Heel Condoms, a brilliant invention by Sandrysabel Ortiz

Fashiona gets all types of press releases and the one about the heel condoms was the most entertaining in quite some time.


Heel Condoms...no Fashiona did not go "there", she thought they were some type of plastic cover for the heel to possibly protect it from the elements.  Not quite...but what they are is simply genius.


Sandrysabel Ortiz, a stiletto lover, found  a way to extend the "looks" of her favorite heels.  Her theory...you can always find a new pair of heels but it is tough to find a pair that are chic as they are comfortable.

Surprise: the "three" black stilettos you see above...are all the same shoe! Think of the heel condom as a heel stocking, a stocking you put on to COVER the heel of your shoe rather than on your leg. Each pair of stockings look different therefore changing the look of each shoe. The instructions per the inventor: simply place the elastic under your foot to keep in place and no one will notice it's there!


Fashiona loves the concept of  Heel Condoms.... what are your thoughts?

Emerlyn and Ester Boutique: Where Class Meets Style

As the cliché says...money can buy you a lot of things but class isn't one of them.  Lucky for the style inclined in Atlanta, Ne-Yo's significant other Monyetta Shaw has class, money and an eye for fashion.


Last Friday, Fashiona was invited to a private media preview (Courtesy of the Garner Circle) of Emerlyn and Ester.

Ms. Shaw told her that Emerlyn and Ester were the name of her grandmothers and they had very differing but equally memorable senses of personal style.  She remembers them as 

being proper Southern Belles, wearing gloves and hats...very much ladies.

The dominant color in the shop is pink...what Ms. Shaw has coined "Jealousy". 


The feeling of true exclusivity is in the air. All under the same roof you can find lingerie from Hoff, jeans from Marc and Allison Jeans and rosaries from champion poker player turned jewelry designer Chris Akin's 13 Crown;  who is also donating a portion of his proceeds  to the Compound Foundation.


As soon as Fashiona walked into the Buckhead  establishment...she felt instantly transported to a couture shop in Milan or Paris.

The store is open by appointment only...how exclusive is that! Call them at 404-848-8494.

All photos: David Barrack



Fashiona declared "Preppy" by ShabbyApple.com

Fashiona is back...between starting her new job last week and  Topaz coming in town for the weekend, her time was otherwise occupied.  But she is back with new things to share.


Over the weekend, Fashiona received a press release from ShabbyApple.com...yes the name caught got her eye too.  It is a cute site that has everything from Style Advice (just send in an e-mail with your question) to tips for best flattering your shape to various clothing collections with names like "Black" to "Maternity" to everything in between.


Fashiona's favorite feature is the What's your style widget?




Now Fashiona took the quiz twice and was told she was PREPPY...really...what do you think?

Here is to you Lady Gaga: 52nd Grammys Red Carpet

As elated as Fashiona was with the Golden Globes...she was somewhat disappointed with the 52nd Grammys.   Not the awards portion, mind you,  but the Red Carpet. 

Fashiona's friend Ms. M. said it best:

"Thank goodness for Lady Gaga on the Grammy's red carpet...I was afraid everyone would be dull and safe."

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Lady Gaga was anything but safe as she walked the Red Carpet in a purple couture Giorgio Armani Prive dress encrusted in Swarovski crystals .  Gaga increased her wow factor with sky high platforms, platinum blonde and techo color yellow hair and  a star in her hand. 

Here is to you Lady Gaga for making the 52nd Grammy Red Carpet worth watching!

Fashiona enters Kimberville: I am Kimber Jewelry and Accessories

Thursday evening Fashiona entered the wonderful world of Kimberville.  Kimberville's,  I am Kimber is the debut jewelry and accessories line created by Monica Leapheart, the twenty-something founder and senior designer.

All photos by: PaParazzi

Chocolate Pink Lounge was transformed into a nontraditional showroom. Models of varying hues wore all white and held trays with  baubles on them.  Pink faceless mannequins displayed the balance of  the "I am Kimber" collection. All of her pieces have a combination of  metal mixing, chains, treated leather, pearls and lots of sparkle, with stones and Swarovski crystals.

 

 Princess meets Rocker Chick, Fashiona thought as she viewed all the pieces and she was able to speak Miss Monica for a few minutes as she was mingling with her guests. Monica shared that she was inspired by the world of make believe and the childhood world of dress up.  "I am Kimber" is a way for her to bring her love of sparkle and her adult aesthetic together.

As Monica says:

"Go forth and sparkle!"

Courtesy of The Garner Circle PR

Fashiona on Lady Gaga

Photo Credit:Steve Eichner/WWD.com

Lady Gaga, like Madonna, created her brand the old-fashioned way through hard work and constant self promotion.  Born  Stefani Germanotta, she constantly reinvents herself and thrives on being eccentric.  Even Madonna who isn't one to dish out compliments says that Lady Gaga reminds her of a early verison of herself (pre yoga, children and reigning Queen of Cougardom.)

