HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!

Make sure to enjoy this last day of 2011 and get ready for a superb start to 2012!! Be safe, and have a good celebration tonight!!  See you all in 2012 :)

Tips to Keep this Year's New Years Resolutions!!!

New Years is upon us, and if you are like me and millions, millions others, you are starting to create your new year's resolutions list. Similar to me (insert sad face here), new year's resolutions are IMPOSSIBLE to keep, therefore I am including a list created by Mental toughness expert Steve Siebold (author of book, 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class). This list will HOPEFULLY END our inability to keep our new year's resolutions. Enjoy and make sure to follow them.....I sure will!!

·         Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.  Winners have a “whatever it takes” attitude.  They’ve made the decision to pay any price and bear any burden in the name of victory.  

·         Realize that 99% compliance is failure.  

·         Expect to feel pain or suffer.  Most people run into an obstacle and seek escape.  Have a plan to push forward when this happens.  If you’re not ready to suffer during adversity, you’re not going to be successful.  

·         Don’t focus on how to do it, but rather, why should I do it?  Why do I want this goal to become a reality?  The intensity of emotion with which this question is answered will determine whether the dream comes alive or dies.

·         Get really clear about what you want to change.  Don’t just say “I want to lose weight,” but get specific and say “By March 1 I want to lose 15 pounds.  I’m going to eat well, exercise each day and get really committed to doing this once and for all.”  Setting a timeline will help avoid procrastination.   

·         77% of what we say to ourselves is negative, so don’t give into the negative thoughts that the goal is impossible.  Keep asking yourself how can I make this happen? 

·         Feed your visions and starve your fears.  The best way to do this is by creating a vision board.  If you want to lose weight for example, cutout pictures of really fit people and tape them on a poster board.  Hang the vision board in a very visible location.  This will reinforce the goals into your subconscious. 

·         One of the biggest problems is that most people have no means of accountability or a support system in place.  Go after your goals with a friend or spouse and keep each other on track.  

·         Avoid delusion and operate from objective reality.  In other words, realize that making a change is going to be hard work, not a walk in the park.

 

One of my resolutions is to look like this again!

•        Stop caring about what other people think

of your goals.  

HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a Happy Holiday and a Great New Year!!!! See you all next year....2012!!

Selene at a year old (OLD PIC)...damn cute though :)

Stella*

Patagonia Mag Mile GRAND OPENING!!! 12/15

I know it has been a week since the GRAND OPENING of Patagonia's Magnificent Mile's Store, but I am now posting pictures from this event (hey it's the holidays-we are all a little behind). The Grand Opening took place last Thursday 12/15 at their new mag mile location: 48 E. Walton Street! 

This Grand Opening, unlike many others, WAS opened to the public! Everyone was invited to visit their new Chicago location and to see all the Eco-friendly products that this apparel company provides! At the event we actually got to talk to Patagonia's Executives (talk about feeling cool), who all gave us an insight to Patagonia's plans for the Windy City!! What to expect from this innovative company: a recycled clothing program, and the resource City Farm (taking vacant Chicago lots and turning them into viable farmland for Chicago communities)!!!

Not only does this store provide high quality outdoors wear, but also provide philanthropic services to our communities here! So I know we all have about 2-3 shopping days left before the big day, but this store is a MUST visit!! Not only are you buying GREAT quality products, but also with your purchase contributing to the well-being of Chicago communities!!!

Stella* 

UpComing Event...Santa Show this THURSDAY DEC 22nd!!!

It is officially THE HOLIDAY Season......we are all super swamped with shopping and party planning! Take some time and sneak in a fashion show into your schedule! It is a SEXY SANTA SHOW!! How fun is that??? Come on Chicago! Support your Chicago fashion industry during the holidays!!!!!

Guess who is coming into Town?? Nope not Santa....Patagonia Outdoor Clothing!

The rumor mill has it that Patagonia is coming to the Magnificent Mile this month!!!! So now, not only will shoppers be able to fulfill their fine taste in clothing on the Magnificent, but also their Eco-friendly wants. In case you are wondering what Patagonia Outdoor Clothing provides: they provide: Eco-friendly products and recycled clothing programs. Patagonia is also in the talks to create a Resource Center's City Farm to talk about turning vacant Chicago lots into viable farmland!!!! Wow!!! A company that provides high quality outdoor wear for our COLD winters, but also social programs to our community!!! Cannot wait!!!!

