Project Runway Recap & Review Week 7

On Week 7 of Project Runway, the designers were given the Lord & Taylor Challenge in which the designers were asked to make a simple garment inspired by the last nine winning designers in the previous seasons. Their garments must complete the existing collection and the Challenge Winner's design will be displayed in the Lord & Taylor window.

Seven out of the nine garments part of the Project Runway Collection at Lord & Taylor

Of course, the Challenge, Winner this time around, was Mr. Christopher Palu!

 

Although I do love it, I have a complaint ... The back cutout looks weird. Now, I don't know if it's the model's shoulder blades or the stance she has in the photograph as she walks but it just look unfinished to me. Other than that, I do love it. I commend him for being the only designer to attempt a gown instead of just a cocktail dress. He took a risk and he won.

 

Surprisingly, the Judges decided to keep everyone this week! I was actually quite happy with this decision because all the designs looked fabulous for the most part.

 

Gunnar: He was the last designer on the runway, meaning he had the lowest score but he was safe. I thought his dress was really pretty and I actually did enjoy watching him this week. (Shocking, I know!)

 

Alicia: I wish the waist on her dress was a tad bit higher. I feel like it would have looked cleaner and more put together if she had done so.

 

Elena: She had a total melt down because she ONLY designs Avant-Garde clothing. Umm hello? This is not an Avant-Garde competition. A designer should have the ability to do any style of clothing and do it well. That's just my opinion. The same way Ven should be able to design for any woman.

 

Melissa: GORGEOUS fabric, asymmetry, and design! I loved everything about her dress!

 

Sonjia: She too had a total melt down. She ran out of time, sobbing and sewing, while telling Tim she still had to hem and fix the zipper because it didn't fit her model. She faked it 'till she made it, because on the runway it looked flawless. I hope she doesn't let being in the bottom last week get to her head, she's a great designer and she needs to realize that.

 

Ven: Very pretty! As always, loved his signature rose pattern. I wonder if he'd be comfortable making it in a larger size ;) (Sorry I had to!)

 

Dmitry: Beautiful lines, gorgeous construction, and rich fabric! Just perfection all around, I hope he wins a challenge soon!

Back to School Haul

Classes began this passed Monday, August 27. I did some back to school shopping the day before and I purchased a few things for the coming Fall months. Besides the items you see below, I also purchased a Turquiose Pleated Chiffon Scarf from H&M for $12.95 (There was no picture online, but it is beautiful). There were also a few essentials I bought: Black and White Tanktops, Black and Gray Zip-Up Hoodies, and Black Pants which I use on a regular basis. I'm excited to wear these items in the coming months and I can't wait to mix and match with stuff I already have as its still pretty warm out :) I hope you all enjoy your Fall semester and stay stylish throughout!

 

Torrid - Black & Leopard Serina Bow Flats $28.50 BOGO 50%



Dark Navy, Pink Stripe, Gray Stripe, Medium Gray Vintage-Style V-Neck Tees $7.50 each

Old Navy - Polywog Pintucked Split-Neck Blouse $29.94

Old Navy - Gray Print Pintucked Split-Neck Blouse $29.94

Graphite Heather Tunic Sweater $29.94

Old Navy - Brown Leopard Crepe Roll-Up Shirt $17.50

Old Navy - Black Jack Button-Front Cardi $19.94



Sketchy Sunday: Happy Hour Cocktail Collection

Project Runway Recap & Review Week 6

Surprise!!! I'm early on this one! This week on Project Runway, the designers were given the L'Oreal Challenge in which they had to create looks for actual clients who are looking for a style makeover to accompany their new hair styles. This challenge just .... *sigh* ... I don't even know where to begin. This week's Challenge Winner was Fabio. I'm actually quite proud of him.

Here's his look:

 

This look just screams Fabio. He's getting better at staying true to his aesthetic which I'm happy about. He kept his client happy while helping her to step out of her comfort zone but also incorporating her style into the mix.

 

Out this week:

 

 

Nathan ... I don't know what he was thinking. I truly liked a couple of his previous designs but this looks like it came out of a hooker's closet (I'm sorry, I had to). The color is one of my favorites but that doesn't change the fact that its utterly terrible and extremely slutty.

 

My favorites of the night:

 

 

Of course I loved Christopher's look. He, to me, is just absolutely fabulous at what he does. The dress on his client is beautiful and very flattering to her body. I loved the jacket too when they showed it on the dress form while he was still in the midst of designing. I wish his client would have shown it off more and not crumbled it in her hand the whole time.

