In The Nude: Summer's Natural Hue

     When I think of summer, I think of many things: the beach, sipping ice cold cocktails while enjoying the warm breeze, and vacationing. But as a fashion blogger, and self-proclaimed fashionista, I cannot help but to also think of the latest trends that seem to accompany the warm summer months. While there are so many summer trends that there isn't enough paper, tweets, or Blackberry message statuses to mention, I couldn't help but sit up and take notice of the nude trend ths season, and no, I am not referring to a lack of clothing. We'll save that for another post.
     Brights are fun colors for the summer, but if you want to get closer to nature, there's nothing like the color nude. It gives that "barely there" appeal, so it is very soft and subtle. Just like the clothing we shed during the warmer climates it is also befitting to shed away some bold colors from our makeup palletes, wardrobes and shoe collection. Nude makeup (lips & eyes), clothing, and accessories (shoes, scarves, handbags, etc) allow other elements of your wardrobe to shine.

     For example, a nude pump worn with a pencil skirt could elomgate the legs, while a nude eye shadow pallette could give way for a red pout to stand alone. If you are new to the nude trend, trying out nude eye or nail colors is a great start. Too-Faced cosmetics has a natural eye pallete, called the Naked Eye Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection (Sephora, $35). It is a blend of matte and shimmery eye colors that can transition from a "day" to "night" look. Although there are so many nude nail colors on the market these days my favorite is Sally Hansen's Cafe Au Lait, which reminds me of a tall, iced coffee. 

     Another way to wear this trend is to find some great nude accessories, like a sassy clutch, or nude colored garment (top, pants, shorts, suit, etc). Nude is sexy because it gives the illusion of nakedness, be it a natural face, alluring nails, or tawny legs. While being bold is fun and flirty, being nude takes a bit more vulnerability, more sex appeal. Although  nude seems very basic, it's versatile and looks great on everyone (now go out there and embrace your inner nudist!)

Photos: Nude Louboutins ; Nude Face ; Too Faced; Sally Hansen; Marc Jacobs bag

Dita Deems Designers of "Fresh Baked Goods" Tastworthy

Tastworthy. (tays-t-wur-thee) adj: Any person, place, or thing, that Dita believes deserves honorable mention and is oozing with style and/or taste.

I must admit that I'm an avid sweet eater. But when I heard about Fresh Baked Goods, a clothing company that bakes the kind of sweets that would leave a man feeling "so fresh so clean", I just had to talk to one of FBG's creative masterminds, Marquis Thibodeaux, so I could satisfy my fashion "sweet tooth" for all things tastworthy.

So, I felt honored when he agreed to do an interview with me, just to answer some questions about the brand, it's concept, and even some advice Marquis could give to other young, aspiring designers.

Dita (Tastmakr): What is your background?

Marquis (FBG): I was born in Boston, MA, on November 15, 1988, and I went to several different schools while growing up, because I moved around alot. My mother was an artist and my father was a muscian/rapper.

Tastmakr: How did you come up with the FBG concept?

FBG: The idea of FBG wasn't mines. A friend from my first college I went to in North Carolina came to me with this idea of a clothing line called FBG cause he knew of my artistic skills. At first I didn't want to do it because of the "Johnny Cupcakes" concept in Boston, but then I just started to ease into it. I started to come up with ideas entirely on my own using my own artwork and cleverness. Then as it started to get bigger I started to figure out more things like creating a website and stickers and all kinds of things that I learned entirely on my own. When it first started out there was an original three: me, Dean Ross who came up with the idea, and another artist John Misshoun but things happened and Dean had to leave the group so FBG split into 2 parts, which is how Fresh Baked North and Fresh Baked South came about.

Tastmakr: Who is your target audience?

FBG: I dont really have a target audience just yet because it is still all so new, but so far the FBG line has attracted a hiphop/rocker crowd.

Tastmakr: What makes FBG stand out from, let's say, a company like Johnny Cupcakes?

FBG: To break it down from my point of view Johnny Cupcakes is more gimmick based; all of his t-shirts revolve around one type of image, which is the "cupcake"; basically when you name your brand around one specific thing there's only so many things you can do. Fresh Baked Goods revolves around so many things, not just food, but there are metaphors using slang, like "cake" means money, and you "bake a cake". Get it? lol. So there are so many ideas for my line and I try not to revolve around one thing. I like to change it up with every new design, while using street refrences, sarcasm, visuals, etc. so many things that can be used. Also from a product standpoint the graphics on the shirts are made with a special print that doesn't fade off over time, unlike other shirts.

Tastmakr: Where are you located? How can male customers purchase FBG merchandise?

FBG: Right now we are "street corner" based, using word-of-mouth to spread buzz about our product, and online-based, using social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and FBG's blog. I currently am located in Brockton/Boston, MA.

Tastmakr: Any role models? Who inspired you to design t-shirts and other apparel?

