Style Weekly

Hey dolls! I'm sure you've been wondering why I haven't updated this site in like forever, and well, there is a really darn good reason. As you know I've been obsessed with fashion for as long as I can remember, and I've decided to shift my focus to another segment of the industry, the business side. Fashion is so much more than models, and designers, and I'll be spending the next year of my life delving into the more behind the scenes aspects. And what better way to do that than by moving to Italy?



That's right, yours truly has relocated to Italy and is working on an MBA at University of Bologna, concentrating in Fashion and Luxury Goods of course! Thanks to my fabulous readers for supporting this site for so long, and don't worry! There are plenty of other places to get your fashion fix until I return.

Essence magazine has been the leading lifestyle mag for African-American woman for decades, but their latest move has some raising their eyebrows.


Essence has undergone numerous editorial changes over the past few months, and they recently hired a new fashion director, Elliana Placas, who happens to be white. Placas is clearly qualified for the role or she wouldn't have made the cut, but many are wondering if this was the right decision.

First of all, I'm someone who has worked in the magazine industry for years, at several major titles, and I can still count on one hand the number of black colleagues I've had. Fashion publishing is just not the most diverse industry, and I guess as a black woman you would expect that position to go to someone who was of the same ethnic background as the magazine's readers. However on the other hand, I skip over Essence's fashion spreads and go straight to their articles, just because those pages have been lacking. The fashion team definitely needs new life if it  is going to remain a leading publication, and if Placas is the one to do, then more power to her. Also, Angela Burt-Murray, whom I've had the pleasure to meet, is an AMAZING editor-in-chief, and I don't think she would make any hiring decisions that wouldn't be for the best of the magazine.

So this African-American fashion writer and loyal Essence reader warmly welcomes Elliana Placas to the fashion team, and I can't wait to see her first issue. What do you guys think? Does it matter what color a fashion editor is? Do you think a white editor can really understand the needs and wants of black women, at least in the fashion department? 

Some women want their fragrance to evoke feelings of romance and falling in love, and Lanvin is ready to provide that. The acclaimed fashion house will be launching a scent called "Marry Me," to be released in August.


Despite the title, the perfume is not going to be marketed directly to brides. The fragrance was really inspired by the loyalty many women have to their signature fragrance, plus the excited feelings of a new romance. The fruity floral composition boasts notes of Tunisian orange, freesia, rose, musky amber, and soft magnolia. I love the super romantic ad, and can't wait to get a whiff of this new scent!

It was really only a matter of time before bubble-gum pop diva Katy Perry expanded her signature brand. First move? Inking a fragrance deal.


This morning's WWD reports that Perry's first fragrance, called Purr, will launch in November and will be sold exclusively at Nordstrom. The fragrance will come in a ridiculous and adorable kitty shaped bottle, as its inspired by a catwoman costume Perry performs in. While I would imagine this fragrance smelling like cotton candy given Katy's personal style, its described as having top notes of peach nectar, forbidden apple and green bamboo; a heart of jasmine blossom, pink freesia and Bulgarian rose, and a drydown of vanilla orchid, white amber, creamy sandalwood and musk,” and will set you back $45 a bottle.

What do you think girls? Would you wear it, or will it make your holiday gift list?

Whether you’re a seasoned fashionista or are just starting to embrace your interest in fashion, you’ve gotta learn (or be refreshed in) the fundamentals of good style. Luckily for us, Fashion Societe is an amazing business, dedicated to arming you with the knowledge you need to look and feel your absolute best. I sat down with Cathy Berger, the founder of Fashion Societe to dish about her inspirations, her love of style, and her mission to bring the best kept industry secrets to the rest of us! 

Style Weekly: What made you decide to start this company? What would you say its mission is? 

Fashion Societe: The idea for FS began in Singapore when I realized that the fashion obsession women have applies to all ages.  I was virtually outpaced by my grandmother on these trips—all she wanted to do was shop till we dropped!  The truth is there are not enough ways to satisfy our desire to look great, want new clothes, and keep our appearance looking as fresh and attractive as we can.

The head-turning reaction that certain women get through their sense of style is something I always admire.  My grandmother’s passion inspired me to examine the science of what makes a woman’s image beautiful, and how to break it down into a group of necessary topics.  After many years of study at some of the finest NY schools and recruiting the best of the best  from the AICI and other fashion authorities to teach, I present informative and fun education opportunities to women who seriously want to explore professional techniques to look their best.

 

SW: You started two years, ago, just as the recession was getting worse. What made you decide to start a business then, and how did you ensure its survival.

FS: The stock market was my mainstay before I started Fashion Societe. When the downturn started I decided to go full force into making my lifelong dream a reality. I built it as the economy deteriorated, and I hope to see the company’s “heel height” if you will—rise from Ferragamo flat status to Christian Louboutin stilettos as the consumer gets back on her feet!

 

SW: You offer amazing classes on topics ranging from how to dress for your body type to beauty fundamentals, to lingerie basics.  What kind of new classes can we expect to see in the future?

FS: The Vintage Master Style Class will be offered again in the fall; The Saks Fifth Avenue Fall Fashion event will be our first event in Suffolk county.   It is scheduled for August 19^th, 2010.

SW: As a participant in one of your classes, what could I expect to learn?

