Meet our Designers: SadeSews

We know you are just as excited as we are for our first annual LAYERS Fashion Show 8.31.19 benefiting Layers of Dignity. To get ready for the show, we’d like to introduce you to an exclusive inside look to meet our talented designers. Below, meet Sade Anthony from SadeSews and Continue reading

The basis of everything

When I stepped into the fashion world, I subscribed to thinking beauty was an idea that I had to look a certain way, weigh a certain number, and acceptance was woven into that thinking. Being loved was accepted on the outside, preferably with a boyfriend in tow. Continue reading

Fashion Distractions

It’s hard not to be distra-er excuse me. My phone buzzed.

As I was saying, so many selfies, so little time! Ahem. Where were we?

Something about staying focused-so much for wearing Warby Parker’s today! (kidding!) Back to business. Whether it is our expectations for ourselves and others, technological advances or a combination of completely unrelated reasons, the equation for distractions feels endless. Continue reading

Fashion Movement-Transformation

Hello, fashionistas! Breezing by to share some recent looks with you on an exciting new collab. <details below> This post is designed to take you on a visual journey  Continue reading

5 Ways to be Snug and Stylish

5 Ways to be Snug and Stylish

Wondering how to express your personal style when in actuality, you have become one with a blanket? Good news, it’s totally doable. Check out a few of our favorite ways to put on your coziest armor to brave the cold while being your fabulous fashionista self!

Layer It.

Wear fun tights under your fave ripped jeans! I know what you’re thinking, really… tights? Yes, yes, tights. Pair a fun color with a looser fitting jean you adore. I like wearing whitewashed, loose boyfriend jeans with a fun flavor tight, like leopard print. Hot pink or yellow would be fun too. For extra heat, I add socks under heeled booties and my feet are cozy and ready for airtime!

Personal Flair.

The cutest knit hatThese special earmuffs. Fingerless gloves. Add a special pop to make yourself stand out, in the warmest possible way.

Mens Flannel.

Cozy, simple, adaptable – what’s not to love?   I discovered this shirt shopping for my brother and realized it was actually meant for me. Nothing against womens flannel, there’s something about the fit and cozy factor of menswear that just gets the job done.  [Future boyfriend, you have been warned!]

Side note: In a perfect world, all clothes would be tailored just for us. Instead, we live on earth, where most of the time, we find our clothes by labels and sizing.  What I love about fashion is the freedom and unique expression it ignites. Being put in a box by labels, norms, gender, expectations is not my idea of fun.  Up for a challenge? Shop somewhere that you normally wouldn’t. Try the opposite side of the store just to see what it’s like! You might even find a better deal.

Fashion is like a snowflake-full of unique possibilities. Be the snowflake! Or as Moira Rose would say, ‘Be the snowball!’

Boot Legged.

Rock some over the knee boots. My personal fave is gray or black. optional: wedge heel. Style plus extra warmth. You can go for fitted or looser, firmer fabric-we’re a form of the latter.

Day + Evening Coat:

a. Day Coat: Peacoat or fitted bubble coat! Rock a classic peacoat or bubble coat that you love day to day. Check out our color recommendations from our last post if you aren’t sure on colors.

b. Evening Coat: You can absolutely turn your peacoat into a night on the town coat. It’s all about how you style it. However, if you are looking for a different night look, go for a color you don’t normally wear, longer length and one that still shows your gorgeous figure. Some of our faves were coats found at consignment, vintage or used clothing stores.

Have a fave wintery chic go to? We’d love to hear! Let us know @fashionstoppe and tag us in your post!

As always, thanks for breezing by, fashionistas!
Until next time,
xoxo FS

 

5 Glam Ideas for NYE in 5 Minutes

Need a last minute look for the midnight ball? Look no further than your own closet. Here are 5 ideas to blend your current go-to’s and barely-worns into a unique ensemble for NYE 2018!

Pair shades of gray: Or as we like to say, charcoal. Grab a solid minidress, add shimmery tights and a dangly necklace. Dress up a solid color with several dashes of glow! Try black combat boots and or a leather jacket to take your edge up a level.

Velvet: Been dying to bring out that velvet ensemble from the back of your closet? Now you can! What better time to wear a wintery look than on New Year’s Eve.  Recommended: Jewel toned velvet paired with lighter jewelry to give you that pop.

Cute and Cuddly: Feeling more cozy-chic this year? Perfection. Throw on your fave go to jeans (the ones that make you do this) with a cashmere sweater. Preferably one with an open back, elbows, or cold shoulder. Add your fave ankle or high rise booties and you’re out the door (or ready by the fire!).

Strapless Mini + Oversize Jacket: Mix and match feminine and sexy with masculine and linear-a perfect yin and yang to kick off the new year. I love this combination because it connects with versatile moods and allows for diversity moment by moment throughout your night. Plus we know you have a cute mini feeling v neglected in your closet….

