Who you callin’ bitter?

I love my accessories. Shoes, bags, jewelry: i need all of it in my life. But, I am also very aware of staying within my budget lane. The new Celine bag (drooling!) can wait. But a girl needs a little sumthin’, somthin’, so I asked my favorite saleswoman Debra Anderson over at Tom Ford what I should be on the lookout for. Surprisingly, she bypassed the crocodile bag and fur covered stiletto, and placed in my hand a Tom Ford nail polish from his recent beauty launch. It’s called Bitter Bitch (I get the hint, Debra).

From the sleek packaging to the good amount of product in side, Bitter Bitch is absolutely perfect color. Not quite brown, not quite purple, it works with every skintone and glides on oh-so smooth. I put this polish on one week ago, and I have experienced no chips and no dulling. Who needs fancy bags and shoes when I can purchase the luxe Tom Ford nail polish?! Make sure to swing by Tom Ford at 845 Madison Avenue, and say hi to Debra for me!

Joan Smalls: Killin’ the game!

Few things are for certain. Except, of course, rain, tax, and the parade of models that flood New York City streets in early February. There are so many young girls trying to walk in that coveted show (old: Donna Karan. new: Joseph Altazurra. always: Marc Jacobs), but so few can actually make the transition from runway starlet to being an actual money girl. That is why I adore Joan Smalls.
Currently one of the top 5 models working, according to Models.com, Joan has been on her grind for a number of years. She got her big break in a Vogue spread two years ago, and she has been a rocket ever since. Gracing every major catwalk, from ready-to-wear to couture, she has hit the trifecta for a model today: Victoria’s Secret runway show, cosmetics campaign (Estee Lauder), and fashion campaign (Roberto Cavalli, Calvin Klein Jeans, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Givenchy, etc.). She is definitely a role model for models of color, and I cannot wait to see what’s up her sleeve for Fall/Winter 2012!

Spring 2012 Couture: Karl, why so blue?

I get couture, I really do. But sometimes the clothing just seems…beyond. I think: who is going to wear this?! But with Chanel’s Spring 2012 Couture, I actually see pieces that can and WILL translate into something approaching wearability. Using 150 shades of blue, Karl Lagerfield’s design was anything but gloomy. The clothes were happy, streamlined, and seemed to reflect a sense of optimism. Will I be able to buy a Chanel couture suit? Hardly. It is nice, however, to see innovative ideas and sets meshing seamlessly with clothes begging to be bought.

Prada Spring/Summer 2012: I’m flaming, baby!

I cannot believe Spring 2012 fashion is in the stores already! There are many trends I want to try, so many colors I want to wear! But my absolute favorite accessory this season is Prada’s Flame heels. When I saw the models’ strutting down the runway with these shoes on their feet, I feel in love! I will be rocking’ these at photo shoots, industry parties, and eating at the restaurant du jour. And of course I put my name down on the obvious wait-list. The only question is: which one should I get?

America’s Next Top Model Episode 11

This week the models were given a golden opportunity to try and impress Franca Sozzani, Editor-In-Chief of Vogue Italia. She met with the girls, they were able to show off their books, talk a little about themselves, and ask questions. The challenge was a difficult one. The models had to walk down a flight of stairs balancing a tea tray with lit candles on top of their heads. Wow! The tricks one must perform during this cycle. The photo shoot was held in the largest out door market in Marrakech with designs byLondonbased designer Daniella Issa Helayel. These critiques by Andre’ Leon Talley took me back to last weeks panel.

TM

Andre Says’

” You look like you have lost your mind. I’m trying to figure out the narrative. What were you thinking?”Alexandriawas sent home.

” This is so high fashion. I see the clothes and I see the story.” Once again, Molly won best photo.

I say…

You wear the clothes, the clothes shouldn’t wear you! You have to see the message in the clothes.