The Stylist of Chicago-Exclusive Interview with Renita S. Manley of Revamped Image Consulting

I recently had the privilege to interview Renita S. Manley the Owner and Founder of Revamped Image Consulting based out of Chicago! She is a professional stylist who not only has her own business, but also works with philanthropy around the community. She is an inspiration to all!!!!

Renita S. Manley at Fashion Fetish Fete 2011

Me: Can you tell us a little about your background?

Renita: I actually grew up in the suburbs of Chicago; I spent much of my time with my mom and older sister and my older brother. My mom and sister are both MAJOR fashionistas; my mom may actually be a diva times, introducing the divas to me early on :) My dad definitely had and has his own style, but it’s not so fashion forward. Yet, I draw a lot of my style inspiration from him; he dresses comfortably and consistently which I tend to showcase in my styling. 

I remember as a kid and teen, my mom and I fought a lot because she did not like my choices of clothing. She would say, “You dress like your dad!” Keep in mind, it was the 90’s and early 2000’s, so I wore a lot of baggy jeans, plaid shirts (OH NO)!! Once I started High School, I began to dress more womanly, therefore my teachers and peers would compliment me and tell me, “I like your style."  I never tried to follow trends, I did my own thing; Ironically, at that point, I began helping my mom choose outfits to wear to work.

After High School, I attended Northern Illinois University where I earned a  BA in English and then Governors State University where I earned a Master’s in Public Administration with a certificate in Public Management, and I moved to Chicago soon after.

Me: How did you get started in your business?

Renita: While I attended NIU, my friends would come to me for clothing advice. One of them told me I should tell people what to wear for a living, which I thought was a joke; that would be too awesome, too good to be true. I went on to earn my two degrees, became a career coach, and then I got a job as a middle school Reading and Writing teacher.  I was a Wardrobe Consultant part-time during that time. After two years of teaching, I decided to take my college friend’s advice, and I began to pursue my business full time, never turning back. 

Me: What do you love best about having your business based in Chicago?

Renita: Two characteristics about Chicago that I love is our drive and our diversity. There is a plethora of entities that are driven and creative in terms of our businesses. This phenomenon helps me to stay inventive and constantly challenge my business and myself. Moreover, the large amount of diversity…the diversity here in the Chicago land area is amazing! It makes for great business.  

Me: What do you feel is the future fashion outlook in Chicago? 

Renita: Those that choose to stay in Chicago are so talented, driven, and optimistic. I believe with the talent we have here, we are going to make Chicago fashion eclectic, harmonious, and progressive. We have many different styles and creative direction here in Chicago, that I think that we are starting to learn that we are stronger when we amalgamate instead of consistently competing against each other, as long as our businesses remain afloat and flourish. Where there is a united front, there is power, especially here in Chicago.

Renita with Catholic Charities Veterans at Fashion Fetish Fete 2011

Me: What are some events you are planning or currently involved in? 

Renita:  I got a lot going on right now, but here is just a few: On December 10, my community outreach group, Chicago Fashion and Arts for Humanity, will be volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association for their awareness/charity walk at the United Center. On December 17^th, Amour Genesis (model/host/spokesperson) and I will be working with Creatively Caring in Wheeling to collect winter apparel for the MGR Foundation, and I am starting the planning process for 2012’s Fashion Fetish Fete. I have also been working with the Princess Closet and blank nation apparel for their Curvy Girl contest and Dream Day Events. 

  

Me: WOW, you are SUPER busy!!! So before you go, any styling advice for us women for the holidays? 

Renita: I believe that the look is sequins, lace, faux fur and even animal prints for the holiday season.  Spice up your style a bit by adding leather, sheer, velvet and daringly bold accessory piece. And now is the time to find your perfect shade of red lipstick. Also, be sure to keep your handy second layer close (cardigan, cotton blazer) in fun holiday colors such as forest green, tomato red, and any metallic color.  

Me: THANK YOU SOOO MUCH RENITA!! You truly are an inspiration to us all!!! AND we cannot make do without your styling advice :)  

Renita at Fashion Fetish Fete

 Stella * 

A Cool Winter Shirt for a COLD CHICAGO WINTER!!!!!!!!!!!