Lady Gaga  could certainly  futher cash in on her celebrity by creating a clothing line but she has gone on the record by saying:

The House of Gaga is not an economy.

Fashiona loves her quote as a sound bite but does think that Lady Gaga will soon change her mind  especially since she just accepted the Style Maker Award from the Accessories Council of Excellence. 

Now Fashiona DOES hope that "House of Lindsay Lohan" is short lived... 
.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jimmy Choos for H&M

Alas...Fashiona and her alpha male boyfriend "M Tyson" parted ways last week...apparently two alpha people don't always mix. But Fashiona, like Carrie from Sex in the City, is the eternal optimist and will try romance again...soon enough. In fact the news that Jimmy Choo is launching a shoe collection for H and M was enough to cheer her up.

The Jimmy Choo for H and M line designed by Tamara Mellon will be available in 200 selected  H and M stores November 14.  

Photo by Courtesy Photo

An ad for the Jimmy Choo for H and M collection.

Fashiona just might wear a pair  to her next business dinner with her lawyer   Mr. Big.

Fashiona on Traditional Media vs. Internet Media

Both New York Magazine and Womens Wear Daily, had very interesting articles in the past week about the rise of Internet media ie. blogs, online newspapers and social networking sites and how they have changed the publishing industry. Both articles declaring that the days of journalism being "one way communication" are over; being replaced by journalists actively engaging their readers via Twitter, Facebook and blogs. Design houses are also following suit with design maven Donna Karan leading the way.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Photo/WWD.com

Donna Karan’s Twitter page bills itself as providing “behind-the-scenes scoop from inside DKNY.”

The late Walter Cronkite, arguably one of the most objective news reporters, was before Fashiona's time but she is well aware of his commitment to fair and balanced reporting, may he rest in peace. His legacy is on her mind as she heads to the National Association for Black Journalists conference this week.

Of course fashion editing, like designing, is very subjective and is looked at through the lenses of the creator and the audience. Since Fashiona began her writing career via the Internet rather than the more traditional print path, she is actually very comfortable encouraging conversation with her pieces. She likes know what her readers are thinking...and they always tell her in their comments.

Fashiona

Rachel Roy debuting pop up store during September 2009's NY Fashion Week

Fashiona likes to keep up with the happenings of designer Rachel Roy because she is beautiful, talented and business savvy: all attributes that Fashiona admires.

Photo Credit: WireImage

Rachel in her own design at the 2009 CFDA awards.


So Fashiona was excited to learn that (according to Women's Wear Daily), Rachel Roy is debuting a pop-up store in trendy Soho during September's New York Fashion Week. The pop-up store will feature Rachel's Rachel Rachel Roy collection and stay up for about 10 days.

Fashiona has every intention of visiting the store and many of her favorite stores during her September Fashion Week visit...her very first visit since she moved to Hotlanta.


Fashiona

Life after Denim...true story

One of the reasons that Fashiona loves old black and white movies is the 1930s and 1940s fashion. Between the hats, the furs, men wearing suits and the Rolls Royces, Fashiona can lose herself in them every Sunday afternoon. So when she read about the new company Life/After/Denim in Womens Wear Daily, she was intrigued...especially since American culture went from dressing up ALL the time to three degrees of causal with the occasional formal attire thrown in.

Photo by Courtesy Photo

Looks from Life/After/Denim, launching this fall

Co-founders Alexis Fray and Michael Choi, both from fashion industry families have targeting the new LA based line toward young men post college. These military inspired classics offers young men a great middle ground between college gear and conservative suits. Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom are said to have picked up the new line set to launch this fall.

Of course as Fashiona celebrates the mere thought of young men dressing up more, she is eagerly awaiting her "free" custom made designer jeans from Thimbler.

Fashiona

Fashiona on D&G's Spring 2010 Collection

Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones has permeated our pop culture with sound bite after sound bite.

One of Fashiona's personal favorites: What is that ...velvet? If you are looking at Dolce and Gabbana's D&G Spring 2010 line... then yes, yes it is.

Photo By Giovanni Giannoni/WWW.com

D&G Men's Spring 2010

American cowboy meets British Gentry was the theme for their Spring 2010 collection as shown in Milan.

Photo By Giovanni Giannoni/WWW.com

D&G Men's Spring 2010


Fashiona sincerely hopes that this brings the demise of the detestable skinny jean for men.

Fashiona

Fashiona on Rompers vs. Jumpsuits

Fashiona enjoys keeping up with fashion trends but some she just fails to comprehend. For instance: Rompers. Yes on toddlers, they are cute and adorable but on grown women...why?




These Johnson Agnes Silk Jumper numbers are just...well freakin' teeny and have the gall to retail for over $300! Someone PLEASE explain why any woman besides Paris Hilton would wear these in public...anyone??

To Miss Fashiona they are just too infantile...but if someone could send her a detailed memo, she will at least read it...before she laughs out loud.

Now jumpers Fashiona like...since to be able to walk and sit without flashing any unnecessary information is a basic requirement in any clothing purchase she makes.

