My Obsession With

Whether it was his limitless imagination, stunning construction of garments or consistent urge to push the boundaries of fashion, Alexander McQueen will forever be my favorite designer. An eye for perfectly executed exaggeration and a respect for the beauty & fragility of modern style, McQueen created a legacy. Sarah Burton currently carries on the torch as creative director of the beloved brand.  Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013 is a defining line; something the McQueen Bee would be extraordinary proud of. 

This buzz-worthy collection speaks for itself. The art of draping and constructed forms are apparent in every piece. Honeycomb headpieces, wasp patterned tulle skirts and variations of gold bodices predict a very couture spring & summer. In the world of fashion, McQueen will forever rule the hive. This brand is so beyond immaculate; ever-changing twists on modern fashion are daring yet traditional, which is the foundation of every collection. As Alexander once stated, "There is no better designer than nature." 

It's that time of year again..

Prepare yourselves.

Bouts of crash dieting, envy, (and for boys, boners) are all serious side affects of watching the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show. Toned bombshell-glamazon women strut the runway in beautiful bedazzled bustiers, thigh-high constructed fishnets, couture-styled angle wings and million dollar swarovski-crystal studded fantasy bras. The gold glitter runway, vamped up musical performances and the constant awe of playful pouts, long locks and rock solid abs make this show one fierce productions. We watch these beautifully designed, universally sexy lingerie pieces come to life. While a handful of newbie angels were added to the list, allow your jaw to drop for a few of my favorite angels that cover every wall of a VS store near you;

 This 5'10 Brazilian beauty is basically the face of Vickie Secret.

Her perfectly contoured body and signature pout are deadly weapons.

The most envy inducing feature of all? This is her body, post 2 pregnancies.

Candice, a South African smoke show, was signed just a few years ago but has graced almost every catalog/advertisement since. Her strikingly blue doe-eyes and blonde waves give "girl next door" new meaning. My 11:11 wish is that i wake up looking like her. 

Ah, Miranda.

She just has a grade-A perfect body, an Australian accent & goes home to Orlando Bloom every night; no big deal.

Los Angeles native Chanel became a high-fashion super-model at the prime age of 20. Rocking the VS runway as well as the Ralph Lauren campaign, she's doing more than most models will ever dream of. 

Lindsay is a sexy little angel complete with fair skin and bright locks. 

She's known for her Gorgeous bra campaign and appears in several swim catalogs and photo shoots. 

Doutzen is a Netherlands beauty queen known for her strong runway strut and pretty pout. She has modeled for Vogue, Time, and was included in Forbes Magazine's top-earning super-models bringing in $6.9 million a year. & that's how it's done. 

Erin is a fierce, freckle-covered angel from Skokie, Illinois.

Discovered while on a family vacation, she shot to stardom with the help of VS. Among the other models, she's known for being quirkishly intelligent! Brains & beauty. 

Fitting the VS image to a T, Lily is a petite brunette with a signature gap that embodies everything a PINK wearing VS model should be. She is also known for some sexy poses and winks to complete her runway strut. 

Behati was a fresh face that fit the PINK line perfectly.

She was signed as an angel last year and slayed the runway during her first fashion show. She's now dating Adam Levine..who awkwardly dated VS angel Ann V. last year. Addicted to angels? I think yes.

Start the hype for this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.  Rihanna & J Biebz will sing alongside the angels; December 4th, 2012 @ 10/9c on CBS.

The Hullabaloo Fashion Show

The Hullabaloo Fashion Show & Fundraiser was a

major success.

Months of hard work, blood, sweat, tears & inspiration were poured into this event by Valerie Mayen and our Yellowcake team! While i'm usually reviewing fashion shows, this was my first time behind the scenes.. & it was quite the experience. Set up was exhausting  but with all hands on deck we turned our empty gallery into an extremely elegant venue. Everything turned out fabulously. The runway show was fierce, the entertainment was fantastic. It was an amazing experience, being able to witness Val's designs go from quick sketches in the shop to tangible, beautiful ensembles. The stress melted away throughout the night, watching guests and interns alike smile and enjoy such a fashionable event.
It was a great networking opportunity and an incredible experience to work behind the scenes of my first fashion show. I'm so thankful to be a part of Yellowcake; the experience and memories i have made with this internship has exceeded my wildest dreams. Few can say that they assist a Project Runway alum or took a cross-country road trip in the name of fashion. Not many can show you the scars on their feet from walking the Las Vegas strip in Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots.. & a handful of amazing interns can say they helped Valerie Mayen execute the Hullabaloo Fashion Show.Valerie, Bridget, & Emily have been such professional, focused, fun mentors. Congratulations to everyone that brought Yellowcake's Hullabaloo to life. 

