From Carol Marks

1 month ago

Networking Mixer, #3 for FWAH

Huntsville, Alabama – The Alabama Fashion Alliance (AFA) will be holding their next Fashion Week Alabama-Huntsville (FWAH) Networking Mixer on Thursday, March 22nd at Mei Wei Asian Bistro, located at 6290 University Drive, from 6pm-8pm. Guests are encouraged to be fashionably dressed, wearing black and white to celebrate the formal launch of the 2012 fashion week t-shirt. FWAH is scheduled for June 9 through June 16. This Mixer is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.

Business features for the March Mixer are Photography by ZamZam, Writer/Blogger Carol Marks, and Make-Up Artist and founder of Stylist Making you Lovely (SMYL), Nancy Finnegan. In line with the FWAH t-shirt launch, the AFA will also be auctioning off an original t-shirt design by Auburn University’s Fashion Design Student, Katie Azzam. Katie is from Madison, Alabama.

As Alabama’s premier fashion event, FWAH invites you to be a part of its success. For more information call 256.585.4452 or visit www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com. Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville and the Alabama Fashion Alliance is also on Facebook, and Twitter @FWAHsv.

Glamourati Coterie, Ariel Foxman

[Glamourati Coterie, Part III - Ariel Foxman, InStyle Magazine]

Today’s Glamourati Coterie brings us our first male editor of a fashion magazine - Ariel Foxman of InStyle. He’s a mystery to me and I’ve been hard pressed to find out much about him from the Internet. He does have a Twitter handle that he (or an intern) updates on a regular basis. I almost worked up the nerve to Tweet him to ask him if I could “interview” him for real, for the blog. But alas, I let my fear overcome me and I did not Tweet.

Ariel Foxman, Editor - InStyle, September 2008

In Brief: Ariel Foxman is InStyle’s first male editor. Not only does he sit at the helm of the United States publication of InStyle but he is also managing editor of all of the international and brand extensions. He is one busy editor, that is for sure. He took the top spot at InStyle at the ripe young age of 34.

[caption id=”attachment_5136” align=”alignright” width=”203” caption=”Ariel Foxman with Tilda Swinton”][/caption]Background: Before stepping into the shoes of Editor-In-Chief of InStyle, Mr.Foxman was the editor at large for Time Inc. But he also worked at InStyle before becoming top dog. He left InStyle briefly to start up Cargo at Conde Nast but after it folded he returned to InStyle. Mr. Foxman has also worked for Crown Publishing, Details, and The New Yorker.

Right Now: Currently, and in addition to his already busy schedule, Ariel holds down a permanent judging position for Project Accessory - the spinoff to Project Runway. He also avails himself on the boards of the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) and Fashion Group International.

Ariel Foxman in the news:

Media Bistro Interview, March 2010
New York Observer
Theodora & Callum

My Thoughts: As stated earlier, finding stories and history on Ariel Foxman on the Internet was somewhat difficult. I mean, yes, his name is out there but nothing meaty, not really. I don’t feel like I know him any better now then I did before I started the research. He’s young. He manages all the publications (international and the extensions) not just the one U.S. publication and that is impressive to say the least. I do know I like his attitude about the digital age. He is not scared of it but embraces it instead. He has take InStyle to new heights in the Internet-era. He doesn’t balk or complain about the web-based businesses of publication, he rallies it instead!

Something I would ask him: How well has he been received as a male editor of what generally is a female audience? Or is that even an issue? Personally, I think he does a great job because I like InStyle. The magazine relates to the rest of us normal peeps, in my opinion anyway. Another question would be, “How do you find time to sleep Mr. Foxman?”

Photo credit - Zimbio

This concludes the third installment of Glamourati Coterie. Next week I’ll be blogging about Lorraine Candy, editor of Elle Magazine. And boy, do I have a question for her - think, “naked pregnant celebrities.”

Find out the history of this series, Glamourati Coterie.

Glamourati Coterie, Linda Wells

[Glamourati Coterie, Part II - Linda Wells, Editor - Allure Magazine]

Find out the history of this series, Glamourati Coterie.

I have to admit, I had to do a lot of research on this installment of Glamourati Coterie. I had no idea who Linda Wells was before beginning this series. In fact, Allure magazine had to be suggested to me by a friend to include in the lineup of Glamourati Coterie.

Allure is more of a beauty magazine than a fashion magazine. Still, I think it fits in nicely with our little group.

