Friday, September 25, 2009

Catherine Malandrino Holiday/Resort 2010 Preview

I am a huge fan of Catherine Malandrino!! I received an email invitation to preview her Holiday and Resort 2010 collections yesterday, and I was blown away. Beautiful, sensual, feminine, edgy!! Though I didn't purchase any accesories or garments, I did purchase her book for $19.95. I figured it's a must-have keepsake by a world renowned designer that I will always cherish.

I met up with my friend & Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Brea Stinson aka BStar, and Roderick Gunsell, extremely talented jewelry designer. I have not seen Brea in a few years, and the two of them have not seen each other in a very long time, so it was a reunion of sorts. I was happy to bring them together again, and to see them both on an off day...though when you work in the fashion and entertainment industry...there is really no off day...or day off...it's constant networking, and seeking out new inspiration for your craft, which is all in love & fun.

If you want to treat yourself to an amazing piece of jewelry, coat, dress or handbag & are able to splurge...check out the Catherine Malandrino boutique at 652 Hudson Street at West 13th. Or..simply go and browse & try on some things...experience true luxury!

Yours in fashion,

Mary

Honey Magazine...Unofficial Launch Party

I know, I know...it's been a while since I have posted anything on this page...SHAME ON ME!!! Please forgive me...with the day-to-day of surviving, working, nurturing relationships...one in particular for me...revamping your business and/or personal life...you get the point. But I'm back, and I plan to start posting pictures...I know many people are more visual than anything...especially me...so I understand you need to see something other than text!

I attended the Honey Magazine party last night...I must say it was a very odd experience for me, because I used to work for the former publishing company that housed Honey, Heart & Soul, Savoy and impact! magazines back in 2000-2002 (it closed in 2004). Anyway, needless to say...none of my old colleagues were there...I was the lone Vanguarde alum. The venue was a trendy loft that had a bar, hair salon and art modest, basement art gallery. Very unique to say the least. The upper level where the party was, had a nice decor of tree branches, dried flowers, avant garde photos of models, some of celebrities (Cheetah Girl, Adrienne Bailon), and random garments (dress...vintage I believe) hanging elegantly & strategically from some the branches on the walls of exposed brick.

There were familiar faces...people in the fashion industry whom I've seen out & about, as well as models. The great part was open bar the entire evening, and even quaint sweet treats...mini cupcakes and cookies that were delicious. I was good...2 drinks & 1 bite-sized cupcake. I've been dieting (somewhat) and working out for the past few months 3-4 days a week. It's paying off slowly but surely.

I honestly thought I would have been able to reunite with some of my former employees, but that wasn't the case. Not sure if they knew...or just weren't interested in attending the "new" Honey party. Will I attend another of their events? Not sure...but it was great to get out & play for a bit.

I would like to style some of their shoots though...Why not? It's what I love!

Friday, June 12, 2009

DOLCE & GABBANA SAMPLE SALE

Hey fabulous folks!! One of our most popular fashion houses, DOLCE & GABBANA, is having their SAMPLE SALE TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 11am-7pm. This sale is more than one day...for more information call the Madison Avenue boutique at 212.249.4100.

Location: 125 W. 18th between 6th and 7th (Metropolitan Pavilion)

Hope you can make it!

Ciao...Always in fashion...

Mary

Monday, March 23, 2009

Online Boutique...that's very Unique!!

Hello ladies & gents...

I came across another online treasure! Boutique Unique (www.boutiquniq.com) is a great site that has men's and women's name brand items from accessories, to luggage, to underwear, to geometric wedges!...at discounted prices!!!

Also check out www.junoshoes.com if you have a shoe fetish...there are men's and women's styles that are very different and the prices are reasonable...which is always a great thing. Especially now.

Just surfing the internet looking for some fashion goodies...getting in gear for the warm weather to come!

Think fashion,

Mary Lafayette

IT'S ALL ABOUT NUDE!!!

