Shannah Katz

RIP Whitney

2012-02-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

Rest in Peace Whitney Houston!

You will surely be missed.

Blast from the past.

My favorite collection of fashion outfits from Whitney Houston:

Designer Profile: Melissa Velia

2012-02-11T16:49:00.001-08:00

Introducing Fashion Designer Melissa Velia!

How did you get started?

I started in this business when I was 20 years old; I was attending FIDM to receive a degree in something I already knew how to do. I just thought I need to get my career off the ground. It was in my second year of school that I was hired by BCBG in their corporate showroom. It was then that I had to decide with to run with this full time position or continue with school and my retail job at Guess. I took the position at BCBG, dropped out of school and began the hustle of this industry. 9 years later after a roller coaster of positions in the fashion industry, I felt I was ready to launch my own label. With minimal funding from my little online store, I was able to put a small collection together and launch Spring 2011 during LAFW in 2010.

What inspires your work?

I am inspired by different eras in fashion, combined with what I feel is the most random themes. I silly as it sounds, it really just hits after I hear a song or watch a movie. Crazy.

What are your key essentials when designing a new piece or collection?

Fabric! Seriously I think I love fabric as much I love shoes! I am a fabric junkie, lol.

Who are some of your clientele?

My clientele right now is no one famous but I do have clientele all around the world from Paris to Australia. Something I still find hard to believe.

Who are your favorite designers?

This has always been a tough question for me because I honestly never cared to know who designed what or who someone was wearing. It wasn’t till about 5 years ago that I really started doing my homework and realized I was a fan of Valentino, Chanel and Marc Jacobs.

What are your top fashion must haves in your wardrobe?
Heels and dresses.

Do you have any up and coming events we should know about?

Yes, March 13th I will be showing my collection at Los Angeles Fashion Week, Project Ethos. I will be showing my Spring/ Summer 2012 with a peek at my Fall collection. I will no longer be showing my collections for the current “industry” seasons on the runway. In other words, that’s why I will be showing Spring this March and not Fall. I know this is going against the standard but I do have my reason.

What are your favorite places to go for trend inspiration?

Although I really don’t like to follow the trends, I like to go to the movies for some inspiration.

Where can we find you?

At www.melissavelia.com , Etsy and Sense of Fashion, and Facebook.com/DesignerMelissaVelia

Are you looking for interns?

Yes.

Thank you Melissa!

Best Dressed at the SAG Awards

2012-01-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Colors were all the rage tonight at the 2012 Sag Awards (Screen Actors Guild Awards).

The top trending colors were jewel tones in shades of green and red.

I noticed many dresses in turquoise, green and blue, maroon, and red.

My favorite, best dressed looks of the evening were:

Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza

Ellie Kemper

Emily Blunt in Oscar De La Renta

Michelle Williams in Valentino

Kyra Sedgwick

Dianna Agron

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa

Julie Bowen in Temperley London

Photos courtesy of Getty Images and Celebuzz

Brian Wood is here.

2012-01-29T12:24:00.000-08:00

New York City based menswear designer Brian Wood aka BWOOD has arrived in LA!

His latest collection, "Panty Raiders" blends a mix of streetwear style with an urban, indie look.

On Thursday evening I attended his collection launch along with stylists, photographers and friends. Joining me were renowned stylists Stephanie Powers of Pop City Style, Laurie Brucker of Laurie B Style, and fashion photographer Carlo Parducho.

Me, Laurie and Stephanie.

With BWOOD's women's collection crop top.

Laurie with the designer behind it all, Brian Wood.

David La Velle, the founder of Atelier 360 with BWOOD's brand manager.

Laurie with Stephanie.

Best Dressed at the Critics Choice Awards 2012

2012-01-12T17:04:00.000-08:00

Who wore it better?

Elle Fanning (Rodarte) or Elizabeth Olson?

Comment below and tell me your favorite!

I vote Elle Fanning :)

Hello Kitty @ CES

2012-01-11T18:02:00.000-08:00

Wishing I was there!

Also, check out the new Hello Kitty Android Tablet for $200 coming Holiday 2012!

Pretty Little Liars Giveaway

2012-01-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

Pretty Little Liars returns tonight January 2nd, 2011.
Mondays at 8/7c on ABC Family!

I had the opportunity to go on set of Pretty Little Liars and meet the costumer of the show!