[caption id=”attachment_4932” align=”alignright” width=”200” caption=”via Zimbio”][/caption]

Linda Wells, Editor - Allure, 1991
In Brief: Upon invitation from the chairman of Conde´ Nast, Ms Wells founded the beauty magazine more than 20 years ago. She is also the author of Allure - Confessions of a Beauty Editor. A book I will be purchasing as soon as I get done typing up this blog entry.

Background: Linda Wells graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut and started her journalism career at Vogue. From there she became a reporter for The New York Times and eventually landed the position of beauty editor (and food editor) at The New York Times Magazine. On the Bravo TV series, Shear Genius, Linda Wells was one of the judges. Ms Wells has also made appearances as the beauty expert on the Today show, The View, Entertainment Tonight, and NPR to name a few.

Right Now: In 2011, Allure celebrated 20 years of bringing beauty to the public. Recently Linda Wells sat down with Annie Tomlin at BellaSugar for a Q&A (link below). One of Linda’s proudest achievements is knowing that some of the best beauty editors out there first got their start with Allure. In the interview she also addresses bringing real body types into the magazine, without retouching the photographs.

Linda and her staff have worked hard to make beauty a serious topic (more than skin deep) and to bring you, the reader, interesting stories.

Linda Wells in the news:

Where Beauty Meets Substance
Jezebel (yeah I know, but there it is)
BellaSugar - Linda Wells Reflects on 20 Years of Beauty
March 2011 - All The Rage
Fashion Institute of Technology

My thoughts: Well, I see a woman who more than likely worked hard to get to where she is today. She went to college, got a job, and worked her way up the chain. It’s really not that much of a rags to riches story. It is not a moving, heart-wrenching tale. It’s just about a girl who knew what she wanted and then took action to make it happen. I know a lot of people who have done that and I admire them all. From everything I’ve read about Linda Wells, she seems like a nice person. She seems like she would be a great boss. To me, she seems to be one of the genuine editors that really cares about the job she is doing.

Something I would ask her: What is her favorite beauty product. I realize she probably can’t give an endorsement to a specific brand so let’s ask her this instead, “What one beauty product should a girl never leave the house without?” I would also ask her what was her favorite celebrity cover for Allure? Another question would be about the process of the October issue of the Best of Beauty Awards.

This concludes the second installment of Glamourati Coterie. If you know something more about Linda Wells and Allure, please feel free to include it in the comment section. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed researching and writing this series so far.

Next week I will put the spotlight on the first male editor of this series - Ariel Foxman, Editor-In-Chief, InStyle.

Thanks for reading.

FWAH February Mixer

On February 23rd I had the privilege of attending the second networking mixer that was put on by Alabama Fashion Alliance, the group behind Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville.

The mixer was open to the public and everyone wore red to show support of Heart Health Month and the American Heart Association. The event was held at The Eaves Restaurant.

Business features for the February FWAH Mixer/Networking Event included Aaron Lacy Photography, Victoria Pennington Model and Talent Management (VPMTM) and Sheer Happiness Salon II.

Aaron Lacy (photographer) debuted pictures from his recent photo shoot themed, “Contagious.
Victoria Pennington Model & Talent Management gave a mini fashion presentation using select agency models. Fashions for the models was provided by the Style Bar Boutique.
Khrista Dees of Sheer Happiness Salon II provided information on the services her Salon offers.
The Eaves Restaurant offered appetizers that were “fashionably” titled just for this event and ranged in price $8 - $13.

Donations to the American Heart Association were accepted at the door. Proceeds from FWAH will go to the Kids to Love Foundation, the John Stallworth Scholarship Foundation and the Studio for Teens.

The following photos are from Aaron Lacy, and used here with special permission.

Make sure to visit the Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville website where all the news, updates, and schedule of events are listed.

You can also find them on Facebook for Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville and the Alabama Fashion Alliance and Twitter @FWAHSV.

They have just now started selling Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville tee-shirts too. Get yours today and help support the fashion industry in Huntsville.

It was a fun event to attend. I saw some familiar faces and I also met some new people. What did I wear? I wore a long (floor length) and sleeveless dress that was beige with black horizontal stripes. The dress was by Red Haute.

I wore red flower clip in my hair. I also broke out the 1920s Jazz bling to accompany my outfit. I wish I had gotten a picture now. Duh.

However, I’m wearing it again tomorrow to an Oscar party. I’ll make sure to get The Gent to snap a photo.

3 months ago

Theme: Cavalcade

Interview with LeJeune House of Fashion

I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine. Her name is Ellena Smith and the name of her design label is LeJeune House of Fashion. I have had the privilege of working with LeJeune and getting to know her as a business woman has been very beneficial to me. I’ll let her do the talking though. Here is my interview with the founder of Alabama Fashion Alliance and Fashion Week Alabama in HUNTSVILLE….

