Muse Monday {FashionWasHere}

Somehow with Christmas near I completely forgot that yesterday was Monday. But who I am to deprive you of my muses! So just one day late (or maybe two) here's my Muse Monday!

I met Taliah perhaps a month or so ago via twitter. I think I need to buy some stock, LOL. I am still wondering how we missed each other. We clearly share the same friends, party at the same places, and more importantly we both heart sushi!

Taliah's blog is so amazing to me. She's one of those bloggers that finds the time to explore the world outside and take those fun quirky pics. Taliah is definitely one of those style bloggers that you want to shoot because they look good in everything! #URGH. But beyond of all that, I talk to Taliah now almost every day. IDK what I would do without my blog besties.

Learn more about Fashion Was Here.

Five W's with EmoreJ Couture

 

 

 

 

I stumbled upon the most decorated fashionisto of DC, Emore'J Couture, years ago via Myspace. I produced a fashion show (Rock Paper Scissors) and we needed a designer with a lot of edge but had the talent to back it up. I am extremely thankful for what has grown into a great respect and what we call a "fashion friendship".

His YouTube channel keeps me in tears with each new video. So it's natural that I share my fashion friend with you!

 

(EmoreJ Couture pictured on the left with a model)

HEYBELLA: Who is Emore'J?

EC: Emore'J Couture is a rising "Fashion Specialist" that is creative, artistic, theatrical and vocal about his passion for the fashion industry. I specialize in fashion show production, modeling etiquette, AVANT GARDE Collections, public speaking and event hosting.

HEYBELLA: What would you want everyone to remember about you when you're gone or so happen to "throw in the towel"?

EC: Well I don't think I will ever leave my work and art pieces will dwell in the homes of many! Art is life and never dies. But if you have to be realistic I just want people to say, "But Still Emore'J Would Have Done It Better".

HEYBELLA: Where will Emore'J be in 5 years?

EC: Emore'J Couture will be traveling from east to west coast and frequent over seas, producing events, showcasing more couture artworks and even bringing out new designers like himself to the forefront for the public to view. Emore'J Couture will be the man to see if its fashion!

HEYBELLA: When is your next Fashion Show?

EC: My next very own show.. Hmmmm I can't say. I wont do another show until I have a full running non profit organization and I have grants and sponsors to pay for the visions I want to manifest to earth.

HEYBELLA: Why did you start your YouTube channel?

EC: Simple. My life is a drama series.. The best drama you can get. I'm more vocal than most designers. I have too much personality to just be a model. I wanted people to hear and see my journey. Look how im growing!

HEYBELLA: How would you describe your design style?

EC: I would describe my style as "MY OWN!"... Enough said.

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Get to know Emore'J a little better >> http://www.youtube.com/dcutowner

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Muse Monday {PaperPackagesTiedUpWithString}

The best part of my blog journey is meeting other bloggers. I love it. My blogger friends are amazing folks with pretty cool blogs.

A lot of my inspiration to write comes from other bloggers. Muse Monday will feature a blogger who I am either friends with or I know would could be besties if and when we meet.

First up is Therese from Paper Packages Tied Up With String.

 

Therese and I actually met via twitter, go figure huh! Her name is really pronounced Theresa - her mom and my mom are sisters .. they love vowels (insider). She began following me on twitter months ago. I always respond to folks that tweet me so I tweeted back and we've been blog besties ever since.

Therese was my "silent" campaign manager for the two blog competitions I entered. We chatted on twitter for a few before we sat down for our favorite meal - Sushi. I have to tell you, it was one of those conversations that you have with a friend that lives across the coast and you spend hours catching up. You would have never guessed it was our first sushi date.

Therese loves fashion and blogs about it just as much as I do. I am inspired by her blog because she always writes posts on classic garments and how to incorporate them in your own style. She's my "corporate bloggerista".

 

Click here and get to know Therese from Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings.

 

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WATCH: Gilt.com Unracked with DVF

One of my fav online pleasures is Gilt.com. If you are unfamiliar with the brand we can't be friends. Well maybe we can, you just have to click here first!

Gilt Groupe is launching a new web series,“Unracked with Gilt Groupe”, hosted by Stefani Greenfield. This innovative series of interviews will feature fashion and lifestyle icons and reveal a few industry secrets. I was sent the first video series on Thursday but I was unable to share it with you until today...

Check out the first vid with fashion icon, Diane von Furstenberg.

