Fatlace™ Since 1999 » Ladylike

Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit

christine — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:24:37 +0000

Inspiration. It’s the one word that surrounds absolutely everything I do. And I can find it anywhere and in everything. But sometimes, it’s handed to me and the hunt for it isn’t necessary.

Last weekend I checked out the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit currently showing at the de Young. One of the best fashion exhibits I’ve ever seen. If you follow his work you know he’s famous for the cone cup corsets he did for Madonna. And honestly, I wasn’t a big fan of those things. That is, until seeing them in person and learning the story behind them, signifying a woman’s power. This uber talented designer emphasizes that a woman’s sensuality IS her strength. Along with seeing his attention to detail, his impeccable tailoring, his sometimes unusual “how come noone else thought of that?” choices, I found myself in THE epitome of simple…yet complex. My absolute heaven.

And of course, had to get in the good food, before and after my mind blowing experience.

Just For You and the best beignets in the Bay.

TDK in da house…the de Young house!
“DREAM but don’t sleep.”
Chow

“I’m not the average girl from your video
And I ain’t built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally,
Because I am a queen.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Till the next episode…

Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number

christine — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:13:41 +0000

Birthdays are reminders. Reminding us that we are blessed to spend another beautiful year on this earth. Reminding us to be thankful. Reminding us that we are older but more importantly, wiser. Reminding us to celebrate life. Well last week that’s exactly what we did. Remind ourselves just how good life is. Cheers to my doe or die, my MaryJane cohort, my everyday motivator…Saree! Cheers doll!!! To the good life!

Mezzanine for Common Kings and Katchafire show.

Straight VIP status. Cuz that’s how we do!

Common Kings

Katchafire

Awwwww shiiii…SURPRISE!!! J. Boog!

MaryJane in da house! Shaka!

Met up with the Few and Far gyals in Frisco on day 2 of their road trip bombin the West Coast.
RESPECT ladies!!! Can’t wait to see the video!

Dinner at Hawker Fare. For good eats and fresh beats.

OMG. Get the pork belly with egg if you ever go. Bomb.com.Then of course had to hit the usual kick it spot…SomaR!Staycation downtown SF. With a corner view.
So HIGH…

…and so FLYYYY. haha

330 Ritch
Evidence
Good morning fog!

And guess where the fog is comin from?
Fog city chicks fog fog city chicks.
Happy Earth Day Saree!!!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Till the next episode…

Four Elements

christine — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:48:08 +0000

What are the four elements of hip hop? If you don’t already know it’s graffiti, the DJ, the emcee and the B-boy. And my weekend had ‘em all.

Living in the Bay we are lucky to be exposed to the best. And last Saturday I went to a special benefit commemorating the 35th anniversary of the I-Hotel eviction. This intimate setting, with only about 50 people in attendance, included a discussion, Q&A and scratch session with world renowned, highly awarded, legendary scratch master DJ Qbert. He talked about how he started, showed personal pictures growing up in the 80s and 90s, early local DJ battles (IMAGINE anyone?), world DJ battles, becoming one of only two DJs in history to be Knighted by the Grand Masters of Hip Hop (the other being the late great Roc Raida of the X-Ecutioners) and now adding inventor to this extensive list, designing mixers and needles, Qbert’s sought after stamp of approval is THE blueprint for turntablism. Amazing.

I also rolled thru the Sisterz of the Underground 10 year anniversary party featuring nothing but lady love in the Bay. This event included an art gallery hosted by Femme Cartel, a B-girl battle and a dope DJ sesh by La Femme Deadly Venoms which you can hear and see here.

And last but not least, gotta shot out my girl, my best friend, my oldest, longest, sister from another mister…going on 30+ years of camaraderie. Happy birthday Claire!!!

Pics of how it goes in the Bay…below.

DJ Qbert at the 35th Anniversary of the I-Hotel eviction.

Nate 1 MPC canvas…

…signed by Qbert.

