D&M Kiosk Opens

This month marks the beginning of an exciting new venture for Design & Merchandising at Drexel with the launch of its retail kiosk. The kiosk will be operated by D&M students and will be found at various college events, such as gallery openings and the fashion show. All of the items in the kiosk are created for sale by faculty, students and alumni of the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design (CoMAD).

Open this week in the lobby of Nesbitt Hall (33rd and Market), come to shop for holiday gifts such as clothing, jewelry and artwork.

The design for the kiosk was a competition among students in the spring term of Visual Merchandising. The design had a strict budget and specific requirements: to be modular, easily maneuverable, self contained, and eco-friendly. The class came up with numerous prototypes and design plans, but the final design chosen belonged to Jesse Ligo and Christina Sioutis. There were a few post-design changes made, so the images below follow the development of the kiosk, from design to final product.

Initial Kiosk Design (opened)

Primary model


Alumni shopping the Kiosk at its launch party

Terrain

Ever since I heard about the toasted pumpkin seed salad and gumdrop scented candles, I have been trying to plan a trip to Terrain. This Thanksgiving break I finally made it happen and it definitely exceeded my expectations. From the second I stepped out of the car I was overwhelmed with the scent of freshly cut Christmas trees and the smoke of the bonfire that was burning around the corner.

I walked through the outdoor garden store and straight into the warmth of the indoor greenhouse. It was filled with different scented candles, poinsettias, wool blankets, and gingerbread cookbooks.

After smelling every candle, testing the silky lotions, and examining all the delicate ornaments I made my way back to the cafe. The delicious food and the feeling of eating in a secret garden was definitely worth the wait.

So if you are a fan of Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters (all owned by the same company), I suggest that you make a trip out to Terrain. Go to terrainathome.com or shopterrain.com for more information.

Photos courtesy of terrainathome.com

Monalda4, the headband resource for fashionistas

Sometimes beauty hurts but not anymore! Founder and designer Bonnie Friedman created an incredibly cute line after being fed up with getting headaches every time she wanted to wear a headband. Monalda4, named after her former address in Florence, Italy, consists of bold statement pieces. Bonnie has everything a fashionista may need, from smooth satin ribbon with rocker chic studs to glittering metallic ribbon with a big leopard print chiffon flower.

Still not finding something you like? Bonnie with gladly customize a headband to perfectly match your outfit. So look no further and stop wasting your money on headband headaches! Turn to Monalda4 and suffer only the pain from your platform pumps, not your headband!

Check out Monalda4's growing collection at www.monalda4.com

Crayola Goes Green

I remember sitting for hours with a huge box of Crayola crayons filling pages and pages of Barbie coloring books. Crayola was my first introduction to art supplies, and thus holds a soft spot in my heart. So, I was very happy to hear that everyone's favorite crayon company has stepped up their game and gone green!

They recently announced plans for a 15-acre solar farm in Forks Township, PA. Ground-breaking for the project happened on Nov. 19. This undertaking is the result of a partnership with UGI Energy Services, Inc. and PPI Renewable Energy.

Slated to be up and running by early 2010, this park will house 26,000 solar panels which will help produce about 1 billion crayons, or 10% of the company's total annual energy consumption. Crayola owns the site, while the energy companies will provide the equipment, installation and maintenance. Funding will be done in part by $1.5 million from the the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as $10.5 million thanks to matching funds from private sources.

The company plans to exhibit its efforts at the Crayola Factory in Easton, PA with a solar energy display. They also have an interactive "Go Green" portion of their website to explore.

Kudos, Crayola. Print out your own Barbie coloring page and remember the good old days with eco-friendly crayons!

Fashion Helping Women Come Forward

Fashion has always attracted women across the globe. In a way, their passion for fashion is a commonality that unites this very diverse group. And now these fashionistas have a chance to make a huge impact on the lives of women beyond their reach.

Earlier this month, Jimmy Choo released his Project PEP Collection. This fun, funky, rocker inspired collection includes everything from heels to flats to handbags and bracelets. But what makes this collection worth spending $975 on a pair of spiked heels? Twenty-five percent of net sales from this collection will go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which funds the Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Simelela Rape Centre's mission is to break the silence about rape. In Khayelitsha, rape is less likely to occur in a dark, deserted area than in someone's own home, often at the hands of a relative or someone they know. Fear for the victim's lives or the lives of their family often keeps them in silence. But thanks to the Simelela Rape Centre, more women are coming forward. Within the four years between August 2005 and May 2009, 6,330 women and children have turned to the centre for support.

