NEW YORK FASHION WEEK BEGINS: TOME Fall/Winter 2013 Presentation...

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for." -- Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe 

The Tome Fall/Winter Presentation was my kickoff for New York Fashion Week, an event held twice a year in February and September where fashion designers present their collection for the upcoming season. 

As a lover of art history, I appreciate Tome's reference to O'Keeffe's art as an influence for this season's line.  Tome writes, "This season we are inspired by the life and art of this American legend. Her flowers, bones and sky come to life in shapes that sit free from the body, whilst others cocoon.  We are influenced by O'Keeffe's uncompromising vision and her obsession with light and shade.  It is the purity and humility of her output and her existence that resonates with us."

I was expecting a fashion show like you'd see on TV where A-list celebrities are craning their necks for a last glance at something they are sure to be photographed in the coming months. This, however, was much different.  The models stood motionless in an artful yet militaristic arrangement in a  beautifully lit and simple background - much like an O'Keeffe still life - so as not to distract from the feature object, the ensemble.

The fresh yet sleek contemporary designs were linear in their construction but the layering of fabrics and textures added to its depth, again much like O'Keeffe's work.  The fluidity of several pieces are well suited for the curvy girl who is looking for a modern silhouette. But you can't be too curvaceous - this is still a NY designer (did I say that).

Overall, I enjoyed the minimalism coupled with the muted tones that look easy to wear. I'm glad I discovered this designer and am looking forward to what next season's collection has to offer.

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

JILL BIDEN'S INAUGURATION STYLE

Not to be overshadowed by the First Lady, our nation's Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden is a fashionista in her own right. She proved that again at the Inaugural festivities wearing a elegant blue silk draped neck and back gown with black ribbon sash by Vera Wang.

2013 Inauguration Gown by Vera Wang

2013 Inauguration Gown by Vera Wang

Dr. Biden's public swearing in ceremony ensemble was a stunning silvery blue silk and wool coat with a large bow at the neckline by Lela Rose.  Her dress was a white embroidered scattered flower appliqué sheath also by Lela Rose. Her looked was chic and celebratory. She didn't look warm but she did look elegant.

2013 Public Swearing In Ceremony Coat and Dress by Lela Rose

Sheath by Lela Rose worn by Dr. Jill Biden

Obviously a fan of red by her choices for the 2009 Inauguration festivities, SLOTUS stunned in a strapless full skirted chiffon gown which proved she knows what works on her petite frame. She looked very glamorous, with great hair and makeup.

2009 Inauguration Gown by Reem Acra

During the public ceremony, Dr. Biden choose a more conservative but still chic look than Mrs. Obama with a red wool asymmetric shawl collar coat, black and white plaid sheath and black suede boots.

2009 Inauguration - Mrs. Obama's ensemble by Isabel Toledo
and Dr. Biden's Coat by Fluerette & Dress by Milly

Black & White Plaid Sheath by Milly worn by Dr. Jill Biden in 2009

Its so wonderful that the ladies behind two of our nation's most powerful men are accomplished powerhouses in their own right, even in the fashion category...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

MICHELLE OBAMA'S INAUGURATION STYLE

Isn't it wonderful that we have a First Lady in Michelle Obama who is smart, supportive and stunning! As with most of her attire, Mrs. Obama didn't disappoint with her selection for her husband's second Inauguration. Fashion insiders were shocked when  she choose another creation by Jason Wu - a red semi-halter chiffon gown that showed off her famous well toned guns.

2013 Inauguration Gown by Jason Wu

Honestly, although this year's gown was beautiful, it pales in comparison to the stunning one-shoulder white chiffon gown with amazing floral and Swarovski crystal detail designed by Jason Wu that she wore for the Inaugural Ball in 2009. 

2009 Inauguration Gown by Jason Wu

This year's selection for the public swearing in ceremony was just as fabulous -  a navy blue check coat with a jewel encrusted belt and bright plum gloves - not to mention the stunning new hairdo.

2013 Public Swearing In Coat by Thom Browne

Although amazing, this year's outfit was a conservative departure from the intricately detailed lemongrass dress and coat ensemble of the first Inauguration.