Photo Credit: FreePeople.com




Photo Credit: ShopBop.com

Sunner Florent Jumpsuit


Fashiona

Shoshanna Sample Sale

Fashiona is a bit teary eyed as she writes this.... is having a sample this week from her showroom. Since Fashiona is unable to beam herself Star Trek style to New York for this event...she decided to tell her readers about it instead.

Wednesday June 17^th

10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

&

Thursday June 18th

10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

231 West 39^th Street

Suite 422

New York, NY 10018

Between 7^th and 8^th Avenues

212.719.3601

Shoshanna Wallpaper Floral Double Strap Cami Top

Was $275.00 - Now $75.00

Shoshanna Bone Waistband Detail Short

Was $198.00 - Now $75.00

Shoshanna Marrakesh Embroidery Strapless Dress

Was $375.00 - Now $150.00

Topaz, Day and Dina... Fashiona expects text updates and pictures of your finds.


Fashiona

Alain Mikli: Natural Business Man and Creative Genius

Fashiona, while a Virgo by sign, has a Gemini-like dual work personality. She loves making money...who doesn't and she loves being creative. Her two alma maters: Florida A & M University honed the business side and Parsons rounded out her creative side.

This is part of the reason she is fascinated by Alain Mikli: an optician by trade and a self-taught eyewear designer. Alain who is of Armenian and Lebanese heritage and raised in France was one of the first designers to bridge the gap between functional eyewear and fashionable accessories.

Alain's new line is called "Glam" and it channels Jackie O and modern bling.

Yes dearies, those are indeed Swarovski crystals on the frame. Snag your pair at www.mikli.com.


Thankfully it is supposed to be sunny this weekend so Fashiona can don one of her many pairs of sunglasses.

Fashiona

Fashiona on the State of Denim

News flash everyone, Fashiona has always been vain...she was born two weeks late and the family joke is that "she was doing her hair". She is also a natural snob...even as a toddler she picked out the most expensive dress in any store unassisted. Fortunately for the world at large, Fashiona's parents wisely instilled in both her and Sis, an unstoppable work ethic...to enable them to afford their expensive tastes.

Fashiona's snobbery, which knows no bounds, extends to denim also...after all she was a denim designer for years and trained under some of the best denim gurus. As a result, her designer denim collection is vast. LA's Seven For All Mankind was the first of the triple digit priced jeans but alas Fashiona's curves are better matched for Diesel, Joe's and Miss Sixty.

While Seven is launching their limited edition Eiffel Tower jeans in May; Italy's Diesel opened their first restaurant, Circle, in Milan last week.

No...Fashiona isn't planning an Italy trip again this year but the next time she and Sis go back, they will don their Diesels (meaning Sis will permanently borrow a pair of Fashiona's) to gallivant around Milan and of course drop into Circle.

Photo by Courtesy Photo

Inside Diesel’s Circle restaurant


Fashiona

Rachel Roy~Rachel Rachel Roy an exclusive Macy's Line

The lovely and uber talented, Rachel Roy has been making waves on the fashion circuit for a few years now with her publicized high end line sold at the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue and Berdorf Goodman.

Photo Credit: Expose.Com

Blood Diamond New York Movie Premiere - Arrivals
November 30, 2006 - New York, NY

While the ink is not quite dry from her divorce from Damon Dash, she is making major business moves. Her namesake line Rachel Roy is doing so well in an otherwise lackluster retail market that she is launching a recessionista worthy line exclusively at Macy's.

This new line is billed as a contemporary lifestyle line called Rachel Rachel Roy has Fashiona jumping in anticipation for the August debut. By then Fashiona will have memorized the layout of Atlanta's Lenox Square and armed with 10 years of NYC sample sales behind her, getting a first look will not be a problem.

But for now Fashiona, the kind soul that she is, found this little teaser for you:

Photo Credit: Talaya Centeno

Fashiona

Fashiona's new discovery~Indian Designer Kiran Rai

One of Fashiona's very favorite things in life is shopping. Another favorite past time of her's...discovering new things to buy. Of course due to the economic meltdown she has spent more time in the doing latter than the former.

Her latest find is Kiran Rai. She is a designer of Indian heritage, born in England and schooled in Switzerland. Kiran spent 10 years in fashion as a buyer and then 2006 she launched her line Sir Alistair Rai; the slogan "Wear your truth" .Kiran began the line with T-shirts and expanded to line include scarves in 2007. Drew Barrymore became an early fan of the scarves and helped introduce Hollywood to Kiran and Sir Alistair Rai. Starting last year to Fashiona's delight, Kiran has added clutches, dresses, caftans and bangles.

Speaking of clutches...aren't they just lovely? Peep the Jackie O-esque print on the green one and the intricate beading both the aqua and rose one.




Kiran has plans to introduce shoes, hats and jewelry to Sir Alistair Rai later this year.

And with that bit of info, Fashiona wishes everyone a Happy Easter and Peaceful Passover season to all those celebrate.

Fashiona