Sisterz of the Underground 10 Year Anniversary Party

More homegirl…

than housewife.

Dime

Joanne Ludwig

Maria Fatima Urbi

Four Elements

Graff

Emcee

B-Girl

La Femme Deadly Venoms

Dinner at The House. Happy birthday best!!!

This beautiful place I call home. Dusk…in the City.

And back to the East Bay I go.

Till the next episode…

Queens | Spring 2012 Lookbook

Patricia — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:21:38 +0000

Queens has done it again! The official release date for this new-new is March 24th! Mark your calendars, ladies.

Official website | crownthequeens.com
Facebook | facebook.com/crownthequeens
Follow | @crownthequeens

7 Days of Flyness

christine — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:13:54 +0000

If you’re old school like me, you’ve probably amassed yourself a nice collection of kicks. Old school also meaning kicks always gotta be clean (with baby wipes never leaving today’s bag). Fellas…I don’t know about other ladies, but I do know that me and my crew pay attention to kicks before anything else. So keep ‘em fresh.

But grown folks got more than just kicks. We work more than we play. So I now have more to my kick collection than just sneaks. Check my 7 days of flyness…clean of course.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Click here to view the embedded video.

Till the next episode…

Hellz Bellz, “What’s in your Closet, Patrizzle?”

Patricia — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:26:28 +0000

My girl Abi (girlsarethenewboys) has started this “What’s in your Closet?” closet feature on the Hellz Bellz blog. Check it out, this week I’m in it!

Link: [http://whatthehellz.com/wordpress/?p=25943]

If you want to be a part of “What’s In Your Closet?” simply email DearAbi@girlsarethenewboys.com answering the questions below. And please attach 3-4 pictures of 1) of your actual closet 2) favorite item in it 3) fave Hellz item (if ur favorite item IS Hellz (which it should be lol) you can combine it), and 4) a pic of yourself rockin Hellz.

Name, age, city

A person’s closet can sometimes describe a lot about the person. How would yours describe you?

If your closet could talk, what would it say?

What does style mean to you? Describe your style.

What are three items in your closet that you can’t live without?

What is your current favorite outfit or “go-to” outfit

Favorite Hellz item in your closet and what it means to you? Or share a story behind it if there is one.

Pirelli PZERO and Diego Dolcini Contour Classic Silhouettes

John P — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:10:38 +0000

Pirelli PZERO showcased two new footwear designs with Italian designer Diego Dolcini with a motorcycle boot and strapped sandal. Pirelli consistently shows that they are more than just a tire supplier with their infamous calendar, collaborations (recently with Burton snowboard) and now with these new shoes.

Full press release below.

Milan, Italy, February 21, 2012 – The new direction of Pirelli PZERO stems from an amalgamated vision of fashion and lifestyle; it allows for the exploration of new points of view to define new contours of reality. To commemorate the beginnings of a series of collaborations under the brand, Pirelli PZERO has teamed with renowned
Italian designer Diego Dolcini for two recreations of the iconic motorcycle boot and strapped sandal. With material and imagery inherent to the Pirelli brand, Dolcini executes a vision that embodies urban glamour: extreme femininity for the concrete jungle.

A purveyor and creator of some of the finest shoes in the world, Dolcini has worked alongside the likes of Emilio Pucci, Bulgari, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana. His understanding and ability to create strikingly beautiful pieces born from a myriad of influences rendered him the ideal collaborator.

The versatile PZERO biker boot functions an ode to dynamic metropolitan pragmatism. The classic PZERO strapped sandal on the other hand, serves as a contrasting balance of refinement and elegance. By combining the two, Dolcini allows glamour to infiltrate the territory of function. The red carpet then becomes
rubber carpet.

Love.

christine — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:08:52 +0000

Valentine’s Day. My favorite holiday of the year. More than Thanksgiving, more than Halloween, more than Christmas. Why? Because I’m a sucka for love. The romance, the flowers, the well thought out card (ha!). The one day of the year that some might say is completely overrated, yet, I happily soak it all up. And even more happily, give.

