Meatpacking District : Modern Dandy

DANDY (also known as a beau, gallant, or hipster) is a man who places particular importance upon physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, pursued with the appearance of nonchalance in a cult of Self. Historically, especially in late 18th- and early 19th-century Britain, a DANDY, who was self-made, often strove to imitate an aristocratic style of life despite coming from a middle-class background.

Chillin' like a Villian

I always see her when I walk to work around 2nd Ave. This time my camera was charged. Very coo chick.

PR Fashion 2.0

Columbus Circle

East Village

Who is She?

Lady Rizo

What Does She Do?

She has a Caburlesque Spectacular, Lady Rizo & the Assettes

Visit:

www.ladyrizoandtheassettes.com

My Fall Favorite: Velvet Blazer - Always a Favorite: Sequin Jacket 

Coffee Break at 2nd Ave Park

East Village Radio Style Duo

Fall 'Minimalist' Inspirations

Black Blazers and/or White Blazers. Army Laced-up Booties in Cream, Olive Green, Tan Brown, or Black. Leather (or pleather) Leggings & Jackets. Sparkly basic tops. Over-sized Sweaters to create a Prep Look. Quilted fabric. A touch of Leopard. High or mid thigh socks.

** Images Courtesy of The Sartorialist, LookBook, People **

December-Where-Wear

Last Sunday, I went strolling through Soho and went to every store and art gallery I could. First of all, I don't think I've ever enjoyed Soho so much like I did on Sunday - although there was a ton of people, I had a great time checking out the new holiday and resort collections. The 1st store I hit was French Connection (Fcuk). I've always always thought Fcuk was not for me, but a camel coat caught my attention - so I went in. and O-M-G! I love Fcuk now! They have amazing beautiful dresses and coats! I loved it so much, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get my NYE (new years eve) dress there. They were sexy, shimmery, and attention getting - exactly what I need for NYE. - Now I know its barely even November but I plan. I plan my outfits for big events (birthday, graduation, weddings, NYE, and Fridays). I didn't mention Christmas because my family and I don't exactly dress up ... it's just us at home waiting for midnight chicken ... anywayssss ... for everyone else planning what to wear and where you're gonna wear it in December matters! It's the last month, it's a beautiful family time, walking through the Christmas decked halls .. sighhh! I can't wait! The perfect dress is a must (cause you will be heavily photographed as well!)

Here are some Runway Resort-Wear 2010 Looks: The 1st 4 are all monotone sexy yet borderline glam. The second half, is all DVF. DVF = Resort Holiday Getaway Perfection. One of my personal favorite designers. Now, I didn't add Pucci (another favorite of mine) because I loved the DVF 2010 show. However Resort 2010 and S/S 2012 have been all about color. During the holidays, we should try to stop using Christmas red and LBD because we have other colors in the world that look amazing on all types of skin. So don't be afraid! Fashion is Fun! Holidays are Fun!

Here are some Runway Resort-Wear 2011 Looks: I didn't love love the Chanel 2011 show but it had a 1970s feel to it - full of ease, softness and bohemian love at St. Tropez. - While walking around in Soho, I walked into BCBG, and most of their holiday collection (and as you can see in Chanel & Alice & Olivia) it was all about Black & White. with B&W you will never go wrong. Simply Elegant. 

                   

Here are some Celebrity 2010 Ideas: Dualities: Bedazzled Armor. Orange Simplicity. Rock Chic & Gold Sequin.

The only recommendations for holiday wear are:

1. Remember it's probably going to be a long night - so wear very comfy heels.

2. If your holiday party is going to be outdoors you might wanna re-consider the maxi dress. I wore a maxi dress 3 years ago and by the end of the night, it was gross! it was dragged everywhere and filled with everything :S

3. Don't take a purse or wear a purse with a long strap and strong clasp! - you'll be having the time of your life and the last thing you want is noticing your purse has been stolen because you left it at the table while you went off dancing.

4. We want to wear and look our best - but again, you'll be dancing up a storm so try to avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

5. Have Fun! Don't let anyone ruin your Fun! :) 

*pictures from People.com & Style.com

For my 25th

I don't have big birthday plans but I have style inspirations from the Kardashians and their stylist, Monica Rose. I tried to find a red dress but they were either Herve Leger knockoffs or too structured. I also tried to fine amazing colorful shoes like Khloes but all I keep finding is black, brown, and tan for Fall. ugh! I wish I had Khloe's hair...I miss my long hair! I need a shampoo to add length asap! As for the green tulip skirt - I found it! and bought it! jejejeje 

S/S 2011

It's just starting to get cold here in NY but I can't wait for S/S 2011. Prada surprised me. a lot! i didn't expect this from them. Prada is actually fun! (the pics are from Milan Fashion Week 2010; but I'm posting them now, because I'm cleaning out my computer's fashion file) - if you have me on facebook, you'll know I was excited about Prada when I 1st saw the runway pictures.

