D.I.Y. Style: The New Denim

Denim Flare 

Flare If You Dare
Flare If You Dare

Denim has been a part of our closet since the 1800s. In that time denim has gone from working class basic, to high-end staple. Fashion, film, and iconic symbols have kept denim at the forefront of all trends.

Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes
Rihanna
Rihanna

Today, denim influences can be seen on every level. The biggest recent change-up has been the look. For almost fifteen years denim has been ruled by low-rise waist lines. The pendulum has swung in our cultural landscape, as Manhattan has moved to other conquest, and Brooklyn has taken back the street symbol. No other venue has taken back denim more than television.

Skinny Chic
Skinny Chic

 

The Folded Jean
The Folded Jean
80' Hair Band
80′ Hair Band

In the early part of the 21st century Sex And The City created fashion rules. Now, Girls! The influence of this new show, now in its third season, can be seen on its lead character Hannah, played by show creator Lena Dunham. She is in charge, and with that, demanding her own style. The low-rise pant hits you in the widest part of your body, so staying slim means a lot. In the high waist, the eye is drawn to the smallest part of your body, while accentuating your curves. Therefore the high waist line has become a hit!

Brooklyn Girl
Brooklyn Girl

Now  the flare. Skinny vs. Flare has been the debate for a few seasons now. It has not caught on the way fashion would like to, as street style seems to still be holding onto the skinny leg. That may change seasons forward, but for now I would say play with the trend. The flare is always a flattering shape for any size. Here are a few suggestions to make the flare your own. Not brave enough. Keep the skinny and pull up your pants. It maybe the first time you get a compliment from your mom!

Fashion Girl
Fashion Girl
Street Flare
Street Flare

Raw Edges: Baiyu

BAIYU @ VDS

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6_uDsUPyLQ

When you get to an after party, you only have one thing on your mind. Whose wearing what! Well, maybe only me. Victor dE Souza (VDS) had a wonderful after party during NYFW Fall 2012, and he is the man who dresses major singing sensations like Rihanna, Gaga, and Cyndi Lauper, so when I spotted Baiyu, I shouldn’t have been shocked.

Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/

I noticed this fashion savvy singer front row during the VDS show. Her style was eclectic and luxurious, “girl, I see your Chanel bag.” Her fur hat was fitting for the cold NY air, but her personality was all sunshine. Check out our Muse Closet interview with Baiyu, to hear how this lovely song bird describes her style.

Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS
Baiyu: Backstage @ VDS

When Baiyu told me she was a singer, I was curious to know her musical style. I admit, l’ve grown up listening to Asian pop music, so my mind was racing to see if this girl was on my iTunes playlist–I was wrong. This American Asian signer sent me her track, and I almost fainted–girl has soul.

Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/
Baiyu: Official Website (Source) http://www.baiyuonline.com/site/

Her music, like her personality, is electric. Her smooth alluring voice reminds me of great R&B divas. Her singing chops are authentic and original, like her style. I am now obsessed with her, and her music is on my iTunes in full rotation. Check out her videos and music for yourself. (Baiyu: YouTube Channel)

VDS SHOW

=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClBz9YTCrgM

NYFW: FALL 2012 Report

Take A Bite…

Peak-A-Boo: VDS
Peak-A-Boo: VDS

Fashion Week begins, and the Big Apple is all abuzz with excitement of fresh faces, and  wonderful new friends. Packed lines are waiting to fill empty show spaces with anticipated guest. The RSVP’s are done, as guest roll in, one-by-one, to fill a fabulous location. Tonight was Designer Victor dE Souza–designer to the stars.

Backstage: VDS
Backstage: VDS
Backstage: VDS
Backstage: VDS

I had a chance to interview Victor dE Souza, he is a wonderful man and a spunky character.  He has dressed everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker, to Lady GAGA, and Rihanna. Check my blog in coming weeks for the exciting interview and backstage view of his Fall 2012 collection.

Backstage: VDS
Backstage: VDS; Designer and Guests

I, and fellow crowd watches gazed with glee at his wonderful creations tonight, most of all his fabulous muse—“Lady in Red.” Chris De Bugh’s soundtrack was in my head all night, as photographers snapped her photo from every angle.

Backstage: VDS
Backstage: VDS

Here is a sneak peek so you can see why he is the designer to the stars. Fall 2012 is amazing—stay tuned…

Peak-A-Boo: VDS
Peak-A-Boo: VDS

Excuse my bad visuals, I promise my video is amazing… Also see if you can spot my fashion style muse in the crowd. One hint, she’s bootylicious! I have a wonderful interview and style post with her as well coming soon…

Rihanna

Rihanna

Star-Rihanna
Star-Rihanna

I am not a paparazzi journalist, as you can tell by my amateur photos, but I had to comment on this recent story I read in Star magazine.

This past summer I was in L.A. looking for a new red carpet outfit when a little birdie told me Vivienne Westwood opened her first North American store in L.A. on Melrose. I drove past the store many times during my trip, and it seemed close enough to my hotel to walk, after retuning my week long rental before my flight, I hit the streets and walked to Westwood, big mistake!

Star-Rihanna
Star-Rihanna

Walking down the very long blocks of L.A. in the hot sun, I would pop into stores to get cool to keep from passing out, and of course shopaholic that I am–buy something. Finally, with a million bags in hand and ready to faint from the sun, I almost gave up, when before me stood Westwood…

Out of breath and ready to pass out from heat stroke–shoes, bags, and clothes oh, my–got me back into gear. Me, and a group of shoppers, as you can see from my picture, who wouldn’t get out of my way, raided the racks of Westwood. Then all of a sudden a black SVU parked in front. A very skinny women stepped out of the car with gay-pal and body guard. I only glanced at first, and I washed her away for some tacky Beverly Hills housewife. I was wrong, it was Rihanna!

Vivienne Westwood--Rihanna
Vivienne Westwood--Rihanna
Vivienne Westwood--Rihanna
Vivienne Westwood--Rihanna

I do like her music, but I can’t say I was a fan before this moment. However, watching her made me love her more. She is so beautiful in real life, you almost forget how young and accomplished she is at her age. I assume her gay-pal sucking on a lollipop was her stylist, please girl let me help you. I saw her touch about three items before three sales associates started grabbing racks of clothes and rushing to a dressing room, must be nice, I could barely get them to give me water.

Vivienne Westwood--Sandals
Vivienne Westwood--Sandals

I digress, my sales associate helped me with some darling shoes, and as I stood at the counter I snapped her picture. I didn’t want to, but I had to. She was so amazing in real life. The Star article suggest that Rihanna is overworked and coping by partying. I don’t know if this is true or not, but I feel for her. Young starlets are pushed to the breaking point to release album after album and employee many people. The pressure can be immense for the experienced mogul businessman. Therefore to be twenty-something, perform, and manage millions could break anyone. The most disheartening part to me is that Rihanna was really alone; a bodyguard and stylist does not a friendship make. I guess that’s why so many starlets feel alone.