 

 

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Five W's with Victoria Stiles

In journalism, the five W's (who, what, where, when, why, and how) is a concept used in gathering research information. It's considered a way to get the full story about the subject. Hey Bella's Five W's will highlight some of my friends in fashion, fab bloggers, newbies to modeling, and my favorite creative folks.

 

Meet makeup artist, Victoria Stiles.

She's the Editor-in-Chief and Creator of Makeup Artist Backstage, and a professional makeup artist for print, television, celebrities and events.  Since 1999, Victoria has worked as a makeup artist in fashion and beauty and has collaborated with the industry’s leading creatives. I can't even remember where I met her. I think twitter (winks).

I am truly a fan of her work as a makeup artist and I admire her outlook on the business. She's worked with clients some can only dream of including Condé Nast, Niche Media, Modern Luxury, Surface, Twill, Kurv, People, Washingtonian, and Virginia Living. Celebrity clientele includes Verve Music Group’s Melody Gardot, Roberta Flack, Sherri Shepherd, Gary Sinise, Olivia Thirlby, Jordin Sparks, and Emmitt Smith.

(ON THE LEFT, VICTORIA PICTURED WITH MODEL - IMAGE COURTESY VICTORIA STILES)

HEYBELLA - Who was your favorite face "to beat"?

VS - This is hard to answer because I have so many favorites! My favorite celebrity to work with was Swedish pop singer, Robyn. My favorite model to work with was Tassara from Trump.

HEYBELLA - What's always in your kit?

VS - Skin care essentials including Embryolisse 24 hour miracle cream, Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, Natural Born Cosmetics Ultra Gentle Eye Cream, Episilk Lip Balm, and Youngblood Cosmetics Mineral Mist

HEYBELLA - Where will Victoria Stiles be in 5 years?

VS - Now I can't let all of my secrets out, now can I? Let's just say I have some major milestones in mind. You'll have to wait and see what I have up my sleeve! ;)

HEYBELLA - When will Victoria Stiles have her own makeup line?

VS - Having my own makeup line never interested me. If anything, I would like to partner with an established line to develop "missing link" products or enhance their current line and maybe add in some social media marketing into the mix, lol! ;) 

HEYBELLA - Why do you think it's important for makeup artists to blog ?

VS - It's important for any entrepreneur to blog. Blogging simply opens communication between you, your current, and future clients. It allows you to share with the world your thoughts and opinions in addition to future plans for your business. The possibilities are endless when it comes to blogging and promoting your business. Best of all, most blogging interfaces are completely free. 

HEYBELLA - How did you get your start in makeup? 

VS - Makeup is truly in my blood. From a very young age, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. It was in high school when a friend's mother took notice of my work and encouraged me to pursue a career. My first job in the industry was an artist for M.A.C. Cosmetics. I worked with them for 4 years, until I decided to freelance. Here I am today, painting faces and traveling. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have had and continue to be blessed with!

Check out more of Victoria's work here.

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Lusting Over You: Versace ankle boots

Wouldn't you agree these Versace suede ankle boots need a new home? Ahh yes in my closet!

Lusting over these! You?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Damn You Alexis

Apparently everyone but the US realizes the worth of the fatshionista.

While browsing one of my fav curvy sites I discovered an amazing brand, Damn You Alexis. A brand full of LBD's, leggings, tops, skirts, and rompers. I am officially lusting over that damn Alexis.

From bondage dresses, to halter dresses, to statement shoulder dresses, this is fatshion heaven.

The collection ranges from sizes AUS16-24. The designer, Megan Moir Pardy, is a size 22 fatshionista who decided to launch her own line - "because I can't find the clothes I want to wear in my size".

Check out some of my favorites looks and be sure to visit her site.

 

I love the statement shoulder dress (the sexy model is haute too). What's your favorite?

Friend Friday: Blog Swag with StylePint.com

For this Friend Friday we did a blog swap. With the holidays we thought this would be easier. At least I know I did. Unfortunately I still ended up a litte late. Although its Monday I still wanted to share my guest blogger post. Better late than never right?

A special thanks to my StylePint.com for her guest post.

On Stylepint, I tend to create wishlists that are within my budget. Since the holidays are here, I thought I'd made an aspirational lust list. I'm not a fancy kind of girl, but I like looking at pretty things. A Leather Jacket I've always wanted a great leather jacket, but the ones that I tend to find are boxy, shapeless, and very unflattering. Skingraft, however, makes amazing leather items that show off a woman's curves without looking cheap. The Battalion jacket is edgy, sleek, and figure flattering, who wouldn't look amazing in this?

