Model Walk: Rose Cordero

When Someone Shows You Who They Are...Believe it!

This is a guest post by a friend of mine, J. Earl Smith. He is a new relationship author, with a book called "You're Worth It".  I am excited to have his article on the site and hope you find it helpful. For more information on him and his new book "You're Worth It", visit http://www.knourworth.blogspot.com./ You can find him on Twitter: @JSmith2523. Please feel free to tune in Tuesday September 21st at 8pm for his first live interview on the Artist First Radio Network at http://www.artistfirst.com/. 

 "When someone shows you who they are, believe it!"

My mom told me that expression a very long time ago and it’s always proved true. Whether talking about romantic relationships, business relationships, or friendships…it’s always proven true. So what does the expression actually mean?

This phrase refers to more than just the surface characteristics that make up a person. We’re talking about the types of things that could end a relationship or possibly even prevent a relationship from even starting. Or what about if someone that you’ve been talking to for a week or two starts getting very controlling of where you are or who you’re with. Does that raise a red flag? Should it? Indeed it should, because if they’re controlling like this now, just imagine what life would be like down the road!

What about someone who claims to care about you more than anything, but they can never seem make time for you? You tell them how you feel and try to make them a necessity in your life, but they consistently make you an option in their lives. Is that right? Should you be restricted to the “back burner” so to speak? No! You deserve better than that! You’re worth more than that!

Believing someone when they show you their true colors simply means knowing that you can't force someone to change and that no one will change unless they want to change. People are who they are…and that’s who they’re always going to be. Not to say that you should always be looking for the negative, but if overwhelming negative characteristics are standing staring you right in the face...DON'T IGNORE THEM!

Think about it this way - both getting to know someone new and shoe shopping are supposed to be fun experiences; unfortunately there can be negatives in both realms. When shoe shopping, no matter how hard you try, you may not be able to find your size, or you find your size but when you try them on, they're extremely painful. Meeting someone new is like trying to find that right pair of shoes. Some people are the right size for you, but once you start getting to know them (try them on) they may have some SERIOUS negative qualities that could hurt you emotionally or even physically.

"When someone shows you who they are...BELIEVE IT!"

Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA

Fashion's Night Out is right around the corner. It's time to start planning your stylish night on Sept. 10th! To gain even greater momentum, 14 of the industries top models taped a PSA directed by world renowned photographer Peter Lindbergh. The PSA was shot in locations throughout New York City and promotes not only the celebration on September 10, 2010, but the wonderful charity the sale of the t-shirts worn in the video benefit: The NYC AIDS Fund in the NY Community Trust. (If you didn't know, this year I cannot participate because I will be at a wedding. But I am considering showing up with a FNO t-shirt and extra glam evening skirt.) Models included Lily Donaldson, Jourdan Dunn, Chanel Iman, Liya Kebede, Miranda Kerr, Abbey Lee Kershaw, Karlie Kloss, Doutzen Kroes, Karolina Kurkova, Sasha Pivovarova, Joan Smalls, Lara Stone, Stella Tennant and Caroline Trentini.


Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA from Fashion's Night Out on Vimeo.


For more information, and to plan your night, be sure to visit Fashion's Night Out.com.

Socialite-ing: Full-Figured Fashion Week

This post has been a LONG time coming. I have been meaning to tell you all about my fabulous experience at Full-Figured Fashion Week! Here is where I hang my head in shame. Full-Figured Fashion Week took place on June 16-20, 2010. It was a series of fashion shows, panel discussions, shopping trips, and just having a great time with women who are confident, stylish, and curvy. I was able to attend opening night at Blvd (199 Bowery), where designers such as Pure Energy, Drapery, Just my Size, The Angel Alternative, and more showcased their collections on the fiercest models. Gwen DeVoe, plus size model turned FFF Week Founder, hosted the event, and I coveted her white ensemble all night long. I got a chance to meet some fab curvy bloggers such as Diary of a Mad Fashionista, Johara of Luvin' My Curves, Stephanie of Daily Venus Diva, Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista, and CeCe of The Big Girl Blog. On Friday, June 18th, I attended The State of the Curvy Community panel discussion held at Hotel Pennsylvania. I have to say, I walked away from that discussion with a better love of self, acceptance, pride, and laughs. They discussed how the fashion retail industry doesn't really get full-figure sizes and style tastes. While I've always considered myself a full-figure doll, I really didn't know much about the industry, stores, bloggers, and the whole community. But after that week, I vowed to get to know more about my curvy sisters, retailers, and sites dedicated to empowering and informing the girls who "have more to offer."

