A LOOK BACK

As I look forward to a new and exciting year, I can’t help but take a glance at everything I’ve accomplished this past year.  WOW!  Looking back, I’m so honored to have been able to meet and work with so many extraordinary people.  A personal thank you to everyone who has been apart of my journey.  Not only have you enriched my life, but you have inspired so many others, by just having the courage to live your dreams.  With that said, as we move ahead into 2013, for those of you who still struggle to find the light, remember this, if you can envision it, it can be done.   See you in the new year!

In with The Old for 2013

2013 marks the start of the new year!  That means out with the old in with new, for many.  But how about this year, starting it off a little differently, and ringing it in with the old.  And by old I mean vintage!  If you’re like and love to scour your local vintage shops for those great finds, why not save some money and pay off those high-interest credit cards you’ve been charging your designer duds too all year long, and add some great vintage to your wardrobe.  No one will ever know the difference. I promise!

To get you started, I was asked by the team over at The Fashion Spot, to offer their readers some great tips as to how they can get the most bang for their buck, when it comes to vintage shopping. OK, so here’s your first lesson!  If you live in a major metropolitan area, think about traveling outside your city, as prices will be drastically lower in neighboring towns.  If you’re dying for more great tips, I guess you’re just going to have to click here!;)

Style Diary: Marisa Minicucci

Last Friday, I crossed the border into Canada to visit the showroom of fashion designer, Marisa Minicucci.  For those you unfamiliar, Marisa is an accomplished designer in Montreal with over 30 years of experience in the world of fashion.  Her latest creation, MM (the label), is a line of high-end ready-to-wear jackets that are unlike anything I’ve seen before.   The fabrics, cuts, and detailing alone would make Karl himself blush.  Not only will these jackets make heads turn, but several can morph into completely different pieces, offering its owner a sense of versatility with the zip of a zipper or pop of a button.

With less than 24 hours to spare,  I only had time to check into my hotel room, quickly change, view the line and meet with Marisa and her daughter Anisa (who will be partnering with her mother on the line),  and film and interview an exclusive video for styleTV.   I also thought it might be fun to bring along my camera to snap some photos of my experience, therefore giving you a sneak peek of one my latest projects.

My amazing black studded loafers making their debut by one of my favorite New York shoe lines, Modern Vice.

Shades by Andrew Marc.

Shhhh-by Hotel Zero!

The perfect Fall/Winter look!

Absolutely stunning model from Paris who was our glamazon for the evening.

Every woman needs a couple of hot studs in her life, no!?

Wear it as a jacket for Fall/Winter and vest for Spring/Summer.

Have the look and feel of Chanel without breaking the bank.

Marisa & Anisa Minicucci and Moi!;)

7 Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Tips

If you’re like me and wait literally till the last minute to grab all your christmas gifts, I’ve got some bad and good news for you.  The bad news-your selection is pretty much slim to none.  The good news-the discounts are at their highest.  So, last-minute or smart shopper?  I’ll let you decide!

Also keep in mind before checking out, to inquire about any additional discounts.  Many of us, including myself, have left the store one time or another without the knowledge of additional sales or coupons.  And in this case, what you don’t know, can hurt you and your wallet.  For more great tips for snagging the best deals this holiday season-click here.

styleTV Parties At The Factory

Andy Warhol’s idea behind The Factory was alive and well last week at the showroom of Modern Vice. Designers, painters, musicians, and dancers all gathered under one roof to celebrate the launch of their latest collection.  styleTV Host, Keleigh Nealon, stopped by to get a glimpse of one my new favorite shoe lines, as well as, chat with other designers like handbag designer Aimee Kestenberg & jewelry designer, Andy Lifschutz.  Whoever said art doesn’t have a future?  Think again!  It never look so good if you ask me.