If your passion is fashion, what better way to help women halfway across the globe who are faced with unimaginable fear and tragedy?

Holiday Tips and Tricks

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and usually that reminds people of turkey and stuffing and all that yummy goodness. But for all extreme shoppers out there, that means Black Friday is upon us. And Black Friday marks the alert in our heads saying, "We need to start shopping for presents, STAT!" Okay, maybe your brain doesn't work like that unless you're a surgeon or something. Holiday shopping can be really stressful on your wallet and for your imagination, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few ideas to keep the holidays special, inexpensive, and most of all: FUN.

1. DIY is never out of style.
Making things yourself puts more value into a gift than just buying something. Trying knitting a scarf for your best friend. Or create an organized recipe box with decorated index cards for your mom. Or even make a mix cd with a decorated cd case for your little brother. Or even if presents aren't your thing, hand decorated individualized greeting cards always makes people smile.

2. Regifting is A-OK as long as...
Oh I know what you're going to say. "Regifting is so thoughtless. You're not really thinking about the other person." Well, that is true, but if you feel like you have a gift lying around your house that is perfect for someone else and not you, I say: WHY IN THE WORLD NOT? Just don't be dumping your trash on someone else, that's just not fair or nice. And you want to be on the nice list right? (Also, make sure you don't regift to the person who gave it to you!)

3. Best way to please any person is through their stomach.
If baking or cooking is your thing, well, tasty treats can be your gift to people. Plus, these disappear quickly so the receiver doesn't have to worry about finding a place for them, except maybe their tummy.

4. Reusable wrapping.
If you get the newspaper, don't throw it out! You can use that for recycled wrapping paper. You can paint it any which way and decorate it however you like. Or if you find an article that you know someone will find amusing/interesting, it will catch their eye before they start unwrapping their present. A common part of the paper that people use is the comic section, especially for kids.

5. For the wrapping impaired.
For myself and many out there, I am wrapping-deficient. Cure? Gift bags!!! You can be green with this too. Every time you get a present in a gift bag, don't just throw it out, SAVE IT! As long as there isn't a label, it's still of good use. Check out GAIAMlife for more green wrapping ideas.

Fashion Designers Bring Classic Masterpieces to the Runway

In the past months of scouring fashion news sites and blogs, I have built up quite an arsenal of articles, photos and ideas that I really really love. So when Julienne Thibodeaux presented her Kirschner-inspired collection "Modern Metropolis" as a debut designer at the Arts of Fashion Show recently - I couldn't help but sift back through my collection of clippings to put a post together on this new trend hitting the runway.

Taking inspiration from favorite artists and masterpieces has moved up on the to-do list for designers this year. Mondrian, Picasso, Matisse, and even Chuck Close served as muses for top designer's spring 2010 collections at Paris Fashion Week. Thanks to The Skinny for the heads up on this one!

Hermes lines and color scheme emulate Mondrian

Miyake channels Matisse

Galliano brings this Picasso to life

Elie Saab's pieces are reminiscent of Chuck Close's pointillist world of color

Julianne's collection was greatly inspired by Expressionist artist Ernst Lugwig Kirchner's paintings "Berlin Street Scene." She used his colors, and sharp heavy brush strokes to create custom fabrics and geometric abstract silhouettes to bring his painting to life in a 3-dimensional form on the runway.

Kirschner's Berlin Street Scene

Sketches of Julianne's Debut Series collection: Modern Metropolis

Images courtesy of The Skinny Blog and Arts of Fashion

Top Five: My Favorite Things About Fall

It's officially the height of the fall season: right in between Halloween and Thanksgiving, the leaves are changing color and floating to the ground everywhere you turn, and people are pulling out their sweaters and packing away their summer clothes for good. Fall is definitely my favorite season, and on that note I am going to list off the five top reasons why.

