An Alexander in London

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BLUE BOMBER JACKET |  ODETTE &ODILE TWIGGY WHITE 
SUN SHADES | FOREVER 21 HOT PINK RIBBED SWEATER-KNIT CROP TOP |
EGO SKYE KITTEN HEEL SOCK BOOT | GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | GUCCI BELT | 
MEDUSA MINI BLUE CLUTCH/CROSSBODY

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THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY SAKU NEW YORK. 

When it comes to working with photographers, I'm quite selective. There's really only been one person aside from myself that photographs street style for me, and that is my husband, but when I had to travel to London and he had to stay behind, I needed to find someone reliable and with quality (which my standards can be very high... eek!) but when a new friend of mine from this year recommended someone she had worked with, I took a look at her Instagram and was immediately open to her style and vibe. But like any first encounters, they can be a bit awkward, even nerve-wracking to some, but Elena and I had commonalities such as a passion for photography, both Eastern European, and same headstrong go-getting kind of attitude. We broke the ice quickly. 

But when the time came to shoot, her camera suddenly was not turning on. At first, we (I know a thing or two about cameras) both thought it was just the battery/sensor that had a small dust or something on it and we tried to clean it. Nothing. We took out the memory card and restarted the camera again, and tried many other crazy things one photographer will try to get the camera to work (this is definitely part of the problem in the digital world, yeah?) again, but to our dismay, nothing was happening. We finally ended up at a camera repair shop about a five-minute walk in central London.

 When we arrived, Elena saw a man with a Canon body similar to hers, and immediately wanted to test his battery on her body. He was happy to do so, but it still didn't solve the problem. Her camera was still not turning on. A technician in the shop finally assesses her body and battery and can confirm that there is something wrong with the body. She was disappointed as everything was fine that morning (as I know me, myself, a photographer will check to make sure everything is working before even leaving the house!) and on top of working with me, she had 3 more clients that day. She tapped away into her phone before the man with the Canon, named Alexander, popped in once more.

Overhearing she had to work for fashion week that day, Alexander, 'Alex', straight up offers his camera to her, with no expectations. At first, Elena refuses, even at some point offering money herself to borrow his camera. He says no and then asks for one thing in return. If she ever needed an assistant and just had the time to give him a few tips, and he was not a professional photographer, that would be the next best thing. I honestly have to say that meeting Alex and his friend Amelia the way that I did was something you don't have happen to you every day. What are the odds we'd all be in the same camera repair store in the heart of London on some random weekday in the middle of the afternoon and for this to occur? It's as if as just when I start to think that the world is just crazy and that's that, an angel descends down to earth and I mean... wow. I am still so touched by one person's kindness. All thanks to an Alexander in London, my first shoot was a success! 

Photos by: Elena Gola

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Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch London

Hi, everyone! I was going to upload this post late last night, but I accidentally fell asleep after eating a delicious meal for supper. Ooops - but it was massaman curry and what's better than food coma? It is completely satisfying is it not? Well, here it is - my complete review of my London stay at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch. I decided to stay further east of London, as this area is an up and coming section of the city - super trendy and full of life! I was in town for only five days and mostly for work (London Fashion Week) but I still wanted to take the time and share my experience at this amazing 5-Star hotel! Continue reading to learn more about my stay and why you too, should consider staying at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch during your next visit across the pond. 

The hotel features 86 guest rooms and 42 suites. Two buildings - from original Magistrates Court converted with high ceilings, space and individual character are the hallmarks of each of the 5-star guestrooms, individually designed with stylish furnishing to provide exceptional standards of comfort. Boasting a contemporary design after undergoing a recent renovation, the suites and rooms are one of a kind. With double glazed windows throughout for a very quiet stay, luxurious high thread count soft linen (oh so dreamy) and late-night room service (Helloooooo, yummy grilled cheese!), the amenities are endless and within your reach! They even have a spa/sauna which I didn't get a chance to experience, but count on it that upon my return I will be sure to check it out. 

My room - The Dalston King is perfect for mixing business with pleasure. Starting from 280 square feet, offering a luxurious king size bed (I wish I had more time to sleep in it!) with 46 inch LED TV with full Sky TV package, work desk with a built in mediahub station (so cool, helps recommend you the best of the best in the city, from food to art/shows, it's great), and wall-to-wall marble bathrooms with walk in rain showers. Also featuring laptop size safes in all rooms with a minibar and coffee/tea making facilities available. These rooms are well equipped for any traveler. I felt right at home even away from home. They even lent me a few adapters for charger/plug-ins as I forgot one.

