The Lie About Lace

Lace is empowering. Lingerie inspired clothing enhances a women's personality through the perceptions of her outfit. Throw away all of the controversies with lace accents, silky attire or satin shimmers, and wear them as personality embellishments.

Allison Massott, fashion student at Philadelphia University agrees, "lace makes me feel good!" Alli exclaims with such sass. She continues to explain the importance of women embracing femininity against sexism in the workplace and how women are enhanced by what they wear.

The stereotypical scenario in the office, a man is the CEO and below him are his female co-workers. In this scene he provokes condescending attitudes, women are inferior and man superior. Any feminist has stood behind the true power of a female. In this case, drapes of lace are drapes of confidence.

Women are the story and man the book, we stir up the conversations, spice up any day and sure as hell remain professional while doing it. Bold, work oriented yet still carry self-belief.

Thankfully people became more open minded in the 90's cause if not, we'd still be living in the 1800's! This time set forth the path to fashion fads, such as lingerie inspired clothing. Wearing lace does not symbolize those easy, stereotypical thoughts. It is added texture to any outfit that needs a pick-me-up that gives a vintage or victorian flare, nighttime accents and still resembles a classy a confident aura.

Incorporating lace or silk into an outfit seems to come from a 90's grunge look. Conceptualized today into more of an everyday wear. Now that the 70's era is reappearing, wrapping satin scarves around your neck tones down the outfit, reverting from any sexual imitations.

Pop-Up Palooza

Networking is key when starting out as a college student in the fashion industry. Attending Jade's Closet Pop-Up Shop In the City located in the Liberty Place Shopping Center definitely exposed myself to this skill of indulging in conversation. Owner, Jade Okere's brick-and-mortar store resides at 200  Lancaster Ave, Wayne PA.

First arriving at the event, the window is animated with live models, Khalia Abner and Naray Ambrosio, presenting the hottest looks. There were multiple designers being featured: Mara Hoffman, Alexis, Joe's Jeans, 3x1 Denim, Day, Shae, 2nd Day, Sen, Asilio, Rails, and ATM.

But, this pop-up event was more involved than I suspected. Customers with purchases over $100 received a complimentary fashion sketch done by Veronica Marche Miller. And to be even more involved with the booming fashion night-out, guests were encouraged to create a flip book made out of multiple photos. Such a fun souvenir!

Clean, classic and very modern almost like I was attending a celebrity event, Javier Alonzo created the ambiance for Jade's Closet. Javier is the Associate Creative Director of Skai Blue Media and did not disappoint attendees. Realizing how shy I am when surrounded by people I don't usually relate with regularly, it was refreshing to break out of my shell and enjoy a natural conversation with Javier.

Learning outside of the classroom benefits myself in the most unusual way. Since traditional approaches are informing students the importance of networking, participating in fashion events such as these firsthand prepare myself for what's to come. Maybe I'll be at the next one, look out!

Cozy Toes

Curled up in the plushest blanket, the breeze is heard through the window cracked open, and mother is baking her famous pumpkin pie. Autumn has arrived and my go-to, "I can't live without" accessory are funky, fluffy socks! How else will I keep my toes warm yet still looking cute? 

Fall/Winter seasons are a time for ultimate festivity. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, ummm you know I am in every store that is selling crazy socks or stockings. Sure, I have my staple neutrals but, when the time comes to rock my orange and black striped thigh highs or rudolph socks (with jingle bells, of course!), I am showing them off in the most fashion-forward way possible. 

My friends are the ones who have a separate shoe closet, I'm the weirdo with a separate sock closet. I have so many I can't fit them all in one drawer! 

Who else can say they match their Halloween decorations, or Thanksgiving dinner with a pair of festive feet? ME! These toe coats give me life for my OOTD and I haven't come across someone who disagrees. 

Go ahead, wear the candy corn knee highs under your trendy leather boots to the office, no one has to know! Business on the outside, party on the inside. The perfect way to embrace your favorite holiday everyday of the week! 

They're costumes for your feet, heck if they make costumes for animals, why not? Trust me, your feet will thank you. 

Now, go out there and buy some socks!

Inspired By Lingerie.

Sexy black lace, chiffon slits brings femininity to designers' Spring/Summer 2016 collections during New York Fashion week. Although it may be intimidating to try and be sexy feminine yet still look professional and respected is becoming the norm today. In modern day, women are embracing their authority with these layers of lace because of its versatility. We always come back to it. 