1) Layers - If you love clothes, you gotta love layers. I mean really, what's better than a fashionable excuse to wear as many pieces as you can at once? Layers provide you with ways to wear your pieces in a different way, develop some serious color in an outfit, explore accessorizing, and of course to keep warm! Layering is definitely still in this fall, so head out and pick up some basic tees, some not-so-basic tees, sweaters, tights, skirts, boots... the list goes on.

2) Wandering - I know Summer gets the rep as the time to be outdoors, but if you've never explored the city on a beautiful crisp fall day, now's the time to start. Step 1 - put on your layers. Step 2 - Head to your favorite local coffee shop, pick up a hazelnut latte or a hot apple cider to get in the fall spirit. Step 3 - head out and look up! The city is beautiful this time of year, and it's ideal walking weather before it gets to cold. I will reccommend to you my personal favorite route: West down Chestnut to Broad then back East up Walnut for window shopping, be sure to take a spin through Rittenhouse Park on your way back! And Fairmount Park provides walking for days and some really beautiful Fall sights.

3) The Food - And yes, this deserves its own spot. From Pumpkin everything to delicious hot soups back on the menus, fall food is where it's at. Let's not forget leftover Halloween candy or the epic Thanksgiving feast that is still to come either. Restaurants all over the city are pulling out seasonal specialties to entice diners, and really who needs a better excuse to enjoy a night out?

4) The Culture - EVERYTHING, and I mean everything, comes back to life in the fall. Students are back in the city. Theatre starts back up, and the city is filled with new exhibits, there is so much to do again! This fall is no exception, and there are definitely some events to take advantage of: the Gorky exhibit at the PMA is impressive, and lots of Broadway Productions are making their way to Philadelphia, including Mamma Mia, Oliver, and White Christmas (although that's more of a winter thing).

5) The Holidays - As mentioned before, Fall offers holidays that are great for stuffing your face. But between Halloween and Thanksgiving there is plenty of celebration that goes on in this season. Thanksgiving, of course, is the real kickoff to the holiday season, a chance to catch up with friends and family and head home for a few days to hang out. If you love parties, you have to love fall. (Don't forget Columbus Day and Veterans Day as well, while not the party holidays we all know and love, they still get us a few much-needed days off to enjoy the other top four things about the season).

So there you go, some reasons to love the season. Now its time to stop your grieving over Summer's end and ignore the commercials that tell you Christmas is already here. So put on your layers, get out there and wander while you eat some fall food, stop by a theatre or museum and soak up some culture, then get home and pack for the holidays. Remember, Fall goes fast, you gotta enjoy it while you can!

How to Survive Fashionably in a Recession…

So you’re broke… who isn’t! It seems as though in one way or another we are all trying to cut back in this recession, but that doesn’t mean that you have to start wearing rags and not enjoying life. Whether you are in college and trying to conserve pennies for next term's books, a recent graduate who can’t find a full time job, or working (with no raise in sight) and stashing those extra dollars just in case you are next on the chopping block, it is still OK to enjoy life! Frugally of course!

Let’s start simply…

You have been eyeballing that new clutch but there is no way you can justify the purchase. It’s OK! Take your old simple clutch and spruce it up with a silk flower, an old broach, or a velvet bow. I am sure if you stop in to see your mother she won’t mind if you lifting a scrap or two, especially if it is in the name of monetary conservation. It will turn this tired piece taking up space in your closet into something fresh and exciting.

Need some new pumps or boots?

How about taking your classic blacks and lacing them with the same ribbon that you just adorned your clutch with. This will give them an updated, sexy lace up look without the $120 price tag.

Are your boots looking tired and beat up? Distressed is in so yo're ahead of the game! Maybe just stop in shoe repair and have new heeltaps, a buffing, some polish and conditioner, and you are all set for under $20!

Don’t underestimate the power of great accessories!

The white-tee and cardigan can go a long way when you accessorize. Layer up some trendy chains in bright gold, pearls, or “crystal” beads (all can be found at your local craft store) and no one will even notice it's Hanes! Not a necklace girl? How about a great belt over that cardigan that you wear to the laundromat. It’s long and comfy and still has some life left in it. Throw it over your lace camisole, cinch it with a belt, grab your scarf and you are ready to go.

