earrings: Denio’s, top: Nordstrom, shorts: Heart Clothing Boutique, watch: Michael Kors, shoes: Goodwill

With strong statement pieces like a sheer studded top and bright tribal print shorts, some people would choose to play it safe and pair these items with a simple, quiet piece to balance it [...]]]> by: Kimberly Christophersen

earrings: Denio’s, top: Nordstrom, shorts: Heart Clothing Boutique, watch: Michael Kors, shoes: Goodwill

With strong statement pieces like a sheer studded top and bright tribal print shorts, some people would choose to play it safe and pair these items with a simple, quiet piece to balance it out. Reychelle is not one of these people. Instead, she takes both of these pieces and pairs them together creating a fun and unique look.

“I was leafing through a rack of clothes at home and came across a sheer top with studs on the front. I assumed that my sister left it on my rack to dispose of it. Then, I realized an amazing piece landed into my hands, so of course I had to wear it today. In terms of the shorts, I love prints like florals and tribal. The ring was just an accessory that I couldn’t walk out of Heart without owning.”

Reychelle does a lot of her shopping at thrift stores but makes sure to support local businesses by shopping in Sacramento boutiques such as Cuffs, Crazy Marys and Goodstock. However, Heart is her most favorite boutique in downtown Sacramento.

When asked about what she builds her daily look around, Reychelle stated, “I lay in bed for awhile until I think of a grandpa sweater or a pair of high waisted shorts and then I’ll base my outfit around that one piece. If I ever get bored of staring at my closet and trying on a couple things, I’ll just go into my mom’s or my little brothers wardrobe to see if anything sparks interest.”

Reychelle’s style is fun, intriguing and detailed. Not only does she prove that it’s good to be bold and take risks with your style, but she also shows how to have fun too.

It likely comes as no surprise that the picture above and to the left is what many people visualize when they hear the word “fashion”. A runway size 0, or designer sample size 2, is common in the fashion industry. On the flip side, plus size clothing usually displays women [...]]]> by: Arlyne Rocha

It likely comes as no surprise that the picture above and to the left is what many people visualize when they hear the word “fashion”. A runway size 0, or designer sample size 2, is common in the fashion industry. On the flip side, plus size clothing usually displays women sizes 14 and 16 in their ads. So what about the middle? Neither of these two markets caters to women between sizes 4 and 12, a range that, as reported in a previous blog by Nashay Bouie, represents a significant portion of American women.

The controversial aspect of changing models’ appearance to match specific body types is an issue the comes up constantly. Why can’t the ads be made with the model’s real body? On the converse, the same has happened in the plus size world of fashion with models being forced to gain weight in order to be booked in their market. If they do not gain weight, they might instead have to wear padding during photo-shoots to look fuller.

The pictures above show Katie Halchishick, a model who can certainly attest to this concern. Starting off as a plus size model, Halchishick was told she needed to gain between 15-20 pounds to be marketable and book jobs. In doing so she hit a weight of 200 pounds at a size 14. In this state, she was in high demand and booked an extensive amount of work. When she lost 50 pounds and became a size 8, she entered “ model limbo” and had to either wear padding to book plus size jobs, or force her weight down even further to a size 4 to book mainstream commercial work.

So what happens when models get stuck in model limbo? Well unfortunately, they usually stay there. They book the occasional department-store catalogue or diet pill ad, but rarely do they see the attention they would if they fit into the two main molds. But few women in America are themselves part of these two extreme categories. When looking at an ad for high fashion, women of “common” sizes may find it hard to picture themselves in a runway look and plus size women may not be able to picture themselves in a size 8 or 10. This is why Katie Halchishick started her own agency catering to all women stuck in model limbo.

Natural Model Management promotes the mantra of “Healthy is the new skinny” and represents models within the size range they are not being represented by in the rest of the fashion world.

Each women throughout the world is a different size, shape, personality, hair color, eye color, profession, and values. Truthfully, the list could go on forever. So why try to stuff women into one or two molds? All women should be represented as beautiful. Every shape, size, and race should have a forum to showcase their beauty. Perhaps natural model management will provide this arena.

