Fashion Show Journal

So last night was the night! Our show turned out amazing! I'm not sure what I was expecting as far as our show but I do feel like we had one of the best shows. Everything worked out fabulously. The models and designers were great. The attendees were very excited about the show. I had the best time last night.  The DJ was amazing, he had people dancing all night.  Everyone pulled their weight and it was one of the best group experiences that I have had. I'm excited that we were really able to show what we could do. I think it was one of the best shows done at Virginia Marti. The evening was bittersweet because that was my last event at Virginia Marti. I learned alot during my time there and I made some really go friends there. I will miss the girls that I had the opportunity to work with. *Le Sigh*

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Fashion Show Journal

ONE WEEK LEFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe that the show is next week? I can't time has flown by. Things are starting to come together. We have the designers, the models, the food, the invites, and so much more. I really looking forward to this event! I'm really excited to be able to put on something of this nature. It is going to be a very rewarding experience.

I look up, He looks down!
Meanie Evie

Imperfections are what makes us beautiful

I ran across this story yesterday and I love it! I always want to try to bring you positivity so I was pleased when I saw this. There is this organization called Pro Infirmis who worked with a mannequin manufacturing company based on people with physical disabilities. This is a heartwarming story about true beauty. I think its about time that something like this has been done.

I think it is overdue. There are plenty of people whose bodies do not compare to the plastic figures. My first thought was " Great now people who can see how the garment will really on them." I do not in anyway feel that people with 'physical disabilities' are any less than those whose handicaps are not seen with the naked eye.

Pro Infirmis is amazing for being bold enough to step out and do something so amazing! There is a video on the Huffington Post about these amazing people. I would check it out, it will bring a tear to your eye. I would love to see this in store in the US. For now I'm happy that there is a first step to make everyone feel included.

 

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie



#Makelove NOT Hate

I always love the creative things that companies do around the holidays. Gap, Inc comes out with very creative and imaginative ad campaigns. I come from a marketing background so that is why I have a greater appreciation for their work around Christmas. Gap usually has the BEST campaigns for Christmas. This year's campaign is no different. Gap decided to feature different activists in the print ads. The whole theme is to MAKE LOVE. Its surprisingly simple. Again I love the concept. The photo pictured above is one that is apart of their ad campaign. The man is the ad is Waris Ahluwalia. I do not know much about this man, so I won't pretend that I do. After I Googled him, I found out that this man is seriously a heavy hitter in fashion. He is a name around fashion circles and the art community. He is also a jewelry designer originally from India. He is also an actor AND he owns a tea house is New York.WOW! Check his resume and Google him!

His ad was featured in a subway and some bigots thought it would be cute to deface the ad. The bigots wrote anit-Muslim remarks. Gap swiftly reacted and change the skin on their to the photo above. They also physically went to the location of the defaced ad and handled it personally. I don't want to go into a rant. However if anyone is foolish enough to believe that we are living in post-racial Amerika you have believed wrongly. This man is not Muslim he is a Sikh! Even if he was Muslim that should not make a difference!  He is an American therefore he can freely practice whatever religion he chooses. I applaude Gap for acting so quickly and also standing by their decision to included him in their campaign. I'm sure that Mr. Ahluwalia isn't concerned by remarks made by people several tax brackets lower. Let's follow Gap's lead and #Makelove not Hate.

 

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Fashion Show Journal

So its week 7! Time is flying by! Last week we had our model call. It was very exciting but we only got 11 models to come. *insert sad face here* Alas we have decided that the individual designers could bring models in. This takes a huge weight off of our shoulders. This week we will have class in our venue space. We have never seen the space because we switched to this particular studio because we got it for Free ninety nine! So I'm not complaining. We are having flyers printed and the invitations will be sent out hopefully by the end of next week.I sent some press releases out. I am still waiting to hear back from some people. I helped get three hair stylist and a makeup artist. I also had most of my friends come to the model call. What can I say? I deliver. Well that's it for this week.

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

To Abercrombie and Ditch...........

There is no time like now to talk about not always speaking what's on your mind. This is Mike Jefferies the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch. It was this past year that some statements that he said about his customer base have come into the light. He basically said, in so many words, that if you don't live like members of the O.C. you shouldn't wear his clothing. He wants pretty, cool, and popular people wearing his clothing. He said out of his own mouth that Abercrombie is exclusionary. Okay. Did you really think your people were going to take that laying down? There have been so many campaigns to rid the world of this man's dream that only a subset of people could wear his clothing. There is #Fitchthehomeless seen here.