One Lucky Winner will win a DVD of Season 1 of Pretty Little Liars! Enter at the bottom of this post.

If you like PLL you probably LOVE fashion just like me.

Me with Mr. Fitz (Ian Harding)!

A selection of the wardrobe on set.

Spencer's wardrobe. "Spencer pairs old classics with new and adds a little twist," says Line.

Pretty Little Liars' Costume Designer Mandi Line with all the wardrobe.

Mandi Line with Ian Harding.

Me with all of the wardrobe in Mr Fitz' classroom!

Aria's wardrobe. "Aria combines vintage with pieces she makes herself," says Line.

Aria's accessories.

Emily's wardrobe. Emily "is the most relatable of all of them," says Line. "Simple, yet rad".

The shoes!

Aria's bedroom on set!

Aria's bedside table.

Hanna's bedroom. Hanna has "stunning it-girl style- and never lets her guard down through her fashion," says Line.

Me in Hanna's bedroom!

Hanna's perfume and nail polish and makeup.

In Spencer's room.

Me in Spencer's room!

Spencer's room.

Spencer's couch in her bedroom.

The lockers in the hallway on set!

One Lucky Winner will win a DVD of Season 1 of Pretty Little Liars!

Mandatory Entries:

Comment below and tell me who you're favorite character is and why you like their style! (REQUIRED)

Follow my blog with Blogger or Google Friend Connect (REQUIRED)

Additional Entries:

Follow me on Twitter (2 entries)

'LIKE' Pretty Little Liars on Facebook (1 entry)

Winner will be chosen at random on January 12th, 2011. .

Waikiki

2011-12-29T00:14:00.000-08:00

My Resort 2011 Vacation in Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Sunset

Our first surfing lesson!

Me.

Me, my mom and my sister.

My sister

My sister (right) and I.

My sister and I.

WIND!

My sister.

Sweety High Fashion Design Contest

2011-12-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION Aspiring Fashion Designers!

Sweetyhigh.com has partnered with Bebop Clothing to give a girl the chance to have her fashion sketch turned into an outfit that will be sold to the public. Not only that but we will be filming the entire experience as part of our webseries Glam Squad.

Don't hesitate to enter!
Call for entries starts December 15th, 2011.

Good Luck!

Leaven Lifestyle

2011-12-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

A new favorite vintage fashion boutique.
Check out my friend Jacqueline Lee Rose's Collection here : www.leavenlifestyle.com

Designer Profile: Walter Collection

2011-12-06T00:47:00.000-08:00

The latest fashion designer in the designer profile series is young fashion designer
Walter Mendez with The Walter Collection!

How did you get started?

It all started when I was sitting in a classroom and I overheard two upper classmen discussing the annual fashion show. I was relatively new to El Camino College, and I barely knew anything about the fashion program. I decided to take an introductory fashion class, just as “fun” or so I thought. I asked my professor about the fashion show, and to my luck all fashion students could submit a collection and the selected top designers would get to show. I also found out that the deadline was in one week, and with me only having one fashion class under my belt I decided to enter. I spent the entire weekend along side my sewing machine and using my friends as live mannequins. An ambitious goal, almost mission impossible. I attempted to create a collection in just one week, a death threat to many designers but me being naive and young I went for it!

After a couple sleepless nights and I had created the Walter Collection. I submitted my line and made it to the show! I was even awarded an award for the collection. I was trilled and felt an indescribable rush, it made all that hard work worth it. It was then, when I knew this is what I wanted to do for a career.

It didn’t matter that it was hard work, or that I would have to give up hours of sleep. Seeing my vision come alive was gratifying, it fulfilled me as an artist.. To see a concept created in my dreams come alive as well as redefine the woman figure was priceless.

What inspires your work?

My work is inspired by many elements that influence my life one way or another. It can be something fun as a vacation to an exotic island but it can also be something simple as a walk down to starbucks. I am inspired by my perception of life. A common person can see a flower and keep walking but I can see a silk lilac strapless gown. To an outside it may seem like a complex thought process but to my it comes natural, that’s why I love it. I am inspired by textures, colors, patterns, silhouettes, and movements. I often find inspiration when I least expect it.