 

 

Dmitry's looks was also very cute. I just wish he had made it a slight bit longer and I would have loved for the cleavage part to be a lot lower to make it a bit more sexy and not so stuffy looking. As always, his construction is pretty immaculate.

 

 

Okay let me explain ... You all are aware that I can't stand Gunnar but I have to say I am fond of his skirt and the technique he used to achieve it. On the other hand, the top part is SO uneven and those triangle things in the center look stupid (Yes, stupid)! Also, if you paid attention to the back, the V is cut so unevenly. I will admit, he does sometimes have good ideas but the way in which he tries to achieve them and his construction is very poor.

 

Now come the comments....

 

Although I do not like it very much, mostly because of the color, I am proud of how Alicia stepped out of her comfort zone and attempted a dress which resulted in a pretty decent look. I hope we see a bit more of this in the coming weeks.

 

In my opinion, Elena's fabric choice was poor but the concept was nice, I must say.

 

I don't know if it was the clients body type or the dress itself, but Melissa's black dress looked terrible on the runway. The long shall was pretty but I didn't really enjoy the whole look because it seemed kind of sloppy.

 

Sonjia had problems with her proportions, I guarantee that if the knot thing was under the bust and if the dress was longer it would have been a lot nicer and more sophisticated.

 

And finally, Ven ... He had me disgusted! Not to mention, the fabric and design altogether was hideous. First of all, I think his client is beautiful and has a great shape to her plus size figure. Ven was totally out of line and made rude comments about his client's size. He claimed to never have designed for a "real size woman." What the hell does that even mean? What woman is NOT a real size? And yes, REAL WOMEN HAVE CURVES. Not all women are as stick thin as the models the designers design for. As a plus size woman myself, I found it very offensive! I'm going to be rude for a moment so I must apologize before I continue. I am sorry for what I am about to say but it is the truth. Ven is not a twig himself, in fact he is similar to that of a tree trunk. To make a woman uncomfortable and self conscious about her body is the worst thing a man, designer, and supposed professional can do. I hope he removes his arrogant head out of the clouds and realizes how terrible he made his client feel. Shame on you Ven!

 

Next week, there will be lots of crying! The ladies have plenty of problems in their designs, while the boys seem to be doing well (At least thats what it looks like from the promo). Ven makes a sexist comment about men being stronger (Please shut up!) and Christopher looks like he's trying to do a Cher impression (LOL I can't wait)! I'm not really sure of what the challenge is but Tim Gunn says that they'll be put into production or something along those lines. I guess we'll have to wait and see!

Project Runway Recap & Review Week 5

So here's the deal for last week; The designers were given Nina Garcia's Challenge which consisted of designing for a working woman to be featured in Marie Claire Magazine. The designers were divided into two teams and were instructed to create their functional, editorial looks and direct a photoshoot for the magazine. In Team 5 was Christopher, Ven, Fabio, Nathan, and Gunnar. In Team 6 was Sonjia, Melissa, Alicia, Dmitry, Elena, and Raul.

Team 6 won the feature in the magazine, while everyone in Team 5 just ended up safe and still in the competition.

The Winner this week:

Melissa won last week's challenge and honestly I don't understand why. Yes, the blue dress with the oversized collar was pretty and intriguing but I don't see what is so special about it. Suprisingly, she used color which was in her favor but its not like she had much choice being that Elena wanted to take over.

Auf'd last week:

Raul was out ... again! He made the two tops seen in the above looks. I personally liked them both although the grey one wasn't as memorable. Raul seems to put himself in high regard. I'm not going to lie, I thought he was okay but still needs improvement, but people treat him as if he has no skill at all and that just annoys me. Anyway, farewell to him for the second time.

My favorites:

Who other than Mr. Christopher Palu? I love that he used his signature pointed fabric cutouts! I just thought his look was remarkable. Enough said, I think it speaks for itself.

Dmitry's look was nice and simple. I love the diagonal coloring and the construction of it was great. He sews incredibly as we know and it makes this look very clean cut.

Fabio is finally designing with his aesthetic in mind and it comes across beautifully. The head wrap brings in his own sense of style while still working with the collection. I think this look is very chic and modern.

I dont't know why, but I am quite fond of the top and out layer that Elena created. It's not her typical box-y, warrior things that she makes time and time again. She did good with this one; its simple and sophistocated.

I'd also like to add ...

Ven's top was sloppily put together and his white skirt was eating at the model's thighs. He needed to include a slip underneath the skirt so that it doesn't bunch up her legs. I'm also getting tired of his architectural/drape-y type designs, I wish he'd do something different.  