Some quotes that I jotted down during the panel discussion...
"A weight limit on leggings? We would have no leggings if it weren't for the big girls!"
"Retailers need to listen to the plus size community. Get a fit model."
"The problem with plus size fashion is they assume we are all the same shape."
"Where could I go to get fat girl hoe clothes?...Hot does not need to equal animal print."
"A beautiful full-figured girl knows reality, she lives it every single moment."

Well, I was happy to see all of the press FFF Week received, and was even more happy to be a part of it.

Keep up where FFF Week will be. Visit FFF Week.com to stay updated.

Love: Harper's Bazaar makes Rachel Zoe "Die" for Fashion

If you're a fan of The Rachel Zoe Project then you're definitely familiar with Zoe-isms. The most famous one that #teamzoe leader Rachel uses has to be, "I die." Well, Harper's BAZAAR wanted to see what celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe would like if she did die for fashion. They conjured up a creatively funny editorial with designers such as Michael Kors (that's my fave photo), Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Brian Atwood, and Francisco Costa. I absolutely love it!!

Check out the photos below and watch the video of Rachel talking about the shoot....

  

 

You're Invited: Fashion Fights Cancer 2010 Event

You are invited to the 2010 Fashion Fights Cancer Event! Fashion Fights Cancer is a NY non-profit organization that helps to raise money for cancer reasearch centers and hospitals through fashion.

When: August 19th, 2010

Where: Audi Forum | 250 Park Avenue| NYC

Time: 6:30p - 11:30p

This year, 10 designers will showcase their collection on the runway, and then put them on the racks for a sample sale. Designers such as Tadashi Shoji, Byron Lars, and Karen Millen will be participating. Tickets are $50 (bonus: $25 shopping credit) ; VIP tickets are $250 (bonus: $25 shopping credit and admission to another FFC event in September!).

For more information and to buy tickets, go to: Fashion Fights Cancer

Shoe Love Quickie: Yves Saint Laurent 'Palais' Pumps

All I see is me in a LBD wearing these! Or even a LND (Little Navy Dress)...these would make a great accent color. I was going through Net-a-Porter and came across these Yves Saint Laurent "Palais" Platform Leather Pumps in fuchsia. Simply, I want to live in Palais de YSL.

Retail $675.
You can purchase them here (of course my size is sold out): YSL Palais at Net-a-Porter

Enter to Win: Rebecca Minkoff Handbag Giveaway

Enter to win here! Refinery29

Sample Sale: Lauren Merkin

Model Walk: Joan Smalls

Product Review: Touch'd Sugar Scrub

I had the pleasure of receiving Touch'd Sugar Scrub to review, thanks to the fabulous Rachel Ferrucci! I am a strong believer in exfoliation. You have to get rid of those dead skin cells to reveal the smooth skin underneath. I had the Sugar Scrub in my shower for a while, just waiting for me to try it. I don't know what was taking me so long. I have so many products I use and buy that it's ridiculous. Anyway, I decided to use it recently and literally said "OMG" out loud. First of all, once I opened the container the sweet Tropical Paradise scent hit me. I knew it would be love from then. The sugar scrub contains Sugar, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Essential Oils, Carrier Oils, Fragrance, and more. They always say that when it comes to ingredients, the first few listed are the dominant ones...so this is good!