Barely there lingerie in 20 shades of NUDE!!! www.myskins.com

I was so happy to find out about this site, because nude bras and panties are oh so necessary, ladies!! And the fact that this company has them in EVERY nude color for those with fair, medium or dark complexions is absolutely brilliant! It's about time!!

So...I am giving a heartfelt THANK YOU to the creators or My Skins on behalf of those women who are more brown than the typical nude bras we see in the stores.

Check it out ladies! I'm going to place my order very soon.

In fashion,

Mary Lafayette

Friday, March 20, 2009

BROOKLYN FASHION WEEK(END) - April 10th-12th

Brooklyn Fashion Weekend
April 10-12, 2009
by Mary Lafayette

Good day!

I would like to invite you to come and experience Brooklyn Fashion Week{end}, April 10-12, 2009 in the heart of the illustrious Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Brooklyn. The shows will feature local and international designers' Fall/Winter '09 collections, and will kick off at Brooklyn School for Career Development & Brooklyn Technical High School (Field), 510 Clermont Avenue (at Fulton Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11238.

Go to www.bkfashionweekend.com for more information and to register for your FREE tickets to the show!

Some of the designers showcasing are:

www.alishatrimble.com
www.trudymillerlayers.com
www.loupcharmant.com
www.sachika.com
www.daskomitee.com
www.hindicouture.com
www.tissh.com
www.terristevens.net
www.1929.com

www.parish-nation.com

A few FOOTWEAR and JEWELRY DESIGNERS providing samples:
Dereon
Michael Antonio
Dollhouse
Spanish Leather
Titan Industries (distributor of various brand name shoe designers)
PONO
All The Rage Online
Bijules NYC

**More designers to come....there will be performances by Denise Stone, Astronomical Kid and Eprythme...Special Guest Performance as well...which will be revealed very soon! I will update as soon as there is confirmation.

Stay fashionable and have a FAB weekend!

My Part in...Brooklyn Fashion Weekend...

Hello Fashionistas and Fashionistos!

I initially contacted the CEO/Founder of BK Style Foundation (a non-profit organization), and Producer/Director of Brooklyn Fashion Weekend, Rick Davy, to see if there was a need for a fashion stylist for this years shows. He quickly responded to my email, to my surprise, and said they were in need of more stylists, but weren't able to pay. I was ok with that...there are certain projects I will barter or participate in just to gain more experience, because you sometimes have to do that to get return in your investment! After our meeting, I went straight home and began planning for the next day...pulling out cards of which companies I would contact to request footwear and jewelry samples from. Mr. Davy saw my enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment, and decided to offer me the position of Fashion Director of the show, which I humbly accepted! It is an honor, and I really appreciate the opportunity to work on this event.

I look forward to the buzz and creative chaos on the evenings of the show!

Stay fly,

Mary Lafayette






Thursday, March 12, 2009

Looking Great for Little...or Nothing!

Look Your Best for Less
by Mary Lafayette

Looking for ways to keep your wardrobe updated without spending a fortune, or any money at all? Shopping for items under $100, or working with what you have, is key during this difficult economic time. Here are a few tips that will help you hold on to your dollars…even post-recession:

1) Raid your closets and drawers to see what accessories and garments you already have that you can recycle. Donate the items you don’t need, and keep those you have worn consistently throughout the year. Ladies, for example, you can wear Spring or Summer garments in the Fall/Winter months. How? Layer, layer, layer! Wear a solid cardigan or oversized knit sweater over a knee length or ankle length print dress, add a thin or wide belt and compliment with leather or suede boots, and you’re ready to go! Be sure the sweater or cardigan is darker in color to give that Fall feeling, but the belt can be a bright color to add contrast and that “pop” of color to set the look off just right. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and prints!

