Fashion Farm Boy

The New Zealand born fashion designer shares an exclusive preview of what she has in store for fall with this fabulous sketch, exemplifying the collection she’ll showcase at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC next week.                                          “Fall 2012 is a collection comprised of sensual fabrics tailored into easy, modern silhouettes.  The color palette is saturated with rich mercurial hues, accented with sequins and studs highlighting the feminine form.  Abstract prints are enhanced with digital manipulation.  All in all, a rich, layered, representation…

I received the following press release directly from PLICH FASHION HOUSE. Polish Designer PLICH opened the “Paris without Fur” fashion show which was held on Thursday January 26th at the Hôtel Fouquet’s’Barrière. The event was organized by One Heart Channel, the first solitary media outlet of eco-friendly web TV Neoplanète. The show took place on the last day of Paris Couture Fashion Week. The two organizations wanted to show the public opinion on how animals are treated by the fur industry.  PETA France supported this event.                            …

The following list is my tongue-in-cheek examination of some of the fashion obsessions that registered on the horizon of public perceptions.                   Best:  A return to chic, minimalist outfits. Worst:  People who think that finally their drab, boring outfits are “in.”                Best: Monochromatic ensembles in thoughtful combinations of texture and tone. Worst: Wearing colors that totally match your accessories and everything else are not cool!! Best: Designer lines at H&M, Target and other stores bring fashion to the masses, including me. Worst: Chaos, mob scenes, and disappointed shoppers who leave empty handed after the initial stock runs out at their local stores. Best: Designers…

Barbara Wenzel Berg, owner of Boutique B’Lou knows  an awful lot about keeping it “real” with her successful retail fashion stores located in the historic Pfister Hotel, as well as sister stores in Wauwatosa, and Shorewood.  She specializes in fabulous sportswear and USA made special occasion wear.  She searches far and wide for spectacular and unique items that cater to her clienteles’ distinctive tastes.  Her latest coup is securing the exclusive Lynne Curtin line of jewelry and accessories, which heretofore were only available in Ms. Curtin’s home state of California!                     …

That time of year where resolutions reign supreme has arrived. With that said, have you resolved to take stock of your clothing inventory? If not, let me give you some practical advice. Charity retail stores that benefit your community are THE place to take your usable, yet ill fitting, and or unloved fashion. Do you ever ask yourself why you’re keeping all those items you no longer use? I will give you my foolproof tips for reducing, re-using, re-purposing, and re- energizing you AND your wardrobe, by following my easy steps. 1. Be Prepared to do battle! Make sure you have all of…

In celebration of their 1 Year Anniversary, eclectic nightspot Wherehouse,(818 South Water Street) teamed up with Caitlin Larson’s Tres Chic Productions on Friday December 23rd for a mini runway show that featured original fashion designs from Kia Xiong, as well as a live hair and makeup demonstration on stage by the Beauty Hair Salons editorial team. As usual with Ms. Larson’s productions, she carefully gathers great looking models, wonderful fashion, and over the top styling by some of the most talented and creative people in Milwaukee to put together a festive evening of fashion and fun.  Also on hand were…

Hot pants, short shorts, and jumpsuits oh my!  The return of the sassy lady look of the ’70s is back in a new interpretation from the wonderfully affordable Baby Phat line.  Featuring kicky styles, that for someone my age brings to mind the glamour, as well as the playful and sexy fun of the disco era, the lively brand hits all the style marks just right.  The shorts aren’t too short and I’m sure will soon replace the hoochie mama bandage dress as the “go to” going out look for smart girls everywhere, thank god!           …

                         Valerie Aliwarga,  freelance make up artist at Blush Beauty Boutique, gives us her foolproof tips for getting the season’s hottest look, the red lip.  As seen on runways as well as chic ladies everywhere, Ms. Aliwarga knows how to plump, primp and prime your precious pucker!  LOL!!!  Here are her simple tips:   “When striving for the perfect red lip, lip primer is ideal to prep the lip and prevent feathering of the lip color. Whether you are using a lip primer or not, lip liner is a…

I have always been a thrift shopper.  My mom was always hauling me to rummage sales on neighboring farms, tag sales, and church bazaars.  I realized early on that finding beauty in things that people no longer needed or wanted was a passion that I have pursued my whole life in one way or another.  In my upcoming book, “How to make a Thrift Score at the Thrift Store”, I am doing an entire chapter on decorating for Christmas.  Year after year Milwaukee area charity stores like Goodwill, Saint Vincent De Paul, Value Village and many more are filled with…

Seventeen-year-old Jack McCarthy loves ugly Christmas sweaters. This Marquette University High School junior has made some serious bank by selling the offending articles online via his cheeky website ultimateuglychristmas.com.  I received an email from him recently congratulating me on an article I wrote last year called “Ho, ho, hideous” all about the tacky holiday confections that he gleefully peddles. I was intrigued that this lifelong Wauwatosa dude was a purveyor of putrid yuletide apparel, so I had to find out more with a quick Q&A. What started your connection with ugly Christmas sweaters? My sister had a sweater for a…