femme fatale

The competition is heating up on Season 5 of Project Runway. My personal faves are Jerell and Korto. They each have such a distinct style. Jerell incorporates exotic prints and textures, while Korto plays with shapes and volume. I definitely see both of them making it to the final 3. As far as the third person to join them, I'm still undecided, but I'm thinking Leanne. Her Saturn car part challenge was "Fierce" as Christian Siriano (winner, season 4) would say. Sign in and cast your vote for your top three designers.
What's even cooler about this season is that six designer got to show at Bryant Park for New York Fashion Week. I enjoyed 4 of the 6 final contestants. Suede and Joe did not make the cut. Neither designer showed any innovation. As a result one of them got auf'd. Go to www.bravotv.com and judge for yourself.

Here is a small taste of the leading designs. I swear each season just gets better and better. Who knows, you may even see DMK designs on the silver screen soon. Can you just picture twelve adorable boys and girls strutting their stuff down the Bryant Park Runway? Too Cute!!!

Stay Tuned for the winner of Season 5, and stop by to comment on who you think should win each week.


DMK's Top Picks by Jerell


Korto Brings her Bold Flava


Leanne Shows Color and Fierceness


Kinley Continues to Stand Out in the Pack (She even wore a bird on her head, SATC anyone?)

How to Shop and Help our Environment

Recently it seems that the latest trend in fashion is going green or being eco-friendly. Thanks to our pal Al Gore, there has been a surge in wanting to protect our environment, and switching your shopping choices to eco-friendly products is a positive first step.

There are several companies that are making it easier for you to go green. Ikea, Whole Foods, and even Target have some really cool canvas shopping bags that you can use beyond the grocery store. Try taking them with you to the mall, your local farmers market, or even the library to carry your books.

One of my favorite websites: www.whiteapricot.com has a catalog of websites that offer eco-friendly clothing and accessories, to include yoga and baby wear.

I also love the number of boutiques popping up everywhere that carry organic clothing and other fun, indulging products.

In a perfect world, I would live in a green community where everything was made of recyclable products to include my home and furniture, the power source would use only solar energy, and the grocery stores stocked nothing but organic and recycled products. I would drive a hybrid hydrogen car, and my entire wardrobe would be comprised of organic and environmentally safe fabrics.

Thankfully our environment is actually moving towards a world that closely resembles the above scenario. You don't have to be rich, like Kimora Simmons, (did anyone catch last weeks episode of Life in the Fab Lane?) to convert your life to being eco-friendly. If you have any questions on what small easy changes that you can do in your everyday life email me at dmkfullcircle@gmail.com or go to my site www.gogreenwebcast.com/fullcircle

Got to www.mypace.com/dmkfullcircle and add me as a friend. Spread the eco-friendly love...

Jewelry for the Hip Individual

Well there is a new artist that has just recently hit the scene in Saint Louis, no I'm not talking about the music scene, I'm talking about fashion of course. Lol! Pieces by Peace is a new line of jewelry handmade by a Ms. Camille Peace. (Yes that is her real name, too cool!)



Pieces was first inspired by her mother's love of jewelry. Her mom was into diamonds and yellow gold, while Camille prefers silver and turquoise. The two women's taste differ but their love for jewelry is the same. Camille began making her own jewelry partly due to her non support of diamond mining in Africa. Copper, Gemstones, and Natural materials are what brings Pieces by Peace to life. Each piece is beautifully handcrafted and individualized. You can tell that there is passion behind her work.

I was personally drawn to Pieces by Peace because of the fun colors and eclectic edge each piece portrays. The prices are extremely agreeable as well. Check her out at www.peaceimages.etsy.com or her myspace www.myspace.com/peaceimages



Also look for her stuff at various festivals in and around the city of St. Louis, and www.peaceimages.net, the official website should be launching by the end of Summer!

Sex and The City: The Movie

courtesy of New York Magazine

Well let me just say, I loved the movie. It was a great wrap up to six seasons of fashion, love, sex, and shopping previously viewed on the silver screen. The movie had all the elements, there was comedy, romance, suspense, and a quality of realness you would expect from an indie film.

Without giving the entire movie away, the message, which I can really appreciate, is getting people to understand that marriage is about the two people involved, not the elaborate wedding that people seem to get sucked into like a black hole. Yes, I'm talking to all the Bridezillas out there. Beware, June is here after all!

Aside from having a nice message, the outfits were most definitely to die for, literally (well, maybe, not really). I'm sure you've seen a few of the Carrie Bradshaw outfits on the web and the glossies, but all of the girls looked amazing. Patricia Field brought her A-game without a doubt. And of course, there was a shout out to the infamous Manolo Blahniks. (I swear that shoe almost became the sixth character next to New York as the 5th!)