Men, if you’re out of ideas on a beautiful gift for someone special in your life, I suggest a love letter. Simple, sweet, romantic and forever treasured.

Here is a short excerpt of a love letter written by Ludwig van Beethoven addressed to his ‘Immortal Beloved’, whose identity has not been established.

You - my Life - my All - farewell.
Oh, go on loving me – never doubt the faithfullest heart.
Of your beloved
L
Ever thine.
Ever mine.
Ever ours.

Damn. He had me at hello.

Love.

Till the next episode…

Girl Power

christine — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:25:41 +0000

Oakland is quickly becoming (dare I say) THE mecca of artists. And on the first Friday eve of each month galleries, bars, coffee shops, cafes, canni clubs…you name it…in the Uptown area open their doors to show the hearts and souls of these creative individuals. Folks from all backgrounds come together as a community to roam the streets of this forbidden city to absorb and experience the Town’s culture. And I’m not just talking adults…ALL AGES. It’s a beautiful thing when kids, teens and adults together can enjoy all that this amazing (and underestimated) city has to offer.

I recently checked out a girly urban art party in the Town called Femme Cartel with nothin but female artists showing their wares. These ladies are passionate, talented and fearless. Check the pics out below.

Kimlynh (on the left)

Maria Fatima Urbi

The Few and Far family.

This coming Friday is yet another first Friday of the month aka Oakland Art Murmur. If you haven’t yet definitely come see what I’m talking about. You’ll be glad you did. Oh and come say hi. Me and my crew will be here.

Till the next episode…

Nineteen Ninety CLICK

christine — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:41:28 +0000

The year: 1996

Significant events:

June 23 – Nintendo 64 video game system is released in Japan.

August 28 – Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales, are formally divorced.

September 7 – Tupac is shot. Dies six days later.

October 23 – OJ Simpson civil trial begins.

November 5 – Bill Clinton defeats Bob Dole to win second term in US Presidential election.

Album releases:

All Eyez on Me – Tupac

The Score – Fugees

Stakes is High – De La Soul

Hard Core – Lil’ Kim

ATLiens – OutKast

One in a Million – Aaliyah

The main form of communication:

Me and my click, circa 1996.

Try to take the crew and we don’t play, play…

Click here to view the embedded video.

ROOTS.

Till the next episode…

Fab Five

christine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:51:20 +0000

At any given time there are certain things that I get attached to, whether they’re objects, accessories, music, clothing, makeup, scents, the color of my hair…etc, etc…you get the picture. Some items stay for awhile (i.e. my vintage fur jacket from a previous post) and some go away quickly (i.e. my stupid fixation with hair clips, which, I NEVER seem to learn that hair clips just ain’t me). An ever changing list constantly shaped by the season, the temperature, what I ate, if I ate, good mood, bad mood, hectic day, calm day, beautiful day, ugly day…and…current trend. So this week I share with you the top of my obsessions…for now. My fab five faves (today) are:

Laser Etched Boombox Earrings

Pink Lipstick

Zig Zag Ring

MaryJane Beanie

Weekly manicures. Yes…weekly.

Till the next episode…

Flashing Lights

christine — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:38:48 +0000

This was a beautiful year. Like excellent wine, I know I will look back at this year with a special fondness. Memories of the little things, the big things, the interesting things, the sleepless nights, the people, the love, the endless blessings…and on and on and on. 2011…you were gorgeous. 2012…let’s do this. Next level baby.

And on that note, here’s a photo journal of my 2011.