The Jailhouse Bar, set within the former Police Station of the Old Street Magistrate’s Court, celebrates the very best of the drinks world with innovative and delicious cocktails and a wide array of other beverages on offer, whilst being surrounded by historically significant architecture, including former prison holding cells. Jailhouse Bar serves as a relaxed lounge area throughout the day, perfect for meetings and coffees, and then transforms into an after-work hub for those looking to unwind with a drink or two post 5pm. Jailhouse Bar also happily provides bottle service, private hire in the cells, and semi-exclusive spaces for larger parties. The Jailhouse Bar also offers the quintessentially British staple of Afternoon Tea every day from 12pm, however done Shoreditch style!

Leave court-room formality behind and indulge in simple yet refined comfort food classics at Judge & Jury, the freshest of British produce combined with an atmosphere of relaxation and sophistication. Set within one of the most historically significant hotels in London, the restaurant décor encompasses the original features of the former courtroom within the Old Street Magistrate’s Court, creating an ambiance of intrigue and architectural significance. Guests will find themselves surrounded by leather-bound law journals and courtroom memorabilia, evoking a sense of centuries of British legal history, which exist within the hotel walls. The Judge & Jury staff ensure a personalized and professional experience with extensive knowledge and recommendations. Open for lunch seven days a week and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

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NYFW AW 18 Outfits

DAY 1

WEARING: MKT STUDIO RED LEATHER JACKET | VIP SHOP PLAID WIDE LEG PANTS | CHLOE BAG
H&M TURTLENECK | GUCCI BELT | ACCRUE KANDINSKY SUNGLASSES | FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY BOOTS

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DAY 2

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK BURGUNDY FOX FUR COAT | CHLOE BAG | LEVI'S JEANS | 
FOREVER 21 BURGUNDY BOOTS | ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES

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DAY 3

WEARING: NA-KD FASHION LEATHER JACKET | SAKU NEW YORK LACE TRIMMED SLEEVE KNIT TOP | 
SAKU NEW YORK WIDE LEG PANTS | CHLOE BAG 

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DAY 4

ROSEGAL DOUBLE BREASTED PLAID TRENCH COAT | THACKER NYC BOYFRIEND SHIRT | 
VAGABOND HONEY JAKARTA DENIM PANTS | STELLA MCCARTNEY OVERSIZED GLASSES | 
BRAHMIN MELBOURNE CROSSBODY | KOIO CAPRI BIANCO SNEAKERS

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DAY 5

WEARING: SAKU NEW YORK COLOR BLOCK LONG WOOL IVORY COAT | WHO WHAT WEAR™ SWEATER | 
GENUINE PEOPLE BELL BOTTOM CROP JEANS | EGO METALLIC BOOTS | 
MAD-STYLE PEARL MULTI RING CHOKER | ACCRUE BONNIE SUNGLASSES | 
DRESS LILY FRESH BLUE CROSSBODY BAG

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DAY 6

WEARING: MKT STUDIO JUMPSUIT | ZAFUL STRIPED JACKET | ASSEMBLY NEW YORK BLACK COAT | 
ALLES BAGS FRINGE BUCKET | EGO BOOTS | DIOR GLASSES | FOREVER 21 BELT

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NYFW AW 18 Full Recap

SEVEN ALL AROUND

Where can a city girl find a chic-but-wearable shoe? Look no further - Seven All Around embodies comfort but with an elegant style. Often times there is a lack thereof, whether it's too clunky or not aesthetically-sound, it fails to hit a complete mark. Heesung Choi, the founder of the footwear brand debuted ahead of New York Fashion Week. Her resumé is impressive: After graduating from the Parsons School of Design, Choi spent the first eight years of her career at Rag & Bone (as one of the founding employees), where she worked on both women’s ready-to-wear and footwear collections (including the brand’s early collaboration with Manolo Blahnik). Most recently, she was head of design for Public School. The South Korean-born designer wanted to create shoes for herself that would accommodate long hours of fittings and dinner with friends in New York, working remotely with her mother in Seoul to develop the shoes. From ankle boots to platform oxfords, and even flatform sandals, they are all extremely wearing while simultaneously very presentable. The built-in cork padding and sneakerlike cushioning are definite design details and measurements that will in all likelihood be a major success. 