Admit it, you’re looking forward to Valentine’s Day. After all, it can be more than a greeting card inspired holiday. Whether you choose a night on the town with your beau, or a wild time with the girls or even a low key dinner and a movie, Valentine’s day can be a [...]]]> by: Jennifer Richardson

Admit it, you’re looking forward to Valentine’s Day. After all, it can be more than a greeting card inspired holiday. Whether you choose a night on the town with your beau, or a wild time with the girls or even a low key dinner and a movie, Valentine’s day can be a great opportunity to show off what your closet’s got. No matter what your plans are, there’s a perfect outfit to wear.

Who says only spoken for gals get to have all the fun on Valentine’s? If you’re going out with the gals try an edgy, sophisticated look with elegant colored trousers, a printed cami, dressy cardi and fun of accessories.

Not such a girly-girl? Or perhaps planning a simple movie date with your husband and don’t feel like setting off the sprinklers? Head toward boyfriend jeans, an interesting top and a cozy wrap as shown here and you’ll be comfortable and frill free all night.

Then again, this day only comes once a year and certainly presents endless fashion possibilities. Why not take it all the way with a flirty, feminine, red crochet top dress? Feel free to add heart-stopping jewelry and a cute chunky shoe for some edge. With these items, you will surely be in the mood for love.

For those of us looking for a sophisticated and mature ensemble, go to the unfailing LBD. A striped jersey jacket keeps things tailored. Finish it off with a muted pink clutch, neutral bootie and clean, stainless jewelry for a timeless aesthetic.

Whether you buy into this kind of holiday or not, there’s no denying we all love finding a good excuse to doll ourselves up. In fact, a very intriguing article by eharmony.com discusses the resemblance of Valentine’s Day for women to men’s beloved Super Bowl. Most men believe women require chocolates and roses on this day. As great source writes, the real treat about Valentine’s is the opportunity to break out of the everyday. It is a day to feel extra special and give our fellas reason to admire us. So take some chances this holiday, be flirty, comfy or sophisticated. But no matter what you do, be sure it shows you off and keeps you feeling worthy of those secret admirers.

Moore Please

We love our skirts, adore our dresses and favor a great pair of shorts. But there’s one invaluable member of every woman’s closet and that’s the slim silhouette of Capri pants. After decades of turning to these sure-fire slenderizers, it’s a wonder more women don’t seek to pat the back [...]]]> by: Jennifer Richardson

Moore Please

We love our skirts, adore our dresses and favor a great pair of shorts. But there’s one invaluable member of every woman’s closet and that’s the slim silhouette of Capri pants. After decades of turning to these sure-fire slenderizers, it’s a wonder more women don’t seek to pat the back of the woman responsible for their continued existence. But to whom would we owe our gratitude for their popularization? The most likely source is Mary Tyler Moore, or better known as Laura Petrie of the classic sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show.

While most classic TV housewives were known for their dressy, sophisticated aesthetic, Mary Tyler Moore set a new and controversial standard for domestic style. With dark, slim and very fitted pants, Moore represented a realistic wife and mother without sacrificing a single ounce of chic. According to this women’s history article, Moore’s insistence on portraying a woman at home who wasn’t vacuuming in a dress, heels and a string of pearls set in motion a nation of wives proud to adorn themselves with flattering, feminine clothes Mrs. Cleaver wouldn’t dream of wearing.

In fact, this Mail online article highlighted Moore’s recent Screen Actor’s Guild recognition. They describe how because her pants were so effectively flattering, she was limited to wearing her Capri’s in only one scene per episode for fear of their being too provocative. This is proof that a woman does not have to perpetuate unrealistic ideals in order to emanate femininity and polished style.

Of course it isn’t just pant ensembles like these (below) that we have come to covet.

Moore unfailingly exuded chic comfort and utterly timeless elegance in all her fashion endeavors. Moore was also known for the delicate back details, which seemed to embellish all of her shells, blouses and sweaters. Equally loved garments are simple, universally flattering dresses like these and long, lean pencil skirts paired with tailored tops.

For the duration of five stylishly scintillating seasons, Moore became known as one of the most important style icons of her era. Fashion always glances back and for that, my closet and I are eternally grateful.

Sacramento Fashion Week is almost here! The excitement is building up and it can’t come soon enough. However, there have been a few fashion weeks all over the world that have already had successful outcomes.