Black Thought from the Roots @ 1015 Folsom – 01/28/2011

DREAM DAY 2011 @ the Oakland Metro Theatre – 02/19/2011

Boots Riley from the Coup

Hopie Spitshard

LA trip – 03/26/2011 – 03/28/2011

Rodarte exhibit @ the MOCA

Hip Hop exhibit @ the Grammy Museum

Doug E. Fresh @ Yoshi’s SF – 03/31/2011

Impromptu sighting of Phife Dog at opening night of the ATCQ documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life in Berkeley, CA

LA trip – 07/23/2011 – 07/24/2011

Art in the Streets exhibit @ MOCA Geffen

Bob Marley exhibit @t the Grammy Museum

MaryJane Clothing Launch Party @ Famous Four Colors Gallery – 08/05/2011

Erick Sermon at Mezzanine SF – 08/12/2011

The Do-Over @ the Phoenix Hotel SF – 09/18/2011

Me and my brother from the same Mother!

Happy 1st Birthday MaryJane!!! @ Somar, Oakland – 12/2/2011

MaryJane’s Holiday Party @ 330 Ritch, SF – 12/17/2011

Team MaryJane Lane @ Kingpin Disco – 12/18/2011

Cheers 2011. Hello 2012! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ever forward, never backward. Till the next episode…

First Kiss

christine — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:17:27 +0000

Whether you’re a young teen feeling those first time butterflies or an aged adult experiencing it for the umpteenth time, it’s always the same. The initial attraction, then the delightful satisfaction in finding out it’s mutual. The uneasiness of suddenly being uncomfortable in your own skin yet somehow you’re charming and your vibe is captivating. The awkwardness of getting to know each other, the excitement of all that’s possible and the torturous feeling of being impatient yet you are forced to be…very…patient. It’s the divine place we can experience both heaven and hell and those WONDERFUL (insert sarcasm here) fluttering butterflies can all of a sudden feel more like rampant vultures. We’ve all been on this magnificent emotional roller coaster, all in anticipation for that very first moment of intimacy. And it is at this very instant that we are at our best. When we actually choose to unwrap ourselves, leaving us raw and vulnerable and supremely open…to infinite possibilities. There’s nothing like it. The first kiss.

Here’s a sensuous poem written by my beautiful cousin, a talented spoken word artist, that captures the essence of that very moment.

FIRST KISS
by Annie De La Cerna

You watch me in the moonrise
behind the shadows of the sun,
while tribal drums mesmerize
our familiar souls.
Swallowing the air
with magical stares,
with bass articulations
and harmonic undulations,
dramatic rhythms and sharp scales,
our mortal beings dance entranced
with intoxicated smiles,
versatile hips dip
around my brown midtown.
I fantasize sweet, innocent sin
watching your waist want me,
Taunt me,
Tempting me,
Talking to me,
Absorbing the rising force inside mine
releasing a recipe made from
the energy made between our thighs.
Smiling eyes
legalize the forbidden entice,
Invite me to play in conversations
that splash me
leaving me wet.
We greet and reacquaint the
unfamiliar zones
overwhelming me with the elements of surprise.
Your hand caresses my face.
Your caramel canvas comes towards me,
unforeseen soft lips lay on top of mine.
Tender, teasing, tantalizing
tongues touch
for the first time.
You say it was the hypnotize in my eyes
that make you want to taste me.
Leaving me weak,
breathless.
I cannot speak.
I thirst to see.
I listen to feel
for another sip of your surreal
Kiss.

Cuz I’m a sucka for love. Till the next episode.

“The sweetest thing I’ve ever known, was like the kiss on the collarbone .“
L-Boogie | Sweetest Thing | Love Jones

What’s the 411?

christine — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:34:41 +0000

Growing up as a teenager in the late 80s/early 90s shaped the woman I am today. I am PROUD to have actually gone thru that era. Reading about it and living it are two totally different planets. And I ain’t knockin. Ya’ll snapback wearin seedlings can’t help it haha. But discovering it as it happens is like no other. I rocked Ellesse and starter jackets when Salt and Pepa were pushin it, when the Jets did the smurf to crush on you and Anquette was singing I will always be there for you. I went thru all of Janet’s phases WITH her…from Let’s Wait Awhile sportin Guess, Made in the Shades and IOU sweatshirts…to That’s the Way Love Goes with choker necklaces and visible midriffs. Then Monie Love and Queen Latifah came along…and I cut the tops off baseball caps, rocked a ponytail above the rim, wore baggy jeans, baseball jerseys, Air Max 90s and watched housing crews battle it out.