I also find inspiration in music, films, and historic art. Music and fashion have such a strong bond that I always find myself listening to music as I design. It helps me paint the picture in my head that I transfer into paper and then into fabric. Historic art also always has an influence on my work. I find it FACINATING to look what people wore before, see previous trends and get a feel of what their lives were like. It’s like seeing a story unfold and their clothes are filled with details about their lives. Because after all to me that’s what fashion is all about- telling a story of who you are and where you want to be. It’s about showing the world your story, who you are, it’s the way we express ourselves to the world.

What are your key essentials when designing a new piece or collection?

One essential I like to design for the Walter Collection woman is the prefect cocktail dress. A dress that she can dress down and dress up and give her that extra confidence to do anything she wants to.

I also believe every woman needs a perfect fitting pair of trousers. A pair of trousers that hug you in all the right places, and flatter a woman in every way. And to go with those trousers I think everywoman needs a classic Chiffon blouse. Its feminine and chic, a perfect staple that should be in every woman’s closet. I want to give women the confidence your favorite pair of pants give you. That extra UMPH that makes a woman feel sexy and confident from with in.

Do you have any up and coming events we should know about?

I along with the Walter Collection team will be attending a Hollywood Entertainment mixer where I will be hosting a meet and greet. The event takes place next Tuesday at the Lexington in Hollywood. The event is invite only but if you would like to attend email my team at info@waltercollection.com with subject “Shannah’s Blog” and we’ll get you on the list but space is limited so the first 10 entrees will be selected.

The next big fashion event I will be headlining in is in the Spring of next year. More details are coming soon but to stay updated and to receive exclusive behind the scenes details check out www.waltercollection.com and “like” our facebook page – here: Walter Collection.

What is your favorite place to go in the Los Angeles area?

That’s a tough question, LA has so many hidden gems I love; but if I had to select one it would probably be Zuma Beach in Malibu. I love the hiking trails and private beaches. I love it because it takes my mind off everything but at the same time it inspires me. And not only is the scenery to die for but I also get a good workout.

Where can we find you?

www.waltercollection.com

www.waltercollection.tumblr.com

You can also find me on Facebook and Twitter @wltrcollection.

What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from California State University Long Beach?

After graduating I am ready to take the world by storm. I have big dreams, visions and a drive to back it all up. I have grown so much as a designer in such a small period of time that I cannot wait to see what life has in store for me. After CSULB I plan on continuing to develop my brand, expanding and continue to create art. I want to branch out into accessories, home and develop the Walter Mendez lifestyle and be an influential American designer.

Are you looking for interns?

I am set for the Fall but I will be looking for interns in the spring to help me backstage at fashion shows, photo shoots and in the design room. I do review early résumé’s for upcoming interns so if anyone if interested they can send their resumes to info@waltercollection.com (for Spring 2012 internship opportunities).

Designer Profile: Heather Marie

2011-12-03T00:58:00.000-08:00

Gearing up for the holiday season, it's important to look unique and still fashionable, staying up to date with the latest trends. I'm kicking off my newest feature of my Designer Profile series with fashion designer Heather Marie!

Her collection is inspired by reworked vintage clothing and her designs offer one-of-a-kind pieces customized for individual style. Heather also designs handmade accessories to include hair pieces and jewelry items. Her accessories line is called Peaches by HP Accessories. Heather and I met in 2010 when we were introduced at Fashion Camp! She is a passionate up and coming designer with a big heart!

How did you get started?

I attended FIDM for their Fashion Design program... Then, after realizing that I'd rather have my own pattern maker and such (but couldn't afford it), I decided to take thrifted/vintage clothing and rework them. It's easier, affordable and fun to make something unique and avant-garde!

What inspires your work?
I put the (garment to be reworked) on the dress form, look at it for a minute and then start playing with the fabric... I love draping and it's a key step to my creating!

What are your key essentials when designing a new piece or collection?You have to have the time, passion and patience for designing. You need a working sewing machine and be ready with a needle and thread for hand sewing or liquid stitch, cause you never know ...the sewing machine might break and you don't have the time or money to get it fixed... Definitely invest in a dress form. It works wonders I tell you! Makes my life so much easier!

Who are some of your clientele?

I haven't built-up a clientele yet, still in the beginning stages of making pieces. BUT, am currently taking on new clients! Please email me at hpetrey@gmail.com!

Who are your favorite designers?

My faves are: Prabal Gurung, Rodarte, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Houstina Summers (Cowgirl Heaven Designs in LA), Comme Des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, Malandrino, Hussein Chalayan, J. Mendel, Chanel, Lacroix.

