Marc/Ella

I first met Jaime a few years ago at a mutual friends birthday party. A student at FIT, we quickly bonded over fashion and a love of the Real Housewives of New Jersey (namely Teresa's infamous table flip). After running into each other quite randomly at my graduation last year, Jaime mentioned that he was in the process of designing a collection with his childhood friend Brenda, called Marc/Ella. 

It's been a long time in the making, but Marc/Ella is finally here! Hearing about MENY (Marc/Ella NY) was one thing, but seeing the collection come to life is something completely different. Read: I'm kind of obsessed. I had the chance to catch to catch up with Brenda and Jaime, the designers behind the collection, to learn more about them and MENY. 

First off, I absolutely love the collection! What were some of the influences for the S/S collection?

Jaime & I both have very similar styles.  We are huge fans of anything vintage so with this collection, we really wanted to bring it back to a simpler time. We decided to take silhouettes from different decades and unify them in our collection. When we see this collection, it's Molly Ringwald meets Chanel; the collection is classic but still very modern. 

How does being in NYC influence or inspire your designs, if at all?  

I mean, how can one not be inspired by NYC? Everywhere you turn, a wall of graffiti turns into a timeless piece of city art. Our designs represent not so much the city we're in, but the people in it. Although it's women's clothing, we have a lot of silhouettes and materials found in menswear. New York is a melting pot, and there's something for everyone in this Big City, and that's what I want to do with MENY. 

My favorite look from the collection.

Tell me about the MENY woman. Who is she?

The MENY woman is one who demands attention when walking in a room. A Woman who inspires, and just by being themselves, create a buzz. Her strength is immense and her independence gives her power. She goes from working 9-5 to socializing 5-9 and always looks fabulous doing so. She embodies what most young women in NYC inspire to be. She's a little bit of you & a little bit of me. 

Now what about Brenda and Jaime? How much of your personal style is reflected in Marc/Ella? 

Like I said before, we both have very classic styles and it is all over MENY. I would say that Marc/Ella is definitely an even balance between masculine and feminine styles and in whole the clothes really reflect who we are. 

What is the best part of designing for you?

Playing around with the different styles and silhouettes before choosing the ones that make it to the collection. We design maybe 40+ different looks and cut them down to a final 10. Our collection is small, but we still like to see what our minds come up with. Jaime is a genius and it's really incredible how similar our design aesthetic is.  

If you had to pick one piece from the collection that you thought every woman should own, what would it be?

I don't know if I could choose just one. They're all so great and versatile in their own way. I guess it's a tie between the Jane Parka & the Madeline Maxi. They are two totally different pieces but who doesn't need a parka with NYC weather? And as for the Madeline Maxi, I just feel like that piece can elongate the shortest pair of legs, and really make a woman feel fabulous.

A HUGE congratulations to Brenda and Jaime for a job well done on their first collection!! The Marc/Ella shop is live now for shopping here, so be sure to check it out!

Jumpsuits

After months and months of searching for the perfect one, I have finally come to the conclusion that jumpsuits are just not for me. As much as I love them, they just never fit me right and I always end up looking like a grown child in need of a diaper change. Not a good look. 

I may try one on while out shopping hoping it's "the one", but I've more or less given up on a jumpsuit for now. (Although, I have been considering having one custom-made...) But at least I tried! While I may not be able to wear one, I will still admire others who pull off the jumpsuit so effortlessly. 

 IMAGE SOURCES: Miroslava Duma, DVF, Valentino, Rachel Zoe, via Tumblr

Have you given jumpsuits a try? What's a look or style you've tried that just didn't work out?

An Epic Unveiling

There's no doubt that fashion usually gets as much attention as say the actors and location selected for a film, but I never thought that same went for an animated film. Last Thursday, I had the chance to get a special "behind the seams" look at Blue Sky Studios soon to be released (My 24th!) 3D adventure comedy, Epic, where I got to see just how intense the process of "designing" for an animated film is.

The presentation began with a look at the movie, followed by Epic's art director Michael Knapp giving us a glance of the last four years of the movie's production. (Epic began production in 2009.) He explained the inspiration for the characters costumes and how nature played as the ultimate muse, since Epic is set in the forest. This ultimately meant that there was no holding back in the sources of artistry, with details and movements often overlooked or unnoticed by the human eye (like the sepals of a flower,) playing a significant part in a characters look.

Following Michael Knapp's presentation, designer Chris Benz then unveiled his dress inspired by the movie, made of a fabric that is exclusive to the film. Both Michael Knapp and Chris Benz sat down together to answer a few questions regarding the movie, the design process, and their collaboration. Chris Benz joked that every season in his studio, green often becomes a neutral, go-to color, so creating the dress for Epic couldn't have been more fitting. Both agreed that the design process is no easy undertaking, but in the end, it is all worth it. 

