The Model of Fashion

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Fancy Scarves with a Cause

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase support and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. This is a month that always hits home, as I experienced my mother’s battle against breast cancer first-hand. She was so sick, and it broke my heart to see the pain in her eyes. However, she never once allowed my family and I to feel sorry for her and when her hair fell out she said, “Screw the wigs; I’m going to wear a scarf because this is who I am!” The scarf became a symbol of hope and a beautiful fashion statement.

A couple years after recovering from breast cancer, my mom became a survivor of the disease. Since then, our family joined together to support millions of others in the fight against breast cancer. We had the opportunity to participate in the Susan B. Colman “Race for the Cure” where we united with many others in fellowship against the disease. Hundreds of faces were filled with enthusiasm, love and pride. I’ll never forget that day of deep fulfillment, sharing such an amazing experience with my mother and grandmother, who herself, later became a breast cancer survivor. Research has proved that early detection is key and proper medical treatment has saved so many diagnosed with this disease. The research and funding doesn’t end here. Visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation for more information on the disease and how you can make a positive impact.

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What Inspires You?

 We live in a society where, by and large, businesses are trying to stand out and make an impact. When immersed in a culture where there seems to be infinite options, it’s often hard to cut through the clutter. As a consumer, we’re often overwhelmed, but how do you think small businesses feel? Especially those small businesses that are trying to find their niche to thrive in such an overbearing environment. The key then becomes inspiration. Yes, inspiration, one word that can create a paradigm-shift in the construct of clutter.

There’s always intention behind action, and if you want to survive as a small business owner in this society, it’s imperative that inspiration be presented to your audience. Whether it’s the passion to promote trendy frames with humble intentions (Warby Parker), aesthetically sleek knowledge hubs (Apple), or a tasteful pop (Coca-Cola), it’s the inspiration behind the brands that have garnered their success and large-scale recognition.

There are smaller brands that are also following this model­–inspiring national interest with local roots. The Alchemist Brewery, located in Waterbury, VT, has a passion for brewing with a unique spin. Their claim to fame is Heady Topper­, an IPA loaded with hops. Although currently a small market, they can’t keep these IPAs on shelf. Heady Topper has established its name all through word-of-mouth marketing, driving visitors to VT with hopes of trying this beverage. Heady Topper keeps inventory low even with high demand because they don’t want to diminish the quality of their product. After all, their motto is to keep the “freshest, hoppiest packaged IPA on the market.”

How does your business create a construct of brand identity in an ever-evolving market?

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'The kiss of a refreshing cocktail'...great tagline that has me itching for springtime

http://www.cointreau.com/ 

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The Essence of True Beauty

Various ad agencies have taken appeal to tugging at the heartstrings. In many cases, it can be an effective tactic; this is duly noted in the case of Dove Real Beauty Sketches - deemed by Ad Age as the most viral campaign of 2013.

It’s human nature that we as individuals are our toughest critics. Society tends to judge beauty at face value, not allowing oneself to see the essence of beauty from within. We begin to compare ourselves to the airbrush perfections painted in the media. This societal trend skews perception, taking away the ability to capitalize on one’s features others would notice instantaneously. Dove’s commercial captures the root of this epidemic, showing the contrast between an individuals misguided perception, and the ability of another to shed light on the beauty that individual bestows.

I commend Dove’s approach with this commercial, because it serves a greater purpose than selling beauty products. It creates a slight paradigm shift by empowering women to value their physical features, just as a stranger would. In a culture bounded by media perfections, it signifies the need to educate women on what true beauty stands for.

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While in Toronto, I discovered these trees wrapped in translucent (yet protective) pink LED rope. As someone with a knack for seeking grassroots tactics, I couldn't help but stop in my footsteps. This concept aims to garner attention from people walking by, bringing awareness of tree preservation in urban spaces. The design approach protects tree trunks while making a bold statement in that precious vegetation must be preserved, adding an element of beauty and health to any arena.