Now you're all dressed up and have no where to go…

Relax, you have been saving so much money on your wardrobe so you deserve to head out! Don’t stress about the bill at the end of the meal because you're going out armed with a budget and the know how. Did you know that restaurants on the outskirts of the expensive neighborhoods pay a lower rent? It is true, and for this reason their prices are usually much cheaper and generally their menu is set to accommodate the local demographic, and therefore is more authentic.

Don’t forget BYOB!

A sure way to save a buck and still enjoy a few drinks! There are websites dedicated to mapping out the BYOBs in your neighborhood. Most restaurants mark up the alcohol 3 fold. Why pay $45 dollars for a $15 bottle of wine? Want to have dinner and drinks on a Saturday night, try calling ahead to see what their policies are. This will save you a bundle with out sacrificing wining and dining.

photo courtesy of madewell1937.com

photo courtesy of about.com

photo courtesy of lushlee.com

Style Your Sole

Above is an advertisement that was inspired from the work of Blake Mycoskie and TOMS shoes, one of my all time favorite shoe companies. At TOMS they have this inspiring program they call "One for One." The success of their mission is dependent on the buying power of consumers.

For every pair of shoes that TOMS sells, the company donates a pair to a child in a third world country. So far they have donated over 150,000 pairs of TOMS shoes in the three years that the program has existed have been. TOMS has donated to children in Argentina, South Africa, and they are currently helping out to prevent Podoconiosis(Podo) in Ethiopia by donating shoes and working with organizations to find the cure to the debilitating disease that causes deformity, intense pain, ulcers, and social stigma and exclusion.

The best part about this company donating shoes to poor communities, is that they don't just box up the shoes and send them away. Volunteers from TOMS and Friends of TOMS go on Shoe Drop Tours and hand deliver the shoes to the children in need of shoes. TOMS shoes really succeeds in building the bridge between what could be the very selfish shopping expenditures to the reaching out and helping the greater good. It is an inspiring system that other companies should start thinking about doing themselves. It's all about giving back.

TOMS shoes also offers ways that you can join the TOMS family other than volunteering for Shoe Drop Tours and buying shoes for the One for One program. You can also intern at TOMS, become a TOMS rep at your school, or even have a Style Your Sole party. On their website (which you can visit if you click.....here) they provide all the details about how you can market and promote your event and also a checklist to make sure you have all your materials.

Style Your Sole parties can be achieved in three easy steps:

1) Set a date that works with you and your guests. Make sure you get the money upfront to order the shoes.
2) Place your order for the shoes AT LEAST 2 weeks before the event. If you order 25 or more pairs you can get them for 10% discount.
3) Contact local retailers, bands, and artists to see if they would like join in and/or sponsor your event. Provide decorations and paints to decorate the shoes. And don't forget to document it, upload images onto flickr, and tag TOMS shoes.

[[GREEN ALERT!! GREEN ALERT!! TOMS shoes are not only aware of social responsibility, but they are also aware of being green by having certain styles that are made of vegan material like recycled twill and recycled rubber!]]

**Photo Shout out to TOMS shoes!!

Models, Models Everywhere

Excited at the thought of a new experience; Nervous at the thought of messing up royally; Uncertain as to what exactly I was getting myself into. My first time as a dresser for a fashion show was nothing exciting to the outsider, seeing as it was just a dress rehearsal. But to me, it was the opening of a door to a whole new world. I wasn't sure what to expect from the seemingly flawless models I would be adorning with strange, and sometimes complicated garments.

I looked up in at at them, literally, considering I am only 5'3". I felt like a star struck little girl. They seemed so confident, beautiful, and tall and inside I couldn't help but to want to be them. Rather than being pretentious, they were very friendly and warm and continually thanking me for dressing them. I smiled and said, "You're welcome," when inside I wanted to say, "I didn't really do anything." Honestly, it was hard to look at them and find a way to be happy with my own appearance. But, from listening to their conversations with one another, they weren't too happy with their appearance either. I found it frustrating and interesting at the same time. I just wanted to shake them and say, "You are gorgeous, why can't you see that?" But, I think it also goes to show that no matter what a person has, they always want something better. While I would give anything for their long legs, they would give anything to have skinnier legs. Realizing that no matter how beautiful I may appear, I would always want to look better, I decided that I would have to learn to love the way I look or be doomed to a life of unhappiness.