Hong Kong Fashion Week 2012 for Fall and Winter was from January 16th-19th. [...]]]> by: Victoria Khan

Sacramento Fashion Week is almost here! The excitement is building up and it can’t come soon enough. However, there have been a few fashion weeks all over the world that have already had successful outcomes.

Hong Kong Fashion Week 2012 for Fall and Winter was from January 16th-19th. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, it is the world’s second largest and Asia’s largest fashion event . Over 1,900 exhibitors from 26 countries displayed their collections at Hong Kong Fashion Week.

Hidy Ng 2012 collection

The design theme of this year’s fashion week was “World Boutique.” With such a wide variety of designers showcasing their talents it is hard to decide which collections was the best. However, Hidy Ng, a Hong Kong based designer really stood out among the already talented crowd.

Something about the pure elegance, use of soft, flowy fabrics, and cool tone colors in her garments attracted me to her collection. Her clothes can make any wearer feel like royalty. To finish off a Hidy Ng look, all you would need is a cup of tea, royal jewels and elegant heels to be fit for a queen.

Here’s your last chance to get discount tickets since we love you so much! Enter promo code VDAY2012 to get 25% off each ticket. (Offer expires February 15, 2012)

Buy tickets here!

With the average size of American women being a size twelve, it isn’t a shock that curvy models like Marquita Pring are getting more face time on runways and magazine pages. For years people turned their noses down at women who had curves or were fuller figured. Society’s outlook on [...]]]> by: Nashay Bouie

With the average size of American women being a size twelve, it isn’t a shock that curvy models like Marquita Pring are getting more face time on runways and magazine pages. For years people turned their noses down at women who had curves or were fuller figured. Society’s outlook on beauty has made it hard for curvy models to get their footing in this industry, but with plus size models like Marquita Pring kicking down doors and crossing bridges, more full figured women will be a hot commodity in years to come. This curvy bombshell is no rookie to the industry. Pring now twenty- one, started her modeling career at age fifteen, when she attended a model search that she heard about on the radio. Stepping out purely on her dream she went to the model search in Toronto and ended up impressing the model agents there.

Since then her modeling career has accelerated, in 2009 she landed a spot at Ford Modeling Agency. She went from a girl with only a dream to being one of the faces for Levi’s Curve ID spring 2011 collection. Her latest endeavors have been ones to brag about, she was shot by Steven Meisel alongside her curvy teammates Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawoley for a ten page spread in June’s 2011 edition of Italian Vogue.

Pring second from Left in Levi’s Curve Id campaign

Like Italian Vogue, some designers are inspired by the breast, hips and thighs on fuller figured women and require models bigger than the industry standard plus size model (which is a size 8/10). In an interview with nymag.com, Pring dishes that she pads to make herself look bigger, “Yeah, to make you seem all around wider. I mean, from the side you look kind of weird- and it feels weird. Like every now and then my arm gets caught on it and I’m like, wait, this isn’t me. But it’s better for me because I can still be healthy and work out and have the body I want. It’s a little bit of model magic.”

Even though some may say she is cheating for using padding, none of it was necessary when she was booked to walk in Jean Paul Gaultier’s spring 2011 runway show in Paris.

Pring in Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011

With designers and other industry professionals realizing that real women don’t look like the thin women they send down the runways or put on magazine covers, it should be a no brainer that curvy women like Marquita Pring have a need in this slim industry.

The [...]]]> by: Jennifer Richardson
Perhaps you’re a fashion minded man and plan to attend Sac Fashion Week but need some outfit inspiration. We all know what exciting, chic options us ladies have for our Fashion Week appearance, but men are slightly more limited. Fret not! We’ve got some manly suggestions fit for GQ’s cover.

The most obvious issue one might notice when considering men’s clothing is somewhat of a lack of diversity. It seems men’s outfits are either dapper and dressy with slacks, loafers and a tie or completely casual with jeans and tennies. Let’s get out of this funk and tailor outfits according to each man. If a fella wants to throw on some comfy chinos but worries about being under dressed, simply add a tie to a simple shirt as shown in the outfit featured below.

