Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Question of the Day:

Nice RT @SuperstylinStar #StyleQuestion If your #NYFW was a reality show what would it be called? SUPERSTYLIN* #StyleStar

— The Daily Front Row (@DailyFrontRow) January 30, 2012

Inspiration of the Day:

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Superstylin* Carpet Catwalk Recap: Buff and blue hues, happening hemlines and headbands. #GoldenGlobes

— Superstylin*™ (@SuperstylinStar) January 16, 2012

A number of gowns worth noting are featured on my Superstylin* Carpet Catwalks boards on Pinterest and StylePage. Today I celebrate the more daring looks worn by Tilda Swinton, Rooney Mara, Emma Stone and Claire Danes. Tilda was cool as ice in her pale blue Haider Ackermann. I especially love the tuxedo upper bodice juxtaposed by a flowing hemline. Miss Mara is quite the fashion darling these days. Her black Nina Ricci gown with tufts of tulle in all the right places is certain to keep her at the top of designers' lists. Rising starlet Stone was deep, dark and dramatic in a colorblocked Lanvin. The eagle belt proved to be the perfect accessory to seal her fashion forward look. Superstylin* loves an open back. While several women donned the sexy feature, Claire Danes in J. Mendel was the most awe-inspiring. (Way to go Angela Chase!)

Who were your faves? Do tell. Stay tuned for more Superstylin* awards season (aka the Fashion Olympics) coverage!

(Images via Harper's Bazaar)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

My annual #SuperBowl party involves a buffet of crockpots. This year's invite including halftime performer Madonna. twitter.com/SuperstylinSta…

— Superstylin*™ (@SuperstylinStar) January 9, 2012

The Super Bowl is right around the corner so I needed to whip up an invite for my 5th Annual Crockapalooza (imagine a sea of crockpots, lots of bowls and endless libations). Who would have ever thought decades ago Madonna would be the halftime entertainment. I definitely have the makings for a great party. PS- I dressed like this in 1985...

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

I am dubbing 2012 the Year of Self. The past twelve months have been filled with both personal and professional challenges and, as a result, given me great clarity and focus. The magic of social media has allowed me to meet some incredible people and companies in the fashion/tech space. I am constantly inspired by the breadth of knowledge I am surrounded by and the spirit of entrepreneurship. A passion and specialty has revealed itself in the form of content curation. My Superstylin* site is up and running. The new year promises to be very exciting.

Today I have been working on my New Year's compilation entitled NEXT! As much as I have spent the past year reflecting... NEXT! I posted the Nas version of this song almost a year ago to the day yet my current preference by the Visioneers has a more mellow and relaxed vibe in sound which mirrors my life.

03_-_The_World_Is_Yours.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Happy New Year my Superstylin* stars! xx

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Oh happy day! The long-awaited return of Absolutely Fabulous is almost here. On Sunday January 8th, the first of the AbFab 20th Anniversary Specials premieres on BBC America. The debaucherous duo of Patsy and Edina are back on the scene and the screen. High fashion HIGHlarity is sure to ensue.

The previous seasons of the series provide an archive of clothing dating back to 1992. Edina paraded around in the likes of Moschino, Vivienne Westwood, Burberry and Christian Lacroix. Patsy always fancied a good Chanel power suit. Fast forward twenty years... Many collections have come down the runways since we last saw Pats and Eddy. Today's Superstylin* Sartorial Spin places the Bolli and Stoli ladies in current collections by their favorite designers while trying some new ones on for size.

Top (L-R) Moschino, Burberry Prorsum, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Mary Katrantzou, Alexander Wang, Y-3
Bottom (L-R) Chanel, Yigal Azrouel, Balmain, Temperley London, Altuzarra, Felder Felder

Edina embraces every fashion fad with fervor. Layers, volume, bold colors and notice-me prints are part of her signature eclectic style. As much as Ms. Moonsoon tried to make fitness her own personal health trend, it never really caught on but she always dressed the part in sporty streetwear. Patsy has a penchant for longer sleeker silhouettes and a more neutral color palette. Ms. Stone is often seen vamping it up in body conscious dresses as well.