FS: Fashion Societé is a fabulously practical concept in hands-on self-improvement. Our organization offers live, state-of-the-art Fashion & Beauty events for women who look to seriously learn about looking their best. The educational seminars and events are geared toward women ages 25 to 125. Our attendees enjoy interactive participation and personalized attention.

Our team of 8 presenters are industry leaders, specifically trained in his or her field. Most are certified or prominent authors in their related subject.  If desired, private consultations can be arranged afterwards.  Some seminars offer related items for sale from revolutionary new lines. Basically you could learn any and everything from strategic ways to plan your wardrobe, which colors are most flattering, and how to change your hairstyle to best highlight your face shape skin tone.

 

SW: What do you love most about what you do? 

I love when the audience tells me how much their mind has opened because of what they have just learned. I love to hear them say that they intend to break old, bad habits and start using their new techniques!!


If you want more Fashion Societe, check out their website for the summer class schedule, and Style Weekly readers get a $5 discount off the registration fee!

While I've been loving my flat sandals this summer, I recently picked up a great pair of shoes that I planned to save for Fall, but couldn't resist taking them for a test drive. I swear, those lace-up oxfords are soooo comfy, provide great support, and even though they are a closed toe leather shoe, my feet were able to breath just fine on this smoldering summer day. They are perfectly seasonless, and my fave part is the trendy stud details.

Check out some other oxfords that I'm currently obsessed with, and try to scoop up a pair for Fall!

Christian Louboutin Patent Leather Lace-Up Flats

I did try these on and fell absolutely in love with them, but just couldn't justify the price tag. If you're feeling more flush than me, splurge on these jazzy oxfords that will spice up any outfit!

Joie Louis Louis Suede Loafers

If you're not quite ready to think about Fall shoes, these lightweight suede loafers have a much more casual feel, and will help you dress down even your most sophisticated Fall looks.

Melissa Oxford Plastic Jelly Flats

If you're looking for a more trendy style, not really an investment piece, go for these fun Melissa oxfords. The classic two-tone wingtip gets a playful update in a soft plastic material. An even more interesting style tip; pair these shoes with a frilly dress for amazing contrast.

Candela Metallic Lace-up Flats
Metallics are super fun no matter what season you are in, and since these are currently selling at an amazing discount, you better scoop them up while you can!

Report Signature Studded Oxfords

If studs are your style (they certainly are mine!) you'll love these soft satin lace-up flats with all-over studs. Keep the rest of your outfit simple as not to compete with your flashy footwear.

Target Lace-Up Oxfords
If you're not really sold on this trend, test drive it with a super cheap pair, like these cuties from Target. The gorgeous cognac color and simple perforated design keep this pair chic and stylish at a bargain.

Jean Paul Gaultier's new Fall 2010 ads just dropped, starring the gorgeous Crystal Renn and Kelly Moreira. The pair look amazing, the styling is beautiful, but this ad stands out to me not just for those typical reasons. This is the only campaign that prominently features a plus-size model and a model of color.



Yes, its true that Renn doesn't really look plus-sized in this pic, but that is the beauty of being a good model. She knows her angles and how to flatter her figure no matter what outfit she is in, and right now is showing off those gorgeous long legs. And Moreira is able to beautifully pull off all those prints and still look strikingly chic. Fab job at casting JPG!

If you were planning to scoop up some new high-end lingerie or swimwear this week, better make that shopping trip sooner than later. Eres, the purveyor of super luxe yet strikingly simple lingerie and swimwear is closing their three U.S. stores, including their beautiful boutique on Madison Avenue. 



This decision is more about business strategy and less about the economy. The Chanel owned brand wants to shift this business practice to be consistent with their European model, which is franchise based. This won't make much difference to the customers, but will be of lower-risk to the business. Its not clear whether other retailers that carry Eres will still stock the brand, and I doubt there will be much discounting before the stores close, but if you were planning to get your shop on, do it before its too late!

Zoe Saldana has really turned herself into a rising fashion icon, with red carpet appearances in stunning creations from top designers. Now the beauty has been tapped to be the next spokesmodel for Calvin Klein Underwear.




Zoe will replace Eva Mendes (can't forget those smoldering ads!!) and join the ranks of Scarlett Johannsen, Brooke Shields, and Kate Moss, to name a few beauties who have posed for CK. “Calvin Klein has always put forth such beautifully executed campaigns,” the Avatar star said. “It’s very exciting for me to be associated with such an iconic, globally recognized brand like Calvin Klein Underwear.”


Saldana's steamy ads were shot my Mikael Jansson and will debut in October.

By now we've all heard that troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan has been sentenced to 90 days in jail. However this new drama in her life could really boost sales from her 6126 clothing line.

Lohan has been in the papers nonstop this week, and this PR windfall is helping bring attention to the new expansion of her label, 6126. What started out as a small collection of tights has expanded to include apparel and a selection of handbags for this holiday season, and is expected to do $3 million in sales this year.  And if you happened to walk into a Sephora store yesterday, you may have noticed Sevin Nyne, Lindsay's line of spray tanners displayed front and center near the entrance.

Hopefully Lohan will use her notoriety to her advantage. Paris Hilton's 2007 collection for Kitson launched a few weeks after her release from prison, and drew such a huge crowd the entire block had to be shut down. Best of luck Lindsay!