2009 Swearing In Ensemble by Isabel Toledo

Mrs. Obama wore a simple blue a-line dress and blue cropped cardigan for the official swearing in held on Sunday, January 20th. She wore the same cardigan the next day with her dress for the public ceremony, just like we all have done at one time or another. 

2013 Official Swearing In Dress by Reed Krakoff

Blue Cropped Cardigan by Reed Krakoff and Gray & Blue Dress by Thom Browne

Whatever the occasion, the FLOTUS never disappoints with her modern yet classicly chic attire. I look forward to seeing what her second term wardrobe will bring...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

DESIGNER HIGHLIGHT: TRACY REESE, A MICHELLE OBAMA FAVORITE...

Most people from either side of the political fence will agree that First Lady Michelle Obama looked stunning during her DNC speech in Charlotte a few weeks ago. Aside from her outer beauty (awesome guns, notwithstanding),  that gorgeous dress commanded a presence on its own.



First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2012 DNC

Tracy Reese is the amazing designer responsible for that creation. Reese, who launched her first collection in 1998, has been flying just slightly under the radar for some, until then. The dress, made of a raw silk jacquard in a luminescent mix of hot pink, rust and copper with an accent hemline of silver and blue, was a showstopper.

Her clothes are aimed at women with a similar sense of strength and femininity as Mrs. Obama. "She's got a clear vision of how she wants to look," says Reese. The FLOTUS is a big fan of the designer having been spotted in several of her creations over the years.

In the spring of 2006, Reese opened her first flagship boutique in NYC’s Meatpacking District. The 2200 sf space reflects her colorful and feminine design sensibility and offers the full Tracy Reese experience including her apparel lines, accessories and home goods.

For her farmhouse getaway in upstate New York, Tracy's personal style is quite evident in her design choices.  Her flair for feminine strength is also displayed in her choice of strong yet girly color palettes and textural furniture and accents like wicker and antiques.







For more information on Tracy Reese and her amazing work, click here.  Welcome to the spotlight, Tracy. You so deserve it, girlfriend...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of TracyReese.com, Reuters.com, CountryLiving.com, and NYMag.com

FASHION'S NIGHT OUT: NYC STYLE - SEPTEMBER 6TH...

I'm looking forward to the 4th Annual Fashion's Night Out on Thursday, September 6th in the fashion capital of the world - New York City! 

FNO is an event where fashion editors, designers, celebrities and fashionistas in cities across the country and around the world flock to their favorite stores for a fun night of shopping and entertainment. Its also the kickoff to New York Fashion Week. In describing the event to a Facebook friend, its like a "fashion bar crawl!!" (Even the Empire State Building will be bathed in a special FNO-themed light display.)

According to their website, last year's FNO bash featured events in 18 countries and more than 4,500 events here in the States. American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), NYC & Company and the City of New York created Fashion's Night Out in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry's economy and put the fun back in shopping. Proceeds from the sales of official FNO gear go to benefit the NY Community Trust's NYC AIDS Fund.

I'm planning to visit some of my favs such as Bloomingdale's (of course), Alice + Olivia, Sephora, DVF, Haute Hippie and Stuart Weitzman to name a few.  To plan your Fashion's Night Out itinerary and for more details, click here.
See you on Thursday in NYC...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

FALL 2012 PREVIEW - FASHION DESIGNER JAEYOON JEONG

I had the pleasure of attending the Fall 2012 Preview for an exciting (relatively) new fashion designer, Jaeyoon Jeyong.  Jeong studied fashion design at Drexel University and interned with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac in Paris before launching his own fashion line. The event was organized by PR powerhouse, Rakia Reynolds of Skai Blue Media.

Jeong opened his store in July 2009 showcasing his collection of contemporary menswear and womenswear. The store, located in a trendy Nolita (NOrth of Little ITAly) neighborhood at the corner of Spring and Mott Streets in NYC, is a sleek contemporary space to match this Korean native's design aesthetic.   

His Fall collection features modern yet trendy basics for business wear ranging from cotton button downs and blazers to wool trousers for men and a wider range of options for women from skirts to jumpsuits and rompers. The main focus for womenswear is dresses with an upscale array of cashmere and wool outerwear, including fox- and rabbit-fur lined styles.

There will be much more to come from this exciting designer.  To preview the line, click here.

Keep watching...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

Photos courtesy of JaeyoonJeong.com, nymag.com