Fashion Farm Boy

For local entrepreneur Rob Kessler, NEWD Brand Clothing was born in 2006 after a few years of tinkering on his initial concept. With complete dedication and energy, he would soon be selling his ultra comfortable tee- shirt line in stores and boutiques throughout the Milwaukee region.  According to Mr. Kessler, “I never thought I would be a clothing guy, but it turns out I love it and wake up everyday excited about the days challenges.”  Keeping the business a family affair, his mother Chris is now an integral part of the trade side of things.  She handles all of the…

                     My mother Audrey, whether she knows it or not, was totally green.  I do not ever remember her buying “new” decorations for Christmas!  I do remember her gently unwrapping ornaments of all kinds and conditions and explaining where they came from, and how she felt about them.  Christmas is all about memories that we have and those we hope to create in the hearts, and minds of those we touch in our lives and families.  This picture is from my mom’s tree that we put up, “hell or high water”…

I recently had a conversation with Milwaukee based photographer and friend Stef Bartz about her new wearable art pieces fashioned from photographs that she takes of the subject, which is then made into lovely silver plated or sterling silver jewelry by jeweler Sarah Mann (mannstudio.com). How long have you been a photographer? I’ve been in business for 15 years. We worked together many moons ago, and I love the way you’re able to capture just the perfect moment.  Is that innate or something you’ve just developed? Some of it is innate some practice and then some experience. How did you come…

Gucci reigns supreme for a second year in a row according to Bing’s (the decision engine from Microsoft) list of Top Searched Fashion Brands of 2011. Gucci beat out top brands including Chanel (who took a tumble from 2 last year to number 5 this year), Ralph Lauren, Y-3 and Louis Vuitton. Guess and J.Crew proved to be forces amongst the high-end labels that made the list, taking the number 6 and 7 spots respectively. Below I’ve included the Top 10 list for your reference, visit http://www.BingTrends.com for a full list of search trends from 2011. Top Searched Fashion Brands…

While watching a Betty Grable movie entitled “Down Argentine Way” on TCM the other evening, I was struck by how great Betty’s make up looked.  For a film from almost 70 years ago, her face appeared fresh and breathtakingly pretty.  The standout feature?  Red, red lips, and a neutral palette of make up on the rest of her face.  Her lashes were mascara’d and brows arched just so, but what really made her beautiful was her  “cherries in the snow” lipstick!!   I found this photo of some gals I met in NYC at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, and I…

  There has been a lot of fallout from the economic downturn, lagging sales forcing retailers to push Christmas sales as early as Labor Day, countless store closings, job losses, and lots of other unpleasant realities that have hit steadily, like a constant pummeling across all sectors of our society.  But just like hard times eras of the past, there are those who find a way to take those punches, get up, and still come right back into the ring.  One of those people is Cheryl Bennet.  I met up with her just before her guests arrived for her 7th…

There has never been a better color than blood red or crimson, for lips, cheeks, and of course,  fall and winter dressing.  This picture from the Son Jung Wan show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC, was just too inspirational, not to give it a special page.  The view from the front row was stunning!  The movement of the skirt, the color, and the flow of the design add up to genius!                                                       …

Moscow, Russia – November 15:  Vertu President Perry Oosting, Megan Fox and Clive Owen attend the Vertu launch party of the world’s most exquisite touch at Volkhonka Art Center.  In but one of a series of launches internationally, the market leader in luxury mobile phones, Vertu, prides itself on being a pioneer of delivering relevant, tailored luxury information and services direct to a mobile handset through Vertu Concierge and continues to expand this proposition to deliver an unparalleled customer service. Movie stars Megan Fox, and Clive Owen put on their party faces for the launch party for the new Constellation…

I would like to thank Image.net by Getty Images for the use of these shots from Indonesia’s definitive fashion event that is held annually to showcase the Republic’s fashion design talents as well as the progress of its burgeoning fashion and creative industry.   The organizers ultimate goal is to establish the sophisticated city of Jakarta as a global fashion hub.  While looking through the photo’s from the opening night I stopped on these images like a magpie attracted to tinfoil.  This spangled tunic feels like a fresh take on the disco aesthetic of YSL at Studio 54. It covers what…

Keeping the feather trend under control has been tough.  I have seen far too many long feathered dangle earrings, and the feather extension craze is waning now, thank goodness.  Like anything that comes and goes in fashion, there are right ways to do it, and of course the lame way to do it.   While in NYC attending the Spring 2012 fashion shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in September, I couldn’t help snapping a photo of this young lady.  The juxtaposition of her somewhat distressed blazer, and the surprise of her deep purple feathered skirt, hit just the right…