FBG: Pharrell Williams and Kanye West are my inspiration; they are multitalented!

Tastmakr: Any future plans for FBG? Where do you envision the company in 5+ years?

FBG: I like to stay in the present and not think that far into the future, that way I continue to build the company and make progress as I go along.

Tastmakr: What advice could you give to other young, aspiring designers/entrepreneurs?

FBG: Don't give up, and anything is possible.

Photos, courtesy of  Fresh Baked Goods

Favorite Fragrance Du Jour: Armani Diamonds Intense

This perfume smells sooo good, and is very enticing. I've gotten several compliments on this perfume by men and women alike (mostly men, though). Rose is an aphrodisiac, as well as my favorite scent. So, when I did a bit of research on Armani Diamonds Intense, I was not shocked to find that it has notes of rose in it. This fragrance is soft, subtle, feminine and sexy. I suggest that you buy the 3.4oz ($69.50, Sephora Stores, or www.sephora.com), because I bought the 1oz Eau de Parfum (here's a quick French lesson, ooh-DAY-PAR-foom) for $39.50 (at Sephora, of course), and the bottle was gone in less than two months. (Eau de Parfum is stronger than Eau de Toilette (TWA-lay), which is French for "toilet water". (Don't get too worried, "toilet water" isn't actually from the toilet, but is so weak it might as well be). As I've stated in my previous blog about fragrances, I love to layer, so what I did discover is that Macy's has a gift set (www.Macys.com, unsure if it is available in stores) for $60, which is $9.50 cheaper (taxes not included), than purchasing the 3.4oz bottle alone. Although it includes a 6.7oz bottle of scented lotion, it only includes a 1.7oz bottle of Eau de Parfum. I must admit that I am quite vain and will covet things just because they look attractive, but I actually enjoyed the contents of this oval diamond-shaped bottle. If "diamonds are a girl's best friend", Armani Diamond Intense should be her "BFF" or "Best Friend Forever".



Photo: Armani Diamonds Intense

Spring Cleaning Tips: What to Store, Wear, or Give Away

1. If you discover items that you have forgotten that you've own, chances are that you may not even use it, or wear it.

2. If you do stumble upon long-lost items, and you have trouble letting them go, try this: If you can add it to your current wardrobe within two weeks, it's a keeper. If you don't find yourself wearing soon after, get rid of it.

3. Store away items that can be used during the summer; Keep items that can be layered, or worn for the current winter season within reach.

4. Toss out those Old Navy flip flops from last Summer. Because they are affordable (2 for $5.00ea), they can be replaced. But also, dirt and bacteria from last year's strolls on the beach could have seeped into them.

5. Try to go over your garment/shoes each season to evaluate what to wear, store, or let go. This way you will always leave room for new things, but also compel you to wear what you already have. Get as much use from your purchases as much as possible!

6. Give away useful items, as well as those in good condition, to charity (Planet Aid, Red Cross, Salvation Army). Remember, successful people are also generous people who give back to the community in some way. (Sarah Jessica Parker gives many of her fabulous clothes to consignment Boutiques in NYC)

I recently gave away six (and counting) garbage bags of good clothing away to Planet Aid. Why hang on to things that others in need can put to good use?





photos: century 21 logo: http://www.redtag.ca/; model & thinking bubble: http://www.geekygadgets.com/; check mark: http://www.environmarketing.files.wordpress.com/; salvationarmy logo: http://www.mita.org/; flip flops clip art: http://www.stockphoto.com/; storage totes: http://www.wrapables.com/; cardigan: http://www.polyvore.com/

Hottest New Women's Summer Fashions by William Rast

(Guest Blog, by Pammy Rosen, who works for Luello, a North American clothing company; I am both honored and delighted to have been chosen to feature her post on my blog :-)

William Rast is a fashion company based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 2005 by Justin Timberlake and his longtime friend, Trace Ayala. The company name, William Rast, is a combination of Justin Timberlake's grandfather's first name and Trace Ayala's grandfather's last name. The brand initially made only denim clothing, but has since expanded into a lifestyle brand that includes shirts, knits, leather jackets and outerwear.
William Rast can be seen on many celebrities and in TV shows. There are William Rast retail stores in Los Angeles, and San Jose, California. William Rast is also available at specialty boutiques and high end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.

The new summer line for women includes flowing, lightweight tanks and shirts, fitted, feminine jackets, and classic William Rast denim pieces with a twist. Pieces range in price from $100-$600. All of the pieces are of the highest quality and are well worth the price. The pieces fall back on the classics with a twist of biker couture, but modernized with small, unique touches.

The tanks are light and flowing with a beautiful touch of femininity. The standout of the collection is a goregous, silk tank in a lush, deep, peacock color. It drapes beautifully and has a comfortable racerback. This tank would look stunning with a pair of jeans. It also comes in a lovely, light pink or a pale yellow. Other tanks have the same flowing fit and come in subtle patterns or fun, graphics that would work on everybody.

