HOT OFF THE PRESS! We have a PDF copy of all of the designers showing for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NY SS11. This is a great line up. Click here to download and view the PDF: DOWNLOAD.

More info and up-to-date news, visit: http://newyork.mbfashionweek.com/

BONUS: We have all of the information on volunteerism for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SS11 too! See below:

Cosmetic brands this season are positively matte about you! This summer the makeup trend revolves around the understated elegance of a matte finish. So sideline the glossy lipsticks and the shimmery eye shadows and embrace your beauty in the buff. The greatest advantage of matte colors is that they look completely natural and creates a more youthful appearance.

Begin with a Matte foundation; NARS and YSL have a few trusty products on the market. Be mindful of your color matching, your skin tone for the summer months will drastically change in the Fall and Winter. In preparation of your matte makeover, apply an oil controlling gel beneath your makeup, as well as, keep on hand oil absorbing sheets to keep your face free from shine throughout the day.

For your lips, first exfoliate them. Then apply a lip balm as matte lipsticks tend to have a drying effect. Next, dab a bit of concealer on your lip line. Now apply a matte lipstick, Sheseido is the brand of choice for this look.  An alternative way to achieve the no-gloss lip look is to apply the concealer to your pout, then apply your lipstick, and dab it off.  Repeat the process several times until you reach the desired look.

The matte trend fashion the fever of a “fresh out of bed face”. So when you choose an eye shadow, keep it subtle; for instance, opt for shades such as brown, beige, grey or gold. For a smoldering look, use a black matte eye shadow or eye pencil.

Deliver your inner most Damsel with matte make up for a natural, more youthful allure!

“My accessories namesake came from one of many candid conversations with my daughter. As usual, she had a strange pet request.  But before I told her “NO,” I asked her to show me a picture of this animal. Sure enough it was a 1 ounce monkey that could fit on your finger! That was my AH-HAH moment. I knew then Finger Monkey was precisely the right moniker for my designs….” ~Traci Moore

By trade, Traci Moore is a Nail Artisan who in 2009 decided to explore the world of Make-Up artistry. With the release of her Finger Monkey accessory collection, Traci’s tear sheets and feature portfolio is growing exponentially.  With her adaptation of the most refined wardrobe essential, the leather glove, the Finger Monkey is a flirty finger tip adornment, stylized with jewels, beads, and baubles.  At first sight, I was floored with the detail and distinction that each Finger Monkey displayed. No two are alike, because she customizes each piece on whims of inspiration (as all creative minds do)!

Until the launch of her E-Boutique, you can find her on Facebook Fan Page: Finger Monkey Accessories

Ruthie Davis launched her shoe collection in 2006. Soon after her shoe collection premiered she was embraced by celebrities, fashion press and New York Fashion Week. Her shoe collection is known for its bold incorporation of technology, architecture and glam style. Now gearing up for her fall 2010 collection, we are excited to introduce the hottest shoe in town – The Sushi Rock and Roll.

The Sushi Rock and Roll is a peep-toe platform pump mary jane with a 5” heel and a 1.5” covered platform. The multi rubber straps of the Mary Jane feature studs in different metals and the heel has a studded overlay. Can we say HOT? The Sushi Rock and Roll retails for $1095 and will be available at endless.com

For more information on Ruthie Davis Shoes, please log onto her official website www.ruthiedavis.com

Boxing Kitten celebrates the spirits and lives of captivating women of the past, along with the playfulness and vibrancy of women today. Best known for its combination of bold and fearless cuts with African inspired fabrics, the line embraces contradiction with its ‘ethnic rockabilly’ look. With vintage inspired pieces, the collection is culturally and politically driven by the Civil Rights Movement.

Maya A. Lake is the founder and designer of Boxing Kitten and her pieces have been worn by celebrities such as Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Fergie just to name a few.

The Resort 2010 collection consists of dresses skirts, blazers, jumpsuits and shoes (in fun, vibrant colors) that would fit in any women’s wardrobe. Josephine Baker was the main inspiration for this collection. In addition, the mixed-print trend is very popular this year. Our personal favorite for this year is the Collette Dress.

A lot of the pieces are already for sale. However, the Cheeky shoes are now available for pre-order with only 50 pairs to be sold!

This limited edition shoe is eco-friendly with a heel made from 100% recycled tires and each shoe is signed on the bottom by the cobbler who constructed it. The Cheeky also features a fun cut-out on the sides of the shoe for an ultra quirky twist just in time for summer! Also, Boxing Kitten collaborated with the Osborn Company because of their fair treatment of workers and their environmentally friendly production.

For more information and to order some fabulous Boxing Kitten pieces, please log onto www.boxingkitten.com.