In an immensely industrialized milieu, it's on the onus of individuals to come together and conceptualize ideas that preserve environmental majesty. We become so accustom to our daily routine, that it's often difficult to break the pattern and see natural beauty that surrounds us. Nature is a precious sentiment to our health and well-being. It provokes tranquility and offers organic character that often times isn't recognized. This standardized mold begs for greater adherence in bringing peace and harmony into our chaotic environment. 

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GAME CHANGER

When meeting Melinda for the first time, I instantaneously knew she had one of the most humble hearts and honest intentions of anyone I had ever met. She is a true testament of what is meant by, follow your passions, never allowing the trials and tribulations get in the way. When in India, Melinda saw a need and made it her career to address it. She taught children in a tent community, the poorest neighborhood in Dharamsala, India, of which many did not attend classes because of their parents influence to beg on the streets. It was then that Melinda worked to see a school built by Buddhist Monks, outside of the tent community. This school was a gateway for those children to attend and board at, where they would not be stripped of their education. This was only the beginning. Melinda saw that many of the younger females within the tent community and villages nearby would grow into a culture of suppression. As an educated woman from the states, she feared these women would not be granted the opportunity to live in a vibrant and diverse region where they could apply their passionate skill sets. This paved the way for Melinda to become involved with a couple small artisan groups of empowered women, joined together in designing beautiful jewelry, scarves, and linens (Ranthambore, Bihar, Jodhpur). She saw first-hand the collaborative dedication and skill that went into each of these individually crafted pieces, and wanted this story to be told on a larger level. Amongst these happenings, Dolma Fair Trade was born – garnering its name from a Buddhist Geshe who defined Dolma as “the wave in the ocean that brings the drowning people to shore”. Melinda has built the framework around Dolma as a platform for the ‘empowerment of women – bringing an essence of fairness and equality into beauty’. Everything sold at Dolma is a unique handcrafted piece by one of the three artisans groups Melinda has built a relationship with. Every one of these pieces carries an emotionally impactful story – in terms of the level of detail and tenacity put into the ensembles, but also the inspiring liberation that comes out of them. These women are setting the framework for others brought up in a community where females don’t have equal rights to education and the ability to make a career for themselves. Melinda is a game changer for the movement of women in areas of India where they have been suppressed. She has made it her life’s career to captivate the essence of fair trade through educating the importance of growing opportunities for women to showcase their brilliant knowledge and craftsmanship. 

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Thrift Bandwagon

I never used to shop at second-hand stores and within the past year have found a true admiration for them. Thrift shops are great for vintage finds and unique pieces that can’t be discovered at your standard department store. The experience of shopping through diverse style adds an element of excitement, because you are destined to find a distinguishing piece. I also find it rewarding to purchase a used item, as you're in essence recycling and prolonging the life of that article of clothing or accessory. Along with finding the good, you are destined to find the bad and the ugly – of which are usually outlandish pieces you would never be caught dead in. However, they make for an entertaining fashion show with friends and often come in handy when granted themed-party invites. With many stores offering mainstream styles and high-end apparel being exorbitantly priced, I recommend jumping on the thrift bandwagon. Sure most of my clothes aren’t purchased through thrift shops, but I’ve amassed some unique and great pieces over the past year.  

Assortment of vintage scarves & earrings 

Gap denim dress with a Hermes silk scarf

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“To wear something of significance from a certain past season reflects knowledge and passion for fashion”

Photographer, Tommy Ton

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I’ve come to find the beauty and importance in making time to run in places visited. Running provides an outlet for me to distress and gain momentum. It’s an opportunity to plug into the music and surround myself with serenity. Music becomes my tipping point of inspiration. Lyrics and melodies transcend into thoughts and connections, with unique surroundings bringing those concepts into full circle. Travel begs for the opportunity to take in the splendor of a new or familiar destination. It’s a good excuse to take ‘me time’ and find that niche of ambiance among any location. I recommend capturing these moments. Grab your phone and snap a photo to share the nostalgia. I’ve become a big fan of Instagram, as it allows for the ability to share and tag images, offering filters to enhance the photos. Above I've captured my runs on the waterfront of Vancouver, Forest Park in New York, the coastline of Maine, bridges and mountain bases of Vermont, Massachusetts Bay, and the shore of Lake Ontario.