The tie serves as an unexpected element. J. Crew, Banana Republic and other such men’s designers are great for inspiration on blending dressy and casual attire. There are also blogs and websites offering endless tips on men’s fashion such as this intended to guide the fashion fearing man.

For the more style savvy guy, give less common trends a try such as quirky cardigans and high-top boat shoes.

This will help you really show off your sense of style. When incorporating more current trends, men are also more likely to get away with dressing up denim and exuding a comfortable, effortless aesthetic.

by: Jennifer Richardson
It is important to note the little details such as casually rolled sleeves, for it’s adjustments such as these that turn an outfit from blasé to grade A. There is nothing wrong with putting a bit more spit and polish to your look. If you’re inclined go all out with slacks, a crisp dress shirt and cashmere as shown below.

Of course, more important than spiffy slacks, distinguished denim and stylish neckties is every man’s best accessory: confidence. As an article by JC Report on last year’s Paris Fashion week discusses, the confident male always creates a sharp aesthetic while also helping him compliment those around him. Whatever you gents decide to wear, make sure it makes you feel utterly cool.

hat: Goodwill, earrings: Patricia RebellIzsa, jacket: Macy’s, shirt: Upper Playground, shorts: Vintage, boots: Goodwill

I love San Francisco for many reasons, but what I love most about the city is the fashion. I spotted Jen while out and about in the Mission District. I was [...]]]> by: Kimberly Christophersen

hat: Goodwill, earrings: Patricia RebellIzsa, jacket: Macy’s, shirt: Upper Playground, shorts: Vintage, boots: Goodwill

I love San Francisco for many reasons, but what I love most about the city is the fashion. I spotted Jen while out and about in the Mission District. I was initially drawn to her by her eclectic style and just had to ask her about it.

Q: What is the most worn item in your closet?

A: The most worn item in my closet is probably the smaller bracelet I am wearing. I bought two from a woman street vendor in the city of Leh, located in the Ladakh region of India. It says ‘om ma ni pad me hum’ which in Tibetan sanskrit means, ‘jewel in the lotus’. As for clothing, I have this red jacket-like sweater that my friend’s 12 year old nephew titled a ‘swanket’ because it looks like a blanket and a sweater had a love child. I love it because it is super warm, super cute and I have indeed used it as a blanket during times of surprise sleepovers.

Q:: Who or what is your style inspiration?

A: As for who inspires my style, I’d have to give it up for my Grandma Jody first. She is by far the hottest, most stylist woman of her age that I’ve met. She loves thrift store shopping and she’s probably the reason why I enjoy fashion and second-hand stuff. Besides her, everyone inspires me. I am constantly looking at everyone I pass on the street to see what people are wearing. I tend to gravitate toward cluttered, eccentric looks.

Q: Do you have a process when getting dressed for the day?

A: I’m known to over accessorize. I feel like I am getting into costume when I get dressed. Every morning I’ll ask myself, ‘Who do I want to be today? Steampunk? Tribal? B-Girl? Mod?’ I used to feel materialistic, but I realized that the things we wear contribute to the energy we wish to project into the world. So as long as I wear things that give me positive energy, and try to shop in ethically and environmentally conscious ways, I’m happy.

Jen’s fun and inspiring personality is amplified through her style and that’s what truly makes her the ‘jewel in the lotus’.

This year Sacramento Fashion Week has partnered up with professional photographer, Tim Engle, to bring a whole new life the photographic imagery you will see throughout the event. You can see Tim’s work on the official promotional posters as well as various images on the website and event visuals. Check out the video to [...]]]>

This year Sacramento Fashion Week has partnered up with professional photographer, Tim Engle, to bring a whole new life the photographic imagery you will see throughout the event. You can see Tim’s work on the official promotional posters as well as various images on the website and event visuals. Check out the video to learn a little more about a community group Tim started, Click Monkeys, to help photographers of all experience levels.

For more info or to see more of Tim’s work, visit his website. EnglePhoto.com

Photographer Tim Engle (Right) with Creative Director Will Rodriguez (Left) at the photo shoot for the official poster.

Photographer: Tim Engle, Models: Melissa Lewis (Left) & Brianna Olenslager (Right), Hair & Makeup: Rowena & Takashi Salon, Stylist: Simone Vianna (TheStylistOnline.com), Creative Director: Will Rodriguez