you go on your first date like a baseball game, trendy restaurant, or even a walk in the park, denim is a girl’s best friend. As we all know, it’s important to choose a style that flatters your figure. What we love about denim is the array of washes and silhouettes. Choose a darker wash if you are feeling daring or a lighter wash for a flirtier vibe. Skinny jeans are still on top trend wise, but dare to be bold in a high-waist jean for a throwback to the 70’s. Our casual jean suggestion is the Isabella ($ 89.00) but for a sexier denim suggestion buy the Gisele ($ 108.00).

Time to top it off and all about the accessory

Simons
Once you’ve got your bottom covered, it’s time to find its picture perfect match to top it off. Start by rummaging the loft at Simons for tops and tanks. Our favorite brands include Vero Moda for a youthful and current look and you can never go wrong with Chloe’s fun, playful, and feminine pieces. One of the major trends this summer is transparency so take the opportunity to be seductive in a see-through top. Don’t forget to stop by the main floor to peruse their array of accessories. Stack your bracelets or mix-and-match your earrings and bracelet for an edgier look. Wear a white-hot bag for added appeal or a candy-colored bag to hone in on the color-blocking trend.

Mimi and Coco
For fluid, soft and comfortable tops, you can always count on the Quebec’s based and Italian made company Mimi and Coco. We love the wide colorful selection of camisoles, tees in both short and long sleeved versions, and savvy cardigans. Their pieces also offer varying necklines, so be sure to pick one that goes best with your figure. To show some rock sensibility, any of their loose printed white camisoles paired with vintage jeans, a statement bag, and some stacked bracelets will have your date singing your praises.

And remember, no matter what you wear, have fun!