I rarely catch a matinee twice, but I may have to this time, along with my journal to take a few notes.

And once again I have truly been inspired, not only by the fashion and the city of New York, but by these incredible characters. I look forward to my 30's and 40's. I too will be fit, fashionable, and fabulous...

Is Kohl's the New Fashionista Hot Spot?

Well it seems that Kohls has done it again. First they brought out Simply Vera Vera Wang, (which is reminiscent of Banana Republic with an Anthropologie twist), and now they've brought us Elle. This innovative line created by Elle Magazine and sold exclusively at Kohls. I personally find the idea genius. I mean it was only a matter of time, after seeing runway shows, boutique openings, and interviewing fashion icons, that Elle magazine would want to develop their own designer line.

Now the only questions left to ask are, Will the clothes measure up to other designer lines as far as quality and wearability? And. How long will the line stick around? I am curious to know if anyone has purchased a piece of the Elle Collection? Weigh in and let me know what you have and how you feel about it. Good prices... Quality fabrics...Good fit...Creative designs? How does it compare to all the other beautiful clothing we see in the glossy pages of Elle magazine?

Now You Can Decorate Your Home and Eat Your Cake Too

It's that time of year to start celebrating, whether it's a graduation, a memorial day bbq, or a pool party, it's time to get your home fashionably ready for guests. With just a few tweaks, your place can resemble a cool NY loft or an island resort. The trick is to pick a theme and choose colors that reflect your personality.

My plan for my home is to incorporate more of a summer feeling to the place. I'm going for a "California Sunshine" look. Partly because I'm obssessed with LA right now, and also because I love bright colors.

I'm going to get some new fabric and make covers for my throw pillows, and I would like to buy some lanern lights to hang in the dining room (which we don't even dine in and just use as an office).

There are so many cool stores and sites to help get you started. You can check out one of my favs ikea, also a new favorite to Ask Drew (he almost bought the whole store :->) or check out Husque brand by Marc Harrison, and there's www.2modern.com to name a few.

Whichever way you decide to decorate, make sure you're having fun while doing it. And don't forget about the brands that are beautiful and looking out for the environment and atmosphere. They get double cool points from me.

cool fabrics to get creative


2modern.com pillow


recycled macadamia nut bowls: great for party snacks

How to Take Back Your Closet in 3 Easy Moves!

It's that time of year when you need to take back ownership of your closet. I know mine was really starting to get crowded, and unfortunately it was full of stuff I wasn't even wearing. The first thing you'll want to do is remove all articles of clothing that look frumpy, don't fit, or are just not your color.

Next go back through and pull out anything that you have not worn in the last two years. Seriously, if you have not worn it by now then it is not going to be worn anytime soon. And it's wasting it's time in your closet when someone else could be enjoying it. (Do allow yourself to keep those favorite pair of skinny jeans that you plan to squeeze yourself back into one day!)

A little trick for next year is to hang everything in your closet facing right. Then after you wear an item, place it back in the closet facing left. At the end of the season, you can easily remove the items that are still facing right.

Ok so now you have all of the unwanted items, and now it's time to separate them into different groups. Make one pile of items "good enough" to sell at your local resale shop or on eBay, and another pile for donation. The cool thing is once your old items sell, you can go out and buy this season's cute new spring fashions. Do not be afraid to completely purge your closet, you will thank yourself later. Here are a few items to motivate you...

Designer Fashion Real or Faux?

So I'm talking to my sister a couple days ago, and she's raving about the $4000 pair of Balenciaga Gazon Cage Bleue Semelle Rose heels that Beyonce rocked at the American Music Awards. And apparently she's not the only one that is dying for a pair. Lucky for her, Bakers has made an amazingly great knock off of these baleciaga stilettos for about 80 bucks.

Faux Pair


Now there is a bit of a wait list for these shoes, but if you're a diva that likes to go out on her own and not follow every trend, then you can get a pair in black or white (which I actually like better.) The originals are just a little too colorful and toy-like for my taste.

Keep Bakers on your list of places to check cuz it doesn't stop there. They've also made an even better knock off of the balenciaga open toe boots, which Tracee Ellis Ross wore beautifully. (Real not Fake) The real ones will hit you up for $1650, but thanks to Bakers you can get yours for a little more than $100. You never know which shoes they'll do next...



Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Eco Friendly Fashions are Taking Stride

Designers are making it easier for us to Go Green in our everyday life. We all know know to recycle our paper and plastic, take shorter showers, and unplug unused appliances, but did you know you can be eco-friendly and fashion forward at the same time. I have highlighted a few must-have items I think you will want to incorporate into your wardrobe ASAP! Why not do our friend, earth, a favor...

www.gypsy05.com

The Eco-friendly long dress has a deep V-shaped neckline, twisted straps and is unlined. Made from organic fabrics, natural dyes that fade from the bottom all the way up, and produced in a solar-powered factory.

Feel like a super star in this organic maxi dress. These dresses have been featured in People Magazine and seen on Hollywood Starlet Kate Hudson.




The Melissa Summer Collection

Melissa is the original ‘jelly’, born in 1979 in Brazil. It is made from PVC, which is especially manufactured by the Brazilian company Grendene in its plant in Brazil. Researchers in its laboratory have already developed more than 70 formulations of PVC, thus enabling the company to produce injection moulded shoes of outstanding flexibility, comfort and design.

melissa releases two major collections per year, a winter collection and a summer collection, both launched at Sao Paulo Fashion Week in Brazil. If a particular style proves to be very popular and melissa decides to re-release this style then that style is re-launched in a new range of colours.

A few years ago, to add to the melissa experience, the decision was made to infuse all melissa shoes with a sweet bubblegum smell. The smell will not last forever – but it does remain for quite a few months and is one of the most talked about features of melissa.

These awesome shoes are available online and at local boutiques nationwide
www.melissaaustralia.com

Envirosax Flora Reusable Bags



Say no to plastic bags with this set of 5 super lightweight and portable reusable bags. Seriously sturdy and roomy, they can carry the equivalent of 2 grocery bags! And bonus- they fold down to nearly nothing so you can toss one in your bag to always have on hand for whenever you are tempted to use a plastic bag. Waterproof. Online Only www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog

Can Celebrities Really Design?

Well this has been quite a week for designers, fashionistas, and hip hop enthusiasts. Should I or shouldn't I, I think I shall... It is official, the new Mr and Mrs have made the leap into married bliss. I'm speaking of the infamous Jay and Beyonce. Doesn't their marital union remind you of crowning the king and queen at the prom? It's like we just saw (well not actually since it was a private ceremony but...) the two of them get crowned and take their first dance.

At any rate, it's nice to see a new "power couple" . It gives you something to aspire to, because let's face it, everyone gets their reign and then the next new hot couple comes along. Anyone remember Babyface and Tracey Edmonds, or the recent demise of Kimora and Russ? Congratulations to the new couple. May you have a long and prosperous reign in and out of the paparazzi eyes.

On a small related note... What do you all think about House of Dereon? I myself have been getting mixed reviews. check it out here www.dereon.com I will tell you that I am still looking for that perfect pair of jeans that make all my curves look good in all the right places ;) You know what I'm sayin'.

As far as the British "queen of fashion" goes aka Victoria Beckham isn't doing so hot with her new denim line dvb. Apparently the jeans will be pulled from the shelves, so if you want a pair, you're going to have to go to Britain yourself. Oh well, sorry Posh. Maybe next time. At least you still have your perfume.



I have saved the best for last. British based designer, Chloe Lonsdale has revamped the Made In Heaven denim line, made popular in the 70's by Farrah Fawcett and Twiggy. Her father Tony Lonsdale was the first Brit to bring denim to England, and was a leader in selling Made In Heaven at his extremely popular stores, Jean Machine. Now called MiH Jeans, Chloe has maintained the essence of the 70's while designing for the modern woman. The line has something for everyone... Skinny, high-waisted, wide leg, and the classic bell bottom. There may be hope for me yet. Check out http://www.MiHJeans.com/I am sure you will label these jeans the next best thing to marmalade, just ask Scarlett Johansson and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Pure Event at STL Fashion Week

I have officially fallen in love with Rachel Pally dresses. Her dresses are so beautiful and make you feel sexy and comfortable at the same time. I got a chance to see her fall '08 show along with Black Halo by Laurel Berman and Kinetix by Shay Wilson. The runway show had something to offer for everyone. Kinetix showcased designer denim and graphic t-shirts for him and her which can be found at Courtney Gene boutique in Saint Louis, MO. www.kxclothing.com

Black Halo brought easy and classic work pieces to the stage. Most of the outfits can transition from day to night with very little effort. Select pieces are also available at Courtney Gene boutique. Check the website for a retailer near you. www.black-halo.com

While Rachel Pally gave us fun and flirty pieces to wear anytime of the day. My personal favorites were the bold printed dresses, and gray bubble jacket. The next afternoon at her trunk show I bought the long black caftan dress that I can dress up with stilettos and diamonds or dress down with sandals and a beaded necklace. Rachel Pally can be found at stores and boutiques Nationwide.

