Uptown Emerging Designers Market

Last weekend marked the launch of the Uptown Emerging Designers Market, which took place on 125th and Frederick Douglass in the Hip Hop Cultural Center (aka the 2nd level of the Magic Johnson Theater).

It only seems appropriate that with other existing venues taking place further downtown (ie. the Chelsea market) which showcase the works of upcoming designers, Harlem would get a designer market of its own. Vendors ranged from jewelry designers to vintage boutique owners, entrepreneurs, such as Alisa Clark of Greeteez

and selections from one of my fast growing favorites, Harlem shoe store Head Over Heels.

And not only was their great fashion but also a DJ spinning on the ones and twos, complimentary cocktails provided by Novu and gift bags full of goodies with a $50+ purchase.

As much as I love fashion and shopping I just couldn't walk away empty handed. Soooo say hello to my new friends:

Courtesy of Zinc by way of Head Over Heels.

The Emerging Designers Market is scheduled to take place the 3rd weekend of every month, but check out their website to stay abreast of any changes http://www.uptownedm.com/

It's Jelly Time

So I've been on somewhat of a blog vacation but I'm back now in full force. I've noticed that I've written quite a few posts about shoes, probably due to the fact that I have an obsession with accessories, but I just couldn't help writing about one of today's shoe trends that is coming back in full swing and that would be jellies.

I think we're all familiar with the jellies of 10+ years ago that we all wore as young girls that made your foot sweat and created pockets of perspiration in your shoe,

or maybe that's just the way I remember them. However, today's take on this shoe trend comes equipped with new color ways and silhouettes that make jellies acceptable for the over 12 yr. old crowd. Here are a few selections I found around the web that I deem acceptable for the more mature woman who can enjoy a nostalgic fashion blast to the past.

Depending on the jelly of choice, they can be worn with just about anything. From jeans to shorts to summer dresses. I don't think there is any better way to have a little summer fun with your feet than to throw on a pair of jellies. I know I've got mine :0)

The Perfect Transition Shoe

*Quick News*

- Nina Garcia ousted as the fashion editor of Elle http://www.wwd.com/issue/article/124158

For those of us north of the Mason Dixon line, warm weather couldn't seem to be creeping our way any slower. So I figured why not talk about one of the best shoe option for inter-seasonal time periods such as now.

Whether you refer to them as oxfords, gillies, or simply lace-up pumps, this shoe silhouette is great for those times of the year when we're willing to shed the boots but aren't prepared to have our whole foot exposed to the elements.

Modeled after the classic men's oxfords, which I am sure we are all familiar with, such as this one by Crockett & Jones.

As the menswear trend continues to hold a place in women's fashion, oxfords continue to be a worthwhile addition to any woman's closet. Newer renditions of this classic shoe come in all colors and silhouettes. On platforms and stillettos, choked up and with cut-outs.

My dream pair:
This $325 black and white dream named "Gianera" from L.A.M.B.

www. shopbop.com

**I recommend wearing oxfords with a nice fitting pencil skirt or well tailored skirt suit, creating the perfect match between femininity and masculine-inspiration. They can also be paired nicely with pair of city shorts (Be advised: I only recommend this marriage with open-toe oxfords).
How not to wear oxfords:

I don't even think I have to explain why

What's the Verdict?

Actress Holly Robinson Peete wore this gold lame' number to Muhammed Ali's Celebrity Fight Night event.

*Photos taken from www.concreteloop.com

Although we can all see that she is working it in this dress, I'm not sure if it thrills me or not. What do you all say, yay or nay??

Sneaker Freak

*Quick News*

- Kimora Lee is slated to come out with a lower priced line, Fabulousity, to be carried in J.C. Penny retail dept. stores this fall

- Gwen Stefani's handbag line L.A.M.B. (mentioned in my previous post on handbags) gets a luxurious older sibling as black label line Aston comes to fruition in fall 2008.

* All news courtesy of Women's Wear Daily www.wwd.com

I know warm weather is upon us and I should be spending my time talking about the hottest sandal silhouettes for this summer or great places to find chic summer dresses, but I first have to write an ode to one of my favorite fashion accessories:


Hot Azz Sneakers!

No matter how old I get, I can't seem to shake my love for them. To be quite honest, the younger me never was into sneakers but as I grew older and saw that there was more to this genre than shell-toes, Jordans, and Reebok Princesses, I became more intune with the fashionable and fun side of sneakers.

My pick for favorite sneaker is the Nike Blazer. Not only is it stylish, but they are also some of the most lightweight sneakers I have ever worn. They fact that they come in such fun colors, fabrics, and designs is def. a plus for me.

My fav. designer sneaker:

Who can say no to Chanel?? Even if they do retail for $650 :0)

ABCs of Handbags

Most of us are familiar with handbag design heavy hitters such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Burberry:

but how much do you know about brands such as Bottega Veneta, Kooba and Isabella Fiore? Becoming familiar with the names on this ABC list of handbag designers will turn any average Jane or Joe, into a handbag connoisseur.

A kris
B ottega Veneta


C hloe' the "Paddington"


D olce & Gabbana
E tro



F urla


G ucci

H ermes The "Kelly" bag



I sabella Fiore


J uicy Couture

K ooba



L A.M.B.
M arc Jacobs



N uti

O

P rada

Q

R



S alvatore Ferragamo the "Origami Kid"

T od's

U



V alentino

W

X

Y ves Saint Laurent

Z

For the guys Pt. 2: Keeping it casual

Dressing down can be just as difficult as dressing up. This is exactly why I decided my next post geared towards the guys should be on dressing casually. Warmer weather is on the horizon so I figured why not show you all how to play with some spring colors and fabrics that can easily be incorporated into any man's wardrobe.


Blazers:

I personally LOVE a man who knows how to include a great blazer with a casual outfit. The following options are colored just right for the Spring/Summer.

Striped blazer by Seven 4 All Mankind - $315 (http://www.nordstrom.com/)

Tan linen blazer by Faconnable - $365 (www.nordstrom.com)



Oxford blazer by Hawkings - $79 www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Pin-striped blazer by Hugo Boss - $395 http://www.nordstrom.com/

The sweater/cardigan:

While warmer weather is upon us, it never hurts to have a light sweater or cardigan such as these for those chilly nights.

Monogram cardigan from Banana Republic - $198

Cotton/silk blend sweater by Banana Republic - $148

Thermal hoodie/cardigan by BDG - $38 http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

Striped sweater by Stock Catacombs - $29 www.urbanoutfitters.com

The Jean:

There's nothing like a man in a nice pair of fitting jeans. As much as men can appreciate the wonders that can be created by the perfect jeans, so can women! From Levi's to more premium labels such as Citizen's of Humanity its not always the price that makes the best fit for you.

Skinny Whiskered Jeans by BDG - $45

Broken Unwashed jeans from Cheap Monday - $65 www.urbanoutfitters.com

Black-washed jeans by DKNY - $69.50 http://www.macys.com/

Joey Jeans by True Religion - $172 www.bloomingdales.com

Anchor Vintage Jeans by Nautica - $55 http://www.macys.com/

Or maybe you can try something with a little color:

Neon Jeans by Kill City - $78 www.urbanoutfitters.com

JUST KIDDING!! Or am I?? :0)