2) Classic pieces that are essential to your wardrobe: For women, blazer, cardigan, 2 piece suit (skirt and trouser suit), basic button down shirt (solids and at least one with pinstripes), basic black dress that can translate from day to evening, trench coat (wool and/or cotton blend) that you can accessorize with a wide leather belt to make your look more fashion forward and trendy, a great pair of denim trousers (straight leg or bootcut), and a simple dress shoe that you can wear to work or an after work event.

And for the gentlemen…tailored suit and blazer (Black, Gray or Navy), argyle and basic v-neck sweater (cashmere), sweater vest and cardigan, ties (print and basic and a skinny tie, which looks great with v-neck sweaters and cardigans), straight leg jeans (dark wash) and trousers, and flat front pants, modern fit button down shirts (striped, color, print, for a more casual or trendy look), black casual pants (i.e. Dockers or H&M Man), trench coat, leather jacket, and at least a black pair of dress shoes for work and play.

3) Accessorizing is a great way to make your look versatile, “new,” and complete. On a unisex level and depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, belts, bags, scarves and hats are staple accessory pieces that will turn boring into “wow!” Also, ladies, don’t be afraid to layer necklaces and bracelets because they can be great for casual or formal attire.

Gina Velasco Fashion Show

Good morning all...

I haven't been here in a while and I am trying to really get better with that! Please be patient with me...

Just when I thought all of the post fashion week shows came to a head last month...I received an invitation to Gina Velasco's Fall/Winter show. Last night was her Fall/Winter collection show at Nikki Beach Hotel on East 50th in Manhattan. It was my first time being in the Niki Beach Hotel which was very trendy and sexy, and so appropriate to showcase her collection!

Gina Velasco's designs are unique, sexy, vibrant and full of funky patterns and hardware, asymmetrical designs, and lots of texture for the upcoming Fall season. I have been working with Gina for about 2 years or more, and each season her designs exude elegance, edginess and inspiration. Be sure to check out her 2009 collection, and past collections, at www.ginavelasco.com.

Have a fashionable day!

Ciao,

Mary Lafayettte

Thursday, February 12, 2009

BARNEY'S NEW YORK Warehouse SALE!!!

Barneys New York Warehouse Sale

255 West 17th Street
212-450-8400

50-75% off regular prices on our selection of the finest designer clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women, as well as gifts for the home.

Thursday, February 12th through Sunday, March 1st

Thursday, February 12th & Friday February 13th: 8am-9pm
Weekdays: 10am-9pm
Weekends: 10am-7pm

We accept every form of payment that is accepted in the BNY stores:
Cash
Checks
Visa
Mastercard
AMEX
JCB
BNY Card
BNY Gift Cards
BNY Free Stuff Cards

*10% off that days purchases when you open a Barneys New York credit card.

More Shows...

February 13th
Staerk, 450 West 15th (betw 9th and 10th Aves.), 7pm

Hillary Flowers, Touch, 240 West 52nd St. (betw B'wy & 8th Ave), open bar 10-11pm...show begins at 11pm. Showcasing designers: Andrea Langlais, KahriAnne & Hillary Flowers. **Free for guests who say they are there for Hillary Flowers' Fashion Show.**

February 15th

Susan Cianciolo, Tela Design Studio, 31 Little West 12th St. (betw 9th Ave. and Washington St.), 6-7:30pm

February 16th
Yigal Azrouel, 408 West 14th St., 3-5pm

MORE Fashion Week Info...Parties!!!

I have more Fashion Week info to share with those of you in the NYC area looking to attend some after parties... you can check this web page too for a whole list of party options... http://guestofaguest.com/calendar/#

February 12th (TONIGHT) -
BMW & VOGUE Cocktail Reception, 122 W. 2 6th St., 6-8pm

New York Amfar Gala, Cipriani 42nd St., 6:30pm (tickets are $1,000)

Alvin Valley After Party, M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 W. 28th St. (formerly Mansion), 9:30-11:30pm

New York Model Management, 125 W. 45th St., 8pm-12am

M2M Natural Nail Care, "A Message in a Bottle" Event, Caudalie at the Plaza Hotel, One W. 58th St., 4th Flr., 6-9pm.