I came across these t-shirts & long sleeve shirts called Be Classic by Stacy Alvarez. This shirts are very simple but EXTREMELY comfortable and WARM-great for layering to fight off old man winter!This collection has 5 different styles: long sleeve scoop, long sleeve V-neck, short sleeve scoop, short sleeve V-neck and the tank top. Sizes range from x-small to large and colors are neutrals (white, nude, navy, gray and black).

So this winter stay warm, comfortable and looking stylish!!! These shirts can be purchased at http://www.be-classic.com/

Fashion Nomad Show By the Horacio Nieto Jr!!!!!!

Next week is not only the week after Thanksgiving and a start to the holiday shopping season, but also the week that our Chicago designer Horacio Nieto Jr showcases his newest fashion show; Fashion Nomad!!! This show will focus on his Women's wear and Arlo menswear collection!!

This stellar event takes place next Wednesday at the Vibe Lounge at 7pm!!! For more information make sure to visit his website at http://www.horacionieto.com

My last LFW Pic Posting!!! Teen Day!!!!

Ok, so here is my last picture posting of Latino Fashion Week!! It was an exciting week for all!! Cannot wait for next year :)  Here are pictures from their day 3 event, Teen Day!!!! Pictures provided by the ever-fab Javier Enriquez.

 

Stella *

An Upcoming Event from my Fave...Cettina!

Put on those stilettos and go!!!! The Fashion Holiday Event of the Season!!! Cannot wait to see her Spring 2012 Collection!!

Wednesday December 7th from 7-9 pm!!! @ Tocco's 1266 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago!!!

See you all there :)

Stella*

Bring them on..........More LFW PICS!! Unity Canvas Day

This was from Day 2 of Latino Fashion Week: Unity Canvas Day! This was a fun and exciting day that celebrating ethnic diversity in our great City!!! It even included an AMAZING Multicultural fashion that featured designers such as Borris Powell and Juan Colon. Also featured in the show were designs from men's wear designers Ritu Boorgu and C.Dahlstedt, plus Haj Gueye!!!! This show also wowed the crowd with celebrity emcee's David Miranda from 93.5 & 103.1 La Kalle and Jovie Calma TV Show host!!! (all these wonderful pictures were provided by Javier Enriquez-official LFW photographer)

Latino Fashion Week-Red Carpet PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These pictures below are all from Latino Fashion Week's first day event: The Media Red Carpet Event!!!! Beautiful event, one of a kind and all in Chicago!!!! (all pictures courtesy of Javier Enriquez-official LFW photographer)

 

The Week of Latino Moda!!! Nov 1-6th

This upcoming Tuesday starts a very important and exciting week for the Chicago Fashion Industry; it marks the start of Latino Fashion Week. Staring Nov. 1-6, there will be fun events and fashion shows that will be featuring Latino designers from not only Chicago but from throughout the country and even world. Below is the list of events for this spectacular week!!!

LFW Poster...courtesy of Latino Fashion Week

Nov 1st: Designer's Muse Red Carpet Media Party-Zhou B. Art Center

Red carpet event-great start for a stellar week of fashion by upcoming and established Latino Stars! Starts at 5:30pm with a show featuring local Chicago Designers at 7pm!!

Nov 2nd: Unity Canvas-Zhou B. Art Center

Features multicultural fashion show!! Reception 6:00pm, Fashion Show at 7:00pm

Nov 3rd: Teen Day Fashion Show & Family Pavilion-Zhou B. Art Center

Event promoting healthy lifestyles!! Also has a fashion show, workshops AND premieres Jorge Perez's Quinceanera line for Macy's!! Expo: 2pm, Fashion Show: 7pm

Nov 4th: Mixed Mediums, Showcase & Expo-Zhou B. Art Center

Runway show of popular trends including amazing LA designer Alicia Estrada from Stop Starring!!! Expo starts at 3pm, Check in at 6:00pm, 1st Show at 7:00pm & VIP Reception 8:15pm. Stop Starring show will be at 9:15pm!!

