Botkier at Target!!!!

So if you are a bag fiend like myself you know the importance of this story.  Since it seems its the new thing now for expensive, luxury designers to come out with lines for a less expensive price. We see Vera Wang at Kohl's and Cavalli at H&M.  These are all great especially for the struggling student who wants to look great on a good price.

That is why seeing Botkier come to Target isn't that much of surprise but is still that much of a treat.  I am known to many of my friends and family as the bag lady and having one of these would definitely make my collection.  All of the bags are unique, fun and can be worn dressed up or down.  They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors to satisfy and woman's bag palette.  New York Magazine gave a sneak peak at the bags so take a look at the new bags and choose which one you want and count down the days until they reach your local Target.  The Botkier line will be available at Target July 21 and continue through September 14th. 

Candice Has 1 Week!!

Sorry... I know its been awhile since the last update about the fabulous Elevator fashion shoot. A lot has happened and a lot  continues to happen as this week treks on.  I am in the process of picking the model, putting finishing touches on the military chic clothes, finding the right shoes, and getting the right hair and make up ideas.  

Its been a long couple of weeks especially working on the budget I have and having to work on others' schedules.  There have been times when the shoot has been out of my hands and I have had to step back and let others be creative and listen to what they say. A hard lesson for an occasional control freak!  

But I am so grateful to have a place to shoot in New York City and a photographer who is willing to work with me and help make this photo shoot more than even I expected 3 weeks ago.  This process has been one of craziness!!  I will be giving the play by play as the last couple days go on.  Keep up with me...

Natural Beauty

Ever since Bare Escentuals developed their Bare Minerals makeup line, other cosmetic companies have followed their lead by releasing their own take on the beauty craze. Mineral foundations tend to appear very chalky on the skin of women of color, so Valana Minerals offers a different formula that is more complementary to minority women's skin.  The company also offers a variety of shades for darker complexions, which had been lacking among the Bare Escentuals collections. I love the Tribal Butterfly collection of her eyeshadows, which includes a dusty pink, a chocolate brown and a bronzy color.

Return of Supermodels!

That's right, you read correctly: Naomi, Christy, Linda, and Cindy are all making a return and taking back what was once theirs.  Back in the 1990s there wasn't a fashion magazine without a supermodel. They were all on first name status, and everyone knew them and had a favorite. These models had personality and could really help sell a product. 

Unfortunately, the times of 90s models are finished. Now, its extremely rare to find any magazine without a celebrity face. Celebrities have taken the supermodel's place: they are the ones in the fashion ads, on the covers, and with the first name status.  Now the only model on first name status is Giselle; the rest are referred to as 'one of the Victoria Secret models,' or 'the really skinny one with the big eyes in that campaign.'  At least, that's what me and my friends say. 

But no longer will the models be unseen, they are making a comeback.  As I was reading through my large stack of Women's Wear Dailies (WWDs) last night, I came across the article that talked about how the supermodels are holding on with Fall European ads.  Now Linda Evangelista, who once said she wouldn't get out of bed for less than $10,000, is doing Prada, Naomi Campbell, is doing Yves Saint Laurent, Claudia Schiffer, is in Chanel and Salvatore Ferragamo, Eva Herzigova is in Louis Vuitton, and Christy Turlington is in Escada. And of course we still have Kate Moss gracing us with her beauty and telling us all to, "Get the London Look," from Rimmel. 

Don't forget the designers know these models, they are all a familiar face and they know what they are doing when they get on set.  That's why most don't have a problem with bringing back the supermodel. Most of the models have made a brand of themselves, which can only enhance the designers clothes. 

These beauties are still formidable opponents against the celebrity craze, and you never know just how this could end. 

CFDA Awards 2008

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) hosted its 2008 awards ceremony Monday night by bringing out some of fashions hottest designers.  The event was held at the landmark New York Public Library.  The CFDA is a not-for-profit agency that promotes fashion and accessories designers.  They hope to ensure the future of designers and help others understand how they are a large part of American art and culture.  

It's a good cause that brings a lot of big names. Major designers and celebrities, among new comers, came out dressed to the nines to be a part of this night.  The big winners at the ceremony were designer Francisco Costa, who designs for Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, and Tory Burch.  Other designers to come were Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Donna Karen and Carolina Herrera.  Celebrities also came to celebrate, Eva Mendes came wearing a white dress designed by Costa, Victoria Beckham in a Marc Jacobs dress, Ashley Olsen in Calvin Klein,  and Georgina Chapman in Marchesa. 

A big night in fashion seems to always bring a lot of attention. 

Losing a Fashion Icon

For those fashionistas out there, you already know that the fashion world lost a great one: Yves Saint Laurent. He was a pioneer in women's fashion over the years, bringingt power to women through his designs. He introduced the female pant suit, pea coat, and peasant blouse.

Today it's hard to find great designers in a celebrity-focused society where any "It" person can come out with a clothing line. The true talent has become hard to come by anymore. That's why most try to hold onto designers like Saint Laurent who change the perception of people through their clothes. They made clothes that we look at today and still find a way to incorporate them into our style.

Saint Laurent was 71.  He died in his home in Paris.

Coming Together (Knock on Wood!)

Hey Everyone... So this process has been moving along slowly but surely. We have the location for the shoot, a photographer, production crew, and a look book of the clothes. Its been a hectic couple of days making sure that everything runs smoothly.

The only thing missing is a model, BUT I do have potentials, so this is going to be a great shoot. For only six weeks time--which is now down to like one week, because we will be shooting next week--its going to look great. This challenge was hard, but I believe I'll come out better and contribute something great to Elevator.

Be sure to look out for the behind the scenes fashion shoot drama on the Elevator website. Keep up with me and check in later.