A Fashion Fiend

Simon Fashion Now

Last Thursday marked the end of New York Fashion week, but here in Houston we had an amazing time at the Galleria hosted Simon Fashion Now fashion event. Myself and other select Houston Fashion Bloggers were invited to the Fashion Now preview event featuring the eight brands that would be showcasing in the Luxury Runway Fashion Show on September 5th. The event was held on the 21st floor of The Westin Oaks Galleria. There we were nibbled on h’orderves and sipped champagne as we watched the mini fashion show. Each brand displayed one look from their collection. A small Q & A followed lead by Simon Malls Style Setter Executive, Jacques Ellis and Stylist, Leslie Rivas. It was an intimate discussion about trend forecasting as well as the Hostess’ personal style favorites.

Last year when I was first settling in Houston, I came across Fashion Blogger, Lynne Gabriel. At the time, she was Simon Malls Style Setter and was hosting a contest sponsored by Cadillac and the Houston Galleria. Grand prize was a week with a brand new Cadillac SRX,VIP treatments and a seat to the Simon Fashion Now Runway Fashion Show. To my surprise, I WON!! Here are a few pics from 2012’s experience.

The Houston Galleria definitely did not disappoint in its effort to change the ice rink into a high fashion runway. While there was no contest this year however, I was all too happy to find myself seated next to Lynne, front row again. Thank you Cadillac, Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations, Houston Fashion Bloggers and Simon Malls.

Top and skirt: express, Shoes: Sheik, Accessories: Forever 21, H&M, Foreign Exchange

mediaandfrontrow — Front row seating and media section

Headed to the afterparty with blogger friends, Lynne Gabriel, Beauty by LeRenda and Spoiled Latina

Nature Walk

Dress: DelMoniCole Clothing, Shoes: Target, Bracelet: H&M, Cocktail Ring: Aldo

With summer coming to a close, the rib drift trend has been a favorite of mine and a staple in my wardrobe over these hot months. This beautiful custom dress was made by a talented Houston designer, LaTarsha of DelMoniCole Clothing and is definitely an up-and-comer to look out for! Not only do I love the cut of this dress, I absolutely adore the print!

Photos: Adrian Jamaal Photography

Pre Fall Trend Alert: Ankle Booties and a Horse, of Course

Top: Love Culture, Jeans: Forever 21, Ankle Boots: Nordstrom, Clutch: Asos, Jewlery: Q, Michael Kors

Photography: Bo White

Shop Garment District 2013

On Friday, August 10th, Phoenix Fashion Week held yet another astonishing event at Studio 3D in Phoenix. The Shop Garment District event is a runway show featuring the 12 Emerging Designers of PHXFW 2013! Each designer will show off four looks worn by the top 40 Phoenix Fashion Week models.

The runway show also served as the next challenge for the No. 7 Cosmetics. PHXFW models and the styles seen were available for purchase. Delicious lite bites were created by chef Tim Cobb of Luncha Libre. As usual, the lines from Ja’ire, Herbert Victoria, Trang Nguyen, Loin Cloth LA, and Medium Apparel were very impressive, and I’m still a huge fan of all of them. Another successful preview of what Phoenix Fashion Week 2013, October 1-5 at Talking Stick Resort, has yet to come. Thank you again to Brian Hill, Lauren, Abbei, Dominque, Melissa Rein, and the entire PHXFW team!

Brain Hill, Executive Director of PHXFW and Jadapa

Ja’ire International Couture

Ja'ire designers- sisters, Ja'ire and Nekia Hattley with Jadapa — Ja’ire designers- sisters, Ja’ire and Nekia Hattley with Jadapa

Herbert Victoria

Trang Nguyen

Loin Cloth L.A.

Medium Apparel

Phoenix Fashion Week ” Bridging Designers and Buyers”
October 1-5, 2013 at Talking Stick Resort

Meet Your 2013 PHXFW Models!

Last Thursday at The Mint in Scottsdale, we attended the Fashion Arizona 2013 Model Announcement party. The model search which took place at the end of June was narrowed down to the top 40 finalists (10 male, 30 female) who will compete in a series of challenges from now until Fashion Week, to see who will ultimately be named 2013 Male and Female Models of the Year. Along with this magnificent title, the winners will also be signed to Agency Arizona! Challenge #1 was broadcasted throughout the venue: the models had to give their all in the “Best Head Shot” look after their Tony & Guy make overs. After all of the top 40 strutted down the catwalk, only one male and one female were chosen as Challenge #1 winners. Congratulations to Sydney Rounsaville and Denis Danicic. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the competition brings!

Our swag bags were oh so nice, including some coupons to Ja’ire and Medium Apparel (two of the Emerging Designers this year), $20 ride credits provided by Uber car service, a full sized No.7 Cosmetics mascara, Green Living and Discover the Phoenix Region Magazines, and a tasty, all natural fruit and nut bar by KIND.

The next model challenge will be held along side the Shop Garment District Event on August 9th. Stay tuned for more details for that and the rest of the events leading up to Phoenix Fashion Week 2013!