Nov 5th: Art in Fashion Extravaganza-Zhou B. Art Center

This is the start of a 3 day Fashion Lounge and Expo. Includes mega runway show of local, national and international designers. Expo starts at 1pm, VIP Reception at 6:00pm and Show is at 8:00pm

All tickets can be purchased at http://www.latinofashionweek2011.eventbrite.com

Models from LFW...courtesy of Latino Fashion Week

Many many celebrities will be attending this event, more than I could write!! So it is a must...please not to mention all the FASHIONS that will be featured!!! Go and support your Latino Fashion Week and have a great time!!

Stella *

Industry Mixer featuring Fab Designer Shavonne Dorsey

Write down November 10 on your calendars......it is the monthly Fashion Industry Mixer hosted by Chicago Fashion Connect!! It is from 6-10pm at the trendy 120 Ultra Lounge!!!!!

We also get a treat: This mixer is featuring designer Shavonne Dorsey!!!! She is the upcoming designer who WOWED us at the Fashion Focus Chicago Incubator Show with her plus-fab clothing for real women who have curves!!! 

Tickets are $20 up till Nov 2, Regular tickets after that are $25, Students $15, and at the Door are $30!!!


A MUST ATTEND event!! Meet other insiders in our Chicago Fashion Industry PLUS get to see and meet Shavonne Dorsey!!!!

Chicago Fashion Alert: NO TO FUR VESTS!!!!!!

So Fur is the rage this Fall/Winter 2011/2012 season!!!! I know everyone loves those furry coats, and vests....but please, please if you are not a size NEGATIVE 0, it is REALLY hard to pull off a FUR VEST!!! 

Case in point: My beautiful little sis who is a size 6 (small). With the fur vest on, she looks like she is pregnant; not very flattering.

My sis in her fur vest!!!

Fur vests look very cute on if you are a supermodel (sadly everything looks good on them) or if you are a kid!! Super cute!! For us real women with curves, fur adds volume to us therefore if we must wear a vest, it should be one that is not fur but instead a solid color fitted to our body; showcasing what our mama's gave to us!!!!!

Selene showing off her stylish Fur vest

Keep on looking stylish Chicago :)

Stella *

Fashion Focus: Chicago Fashion Incubator Cettina

Ok, since I am such a HUGE fan of Cettina, here is a video that I took of her AMAZING designs at the Fashion Focus Show!!!!

ENJOY :)

The Stars of Fashion Focus: The Chicago Fashion Incubator Show

Entering the Show

This week was Fashion Focus Chicago.....our Fashion Week. The one show that I was SUPER EXCITED to see was the Fashion Incubator show hosted by Macy's. Let me say...it did not let me down.

Fashion Show Pamphlet

The Incubator show introduced the rising stars of the Chicago Fashion Industry. These designers in residence included; Crystal B Simms from Crystal B Designs, Concetta Cipriano (Cettina, my personal favorite and fellow DU alumni), Kahindo Mateene (Modahnik), Taneasha Prunty (Gidi) and the sole male Eric Kipp (Eric Kipp). Every one of these designers rocked the runway!!! Wowing the crowd and press alike.

Gidi

Eric Kipp

Crystal B Designs reminded me of sophisticated New York Power Women style clothing, while Shavonne Dorsey Apparel slammed the audience with the most beautiful designs for curvy women like myself...very extremely pleased that she designs for plus-size women.

Concetta Cipriano and me!!!

Gidi was very sexy and lacy; reminding me of the movie Burlesque. Eric Kipp was very classic 1950's Hollywood clothing style for men, felt like I was in a flashback movie. Modahnik was very 1970's and colorful...one day I will rock her designs.

Yep I am a fan of Cettina

Cettina, whom I personally LOVE brought me back to my Playa de Carmen vacation with all the flowy gowns and clean laid-back style. The dresses were very romantic and I cannot wait till it is summer out so I can wear her dresses!!!

 Incubator Alumna's such as C/Fan, Anna Hovet, Nonni and Evil Kitty plus others were also showcasing their Spring 2012 collections. Along with a violinist, the audience was memorized by the sophisticated and tasteful garments for both men and women.

Great show....I cannot wait to see what all these designers do next!!!!! Keep an eye out!! Estrella Modas* sure will be~

Stella & Erika from Estrella Modas*

Stella*