Needless to say by the end of the presentation, I was truly blown away by all of the details and work that went into making Epic one fashionable adventure. Between the fashion and the stylish cast, (Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Aziz Ansari, Colin Farrell, Beyonce to name a few), Epic is surely a fitting name for this film!  

For more pictures of the event, head on over to my Facebook page!

A huge thank you to Jennine and IFB for the opportunity! 

Rainy Day Shopping

Unless they interfere with plans, I love a rainy day on the weekend. It gives me the perfect opportunity to curl up in bed and catch up on some reading, watch some of my favorite movies, and just chill. It also gives me the opportunity to partake in my favorite every rainy day pastime: online shopping. A few things I have ready to checkout...

skirt | Mossimo 

The criss cross skirt from Mossimo reminds me of this Helmut Lang skirt, but in a longer length.  While I love the HL version, I am not sure that I love it enough to buy it. Maybe the Mossimo one can be a "tester."

sandals | Mossimo 
I bought these sandals in gold a few weeks ago, not even realizing that they also came in silver. It's okay to buy them both, right?

jeans | Old Navy 'Rockstars' 

It's truly a shame that I am just now trying The Rockstar jeans from Old Navy, considering they were released when I was working there. I have always had the hardest time finding jeans for my height, but after picking up these pants a few months ago and these jeans this past week, I think the Rockstars may be "the one." Plus, they are on sale this weekend for $19!

bag | Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini Quilted Affair' 

I have had my eye on this bag for quite awhile now, and the fact that I have a credit and a Nordstrom Note burning a hole in my pocket makes me want to get it now. The thing is, while I know I will get a ton of use out of the Minkoff bag, part of me thinks I should get the Dooney & Bourke bag that I posted about back in March first, as it is more of a "summer" bag.  Suggestions?


Happy Saturday! What are your plans for the day/weekend? 

Met Gala Favorites

What did everyone think of the Met Gala red carpet last night? Given the theme, "Punk: Chaos to Couture," I was expecting so much more. I was really hoping to see looks that were a little less refined and glamorous, but still done in a high fashion way. (Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2011 comes to mind.)

Theme aside, overall I was not disappointed by the fashions of last night. I mean, it is the Met Gala, so great fashion is a given. I love to dish on red carpet looks, so I would love to know who you're favorites (or not) of the night were!

Hilary Rhoda in Wes Gordon

Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuillier

Chloe Sevigny in Proenza Schouler

Ivanka Trump in Juan Carlos Obando

Madonna in Givenchy

Diane Von Furstenberg

Cara Delevingne in Burberry

Queen Donatella Versace

Julie Macklowe in Zang Toi

Blake Lively in Gucci

True story: If Blake Lively is on a red carpet and I'm doing a roundup, she's automatically included. Love. Her. 

You can also check out more of my Met Gala favorites on my red carpet board on Pinterest!

Photos via AP, NY Mag, Reuters

A Spectacle.

The thought of "April showers bring May flowers," may add a new umbrella or pair of rain boots (or both) to the spring shopping list of many. Come to think of it, I do need a new umbrella, but instead, I am looking to pick up a new pair of eyeglasses. April showers may bring beautiful May flowers, but they also bring the worst time of year for many: allergy season. Itchy eyes + contacts = no bueno.

While I may be using the upcoming allergy season as an excuse, truthfully, I've been meaning to pick up a new pair of glasses for the longest time. It's been almost 3 years since I got my current frames and I have never liked them. I think they are nothing short of hideous and I won't even wear them out in public.* My search for nice, new specs has brought me to none other than Warby Parker. I have been following the brand for a while and absolutely love their fashionable, yet affordable eyewear, as well as their "buy a pair, give a pair" program. I can't wait to check out their showroom and pick out my new frames!  Now to narrow done my favorites list to a favorite...

*slight exaggeration. 

Sibley

Reece

Linwood

Wilkie

Nedwin

Are you a fan of Warby Parker? Which ones are your favorite? 

Spring Inspo: Dolce & Gabbana S12

One look that I am mildly obsessed with for spring/summer (to say the least) is a crop top with a sweetheart neckline. There is something about that teeniest bit of exposed midriff that is a bit cheeky, yet tasteful (when done right of course).  Even though this is an "old" collection in the fashion world, I still absolutely love the way Dolce & Gabbana did this look in the majority of their Spring 2012 collection. 

Fashion Documentaries

While I am not much of a movie person, I absolutely love to watch documentaries, especially fashion related ones. I love that rare glimpse inside of the fashion industry and those moments one may not get to see otherwise. I have a huge list of fashion docs I hope to watch soon, but here are a few of my absolute favorites that I can't help but watch over and over again. (I promise, I will only give brief insight. No spoilers here if you haven't watched!)