February 13th -
The Iconoclasts: Four Iconic Editors Remix Prada Store Party, 575 Broadway, 6-9pm
Toast the Opening of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, 187 Orchard St., 9:30pm-12:30am (featuring an Acoustic Set by the Virgins..the new "it" band)

Victor Glemaud & Camilla Staerk Afer Party, Kowloon, 311 Church St., 11pm-late (hosted by Jamie Bouchert & Natasa V.)

February 15th -
Matthew Williamson New York Store Opening, 415 W. 14th St., 6:30-9:30pm (2nd biggest party of the week)

February 16th -
40/40 Club in Association with Alerte, Carter & Associates, The Victory Gala, 7pm-1:30am (red carpet from 7-8pm...hosted by G.O.O.D. Music artist Tony Williams)

February 17th -
Giorgio Armani Store Opening, 717 - 5th Ave., 6-8pm (Mr. Armani is said to be personally greeting guests....THE biggest party of Fashion Week)

Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld Presents the work of 3 photographers, 169 Bowery, 6-11pm...in collaboration with Louis Vuitton.

Adidas SLVR Label Store Opening, 108 Wooster St., 9-11pm.

Trovata After-Show Soiree, The Anchor, 310 Spring St., 10pm-until.

February 18th -
Erin Wasson & RVCA Presentation/Party, Milk Studios, 9-11pm (said to be the new, hot, sweaty party to be seen)

February 19th -
Julian Louie After Party, Beast, 171 E. Broadway, 9pm (after fashion show...fashion's new "it" designer)

ENJOY!!!!

Yours in fashion,

Mary Lafayette

Monday, February 9, 2009

Grammy 2009 Fashion

Hey everyone! Just wanted to know your thoughts on last nights Grammy red carpet fashions. I will be the first to say that there were some looks I was not feelin' at all, but there were the accessories that I liked, or the dress or suit, and not the shoes or vice versa. I won't be specific with the looks I did not favor, out of respect for my fellow artists. Instead I will mention a few of the celeb looks that were great on the eyes...Raheem DeVaugn...very different look and I loved it! Particularly the Emerald Green blazer accented with the Metallic Gold sneakers and Black Rimmed glasses (that, from the photo, appeared to have some subtle bits of bling around the frame). Loved Solange's look...the strapless, yellow mini dress that made her flawless legs look longer than life, and beautiful stilettos that were understated so not to take away from the dress! Her bag added the "pop" of accent color that brought the look together fabulously! Kim Kardashian looked stunning in her Shimmer White mini dress and Christian Louboutin platforms. Neyo (loved his printed satin blazer), Jay-Z, LL Cool J and Nas looked like the distinguished gentleman that they are in their suits.

Now on to the ladies of the celebs, i.e. Tiny (T.I.'s woman) and Tennille (Neyo's dancer/lady friend). I loved Tiny's look actually and, in my opinion, each time I've seen her these last 2 or 3 events, her style has improved. I really think the hair color should be changed, because I feel the look she had on last night would have been even more fabulous had her hair been darker...and off the shoulders too. I am not always pleased with Tennille's style choices, but last night was a major improvement for her from head to toe...literally. The hair was beautiful and I loved the bangs, the dress an excellent color for her skin tone, and the metallic silver peep toe shoes were a tasteful compliment that brought the look together well.

**Side note: I was so looking forward to seeing Rihanna on the red carpet and her performance...her style is so original and she's definitely setting trends!

What are your thoughts about last nights Grammy fashions?? Do share!

Stay fashionable!

Mary

This Week in Fashion...FASHION WEEK IS OFFICIALLY HERE!!!