Jonathan Saunders 

Sophisticated Spring 2011...I see myself wearing this while frolicking through daisies in a walk to remember

Jil Sander

My new favorite S/S designer. Color! Boldness! Beautiful!

** pictures from The Satorialist, NY Mag, Style.com **

The Uniform Project

My first PR event was for the UNIFORM PROJECT at International Playground. A project I have grown to know and appreciate. It's a truly unique and magnificent mesh of fashion and 

social consciousness that we should all be in tuned to.

Their Mission

Raising ethical fashion awareness. Placing social responsibility on mass fashion consumer culture. Using fashion to make acts of charity while highlighting creative styling, individuals, sustainability, and social consciousness. 

What is the Uniform Project? 

Sheena Matheiken founded the U.P. back in 2009, with the idea of wearing the same LBD for 365 days to raise money to send underprivileged kids living in Indian slums to school. Her cause was called Akanksha Foundation and by the end of the year, she had raised over $100k. She didn't just wear the simple LBD but she styled it differently every single day with homemade, vintage, donated, or reused accessories. The project was a big hit and Sheena was named ELLE Magazine's Woman of the Year for 2009.

Year 2: 1 Dress. 1 Month. 1 Cause.

With last years amazing success all around - the U.P. decided to launch Year 2. This year, there will be a different girl every month, with a custom LBD made to her liking, and she will decide the cause. 

The month of August was played by India Salvor Menuez, 16-year old student, who raised funds for Our School at Blair Grocery in New Orleans.

The month of September starred Lesly Arfin, the author of Dear Diary, who raised funds for Phoenix House which helps people overcome drug addiction. (left picture)

And the current pilot for October is Isis Salam, former front woman of the Canadian duo Thunderheist, who is currently putting the finishing touches on her debut solo album. Isis is raising money for the One Laptop Per Child cause, which provides rugged, low-cost, low power XO laptops to children in developing countries.

The Dresses

Last years dress and the monthly dresses are available on the U.P. online store. The monthly dresses are pre-ordered in order to manufacture the exact amount only. The fabric and dress details are all eco-friendly! The fabric is a 75% organic cotton and 25% silk blend that was spun, dyed and woven in India especially for this dress. The buttons are made of corozo, a natural material produced from the Tagua nut of a tropical palm tree. Both the dress and fabric are produced at the same ethically certified factory in Bangalore, India.

Website: http://theuniformprojectblog.com/

Follow Isis (October pilot; a few pictures below): https://theuniformproject.com/#!pilotmonth?OLPC

Buy the dress(es): https://theuniformproject.com/#!store

The 90s

I loved this guy's look - it brought me back to the 90s. Save by the Bell meets Fresh Prince of BelAir

Winter Essentials: NYC

When I was headed to Florence, I had no idea what kind of weather to expect. All I knew I was headed towards cold weather and needed the basics - so I bought 1 black and white coat from Macys, a couple of gloves from Burlington Coat Factory, simple long sleeve tops from Wet Seal and some lightweight scarves from Forever 21. As you can see I didn't want to invest in clothes I knew I'd wear for a couple months or never wear again. So, I basically wore the sameeee thing everyday in winter but I don't think people noticed cause we were all bundled up. However, now I'm in NYC to stay and I need to invest in some serious, quality, long lasting winter goods. So here is my Winter Wish List/Essentials:

Isabel Marant black suede & shearling-lined biker jacket. For F/W 2010 your jacket needs some shearling. I feel like this could be the perfect all day jacket that could give me that cool Joan Jett feel. Price Tag: $3,125

Paul & Joe's black mongolie shearling coat. This is the updated and luxurious oversized coat in comparison to my simple wool vest from Zara, which is still my favorite purchase from last F/W. You can dress as simple as you want but once you throw this on - you own the room you walk into! Price Tag: $2,175

Miu Miu's light-brown shearling suede jacket. Have you noticed that these last 3 pieces are 60s inspired? I've said it and I'll say it again - I was supposed to be born in the 60s! Price Tag: $3,655

When I think winter, I think Burberry! Burberry gray cashmere fingerless gloves make a perfect accessory to hold a strong grip onto the subway poles. Price Tag: $175

Definitely my next purchase! Well not these to be exact. I wish I had the money. Buckled, strapped, belted boats are this winter's must shoe! Alexander McQueen's mahogany shearling leather boots. 

Heel measures approximately 6 inches with 1.5 inch platform. Hello, Royal Highness! 