Young people are getting rid of their A&F duds and outright giving them to the homeless to prove a point. There is an entire Tumblr page dedicated to this movement. I think its brilliant. Now you see more homeless peope wearing the exclusionary brand. Ironic? I would say so. For seven straight quarters, the stock has been falling. So far Abercrombie has lost 15.6 MILLION DOLLARS!!!!!!!!! I think its that the consumer has the right to say how they feel about the bad behavior of a company's CEO. I think that this is an amazing grassroots movement. Hopefully more companies take note that you cannot abuse the consumer and expect them to follow. I say good riddance to exclusion!

 

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Fashion Show Journal

Well its finally time to have our model call!!! I'm so excited. I've never been apart of the selection process for the models. I hope we get some really good models to come through. We are looking for both male and female models. I have one of my friend's sister coming. She is really beautiful. Her name is Ashley and she is just starting her career out but she is really taking off. One of my friends Vic is coming. He is also another one who is starting his modeling career. My brother Jay Jay is supposed to be coming as well. Hopefully he shows up. I also have this teenager that I worked with before coming to the auditions. He is really good, he gives AMAZING face. Ashley is bringing some of her friends from a show she was recently apart of. I'm also trying to bring more people in to model. I was not responsible for bringing in models but I hope we get a good turn out.

 

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Its the sexiest night of the year

As we prepare to become bombarded by Christmas decorations, music, and cookies. We mustn't forget that it is that time of year when Victoria's Secret has their annual fashion show. The show was filmed last night and set to air on December 10 on CBS.  I love watching the show. I think it is spectacular! However I do wish that there were more models of color on the runway but thats neither here nor there. I love the whimisical nature of the event. I especially enjoy the creativity.

I love that each scene has a theme that is fully realized. The show usually costs between 10-15 million dollars! Wow! But that is a small drop in the bucket compared to their yearly sales of 6.6 BILLION DOLLARS!!!! Again wow! Victoria's Secret has been making women feel their sexiest since 1986 and their brand is rapidly growing. In retail, sales are usually measured by square footage. The average sale per square foot for Victoria's Secret is 817 dollars. Now the average store size is 7,650 square feet. You do the math. I've always loved the Limited Brands and wish to one day work for them (fingers crossed). I'm really excited to see the fantasy bra worn by Candice Swanepoel. I'm a little bummed that she will be the first model out on the runway according to USA Today. I think that when they edit the show they may out her in another position in the show. I'm excited to see the show and see the Parisian Night themed section.

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Fashion Show Journal

So its week 5! Yay! Can you believe it? I can hardly believe. We have our model call next week and I am putting the final touches on the flyers to hand out. I've emailed the editor of the Style section from our local newspaper. I've also contacted my friend who works at a news station. Things are coming together nicely. At least on my end. But the sad thing is that I still have to take midterms. I hate taking tests. I really do. My school is very project intense and sometimes you just forget to that you still have to read. I will get through it though. I have no worries. Last week, we had the opportunity to look at the space we are using for the event. Its absolutely beautiful! Very New York! Tres Chic! The event looks like it is turning into something great. We also looked at hair and make up ideas. I'm most excited about our model call. I'm interested in seeing who will respond. I have a few friends that will be auditioning. Well that is the latest and greatest from me. Ta ta for now.

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Fashion News and Reviews

So as the autumn leaves fall, Drake begins his Nothing was the Same Tour. I've seen Drizzy in concert twice once BEFORE he was signed to Young Money and once right before the release of Thank Me Later. I must say he is somewhat decent in concert but I prefer mix tape Drake to this 'wanna be hood' Drizzy.  But I digress. For this tour, he has teamed up with Calvin Klein's creative director Italio Zucchelli to wear looks from the Spring/Summer 2014 line.

This is a MAJOR switch for the Canadian rapper, who is usually seen onstage in jeans and a college hoodie. Famously representing HBCU Howard University. The designs align with Drake's aesthetic as well as Zucchelli's. There will be three in total, one that is very similar to his latest album cover.I think this look is the most like Drake because it is a hoodie.  The next look is class Calvin Klein with denim on denim. 