DSCN0619 — Jadapa and A Fashion Fiend with Brian Hill, Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week

DSCN0628 — 101.5 jamz radio personality, Jackie Morales and model husband, Gavin Tucker

A Fashion Fiend with PHXFW TV's Fashion Host, Brittany Brannon — A Fashion Fiend with PHXFW TV’s Fashion Host, Brittany Brannon

Music artist, Yasmeen, 101.5 jamz radio presonality, Jackie Morales, A Fashion Fiend and Jadapa

Model Challenge #1 Winners, Sydney Rounsville and Denis Danicic — Model Challenge #1 Winners, Sydney Rounsaville and Denis Danicic

Top- Hottie, Vest- Q, Pants-Forever 21, Shoes- Sheik, Bag- Tory Burch (old) — Top- Hottie, Vest- Q, Pants- Forever 21, Shoes- Sheik, Bag- Tory Burch (old)

Currently Lusting

Through my constant fashion reading, I recently discovered this brand called Little Mistress, London. Not only does this brand perfect, day to night wear. This brand has two lines called Paper Dolls and Little Mistress. Both lines styles make runway looks into comfortable, chic, affordable and flirty ready to wear. They also have an adorable little girls line called Little MisDress. The dresses are so girly and delicate. I chose these current lusts on our 3 different styles and body types. All dresses come in at under $100! Enjoy!

For Jadapa: Paper Dolls Coral Cap Sleeve Cross Over Peplum Dress

For A Fashion Fiend: Paper Dolls Black and Cream Asymmetric Half Peplum Shift Dress

For Mootzmouth: Little Mistress Cobalt Panel Bodycon Dress

Product Review: Fysiko Lash Serum

I was asked by The Influster Team back in April if I would test a new lash serum. Considering I have very straight, short lashes that point down, I jumped at the chance to test a product that was designed to stimulate lash growth for longer, fuller lashes.

I received my tube in May and began using the product. The directions say to add serum to top lash line, on clean, dry lashes every night. You also have the option of putting it on before your mascara in the morning; you just have to wait 15 minutes after application for the serum to dry and then apply your mascara. I opted to only apply at night because I do not have enough time in the mornings or would just forget. I added application of the serum to my nightly routine: brush teeth, remove makeup, wash face, and apply the serum once my lashes were dry. I honestly did not see much of a change until this week.

As I enter week 11 of my 16-week product review, I am noticing fuller lashes! I have definitely seen an increase in the thickness of my lashes. Back in weeks 7 and 8, I experienced a small stye developing in my upper lash line. I work for an Optometrist and had him look at it. He told me to put a warm, moist washcloth on it and if it persists, to discontinue use of the product. Luckily, the stye went away and I am able to continue use of the serum.

Nothing dramatic yet, but I am seeing a difference, especially when I wear mascara. I am two weeks behind due to my eye problem, but I hope by week 16 of using the Fysiko Lash Serum, my lashes will be looking intense!

Lashes curled, MAC eye shadow in Woodwinked, No mascara

Disclaimer: please note that products were given to me by The Influster Team, but the opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Phoenix Fashion Week- Model Announcement 7/11!!

This Thursday, July 11th at 7pm, held at The Mint No. 7 Cosmetics will be hosting Phoenix Fashion Week’s Top 40 Model Announcement. Please come out and check out the fresh new faces for the show this year, that will be competing in various challenges until October for the grand title of PHXFW Model of the Year 2013 and will be signed to Agency Arizona!!

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/phxfashionweek

TWITTER:@PHXFashionWeek

INSTAGRAM: @phxfashionweek

Official Event Hashtag: #ModelAnnouncement2013

Eventbrite Page Link: http://bit.ly/17Fn3Xr

The Fashion Hub

The Fashion Hub

Yesterday Jadapa and I had the privilege of touring the brain trust behind Phoenix Fashion Week. We met Brian Hill, Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week at the Emerging Designers Challenge back in June. Mr. Hill was gracious enough to invite us to take a tour of the Fashion Week Headquarters, which the Fashion Week team refers to as “The Fashion Hub”, and learn more about the show this year.

I was elated when we arrived his afternoon and A Fashion Fiend was across the board in their conference room! Miss Abbei Marquis, the Designers and Buyers Leader, showed us around the suite – each office space, the work stations and photography studio. She explained the different work spaces and the benefits of each. She even hooked us up with some full size samples from a new make up line from Europe, No7, that will be debuting soon in Phoenix. The office has it all. Whether you’re a designer, photographer, model or blogger, The Fashion Hub is the perfect place for Fashion ideas to come alive and grow.

We were able to spend the afternoon discussing our blog and this year’s upcoming Phoenix Fashion Week with Mr. Brian Hill and Abbei. The Phoenix Fashion Week’s team is truly inspirational. All of the hard work and diligence that each member contributes is amazing, and they make it look effortless. A special shout out to Brian Hill, Abbei Marquis, Miss Dominique and everyone on the Phoenix Fashion Week Team – we love what you do and thank you!

Scavenger Hunt – with an Awesome Prize!!

Boutique of the Week Scavenger Hunt

Phoenix Fashion Week is holding a city-wide scavenger hunt called “Boutique of the Week” beginning Monday, July 8th and running until the 31st. PHXFW will feature one boutique each day where the participants will find the hidden PHXFW T-shirt, put it on and accessorize it with any items in the store! They will then submit a photo of their finished look to Jenna@phoenixfashionweek.com. Daily boutique winners will be announced on the following morning of the submitted look. Each winner will be added to a pool from which the PHXFW judges will pick the grand prize winner.

GRAND PRIZE – The winner will receive the Ultimate Phoenix Fashion Week VIP Experience for two to the Shop Garment District, an overnight staycation at the Saguaro Hotel in Old Town Scottsdale. The prize also includes two front row seats at Shop Garment District Show; a VIP ride to and from the Garment District, provided by Uber car service; and an intimate meet and greet with all of the emerging designers. ($500+ value)!