Home away from Home

The other day I received this picture in an email from my little sister. It is the view at sunset off the deck at my parent's house in New Jersey. I find myself homesick for the first time in a while. It's the little things like this picture that make home feel so close yet so far away. Isn't it strange how the idea of home changes so much once you go off to college? I've moved a record 5 times since I came to Drexel 3 years ago. (Twice my freshman year due to the fact that my dorm was being renovated and twice this year but once it was only a move down the hall.) There are always a few stray boxes that remain unpacked, and I feel like I can never be completely settled because I know the impending doom of another move can't be far away. I try and combat these feelings by decorating and redecorating and filling the place I live with décor I love.

So, here are some tips to make your apartment or dorm room feel more "homey" even if it is only temporary.

1. Lighting and mirrors are key to making any small room seem larger. Free standing lamps provide lighting that is less harsh than florescent, and is also better for reading. Mirrors add depth to a room but be sure to hang them opposite a nice view, otherwise you'll be staring at that crack in the wall two times over. Try three floor-length ones hung side by side.

2. Paint will instantly warm up a room. Most apartments rented to college students come with white walls. Why not chose a color for your walls to liven up the space? Check with landlords before breaking out the rollers.

3. Picture frames with photos of friends and family will remind you of home. Try an arrangement of frame decals that stick to your wall for a fun look.

4. "Throw items" Throw pillow. Throw blanket. Throw rug. All of these items add a personal touch. If your floors are tiled or old, ugly carpeting a throw rug can cover that up. Try making your own from recycled plastic bags. If your couch is from your parents' basement and looking a little shabby, a quilt tucked over the edge will add a punch of color. If your bed is lacking in comfort, toss a few throw pillows with cool graphics on there to add comfort and style at the same time.

5. Shop thrift and second-hand stores as well as flea markets for unique home goods. I've found some of my favorite pieces of art as well as cheap kitchenware at thrift stores. They are a great place to find one-of-a-kind items.

My living room. (circa apartment #4)

I hope these tips help you feel more settled in your space, or at least liven up your walls. Happy (Re)decorating!

Arts of Fashion: Master Classes

During the past 48 hours I have had the opportunity to gain an inside view of the Arts of Fashion Master Classes that are currently being held at Drexel.
Students from all over the world have come together, enrolled in in four fabulous intensive classes that are being taught by some of the most innovative young designers in the fashion industry.

The diversity of the students working together in these classes is truly impressive - I was able to speak to many of them as I helped to complete interviews, which will be included in a documentary that is filming this week. Their excitement to be here is contagious, and after spending time with them in the studios over the past two days I cannot wait to see their final projects debut in the fashion show and awards ceremony at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Wednesday, October 28.

The four classes that were offered were:

Flower Power: Taught by Christian Wijnants and Matthew Ames
A class where the students started with jacket, floral fabric, padding materials and shoulder pads. Once the original jacket is deconstructed, it will be reconstructed as a new jacket with added volume and embellishments.

Trench Mutation: Taught by Matthieu Blazy and Julie Perrin
Starting with a standard menswear trench, the students deconstruct the garment, and then using cut shapes from other fabrics, they will reconstruct a new garment, marrying the form of the trench to that of a cocktail dress.

Bag Pocket - Pocket Dress - Dress Bag: Taught by Anthony Vaccarello and Arnaud Michaux
The students create a dress using only the materials from various handbags and sports bags that they provided.

Wishing to See is Enough to Believe That You are Seeing: Taught by Aurore Thibout and Laurence Teillet
The students take garments of their choice, and using screen prints of their own design, they alter the surface of the fabric, which is then reconstructed into a garment - with the goal of creating the illusion of movement in the new piece.

The instructors of the Arts of Fashion Master Classes, images courtesy of Arts of Fashion

For more information regarding the Arts of Fashion Master Classes, please visit their website.

What about Breakfast at Tiffany's?

This weekend, while I watched the masterpiece that is Breakfast at Tiffany's (along with two other Hepburn movies) , I remembered how I've been planning to have breakfast at Tiffany's myself. It also reminded me of how much I love that era and its fashion. I adore the glitz and glamour and the class -- the grace that old Hollywood possessed.