The icing on the cake sweetie darlings: a New Year's Day marathon of every single AbFab episode for your viewing pleasure whether you are still ringing in 2012 or wrecked and recovering. Having watched every episode countless times since the 90s, I will definitely be swilling bubbly in honor. *More champagne for Lulu!*

(Runway images via Style.com)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Happy Holidaze my Superstylin* stars! Things are hopping at Superstylin* HQ. Yours truly was recently featured on the LYST blog: 60 Seconds with Avelinda Garcia of Superstylin*™.  And... Superstylin* was bestowed with the honor of being the Day 1 winner of the "12 Days 'til Christmas" contest on Lyst sponsored by Neiman Marcus. The collection I created around a Prada clutch was chosen for being the most original and on-trend- two Superstylin* traits. As you can tell, I have been very busy making fashion happen online and beyond.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Superstylin* is obsessed with fashion and tech. Why shouldn't your mobile devices look dashing on-the-go? Have a peek at my ever-growing Superstylin* Techcessories Wish List.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Superstylin* recently turned two years old as of September 19th. My personal birthday month is in full swing with yesterday being the actual date. My idea of a perfect evening for my 36th birthday (aka THIRTY TRICKS): hosting movie night at my studio with the featured flick being Dont' Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead. Last night I realized, in 1991, I was subconciously setting the course of my career working in fashion.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

My Superstylin* post about JADEtribe is featured on this week's Independent Fashion Bloggers Links à la Mode. Kimberly Hartman has given me guidance over the years and provided entrepreneurial inspiration. I look forward to watching her company grow and thrive in the future.

Edited by: Fajr of Stylish Thought

The IFB conference is over and the dust is finally settling. After a day of being immersed in the power and study of blogging, I’m left thinking about what I learned from IFB this season. Without a doubt, the unequivocal theme was to blog and be authentically you. From building your blogging tool kit to balancing it all, being unique and putting what you love into the blogging space is the best method to lasting blogging success.

The IFB Weekly Roundup: LINKS À LA MODE: September 8th

Arash Mazinani: Are A/W 2011 Trends Uninspiring?
Britt + Whit: Ode to Summer
Bubbling with Elegance & Grace: Flawless- Sizing Concerns
Dress with Courage: A Woman’s Right to Shoes
Fashables: 4 Jackets you will love for Fall
Glamour Laws: Sunnies Side Up
Labels and Love: Why Eradicate Style?
Liv Lux Mag: DIY Band of Outsiders Inspired Skirt
Metaphors in Blue: Five Fabulous Things Every Girl Needs
Modly Chic: Fall 2011 Fashion Trends
One Outfit at a Time: 10 Signs You’re a Raging Shopaholic
Small Town Big Wardrobe: Four Red Lipstick Reviews
Style Through Her Eyes: Watch Those Lips
Stylish Thought: Life Lessons to a Younger Self
Sugar and Spice: Your Relationship with Shoes
Superstylin*: JADEtribe on a Global Quest
The Fashion Edition: Memoirs of a Geisha
The Loudmouth: Look Living the Dream
The Style Project: Modern Vintage
Woodstock Wardrobe: Classic Closet- Penny Gac

(Image courtesy of JADEtribe)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

After years of working on the fashion frontline and travelling back and forth from Los Angeles, New York and Paris, Kimberly Hartman set off on a global quest and returned having found her passion. The result- JADEtribe, a line comprised of handcrafted jewelry, clutches and handbags. During a stay in Laos, Hartman found herself in a weaving village and the pieces began to fall in place. In an effort to help the women in the rural crafting community, she purchases the handwoven textiles at a fair price and, in turn, hires women at a fair wage to sew the goods. Hartman now returns three times a year to design and oversee production.

Hartman considers herself a spring/summer gal and JADEtribe's fall collection is an extension of the spirit of spring, just warmer and cozier. The brand's focus is still heavy on travel- whether it is Aspen or Jackson Hole to ski or snowboard or a warm weather getaway to Bali for the holidays. The handwoven Laos textiles used a white warp for spring. The fall styles use a black warp and take on more of a Native American or South American Aztec feel. "It is quite surprising how rural ethnic tribes all over the world have similar aesthetics" says Hartman.

Other faraway destinations at the top of Hartman's list to travel to and source from include South Africa and Bali. "Africa needs so much help that if I provide sustainable incomes for women there, it would be amazing." JADEtribe's tagline to "dream, imagine, explore, discover, inspire, love, grow, share" is more of a mantra: Dream your dream, imagine what you can create, discover people and ways of achieving your goals, inspire others along your journey, love freely and love what you do, grow as a person spiritually as you grow your idea, company and brand, and share your story and experience with others.