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Embracing Beauty

I didn’t seem to be bothered with braces as a kid. In fact, I can remember the excitement that came from changing the color bands to match seasonal themes (i.e. red, white, and blue for the 4th). As I grew up with no support to keep my teeth intact, they shifted and I developed imperfections that I became self-conscious about. I don’t like to think of myself as vane, but it became a blemish that I didn’t want to live with. I grappled with the notion of adult braces, as it was going to add more attraction to my already flawed smile. I decided it was now or never, and took initiative. The perks of technology are options for braces that are less invasive than the traditional metal ones. I was sold into the ceramics, as the most suitable option that would give me the timely results I desired. The first month I talked with hands over my mouth, didn’t want to eat in front of people, and felt like I was back in middle school. I began to gain confidence as more and more people offered encouraging words that they weren’t nearly as invasive as I thought them to be. In fact, some people didn’t notice them and said it was hard to tell in photos. The constant encouragement allowed my guard to come down, and I learned to embrace them as comedic and beneficial. I now will be out to lunch and make a point to flash a ‘food check’ smile. Being part of the young female demographic, there’s a tendency to become fixated on what we consider to be flaws and imperfections. The more we focus on what we consider to be imperfections, the less satisfied we are. Embrace what you consider to be shortcomings and find the beauty within them! 

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With the automobile evolution, females no longer need to sacrifice height for practicality – described by Christian Louboutin. He defined his shoes with completion in that they “accentuate the body language”. It’s more than just a shoe; Louboutin reaches that female consumer in speaking to their need to feel sexy. Wearing a piece of art begins with her first step, presenting a flirtatious finish with a lift of red. Not only do female consumers purchase the shoe for their own self-satisfaction, they create a story for others to hear. The ™ red sole is an anecdote within itself, but more importantly, how one came to purchase the shoe and how it made them feel. In my mind, Louboutin is not only great designer, but also a brilliant marketer. He paraphrased his career, as, “when you do something you absolutely love, it’s not work”. His passion is evident in each and every creation and with his investment in individual stories shared by consumers. These absolutely breathtaking shoes cater to a lifestyle of art and class, as he recommends that anything you find beautiful be put into your shoe. Charlie Rose ended the interview with Louboutin by asking where he hopes to be in 10 years, and his response was to “remain free”. What a simple yet remarkable answer, as I find many aspire to discovering their niche in what makes them feel completely boundless to opportunity. 

Courtesy of Bloomberg 

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Common perception and weight has traditionally been on females when promoting and purchasing accessories. This is not to say males never had it, but the swag of this era has brought the concept in full-circle. There’s always a fine line between what constitutes an accessory to be classy or gaudy. The embellished bracelets and masculine spikes aren’t what I would vouch as an appetizing look. Yet, simple leather bands can add a level of uniqueness to a guy’s wardrobe without bumping into kitschy waters. I’m not a personal fan of men’s necklaces, but ties/pocket squares and scarves could act as a suitable alternative. Scarves have no longer become a seasonal trend with lighter weights to suit those warmer months.

Another trending male accessory is the business satchel (not a purse, but a satchel). It's both chic and practical, especially when lugging books, laptops, and so forth.

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One of the most inspiring human beings I know got hitched with yet one of the most remarkable guys I know. Seriously, they are a match made in heaven. Both grinning from ear to ear, I felt so blessed to be part of this blissful evening. Erin captured the essence of DIY with effective execution in her wedding and reception. Capitalizing on the color scheme of grey and light yellow hues. Between the end displays on the pews, the wedding card box, to the custom CDs, wine cork table cards, and wild flower arrangements – it was complete style and grace. All was organically placed, adding to the aura of the refurbished barn and highlighting the importance of the celebratory evening. 

