At Paris Fashion Week






My Paris Fashion Week started yesterday, visiting the Barbara Bui show and Hypeed party. I got my pictures taken, met with readers of my blog and have the sorest feet ever. Paris Fashion Week is amazing, it's everything I imagined it to be. And I'm still pinching myself that I'm a part of it all!

Gotta run now, getting breakfast with my boyfriend!
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Zara exclusive jacket / H&M clutch / H&M jumpsuit (in stores in week 49) / H&M shoes (in stores in week 43)




A lifelong obsession

  

Apparently, I've had a thing for fancy shoes and big shades from a very early age.  Aren't these great!  My mom sent them to me this afternoon, photos of little me that I had never seen.  And it appears I get my sense of style from her - who else's closet and purse would I have been raiding so young?


My big competition is just 2 days away.  The training is done, I have tomorrow off work to take care of last minute appointments (hello, spray tan!) and a bit more posing practice, and I find myself with a little bit of downtime at home this evening.  A luxury these days.


I've pushed myself in so many ways these past couple months, physically and mentally, and while I might not be able to technically say that I've loved every minute of it, I kind of have loved every minute of it.


Physically, I'm in near-peak condition.  I honestly didn't believe I'd ever get my legs to look like they do today.  Ever.  I'm as healthy and as fit as I've ever been in my life.  While I may not want to walk around quite this lean and muscled every day, I now see just what I can do with my body (what we can all do with our bodies), with the right knowledge, discipline, and determination.


Mentally, I've surpassed the level of discipline and determination I knew I had.  I've always been pretty focused when I wanted to be, but this took EVEN MORE!


And I'm pushing my boundaries, my personal comfort levels.  Being in the gym, training, I'm comfortable with that.  Showing it off in the way I must on Saturday, that's a stretch for me.  And putting myself in the position of being judged like that, officially, also a stretch.


As of this moment, the excitement has surpassed the nerves.  I anticipate they'll return in force in the next 48 hours, but I think I've got the wherewithal to get through them.


I'll let you know how it goes!



First impressions


I'm writing you this post from my Paris bed and going to call it a night! What a hectic day it's been, filled with impressions. We (yes, my boyfriend came with me to Paris!) couldn't check in until 5 so all my clothes came out wrinkled when I was finally able to unpack... Wardrobe emergency! But I guess that's part of travelling :) Tomorrow Paris Fashion Week is really starting and in the evening I'll visit the Hypeed cocktail party. Let me know if you're there too! Bisous, Yara

(Zara jumper / H&M shoes)

Packing for Paris


Needless to say, attending an international Fashion Week – let alone Paris Fashion Week, the mother of all Fashion Weeks as Andy put it – is something I couldn’t be more excited about. But packing for Paris is serious business. Right now I’ve piled half of my closet on my bed and it looks like my room exploded. What do we do in such situations..? That’s right: we make a list.

My Fashion Week essentials:

A loose black dress, the perfect layering piece.
Leather or denim skinnies, to wear with a loose T and clutch, always works.
Blazers, blazers, blazers. If you have little packing space bring a black and one statement blazer.
A bunch of tights, in case you discover rips 2 minutes before leaving.
♥ One fab party dress, you never know what you end up doing.
Cigarette or harem pants, they're comfy yet stylish and provide some warmth. Printed or one toned both work.
Basic T’s and blouses, to mix and match with.
An a-line or maxi skirt.
(Leather) shorts.
A jumpsuit, for when you're want to make a big statement with minimal effort.
A pair of mind blowing heels.
Wedges, to give your feet a break but still add that extra height.
Ballet flats, to switch to when walking a lot in between shows.
Nail polish, the perfect finishing touch! I’m bringing one color for every day.
Bags and jewels, bring multiple clutches so you don’t have the same look each day and one big bag for long days with more carry on stuff.

Paris Fashion Week, here I come!





Some of you already guessed... I'm going to PARIS FASHION WEEK on wednesday! I didn't expect to go because of my financial situation after the USA trip but with invites to a few really pretty things like the Barbara Bui show and Sonia Rykiel show I couldn't not go. Just no more shopping for the next 3 months!

Please share your favorite shops, streets and restaurants in Paris with me! ♥ And if you're visiting Paris FW too, let me know (and perhaps we could meet up!)

Paris FW images via Jak & Jil blog

Soft


I like these soft, retro pictures with stunning light. And they're a great hint to the news I'm gonna tell you tomorrow... Can you guess ;)?

Also, I was interviewed on Fashiolista. Check it out and get to know me a little better!

images via fashion gone rouge

orlando here I come (again!)

I'm on a plane and  headed back to Orlando today! This time it's a business trip, I'll be teaching at The Collins Group Show on Saturday for Ranger.


dollhouse_travelLR

I am so thankful to be headed down to Orlando. This trip really couldn't have come at a better time. My Dad was admitted to the hospital as a result of the rigorous lung cancer treatments he's been undergoing. right now it seems the treatment is worse than the cancer! They are getting him back into shape with pain management, fluids and transfusions. I am so glad I'll be there to be with my Mom, able to visit my Dad, and help out where I can.