What are your top fashion must haves in your wardrobe?My must haves: Vintage, contemporary pieces, hats/headbands, good statement pieces, jeans, warm coat, platforms, chiffons (skirts/dresses/tops)...

Do you have any up and coming events we should know about? Not at the moment, but I'll keep you posted. You can also check out my EVENTS page on my blog: http://www.lafashionsnob.com/must-see-events-2/ .

What is your favorite place to go in the Los Angeles area?

Hmmm.... I don't really have a favorite spot, but I love to hang out in the fashion district and some of my fave vintage/thrift stores like: Haute Olive8th/Maple DTLA, Uniqbill 6th/Spring DTLA, Deja Vu Fashions in Claremont and The Grove Vintage in Claremont.

Where can we find you?
You can check out my blog: http://www.LAFashionsnob.com . I'm also on Facebook (check out my online shop on my LAFashionsnob fan page, just click on the SHOP NOW tab. I'm on Twitter as well (@LAFashionsnob) . My collection is also available for studio pulls and purchase at Haute Olive in Downtown Los Angeles (315 E 8th St. #105, Los Angeles, CA 90014)

Are you looking for interns?
As of now, I am not.... but I will keep you posted. Hopefully soon!

Very.com British Fashion Comes to America

2011-11-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the Very.com Big Blogger Competition? The UK-based E-tailer is coming soon to America and they are currently hosting a contest on Facebok where 10 bloggers will win FREE CLOTHES FOR 20 YEARS! Please take a moment and vote for me! When you VOTE you also get 20% off!!!!!!

If you're also a fashion blogger you should definitely enter their contest before its too late!

These pieces are some of my favorite from Very.com's site!

Very.com is an adorable e-tailer with a wonderful selection of products they're running a contest for bloggers wherein you submit a photo of yourself to their Facebook page and the top ten bloggers with the most votes at the end of the contest will receive free clothes for life from Very.com! The Prize includes $1,000 a year, for 20 years!!!

VOTE for me here Thank you so much!

I hope you'll vote for me!

This post is sponsored by Very.com

http://www.very.com/" rel="nofollow"> Very.com

Hallow's Eve

2011-10-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were a little girl during Halloween?

I even dressed up on days far from Halloween just because :)

Being a princess was always a dream:

From Left: My twin sister Nicki, my neighbor, and me.

Me and Nicki. (Jasmine and Tinkerbell)

Fergie & Breast Cancer

2011-10-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to share Fergie's new initiative with her Awareness shoe and Susan G Komen for the cure. I think its very important for us to be more aware of Breast Cancer & make sure that we remind ourselves to self examine our bodies more often. The Brown Shoe Company will be donating $20,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in connection with the program.

The 'Awareness' pump retails for $79 here.The limited edition sparkly, pink pump is available now at FergieShoes.com. The shoe reminds me of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and I would probably pair it with a pink dress or my LBD.

OC Blogger Bash Recap

2011-10-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was invited to attend the OC Blogger Bash earlier this month at the Anaheim Convention Center. The theme of the night was Mad Men and everyone dressed the part. Women were tweeting all day about their hair makeovers and up dos.

Here I am with my favorite childhood character Snoopy!!!

I was beyond excited to see him.

PLUS, Knott's Berry Farm gave every attendee 2 tickets to Knott's!

I can't wait to go to the theme park very soon!

Gotta love the 50s diner drive in waitress.

Neopolitan Ice Cream Glazed with Fire made for me! Yum!

McDonald's Smoothies were all over the place. I love the strawberry banana one!

Guests were invited to dress up and enter the photo booth!

Look at all the hats & accessories you could wear!

My favorite part of the night was the fashion show featuring designer Queen of Heartz!

The 60′s inspired Queen of Heartz collection was very reminscent of Mad Men's costumes on television. Models worked the "runway" by coming down the escalator in a slow yet elevating fashion. It was exciting to see the new pieces as they traveled down the escalator runway. The male models from The Daily Hot Guy accompanied the Queen of Heartz models.

Romy working the runway, looking stunning!

Romy from Romy Raves and Heather from LA Fashion Snob and the models.

To check out more of the Queen of Heartzcollection & shop the line click: here.

Big thanks to the City of Anaheim for putting on this fabulous event!