Ok my fellow fashion gurus...One of THE busiest times of the year is officially kickin' off on February 13th at the tents in Bryant Park (42nd betw 5th & 6th for those of you who don't know). This is truly an exciting and very busy time for those of us in the industry who are artists, socialites or work directly for the designers...or who just happen to LOVE fashion. I really look forward to hitting up some of the shows this week, because it gives me ideas for upcoming projects, and I can also build upon my industry contacts. In this business, it's really good to be out & about amongst the people to network & be seen...most people remember a face more than a name.

It seems as though most of the shows I will be attending this season are off Bryant Park and new designers. I love going to the Park but it can be a bit hectic at certain times of the day, and the new or "underground" designers' shows (i.e. Magalis Garcia www.magalisgarcia.com) I enjoy because I really like to introduce the new, innovative and unique designers to my clients and styling team. I'm not really a follower, I've always been different, and though I absolutely am a fan of the seasoned designers like Christian Dior, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Rodarte, Michael Kors and Roberto Cavalli...I also believe in mixing it up a bit with my style and vision. That is one of the qualities of a true artist...originality.

There are also many, many parties and in-store events happening this week & next...some of which I will be hitting up! Here are some of the events (fashion shows, parties) taking place:

Monday (2.9)

* Room 4 Chocolate @ Apotheke, 9 Doyers St (No Time)

* HBO presents an Exclusive Screening @ 40/40 Club, 6 W 25 (7 -10)

Tuesday (2.10)

* Trouble Andrew @ Burton Snowboards Flagship store, 106 Spring St @ Mercer (5 - 6:30)

* Why Hasn't He Proposed Yet? Book launch @ Kathlin Argiro Studio, 265 W 37th, 7th Fl (6:30 – 8:30)

* Love @ 1st Sip @ Dave & Busters, 234 W 42, 3rd Fl (6:30 – 9:30)

* David Foote No. 10 reception @ Bo concept, 69 Greene St btwn Spring/Broome (7 - 10)

* Bobby Valentino album release party @ Branch, 226 E 54 btwn 2nd/3rd (11 - 4)

Wednesday (2.11)

* Spiff PreV-day @ Spiff for Men, 750 Third Ave @ 46th St (5 – 8)

* Christopher Ong "Madame Butterfly" @ Arader Galleries, 1016 Madison Ave btwn 78th & 79th (6 – 8)

Thursday (2.12)

* Nary Manivong A/W 09 @ 442 W 49th btwn 9th/10th (6 – 8)

* February Hedge Fund Social @ La Perla Lingerie Boutique, 803 Madison Ave btwn 67th/68th (6 – 8)

* 2nd Annual Speed Dating Charity event @ Boucarou Lounge, 64 E 1st St @ 1st Ave (7 – 10)

* Ignighter Valentine's Day Party @ Haven, 244 E 51st btwn 2nd/3rd (7 – 10)

* Alvin Valley 2009 Fall Collection @ 135 W 18 btwn 6th/7th (8 – Until)

* Pinstripe Magazine @ Greenhouse, 150 Varick (9 – 11)

* Fader presents: One Step Beyond @ American Museum of Natural History (9pm – 1am)

Friday (2.13)

* Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery presents Buckle @ 175 Seventh Ave, NE corner 20th St & 7th Ave (6 – 9)

Saturday (2.14)

* Georges Chakra's Edition Fall/Winter 2009 Collection @ The Promenade at Bryant Park, 6th Ave @ 41st (11am)


I will post more events as they come my way!!!! Those of you that will be in the house at some of the shows...have a great time!!!


Always in fashion,


Mary

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Fashion Week NYC

With Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, New York quickly approaching, there is much anticipation to view the upcoming season's collections. Beginning February 13-20, 2009, the tent at Bryant Park will be NYC's main focus for the fashion and entertainment industry insiders. The schedule is not yet posted, but keep checking back here or go directly to http://www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork/. Until then...carry on, dons & divas!

Happy New Beginnings!

Yours in fashion,

Mary