Then Mary J. arrived…the summer I graduated high school, the summer of first love, the summer we didn’t sleep. When it was all about pagers, house parties, pool hustlin, 40s, deuce deuces, fake IDs, puff jackets, tims, polo, nautica, tommy hil. It was the summer of discovering the WHOLE Bay and my world got a little bigger. Boys had to have VERBAL game. Ladies had to be clever. And talkin on the phone was how we got to know each other. Add the Golden Era of Hip Hop and you have perfection. When Mary dropped What’s the 411, I was deep in it. She taught love, heartbreak, style, confidence…and I learned. Learned how to be, how not to be, how to hold myself, how to love myself, how to let go. Thank you Queen of Hip Hop Soul. I am what I am today because of you. So when anyone asks “Ay yo what’s the 411 hon?”. I can truly say “I got it goin’ on hon.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Holiday Fitted

christine — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:47:58 +0000

The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’ll soon be time for merry-making, celebrating and partying…oh my! I’m taking stock of my closet and making sure I’m on my A++ game for the season. Here’s a peek at some of my goods.

VINTAGE FUR

Yes, it’s real. But it’s also vintage. I got this WAY before the fur ban, when Foxy was lookin half Black and Filipino and Faith remembered how Biggie used to love her. These rabbits gave their lives in the Seventies so I figure it’s gravy. Vintage fur is AOK in my opinion but if you do buy fur now, faux is the only way to go. *Plea to PETA. No red paint please!

CUSTOM MADE EMBROIDERED INDIAN SILK SHANTUNG MINIS

I got these beautiful things at a thrift store. Thrift stores have the best finds IF you’re willing to dig (and sneeze). Now if only I could figure out how to get into what was apparently made for a pre-teen figure…hmmmm.

BLAZER

This goes with everything. Like seriously, EVERYTHING. And if you see me in it, it’s because it goes with…EVERYTHING. haha.

MOTORCYCLE BOOTS

These do too…minus the helmet.

SKINNIES and HIGH WAISTED TROUSER JEANS

Must. Haves. If. You’re. Tall. And. Skinny. Sorry. Everyone. Else.

BAGS

Baby got bags.

JEWELRY

I’m a jewelry buff. I like keeping the fits simple and the jewelry impressive. The downside of being a jewelry buff is the not so organized, throw all the jewelry here whilst staggering to the vanity after a long night of outstanding (if I say so myself) drinking. Someone. Anyone. Please untangle this hot mess for me. Reward given.

I’m ready to eat, drink and be merry (while staying holiday fitted in the hood)! So where the invites at? HOLLER!!!

All Saints Day

christine — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:03:45 +0000

Also called Áraw ng mga Patáy in Filipino culture and in Mexican culture, Dia de los Muertos. This holiday falls on November 1st and it is when we remember, pray for and honor loved ones who have passed.

Death is inevitable. And with yesterday’s passing of Hip Hop legend Heavy D at the very young age of 44, we are reminded exactly how short life can be. In the words of Steve Jobs: “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.”

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart… Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”

Life. It’s a series of momentous events and choices. Choices which can be the best, most satisfying decisions we’ve ever made. And other times…not quite. But believe that every move you make is meant to be. I am a true believer of fulfilling your destiny. Finding your treasure. Your instincts are already telling you what your destiny is. All you have to do is listen. We are all here for a reason and your heart knows what that reason is. Your intuition is THE guide to what your heart wants. Listen to it. Follow it. Even if you don’t know what it is, take steps every day to get you closer to it. So that when that inevitable day comes, you know you’ve done everything you possibly can, to fulfill your heart’s reason for being.