Gunnar needs a reality check. He doesn't know what the heck he's doing. This may sound rude but I really hope he's next to go.

Elena may be blunt and telling it how she sees it but enough is enough. No one wants a control freak telling them what to do and no one likes a bitch, yes I went there!

Nathan's look was okay but the pants, even though the draping was intentional, looked very sloppy and baggy. If they were more tailored, his look would definitely be a favorite of mine.

Finally, Sonjia's skirts were nice and well put together but there was nothing special about them to me.

Next week, the designers are creating looks for actual clients who are in need of a makeover. Let's see how that pans out.

Costume Extravaganza: Into the Woods at Shakespeare in the Park

This past Wednesday evening my friends and I went to see Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Into the Woods at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park. The Shakespeare in the Park production officially opened on August 9th. The musical intertwines a number of classic childhood fairytales including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Bean Stalk, Rapunzel, and The Baker and his Wife. I thought it was wonderful and I wanted to share a few of the costumes that I really loved.


Donna Murphy as the Old Witch

Donna Murphy as the Young Witch

I absolutely LOVED this green dress, Donna looked spectacular in it. The color and the way it moved on stage was gorgeous. 

Laura Shoop

Jesse Mueller as Cinderella and Ivan Hernandez as Cinderella's Price Charming

Jesse Mueller's blue dress is adorable and I really like the checkerboard-like effect in the fabric. Ivan's costume is luxurious in white with gold details. It looked stunning in the stage lighting.

I also loved Jesse's Cinderella ball gown, unfortunately I can't find a picture, but it was gorgeous.

Just an Update

Unfortunately, there will be no Sketchy Sunday this week. I've been super busy with work and other projects, that I haven't had the time this week to come up with something to share. Project Runway Recap & Review Week 5 will be posted some time on Monday. I will also be posting a Costume Extravaganza, after this post, for Into the Woods at Shakespeare in the Park. In the coming weeks ahead, there will be lots of Fall trend and (hopefully) Back to School haul posts.

Some news: I recently entered a contest to win 2 tickets to the J. Mendel runway show during Fashion Week on September 12. They are announcing the winner tomorrow on their Facebook Fan Page. Lord knows I would love to attend a show. We'll see what happens with that (fingers crossed).

I am also hoping to finish my first outfit, that I am still working on, before the Fall semester starts. The photoshoot will probably happen early september while its still warm out. I'll keep you all updated on more stuff to come. Have a great weekend and stay stylish!

Lady Gaga Sketch Submission

Recently, GaGa posted a video on her social media site, LittleMonsters.com, about a sketch submission contest asking fans to submit their own fashion sketches for her. She will choose and wear her favorite looks! She says she will work with the winners to actually create the garments. I think it's an amazing opportunity so I went for it, thanks to one of my friends. I, of course, wanted to share it with all of you.

About a week ago, GaGa also released the name of her upcoming album, ArtPop. The name is partially what gave me the inspiration. When I thought of the word ArtPop, my mind immediately went to Andy Warhol and the famous Marilyn Monroe picture. I began to look more into his works and found his Grevy's Zebra. The colors looked magnificent and I ran with it. So here you see a shell-like structure with the colors of Andy Warhol's Zebra artwork. I also knew I wanted to incorporate something like aluminum or metal, hence the hoop-like strapless dress. The heelless boots are also metalic with a red platform. She wears shoes similar to this so I figured I'd try to keep her style in this as well.

I hope you all enjoy and remember YOU WERE BORN THIS WAY!

Project Runway Recap & Review Week 4

Hello gang ... another week has passed and this time aroud the designers had their Girl On the Go Challenge from Michael Kors. They were asked to create a look for a client who is always traveling or in high demand from her busy lifestyle, whether it be a look from day to night or just versatile clothing. Tim Gunn stressed that it should keep wrinkle free throughout the day. Also on the go were TWO designers. Andrea left the competition in the middle of the night and Kooan made the decision to leave, making the announcement in the workroom

The challenge winner this week:

Sonjia! This dress looks so versatile and sexy on her model. She clearly followed the challenge rules and used a fabric that seems to be comfortable and doesn't wrinkle. Any woman can make this a day to night look effortlessly with a change of shoes and some accessories. She may even want to let her hair down. I also really love the color if the fabric. Yes, its grey, you might be asking "Who cares?" but something about it is interesting.