The OC Blogger Bash

2011-10-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for tonight!
Gathering all Southern California Bloggers for a night of Mad Men inspired festivities!

Missoni for Target

2011-10-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

What did I score from Missoni for Target? You might ask...

Well, I got to the local Signal Hill Target at 10:00am and almost everything was gone!!!

But, I did manage to find these treasures :)

Cute loungewear/sleepwear dress! Size XS.

I might even wear this to the beach, to the mall, etc.

Adorable Romper! Size XS. Great for a hot day out in Cali.

The best smelling candles. And they are cute for home decor.

I'm a bit scared to light them because they're so pretty!

Purple was the only one available online the day of the launch, so I had Josh buy this for me right away.

Rainboots! Size 7.

I was beyond lucky.. The Target employee was rolling new merchandise from the stockroom out and happened to have like 10 boxes of rainboots! (I got the only Size 7).

I'm so excited to wear these when it rains.

I also bought the kid's beige colored scarf, socks for my boyfriend, and stationary cards.

Total Bill: Around $200.

It was worth every penny!

What did you buy from the Missoni for Target collab?

I'd love to hear!

San Francisco

2011-09-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

My boyfriend and I had an amazing 2 year anniversary in the City of Love, San Francisco!

We stayed at the Hotel Donatello near Union Square and enjoyed 3 days of touring the city, shopping, exploring good eats, and relaxing.

Our first day we took the cable cars to the Fisherman's Warf and enjoyed amazing seafood on the shore.

We walked around the beach and decided to go to the Ghirardelli Square.

I ordered a mint chocolate chip & oreo sundae!

(Which was fantastic!!)

Later we walked around China Town and explored all of the tourist shops.

Here I have an avocado Boba Smoothie. (wasn't my fav.)

The next day we stopped by China Town again because my boyfriend wanted to get more mini buddha's for our apartment.

Eventually we got the the Golden Gate Bridge but it was beyond foggy..

See the boat?

We stopped by Japan Town and found the coolest boutiques & little shopping malls and I found this beautiful mural inside!

My boyfriend also took me to Ripley's Believe it or Not!

We went into the Marvelous Mirror Maze, this crazy dizzy spinning maze and took some pictures!

We felt like we were in the seventies!

Overall, it was a fabulous trip and vacation for us.

On our next trip we want to go to London!

BlogHer 2011

2011-08-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

Jaclyn and Chelsea, the talented and creative founders behind No Subject LA .

Two Point Oh LA 2nd Anniversary Photo Story

2011-08-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

The girls at Lather Skin Care gave us great tips for excellent skin!

Sweets and Treats! I loved the Cotton Candy Jelly Beans.

Me with Wendy Bendoni.

Ari, Ami, Laurie, and me.

Ami and I.

Ari from La Catrina de la Moda, me, Melanie from Wrecked Stellar, Rebecca from Style with Benefits, and Amy from Fashion ROI.

Bella Terra

2011-08-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

Top: Ali & Kris $15, Skirt purchased in Paris, Shoes: Qupid.

Fluxus Sunlight

2011-08-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

(Fluxus Crop Top $15 on sale, Forever 21 Jeans $15, Privileged Shoes $30)

Big thanks to my friend Melanie Kwok for working as my photographer for the day!

Forever 21 Heart 2 Art Contest

2011-07-26T00:43:00.000-07:00

Forever 21 is hosting a contest called Heart 2 Art ending on 7/28!

The winner will have her design printed on a T-shirt to be sold online for the remainder of 2011 (or until sold out) at Forever21.com, as well as a one-time prize of $1,000, to be awarded to.
Girls, ages 6-14, can enter a piece of their original artwork that represents why their ‘school is cool.’

Artwork must be submitted by 7/28 and a winner will be announced on 8/5.

The artist's school for the purpose of school improvement. T-shirt with winning artwork will be sold in-stores starting in Fall 2011 until sold out, and featured as a special holiday item.

More details are available on the Forever 21 website: http://www.forever21.com/heart2art/destination_contest.asp

New Heights

2011-06-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

Jessica Simpson 'Bendie' Platform Sandal $88.95 at Nordstrom

Steve Madden 'Shazamm' Sandal $149.95 at Nordstrom

Jeffrey Campbell 'Lita' Bootie $159.95 at Nordstrom