JADEtribe is set to launch e-commerce on the company's website very soon. Hartman is excited about the online store since it will allow her to offer more one-of-a-kind items crafted from rare recycled textiles which are impossible to wholesale as the quantities are too limited. Plans to expand the JADEtribe offering and include apparel are definitely in mind. Hartman wants to do sexy beach dresses and envisions a JADEtribe version of a caftan. Her travels continue around the globe in search of the right group of women to work with on her next venture.

Please visit JADEtribe on Facebook, Twitter and  Tumblr.

See the full gallery on Posterous

(Images courtesy of JADEtribe)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

A few months ago I went to see pianist Hiromi Uehara perform. She is a musical genius and an absolute joy to watch. During the show I missed playing the piano and totally coveted the sequin shorts she was wearing.

I'm making a new compilation for a quick roadtrip and Hiromi's Temptation is definitely in the mix. This is what my Saturday feels like...

04_-_Temptation.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Superstylin* is constantly inspired by those with an entrepreneurial spirit. Therefore, I knew I needed to meet CEO and Founder of Velvet Brigade Lindsay McConnon after watching an interview she did describing the vision behind the company she runs with COO and Founder Jena Wang. Lindsay and Jena met while working at one of the world's largest apparel retailers in the contemporary women's market. They bring manufacturing, buying and retail experience to their newest business venture. Velvet Brigade is bringing fashion power to the people.

Velvet Brigade’s mission is to revolutionize the traditional fashion regime. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a trend-obsessed fashionista, VB is a place where your creativity and indie style can come together to make fashion history.

The production schedule employed by fashion companies generally requires a lead time of several months to produce goods. The turnaround time is not quick enough to satiate consumers who crave the newest designs now thanks to the fast-fashion world online. I talked to Lindsay about the nuts-and-bolts of the operation from ideation sketches through the production process. Aspiring designers submit sketches to the Velvet Brigade community. The community then votes and comments on the designs. To help spread the word about their creations, designers are provided a link to their design to share with family and friends, as well as options to share on Facebook and Twitter.  The most popular designs are produced and sold online on the Velvet Brigade website.  Winners receive a 5% commission from the sales of their garment and a production piece of their design. One of my favorite personalized touches is the designer's name printed on the garment label alongside Velvet Brigade.

The inaugural round of winners were recently chosen. Meet the designers and watch their videos as they describe their designs and personal style. Velvet Brigade is currently seeking submissions for fall designs and the next round of winners will be announced June 30th. For more information about Velvet Brigade, *LIKE* them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @velvetbrigade. Design, vote and buy!

(Images and video courtesy of Velvet Brigade)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Une Very Stylish Fille by Dimitri of Paris is bouncing around in my head today. I attribute it to the sun shining brightly and my sassy mood. Superstylin* is all about presentation. My personal style is constantly evolving and my professional portfolio should do the same. While updating and fine tuning my materials today, I can't help but think "How do I look?"

I spy YSL and Balenciaga in the video...

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

The classic Le Smoking tailored to perfection for my petite frame by the master himself Yves Saint Laurent.

One of the regrets I have in life was not witnessing a haute couture collection in the flesh during his lifetime. After a presentation I did about the courturier during my studies, the professor commented on my passion for the subject and how he thought I was in the PR department for the company. During a YSL retrospective at the DeYoung, my eyes welled up with tears upon viewing the garments I studied so intently over the years. I likened it to a religious experience. Whenever I am down about work, I simply watch one of my favorite flicks, Yves Saint Laurent - His Life and Times / 5 Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris, and my spirits are lifted.

One of the best gifts I ever received is the book entitled The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent & Pierre Bergé. (When I think of the great lovers and partners in fashion and business, Yves with Pierre and Valentino with Giancarlo, I get verklempt.) L'Amour Fou, a film directed by Pierre Thoretton about their decades-long love affair and the vast art collection shown in the book I adore, is certain to tug at my heartstrings.

(Photo by Helmut Newton)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Originally from London, Alex moved to Los Angeles over 20 years ago and began working in the music video business as part of the art department. He is currently an art director and production designer for television. The art gallery at Platform will have rotating exhibitions and six LA-based artists will be featured at the opening Platform show.