LeJeune House of Fashion, 256.585.4452

When did you start in your business?
I started in my business professionally in 1997, while working a part-time job. In 2000, I worked almost a 10-year stint in the corporate sector, but stayed connected to fashion by spearheading and participating in fashion oriented initiatives.

What made you decide to start your business? History
I have always designed since the age of 12 in my hometown of Birmingham, AL. In elementary school I made Barbie Doll outfits and sold them for 25 cents. I also made chokers, wallets and purses out of upholstery fabric that my father had left over after fulfilling upholstery services to his clients. In college I made most of my money by selling a line of blouses that I created out of scraps and end piece of fabrics that a neighbor donated. Her name was Lydia Aqeel, and she was a seamstress, and her daughter Zenobia was my best friend. Because my line of blouses were extremely well received, I decided to sell my designs through upscale boutiques when I relocated to Huntsville in preparation for marriage. I begin to realize that in order for me to truly express all side of my creativity, I need to work in an environment that was less controlled, thus I opened my boutique and design studio in 1997 in downtown Huntsville, off of Clinton Avenue. It was then too that I desired to establish a professional fashion group to help with the success of business, which giving back to community. Out of that came the birth of The Huntsville Council of Fashion Designers, an all volunteer group that make up the annual event “Designer Against Breast Cancer”, a fashion show honoring survivors and raising funds for the American Cancer Society.

Tell me what you do.
I design a line of ladies apparel sizes 2-18 that help expand existing wardrobe options. I also plan business and fashion-related events. I have a passion for business marketing and development, empowering women through example, education, and personal interface, and positively impacting the lives of people that I come into contact with. I am coming to realize that I am a visionary, full of insightful ideas, and because of that most of my aspirations are outside of the box - - but I believe in them.

What is your dream client? Who would you like to work with?
My dream client is someone who first appreciates the work and creative thought of a fashion designer. They are confident, smart, and open to new ideas. They love purchasing, wearing LeJeune and shares it with all of their friends and acquaintances.

What is one of your recent accomplishments?
My most recent accomplishment was launching Fashion Week Alabama in 2011. I, along with a committed team, pulled the huge undertaking off on a shoestring budget. It was groundbreaking. I am presently working on Fashion Week Alabama-Hsv 2012, where plans are to expand the Fashion Week vision statewide and beyond.

How do you network? Build business?
Social Media is mostly how I network. But most importantly, I believe in connecting with people - - to know their dreams and aspirations, along with what they are presently doing. I can draw a lot from just these 3 things. I’m not afraid of reaching out to someone I do not personally know. I attend various networking events across the city of Huntsville, when my schedule allows and I always try to make the most of that opportunity.

My business is built, undoubtedly, by word of mouth, with the use of social media being an awesome tool .

What is your key to success?
My keys to success are sincerely connecting with people, staying current, being consistent and follow-through. I am always working to improve in these areas.

Can you share a tip with the readers?
Connect with people. Not just for what you can get from them, but for what you can bring to the table. There’s power, empowerment and opportunity when we sincerely connect with people.

How do you keep current in your area of expertise? Continuing education?
I stay current with fashion and business trends by reading, pictures and video, surfing the web , talking with business owners, talking with people I know and don’t know. I believe that just as a business has to diversity its streams of income, a person has to diversity its streams of people, business, and life experiences.

What is your most rewarding moment?
Giving birth to my daughter Celine, and my husband and I experiencing that joy. Launching my first fashion & design studio in 1996.

Community Involvement?
Founder of Designers Against Breast Cancer (1997-1987), a charity fashion show that featured breast cancer survivors on the runway, and involved upwards of 100 volunteers. We raised $11,000 for the American Cancer Society. Served as Director of the Huntsville Council of Fashion Designers and Creative Business Alliance, both initiatives supporting business and various local charities.

Is there anything special you have coming up that you’d like to share with everyone? Events, promotions?

Events:
Fashion Week Alabama-Hsv, scheduled for June 9 through June 16. More information at www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com. Hosting a monthly networking mixers in support and promotion of Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville as well. Check website for dates and registrations.

Promotions:
Special on Basic Sewing & Design Classes by LeJeune. Regular price $100/Specially Price at $50 if you register during the Month of March. Students will take a basic pattern, and ad their own flair, creating their own designer garment!