There are a handful 0f shirts, but they are all unique and beautiful. The woven blouse is an almost paper-like texture in  a stunning, flowing, cut. It has short sleeves and comes in a blossom pink, cream, and seafoam teal. There is also a more fitted, long sleeved shirt in a tailored cut. These come in  a Chambray blue, seafoam plaid, and a brown and cream plaid.

"Tony" Stretch Jegging in Midnight Oil, $ Available Upon Request

 sea foam cream & plaid shirt, $145

The roots of the collection are amazing denim, plus the collection expands into shirts, skirts, and capris on top of the classic jean. This collection also includes denim leggings called "jeggings". This is a fashion trend that is very in right now. William Rast offers 3 styles of leggings in 9 washes, ranging from white to black, and all the "blues" in between. The newest addition to the collection is the long, denim short, which falls just about the knee. It is built for comfort and versatility.

The new collection from William Rast is versatile and feminine. Built for comfort and durability, this collection will be a fashion investment worth the money.






Silk Raceback Tank, Peacock $110






Photos: JT & Trace Ayala, Raceback tank & plaid shirt: http://www.williamrast.com/
                Jeggings: http://www.jeancouture.com/

The Garden Collection, By H&M

Let's cut to the chase: Either you love it or you hate it. "The Garden Collection", by H&M, a Swedish retail giant, is just as the title describes: An explosion of colorful flowers, printed or embroidered onto organic or recycled pallates in the forms of long, flowy gowns, billowy tops, form-fitting skirts and flouncy shorts. The prettiest garment, in my opinion, is the most desired in the collection: the multicolored kimono-style dress (pictured above). Thing is, I could imagine myself wearing it, while lounging around in the privacy of my own home.

The dress does nothing for the model wearing it. Matter of fact, her figure is obscured in it (and some customers thought that H&M on Newbury St not carrying it was an inconvenience). Another coveted item, the Red tube dress ( shown above, also in Beige) looks surprisingly good up close. The floral detail on the skirt is well assembled, and it doesn't look cheap, especially for the price ($34.95).

The multicolored smock dress, with "ethnic floral design" as H&M's press release describes it, looks like something I donned in an elementary school art class. The floral prints are too loud, and the color combinations are so grotesque, that the garment was rightfully named a "smock" because it belongs in an art class. Maybe paint splashing all over it doesn't seem like a bad idea, maybe it will improve!! The organic shorts look like they were made from a burlap sack that once held Idaho potatoes, and they wouldn't flatter any woman, if you ask me.

 However, my grief with this collection, lies in the fact that it fails to complement a curvy shape. Once again, I feel that H&M did not have a "womanly" shape in mind when creating the collection. Matter of fact, as a whole, I don't think they had anyone in mind when they decided that grandma's old house dresses should be revamped and would ever be considered vogue.

Link: www.hmthegardencollection.com/look-book

How To Wear..SEQUINS

As an H&M employee I am privy to new items, as well as old, and sale items. The latest trend that I have grown to adore is sequins. Currently, I own a sequined beret (H&M, $12.95); Jacket (Last two photos, bottom :H&M,Black, $49.95); Multicolored Jacket (Left,2nd photo, bottom: H&M, $49.95), and recently purchased a top,#rd &4th photo, bottom: H&M, orig. $49.95, sale $10!!) However, I know that in order to successfully pull off this trend (which incidentially revived after MJ's death), there are a few rules to abide by:

1. Don't wear more than one piece at a time, unless you want to look like your grandmother when she used to party at Studio 54. You'd look costumey and therefore become a "trend victim" by OD-ing on a trend.

2. Make sure you keep whatever else you are pairing with the sequins as simple as possible, so it wouldn't compete with the sequined piece of your outfit.

3. Wear sequin pieces that are flattering. Let me say that again-get pieces that are flattering to your body type. I am sick of people buying a trend because they see it in their size, but it doesn't complement their shape. For example, I am short and busty, and I know that sequined harem pants would not work well with my shape, and I'd look like an elf. Acknowledge that a trend or style doesn't work for you and move on. Everything isn't for everybody!

4. Get a garment whose sequins have been sewn on well, and have decent quality. There are certain stores that I've visited, and the sequined items I observed had such poor stitching that all it took was one pull, and all the sequins would fall off onto the ground. This is a trend that if you want to store the garment for future usage, I suggest that you pay a bit more for better quality. Furthermore, don't wear any materials that could get snagged by the sequins.

5. If you'd like to try this trend, but are nervous because it is a very flashy and daring look, start off small with a clutch, shoes,belt, or a headband. I started out purchasing the black sequined beret from H&M, then worked my way up. It is not entirely covered in sequins but just enough for a bit of sparkle.