Price Tag: $1,695

Now I can't forget the LEOPARD! hahahahha Miu Miu again with its black leather gloves with leopard-print shearling cuffs (Shearling, Shearling, Shearling - all over this winter!). Price Tag: $540

Missoni oversized cashmere cardigan. Cashmere will keep you warm like an unborn chick in its egg and this oversized cardigan just looks winter yummy, I'd probably sleep in it! I'd throw this on with my Old Navy black leggings and be good to go. Price Tag: $2,980

NYC like Florence has unpredictable weather. I remember SJP advising me about that on Sex & the City too! Remember the episode, when she visits the gallery but it ends up being closed, then out of no where it was so windy her dress flew up! After that it started pouring rain and the poor girl was soaked and talking about her ex to a strange hottie. What a mess! Anywayssss ... I need some Wellington boats. I've noticed a lot of Hunter Wellington boats but I'm posting these Burberry Wellingtons from their 

Winter Storms line, a capsule collection of classic pieces with a modern twist. Price Tag: $395

and last but not least an umbrella. but not just any umbrella - a clear BUBBLE umbrella. if you watch Gossip Girl, did you see Serena's clear umbrella while at campus? I loved it! I'm pretty sure you can avoid getting wet or having it turn inside out. Urban Outfitters. Price Tag: $18

Shantall Lacayo, Nicaraguan Designer

Passion

A strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: a passion for music

Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling: as love or hate

When I'm asked what I'm passionate about I say "fashion and hotels" and when people ask me why I'm so passionate (overall) it's because I am Nicaraguan (strong latin blood)! 

Fashion is a fast paced world that you can either love or hate. A relationship with a latina(o) can lead to a lustful and beautiful life together or a life of tracking your lover's each step till you know the why, what, when, how, and where and still having the energy to have sex all night and do all over again tomorrow. THAT IS PASSION! 

Therefore, when it comes to extravagant, sensuality, and passion (of course) - only one Nicaraguan designer comes to mind and that is Shantall Lacayo. She is 26 years old and now owns and directs an atelier by her own name, specialized in women's wear design (haute couture, prêt-á-porter, evening and casual wear) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I think I started talking to her when I was about 16 years old. She designed the costumes for all the different genres and ages of our dance school. After that, I'd just catch her at fashion shows, her fashion shows, fittings, and during our college pageant (where she won) - and I can tell you since I've known this woman, she is passionate and detailed for every single piece she designs. She has a strong voice, presence, personality, style, and charisma. She is passionate - passionate for designing! But not only is she passionate, she is DAMN GOOD at what she does! She is my one and only favorite Nicaraguan designer!

Now, why I am writing about her? Well because she's on PROJECT RUNWAY LATINOAMERICA on FTV, every Monday, and has just won the 1st challenge! So please stayed tune! She will be the next BIG thing! (btw if you don't have FTV like I do - find it on YOUTUBE.COM)

Follow her blog: http://shantalllacayo.blogspot.com/

Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShantallLacayo

A few articles on her:

http://www.laprensa.com.ni/2010/09/28/suplemento/nosotras/2874

http://hechomagazine.com/featured/shantall-lacayo/lang/en/

http://www.serenlinea.com/moda.html

http://www.modaenlaciudad.com/fashion/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=434:project-runway-latinoamerica&catid=38:-amo-la-moda&Itemid=81

Fashion Show: You can see a few pictures from her last fashion show in Nicaragua, dated December 2009 on my personal blog: http://beatriceitaliana.blogspot.com/2009/12/art-fashion.html

Current Location: NYC

It's been a lil over a week since I arrived. What have I done? 1. Look for an apartment or a room to sublet 2. Started my internship just yesterday! However, 90% of my time has been dedicated to finding a place. I've looked everywhere! Upper East side, Lower East side, Chelsea, Brooklyn, Chinatown, Midtown, ... with and without a no-fee realtor. I've seriously busted my ass looking for a place. I'm stressing, I've had my breakdowns - but at the end I try to calm down - I can't jump and risk another tragic incident like I did in Florence (don't remember what happened to me? I insist you read about my experience in my February 2010 posts.) I think I've seen about 15 apartments which now make me appreciate the apartment I left behind! I had a great view, furniture, appliances, accessories, and it was my own studio - all for a very very good price. But now...all the apartments or rooms I've seen are just plain shitty and tiny! How can they call that an apartment??? I saw the smallest room yesterday! It was the size of my bathroom back home for $950! WTF! I'm going to start to rent my bathroom! It's insane! - but I gotta calm down. I'm staying with some family so there really isn't a hurry. "Le sigh" ... i want my apartment in Florence, i want my room in Nicaragua, i want space! i want a closet! and decent bathroom! I DON'T CARE IF ITS WALK-UP - I just want a decent place ... final sigh.

Anyways ... no more debbie downer... SOOOO work is goooooood! Basically yesterday and today I've been researching swim wear. ANDDDD that's all you get to hear - privacy issues ;) (i shoulda signed something like this for polimoda and the girls to avoid any problems LOL) however if you need PR - look my company up, www.shoutosocial.com ;)

My first few days, I did enjoy walking through NYC... I photographed a few fashionistas leaving Lincoln Center for Fashion Week, went to Bergdorfs for Fashion Night Out and saw Jason Wu, Tom Ford, SJP, Kelly Rutherford, and Mary J Blige, attended my first PR event for SS (which I will blog about on http://beatricecatchesfashion.blogspot.com/) and met up with my friend, Maria :)

So I'm fine. Don't worry about me. However, if you can hook me up with an apartment in NYC let me know ASAP!

p.s. I LOVE NYC!

Pisa, Italy