I forgot the most important thing...the bride in her beautiful J.Crew gown :) 

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A Taste of Paris

Springtime lends hand for many travel opportunities, of which included a European vacation with my Nana to Paris and Rome. I hate to admit I’ve been absent minded with posts for the past two months. As my live document of blog inspiration continues to grow, I thought it best to sit down and write about Paris vogue. Fashion emerged from every street corner – from the language to the cuisine, from the history to the architecture. Avenue Des Champs Elysées was the first and last destination I witnessed timeless style first-hand. There is this underlying tone of elegance that transcends throughout Paris – noted in trendy stores like Zara, the presentation of French dishes, and in the confines of Ladurée. You can’t begin to understand the experience until you have the opportunity to become immersed in it. The scale of buildings and history adds to the chic milieu of the city. All encompassed in one hub, yet four days wasn't sufficient. Until the next rendezvous with my Nana, I recommend all to travel Paris and take in all her beauty. 

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Kicking off the first day of spring with a snowstorm isn’t your typical seasonal change. Not to mention the temperature hasn’t fully adapted to the normal range of high 60’s. This creates an awkward transition between your winter and spring wardrobes, lending the question of what’s practical and custom for this time of year. Although not ideal, lose the down jacket and accept the pea coat for the time being. Wearing a pea coat doesn’t mean you should wear shorts or a summer dress underneath. However, a splash of spring can become part of your under coat attire. Spring presents the opportunity to integrate fun pastels into your everyday style. This isn’t to say you need to dress yourself with bright colors from head-to-toe, but adding a hint of spring will shift your winter mindset. Start integrating with ideas to reference above: JCrew Cashmere, Adia Kibur Necklace, Chambray Blazer, Corso Como Flat

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Fashion Snafu

To my dismay, I haven’t had the time to blog since the Oscars (3 weeks ago, ugh). Although I’d like to use my busy workweeks as an excuse, there's none for the weekends. With that said, I wanted to share one of my recent moments of what most would note as an utter fashion nightmare.

Every winter some of the world's finest jumpers get together to strut their skills in the small town of Brattleboro, VT. Unfortunately, for the jumpers and spectators, it was one of the coldest days of the season. As a born and raised Vermonter, I’ve never been one to prepare for the harsh weather, nor came to enjoy daylong winter activities. With that said, I showed up in my Jimmy Choo rain boots, Rich and Skinny jeggings, and a vintage suede vest. My cousin, aunt, and uncle gave a response most Vermonters would, “(with a laugh) You’re going to freeze your ass off”. I swallowed my pride and traded down for a pair of cheap (unfitted) snow pants, accompanying mismatch gloves and a no-name ‘pom-pom’ hat. Although, I looked a bit foolish, I was well suited for the event. However, I made the mistake of wearing my Jimmy Choos’ (having no insulation). This caused much complaining, until I spotted a fire - a brilliant idea for a frigid day, until the fire proprietor started yelling ‘my ass was melting’ as he proceeded to pull me away from the fire. Sure enough the entire backend of the snow pants had melted entirely. Needless to say, I didn’t ‘freeze my ass off’ and might be one of my most monumental fashion snafus yet.

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Bow Tie Bonanza

Originating back to the Croatian merchandisers, bow ties continue to remain an iconic staple of men's current fashion. I admire those gents who are confident enough to rock a bow tie and wear it well. Whether it’s attending a wedding or cocktail party, the majority of males tend to stick with the traditional ties and defer from that representation of any sort of necktie. In my mind, a bow tie entitles a willingness to show an audience that you’re a creative-minded individual. I find that bow tie wearers tend to have a unique story behind them and often carry a stronger sense of fashion, than that of those traditional suit and tie types. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a guy dressed in a nice suit and tie. However, even on occasion, a funky bow tie can be a great conversation starter. It also adds a little flavor to everyday garb. Although they can be abstract, bow ties offer a sense of class and sophistication. They make the statement, “I’m willing to accessorize with something not as mainstream”. The Oscars offered a great example of males making a point to show off their bows on the red carpet, worn by some of my favorite celebratory studs.

Mark Wahlberg

Jamie Foxx

Hugh Jackman

Bradley Cooper