I'll be back on Tuesday so see you next week!

more dollhouse project

I'm still having fun playing with my Dollhouse Project. Here's my latest:

dollhouse_kitchen_readingLR

You may notice I am using the same cute gal in all the compositions. That's because I have a master plan of creating a graphic novel of sorts with her ... so I am testing out my main character. So far I think she's going to work!

Now to really start developing the story! I bought this book to help loosen up my rusty creative writing muscles. Of course when I bought it I had grand plans of writing each morning for an hour. ha! that hasn't happened yet with all the travel I've been doing. I'll let you know how I like it once I get started.

Pant proof






As much as I love dresses, I've recently found new appreciation for a good pair of legwear. It definately helps that pants are a big item this season, so there's plenty good ones to choose from!

Wasteland top / Mango pants / LF Stores wedges / Zara leather bag / Ray ban Wayfarer



Mirror, mirror on the wall

Mirror, mirror an the wall.... these shoes are the prettiest of them all.

Mirror heels via Stockholm Streetstyle

back from Maine!

I'm back from a wonderful weekend teaching at Artascope Studios in S. Portland Maine!

Here are a few photos of the workshop to share with you!

Class photo outside Artascope Studios.

Today we're working in beeswax!
We were all about beeswax this weekend!

Work by Catherine S. In my class!
Artwork in progress by Catherine Scanlon

We were treated to delicious catered lunches. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed eating on the front porch of the studios.

Rosie, paying close attention in class!
Beautiful Rosie! brought to class as a treat for me by her "person" Karen Cheetham. Thanks Rosie for coming!

It was a lovely weekend with amazing people! Already looking forward to teaching at Artascope again next year. I wish they were closer to me, I would be there all the time!

The best blazer





I took my new Queens Wardrobe blazer out for a walk immediately after receiving it and it's the perfect addition to my collection. I'd like to have blazers in all shapes, colors and prints. Are you just as fond of blazers as I am, or do you have another favorite piece of clothing?

ps. Don't forget to enter the Shopbop give away here, to win a 100$ shopping money!

Queens Wardrobe blazer / COS dress / old H&M belt / LF Stores ankle boots

We are (a fashion) family!


(Boys & Girls of New York Fashion Week SS2011 from Justin Wu on Vimeo)
No family quite like your fashion family!

I've been busy

I haven't been ignoring y'all for no reason.  Seems my world, my life, my....well, everything, is about my upcoming competition.  2 weeks from tomorrow.  gulp.  Things are looking good.  I like my back.  I like my arms.  I like my abs.  Still working on that lower half.


Here's a peek at where I am two weeks out.  Not my fave photos or poses, but I'm using this is a way to  keep myself honest and on track - keep myself working toward the goal.  I don't have my fancy suit yet, but I do have the shoes!





 


And definitely still working on my posing.  I had a lesson last Friday in How To Walk.  Think model walk.  Swish the hips, roll the shoulders, look natural but command attention while simultaneously flexing the legs with each step, keeping the abs tight, smile, but not in a too-fake-way.  Um, I'm quite certain there was more to it, but I'm at a loss at the moment.


I'm also experimenting with fake tans so I can be browner than a berry in two weeks.  The first is just about worn off.  It was not the exact color I was hoping for, so back to another salon with a different solution this weekend for another try.

Around the edges



Scalloped hemline, check. Soft nude color, check. Boyfriend fit, check. My new blazer from Queens Wardrobe has all the prefect ingredients. You'll see me wearing this soon!

on my way to Maine!

I am all packed and ready to head out the door tomorrow morning to teach my weekend workshop at Artascope Studios in S. Portland Maine!


I'll be back Sunday night, follow me in my adventure: follow me on Twitter to get the latest updates!

LAST 2010 WORKSHOP
My last workshop for 2010 will be in Reston VA. A fun Halloween Village workshop at Angela's Happy Stamper October 16th.

FIRST 2011 WORKSHOP
The next 3 day collage class that I'll be teaching will be in Bonita Springs FL Feb 17th - 19th 2011. Don't miss this class at a great location: the Bonita Springs Art League! More details here!

see you next week!

Les Soldes: Incu (Sydney)

I saw this on facebook just now and it looks quite promising. Lots of great brands that produce innovative/ interesting designs. I hope the selections are good!
Cred: facebook

Girl crush




I've admired Chloƫ Sevigny for years, so about time she gets a post on here. She shows us that being unique never goes out of style.

images: studded hearts

the whole world is a stage


Clockwise from top lef: Philosophy; Jason Wu; Rodarte

Looking at a designer's labor of love walking on elaborate and unique runways really does add a whole new dimension to the experience. (Not that there's anything wrong with a classic runway, which I assume are created such that it's only about the designs. So that nothing detracts and distracts from fashion itself.)

Of the ones I've taken note of... Rodarte gets about 100 bonus points for creativity in putting those lights in the crates (is that what you would call it?) and constructing something that won't look out of place at an art installation. But then again, every Rodarte piece is a work of art so maybe that's the whole point! I approve of Jason Wu's catwalk just as much- it's a walkable shiny disco ball and its dark tones does wonders! (The Philosophy runway was just a bit crazy...)
Cred: TFS, style.com