Here are some beautiful altars currently on display at Smashbox Gallery. Dia de los Muertos, a reminder for each one of us to start living life, now.

Wishing you a peaceful journey Heavy D.

|Sunrise| May 24, 1967 – |Sunset| November 8, 2011

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.”

– The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

Hollaback Girls

christine — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:04:10 +0000

It’s rare finding females in the male dominant worlds of graffiti and urban/street clothing brands. So when we see women handlin their biz when it comes to these art forms we pay our respects. Coming across a wall with nothing but lady graff writers is not only unusual but for MaryJane Clothing, inspirational. Check out our photo shoot paying homage to the FEW & FAR queens doin their thang. Much respect ladies. We feel you. Men, take note. We ain’t no hollaback girls.

Birthday Month

christine — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:06:07 +0000

I’m a Libra. Which means it’s all about the scales and keeping things balanced. So imagine working two plus jobs, building a brand, fam time, friend time and staying cool and collect NO MATTER WHAT. Not an easy feat. But for libras it’s the ONLY way. With that said, I like to celebrate my entire month of birth. Since I was a teen this was the ritual…monthlong celebrations with mah girls, rollin through the Bay…drankin, partyin, celebrating life. Another notch in my belt, another year full of memories to look back on. Older. Wiser. And being in my 30s, calmer…haha. Thank you year #36. You were very good to me. I look forward to what next year brings.

Some highlights from this birthday month…

Dinner at Limon Rotisserie with my mains.

Bourbon & Branch. Where passwords are necessary, photography isn’t allowed, cocktails are divine, secret passages hide behind bookcases, easy speaking is mandatory hence “speakeasy” and people watching is a must.

Somar and House of Music with the Worthy Foes Crew. These artists are rock steady…talented, beautiful and down. These ladies are definitely worthy foes…to whoever considers them as such. haha.

Carneros Della Notte in Napa. With a personalized tour by Dave the owner. This dude…I mean really, this dude…all I gots to say is Dave is the man! Former chauffeur of Robert Mondavi, founder of wine.com and now keeping it simple with a small boutique winery only putting out small batches of what he believes in. From rags to riches, this guy stays humbled and grateful. I’m honored to have met such an amazing mind. Stay tuned to this winery ya’ll. He gots Flavor Flav AND Manny Pacquiao bottles comin out!

From the loves.

36′s last sunset.

This lucky girl is just way too blessed to be stressed.

Till the next episode…

Queens, Vancouver | Winter 2011 Lookbook

Patricia — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:37:24 +0000

I had blogged about Queens’ inception over the summer time earlier this year. The company, (ran by the amazing Rose Raflores) has been blossoming in the city. Here’s a sneak peak at their Winter 2011 lookbook- featuring Vancouver’s own, Emmalyn Estrada. Check their website for the whole lineup.

Official Website | crownthequeens.com
Facebook | /crownthequeens
Twitter | @crownthequeens

First of Many

christine — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:07:38 +0000

Here it is…my very first blog for Fatlace. How awesome is that! Normally, I’m a pretty private person but when Mark Arcenal (the Creative Director of Fatlace!!! Are you serious?) asked me to blog for them how could I say no? It was a no brainer. So here I am, and I’ll be putting myself out there, hoping tomatoes won’t get thrown at me. So I hope you enjoy what I have to share…or better yet…hate on it. Cuz that’s when I know I’ve made it in life. Ha!

Some about me basics…

Born year of the Tiger. And yes, he’s hanging off a money tree.

My brand.

Today’s right hand. I have a thing for big chunky jewelry. Bigger is ALWAYS better.

Buy me a drank…Ketel One Dirty, dirty.

Bay Area rep through and through. You can take the girl out the Bay but you can’t take the Bay out the girl. Yay Areaaaa!!!

Till the next episode.