Also check out her website at www.rachelpally.com

PROJECT:DESIGN! During STL Fashion Week

Well Tuesday, March 25, had to be the most crowded The Contemporary Art Museum has ever been since it opened. At 7PM there was a line up the block leading to the Fox Theater, and by the time I reached the front they were turning people away. Luckily I had bought my tickets online that afternoon.

The ambiance felt modern and yet "grimey" at the same time. It's like when you ride the old warehouse elevator to the penthouse and the doors open up to reveal an ultra hip party happening. There were free drinks for VIP members and a live DJ playing emu hip hop. It was cool to have the two worlds of fashion and hip hop merging together to provide a night of entertainment.

But enough about the atmosphere, let's get to the heart of the night, which was the clothing and uber funky/cool accessories. These local designers really showed me that Saint Louis is full of talent when it comes to designing (not hatin' on anyone else doing their thing). Not being a native to this city, I am starting to discover the hidden treasures that this city really has to offer. Our neighbor, Chicago, may have to watch out as we may surpass them as the top midwest fashion city capital.

Six local designers: Lesley Timpe, Paul Gibson, Ashley Dayley, Felicia Pease, Kay Oss, and Suzanne Lay presented pieces for the show and for purchase that evening. Each one was very unique and easy to incorporate into anyone's wardrobe. Go to www.stlfashionweek.com for pictures and let me know who is your favorite local designer.

I personally enjoyed AFV by Ashley Dayley and Felicia Pease. Their pieces are one-of-a-kind and handmade. They also have a website at www.myspace.com/afvfashion. All I have to say is if you missed out on going to at least one of the events during fashion week (which was really like two and a half weeks) then you better check the website and see the vast array of designs waiting to had.

Here is a terrific artist that always leaves me inspired to design!

Fashion Week in Saint Louis!!!!

Right now is a fashionista's dream in Saint Louis. This week is
Fashion Week beginning Monday, March 24 through Sunday, March 30.
Saint Louis Fashion Week made its debut last year, and is expected to
be even more spectacular for 2008. There are several more "home
grown" designers this year, as well as some majors that have made
their way to the midwest to share the latest fashions from both
coasts.

Fashion Week will kick off with Project:Design! at the
Contemporary Art Museum on Washington. It will feature exhibits by
top local up- and- coming designers such as Lesley Timpe, the designer
of Squasht by Les, and Suzanne Lay. This will be a great opportunity
to purchase some one of a kind pieces and network with some of the
local talent.
To check out the full list of designers and events for
this week go to www.stlfashionweek.com .

This week will be a showcase of fashion shows and after parties at Saint Louis' ultra
sheik clubs to include the new Lumiere Place Casino and Hotel.
There has already been a number of events in the last couple of weeks
leading up to Fashion Week. Kimora Lee Simmons made an appearance at
Macy's and hosted a women's luncheon.

Neiman Marcus hosted an event that I attended with some friends, where D&G had a fashion show with a live band performance by The Last Almanac to open up for them.

It's nice to see that Saint Louis is on the scene for fashion. There may
even be the chance to see some celebrity sitings this week, since we
all know fashion and celebrities walk hand in hand. We may not be New
York, but Saint Louis definitely has style and will soon be one of the
cities looked at as a trend setter! This I can guarantee!

Be Bold today

Here is an easy way to update your wardrobe without spending a whole lot of money. Go to your local store and pick up a bottle of nail polish in a new vibrant color and promptly put it on. That little splash of color will add volume to your look. This is the most inexpensive way to try the season's new colors without commitment. Try channeling that inner fashionista, and pick a color that commands peoples attention. The key is to stand out and get noticed. Do not play it safe! Color is an instant mood booster and can be inspiring. Right now I am trying on this new color by OPI called Can You Dig It. As soon as my nails were dry I became a new woman that no longer yearned for a new bag and pair of R&R jeans, and it only cost me $8. Trust me, you'll be thanking yourself immediately. And at worst, you might think the color doesn't match your skin tone, if so exchange it with your best friend, sister, or be bold and take it back to the store. Or for the internet shoppers try your color on here first www.opi.com/opi/opisudio.aspx This is a great tool to match your skin tone with the right colors.

check this out







I JUST HAVE TO SAY I lOVE CUSTO BARCELONA. HE USES COLORS IN A WAY THAT NO OTHER DESIGNER CAN. Now Available locally at boutiques and department stores. Email me for a list of stores. Keep Fashion Alive!

Peace
DMK