In spirits of the cold weather the fall and winter season brings, we would like to ask: whats in your cup? Who doesn't love a hot latte or soothing cup of your favorite teas and hot cocoa during these bitter months.
My cup for the day: Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
Here is an outfit that compliments the spicy aromatic aura of the tea,
and will be sure to keep you warm... enjoy ;)
Cropped Orange Knit Sweater ($23 at urbanog.com) Compliments the hints of cinnamon in the chai
Cigarette High-Rise Seam Jean ($59 at urbanoutfitters.com) For the Indian Black Tea leaves
Brown Lace Up Oxfords ($36 at lulus.com) For the hits of spicy cardamom in the tea
Cream Cable Knit Beret ($24 at urbanoutfitters.com) For the steamed milk foam topping off my latte
Change. A simple
yet powerful word, this is what Anderung Clothing / Changemakers is all about.
26-year-old Bethune Cookman University graduate Shaheed Rucker currently
resides in Philadelphia, PA where him and his team create apparel that makes
more than just a fashion statement; it supports positive societal change.
“One of my first pieces I designed was a simple Triangle
logo T-shirt because it’s the universal symbol for “Change” and that’s what I
stand for” said Shaheed. He believes in improving one’s self and the community
through positive change. His partner organization “Changemakers” devotes time
to participate in extracurricular activities in the community such as sports,
arts and crafts and education to help change behaviors.
Motivation, inspiration from other great artistry, positive
energy as well as competitiveness all awakens Shaheed’s creative senses when designing.
What is his niche in the fashion world?
“No ideas original, so I can’t claim
anything, but I do pride off of incorporating social change through fashion. I like everything to bear a significant reason
that affect the lives of others” he replied. It seems as though he is taking a
revolutionary step in the fashion world; creating a brand that holds greater
meaning than just being one’s choice of apparel for the day.
Anderung "Classic Logo" Crewneck Sweatshirt $55
Anderung Cheetah Tee $40
“Having a rare and unique approach is what inspires the
pieces, each design is well thought out , we try to make them very different
from normality” said Shaheed about Anderung Clothing. Implementing style and
longevity with classic timeless designs along with good quality garments allow
him and his team to establish their unique apparel that makes a statement. With
his gold watch and gator slippers being his favorite wardrobe items, it is
clear that a bold statement is definitely something Shaheed likes to make.
The great city of Philly is a key inspiration to the
Anderung brand. “In Philly you have to stay ahead , you have to be a forward
thinker when it comes to style in this city. The challenge of thinking forward
serves us as beneficial , that enables you to sustain longevity in other places”
said Shaheed. His passion for fashion even derived from the city. “Watching
people get teased in grade school if you didn't have the latest or dress
“Fresh”. It’s instilled as a kid, so you can’t really shake it ,I also love art, fashion is art and I love to create” he said.
What’s in store for Anderung Clothing in the future? “You can look forward to our brand to stay
exclusive and push the envelope of creativity, continuous unisex garments made
for everyone” said Shaheed. Be sure to keep an eye out for this awesome line in your city, change is being made!
I’m not sure what caught my attention first…the presentation
of his S/S Collection in front ofa
linen and rose striped drop or the extreme over-layering of quirky mixed
patterned pieces.Either way the man is
pure genius and if you didn’t know Chris Benz before prepare to get to know the
insanely creative man now.Noted as the “Prince
of Color”, the American designer perfectly paired oversized vintage-y patterned
jackets with crumpled trousers, a dress over top, and a chunky sweater tied at
the waist to top it all off.WHO DOES
THAT!?!?!...and make it look so effortless at the same time??? Most of my
favorite pieces included the oversized black trousers with the stripe-like
fringe trim, the beautiful mint chiffon numbers, and the enormous green and
orange hexagonal shaped jacket. Could you tell I’m a bit obsessed?Oh wait…to top it all off, during his Spring
presentation my now new best friend announced that he will be lowering his
price point to reach a wider audience!HELLO!...*waves poor little wanna-be rich girl.Fashion risk takers take notes…as I throw out
all my boring pieces in my closet!
XXX,
B.
stained lips radio:::
...this song has absolutely nothing to do with Chris but it's my fave song right now!
A mix of edginess and
an eclectic twist, all handmade here in the USA. Alyssa Carnazza brings us her
apparel line: IamCARNAZZA. 24-year-old Alyssa is a 2010 graduate from Fordham
University where she studied Communication and Media Studies, but she is
currently residing in Westwood, New Jersey creating a brand as well as finding
her niche in the fashion platform.
“The first piece I designed was a white cocktail dress,
inspired by the modern day Marilyn Monroe” says Alyssa about a garment she
constructed for her high school prom. “At the time, my mom had just introduced
me to sewing and I saw a challenge in creating what I could wear” she said.
Being able to see a sketch come to life and transition from paper to the hanger
is something that definitely intrigued her.
Aztec Poncho $98
Fashion Era’s. This is something IamCARNAZZA brings to their customers; being able to find a set of pieces that represent one’s current attitude and/or feeling in that very moment. Expressing this attitude with different era trends allows one to even create their own personal era. IamCARNAZZA focuses collections on both fashion trends and Alyssa’s own personal vibes.
Neoprene Asymmetric Circle Skirt $85
Neoprene Vest with Cut Out Back $75
“I want my buyer to feel confident and cool instantly upon
wearing an IamCARNAZZA piece. I design to create closet staples that everyone
can style differently and add their own flare to” says Alyssa. One of her own
staple wardrobe items are her camouflage calf leather Christian Louboutin
pumps. Very fashion forward!