Ladylike Summer Tanks Now Available

Fatlace Crew — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:36:16 +0000

Check our our girl Angie modeling our newest Ladylike Summer Tanks which are now available online. Click here.

Now available for the ladies, Ladylike Summer Tanks in white, grey, and black.

Expect more Ladylike products in the upcoming seasons.

Cam Newton II

Melissa — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:29:28 +0000

Now, 24 hours later, it is the day of the ESPY’s. I am back at the W hotel and we will see if the custom suit fits Cam.
Luckily Kaitlin has delivered the goods and is going to stick around in case there are any issues. There usually are!

Not only are we dressing Cam, but we are also making sure his little brother, Kaylyn is equally as stylish.

I find out that Cam is for sure presenting the Best Play award. He decides that he wants to wear the scarf creation I designed on the
red carpet and switch to the pocket scarf when he presents. Not a bad idea I thought. He either is going to make the best dressed list or the worst dressed with the scarf onside the jacket I am featuring on him. Let’s hope it starts a trend, all I need is for Kanye to cosign it!

Cam was going to wear a G-shock but Alan Friedman came through with the classic yet stylish TW Steel watch.

We were feeling the Happy Socks.

Once we got to the red carpet, I prepped Cam on what to expect and how to work it. He is new at at being an A lister.

He walked the carpet with style. I predict this will be a frequent event for Cam. – Oh and yes, that is Lindsey Vaughn in the back round.

I loved her Sports Illustrated cover. It was definitely shocking.

Stoudemire was my favorite NBA player last year.

This was nice of DUB magazine to make this ride for mini-me.

Brian Wilson was names one of the best dressed. I guess if you are provocative you get all the attention… but the suit is dance wear!

Another interview for Cam with ESPN inside the Venue. He is only thinking about food.

Carlos and the amazing Laura. This talent wrangler was so awesome that I asked her to work on the music video I am directing in a few weeks.

It’s like old times. My besty, Jilly and my hero Serena.

Now Serena too made the best dressed list. BTW, that is not her Birkin bag – it is mine.

I wasn’t expecting a massage from Cee-lo back stage.

Here is Cam presenting with Amber Heard and Cee-lo. Did you notice the pocket scarf or blonde blonde girl wants handsome black quarterback.

Blake Griffin with his Espy. He actually beat Cam to get this award. Who is he looking for? Jordan Sparks?

That smile is a cash machine. I hope I did a good job and the endorsements roll so we can do it again.

Cam – as in Fig – Netwon (part 1)

Melissa — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 06:39:14 +0000

I haven’t been really been styling lately. I have been directing, but I received a call from Carlos Flemming at IMG asking to to style Cam Newton. I had no idea who Cam was, but I asked my “boss” at Cameo Stars and he told me he was the hottest thing in football right now. Him and Tim Tebow. So here I am at the W hotel in Hollywood, about to meet a client for the first time. It is always a little nerve racking. You don’t know what to expect. Will they like the clothes? Will they hate them? Will they fit, since he is 6.5? Will the agent be happy. There was lots of pressure her since Cam was up for 4 Espy’s and possibly presenting.

There wasn’t much of a budget, so I started designing backwards. I picked out a few color “stories” from a large group of ties, scarfs, and pocket squares from Jared M. I have been working with Jared since the Kevin Garnett days. The accessories and furnishings are the fashion in a man’s suit.

Next, I picked a grey sharkskin fabric from a an overwhelming pile of fabric swatches. First it was blue, then it was grey. I saw lots of pictures of Cam in a blue suit. It was a hard call. Grey is my favorite color… Grey it is.

This is what a custom suit looks like when is it professional constructed by a tailor. I now is than 24 hours after choosing the fabric and the body style – I had the makings of a suit. Now I need to show it to Cam.

Up in the hotel room of the agent, Miranda, my fabulous assistant and friend, helped me set up.

Kaitlin Anthony, of Jared M, the suit maker, came to help me with the fitting of Cam. I don’t think I could have done it with out her.
She is awesome and can dress a killer tie.