The September Issue

A professor in one of my Fashion Buying and Merchandising classes required us to see this movie when it was first released in theaters. Best assignment ever. As much as I wanted to see Anna Wintour give a lecture on cerulean, I left the theater with a new found respect for her, as well as Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley. To see all that goes into the making of the September issue, and the months, weeks, days, and even hours leading up to the closing of the issue, is truly phenomenal. 

Valentino: The Last Emperor

Whether in print or picture, I always find a designer profile to be so fascinating. To learn where they from, or where they live, and where they get their inspiration from, can make an admirer and consumer feel so much more connected to the designer and the brand. Watching The Last Emperor will leave you with that feeling. Valentino was truly a master at his craft and every piece he designed was a masterpiece. Be forewarned: you will probably want a red Valentino dress and a pug after watching. 

Bill Cunningham, New York

Bill Cunningham is the creator of street style as we know it. While street style is often worthy of air quotes nowadays, Bill Cunningham has this amazing gift of being able to capture what is truly authentic. When I was younger, I loved nothing more than browsing the Sunday Styles section for every image he had captured that week on the streets and at the various society galas. Needless to say, I was truly awestruck when I caught a glimpse of him back in 2011 at FNO. I know I sound like a total fan girl, but he is truly remarkable, and this doc enforces that. 

The Tents

Even though they were temporary, the tents in Bryant Park were as iconic to me as the Empire State Building. Seeing them go up used to bring such delight to my little fashion loving heart. This documentary chronicles not just the history and start of NYFW, but the last season in Bryant Park leading up to the move to Lincoln Center. If you are a lover of New York and Fashion Week, this one is a must watch.

Do you have a favorite fashion documentary? If you could pick an aspect of the industry or a designer, what would your ideal fashion documentary be about?

Hibernation Season.

The Nor'easter that hit yesterday was supposed to bring rain and high winds. Instead, it brought snow. Half a foot of it. Totally unexpected, but I will always welcome a snowfall (granted I don't have to trek in it,) especially when it is the first one of the season. Since I am always cold (currently using a heating pad as a foot warmer...) I love nothing more than chunky knits and fleece blankets to keep warm during the colder months. 

(clockwise) High/low knit sweater: Target (Mossimo), Fleece lined leggings (the warmth!): Armani Exchange, Cozy critter socks (an essential novelty for this time of year.): Old Navy, Monogram blanket (a cozy, personal touch.): Pottery Barn, Slippers: Minnetonka

The items on this list I am most excited about? Everything. I play no favorites.

Pre-Fall Runway Inspiration

Even though "embrace the season in its entirety" was on my to do list for summer, I can't help but be excited for fall. It never fails that around the middle of August I become slightly over summer, and dream of crisper days, chunky knits, and all the fun that comes with the best time of year. 

Since fall shopping is a bit impractical right now (it was 85 today...), I did the next best thing: I browsed the Pre-Fall looks on Harper's Bazaar. While I may not be shopping right this moment, its nice to get an idea of what I want to shop for when the season actually rolls around and new ways to transition some of my favorite summer pieces. 

Looks by: Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Chloé, Versace, Giorgio Armani, DVF, Rag&Bone.

*Images via Harper's Bazaar. See more Pre-Fall looks here.

NYFW Roundup/What I Want to Wear this Fall

I'm always amused at how the fashion "cycle" works. Just as I am craving spring, NYFW comes along and has me looking ahead to fall. This season was a bit different as it gave me a whole lot more to fall in love with and (eventually) look forward to.

There were three things I absolutely loved this season. First off, COLOR! It was really nice to see traditionally spring colors like pastel pink, blue and lavender on the runway, in addition to the fall staples of emerald, royal blue and other jewel tones.

My next love was the return of the turtleneck! I feel like the turtleneck has been shunned in the last few years, and I'm not sure why. I have always thought of the turtleneck (in the right cut and fabric) as one of the most basic wardrobe essentials, as well as the best friend to a great statement necklace (ala Natasha Bedingfield.) I loved Doo.Ri's take on the style in the form of drapey dresses and tops. 

Lastly this NYFW, I absolutely LOVED Christan Siriano's A/W12 collection. Oh me, oh my, it was an absolute dream. Because when I think of my dream wardrobe, it looks exactly like this collection. It's what I want to wear. Everyday. I need every piece in my wardrobe IMMEDIATELY (or as soon as fall rolls around.)

What were you most excited about this New York Fashion Week? 

Diane von Furstenberg

J. Mendel

Alice + Olivia

Oscar de la Renta

Jill Stuart

Cushnie et Ochs

Elizabeth and James

Doo.Ri

Christian Siriano

*All images via nymag.com