Out this week:

Buffi was out. I was actually really sad to see her go because I'm quite fond of her quirkiness. She's got spunk but this look honestly was terrible. I understood that she was trying to stay true to her aesthetic, which is all well and good, but she could have toned it down a bit. I wonder if she would have been safe if she had listened to Christopher, who honestly seemed like he was innocently trying to help. The construction was awful, particularly the hemline of the zebra print dress. If she had used the sheer pink garment over maybe a nude or black fabric and focused on construction a bit more she would have definitely continued on.

My other favorites:

Christopher's look was delicate with an edgy touch. I thought it was styled perfectly, my only wish is that his model would fill it out more because she is incredibly thin.

Suprisingly, I like Alicia's look. Typically I don't really like the looks she puts together. It's super crisp and clean and the construction of it looks awesome! If she keeps this up I might start to actually enjoy her designs.

I don't know what it is about it but I really love what Melissa did here. I think its the fabric she used, it looks so comfortable! I also LOVE the layering and the combination of the black and brown because it's typically what I'm into personally.

We all know Dmitry is a sewing machine wiz so I'm not surprised at how fabulous the construction is. I love it but I just wish it wasn't so boring. He needs to add a little bit more depth into his aesthetic and not be so monotone, then we'll have a winner.

And finally, Nathan .... but I only really like the vest-like garment over the dress. The rest of it (styling and colors) reminds me of Mardi Gras and it washes his model out. I know she's on the go and traveling, but it shouldn't be to New Orleans. I hope he chooses better color palettes in the future.

This week the designers are given Nina Garcia's Challenge, good luck to them on that one!

Sketchy Sunday

Technically, its already Sunday, and since I won't be home for most of the day I figured I'd post this now while I'm still up. This week's Sketchy Sunday was inspired by New York City. In order, I sketched Lady Liberty, a Traffic Light, the Empire State Building, the Subway Lines and Train Car, a Metro Card, and an Old School Taxi Cab. Of course, these are all my take on these iconic NYC landmarks and symbols. I hope you all enjoy!

Project Runway Recap & Review Week 3

Thank you for being ever so patient with my lack of posting and my tardiness. I hope you all watched tonight's episode and enjoyed it because it has been getting a bit dramatic.

On to last week...
The designers were paired up in teams and were given the Lexus Red Carpet Challenge where they had to design for a client (former Project Runway designers) for a night at the Emmy's while incorporating the color of the Lexus they were assigned.

A quick list of design teams and their clients:

Alicia and Raul - Mila
Andrea and Christopher - Anya
Buffi and Elena - Laura
Dmitry and Melissa - April
Gunnar and Kooan - Queen Irina
Nathan and Sonjia - Valerie
Fabio and Ven - Kenley

The designers met with their clients to come up with a sketch that fit the clients' needs and personal styles. The winner once again was (drum roll please).... Ven! I wasn't surprised, as his and Fabio's dress was my only favorite this time around. They were Team Blue. I commend them for this fabric choice. It looks rich and I found the construction of it to be stunning.

Out last week was Raul. First of all, I have to say, this dress looked terrible and the hair (even though its not the focus) made it even worse. He and Alicia didn't even bother to take the risk with the black and red printed fabric. Raul said himself, if it was up to him he would keep the print and he damn well should have! I honestly thought it was beautiful and might have saved him from going because it would have been daring.



Some other comments I'd like to add:

Despite the fact that its not my taste, Dmitry and Melissa's dress was well done and looked great in terms of the difficulty of the fabric. It was flawlessly done.

Gunnar needs to quit putting himself on a pedestal because his work isn't as great as he thinks it is in my opinion. Kooan seemed very humble and gave Gunnar the credit for the work he did (even if I think its horrible), I applaud Kooan for that.

Andrea drove me bonkers this episode and I felt Christopher's pain. He's generally good spirited and sweet, I felt bad for him having to be in the bottom because of his partner. I cried with him while he was on the runway because I can tell how badly he wants this. I hope to see more from him and off the record I hope he kicks everyone's ass and wins.

The other two designs were safe worthy. They did what the client asked for and pulled through. Congrats to those two teams as well.

Tonight's episode Recap and Review will be up on Tuesday. Until then, enjoy the rest of the week and be well.



Courageous Update

First I'll start off by saying that Sketchy Sunday was a bust this week. I haven't had a chance to think of a new collection, let alone create illustrations. I apologize for that because I really look forward to sharing that with all of you every week. This coming Sunday I should have something done to share and I hope you'll enjoy!