 

Shoes

Wedges are everywhere this season and I'm lovin' this pair. These Guiseppe Zanotti for Thakoon wedges slim the leg line or when the laces are loose, they flap in the wind. It's a Guiseppe Zanotti design...enough said.

A Handbag

I've always coveted the Balenciaga City bag. The leather is super soft and looks so luscious I can almost feel it through the computer screen. It's luxury with subtlety.

A Cocktail Dress or Two What are the holidays without parties to attend? They say Herve Leger's bandage dresses makes anyone instantly glamorous and I have to agree with this sequined number. It's not your typical holiday dress, though I'm sure it will turn a couple heads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For something more casual, the Filament Dress from Vena Cava is a quiet show -stopper. The slightly relaxed silhouette hides those extra holiday pounds while keeping you fabulous. You don't have to show a lot of skin to be sexy...less is more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And there you have it, five aspirational lust items that would make for an amazing holiday celebration.

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Lusting Over You: 5 Must-Have Holiday Dresses

With the holidays here I'm getting invites to numerous cocktail parties and holiday celebrations. So I think it's time to start looking for a my "knock 'em dead" dress. Since I am a fatshionista I usually have my dresses made by my designer friend Paco. Simply because it's nothing like having a garment hug you in the right places, and hide your flaws. Only custom made looks can get you that. To get inspiration I browse my favorite luxury sites and lust over them all while plotting to create a crafty knockout.

First on my list are these Michael Kors multi-strap python ankle boots. An awesome way to add a bit of spice to your LBD. Now, there's no knocking these off but since I was lusting I figured I would add them in.

Sequins is by far the top trend for the holiday season. You are sure to be the eye of the party for the evening. One of my favorite dresses (paired with a spanx) is the bondage dress. It hugs curves perfectly. I need this Hervé Léger sequined bondage dress in my life. For $2900, I am definitely going to need a curvy version of this.

As I stated in my previous post, animal prints are slowly beginning to grow me. I have finally found garments that fit my personal style. So this Vivienne Westwood Red Label sequined crepe leopard bustier dress is just perfect. Two of my favorite trends in one look.

Everything about lace screams sexy! So of course I am lusting over this dress. Although Alexander McQueen has moved on, garments like this silk and lace dress still move me.

What's a holiday without a red dress. This ISSA strapless silk-crepe gown is a winner, and all the guests at the cocktail party will agree.

You need that amazing LBD for your work holiday party. Not too sexy but just a splash of "I clean up well" is just what this Marc by Marc Jacobs ruffle-trimmed printed cotton dress is saying to me.

What brands are you lusting over?

I've Got Jungle Fever

The Animal Print Craze

I've been trying to fight off this trend for months now but I must say I have to give in. All the celebs are rocking it and when I saw a fly grandma wearing a cashmere leopard print cardigan with her skinnys paired with Steve Madden pumps - I had to submit.

Animal prints can go completely wrong on some of us though. So don't get all "matchy matchy" on me and wear it from head to Louboutin. Just a hint of this popping trend will create a purr-fect look!

Jones New York Collection - Plus Size Animal Print Jacquard Jacket: $219

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tadashi Shoji Plus Size Animal Print Shutter Dress: $308

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Kors Plus Size Animal Print Pencil Skirt: $54.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gwyneth Shoes Waverly Boot in Leopard: $198 (sizes 9-13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naomi High Shoulder Dress w/ Panels Black Leopard: $198

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Z International Leopard Print Plus Size tights: $17.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worthington button down blouse: $23.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leopard Print Scarf w/ Lurex: $14.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jessica London Animal Print Dress: $39.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denim 24/7 Animal Print Leggings:$15.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What's your fav animal print piece to wear?

Nicki Minaj is Bootyful in The Blonds Spring 2011 Collection

I swear Nicki is NOT my favorite rapper but when it comes to fashion her stylist(s) know how to make us look and keep Nicki Minaj's name in the press.

Hot 97 produced a "Thanksgiving Thank You Concert" with Nicki Minaj and Fabolous at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

Nicki Minaj rocked an innovative design from The Blonds spring 2011 collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Below: Designer Phillipe Blond walks the runway at The Blonds Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Milk Studios on September 16, 2010 in New York City.

Although Phillipe Blond is a gorgeous women he doesn't quite have the booty that Nicki does.

What do you think about it? Rocking or Ratchet?