Black and Sexy: You can’t go wrong with an all black ensemble, especially with your dynamic spirit we know you have ready to celebrate 2018.  Add extra pizzazz to your hair or rock that bold red lip color as accessories. Wear a lower neckline or pair with lighter necklaces/jewelry to bring color near your face. Wondering what colors work best with your skin tone? Go here for ideas.

What NOT to wear: Anything that doesn’t make you feel like your best self. Obvi, but true. Rock your NYE outfit, fashionistas! Tag me at @fashionstoppe – I can’t wait to see it!

Thanks for stopping by! Find me on the instas at @fashionstoppe and share what you wear-would love to check out your fab look! XOXO

<3 FashionStoppe

Why Fear is the Worst.com in Fashion and Life

When my photographer friend, Jason, said he was breezing through town and asked if I was free to meet up and shoot, I said oh em gee, YAS!  On our shoot, Jason asked me Continue reading

Menswear with a Twist

Ciao, friends & fashionistas!

First of all, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday season!

Second of all, let’s talk fashion and the process. Continue reading

Justin LeBlanc

This evening I had the pleasure of meeting fashion designer Justin LeBlanc at the “Justin, Dior, and I” lecture + screening in the Cary Theatre.

You may know LeBlanc from Project Runway Season 4 as a contestant, or Season 12 as a finalist. Maybe you recognize his innovative, mesmerizing fashion that uses unique materials and 3D printing. Perhaps you take classes from him at NC State’s College of Design! At the age of 29, LeBlanc is talent and creative movement on the rise-and fortunately for NC, he likes collaborating with local talent (Spoonflower of Durham, Matt Tomasulo’s Raleigh City Fabric, to name a few).

At this event, LeBlanc gave an informative session about the history of haute couture and House of Dior and shared a little about who he is as a designer and his experience in the fashion industry. Being born deaf, his worldview differs from the average person, creating a “new, altered perception of space and time” as well as heightening the creative vision we experience. Learning about the history of the House of Dior was simply fascinating in both the pre screening lecture and “Dior and I” showing (check out this trailer). LeBlanc’s down to earth, lighthearted nature paired with striking, innovative fashion makes him an easy icon to gravitate towards.

A few things you may not know about Justin LeBlanc:

The designer’s favorite thing about fashion is it’s a “form of self expression”. As a designer, it’s important that he stays true to himself and his vision; one of the biggest challenges in the industry is feeling pulled in different directions.

  • He is a big supporter of education-it can help you get to the next step of your journey. Never stop learning.
  • He lived in NYC for two summers and said that was enough.
  • He decided to switch to fashion two weeks before his graduation.
  • The first thing he sold was a tote bag from his website.

If you’d like to stay up to date with LeBlanc’s latest fashion moves, check him out here and on the gram.

Have a fave fashion designer or artist? We’d love to meet them. Connect with us here, the gram or twitter!

As always, until next time, Fashionistas!

-Fashion Stoppe

Model Spotlight: Rising Talent and What it Takes

red top sitting

“Modeling has made me into the confident woman that I am today.”

Meet Mara Wuliger, runway and fashion model. Learn why she fell in love with modeling and how to succeed in the industry.

Mara’s natural beauty and graceful strut are some of her trademarks. She walks the runway, works edgy fashion shoots and features in music videos. Here are some of her favorite looks.

How did you get into Modeling?

For my whole life, my cousin, Shane Knee, has always been the one to tell me to model, so I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to, but never really did anything about it until the Trend*Setting Fashion Show (where Mara and I first met!) in 2012.

mara tsfs 2013

Trend*Setting Fashion Show 2013

What obstacles did you face? How did you overcome them?

I did not have a lot of confidence and self esteem about myself, but many people told me I should try modeling. Ever since I have become a model, I have learned to be more confident. To really know my inner beauty along with my outer beauty.

Ever since then, I have been exploring modeling more and more and it has made me so happy! I feel like I am a part of something really fun. Also to be honest, I really love being able to play dress up and get my hair and makeup done-it would make any woman feel gorgeous!

What is one of your favorite photoshoots?

I really liked my first photoshoot with Demode. It is my favorite shoot so far! We used what we had around us to create really cool photos! We climbed roofs and I got to pose by this really cool car. It was a lot of fun.

demode

DemodeClothing.com

Sounds like a blast. Do you have any advice for aspiring models?

Do what you love, which is modeling. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. When you’re facing a No, know that there are many more Yes’s waiting for you in the future. Keep working hard and focus on becoming what you want.

“Modeling has given me passion and fire in my life. I love how when you go to a modeling gig, you just feel so at home with everyone, it’s almost like a small family.”

mara coat

mara feature pic

Thanks Mara! Look for her next on Charlotte Fashion Week. http://www.charlottefashionweek.com/