This look is my personal favorite and I think its perfect for autumn even though its for spring/summer. The final look is a geometric print bomber jacket paired

black jeans. I think this is a step in the right style direction. Drake's overall style needed to evolve. You can't live in jeans and a t-shirt forever. I like all of the looks and I would to see more young men dressing in a more pleasing aesthetic.

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Sanctuary Style: Harvest Time

 

I love Autumn! Its back! I love layering! I like sweaters! This look is can be worn just about anywhere. This is a pretty standard look for the fall. Leggings check. Sweater check. Boots check. Cross body bag check. This look is simple and clean. I'm not sure if you would wear this on a Sunday morning. I would but that depends on the type of church you go to. This autumn don't be afraid to layer. Don't be afraid of leggings no matter what shape you are. Always, always, always remember to cover your rear! It doesn't matter how nice your rear is leggings are not pants! I repeat LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS! If you understand this basic principle then you are good for this season.

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie 

Black Girls Rock!

 

It is that magical time of year! The magical time of year when BET actually does something right! That time of year when instead of demeaning black women we are celebrating them! Instead of a Beyonce focus trance (I don't hate her I'm jsut saying), we are celebrating women who are business owners, singers, dancers, and who give back to their communities. W.E.B DuBois said that the turning of the 20th century "The problem of education, then, among Negroes must first of all deal with the Talented Tenth; it is the problem of developing the Best of this race that they may guide the Mass away from the contamination and death of the Worst, in their own and other races." Mr. DuBois is simply saying that the most educated of our race SHOULD reach back and help others. However more times than imaginable, we only shake our heads at the single mothers.

We overlook the highschooler forced into over crowded classrooms with 'teachers' with no education background. Often times we are disgraced, treated poorly, and mocked in all forms of media. Even the media that we ourselves create. However it seems that we have started to celebrate ourselves for our positives. Black women let's support one another. Let's not tear each other down. It does nothing but create more rifts in our communities. Talented Tenth, let's help our brothers and sisters and not walk past them in their need. We should keep our communities and not wait on anyone else. Black Girls do Rock! Its time we shared this with our children. Its time we give them confidence in their pigment. Its time we showed them how awesome it is to be themselves. Its time we tell them they can be anything they want to be. They don't have to settle. If the world can be the oyster of our counterparts of other races, why can't the same be true for us? I rock. You rock. We all rock! #blackgirlsrock

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

 

Meanie Evie

Fashion Show Journal

So its week three and things are going. My cupcake tasting last week went over very well. However Frenchye wasn't there, I'm arranging another tasting for tomorrow. I've contacted someone to do invitations, thank you cards, reserved seating, and cupcake packaging for the event. The fashion show will be apart of a larger event for the Fashion Group International. We have a client presentation of what we have so far tomorrow. I'm excited at least for my portion of the project. There are a few people in class who are a bit confused on what they are supposed to do. I'm going to do everything that I am assigned.

So for  my portion of the client presentation, I will have the model call flyers, invitations, thank you cards, reserved signs, the facebook pages, and I will have reached out to the press. Whew! It sounds like a lot but I really want to make this event nice. I do not want it said that I did not do what I was supposed to do. Cheers to this week's client presentation.

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Fashion News: Blackface C'est tres faux pas! (sorry i couldn't get the accents on this)

So it come every year. Halloween. *le sigh* it's interesting the levels of disrespect and trying to costume a culture. I am more than confidence in this skin, with this hair, with these features. However I'm so tired of seeing this year after year. In post-racial Amerika, aren't we supposed to be past this? I guess not. These images stir up painful memories of being a second class citizen in a country that was built on the backs of enslaved Africans. It is more than disrespectful for members of the fashion to make this a novelty and simply tell us to 'get over it.' My culture is not a novelty and I simply won't forget.  It's more than interesting that blacks have made significant contributions to American culture and to fashion.

Yet we are still a minority in a gleamering sea of 'rail-thin, lily white models.' It seems that we will never be 'en vogue.' Allessandro Dell'Acqua is put into a position where his moves are constantly being watched. Didn't anyone tell him that this is unacceptable? Fashion should be an expression of oneself. Fashion shouldn't offend. Fashion is art interpreted. I'm not sure what to think about designers, models, photographers who use black face as a means to be controversial. One cannot take something that is so hurtful and reimage it.