All Images Photo credit: Tom Sawyer, Predicate Attire

The Truth

Hullabaloo Fashion Show

 

The most fashionable event in Cleveland is only days away!

Get your tickets here & join me in reviewing the Yellowcake runway collection of fall fashion.

Cruel Summer, a Cruel Tease

It leaked, you listened, you loved it.

Or hated it. 

There is rarely an "it was okay" response to this album. Fans accepted or rejected the album quickly after the leak and release. My first issue? Where was the promotion? Maybe i was just really consumed in school; enough not to notice much promoting. but Kanye, being the attention-addict he is, i was expecting a bit more. Second, unity. After researching the release date i came across pictures of the Cruel Summer clique signing albums and meeting fans. Rarely were they all together or around each other at the same time which makes me question a little bad blood in the G.O.O.D gang? I personally hold Kanye, a legendary artist, designer & producer to a very high standard. Ye never stops working. I siked myself out of my mind to the point i got butterflies in my stomach awaiting the release of this album.. which in my eyes, fell a bit short of expectation.

To The World

Kanye West & R Kelly

This track held it's own.

I was actually surprised to hear such beautiful vocals 

after expecting  some hardcore rap to start it off. 

The quality of Ye & Kelly's rhymes were just 'eh.'

Clique

Kanye West, Jay-Z & Big Sean

Alright, i can rage to this. 

Heavy bass, a quick beat & easily expected lyrics.

Mercy

Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha-T & 2 Chainz

A G.O.O.D Music staple with a kanye's signature originality. 

Not exactly sure why people are so skeptical of the "satanic" bridge. 

I think it's what the track needed to stay fresh and thought provoking. & whether or not

Ye, Jay-Z & whoever else is involved in the Illuminati is enough to keep 

people talking, a good selling point.

New God Flow

Kanye West, Pusha-T & Ghostface Killah

I don't know.. the track didn't do much for me & neither does Pusha-T or Ghostface Killah.

The Morning

Raekwon, Pusha-T, Common, 2 Chainz, Cyhi the Prynce, Kid Cudi, D'Banj

This was a sick collab.

Cyhi is underrated, and D'Banj's beats are on point.

It gets a bit monotonous towards the end, but overall a successful track. 

Cold

Kanye West feat. DJ Khaled & DJ Pharris

I'm sorry, DJ Khaled is  not my thing. 

Like, ever. 

Higher

 Pusha T feat. The-Dream, Ma$e & Cocaine 80s

Ma$e impresses me. Not much else to say.

Sin City

John Legend, Teyana Taylor, CyHi The Prynce & Malik Yusef feat. Travi$ Scott

The dark sound keeps it entertaining, this is the point where Teyana shines through. 

The One

Kanye West & Big Sean feat. 2 Chainz, Marsha Ambrosius & Cocaine 80s

I think this track has the most lyrical depth. It breaks the ever-growing monotony of the album up a bit.

Creepers

Kid Cudi

Yes.. I was waiting for this.

Can you trust me to neutrally critique a Scott Mescudi song?

Hell no. By supporting him as an artist as opposed to a specific sound, i've got love for everything he does. It isn't included in my favorite Cudi tracks or anything, but the Teleport 2 Me-esque song is a blend of old & new Cudder. It's overlooked by his recently dropped singles like "Just What I Am," but by far my favorite track on Cruel Summer. 

Bliss

John Legend & Teyana Taylor

I think John Legend's smooth, soulful voice contrasts negatively with Teyana Taylor's. I don't think she brought much to this album.

I Don't Like

Pusha T, Kanye West & Big Sean feat. Chief Keef & Jadakiss

Cruel Summer ends on a good note. Enough to make up for over-shot expectations on a few of the tracks? Nah. But a solid club banger and party inducing pregame track.  