LeJeune also offers Basic Sewing and Intermediate Sewing Classes at Hancock Fabrics-South Memorial Parkway. For class schedule, send request to lejeune@lejeunehouseoffashion.com

In your own words:
May the way I live my life speak louder than my words.

### End of Interview ###

This concludes the interview. I hope you have enjoyed getting to know LeJeune. She is quite the lady I tell you. I admire her immensely and I am proud to know her.

1 month ago

A Transitional Piece

[caption id=”attachment_5176” align=”alignright” width=”300” caption=”Maxi Dresses”][/caption]So here we are going from winter into spring, I guess. It didn’t seem like much of a winter though. Nonetheless, time marches on and this month will mark the official beginning of Spring. This has me thinking about transitional pieces.

Do you ever get up in the morning and decide what you are going to wear upon the weather forecast? So you get dressed appropriately but by the time afternoon comes along you find yourself a little warmer than you planned to be? Or maybe it is only me, getting ready to go through the change, I don’t know. Ha!

At any rate, another reason I chose to blog about the maxi dress as a transitional piece (from winter to spring) is because of my knee surgery last week. I found myself not being able to wear my regular skinny jeans. Also, I was not able to wear high heels so that meant I could not wear dress trousers either - they just would not look right with ballet flats.

So I found myself having to drag out my stand-by comfy maxi dresses. The dresses are loose enough to be comfortable for my knee. It was long enough to keep my legs warm but still cool enough with good ventilation. Heh. If I did get chilled I could easily throw on a sweater or scarf and it would go fine with the dress.

Again, I mainly got out the maxi dress because of my knee surgery but I’m glad because it got me to thinking about what a great transitional piece it is from any season to the next.

[caption id=”attachment_5243” align=”alignleft” width=”150” caption=”Maxi Dress”][/caption]This photo was from several years ago and we were headed to the beach.

The two maxi dresses pictured above, I picked up at our local Dillard’s a few seasons ago at 50% off. I think I paid $40 for each. I realize this photo doesn’t do them justice and I had to fold them in half for the photograph. Yes, they are quite colorful aren’t they? I’ve sort of changed my taste in color and bright patterns lately but I still have these two dresses in my closet. I’ve worn high heels, and flats, and even flip flops with these dresses. I’ve worn them at the beach and I’ve worn them to work. I’ve warn scarves and blue jean jackets with them. I really find them to be conveniently versatile.

What about you? What is your go-to transitional piece?

Alabama Fashion Alliance

[caption id=”attachment_4992” align=”alignright” width=”300” caption=”Alabama Fashion Alliance”][/caption]Alabama Fashion Alliance Accepting Applications for its 2012 Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville (FWAH)

The Alabama Fashion Alliance is now accepting applications for featured fashion designers and retailers for its 2012 Fashion Week, scheduled for June 9th through June 16th in Huntsville, Alabama. Vendor opportunities are also available. Deadline for application submittal is April 6, 2012.

As Alabama’s premier fashion event, FWAH mission is to support and inspire new creative businesses through planned networking and marketing forums, education, and outreach efforts. Proceeds from the 2012 FWAH will go to the Kids to Love Foundation, the John Stallworth Foundation and the Studio for Teens.

Applications can be requested by sending an email to info@fashionweekalabamahsv.com or calling 256.585.4452.

Get instant FWAH updates on Facebook and Twitter at “Fashion Week Alabama in Huntsville,” or visit www.fashionweekalabamahsv.com.

About the Alabama Fashion Alliance
The Alabama Fashion Alliance is a key group of fashion industry professionals, community leaders, business owners, and volunteers. The Alliance has set a goal of uniting and advancing the fashion industries on a local, state, and national level.

Glamourati Coterie, Joanna Coles

[caption id=”attachment_4393” align=”alignleft” width=”150” caption=”Glamourati Coterie”][/caption]

Today marks the first entry in a new series I’ve titled, “Glamourati Coterie.”

This series will be about a small group of highly influential people in the fashion industry; the fashion magazine editor.

Today I want to start with Joanna Coles. She’s out there in the media a lot lately, what, with playing the Tim Gunn part on Project Runway - All Stars and Adweek crowning her Editor of the Year in 2011, she was the perfect editor to start with on this series.

My entries for each editor will be short, sweet, and to the point. I’ve created the following format that I will follow when writing about each one. Format may change a little to suit each editor.

So here we go…..

: Joanne Coles, courtesy of Zimbio.com

Joanna Coles, Editor - Marie Claire, 2006
In Brief: She came onto the scene of Marie Claire with barely any fashion readiness but has blazed a new kind of path in the world of high glamour and magazine editing. In the age of digital, threatening to close down so many print publication, Joanne Coles managed to take Marie Claire to new heights by revamping it in to a publication that women actually want to read.