You don't see these designers taking swastikas and putting them on the runway for fashion's sake. Respect should the common thread that binds us together. Again *le sigh*.

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Fashion Show Journal Week 2

So its week 2 for me. At this point, I'm trying to make as many connections I can so that this event screams with all the 'fabulousness' I can bring. So I've contacted an acquitance of mine to do some custom cupcakes for me. She currently coming up with a flavor for me and we will have a tasting in class this week. The tasting is my idea. No one else knows I'm doing it. I've also been looking up people from our local newspaper, tv stations, and other organizations. I really want this event to be fabulous! I do everything in excellence and this event is the last one that I will be putting together as a student. I want to cement my place in this industry. I've done major events before and I am not at all concerned with trying to plan this one. I'm pumped for this experience!

 I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Fall/Winter 2013 Trend Report

So if you have been paying any attention to runways or any of your favorite celebs. You have notice the amazing lip colors! You have matte lipsticks, laquered and the list goes on and on. I really like this trend of colored lips but what I do not like is everyone thinking that they can go to MAC and get the same color everyone else has on. There is nothing wrong with lipstick in general. But in order to trully master this trend you need to some time and energy on it. Meaning if you have a deeper, chocolate skin tone (such as myself) you cannot wear the same color that a person with very fair skin can wear. There is a reason why there are so many color choices when it comes to lipstick.
When shopping for a lipstick, I would suggest  to do a light scrub on your lips the night before. Some lipsticks will dry your lips out and cause your mouth to feel tight.  I also think that you should take a hard look at your skin and features prior to going shopping. What is your skin's  undertone? That to me the

most important question. You have to have a lipstick that compliments your skin. It is best to go to a professional for help. The professional can judge by your skintone which colors are best. For my women of color *le sigh*, going to a professional does not mean they know what they are doing. Again *le sigh*. I believe you should always ask if the make up artist is comfortable doing make up on a woman of color. This may sound extreme but I would prefer to know that up front. Make up should be fun! So remember that when you're lipstick shopping. Happy shopping!

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Fashion Show Journal Week 1

So as most of you all know I'm in school for Fashion Merchandising. I am in my last quarter!!!!!!!!!! This quarter I am in Fashion Show Production. I'm super excited about the show that we are going to put on! I have done events in the past and I am ready for the challenge. As a part of the class, we are supposed to write about the entire experience. So here I go! our teacher for the course is Frenchye Bush. She is a model turned fashion show producer. She also runs a company calledStyle-DNA. I'm really happy to be learning from the best in the business. This week we picked what our role would be for the fashion show. So of course I was chosen for the Publicity Coordinator.I don't have much to report at this time. But I have started to get in contact with some people for little gift bags for our models and the guest. I will be writing weekly throughout the process. So stay tuned!

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Fall/Winter 2013 Trend Report

So its been quite while. But I'm back! I'm bringing you more Runway to the Sanctuary style along with other goodies. Since its Fall, I will be bring you weekly Fall trend reports. This first trend I am bringing you is one of my personal favorites. THE COMBAT BOOT! I love, love, love combat boots. They bring edginess to any outfit! I love that you can wear them with just about anything. I also love that I can wear them to church on those days that I don't feel like dressing up. I really the spikes on mine.I really like the kind that fold down like the ones above. One of the reasons I love this trend is because you can find there boots just about everywhere. I found mine on Shoedazzle and JustFab. Both pair were $39.95. The boots were very durable. I know people are nervous about ordering shoes online but I've never had any issue. So gear up for combat this fall!

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

The Carmen Jones collection

Here you are the completed Carmen Jones Collection!

 

Carmen Jones LookBook: Cindy Lou

 

This is my favorite look from my look book. This is modernized yet classic look for Cindy Lou. Bigger, bolder, 60's style champagne bubbles really set this look off. I can see the woman wearing this dress with a simple updo and minimal make-up. She is sweet and charming yet sexy and lady like at the same time. Even though this dress is paired with flats it will be set to woman apart from the crowd. Classic, Elegant, and in FLOTUS style!

 

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Carmen Jones LookBook: Carmen Look 2

Va,va,voom! Carmen was all about showing that body. She was very much a lady. Bur her clothing showed off the natural curves to her body. The black lace overlay evokes a sense of all around sexiness. Details make all the difference. The red rose on the black background certainly make a statement. What doesn't this dress have? It shows off those beautiful shoulders, legs, and your natural curviness. Ladies, this is what I would call understated sexy. Your body is covered. Yet you show just enough to keep them guessing! That's trully what its about!

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Carmen Jones: Husky Miller

Husky Miller, the boxer. He is the man that steals away Carmen's affection for Joe. Husky Miller is flashy and fashion forward. Unlike Joe, he is all about the latest trends. He loves to look good. Money is no object when it comes to Husky. He spares no expense to get whatever it is he is seeking. He likes his women to look good as well. This look has the classic Levi's Jeans and a a high cowl neck sweater that is perfect for this fall. Prized fighter with a prized wardrobe.
I look up, He looks down!
Meanie Evie

Carmen Jones Collection: Cindy Lou

 

This is a modernized Cindy Lou look. She is as sweet as pie and a little bit naive. She is Joe's fiance and she ultimately loses Joe to Carmen. However her love for Joe never diminishes. This look is for the girl who isn't trying so hard to be noticed. There is plenty to notice here though. The shoes bring a bit of playfulness that we all need. The romper is very playful too. Sweet as candy of course!

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Carmen Jones Collection: Joe

Here is another look from my final project in History of Costume. This look is a simple, comfortable look for the character Joe. In Carmen Jones, Joe wears three or maybe four outfits. One of the outfits is a military uniform and the other is trench coat. I tried to modernize Joe by dressing him in jeans, a blazer and a polo. This look is effortless and most importantly its comfortable.
I look up, He looks down!

Closet Staples: The Black Pump

So we've all seen the lovely black Louboutins with the lush red bottoms and have had thoughts of owning the beauties. Well for most of us this thought is out of the question at the moment. On the market there are plenty of other alternatives until you get your Red Bottoms. Black pumps are a must in your closet. I think they are classic and a power shoe. If you have nothing else in closet your always have this shoe. When all your other pumps fail you the black ones are there to pick you up. Even though you really want the Loubs get a regular pair in the meantime.

 

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Carmen Jones Look Book

 

So I know I've been neglecting writing on here. My schedule has been crazy busy! Anyway,for one of my classes I have to do a collaboration between a retailer and a movie. You guys know I'm into the classics so I chose Carmen Jones. This is the first look that I came up with for the character of Carmen. It features that iconic red skirt and off the shoulder top. I think this look is sexy without being over the top. If you have ever seen the movie, Carmen is the only one who wears such an intense color. Red, in Carmen's case, means sex, passion, fire, and a warning. So this look book would not be complete without the red skirt. Stay tuned for more looks.

 

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie

Closet Staples

 

 

My friend and I were at dinner recently. We started to discuss life, men, and God. Somehow we started to discuss what are our closet staples. *Oh Snap* That would make an awesome blog post so here I am! Our first thought was the trench coat. (we were both wearing one at the time) I love the trench because it is definitely a classic. I feel one always looks classy and sophisticated. They are lightweight and comfortable. More importantly you can find them just about anywhere. I found mine at the Old Navy outlet in Washington, Pa. It was 39.99 PLUS an extra 40% off!!!!! What a deal! I couldn't pass it up! So ladies break out that trench coat on a cloudy day.

 

I look up, He looks down!

 

Meanie Evie

Yellow, Polka Dot Fatkini?!?!?!

So I'm cruising the internet and I come across this article for 'Fatkinis'. I've never heard of the term before and I thought it would be interesting so I read and followed the link. Basically this plus size blogger name GabiFresh encourages women not to be ashamed of their bodies. This is extremely difficult for most of us because the media is constantly telling us there is something wrong with us. Anyway, she is actually getting a line on Swimsuits for All. I love this idea!

 I think she looks absolutely beautiful and I will most likely be getting one of her suits! I love that she is inspiring confidence for plus size women. She is proud of her curves and I love it all! No tea. No shade. This is a suit for her upcoming collection. Can't wait to hit the pool or beach this summer! Thanks Gabifresh!

Here's her website!

I look up, He looks down!

Meanie Evie