Who would be her ideal designer to work with if she had the
chance? No one other than the American fashion innovator Jeremy Scott himself. His
risky mixing techniques of merging fashion with pop culture is something Alyssa
loves and admires.
"I AM" Unisex Tees $35
Alyssa is currently teamed up with her mother and developing
IamCARNAZZA as a family company. They are in the process of creating a Fall
2013 collection as well working with their Creative Director, Kristen Carnazza,
bringing pieces to life in photo and video shoots accompanied with hair and
make-up. “We’re an imaginative and inspired family that works really well
together; I couldn’t be more grateful to have them beside me” says Alyssa.
Be sure to keep a tasteful eye out for the emerging
IamCARNAZZA line! We are definitely looking forward to their collection in
2013!
Talk about hiatus.I guess
I was on mine a few weeks to long.I’ve
been thinking…a lot.At the time I stopped
blogging I didn’t believe in myself.I would
look at other blogs and get discouraged.I would find myself behind with my posts.I disappointed my team, I disappointed my
viewers but I had to make a few changes within myself.The first steps…stop caring what others would
think.For a minute I lost the true
reason why I even started blogging. I started
with the intention of doing it for myself…because well fashion is my passion
and I wanted to spread my knowledge, my adventures, my travels, everything with
my wonderful viewers.Then I got
discouraged…knocked off my rocking horse and I felt like I wasn’t doing well
enough.And that’s when my self-conscious
kicked my ass.You see I’m human. Yes
believe it or not…and I happen to be my worst critic ALL the time.The time I stopped blogging I just felt like I
could’ve been doing sooo much better.So
I took a break.Ok a long break.But were back!And where I still think there’s room for
improvement, I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer.
While I was on “break”, I decided that it was time for me to
start making some moves.Moves towards
what I want to do in fashion, begin networking, and stop being such a
punk.My boss at work gave me a great
piece of advice a while back…he said “if you don’t speak up now, you will never
have a voice”.Ahhh so true, and despite
my tough criticism towards myself, I realized that I need to let that go and
just get out there.So what if I don’t have
the best blog, so whattt I’m not at the top of your best dressed list.I’m learning…I’m getting out there so my
voice CAN be heard!
After some searching...I found a post
that a Japanese Stylist looking for an assistant for an upcoming photoshoot
for KURV magazine.KURV is an Australian
magazine featuring high-end fashion, editorial, art, design, music and
film.You can check them out online at www.kurvmag.com.au .Masayo, the stylist in whom I now love, was
styling for the magazine’s spring issue with pieces from Y-3’s 2013 Spring
Collection.We worked with three Ford models
that were all awesome in Tribeca.It was
an all-day shoot…oh did I mention it was outside!Nonetheless, it was great experience and I had
a fun time doing what I always wanted to do.Where this is the first styling gig I had I can’t wait to get out there
and see what I can do on my own.With compliments
of Masayo and her approval that I should style more often, I can’t wait to see
what I can achieve next!
As for me…personally…I need to let go of my fear.Let go of the thought of failure. What did Drake say..."started not to give a f*** and stop fearing the consequence." Remember that beautiful peeps..stay blessed...positive...and keep your head up.
When two innovative individuals
with paralleled eclectic senses for fashion combine, amazing things can come to
life. 24-year-old long time best friends Mila and Fire are a perfect example of
what can be accomplished when two people sharing the same passion for fashion
collaborate.
Individualism, style, and sex. Not only
is this the motto for their self-named apparel line Mila and Fire, but it is also the look and essence they aim to
achieve with their garments. Graduates from the University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill and Virginia Commonwealth University, the ladies studied topics of
public relations, fashion and French. They are currently working hard in the
nation’s capitol of Washington D.C. as business owners, entrepreneurs, and most
importantly TRENDsetters.
Vintage Black and Gold Sweater $18
Contemporary Sheer Fuchsia Maxi Skirt $39
Reconstructed Sheer Printed Maxi Dress $32
“We have
always been lovers of fashion, specifically of electric pieces with a sexy
undertone. We’ve always pushed the envelope, with interest in the evolution and
recycling of fashion” said the ladies. Both are natives to the Washington D.C.
fashion scene.
“We believe that Washingtonians
have an impeccable sense of fashion, that is often overshadowed by the business
suits of the political world and practical clothing worn by tourists.”
The Mila and Fire clothing line always
ensures that their pieces appeal to a wide array of body types. Many of their garments
are reconstructed, adding their own twist or vintage style to items they
purchase themselves. “Garments are only as great as they body they are
flattering” said the ladies. This is extremely important when trying to appeal
to a diverse crowd of customers, like those in Washington D.C. and surrounding
metropolitan areas.
Keeping a close eye on people in the city,
their own peers, as well as surrounding environments is what helps Mila and
Fire in their creative process. “Our creativity is awakened at the most random
times and in the most random forms,” said the ladies. “There is something about
watching other young business owners thrive that pushes us to aim for the same
high goals.”
Reconstructed Leopard Print Open-back top $25
“We would
love for our brand to help make a name for the D.C. fashion scene,” said the
ladies. It is safe to say they have already accomplished getting their brand
out there with a strong online presence and a photograph feature if their
apparel in the NY Times during Brooklyn’s Afro-Punk Festival.
Everyone
should stay tuned as the ladies are currently in the process of planning a
launch for their collection which will be their own sketches and visions- it
will be 100% Mila and Fire. Their spark in the fashion world is only sure to
continue growing.
“We try not
set limitations on ourselves so that in the future we can continue to grow and
expand Mila and Fire in as many ways
as possible”.
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