skip to main |
skip to sidebar
So this posting is inspired by all my girls and to all that are still trying to get that LBD. Little Black Dress. Surprisingly, a lot women don't have one. And so I thought I'd delve into why and the concerns about the little black dress.
The Fashion Breakdown 60: I thought to myself, the little black dress is a staple in a woman's wardrobe. Like a bra and slips. So why is it that most women don't even have one? Well a lot of it has to do with 1) versatility (in settings), 2) shape (for the ever changing body), 3) price, and 4) material (comfortability).
So I started a bit of research and happened to catch that Coco Chanel movie. The little black dress was created for all body types. Here are my rules to the finding your little black dress:
1) Know your body type!!! (see here)
2) The ideal length should end right above the knees.
3) Ruching is encouraged in select areas depending on the body type.
4) Pleating in the waistline can you make you look fat.
5) Jersey, velvet, pleather dresses = NO!
6) For a multi-use dress, consider empire or a-line dresses
7) Belts for cinching or broches are good for changing a dress from casual to evening
8) Weight should NEVER be an issue as to not having one.
9) Little Black Dresses are usually never on sale at major department stores. Look at the smaller retail stores (i.e. White House-Black Market).
10) Colors other than BLACK on a black dress isnt really considered a "little black dress".
So I've gathered a few picks for each body type:
Straight_ Look1, Look2, Look3
Pear_ Look1, Look2, Look3
Hourglass_ Look1, Look2, Look3
Apple_ Look1, Look2, Look3
Full bust_ Look1, Look2, Look3
Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!
Happy Holidays Everyone! I've been on again off again sick due to the harsh weather. In this edition of the Fashion Breakdown, I'm giving a review of a boutique I visited recently. Perhaps if you are looking for gifts this season and happen to be in the gaslamp/downtown San Diego region, you should check this place out.
The "Society Breakdown": I recently paid a visit to the Dianne O. Atelier (between F&G St on 9th Avenue) after meeting her assistant at the FIDM private industry event.
The store is quite beautiful and provides a certain airy-ness about it. It's everything you think when it comes to a boutique. The clientele focus is a bit upscale from what a lot of you may be used to because the clothes are, yes, a bit pricey. However, as I was browsing through her selection, you could tell that many of them are fashion forward and unique pieces. If you are looking for items that closely resemble that on the runway, then this is the place to get it. The pricing is a median between department stores to stores on Rodeo Dr. However, makeup is one of her specialties and it is affordable! I know you'll appreciate the personal shopping experience when visiting Dianne O.'s Atelier.
My only criticisms is that the location of the shop is away from that of Horton Plaza and a lot of the other "boutiques." That is a deterrent from fashionistas that don't want to make the effort to travel out that far. Also, the boutique lacks a staple item that is San Diego... denim jeans. Granted, it is a hard to carry a range of sizes but its San Diego which is primarily an Action-Sportswear region. Premium denim could go far.
But you know Dianne O. knows her stuff when her work has appeared in Glamour, GQ and Vogue [just to name a few]. So go check it out for yourself, and who knows, you'll discover a key piece that you may like.
For more information, visit her website: www.dianneo.com.
If you have a boutique you'd like me to visit, go ahead and email me at thefashionbreakdown@gmail.com!
Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!
Welcome back, wow, what a welcome back! I've reached my 3400+ mark! So thank you to everyone for coming back! So I'll be throwing in a few commentary pieces as part of my effort to offer my readers a glimpse into fashion events. I'll be calling this... "Society Breakdown."
As previously mentioned, I attended the FIDM San Diego Debut and a private industry FIDM open house event. Here is my review their new campus and a some up and coming designers to watch out for in the near future.
The "Society Breakdown": FIDM San Diego has relocated next to Petco Park. I got the privilege to attend their Debut show along with hundreds of aspiring fashionistas.
FIDM Campus_ The interior campus is designed by famed architect Clive Wilkinson. The campus had a mod-chic feel; utilizing vibrant colors (hues of yellow and orange), odd plastics and poly-foam-type material to add to the open ambiance. However, I felt at times, it got too Ikea for me with the odd plastics. And I would also ask, how environmentally friendly are these items? Nonetheless, that doesn't distract from the beautifully designed campus. If you ever get a chance to travel up to the 15th floor of the Cox Building the view is to die for. You get a beautiful 180 view of downtown.
I had opportunity to meet designer/FIDM instructor Nick Verreos of Bravo's Project Runway. The following are photos I managed to take during the soiree. Picture_1, Picture_2, Picture_3
FIDM Debut_ This debut was an opportunity to introduce to your competing FIDM 3rd year students. The following are up and coming designers whose pieces I fell in love with:
Hideka Minami - For her innovative use of tweed outerwear.