GRETA CONSTANTINE

Set in a three-story apartment, each Greta Constantine model wore thigh-high boots in a variety of reversible, colored sequins paired with skirts, dresses, and trousers that channeled the ultimate Eighties glam. Reversible sequins were the majority of the collection, like a green and blue trouser with a matching, oversized loose blazer. To add a dramatic flair, brocade blazers and sheer blouses had defined, exaggerated shoulders, and large sashes were tied around waists. The collection was bold, but held a nice reminder that fashion can still definitely be fun.

COLOVOS

Colovos is known to be minimal with an arty streak. The show-opening loose-fit trench set an easeful silhouette, one which emphasized to their tailoring: Jacket volumes were lightly gathered in back. Dresses layered over pants, a look that can tend to look over-styled, but here rather a nonchalant can-do quality. Webbed nylon shoulder straps on dresses were definitely stressing on the trend of utility. The Colovoses are jean experts from the early days. They showed their denim head to toe today, and the jeans had a baggy-but-tapered fit that looked current and trendy. Makeup done by Mac Cosmetics: lead by Romy Soleimani. Hair done by Pureology: lead by Ruth Roche. Nails done by Zoya: lead by Alicia Torello and jewelry by Laura Lombardi.

BCBGMAXAZRIA

A fusion between modernism and romanticism, BCBGMAXAZRIA was one of my favorite backstage experiences of NYFW along with the presentation. I really enjoyed their exploration of the contrast of feminity, masculine, hard and soft, playful and strict. But what made it all flow together so beautiful is this effortless manner while doing so. It's what BCBGMAXAZRIA is known for and they did not disappoint when it came to the AW18 collection. A job well done to the creative director, Bernd Kroeber and to the five female artists, including fashion illustrator Blair Breitenstein, that created artwork that was incorporated into the venue. Makeup by Huxley: lead by Jodie Roland. Hair by Cutler Salon/Redken: lead by Emily Heser. Nails by Zoya: lead by Naomi Gonzales.

CONCEPT KOREA

This season, Concept Korea presented two womenswear labels: Lie by Chung Chung Lee, and Greedilous by Younhee Park. Park presented her collection first, which included a collaboration with Beyoncé stylist Ty Young. Park was influenced by beauty in women, particularly on extreme glamour, the Palace of Versailles and the romance of Marie Antoinette’s style. Lee took a more political bent, titling his collection “GLOBAL WARMING; It’s not justICE.” The play on words is meant to bring awareness to global warming—more specifically icebergs. He tells us that fractured icebergs were the point of inspiration for many of the collection’s prints, patterns, and details in addition to colors of the Arctic Northern Lights and blue skies. “They serve as a reminder that this beautiful environment could ultimately disappear,” Lee says. Overall, the exposure of Korean Fashion in the American market is booming. Watch out, guys. You'll be seeing a lot more in the next few years.

NINE WEST 40TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

The perfect way to kick off New York Fashion Week? Attend a fabulous party! I was fortunate enough to be invited to Nine West's 40th Year Anniversary party in downtown Manhattan at the VNYL. At the party, Nine West also launched its vintage-inspired capsule collection. Featuring 11 styles, the limited-edition line includes signature silhouettes and trends from the past four decades, including platform heels with a nod to the ’70s, architectural pumps that defined the ’80s and wedges that epitomized the ’90s. I remember my first pair of Nine West shoes from junior high, and they were the black platform heels everyone was wearing :) Good Times.

YUNA YANG

Models sashayed through the halls of the Margo Feiden Gallery in Greenwich Village presenting Yuna Yang’s bespoke womenswear collection. “Love Yourself”, the title of her collection, was embellished across the front of hats, on the backs of jackets and down the sides of sleeves. According to press notes, she “wanted to send a message about the importance of loving yourself. Every woman, regardless of race and status, should be treated fairly and equally”. A resonating message that coincides with the current changing landscape, not just in fashion, but throughout every industry. Inspired by colors, textures, and narratives in fine art, the original work by Al Hirschfeld was a splendid backdrop to the pieces incorporating east and west influences. Represented by a diverse range of models, her collection combined high and low elements visible in her designs and fabric choice. Leather ruffled skirts were paired with lace varsity jackets while silk organza dresses floated over jeans. Sporty, luxurious and an all-around feeling of empowerment.

TIBI

Even though I didn't get to see the Tibi show, I did go backstage with Aveda to learn more about the look for the show. Ultimate cool girl vibes, the collection was inspired by cities, construction, and architecture.  Striking a perfectly brilliant balance between fashion and utility, the looks did not disappoint as the ultimate wardrobe for the NYC woman constantly on the go. I adored the unpolished look of the hairstyles, it kept the looks versatile yet clean. Hair by Aveda: lead by Frank Rizzieri. Makeup by Stila Cosmetics. Nails by Jin Soon.  