Background: Ms Coles has worked in radio and as a TV broadcaster for the BBC. Before moving to New York she was a writer and interviewer for The Guardian. She also produced and starred in the non-scripted series about Marie Claire called “Running In Heels” - one of my most favorite of all time shows. It was like a real life The Devil Wears Prada made for television event. I wish they would do it again.

Right Now: Joanna isn’t the kind of editor who stays quietly behind a desk up to her neck in work. She can be found making the media rounds quite often such as The Rachael Ray Show, CNN, The Today Show, and The Early Show. Of course, you can also see her on Project Runway All Stars as the mentor role, an appointment held by Tim Gunn in the regular series on Lifetime.

Joanna Coles in the news:

My thoughts: Over all, I like Joanna Coles. I especially like her choice in clothing and her personal style. She’s professional but with a bit of an edge to her. Her style seems to be one of a ramped up version of classic and traditional mode. For instance, she can wear a pair of wide legged trousers, pairing it with a halter style blouse and accessorizing it with a silver cuff that covers her whole forearm; as seen here in this photograph. Lovely! For me, she brings a breath of fresh air to the whole fashion industry. She seems to be the kind of woman you could talk to; accessible and down to earth. She’s not afraid of “the people.”

Something I would ask her: Can I have a job?! LOL… no really, I would ask her if she had ever considered having a blogger as a regular contributor within the cover of Marie Claire. Or, does she read fashion blogs and if she does which ones are her favorites? Or, in general, what is her opinion on fashion blogs? Or, is Nina Garcia really that cool and fabulous in person? Obviously, I need more time to formulate my question.

This concludes the first installment of Glamourati Coterie. I hope you enjoyed it. Please comment and let me know what you did and did not like, or suggest to me what else you’d like me to include. I’ll do my best to implement your interests.

Thanks for reading.

3 months ago

IFB: Links a la Mode

Springing Forward

Edited By Taylor Davies

I don’t know about all of you, but I’ve been ready for spring since about, mmm, December. I love cold weather, I love snow, I love bundling up - but I saw so many amazing trends and looks during September’s fashion week that I could hardly wait to wear. At least in New York, it seems like winter barely even arrived this year. Today for example, it’s about 60 degrees in Manhattan! Everywhere people are in their shirtsleeves and sunglasses, it feels and awful lot like spring is already here.

From the looks of this week’s Links a La Mode submissions, I’m not the only one with spring fashion fever. There were so many posts about trends and looks we’ll all be embracing - or are already! From printed pants to neon bags, ladylike dresses and the upcoming Marni for H&M collection - and of course some inspiring DIY projects - everything’s coming up floral! Check out this week’s inspiring and fashionable posts, and as always, thank you for the wonderful submissions!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS Ã LA MODE:

Anthony Carmen: #NYFW - Menswear Trends We Need in AW12
Do You Speak Gossip: How To: A Matte Manicure With Shiny Tips
Endear: Overheard at New York Fashion Week
Lady Of Fashion: DIY Boot Strapping
Lure Of The Dark Side: Adele
My Fashion Wishlist: New Fashion Sweetheart - Lana Del Rey
My Haute Habit: Floral Fancies
Paper + Cloth: An Ode To The Little Black Dress
Pattern Rebellion: Feed Your Jewelry Addition With Melody’s Pieces
Sequined Sprinkles: Friday Favorites: Black & White Edition
Sidewalk Chic: Reality vs. Creativity in Fashion Blogging
Simply Frabulous: The Mystery Has Been Revealed: Marni For H&M, The Looks
SoCal Sophisticate: Trend-y Tuesday - She’s a Lady
Style Delights: Trend To Try - Neon Bags (And How To Wear Them)
Sucker For Sequins: Sequins + Stripes
Sugar and Chiffon: Red Pencil Skirt + Leopard Belt, 3 Ways
Sugar and Spice: How To Wear The Print Trend For SS12
The Classic Woman: Style & Grace - Jackie Kennedy
The Love Hanger: DIY Peplum Top
Woodstock Wardrobe: Fashion Week AW12 - Retro Silhouettes in a Modern Context

SPONSOR:

Dresses at Shopbop: Milly, Kalmanovich, Joie dresses, James Perse, ISSA, Thakoon Addition, Minkoff, Tibi, Black Halo, Nation LTD, Ohne Titel, Chalayan & Velvet Dresses

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next weekâs Links Ã la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine