I.C.Fashion: October 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

FASH-back Friday!: Coral Hush Puppies

Item: Suede Coral Hush Puppies Loafers

Circa: Late 90's - In High School I was "lucky" enough to be part of the first class to become our schools "Classical High School". Meaning we had to wear uniforms while the upper level grades still wore regular clothing. (Completely unfair and ridiculous. I know...) So, just as I had experience with doing all throughout Junior High, I made myself standout by adding unique pieces to my wardrobe whenever possible. Insert my coral Hush Puppies' here. My bff Suzanne and I were the only two girls in our school rocking punchy colored HP loafers. Not only were they super comfy, but they were outright fab and the perfect eyecatcher amongst the sea of khaki cardinal and white.

In the Present: Bright colors like coral pair beautifully with crisp white jeans and a bold top to match. I love lots of color and unique prints, so I'm never afraid to wear the two together. The combo makes for a fun and cheery outfit! Plus wearing loafers gives your feet a much needed chance to rest after wearing stilettos 24/7.

To purchase CLICK the corresponding thumbnail:

Thursday, October 27, 2011

FASH-back Friday!: Kick Start

I'm always in love with reminiscing about past loves (of the non-human variety) so, I'm kicking off what I'd like to refer to as FASH-back Friday! I'll pick an item (clothing or otherwise) give you it's history relevant to my life and if possible show you where to score it and how to rock it in modern times. We all know fashion has a history of repeating itself, so why not be at the forefront of recreating a vintage trend!

Check back tomorrow for my very first FASH-back, which is sure to be eye catching at the very least. But, in the meantime, I hope you enjoy my first ever poem about fashion, written over 6 years ago... Don't judge!

*If you have a past love you'd like to give new life to, feel free to post it on our Facebook wall with your description/ suggestions on how we can incorporate in a present day look.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

We Experienced: Do you know Katie Monahan?

Some photos courtesy of Chanel Eakins

A once avid attendee of the Downtown LA Artwalk, I came across Katie Monahan's paintings on several occasions, always with sheer enthusiasm. What immediately caught my eye were the series of Reflections pieces done in black acrylic paint & shards of mirror from her Figures in Line collection. I'm always intrigued by things that reflect the juxtaposition between hard and soft or feminine and masculine, so for me it was love at first sight! During my last visit to the artwalk I visited her show again, this time having the chance to experience a few of her newer works like Girl in a Yellow Dress, Baggage, and Intact. I knew at that moment that I had to do a post on Katie. While fashion is an art form, I feel as if she's created a beautiful world right on the line between fashion and art. Combining one-part fashion illustration and one-part fine art, to produce beautiful works that are enjoyed by fashionites and art enthusiast alike.

Checkout my interview and hopefully you'll discover who Katie Monahan really is... For me, she's like that one really awesome charismatic friend who's so down to earth and just simply following her dreams. You can't help but to be inspired by her!

The Golfer

4 Everyday Things I do to Make My Life Sweet!

We all know there’s more than enough crap waiting right outside our doors that can literally take one’s day from sunshine and rainbows to a frigid thunderstorm within a nano second. Often it seems even the best of intentions can be thwarted by the tiniest occurrence of plain ol’ bad luck. For most of us it’s just a day or two of misfortune, but others aren’t so lucky… Personally I’ve experienced both, so here are a few simple things I do to keep a smile planted on my face and steal my sunshine back from the abyss.

We Spotted: ELEV8 Boutique

Last weekend, while out for a stroll looking for new material, I finally made the decision to stop into ELEV8 boutique which is located in the heart of Long Beach's East Village Arts District. For whatever reason, I made the mistake of passing by this place many times in the past without stopping in... Luckily mistakes can be corrected!

Entering the vibrant red boutique adorned with metal pipes used as hanging racks and faux dismembered fingers that showcased their rings, it's really hard to ignore the uniqueness of ELEV8 which sets them apart from other local boutiques. With a clothing selection that suits the chill effortless laid back look that is SoCal, and most certainly Long Beach, co-owner Adrian Aglugub said that he and business partner Patrick Santa Ana wanted to bring a bit of Hollywood to LBC. Their vision is to tap into the City's potential and create [our] own fashion destination instead of [us] having to go elsewhere. Carrying brands like Truly Madly Deeply (which I purchased an olive colored striped mens tee for $25), and other clothing from local designers, allows them to offer affordable trendy fashions for everyone. Adrian also mentioned that they were interested in partnering with local boutiques to put on a fashion show, which I immediately co-signed the idea suggesting that we nix the lack luster artwalk and host a fashion show once a month in its place. I'm really hoping the guys can manifest their vision into reality, because the retail industry in Long Beach needs a serious pick me up. But, I'm certain the ambitious visionary duo, just might be the one thing the city is missing!

The next time you're in the mood for shopping, hop on your cruiser and head to the East Village before you decide to spend your money elsewhere. I guarantee you it's more than worth it! If you don't believe me, take Kate Hudson's word for it, she's a fan too!

*Also checkout the stores website to get personal fashion tips, see clients rocking gear purchased in-house and frequently updated info on what's in store next!