Jonique Washington - For her take on menswear bulky knits.
Chelsea Titzer - For her use of fringe, feathers!
Angela Avanesyan - My favorite collection of them all! Her use of soft pleats on chiffons on metallic solids.
Richard Chan - For his Eastern inspired evening-wear. I can definitely see him doing haute-couture pieces.
For video of the show please visit: FIDM Debut 2008 Much thanks to Christina Haynes for the access to FIDM and its events.
Next on my blog... Finding the perfect LBD and tuxedo suit. LBD = Little Black Dress. Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!
These are my picks for this season's latest trends. I tried to give a bit of everything so if you're feeling bold, go for it! I know a lot people have been waiting for this comeback and I hope to not disappoint. Enjoy!
The Fashion Breakdown 57: After reviewing this season's collection, here are several trends I think will make a big impact for this fall season.
The Minimalist_ Basics is the theme for this trend. Think: grays, blacks, whites, clean and precise cuts are the look. What is this season's new black? Well the answer to that is BLACK! However, it is important to mention that minimal or simplistic does not mean boring. Look 1, Look 2, Look 3
The Curves_ Designers focused on the woman's natural curves. Many of you may not see any difference but there is actually a difference with a-line skirts taking of a more voluminous feel or jackets with puffed sleeves as small examples. Embrace your natural curvy figure. Pleating will help those who may lack in certain areas. Flaring around the waist is a common theme in this trend. Look 1, Look 2 (think Carrie Bradshaw), Look 3
The Countryside_ Think layers of tweed and velvet. Don't be afraid to even go as far as fur (faux that is!). Don't be afraid to wear tweed pantsuits and checkered pieces to work. The look concepts you will want to think of is horseback riding suits and trips to the country. Utilize those knee high boots! Look 1, Look 2, Look 3
The "tall" type_ Length length length! Waist-line high trousers and long coats and dresses overtook the runway. Now I must advise... this look are for my taller readers. For the shorter readers: long coats, extending scarves/ accessories will make up for any difference in leg length! Look 1, Look 2, Look 3
The prints_ You will notice that when it comes to adding an oomph of color in your wardrobe, designers utilized prints (some used painted prints of all sorts and others used floral type prints). Splashes of colors of tees, dresses will definitely make you stand from the crowd. Enough with the solids, incorporate some prints in your wardrobe! It's okay to be bold without making you the center of attention. Look 1, Look 2 (Love this one!), Look 3
Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!
I am back and I wanted to thank everyone for coming back to read my blog. Yes, my hiatus is over. I've been on the fast track back to fashion. Recently, I attended LA Fashion Week for the Spring 2009 collection and FIDM's 2008 Debut show. I've been asked before if I've ever been an intern for any fashion show or magazine. I would like to write about my experience as a fashion show intern during fashion week.
The Fashion Breakdown 56: I found the show through Craigslist. It was a day internship at a lounge in Beverly Hills. The day began with the interns waiting around for the models to show up. After being assigned to a model, we began the process of final fittings. The designer was still deciding which outfits she wanted the models to wear. It was a bit odd since I was expecting that the decision would've been already made. It was so disorganized that some of the outfits were still at the dry cleaners. So after a few try-ons, we had to lump together the outfits that the models were to wear in the show (which averaged 3 to a model). It was my responsibility to determine which accessories belong to each outfit based off a grainy printed out photo of the outfit. It turns out that they only made one copy of a skirt that was to be used multiple times. So, the interns had to determine what order the models would go in since they shared select pieces. I decided I'd take another model since there were a few models left over. Since we had a lot of downtime, I spoke with the other interns about their experiences in fashion and got a lot of insight. As the show came near, the interns ended up choosing the shoes for the models. As the show came near, we made last minute preps and boom! After the lineup was finalized, everything happened withing a few minutes. And the show was done! I remember trying to prep for this and not having anyone write about their experience.
My advice in this type of situation:
1) Anticipate problems.
2) Be creative with the things you have (mine was double stick tape!).
3) Timing is everything so make sure you have a routine down.
4) Offer to help as much as you can.
5) Don't be afraid to take on more models.
6) If there is any down time, talk to the other interns. You should get a feel or recommendations to further your career.
7) Be confident.
Since its my comeback, I'll be giving you a full rundown of fall's hottest trends. Check back for the next fashion breakdown! Always dress to look your best (Even if it's a pair of sweats and a tee)!
Posts