  "I definitely think that the lingerie trend is something that people will follow," said
David Loranger, an Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Fashion, Style and Popular Culture, who sees potential in this trend. "It's a really nice way to build an outfit, because you can layer pieces one over the other. You'll definitely see this trend trickle down into other levels of distribution, potentially next year," Loranger said 

At Givenchy, Riccardo Tisci used the aesthetic of lace to make his day dresses flow with dramatic flare. Diane von Furstenberg created easy elegance with chiffon floral printed garments, celebrating being free and individual. And Calvin Klein showcasing effortless, sensual satin attire as a staple for the upcoming season. 

Celebrities such as Rihanna, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Rita Ora, so many more rock this trend to a T! Beyonce is the queen (obviously) of pulling off feminine bombshell on the red carpets. From her Givenchy Couture lace and blue feathered gown at the 2012 Met Gala, in 2014 a Michael Costella-designed angelic white laced gown at the Grammy's, and we all remember when she defined fashionably late in that barely-there yet stunning Givenchy crystal-ed gown at the 2015 Met Gala in New York. Clearly there are paths being opened for all of us to be inspired by their showstopping looks.

One of the most popular brands among teens and young adults is Urban Outfitters and Free People. They've influenced a majority of their customers to wear the ever so versatile 'bralette'. See-through tops with a delicate bralette peeking through remains a fashion fad and is becoming more widely accepted. 

Wearing lingerie seems like it could be controversial, Pielah Kim former Visual Merchandiser for Ralph Lauren denies this with positive reinforcement, "this trend has been in fashion for awhile and it always comes back. It is mainstream but popular which is why high-end designers like to adapt." 

The trend originated in the 16^th century with Queen Elizabeth I emitting royalty and voluptuous dresses sometimes with matching head pieces, but this fad continues to reappear in later centuries, David joyfully explains the history. 

 "I think you see this trend repeat itself quite often in history, but in the 20th century, I would say it really hit its peak during the Flapper Era," 

The 20's were all about taking risks, hence "The Roaring Twenties" and women were empowered. The icon flapper wore makeup, cut her hair, smoked, drank, stood up for herself and embraced the attention. 

Lingerie inspired clothing has been in and out of fashion since the Victorian Era when Queen Victoria began the white wedding dress tradition that was draped with satin and lace accents.

We saw it become a trend outside of royalty in the 1920s Coco Chanel combined her black lace fabrics with metallic, embroidered and beaded laces. Then, in the 1940s and 1950s it became more sophisticated and toned down. 

Loranger continues to add on film significance, "You really see you this a lot in Film Noir movies, and other types of movies such as Dinner at Eight, where Jean Harlow was such an icon of that style." A famous quote by Jean Harlow, "Men like me because I don't wear a brassiere. Women like me because I don't look like a girl who would steal a husband. At least not for long," the predecessor of Marilyn Monroe and Madonna, giving women confidence and stature in their everyday endeavors.

The 1970s born the Bohemian vibe and in the 80s lingerie inspired was punk.

"But really the designer who was a trendsetter in terms of the style is Betsey Johnson... She's really the person who took it to the next level by applying unusual prints, And interpreting it in a Punk Rock/New Wave sort of feeling," so excitingly Loranger says and opened my eyes to see the designers fabulous potential. "She's the person who built her entire perspective on the look, And in my opinion, does it better than anyone else!" I definitely see that now!

As far as modern day, it's evolution is apparent, David Loranger explains how the trend today is a lot more sophisticated. There are more textures interpreted through prints, not so much literally in the fabrications.

The trend now so interestingly portrays women and authoritativeness, not just because she is wearing lace means it is to be taken as slinky, overplayful or that she shouldn't be taken seriously.

WhoWhatWear takes to social media to post one of the few inspirational quotes by DVF saying, "Confidence. if you have it, you can make anything look good," well, thank you Diane! In this year's collection designed by DVF, she does no less than embrace feminine power with her Marlowe lace jumpsuit and chic lace romper paired with a statement black jacket for the millenial behind the cubicle or the woman running for office. #SoDVF.

No one enjoys seeing their favorite trend slip out of the world of fashion so quickly. 

The lingerie trend has potential for staying power, "I think it will stay for awhile, at least for 2016 spring and summer. Past several years, women wearing clothes coming from men’s look was in trend (looking at the item like boyfriend shirt, baseball jacket), so it is no surprising to me that super-feminine trend is coming back to shift the gear." Pielah Kim.