 I thought originality and execution were on point; delivery, not so much. I'm not sure the album's fluidity was as smooth as they had expected. I was hoping Cruel Summer would feed my hunger for new Kanye, Cudi & a stellar album, but it's left me bored; Tapping my fingers, anxiously awaiting Indicud. Disappointed, i still wholeheartedly believe G.O.O.D overrules every other label in the game. 

The Michigan Fashion Week Review

Cleveland,

I hate to say this..but accept defeat.

The first annual Michigan Fashion Week has surpassed my standards.

A proper venue, an organized set up, and helpful production made this show a success.

Last show i attended i felt a little over dressed in a vintage Faviana dress, so i decided to go with something a bit more casual. I wore a GUESS white tank, a Charlotte Russe hi-low skirt, a forever21 belt, and my go-to fashion industry shoes.. taupe suede Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots.

 

Southfield Pavillion held Michigan's first annual fashion week. The actual location was in a beautiful building, but finding the event was an issue, especially for someone that didn't  know the area. I was expecting a sign or something, but ended up frustratingly yelling out my window to locals, asking for directions. When i got inside, I gave the security my name and was  presented with a press pass wristband.. incredibly exciting since it's the first one of my entire career.

After a fifteen minute wait and a lot of confusion, I was seated right next to the photographers. I was annoyed that it took so long, but sitting front and center made up for it. At this point, i was impressed with the direction of staff and everything that went into making this show organized.

The host, Bianca Golden, was a cycle 9 contestant on America's Next Top Model. She was upbeat, beautifully dressed and supportive of an event in her home state. Bianca wore a black mesh sheath flare dress by Erika Hicks. She made a statement with her sheer front and perfectly placed petals. I'm obsessed with ANTM &  Project Runway, so meeting cast members of both shows this year was a dream come true. 

Andrea is the designer of Tidal Cool Creations.

The first time i saw her collection was this past spring at Cleveland Fashion Week. Her recent african-inspired runway 2013 Spring/Summer collection was full of beautiful pieces that had me missing the summer breeze already. Playful, patterned resort-like pieces including a-line frocks, girly halter dresses, elegant jumpsuits and sexy hotpant/corset combos made Andrea's collection the victim of constant compliments from the surrounding audience. My favorite look is the dress shown above; foxy & fashionable. 

 

Taylor's designs were especially elegant featuring white tones mixed with dark detail. She included all season wear, quality coats, flare pants, and carefully constructed pieces. My favorite ensemble was the statement making combination of a peplum ivory top and patterned jersey trousers.

Thierry Couture is focused on preppy detail and unique styles. She gave "couture" a new meaning by designing high quality pieces specifically for every day wear. Pretty ruffles, interesting textures and surprising colors came together to feed the visual stimuli.

 

Tyna Fanciee Logan created an inspiring collection of sass and style. Each piece was ready to wear blended with incredible elements of high fashion. The look was signature; adding a simple piece like leggings to a bandeau/vest combo became a spot light stealing ensemble.

Vintage Ties by Jaiden was a definitely a fresh collection that kept the show fun and interesting. His ties and accessories were studded, patterned, shredded and styled to perfection. Jaiden paired each design with a sick collection of menswear, fashioned to great taste.

Fun frocks were the basis of Siana's collection.

A great feature was the wide variety of texture and shape. Her dresses were very much my style; flirty, short skirts with high necklines and long sleeves. I can see her designs being worn by fashion power houses like Rachel Zoe or Rihanna.

 

Addiction Designs by Jamilla was definitely a respectable line.

Peplum blouses, banded skirts, constructed a-line silhouettes, and geometric patterns kept this collection focused on future trends yet still incorporated timeless elements, like cinched waists.

Overall, Michigan Fashion Week killed it. While they can't call themselves Chicago or New York, they held their own especially for their first ever showcase event. Each designer presented their collection by starting off with a personable video describing their collection, a nice touch that gave background behind their inspiring pieces. Plus size and male models strutted down the runway, a fresh vision among the rail thin models that clumped through MBFW last week. Great work to all who organized and completed Michigan's first annual Fashion Week. From the looks of Spring/Summer 2013 collections, we're about to have a fiercely fashionable year.