Acknowledgment: George Evan

styleTV Celebrates the Uno de 50 Grand Opening in SoHo All for a Good Cause

styleTV Correspondent, Katherine Harwood, stopped by the grand opening of the Uno de 50 boutique in SoHo last week to check out some of their latest creations.  More importantly, she bumped into Actress and star of CW’s hit series  Gossip Girl, Alice Callahan, to chat about what else of course- her favorite jewelry designers.  Also, in the recent wake of Hurricane Sandy, Uno de 50 teamed up with charity, New York Cares for the launch, with a portion of proceeds being donated to those victims affected though out the northeast.  #Fashion4good!  The perfect stocking stuffers for you last minute shoppers.  Start stuffing!

Skyping Style: Modern Vice

On this week’s edition of Skyping Style, I decided to bring on design duo Jordan & Jensen Adoni from Modern Vice.  For those of you unfamiliar, these boys are the creative minds behind this really fun shoe line I was introduced to a couple months ago.  As soon as I saw they made black studded loafers, I knew this was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.:)

I fell in love with them even more, after finding out that most of their shoes are made here in the US in a small factory in the garment district.  They also give back in big way, by partnering with local design schools like Parsons & FIT giving tours of the factory to interested students, free of charge. #Fashion4good!

Not to mention, as some of you might not be able to tell from our recent chat, they’re pretty easy on the eyes, no!?  I know I know,  they got cut off a little.  It was my first time having two people on the show, and well, they were kind of guinea pigs. I’m learning!  You get my drift from the picture below.

Anywho, as Jordan puts it, “go with your gut,” and my gut is telling me, these boys are the next big name when it comes footwear. It hasn’t steered me wrong yet!;)  To find out where they’re headed with the brand, but more importantly, where you can snag a pair-click & watch.

Add a Little PONO to That Party Dress

styleTV Correspondent, Katherine Harwood, stopped by the PONO  showroom in New York earlier this week to meet with designer and founder, Joan Goodman.  For those of you who are unaware, Goodman’s designs can be seen in magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle.  More importantly, Joan uses her passion for designing jewelry to create awareness for such issues like social equality and environmental protection.  The word PONO itself, derives from Goodman’s Hawaiian heritage, meaning righteousness, moral quality, virtue, and benefit. #Fashion4good!

With the holidays right around the corner, why not add a little PONO to that party dress.  You will 100% be a  PONOfide trendsetter, but most importantly, have something to talk about with those you might not know.  AKA-Great conversional pieces!  Unsure of what might go with your holiday look?  Don’t freak out! Katherine’s chosen some of her favorite pieces.  Even better, from now till the 12th, if you’re in New York doing some holiday shopping, stop by their showroom for a very special sample sale and enjoy savings from 50%-80% off.

Acknowledgment: Reggo of New York Photography

styleTV & Warby Parker Chat Aboard a Yellow School Bus

Famous painter, David Hockney once said, “Art has to move you and design does not, unless for a bus.”, and in Warby Parker’s case, their idea to turn a ordinary school bus into a retro fitting pop-up shop shows they understand that in todays market, it’s going to take a little more than just looking pretty to stand out.  Neil Blumenthal, one of Parker’s Co-Founders, goes on to explain in an interview with DC styleTV Correspondent, Grant Harris, that people want to know the values behind who they’re wearing these days.  Hear hear!  I couldn’t agree more.

I was introduced to the line back when they first launched here in New York.  I knew then these guys were onto something big.  Trendy glasses at affordable prices AND they give back (#Fashion4good.)  What’s not to love!?  Curious to know to more about their social giving concept? Well, I guess you’re just going to have to click & watch.

Acknowledgements: DC Video Works & M Newman Photography

It starts with me: Colin McDonald

For those of you who were unaware, today is World AIDS day.  People around the world are standing up for one cause which is to find one cure to end the fight on AIDS.  As I was laying in my bed this morning, I felt I needed to use my one voice to create this very special message.  Please continue to support brands & websites like Gilt.com by giving the gift of (red) this holiday season.   No one will thank you more than those that are fighting for their lives from HIV/AIDS.  Give them the gift of hope. Join the #Fashion4good movement!