America’s Next Top Model Week 9

The models arrive in Morocco this week. They toured all of the hot spots.
 Marrakech is a beautiful and colorful city often used for photo shoots.
 My personal highlight of week #9 was seeing my fashion god Andre Leon Talley
throughout the entire show. When the girls arrived at the designers showroom, 
he was there waiting for them. They walked in and his first reaction was,
 "I hope those are your travel clothes. You look dreadful",
 to a group of aspiring models. Imagine that! My look has to be fierce at all times.
 You never know who you may meet on a plane and especially on the streets of NY. 
I have been stopped before by a photographer for an impromptu picture, 
I stay picture perfect. The photo shoot was in the desert on top of a camel. 
Molly was still complaining about any and everything but she took the best photo. 
From a stylist point of view, I couldn't pick just one quote because several
 stood out to me during Molly's critique.

 Andre' Says
TM

"Do you see the message in the clothes?"
"This is a dramatic picture it's a story. It has a narrative. I see the message of a high fashion princess."
When I'm styling an editorial or photo shot my job as a stylist is to answer that question 
with a resounding YES!!!!!!!! So in my opinion the message can be conveyed by a 
stylist but the model is there to bring the story to life. Like a marriage they walk
 hand in hand. FYI. I am working on a very special blog in honor of Andre' Leon Talley.
I want you all to see why I love him so much. 

TTYL,
Miquelle

Happy Birthday!

This week is really hectic for me but in a good way. I’m busy getting ready for my trip to theUKon Friday and at the last minute I get a call to do a styling job the same day. My #1 priority is fashion, so I have to pull off a Tim Gunn and make it work. Before I head out today, I need to take a moment to acknowledge three important April Birthdays.

First and foremost, the person responsible for me being born into this fabulous world of fashion is celebrating her birthday today. Happy Birthday Mommy!

Happy Birthday to the fashion world triple threat Marc Jacobs who celebrated his birthday on April 9th.

Happy Birthday to fashion risk taker Jean-Paul Gaultier who celebrated his birthday on April 24th.

Best wishes to you all!

Gucci Hits The Road In High Fashion!

The 500 by Gucci is just too cute for words. Travel in style this spring/summer in the limited-edition FIAT created in celebration of the fashion house’s 90th anniversary. $23,600; gucci.com

 

Long Live Alexander McQueen

At age 40, Alexander McQueen said in one of his last known interviews, “When I’m dead, hopefully this house will still be going.”  Had he still been alive, McQueen would have celebrated his 42nd birthday on March 17, 2011. I dedicate this post to his memory.

The Alexander McQueen brand was placed in the very competent hands of Sarah Burton. Gucci Group chose his assistant for the past 14 years as his successor.  His untimely death February 11, 2010 left fashion insiders wondering if his company could still thrive without his inspiration.  There was a lot of doubt because McQueen’s work is considered so unique.
Sarah Burton was the watchful eye within his design studio.  McQueen created incredible, jaw-dropping, showpieces; Burton assisted him.  She was also responsible for designing the wearable clothes that appeared in stores.  It’s very apparent from viewing her first collection as Creative Director that his design aesthetic is part of her DNA.  Hope has been renewed. The Alexander McQueen brand is alive and well.  Rest in peace, Mr. McQueen.

 

“Marc Jacob’s Most Personal Design…. Himself!!”

I had a jaw dropping moment….. 

The first time, I saw Marc Jacobs posing nude in the ad campaign for his new fragrance, BANG.  Even when it may have seemed that the man himself didn’t have a strong sense of self love, I loved him. Each season he does a balancing act, creating three collections for Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Marc by Marc Jacobs.  His personal evolution from fashion geek to sex symbol deserves an honorable mention. He ditched the glasses for contact lenses, cut the long hair, added a neatly groomed beard, and transformed his body into what looks like a beautiful art sculpture.  Check out my pic’s and see for yourself what a healthy diet, exercise and love will do for you. Sorry ladies & gentlemen he’s taken.  P.S. Being able to sit down with Marc Jacobs and discuss art and fashion is on my wish list for 2011. Yes! I do have a fashion wish list but they’re more like goals.