Rena Lange - Berlin Fashion Week July 2011, Courtesy of IMG Fashion / In...

Laurèl - Berlin Fashion Week July 2011, Courtesy of IMG Fashion / InDigital

Berlin's Fashion Week Summer 2011

   The dust has settled from the the amazing fashion week in Berlin, Germany! I must say Germany could be well on it's way to becoming a fashion mecca. The event began July 5th and ended the 10th, but the amazing show's and concepts are still a buzz. I loved to watch each collection come down the runway, it was exciting and almost surreal. The cohesion of each designer's collection was impeccable, I could see so many types of women and men who would wear the garments. The interesting thing about Berlin is that it has a sense of tough with a sleek and wild beauty about it's fashion. Another important note is their interest in ecological concerns and how fashion plays a role they call it ECO-Fashion Days which took place in LAVERA Show Floor in Berlin . I have to give a shout out to the group at BREAD & BUTTER, they are truly top of the line when it comes to trade shows as well as their  displays of urban, street, denim, styling, and fashion for the now. Berlin will and is a city to be reckoned with in the world of fashion!
    

Why Faux for Fall/Winter?

   I must say I am biased on the subject of  the usage of animal skins/ feathers in fashion. I was a vegan for 6 years now i'm vegetarian. I honestly think from a fashion prospective that real animal skins often look tacky and outdated. In the view of an animal lover I dont agree with killing or raising an animal to skin it, pluck it, etc, for fashion reasons. Now as a Native American , I understand that animals are a part of our life cycle and so is the earth, we all should live in a harmonious balance. In other words when you kill an animal it's for survival and you use every bit of that animal for the community to survive. Their are many other groups of people who practice or have practiced this balance. It's unfortunate that most are animal skins are either illegally obtained or farmed but also in order to do this laws are broken, animals are becoming extinct, and deforestation in places such as in the Amazon.
   I know many of you fashionista's and fashioneto's think this is hippie non-sense but If haven't you tried faux leather or other imitation products how can you base an opinion. If nothing else it is more practical in the sense that it is affordable, is weather resistant, and ages better. Trust me when I say that I have a faux leather biker jacket from H&M it's 3 years old and still looks new as well as a faux fur vest that most people think is real fur and always compliment me on.
    We are a generation in the new technological era, lets stop are dated idea's on fibers and update them to fit the world we live in now.

+note: Their is a thing as fake feathers; fibers are the same as those to make fake hair. Usually a derivative of plastic!

Links to Faux Shopping!

Great Faux leather purses
Shoes
Everything (jackets, shoes, and bags)
Faux Fur Jackets

Are You Sure That's Your Size?

  Working in retail you see many types of ladies of all ages and mind sets. Its amazing to me that most of  these women suffer from a stigma of what they think their size is and what their actual size seems to be. It's as if they see their bodies distorted, a size 4 who is actually a 6 a size 8 who is actually a 14. Several women try items of clothing on and very few walk out with a perfect fit. Why do you think women seem to be in denial about their true size, and why do you think they rather make something barley fit their bodies instead of taking the time to try different sizes on. I know its hard to try items on and to look in the mirror and like what you see but you look at the tag to find that you are a size significantly higher then expected. Ladies it's time to realize it's just a number, ok, maybe you gained a little weight or maybe your in perfect health and your body is just that size, dont torture yourself, just buy the size that fits best. Not only that, you will look alot better too!

Aragon Oil a Miracle for Curly Hair

   I am a hair product junky! In previous blog posts I have informed you all that I have very thick and curly hair. I noticed that several people in my daily travels ask what I put in my hair, what makes the curls pop, and better yet is all that hair mine. I laugh and thought, well it's all natural from the texture to the products I use. I think it's hard for many women especially African American woman to break out of the age of chemical straighteners and straighteners. Although "good hair" seems to be an issue for woman of African heritage, its a common womens issue period. If you are tired of all the drama with straightening hair go natural and try some Aragon Oil. This product is amazing the smell is intoxicating but also it nourishes the hair and scalp. I love using this product its not too greasy and leaves my hair looking amazing. I have heard great things about its other cosmetic uses, but it is important to note is to read the label. The best way to find the quality of the oil is to read the ingredients and make sure it is not diluted with other oils and products. Everyone can have nice hair its what you put into it and how you care for it.

Get a Start On Your Fall Wardrobe

   Summer is just about here so I know everyone's mind is on the warm weather. Rarely. do I hear people other then mom's shopping for the fall season. Women and men alike want to know now what to buy or keep a look out for to start their fall wardrobe off right. I think that it is important to get the basic fall essentials first then worry about those possible statement pieces until the mid to end of August.
   The best things to buy first ladies and gentlemen is accessories, they are easy to find year round as well as inexpensive. Secondly, for the ladies, black stockings are a must have make sure you buy quality brands, if the price is an issue buy a couple of pairs of a moderate brand. Gentlemen your next buy should be a leather or faux leather jacket. Next, both men and women should invest in ankle boots, think 1970's punk (doc martins). Women also if not a fan of the ankle boots should buy knee high boots in black, dark grey green, grey, or brown. Lastly, women should invest in a pencil skirt, and or knee to calf length dresses. Ladies do not go crazy buy a basic color in black, white or deep brown, later you can go crazy with patterns. Men suites seem to be popular in most designer's collections so buy a pick which item(s) that you can afford.
    Remember my fashion loving friends this fall is all about the look of opulence with an edgy twist.

Modren Sophistication by Bethany23Sp featuring sleeveless tops