The merchandise assortment is comprised of jewelry, art, textiles, scarves, fashion accessories, sculptures, carvings and home decor. The goods are sourced from local artists, designers and showrooms, as well as handpicked treasures, including wares from recent trysts to India, Mexico and Paris. (Their current hunt: vintage Heath Ceramics).

Sarah's job as a trend consultant requires her to be eons ahead of everyone else. As the exclusive West Coast partner of leading international trend-forecasting agency Perclers Paris, she will facilitate her business at Platform. Sit back and relax while sipping on tea or bubbly as you peruse her Peclers Paris Trend Library, an archive amassed over the past ten years. What an incredible resource of inspiration for clients and prospects to benefit from and indulge in. Sarah hopes to lure her clients to the space "to experience and engage in the retail environment and gallery". She hopes they will "walk out feeling inspired on multiple levels and perhaps they would buy an item or two because they just couldn't resist".

(Images courtesy of Platform)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Tonight I will be seeing song du jour artist Sheila E. perform at a cozy spot with one of my lifelong BFFs. Since I am getting pumped for the show, I wanted to share this morning's Superstylin* soundtrack. The following clips scream 1985 in a most glorious way. Sheila really played with her look that year. Please note the strong shoulders, ruffles and asymmetric hemline which are very now during the Amercian Music Awards performance. Don't you just love how fashion is cyclic? Sheila E. as love interest in Krush Groove is classic (not to mention Run DMC, Kurtis Blow, Fat Boys, New Edition and Beastie Boys as castmates).

PS- Points to anyone who can tell me what Blair Underwood's trick is for still lookin' so good.

SUPERSTYLIN* UPDATE: The show was super duper fun. Sheila looks absolutely A-MA-ZING. Outfit and shoe changes were a-plenty. Yours truly danced on stage with others from the crowd and I made sure to give her the biggest hug.

SheilaELoveBizzare.MOV Watch on Posterous

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

Superstylin*s runway review about the battle of the 90s catwalks between Beverly Hills 90210 and My So-Called Life was chosen as part of this week's Independent Fashion Bloggers Links à  la Mode. Enjoy! xx

It's a bloggy-blog world....
Edited by Jessie Thorpe of Denimology

Hi all! I'm Jessie from Denimology and I am happy to be one of IFB's new Links à la Mode editors! In the last couple of years, bloggers are being heard far and wide and across the globe. I am happy to be sharing the locations around the interwebs that interest little ol' me with all of you. Included in this weeks links: how to fake that you've gotten enough sleep to Gilt's Disaster Relief Fund and a first hand account of Target's Go International dress collection launch. Get to clicking and show your fellow blogger's some lovin'.

Links à la Mode: March 17th

Aesthetic Alterations: Tips on how to acquire authentic Hermès scarves safely on ebay
Blah Blah Becky: The fashion world's pattern du jour
Chic 'n Cheap Living: 70s minimalist chic via Zara's Spring/summer 2011 collection
ChiTown Fashionista: A quick chat with Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon
Cross That: intersection of fashion and photography: the dreamy mind of Rodney Smith
Denimology: Denim Outfit of the week - Denim Outfit of the Week
Fashables: Target's Go International Designer Collective Dresses Party
Fashion is Evolution: Why sleep masks rock, how they can be stylish, and my quest to make a masculine one for my boyfriend
illustrator Claire: Shorts, suspenders and sluttiness
Independent Fashion Bloggers: The Role of Blogs in the Community
Joanne Faith: Killer Fashion Blogging: 50 Tips, Tools and Other Tactics to Take Your Fashion Blog to the Next Level
Make The World A Prettier Place: The Adorable Style of Emma Pillsbury
Piewacket: Cherry blossoms and a Digital Mag
Sample Sale Sites: Gilt City Disaster Relief
Starting From Scratch: How to fake you've gotten plenty of sleep
Street Stalker: A review of Dior's A/W2011 Collection from Paris Fashion Week and John Galliano's farewell show
Styling You: How to style a jacket with a maxi skirt
Superstylin*: Style Showdown: Beverly Hills 90210 vs. My So-Called Life
The Column of Samantha Tyler: When occultism comes to fashion:  too much or brilliant?
The Fashion Turd: Skull-tastic! Mexican folk mask from House of Guadalupe
The Style Circuit: Neutrals: Why They're Essential to Any Spring Wardrobe

(Images via Google)

Permalink | Leave a comment  »