TANYA TAYLOR

Known for her signature hand-painted floral prints, Tanya Taylor's AW 18 had less of that but with that came a greater emphasis on silhouettes, like curvy drapes and asymmetrical slouches. Tanya Taylor’s watercolor fall florals and plaid patterns came together in perfect harmony. More surprising were the pieces that nixed print altogether, like the zeitgeist-y turtleneck dress with rows of hand-stitched chrome sequins. The paillettes got bigger and flashier on a completely backless high-low tank styled over houndstooth trousers. Fans of ’90s and early-aughts style will say it’s evident of the “going out top” revival, but the pants (brown houndstooth with hints of neon pink) were worth a second look too. And the pops of color with yellow, pink and orange sealed with collection with perfection.

BEVZA

Only the second season Bevza has shown in NYFW, it was my first. Ukrainian-origins of the designer was apparent in the collection. Diaphanous silk dresses with ruching at the bust; they came in sweet candy colors like sugar pink, pale blue, and a rich green, a number that was inspired by Eastern European folklore and fairytales, it just sometimes works. As if it was a mixture of upper-class royalty and peasantry, the most spectacular outputs were the most abstract ones: a snow-white dress with linen reliefs and a deep neckline on Alla Kostromicheva, and outfits with complex assignments that repeat the shape of hosiery belts in that gentle pastel range. Specifically, the designer sent out a series of puffy nylon coats printed with animal skins and pieced together in strips to create the illusion of fur. Truly spectacular and with the times! I enjoyed this show immensely, and am hoping to see more of this kind of fluidity in Bevza's later work. 

ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO

Fall is a terrific collection for Cornejo, full of bright shades such as turquoise and a reddish orange and novel-for-her fabrics such as a wide-wale cord that she cut into a skirt suit (not as traditional as it sounds) and a slinkier evening corduroy that turned up on a jumpsuit and an asymmetrically draped dress (one of my favs). The centerpiece is a tartan that she took the stuffing out of, draping and smocking it to create the easeful shapes she’s known for. This season was all about sustainability, as Cornejo reports that 84 percent of the collection is made locally in New York, which substantially reduces her clothing’s carbon footprint.  

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Hair That Goes from Day to Night Effortlessly with TRESemmé

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Hey guys! I've been in London for LFW and am finally back in the states. I can't wait to share more content in the next week, so be prepared for an overload of posts and whatnot. February is a busy month for me! With traveling, I'm pretty selective about the hair styling products I use. Especially when it comes to hairspray, I'm picky because I've tried quite a few brands and there is nothing worse than a hairspray leaving your hair sticky and stiff! Some hairsprays are formulated with clunky particles that sit on top of the hair which creates build-up. The whole purpose of hairspray is to help maintain your look without weighing you down.

Luckily, TRESemmé got it right with their new line!The way these hairsprays work is by coating the hair fibers in a layer of various polymers that form bonds between the fibers to hold the hair in place. Micro-Mist blends two types of polymers in hair sprays: “tough” and “durable”. Too much of the “tough” polymers and hair feels stiff. Too much of the “durable” polymers and hair has flexibility but no hold. The breakthrough NEW TRESemmé Compressed Micro-Mist Hair Spray has the perfect formula that gives you style without stiffness for a natural, lasting hold that will move with you.

This is my kind of hairspray! Besides being a great product, the new hairsprays are packaged in a smaller can which contributes to an overall reduction in CO2 and are ergonomically optimized and easier to hold, yet still, contain the same number of sprays in the 11 oz. can. The new technology result in a more targeted, efficient spray that comes out softer for a truly lightweight, flexible hold and fast-drying coverage including adjusted valves, inserts, and actuators that are specially designed to cut the spray in half and narrow the cone angle of the traditional hairspray.

It's perfect for jet-setters who don't have all the time in the world to be high-maintenance with their hairstyle. I like to keep it lightly wavy/tousled curls and these sprays definitely do the job in holding it in place! Whether you are looking for a date night look or everyday style, the NEW TRESemmé Compressed Micro-Mist Hair Spray keeps your style intact without the stiffness. The hairspray I've been using has been the Texture & Boost Hold, but there is also the Extend, and Smooth! Head to the hair aisle at your local Walmart and pick up a can. Let me know what you think of this new hairspray formula!

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