At first glance,  this thong sandal really looks like a sandwich. We love the detailing that went into this work of art however would you wear this? If you are brave enough to do so, either you are a slave to weird fashion or you are trying to stay on top of your food cravings. Cost: $295. Yikes! Thoughts?

Source: esty.com

“Aye Girl, yeah you da bizness”  – Usher, Lil Freak

Palms sweaty accelerated heart rate, “Why am I anxious about this feature?”  Research and dialogue, that’s the easy part, but the “Hey you should try it to see if you like!” portion of these interviews always make me nervous. I suppose I can take having egg on my face…just not with an audience.  Yet my date with destiny, my first rendezvous with the pole was nothing short of one of the most empowering experiences of my life.

“Firm your grip and maintain your balance ladies!” With a voice as sweet as my favorite grade school teacher, Nicole Phillips is the lead instructor and owner of Inner Me Studios.  Powerfully petite with curves in all the right places, former model Phillips began her pole dancing training at Philadelphia’s Poise Dance Studio in 2009. For four months she trained twice a day and six times a week before beginning her career as a professional pole dance instructor. Six months later, Nicole opened the doors to her very first alternative fitness studio in Houston, TX.  Unlike her competitors, Inner Me Studios offers the following fitness courses to women, as well as, men:

• Kickboxing
• Hip Hop Dance Aerobics
• Yoga
• Stiletto Fit

When asked on how she combats the negative stigma of her “stripper fit” courses, she advised, “Spouses and partners of most of our clients come in to purchase more training time for their significant other. We’ve had several couples report that things are “heating up” in their relationship. My students can burn on average 250-500 calories per session, so we must be doing something right.”

I can attest to feeling the burn. Following my 90 minute muscle strengthening ménage with an 8ft tall silver soldier, I came home and slept for two hours.  The class moved fairly quickly, and the camaraderie amongst the women during the pole fitness course was simply phenomenal. We cheered, encouraged one another, and together discovered our own inner sexy.  Inner Me Studios holds true to their namesake and is quickly reinventing the way we can all shed a few pounds and reshape our physiques. Seek out a new dance fitness instructor in your area, or check out one of these studios:

Camille Peace is a jewelry artisan who uses shells, wood, nuts, silver, metal, fabric, feathers, chains, vintage items, recycled leather and other items to create her custom accessories. A simple soul with a simple plan, Camille is changing the face of Fashion with her indelible flair for eclectic creations.

Here’s her story:
“I am a San Diego, CA native.

I packed up my car and drove 2000 miles east to St. Louis.

….4 years later I drove back to Cali with my fiancée and a new jewelry business that I am extremely passionate about.

Some people think jewelry is so superficial… not worthy of the term “art.”

I’ve been able to donate to charities through my art and I’ve inspired others to follow their dreams. My art allows me to channel my happiness, my fear, my pain, my anger, my joy, my inspiration and the result is always something beautiful.”

“Art isn’t defined by anyone else but you. I spend hours and hours on my dream every day.”
In the decadent debacle of the design field, fashion changes by the minute. It’s always refreshing to see a talent that’s carving their place in such a fast paced industry with quiet steps…one dope creation at a time!

http://peaceimages.bigcartel.com
http://peaceimages.tumblr.com
http://peacemoves.blogspot.com
http://peaceimages.etsy.com

For those who have never really been henpecked by handbags, DeLacy Bespoke Leather goods will make you a believer. The ‘De Lacy’ brand was officially born in 2004 in the Leeds Corn Exchange when Edward hired a stall at the weekly design market to sell his leather goods.  Through growing popularity with local leather lovers, he elevated his trade to an online E-Boutique. To further expand his market to international consumers, Edward created a storefront on the popular handmade goods E-Tailer  ETSY.com.

When asked of the things he simply can’t live without during the design process, Edward listed the following:

1. Music… listen to it 24/7
2. The Mac book … couldn’t do business without it
3. My best friends… always there for fun nights out
4. Going to gigs… love live music and dancing
5. Hi top trainers… never go low again!!
6. Leather jackets… hooded or not, amazing accessories for the about town Fashionista.
7. Sunshine… we don’t get enough in Manchester so you have to love every lil bit we do get
8. My beautiful BMX… keeps me fit and cool
9. Kevin Murphy hair resort… the ultimate hair texturizer
10. iPod… music to take with you anywhere
11. Art galleries…. can’t live without a monthly dose of art

And there you have it, the method to a design maverick’s madness. Don’t take my word for it, just explore his creations by visiting his E-Stores.

www.delacyonline.com
www.delacyonline.etsy.com