Breakfast at Tiffany's features style icon and actress, Audrey Hepburn, a hilariously interesting party scene and everyone's favorite little black dress. Besides the obvious love story, the movie is a stylistic representation of its time, and has also had a huge impact on what we wear today. Holly Golightly's oversized sunglasses, skinny pants and swing jackets have become fashionable staples in many womens wardrobes.

So dig out your black and white movies and take some fashion notes. Look at what was popular back then - silhouettes, accessories, hair styles, etc. Take note of what you love and figure out a way to work it into your own wardrobe. And maybe I'll see you, coffee and danish in hand, at Tiffany's?

Photo courtesy of alyssagolightly.wordpress.com

Your nails don't have to feel the economy!

I'm as broke as the next college student, but I still love little luxuries. One thing I can't live without is manicures. I like to keep my nails long and polished. With the cold weather approaching it's even more important to take care of your hands. Unfortunately, this is a luxury I can't always afford - but I have perfected the D.I.Y. manicure.

Here's how I do it:

1. Remove.

all old polish (even clear) with a non-acetone remover. This is important to get a smooth, glossy finish. Non-acetone is also less harsh on the nails and won't weaken them.

2. File.

nails in one direction. Whether you like straight or rounded, start at the edges, and move towards the center.

3. Soak.
your hands in warm, soapy water. I use a ceramic bowl because it keeps the water warmer for longer. For an extra touch, pamper your hands with a warm washcloth, just like at the salon. Dampen cloth and heat in the microwave for 20 seconds.
4. Dab.
on cuticle cream at the base of nails. Use an orange stick to push back the cuticles, but leave the cutting to the professionals. One wrong move with the clippers and you can cause damage or infection to the nail.
5. Rub.
lotion over hands. Use your washcloth to wipe nails of excess lotion so oils don't interfere with polish.
6. Apply.
a base coat. I always use one with a strengthener so the manicure lasts longer and breaks or hangnails don't happen. My favorite is Sally Hansen Diamond Strength available at CVS. Let dry completely so color goes on evenly.
7. Paint.
nails with color. Two coats is best. Three even strokes from the base to the top to cover nails completely. Hot nail colors for Fall: opaque gray or sapphire blue. Try Give me the Moon! or Light my Sapphire by OPI. Apply a quick drying top coat. For screw-ups with color keep a remover pen handy.

Sit still for at least 15 minutes to avoid the dreaded nail smudge.

Lucky for the iPhone addicted, texting is wet-nail friendly.

Philly Fashion

Philadelphia, though it possesses its own unique charm, does not currently have a reputation as a fashion mecca in its own right. Within the United States, that honor has been given to a few cities, but Philly’s fashion scene has always fallen short of recognition. But this Fall, all of that stands to change, as Philadelphia stages a daring attempt to ascend to the status of an east coast center of fashion.

Philadelphia Fashion Week, a movement that has long been attempted and not yet seen success, delivered on its promise something more this year. Under the guidance of successful buyer and manager Michael Anderer of Matthew Izzo fame, the three day event consisted of shows, parties, and concerts designed to show off Philadelphia’s local talent and entice the locals to show some brotherly love to their “phashionable” fellow citizens. While in years past many individuals and organizations have held similar events, Anderer and his team added a new level of style and prestige to the event, two very necessary ingredients when hosting a fashion event of any scale.

In addition to the local fashion renaissance, Philadelphia will also host an international fashion event later this October. The Arts of Fashion, an international organization born in France and dedicated to promoting the advancement of fashion innovation and education, will be hosting its annual symposium at Drexel University with the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. The five-day event consists of master classes, lectures, film screenings, and it culminates in a fashion show displaying the talents of the best fashion students from around the world, as well as former students and emerging designers. The Philadelphia Museum of Art will host the finale show for the symposium, further tying in Philadelphia’s own artistic treasures with their emerging interest in fashion. (Visit arts-of-fashion.org for full details.)

With these two events under its belt, and an abundance of local talent ready for the spotlight, things are looking up for the fashionable people of Philadelphia. If the buzz about the fashion scene is any indication, the city is well on its way to establishing its own reputation as a city of style.