The real reason for this post ... I recently started working at a clothing store in Scarsdale, NY called Courage. b. It's temporary until my Fall semester begins but I'm glad to have the opportunity to familiarize myself with the retail aspect of the fashion industry. I've been in the store for three days this past week so far. Its pretty cool to interact with customers and sell items in the store, although it does get kind of boring when no one is around. Hopefully this experience teaches me much more about retail as I continue to work there and gives me an insight into what it will be like to own my own clothing stores for my dream line. I'll keep you all updated if anything interesting occurs during my time here. Until then be Courage. b!

My New Sanctuary: Room Tour

Once you walk into my room the book shelves are the first thing you see. Before, there were a lot more books. I threw out some of the kiddie books I had from when I was younger to make more room for the more age appropriate ones. It was such a mess before but this is super neat now. The door is a small storage closet. In there is board games, office supplies, lots of different papers. My mother shoved all that stuff in there.

Then you would walk past that through another walk way and my bed is there. While walking in you wouldn't see the front view of the bed though. This picture shows the front view of it. On it there are the 8-pc Comforter Set. I love it, its so cute. The artwork is also up there, as you can see. I love the touches of red. There is also the new headboard and I'm so happy with it. The assembly of it was fairly easy and it looks much neater than before.

At the foot of my bed you'd find my dress form, the inspiration for my whole room. I loved the colors of it so its what my whole new room look is based on. Next to it is my sewing machine in the box and my leftover fabric from Mood in the bag. I normally use the sewing machine at my desk (seen in the next picture).

Facing my bed is my dresser and desk. On my dresser there are cups and mugs from Broadway shows I've been too (excluding one, which was Wicked). There are six in total, from left to right is Ghost, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Godspell, Wicked, Anything Goes, and Sister Act. I also have a small mirror there and my 3D glasses from the Katy Perry's movie. On top of the desk is my lamp, my laptop, a pencil sharpener, a pen holder, and a wooden paper organizer. In the drawers below are art supplies and sewing materials (needs, ribbons, thread, etc.).

And finally, on the left of my desk is my closet. On it is a dry erase calendar and a corkboard. There is different papers, memos, dream catchers, and pictures tacked onto it. To the left of the closet, near the walk way, is also a number of shelves that contain linens and some of my clothes, covered by a gray curtain.

Project Runway Recap & Review Week 2

We've gotten to the second week of Project Runway. The designers were given the unconventional challenge. With a $250 budget and a 50% discount, they were required to use candy from Dylan's Candy Bar. It was a fashionably sweet episode with Ven as the challenge winner and Lantie being auf'd. Let's get to the designs.

Challenge Winner: Ven's yummy pastel dress featuring his signature rose pattern. He used rock candy and black licorice strings. We can see why he won this challenge! It's magnificent and he executed it perfectly.

The one to go: Lantie, you are OUT! Thank God! I couldn't wait for her to leave. Getting through by a thread the previous week, I'm not surprised she was out. Made out of the Dylan's umbrella fabric and store bought boots, Lantie showed the judges a lack of creativity and ambition. She gave up after rethinking her first design and made this mess in what seemed like the last few hours she had. She claims she ran out of time and can't work "like this." Question .... Why would you audition in the first place if you can't make something worthwhile in the time you're given? Anyway, farewell to her.

My other absolute favorites:

Sonjia's look was gorgeous. I favored hers over Ven's because of the colors and construction. She used Gummy Sharks, Jelly Beans, Jordan Almonds, Gum Balls, and Rock Candy. She used the most variety of candy and it all looks so beautiful together, it doesn't clash.

Christopher's look was also stunning. The colors were gorgeous and his signature pointed pattern looked great in candy too. His dress consisted of Rock Candy as well. The only problem was the fit of the dress but of course that isn't an easy task with candy. Otherwise, he did a great job.

Fabio's piece was adorable! I love the blue and the ombre effect on the skirt. He used Rock Candy, Sour Belts, and Gumballs on the side. To me, it looks kind of galaxy-ish and its very eye catching.

Raul's design looked like it was made of real fabric! The colors were very pretty together. My favorite part of his outfit was definitely the rolled up Sour Belts, they looked so interesting. His look consisted of Sour Belts and Gummy Strawberries.

Melissa's design had a real tough girl vibe. It looked like real leather and staying true to her aesthetic she used black, as usual, but I love it. I just wish the top was a bit tighter. She used Black Licorice Wheels, Black Licorice Strings, and Foil Wrappers for the studs (I think).

And finally, Dmitry's look. The design was simple and had beautiful movement. The colors were fantastic against the black and the construction was fabulous, as not one piece of candy fell off of his. His look consisted of Black, Red, and Yellow Gumballs.