I am greedy and used it all over, except on that delicate area. *By the way, if you use it on your feet, be sure to place a towel or something with a grip so you don't slip.* The result was ah-mazing! Once I rinsed off, my skin felt uber smooth. It's a shame I'm single, because I really wanted to be touch'd! I was blown away by how smooth my skin felt, and believe me that feeling lasted. Ladies, you know how when you step out of the shower you need to lotion (which by the way I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion), and sometimes right away because products can leave your skin looking and feeling dry? After using this, it almost seemed like I didn't need to lotion, but did it anyway to seal in my smoothness. Rachel is so excited about her new product line and with good reason. I'm excited I was able to try it!

Touch'd does have other products in the collection and if they leave me still talking about them like the Sugar Scrub, then we have a winner!

Sugar Scrub. $36.
Purchase Touch'd products here: http://touchd.net/

Socialite-ing: Via Spiga 25th Anniversary!

I had the pleasure of attending the Via Spiga 25th Anniversary Event last week Monday at The Empire Hotel Rooftop. I went with my "Shoe-per Trooper" Anna B. of Shoesmitten and we had a great time mingling and sipping THE BEST COCKTAIL ever using St. Germain. The event was to not only celebrate the 25 years of Via Spiga, but to also unveil the limited edition capsule shoe collection that famed jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane designed for Via Spiga. I loved the way the shoes were displayed...and believe me, if I ever get the space, all my shoes will be displayed as works of art too. I loved the snake design, and as a bonus, all guests who attended received a snake pin! (Which by the way I was totally coveting on the staff ladies) Thanks Libby for the invite!

Here I am with Anna in front of the official press wall.

Close-up of my shoes. If you remember, I posted the Fashion High for Less: Dolce Vita vs Alloy, and I mentioned I had bought the Alloy platform wedges in forest green. Well, I was able to fool somebody. When I arrived to the hotel, I was wearing flats, and had to change my shoes. Well, one of the Via Spiga ladies saw me changing into my shoes and said (real enthusiastically), "Are those the Dolce Vitas?" I took a sigh, and thought about what I was going to say, but I told the truth and said, "They are the Dolce Vita twins by Alloy." Needless to say she was not as impressed anymore. But I didn't care, they look just as fab and for more than half the price.

These were my absolute faves! I hear they will be retailing for around $300. That price shouldn't make me cringe, but it made me quickly flinch...just because I am on my shopping strike and all. 21 more days to go.

Below, enjoy some more of my snaps!

Model Walk: Liya Kebede

Fashion High for Less: Lanvin vs. Dollhouse

I was first inspired for this post by my #solesister @pursuitofshoes. She just bought a pair of these Lanvin satin pompom raffia sandals in black on sale and twitpic'd her purchase. Natch, I was jealous. If you don't know, I have gone on a shopping strike for 30 days, and today is Day 1. I am trying to get my bills down and work with what I already have. So, after her new summer sandal buy, I was tempted to do a little online (window) shopping. I saw the Lanvin sandals (pictured right) on Net-a-Porter. They are $585. My wallet and credit cards ran out the door.

However, if you're not on a shopping strike, but can't afford Lanvin, there is always a cheaper twin somewhere.

These are by Dollhouse called Bonanza and retail for $31.25 and come in 7 summer-ready colors at Endless.com! Talking about what I find I guess can be therapeutic, not as therapuetic as buying, but I digress. I may not be able to treat myself, but why should you suffer?

Sneak Peek: Gossip Girl

You know Gossip Girl is on my DVR-schedule and I seriously cannot wait until the new season starts on September 13th. Sometimes I don't know if I am waiting for the plots or the jealous-worthy fashion. This time around, it might just be for the fashion. I live vicariously through Serena and Blair (pictured left in Oscar de la Renta).

If you want to get a heads-up on what our two ladies will be seen on the scene in, walk over to Lucky Magazine. Your mouth is sure to drop more than once. You know you love me...xo xo