Carlos is doing business. Making plans for Venus to play tournaments on her way to the US open.

Cam can’t seem to understand what the suit will look like with out all of these white lines. He may actually be nervous. His only request was Urban Preppy.

We tried the different color stories. The girls thought this one was going to be the winner (before he tried it on). I knew it was never going to be “the one”.

Now this isn’t the suit I made. After the day was over I went to the ESPN party hosted by Serena – and ran into Cam. I wasn’t sure he remembered me from earlier in the day.

I also ran into my old friend GSP. The ultimate fighter. I think he is awesome.

And yes, my old friends who I always love to see. V and Tanya. Dancing again like we did at the Shore Club. I look like I am having fun, but I am wondering how the tailor is doing with the final touched on the suit and custom shirt……

Chocolate Wasted

emily — Tue, 31 May 2011 22:30:27 +0000

A while back, I came across an interesting article stating that in twenty years, chocolate will become a rare delicacy. Considering America’s tendency to over-consume, this is hardly surprising. What WON’T be a rare delicacy in twenty years?? But just in case this is to happen, or you just love chocolate as much as I do, be sure to stop by K Chocolatier to stock up on your favorite array.

In all honesty, I try to avoid the spot as much as possible (for both my waistline and bank account’s sake), but with one of my best girlfriends heir to the Diane Kron empire, how can I not indulge every once in a while? Alex spoils me rotten with their bears, pecans, kranberries, pomegranates and truffles every time I see her.

I stopped by the shop before leaving for NYC to check out their latest and pick up some goodies for my flight. The little boutique (across the street from Sprinkles in Beverly Hills) is currently outfitted with spring decor galore and packing for father’s day treats. Absolutely adorable.

Of all the flavors I’ve sampled here, the K Pomegranates remain my absolute favorite! The flavor is such an unexpected turn from your usual chocolate covered fruit/nut – both sour and sweet and the perfect ratio of chocolate to fruit. These are a MUST every time I’m within a 3-mile radius of the place. Unfortunately I ate the entire bag before pictures could be taken… Go. Indulge. Tell Alex I sent you and thank me her later.

SWISS ALPS PT.2

emily — Tue, 17 May 2011 13:24:35 +0000

Obviously we can’t fly 14+ hours to the Swiss Alps and not get some snowboarding time in. Pretty funny/outrageous since this is literally the third time I’ve ever snowboarded in my life – to say that I’m a novice is um… an understatement. After 30ish minutes of me looking like a total dumbass at St. Moritz, Neil recommended that I get some lessons. It was only after mastering the art of the “t-bar” lift that I could start even shredding. And by shredding, I mean falling on my butt every 3 feet.

When we got to Lenzerheide, I’d already had a full day of practice and there was fresh powder so things were looking up. We hit the bunny slopes and I even got some carving action down! Woohoo!! But I felt really bad for Neil (who was patient enough to move 10 feet down the bunny slopes with me at a time) so we headed to the top of the highest peak so that I could enjoy hot chocolate and he could ride this beast.

Nice and sunny at the bottom, but the top was a whole ‘nother story. So you know: 3,000 meters is the equivalent of almost 10,000 feet. We were all the way up in the clouds – it was freezing with limited visibility and everyone was essentially just propelling themselves off the sides of mountains. No big deal.

Huge thank you to the amazingly talented Craig Wetherby for all the fresh Burton gear. High tech stuff is great if you’ve got prior injuries or are prone to getting hurt – every little bit helps!

Hehehe… HELVETICA. This kept me amused while I inhaled countless hot chocolate drinks and waited for the bf to get back up the mountain.

That peak allllll the way at the top is where we were. Neil’s not that short, the board is just really, really big.

I am absolutely smitten with Switzerland!!! Hopefully this turns into an annual adventure and we can explore all the little towns in the Alps! Thanks TNR for such an incredible time and always putting up with my antics. You rock.