Look out for this trend to flood stores with galore and simplicity.
"I think when this trend arrives at the store, it will likely be very toned down so it can be incorporated into the everyday look," Kim said.

"For instance, using more durable, thicker lace, using rayon instead of satin, etc." Pielah Kim.

Is This Evolution at the Emmy's?

Simplicity will always catch my eye, ESPECIALLY when it comes to her evolution from sporting a giant egg to the controversial meat costume. Lady Gaga stunts the most gorgeous black gown created by Brandon Maxwell at the 2015 Emmy Awards. 

I mean, Gaga defined showstopper in the most unrecognizable way. This was not what we were expecting! She compliments this new persona with natural, low maintenance hair and makeup. Not to worry though, she managed to keep the Gaga in the gown with a modern side detail quaintly accentuating her figure. 

Showing us that not only are women not to be treated like a piece of meat, we are confident and deserve to be looked up to as well, way to go Gaga!

Premiering on the upcoming season of American Horror Story, the singer has been killing it! Since Gaga always has a method to her madness, and analyzing her dress from the Emmys this could possibly foreshadow her character on AHS. Either way, we are all excited to see what she has next for her little Monsters. 

Catch Lady Gaga and the rest of the AHS cast on the new season 'Hotel' on October 7th on Fox!

Life is a Sandbar with Tommy Hilfiger

I was transported to a breezy, tropical island filled with vibrant and cohesive colors experimenting with the bohemian-reggae style. Tommy Hilfiger, an American designer born in Elmira, New York and founded his own brand continues to offer apparel for men, women and children throughout the United States. Inspired by his beach house in Mustique he definitely brought the sun, sand and water with him to the runway. 

By creating the beachy scene, his designs came to life. The audience had their toes in the sand watching the models strut down the boardwalk enclosing a lagoon in the middle. Nothing says paradise like a few bronzed bodies and Jamaican vibes.

Passion in his heart, in 1995 his dedication awarded itself and was named Menswear Designer of the Year appointed by the CFDA. Ever since his start, Tommy's designs have become the norm for shoppers claiming his importance among the fashion industry. His runway presentation did nothing but exceed expectations.

The setting and flow of the garments caught my eye, immediately. If I could lay in the sun all year, I would and Tommy Hilfiger got me excited for Spring/Summer 2016 already!

He really brought out the image through this presentation and I enjoyed watching as the models breezed past. I felt relaxed, yet energetic. Where is summer?! He kept on trend with an emphasis on crochet, long flowing dresses, floral prints and a touch of silk.

I will no doubt be purchasing a few bathing suits from his SS16 line for my next vacation.  

Public School's Stomping Ground

New York City natives and designers of Public School, Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne each grew up with a distinction for fashion and an intimate involvement defining people by what they wore. During NYFW, Their runway was more of an upscale club than traditional, the dimmed lighting and echoed music rested their audience in a funky atmosphere.

Not being able to seeing the row behind you or even your friend next to you because the garments on the models was the ray of light. This was an excellent portrayal of clothing. Before reputation and forming into a brand of just menswear in Spring 2008 with Barney's New York, the duo continued to work hard and stay dedicated to the brand they created. Later they were awarded with the CFDA's Menswear Designer of the Year award in June of 2013.

Public School played with their neutrals, black and white, hues of light blue, definitely navy and a peek-a-boo of tan. They carefully applied bright colors to their white garments and presented bold contrast and patterns.

Hip yet sporty and relaxed yet casual office day. The shoes say, gladiator but "I'm going to the gym today" and this is defined to me as comfort. Who doesn't love comfortable shoes?

I loved this runway show. As each model glided down the catwalk, I was already forming outfits with the pieces I would wear from this collection. The silk, baby blue striped boyfriend jacket brought me back to when I would watch Molly Ringwald movies in my PJs and drool over the concept of over-sized and structured.

Continually, the dark colors did give off a nocturnal vibe, so maybe these are nighttime-only styles. But, how could you resist Dao-Yi Chow's son bubbly and jumping into his fathers arm? What a way to end a show!

Clearly, Chow and Osborne qualify as reputable designers in the industry and with the success of NYFW, they expand their talents to becoming the creative directors of DKNY. We'll all be excited to see where the whirlwind of the fashion world takes them next.